The Director-General of CAFRAD, Dr. Coffi Dieudonné ASSOUVI, extends his congratulations and best wishes for prosperity to the Zambian people on the occasion of the 62nd anniversary of Zambia’s attainment of sovereignty—a milestone marked by national unity and a bold vision for the future of Africa.
On the 62nd anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Zambia, celebrated on October 24, 2026, the African Training and Research Centre in Administration for Development (CAFRAD) honors the historical journey of this African nation. It further underscores the vital role of governance, the modernization of public administration, and pan-African cooperation in building a sustainable future for the continent.
Independence, a Legacy, and a Vision for the Future
October 24, 1964, marks a major turning point in Zambia’s history, as the country—formerly known as Northern Rhodesia—gained its independence following a period of British colonial rule. Under the leadership of its first president, Dr. Kenneth David Kaunda, the nation began building its national institutions and asserting its sovereign identity.
The national motto, “One Zambia, One Nation,” embodies an ideal of unity within diversity and serves as a reminder of the importance of national cohesion for stability and development.
Sixty-two years after this foundational moment, this celebration offers an opportunity to pay tribute to the generations who contributed to the nation’s independence and to reflect on the responsibilities that come with the exercise of sovereignty. From Political Sovereignty to the Transformation of Public Action
The Zambian experience serves as a reminder that political independence must be accompanied by an institutional capacity to design and implement public policies that address the needs of the population.
The quality of governance, the effectiveness of institutions, transparency, capacity building, and administrative innovation are essential levers for translating national aspirations into economic and social progress.
In the face of technological shifts, climate and energy challenges, and economic uncertainties, African public administrations are called upon to strengthen their resilience and adaptability. In this regard, digital transformation and the responsible use of artificial intelligence offer new possibilities—provided they are supported by robust institutions and a skilled workforce.
Zambia and the Prospects for a More Integrated Africa
Zambia’s independence also highlights the collective scope of African aspirations toward sovereignty, cooperation, and development. Regional integration, knowledge sharing, the strengthening of partnerships, and infrastructure development all contribute to addressing the continent’s common challenges.
Within this dynamic, public administrations play a strategic role in coordinating public policy and realizing continental ambitions—most notably those set out in the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
This celebration therefore serves as an opportunity to reaffirm the importance of Pan-African cooperation, rooted in capacity building, mutual learning, and the pursuit of solutions tailored to African realities.
CAFRAD: A Partner in the Transformation of African Administrations
As a Pan-African institution specializing in training, research, and capacity building in public administration, CAFRAD views the modernization of public action as an essential prerequisite for sustainable development and the consolidation of African institutions. The celebration of Zambia’s independence aligns with the goals of fostering competent, high-performing, and inclusive administrations—ones capable of anticipating ongoing transformations.
Strengthening public leadership, professionalizing state personnel, and promoting administrative innovation are essential levers for enhancing the quality of public services and transforming the administration into a true instrument for collective progress.
An anniversary focused on future generations
The 62nd anniversary of Zambia’s independence invites us to bridge historical memory with a vision for the future. It serves as a reminder that sovereignty, national unity, and freedom are solidified through the commitment of institutions, the accountability of leaders, and the participation of citizens.
CAFRAD extends its best wishes for peace, prosperity, and progress to the Zambian people and the authorities of the Republic of Zambia.
May this anniversary renew the commitment to a united, resilient, and prosperous Africa, supported by strong institutions, effective governance, and strengthened Pan-African cooperation.
Happy Independence Day to the Republic of Zambia!