On Tuesday, 24th of October, Zambia celebrated its 59th independence anniversary, with a call to expedite economic development. The commemoration saw the presence of Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan and her Zambian counterpart, Hakainde Hichilema who commenced with a wreath-laying ceremony at the Freedom Statue in honor of those who sacrificed their lives during the struggle for independence.
During the commemoration of the Independence celebrations in Windhoek, Namibia’s Minister of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety, and Security, Dr. Albert Kawana made an announcement stating that Namibia and Zambia will soon only require identification cards for citizens crossing their borders.
Dr. Kwana further stated that the two countries are working closely together to ensure that the use of passports is abolished. He informed the audience that Zambian citizens would be next to be allowed to enter Namibia using their identification cards.
This year saw Namibia and Botswana become the first countries in Southern Africa to abolish the use of passports for travel between the two countries. The High Commissioner of Zambia to Namibia, Stephen Katuk, spotlighted the depth of the bilateral relations between Namibia and Zambia, which dated back to Namibia’s struggle for independence.
In light of these bilateral relations, both countries recently agreed to allow convicted offenders from either country to serve the remainder of their sentences in their home countries.
Zambia’s independence was celebrated under the theme “Accelerating National Development Through Equitable Distribution of Resources.” while the Tanzanian President was giving an address, she said that the independence was not only meant to make the continent politically free but economically free as well. She said “When we talk about equitable distribution, we mean people to be at the center of development,”
She also added that Governments in Africa will continue to put policies in place to ensure that people are at the center of development, adding that the two countries are currently working on various programs to enhance people-to-people cooperation through trade.
Hichilema said that this year’s independence theme underscores the government’s determination to extend development to all corners of the nation. He reiterated the government’s dedication to promoting inclusive development and a just society, as these are the prerequisites for expediting economic growth and job creation.
While acknowledging the selfless efforts of the freedom fighters who secured political emancipation, Hichilema stressed that the current leadership must strive to achieve economic and social emancipation while ensuring the equitable distribution of resources.
The Zambian president also lauded the bilateral cooperation between Zambia and Tanzania, emphasizing its enduring importance to benefit both nations’ citizens.