Zambian Vice-President Guy Scott has been named acting leader following the death of President Michael Sata.

Presidential elections to choose a permanent successor will be held within 90 days, Defence Minister Edgar Lungu said.

Mr. Scott, who is of Scottish descent, becomes Africa's first white head of state for many years.

Mr. Sata died in the UK aged 77 after receiving treatment for an undisclosed illness.

He was being treated at London's King Edward VII hospital where he died on Tuesday night.

'Beloved comrade'

Mr. Scott regularly stood in for the president at official events, but was never appointed acting president when Mr. Sata was abroad - so this is his first time to officially lead the country.