President Emmerson Mnangagwa is, today, expected to join other regional and international leaders in Lusaka for the inauguration of Zambian President-elect Hakainde Hichilema at the National Heroes Stadium.
Hichilema, leader of the United Party for National Development (UPND), was declared the winner of Zambia’s August 13, 2026 general elections, securing a second five-year term.
Thousands of Zambians are expected to converge at the stadium to witness Hichilema take the oath of office, with the Zambian Government declaring today a public holiday to allow citizens to participate in the historic occasion.
Lusaka was, yesterday, already in a festive mood, with supporters travelling from the country’s 10 provinces to join celebrations.
Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to Zambia, Charity Charamba, confirmed that preparations were complete for President Mnangagwa’s arrival.
“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,” she said.
President Mnangagwa’s attendance comes against the backdrop of strengthening relations between Zimbabwe and Zambia, which were elevated to a Bi-National Commission (BNC) during Hichilema’s State Visit to Zimbabwe in November last year.
The two leaders co-chaired the inaugural BNC session, where they signed several Memoranda of Understanding covering agriculture, labour and employment, diplomatic training and youth development.
The countries also agreed to remove trade barriers and introduce 24-hour operations at the Chirundu and Victoria Falls One Stop Border Posts.
Charamba said the two countries enjoyed strong political and people-to-people ties, while significant opportunities remained for increased trade and investment.
Zimbabwean companies are expanding into Zambia, while ZimTrade is working on establishing a warehouse at Kasumbalesa to facilitate access to the Democratic Republic of Congo market.
“We are not separated by the Victoria Falls, but rather connected by the Falls. We are like Siamese twins,” Charamba said.
Trade between Zimbabwe and Zambia currently stands at about US$450 million, with both countries seeking to deepen economic cooperation.
President Mnangagwa also has a longstanding connection with Zambia, having studied at the University of Zambia, where he became involved in student activism.
Through the EDUNZA Scholarship Scheme, he is also supporting hundreds of young people from Zimbabwe and Zambia with educational opportunities.
