On Sunday, Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema urged the continent to embrace unity and peace as Africa Freedom Day marked the 62nd anniversary of the Organization of African Unity’s founding.
“Instability anywhere on the continent is instability everywhere,” Hichilema said, stressing that Africa cannot afford divisions amid dreams of unity and prosperity.
He honoured Africa’s founding leaders, including Zambia’s Kenneth Kaunda, Tanzania’s Julius Nyerere, and Ghana’s Kwame Nkrumah, whose vision of independence and solidarity remains vital today.
The president called on today’s leaders to prioritise inclusive economic growth based on transparency and prudent fiscal management.
“Development must deliver jobs and opportunities, especially for youth and women, who are the backbone of Africa’s future,” Hichilema added.
He also highlighted the need for reform in global financial systems that have historically marginalized African nations.
“A fairer international financial architecture will allow Africa to chart its own sustainable development path,” he said.
Africa Freedom Day commemorates the 1963 founding of the Organization of African Unity, which later became the African Union.
Hichilema’s message resonates with a continent still striving to transform the legacy of its pioneers into tangible prosperity and peace.