Our Objectives
- Cultural Awareness: Organize workshops, seminars, and exchange programs to raise awareness of Zambian culture in the Nordic and Baltic regions.
- Inclusive Environment: Develop programs that encourage active participation from children and families, allowing them to share their ideas and talents for community enhancement.
- Community Unity: Foster a sense of belonging among Zambians living in the Nordic and Baltic regions to facilitate integration into local societies.
- Innovation and Collaboration: Build a network that encourages interaction and collaboration among community members to strengthen the Zambian community in Sweden and the surrounding regions.
- Event Organization: Create a platform for organizing cultural events that celebrate Zambian heritage and promote cultural exchange.
- Community Projects: Identify and initiate projects that benefit both the local Zambian community and initiatives in Zambia, enhancing connections and support.
Our Board of Directors
Meet the team behind The Kwacha Nordic Association — a group of passionate individuals dedicated to fostering unity and collaboration within our community.
Amanda Tembo Wiren
President and Co-Founder
Based in Sweden
Why I joined KNA
To create a meaningful impact in our community and to foster an environment where collaboration thrives. I believe that together, we can achieve significant progress.
My superpower
Eempowering others. With strong organizational skills and a passion for community service.
Fun fact about me
A fun fact about me is that I am creative. I enjoy writing.
Favourite hobby / interests
Listening to podcasts, , taking long walks, or jogging, conversing with friends and family.
Volunteering or community experience:
In Zambia, I was part of an NGO that organized events to fundraise for underprivileged youth, specifically orphans. Since moving to Sweden, I have volunteered with the Eskilstuna Gymnastic Association in Sweden, where I served as Board Secretary. I also joined a Rotary Club in Eskilstuna, participating in meetings to understand their operations and contribute to local initiatives.
My wish for the association:
I hope KNA will develop into a leading force in community development and empowerment, inspiring collaboration and innovation among our members.
Carla Mutema Sundkvist
Vice President and Co-Founder
Based in: Uppsala, Sweden
Why I joined KNA
To bring Zambians in Sweden and the Nordics together, preserve our culture as we build a new shared identity and find ways to give back to our motherland Zambia.
My superpower
Organising and having strong attention to detail.
Fun fact about me
I took a solo one-week adventure to New York in 2024,
staying right in the heart of the city that never sleeps.
Favourite hobbies / interests
Music, dancing, hosting parties and meeting new people.
Volunteering or community experience
Former Vice Chairperson and Chairperson of the Student Union at David Livingstone College of Education and Secretary of the Pamodzi Zambia Association in Sweden.
My wish for the association
For KNA to continue being a safe and supportive space for connection and personal growth and a platform for giving back to Zambia.
Pamela Mphanza Bertel
Board Secretary and Co-Founder
Based in : Stockholm, Sweden
Why I joined KNA
My motivation comes from a genuine desire to see our community grow, stay connected and foster inclusion, strengthen our voices.
My superpower
Creativity ,Organiser, Connecting People and Nurturing a spirit of positivity and harmony
Fun fact about me
I once snorkeled in the crystal-clear waters of the Indian Ocean in the Maldives,
and I’ve soared high above the Black Sea while parasailing in Bulgaria!
Favourite hobby / interests
Praise & worship, Socializing & Hosting, Family time,Cooking,Fashion,Creativity, Art, Lifestyle,Travel, Sports, Movies, Music,Concerts Community-Work / Humanitarian
Volunteering or community experience
Am engaged in giving back to the community through supporting the Special Disability Unit at St. Nicholas Catholic School in the Copperbelt Province of Zambia.
Sara Musonda Persson
Vice Secretary
Chipo Lundeqvist
Treasurer and Co-Founder
Based in: Uppsala, Sweden
Why I joined KNA
I want to make a difference and contribute to making Zambia great again. Getting involved in community work through KNA felt like the right way to do that.
My superpower
I’m good at thinking one step ahead.
Fun fact about me
I used to love participating in pageants. I was Miss CBU 2001!
Favourite hobby
Skating ⛸️ with my kids.
Volunteering
I have been part of Zonta International, where I helped reintroduce the Uppsala Zone 2 local mentorship program. I also volunteer in the tech group at my church.
My wish for the association
As one of the co-founders, I’m proud of the progress we have made and hope this is just the beginning of a thriving Zambian community.
Maggie Kabwe
Vice Treasurer
Based in: Båros, Sweden
Why I joined KNA
To be part of a community that values cultural exchange and community service,
My superpower
I'm great at bringing people together to achieve a common goal.
Fun fact about me
I'm a bit of a foodie and love trying out new recipes from around the world! 🌍
Favourite hobby / interests
Exploring new places, reading, and learning new languages
Volunteering or community experience
I've volunteered at a local food bank and participated in several community events in Båros.
My wish for the association
I hope KNA will become a leading platform for cultural exchange and community building, and inspire more people to get involved in making a difference.
Sampa Ng'andu
Board Director
Based in: Gällivare, Sweden
Why I joined KNA
I believe the Zambian community in the Nordics needs a strong, organised platform where we can support each other, stay connected to home, and create real opportunities for ourselves and our families, both here and in Zambia.
My superpower
Turning ideas into structured plans and later implementing them. Finding practical solutions even when things are complex.
Fun fact about me
I am a Pianist.
Favourite hobby/interests
I love reading and listening to conversations about leadership, development, and African politics.
Volunteering or community experience
Was chairperson for Swedish Scholarships Luleå University chapter in 2021. I was also a board member for Kids Hope Foundation in Zambia for 3 years.
My wish for the association
KNA to become a strong and united Zambians in the Nordics with practical help, networking and a sense of belonging.
Lemba Richard Nyirenda
Board Director
Based in (City & Country): Stockholm, Sweden
Why I joined KNA
I wanted to be a part of building the team to helps to harness our great potential and do tangible things that make life better for all Zambians living in the Nordics, while spreading our Zambian spirit of love and unity to all.
My superpower
Critical thinking, creativity and attention to detail. (Flying sometimes )
Fun fact about me
Once fell over 70m from the Victoria Falls bridge, when doing Tandem swing!
Favourite hobby / interests
Playing and watching basketball and fine carpentry.
Volunteering or community experience
University of Zambia Engineering Society President; Church Council member for Immanuel Church Stockholm, International fellowship.
My wish for the association
My wish is that KNA becomes one of the pillars for Zambians in the Nordics, by being a community they can rely on for support and self development.
Debbie Rosing
Board Director
Based in (City & Country):
Västerås, Sweden
Why I joined KNA
I joined KNA to be part of an association focused on creating meaningful connections and expanding opportunities for our community.
My superpower
I’m naturally skilled at networking. I love to bring people together and spark new connections.
Fun fact about me
My friends call me “the bridge” because I often connect people, ideas, and opportunities.
Favourite hobby / interests
Organising events, and community-building activities.
Volunteering or community experience:
I have been part of a community that brought international women together.
My wish for the association
For KNA grow into a strong and vibrant foundation for Zambians living in the Nordics, a place where we can support each other, thrive.
Kwangaika Sinjela
Board Director
Based in (City & Country): Hässleholm, Sweden
Why I joined KNA
To be part of a well-established community of Zambians in Sweden - KNA offers that!
My superpower
Creativity; Orderliness
Fun fact about me
AI and Google says I am a "Double Agent" in education and health.
Favourite hobby / interests:
Music - Singing
Volunteering or community experience
University science club president & Treasurer (Asia-Pacific International University, Thailand); MPH-UR Vice-Chair (Lund University, Sweden); Affiliated with Adventkyrkan community activities in Sweden (e.g. Malmo/Lund HealthEXPO).
My wish for the association
We are the antibodies for our culture. My wish is that we protect our healthy and vibrant heritage together, so no Zambian in the Nordics and Baltic ever forgets home.
Mercy Bwalya Kanyembo
Board Director
Hope Mutale Chintu
Alternate Board Director
Based in: Currently in Lusaka, Zambia
Why I joined KNA
To help bring Zambians in Sweden and the Nordics together and strengthen our sense of community.
My superpower
Organising, leading and bringing people together.
Fun fact about me
I love traditional Zambian dancing and I’m also highly active on social media.
Favourite hobbies / interests
Music, social media and connecting with people.
Volunteering or community experience
I support children in Kazungula through a local charity organisation.
My wish for the association
For all Zambians in Sweden (especially) and the Nordics to join and work together in unity and move forward on the same page.
Gift Nambela
Alternate Board Director
Based in Kinna , Sweden
Why I joined KNA
I'm excited to be part of a community that shares my passion and contributes to making a positive impact in Sweden for Zambians 🇿🇲 and other nationalities.
My superpower
I'm great at connecting people and finding creative solutions to problems.
Fun fact about me
I'm a coffee/tea snob and can make a mean fika/tea (zambian/Sweden coffee break)
Favourite hobby / interests
Entrepreneur ,travelling, exchanging ideas, singing ,praying,reading, cooking and meeting People.
Volunteering or community and worked experience:
I've volunteered at local organization and participated in several community events in Kinna as well as in Zambia 🇿🇲.
My wish for the association:
I hope KNA will become a leading voice for Zambians and other nationalities in Sweden/ diaspora and inspire more people to get involved in making a difference.
Zitha Ngulube
Alternate Board Director
Based in (City & Country): Reykjavík, Iceland.
Why I joined KNA
To connect with fellow Zambians in the Nordic and Baltic region and to help build a strong, supportive community.
My superpower
Creating a warm welcoming environment and helping others feel included and supported.
Fun fact about me:
I love watching documentaries.
Favourite hobby / interests
Reading, music, dancing, personal development, travelling and socialising.
My wish for the association
I hope KNA becomes a strong, visible, and supportive network where Zambians across the Nordic and Baltic region can grow, collaborate, and feel free. I want to see the association create meaningful connections, opportunities, and events that keep our community united and thriving.