Zambia marks 60th Independence Day

Zambian Ambassador to Korea Andrew Bwezani Banda delivers remarks at 60th Independence Day celebrations at Lotte Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul on Wednesday. (Zambian Embassy in Seoul)

Zambia celebrated its 60th Independence Day in Seoul on Oct. 23.

The day commemorates a historic occasion when the country gained independence from British colonial rule on Oct. 24, 1964, and is remembered as the moment when Zambia's first president, Kenneth Kaunda, raised the new Zambian flag and declared the nation’s sovereignty.

Delivering remarks at the event, Zambian Ambassador to Korea Andrew Bwezani Banda highlighted the immense potential for increased trade and investment between Zambia and Korea.

“The Kazungula Bridge Project, built by Daewoo E&C, stands as a testament to the successful collaboration between Zambia and Korea in infrastructure development,” Banda said.

Daewoo E&C constructed the Kazungula Bridge over the Zambezi River, which connects Zambia and Botswana. Secured in 2014 and completed in 2020.

The project was Daewoo's first solo extradosed bridge outside South Korea, spanning 923 meters and featuring a width of 18.5 meters, accommodating both a roadway and a single railway line to reduce vibrations from traffic. An extradosed bridge combines box-girder and cable-stayed structures.

The Kazungula Bridge connects Zambia and Botswana across the Zambezi River in south-central Africa. (Daewoo E&C)

“Projects such as these not only enhance regional connectivity but also boost economic integration and trade across southern Africa,” he said, applauding that such projects not only enhance regional connectivity but also boost economic integration and trade across southern Africa.

Zambia sees strong trade and investment opportunities with Korea in mining and industrialization, leveraging Korean expertise to access its mineral resources.

Both nations are committed to green energy and sustainability to enhance partnership in tackling climate change, according to the ambassador.

“The recently concluded Korea-Africa Summit was a significant platform for advancing our shared goals of economic development, sustainable growth, and technological innovation," he said, adding that Zambia wants to build on the discussions from the summit and boost collaboration on infrastructure, energy, agriculture, technology and education.

The event was attended by diplomatic corps members, NGOs, business representatives, and media, all united in honoring Zambia’s journey over the past six decades and looking forward to a future of continued collaboration and growth.

By Sanjay Kumar(sanjaykumar@heraldcorp.com)