By MONICA KAYOMBO/Zambia, Lusaka,
RWANDA’s remarkable transformation from the devastation of the 1994 genocide into one of Africa’s fastest-growing economies offers valuable lessons in unity, visionary leadership and inclusive development, the Zambian Government has said.
Speaking during celebrations marking the 32nd anniversary of Rwanda’s Liberation Day (Kwibohora 32) and the country’s 64th Independence Anniversary in Lusaka on Saturday, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts Kangwa Chileshe said Rwanda had demonstrated that peace, accountable governance and a clear national vision could transform even the most devastated nation.
He said Zambia regarded Rwanda as an important partner in advancing regional integration and sustainable development, noting that relations between the two countries had continued to expand beyond diplomacy into strategic sectors that directly contribute to economic growth and improved livelihoods.
The commemorative event, organised by the High Commission of the Republic of Rwanda in Zambia, brought together senior government officials, diplomats, religious leaders, members of the Rwandan community and invited guests to celebrate Rwanda’s journey of resilience and national renewal.
Liberation Day marks the end of the 1994 genocide and the beginning of Rwanda’s reconstruction, reconciliation and recovery after one of the darkest periods in the country’s history.
Addressing the gathering, Rwanda’s High Commissioner to Zambia, Emmanuel Bugingo, said the anniversary symbolises courage, resilience and the determination of the Rwandan people to rebuild their country on the foundations of unity, peace, accountability and inclusive development.
He reflected on Rwanda’s difficult history, noting that decades of division and poor governance culminated in the 1994 genocide, which claimed more than one million lives, displaced millions of people and left institutions and infrastructure in ruins.
More than three decades later, Rwanda has emerged as one of Africa’s leading examples of post-conflict reconstruction, recording sustained economic growth, expanding access to healthcare and education, embracing digital innovation and promoting gender equality.
The High Commissioner said the country’s progress had been driven by deliberate investments in human capital, institutional reforms and a commitment to ensuring that development benefits all citizens.
He added that Rwanda remains focused on becoming an upper-middle-income country by 2035 and a high-income economy by 2050 while continuing to strengthen peace, security and sustainable development.
Both Zambia and Rwanda reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, agriculture, tourism, mining, information and communication technology, transport, aviation, education and energy.
The two countries also pledged to deepen collaboration in innovation, digital transformation, climate resilience, higher education and private sector investment, while continuing to support regional integration under the African Union and COMESA.
The celebration concluded with renewed commitments to further strengthen the longstanding friendship between Zambia and Rwanda, with both countries expressing confidence that their growing partnership would contribute to peace, regional integration and shared prosperity across the African continent.
