Online Reporter
Fungi Kwaramba in LUSAKA, Zambia
THE responsibility for building, modernising and industrialising Africa rests squarely with Africans themselves, President Mnangagwa has said, stressing that the continent must pursue its development agenda with the confidence, dignity and pride of sovereign nations.
The President made the remarks in Lusaka, Zambia, yesterday after attending the inauguration of President Hakainde Hichilema at the National Heroes Stadium. President Mnangagwa joined several African heads of State and Government at the ceremony, which marked the start of President Hichilema’s second term in office.
Addressing journalists after the inauguration, President Mnangagwa said African countries must take charge of their own development by harnessing the continent’s abundant natural resources and pursuing home-grown solutions to economic challenges.
“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. 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,” said the President.
President Mnangagwa said African nations must maximise the value of their natural resources to accelerate industrialisation, create jobs and drive sustainable economic growth.
With several governments across the continent intensifying efforts to beneficiate natural resources and promote value addition, Zimbabwe has adopted policies aimed at ensuring greater economic benefits from its mineral wealth, including lithium.
“Africa must remain mindful to the fact that the responsibility to build, modernise and industrialise the continent rests with Africans they should do this with the pride of a sovereign people,” President Mnangagwa said.
Thousands of supporters clad in the red colours of Zambia’s ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) filled the National Heroes Stadium to witness President Hichilema’s swearing-in ceremony.
The event was attended by several regional leaders, including Botswana President Duma Boko,
Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Namibia’s President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and Kenyan President William Ruto.
President Hichilema secured a second term in office after winning the August 13 presidential election with 60 percent of the vote. His nearest challenger reportedly garnered about 37 percent.
In his congratulatory message, President Mnangagwa said the Zambian people had exercised their democratic right by overwhelmingly voting for President Hichilema and the UPND.
“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.
The President said Zimbabwe remained committed to strengthening relations with Zambia and would continue working closely with President Hichilema’s administration.
“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,” the President said.
President Mnangagwa expressed confidence that President Hichilema’s renewed mandate would further strengthen co-operation between the two neighbouring countries, whose relationship is rooted in shared history, culture and economic ties.
“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. 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,” he said.
President Mnangagwa also commended Zambia for supporting Zimbabwe’s successful bid for election as a Non-Permanent Member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2027-2028 term.
He further thanked Zambia for its continued calls for the lifting of sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe by some Western countries.
In his inaugural address, President Hichilema called for greater reconciliation, unity and solidarity among African nations as they pursue development and prosperity.
President Mnangagwa returned to Harare yesterday and was received at the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport by Vice Presidents General (Retired) Constantino Chiwenga and Colonel (Retired) Kembo Mohadi, service chiefs and senior Government officials.
