Zambia Celebrates 59th National Independence Day

On October 24 1964, Zambia officially won its hard-fought independence, resulting in a national holiday falling on this day every year for the country to embrace its freedom and independence.  

Zambia’s path to independence was not easy. In 1888, when colonisers first came to Zambia, Cecil Rhodes, who signed a treaty obtaining Zambia’s mineral rights and subsequently suppressed any tribal uprisings, took Zambia under Great Britain’s control. The land became known as North-Western Rhodesia.

Only after World War Two did any decolonisation begin. In 1953, Great Britain attempted to conjoin Northern Rhodesia (now Zambia), Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), and Nyasaland (now Malawi) into a larger federal state. Northern Rhodesia, however, stood against this decision. Their powerful protests finally gave way to the federation’s dispersal in December 1963.

One month later, in January 1964, Northern Rhodesia held general elections, whereby President Kenneth Kaunda was sworn into office 10 months later, who famously renamed his country the Republic of Zambia.

Kaunda, who became a national hero for Zambians, being symbolic of their struggle for independence and freedom, was celebrated with a powerful state funeral back in 2021, reminding the country and world of his significance.  

Still today Zambia rightly celebrates its solidarity and peace as a fully operational state, capitalising on its own minerals and raw materials.

Under the Presidency of Hakainde Hichilema a new dawn has arisen for the country, under the powerful slogan “Zambia is back in business”. Prospects are positive with the current government’s intention and efforts to propel Zambia towards economic prosperity and democratic stability.    

US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken offered his “warm congratulations” to the people of Zambia earlier this morning and restated the USA’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with Zambia.