23/10/2026
STATEMENT ON THE EVE OF ZAMBIA'S 62ND INDEPENDENCE ANNIVERSARY.
Fellow citizens,
Good evening.
Tomorrow marks 62 years since our forefathers and mothers lifted our national flag, with pride and determination.
On 24th October, 1964, Zambia achieved the sovereign right to define our own destiny, and we began a journey to build a united, peaceful and prosperous nation.
On this eve, we honour the courage and sacrifice of our independence heroes and heroines, Kenneth David Kaunda, Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula, Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe, Alexander Grey Zulu, Humphrey Mulemba, Nalumino Mundia, Mama Julia Chikamoneka, Mama Betty Chilombo Chilunga, among others.
This year's theme is: Zambia at 62: Our journey, our growth, our future.
At 62, we reflect on our journey with pride. Under our motto, One Zambia, One Nation, One People, we have walked the path of peace, unity, stability and progress. We have built schools, hospitals, roads, airports and power stations.
We have held elections and seen smooth transitions of leadership. Through every challenge, the spirit of One Zambia, One Nation, One People, has kept us united.
As we reflect on our growth, we celebrate our citizens as a smart hard-working people.
The resilience of our farmers, the hard work of our miners, the creativity of our youth, the courage of our armed forces, the resourcefulness of our women, and the tenacity of our entrepreneurs.
Our ultimate focus now is our future. The Grow Zambia Agenda moves us from economic stabilisation to accelerated growth.
We want to produce more maize, more wheat and more copper.
We are generating more electricity, attracting more tourists and facilitating more exports, all while safeguarding the vulnerable and building strong institutions.
We are a family made up of unique cultures from all corners of our country, but united as one country. When we face challenges, we do not break. We come together.
We salute our youth. They fought for our independence and our democracy. Today, they are the backbone of our economy, our innovators and our leaders.
Zambia is blessed with abundant natural resources. Let us protect them and use them sustainably for present and future generations.
We stood tall through every storm. Let us now look to the future with confidence, and recommit ourselves to hard and smart work, discipline, integrity and service. We are a nation that continues to build, to reform and to rise together.
Let us celebrate our 62nd Independence Anniversary with joy and unity. Let us celebrate in peace, and celebrate responsibly.
We wish you all a happy and memorable 62nd Independence Anniversary.
May God bless you all.
And may God continue to bless the Republic of Zambia.
Hakainde Hichilema,
President of the Republic of Zambia.