Transparency International Zambia (TI-Z) joins the nation in commemorating Zambia’s 61st Independence Anniversary under the theme “61 Years of Peace and Unity: Building a Resilient and Prosperous Zambia.”
This occasion invites us all to reflect on the values that have defined our nation’s identity: peace, unity, and collective progress. Zambia’s enduring stability is a legacy worth celebrating, and a reminder to renew our commitment to integrity and good governance as the foundation for resilience and prosperity.
As a nation, our journey since 1964 has been shaped by the courage of those who fought for freedom and by the determination of generations who have continued to safeguard that freedom through service, sacrifice, and unity. Yet, independence is not only a celebration of where we have come from, but also a call to action. It reminds us that peace and development must be sustained through transparent institutions, responsible leadership, and a shared national commitment to accountability.
At this moment in our history, Zambia’s fight against corruption and the promotion of integrity in public life must remain central to our collective vision for prosperity. Every Zambian, from citizens and civil society to private sector actors and those in public office, has a role to play in safeguarding public resources and ensuring that national development benefits all. It is only through transparency and fairness that our independence can continue to have true meaning for every citizen.
As we celebrate this Independence Day, we are reminded that peace and unity thrive where fairness and justice prevail. Corruption undermines development, deepens inequality, and weakens the very social fabric that binds us together as a nation. Therefore, building a resilient and prosperous Zambia requires that we all, citizens and duty bearers alike, take responsibility for upholding transparency and rejecting corruption in all its forms.
TI-Z commends the progress made under Zambia’s decentralization agenda and continued efforts to strengthen governance institutions. However, as we reflect on our democratic journey, we must also be vigilant about how reforms are pursued. The strength of our democracy lies not only in the outcomes we seek but in the integrity of the processes that lead us there.
Constitutional reform, in particular, must be rooted in genuine public participation, transparency, and consensus-building. A process that is rushed or narrowly-framed risks undermining the very principles it seeks to uphold. As Zambia embarks on another round of constitutional consultations, we urge that adequate time and space be provided for citizens to engage meaningfully because the legitimacy of any reform depends on the depth and breadth of public involvement.
As we mark 61 years of independence, TI-Z calls upon all Zambians to celebrate our unity not only in word but in action, by standing together against corruption, promoting ethical leadership, and fostering accountability at all levels of society. The future of our democracy depends on our collective courage to defend the values upon which our freedom was built.
Happy Independence Day, Zambia!
Maurice K. Nyambe (Mr.)
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
