Zambia reverted to white rule on Wednesday when a Cambridge-educated economist became acting president of the country after the death of the incumbent.
Guy Scott, previously vice-president, was promoted to the top job after the demise of Michael Sata on Tuesday.
Mr Scott, 70, became the first white leader of an African country since FW de Klerk stepped down as president of South Africa in 1994 – and the first white head of a democratic government in Africa “since the Venetians”.
Mr Scott, who will serve for 90 days until a new election is held, told the Telegraph that his sudden promotion was “a bit of a shock to the system”, but added: “I’m very proud to be entrusted with it.”
Mr Sata, 77, died on Tuesday at the King Edward VII Hospital in West London.