Luluabourg Province was created in 1962 from Kasai province. It was named after its main city, Luluabourg, which is now known as Kananga. It was incorporated into Kasai-Occidental Province in 1966 under the Mobutu regime. Presidents (from 1965, governors) of Luluabourg province were

• September 1962 – September 1963, François Luakabwanga (1st time)
• September 1963 – 25 September 1964, André Lubaya (d. 1968)
• 25 September 1964 – December 1965, François Luakabwanga (2nd time)
• January – 18 April 1966, Constantin Tshilumba
• 18 – 25 April 1966, François Luakabwanga (3rd time)