Online Reporter
Fungi Kwaramba in LUSAKA, Zambia
AS Africa charts its path towards development, the duty to drive its modernisation and industrialisation lies not with external actors, but with Africans themselves — a task that must be undertaken with the dignity and pride befitting a sovereign people, President Mnangagwa has said.
In his remarks at the inauguration of his Zambian counterpart, Hakainde Hichilema, at the National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka yesterday, the President — who was among other Heads of State and Government to witness the grand occasion — said African nations had a duty to leapfrog their development by tapping into their rich natural endowments.
“As we look into the future, in the context of new and emerging realities, let us harness the opportunities presented to our Sadc region and great Continent of Africa. In doing so, we must remain mindful that the responsibility to build, develop, modernise and industrialise our respective countries, lies with us,” he said.
“Partners come to help us, based on our own Vision and priorities. Let us never apologise for being a proud, sovereign and independent African people.
“Back home we say, ‘Nyika inovakwa, inotongwa, inonamatigwa nevene vayo’/ iChisi chiyakwa beni bacho. (Tonga), a country is built, governed and prayed for by its own people”.
With the current crop of leaders driving change across the continent, Africa is awakening—and Zimbabwe is leading the way in demanding maximum benefits from its natural endowments, including lithium.
That approach creates value, fosters job creation, and fast-tracks both industrialisation and modernisation.
President Mnangagwa said Africa must remain mindful to the fact that the responsibility to build, modernise and industrialise the continent rests with Africans and they should do this with the pride of a sovereign people.
Thousands of people dressed in red—the colours of the United Party for National Development (UPND)—packed the National Heroes Stadium to witness the inauguration, which was also attended by Botswana President Duma Boko, Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, and Kenyan President William Ruto.
President Hichilema won the 2026 presidential election, securing a second term in office.
He received 60 percent of the vote, while his nearest challenger Mr Brian Mundubile garnered around 37 percent.
In his congratulatory message, President Mnangagwa said Zambians exercised their democratic right when they voted resoundingly for the UPND led by President Hichilema in the elections held on August 13.
“On behalf of Government and the people of Zimbabwe, and on my own behalf, I once again, warmly congratulate you, your Excellency and Dear
“Brother, on your re-election as the President of the Republic of Zambia.
“The people of your great nation exercised their democratic right and voted for a leadership of their choice. Your resounding victory and that of the Party you lead, the United Party for National Development, is testament of their faith, trust and confidence in your astute leadership and ability to steward the country to unity, prosperity and a higher quality of life,” said President Mnangagwa.
He said Zimbabwe will always stand by Zambia.
“As you begin the second term, Your Excellency and Dear Brother, I wish to assure you that my Government and the people of Zimbabwe will continue working with you and your Administration towards broadening our bilateral relations for the mutual benefit of our peoples,” President Mnangagwa said.
He also expressed confidence that the new mandate of his counterpart President Hichilema will result in stronger synergies between the two countries, which enjoy close historical, social and cultural ties, to achieve set targets under the Bi-National Commission.
“Our two countries enjoy excellent relations that are strengthened by close historical, cultural, and economic ties. I take pride in the success milestones realised since the elevation of our Joint Permanent Commission on Cooperation to a Bi-National Commission,” President Mnangagwa said.
“I recall your Working Visit to Zimbabwe in November 2025, during which we successfully co-chaired the Inaugural Session of the Bi-National Commission between our countries.
“That historic visit was a confirmation of the longstanding ties and solidarity of our two countries anchored on fraternal relations and mutually beneficial collaboration.
“Our cooperation and coordination within the SADC region as well as the broader international fora, will be reinforced towards the realisation of peace, security and shared interests”.
The President also thanked Zambia for the support it gave to Harare during Zimbabwe’s election as a Non-Permanent Member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2027-2028 period.
He also appreciated Zambia’s enduring and unequivocal calls for the removal of the illegal sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe by some Western countries.
In his inauguration speech, President Hichilema called for reconciliation, unity, and solidarity among African nations.
The President returned home yesterday and was received at the Robert Mugabe International Airport by Vice Presidents Constantino Chiwenga and Kembo Mohadi, Cabinet Ministers, Service Chiefs and other senior Government officials.
