Online Reporter
Fungi Kwaramba in LUSAKA, Zambia
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa is today expected to join other Heads of State and Government for the inauguration of Zambian President-elect Hakainde Hichilema at the National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka.
President-elect Hichilema, who leads the United Party for National Development (UPND), was declared the winner of Zambia’s 2026 general election, securing a second five-year term after the August 13, 2026 polls.
His swearing-in, to be witnessed by other world leaders, will be formalised today when thousands of his supporters are expected at the National Heroes Stadium to witness him take the oath of office, on a day that has been declared a public holiday.
The atmosphere in Lusaka ahead of the inauguration is highly energetic, celebratory and expectant.
Zambians and visitors alike are gathering across the capital to witness the historic event at the National Heroes Stadium.
From all the country’s 10 provinces, Zambians are actively travelling into the capital to witness the historic occasion.
“We are ready for the inauguration and for the celebrations,” said one vendor who sells his wares along David Parirenyatwa Road in Lusaka.
Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to Zambia, Charity Charamba, confirmed that all is set for the inauguration.
“The President is coming. He will be among the Heads of State joining President Hakainde Hichilema at his inauguration following his re-election to office. As the Zimbabwe Mission in Lusaka, we are ready to receive our Principal. We have made all the necessary preparations and everyone is ready to receive him,” said Ambassador Charamba.
In November last year, President Hichilema undertook a landmark State Visit to Zimbabwe.
During that visit, President Hichilema and President Mnangagwa co-chaired the inaugural session of the Zimbabwe-Zambia Bi-National Commission (BNC) in Harare, upgrading the long-standing Joint Permanent Commission on Cooperation to a higher framework of strategic engagement .
At the BNC, the two leaders signed several Memoranda of Understanding covering diplomatic training, labour and employment, agriculture, and youth development .
Key outcomes included the agreement to remove all trade barriers by March 2026 and implement 24-hour operations at the Chirundu and Victoria Falls One Stop Border Posts.
President Hichilema also pledged Zambia’s continued support for the removal of sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe, describing them as a hindrance to development efforts .
Ambassador Charamba noted that the BNC has elevated the relationship between the two nations to the highest level.
“The fact that our President is coming reflects the excellent relations we enjoy. Our relations were elevated to a Bi-national Commission in November 2025. This means our Presidents now interact at that level. In line with Zimbabwe’s ‘Engagement and Re-engagement’ policy, our President is indeed coming and we are ready to receive him,” she said.
Ambassador Charamba added that the two nations enjoy excellent relations and on the economic front, there is scope for improvement.
“Zimbabwe is currently setting up companies here in Zambia. Our products are coming all the way from Zimbabwe, and we have distributors who have been established here to sell them,” she said.
Riding on excellent political ties, Zimbabwe, through ZimTrade, is also in the process of setting up a warehouse in Kasumbalesa, a border town just before the Democratic Republic of Congo.
“This means Zimbabwean products will come into Zambia and from there will be sold into the DRC market as well. Our relationships are very closely tied.
“We are not separated by the Victoria Falls, but rather connected by the Falls. We are like Siamese twins. Here in Zambia, you do not feel that you are away from home. You feel connected. Our people are the same. We all eat sadza, which they call shima here,” said Ambassador Charamba.
President Mnangagwa did his university education at the University of Zambia (UNZA), cutting his political teeth as a student activist at the college.
Through the EDUNZA Scholarship Scheme, he is presently providing education assistance to hundreds of youths across the two countries.
Trade between Zimbabwe and Zambia currently stands at US$450 million and ranks high in the region.
“In line with our President’s mantra that ‘Zimbabwe is Open for Business’, we are also saying companies should come and set up here to increase trade,” said Ambassador Charamba.
