This year’s Zambia Independence Day, marking 62 years since the Republic of Zambia gained independence, was also celebrated in Israel, at the residence of Zambia’s Ambassador to Israel, Mhuba Wesley Hazemba. Ambassadors and diplomats from many countries attended, along with senior figures from the business community and the tourism industry.
This year, Zambia Independence Day was celebrated under the theme “Zambia at 62: Our Journey, Our Growth, Our Future.” The theme honors Zambia’s history, the sacrifices made and the peace preserved since independence from British rule in 1964. Its pillars reflect national development in education, infrastructure and healthcare, while addressing ongoing economic goals such as the Grow Zambia Agenda. They also call for shared responsibility among leaders, youth and citizens to build a prosperous nation.
The Ambassador of Zambia delivered the keynote address. He opened with Zambia’s history and its relationship with the State of Israel. “Soon after attaining her independence in 1964, the focus of the government was to strive at attaining meaningful economic emancipation, birthing inherent impetus for tangible political and economic liberty. At the core of these efforts, the State of Israel became one of Zambia’s important partners, helping the country to transition from the liberation struggle to setting the base for progress through establishment of key infrastructure development. Prominent among them included the building of the University of Zambia, the country’s first public university, and the Lusaka International Airport.”
When a new administration led by President Hakainde Hichilema came to power in Zambia in 2021, the government launched the Grow Zambia Agenda, which focuses on turning economic investment into increased production, job creation and better livelihoods for citizens.
Zambia Independence Day and 'Grow Zambia' Agenda
The Ambassador listed the country’s priority growth targets for the end of 2031. One of the most prominent is 5 million international tourist arrivals a year. Alongside it are very large increases in agricultural output, 10,000 megawatts of electricity generation capacity, and US$1 billion in annual beef industry export earnings.
Ambassador Hazemba said his government views Israel as a trusted partner in achieving the ambitious Grow Zambia Agenda. “We attach great importance to strengthening our ties in tourism, culture and trade. In this regard, we call upon Israeli companies, businesses and tourists to visit Zambia, discover its extraordinary natural beauty, and we also call for increased Israeli investment into Zambia, to exploit immense opportunities that exist in the development of science and technology, innovation, mining, cyber security, green economy and education, agriculture technology, water management, energy, industry and manufacturing.”
In his speech, the Ambassador also described Zambia’s appeal as a tourist destination: “Zambia offers a unique combination of spectacular indigenous landscapes, abundant wildlife, magnificent rivers and lakes, adventure activities and rich cultural heritage. The country is a paradise for nature and wildlife enthusiasts. Our 21 national parks offer opportunity to encounter Africa’s iconic Big Five: lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos and buffaloes.”
“Another extraordinary natural spectacle takes place in Kasanka National Park, where an estimated 8 to 10 million fruit bats gather every year between October and December, creating the world’s largest mammal migration.”
“No visit to Zambia is complete without experiencing the magnificent Victoria Falls,” the Ambassador added. “Among the world’s most spectacular natural wonders, the falls offer exciting experiences including the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, lion, tiger and cheetah walks and interactions, white-water rafting, canoe safaris, scenic flights and the famous Devil’s Pool, accessible during suitable seasonal conditions.”
Ori Dali, Trade Attaché at the Embassy of Zambia in Israel, said: “Zambia and Israel share a long-standing friendship and have great potential to expand their cooperation. Strengthening the ties between our countries and developing trade and business relations will benefit both nations and deepen the friendship between our peoples.”
To plan a trip to Victoria Falls and Zambia’s national parks, visit the official site of the Zambia Tourism Agency.
The Government of Israel was represented at the event by Ambassador Ben Bourgel, Head of the Africa Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Readers drawn to Africa’s wild landscapes will find more destinations and stories on Jewish Traveler.
Photos courtesy of the Zambia Tourism Agency and the Embassy of Zambia in Israel.