The First Communist in Fort Jameson: Recollections of Africa and Other Places 1955–2018

The First Communist in Fort Jameson is the compelling autobiography of Nigel Watt, whose life has been intertwined with Africa’s journey from late colonial rule to independence and beyond. Arriving in Northern Rhodesia in 1961, Watt worked in education during the final years of colonialism and remained after independence, contributing to Zambia’s development and later serving in leadership roles within the international voluntary service movement and as Director of the Africa Centre in London. His work took him across southern, eastern and central Africa, as well as to India and Europe. Blending political insight, institutional history and vivid personal recollection, this memoir provides valuable perspective on Zambia’s transformation, the evolution of voluntary service, and grassroots peace and reconciliation efforts in countries including Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Written with clarity, commitment and understated humour, it is an important record of Africa’s past sixty years