Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema’s state visit to China has solidified the already strong bonds between the two nations.
During his six-day visit, President Hichilema emphasised the significance of the enduring relationship between Zambia and China. This visit holds great diplomatic and economic implications for both countries, and signifies a new era of strengthened cooperation and collaboration.
One of the noteworthy developments during President Hichilema’s visit was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Zambian government and tech giant Huawei. This MoU aims to bolster Zambia’s efforts in digital transformation, highlighting the country’s commitment to technological advancement.
President Hichilema expressed his gratitude to Chinese President Xi Jinping for extending the invitation and emphasised that this visit serves as a pivotal moment in deepening the relationship between Zambia and China. The Zambian president recognized the longstanding collaboration between the two countries and pointed to the iconic Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (Tazara) as a testament to the resilience and historical depth of their ties.
The historical significance of the partnership between Zambia and China was highlighted by President Hichilema. He remarked that the relationship has endured for many years, and when looking at symbolic facilities such as Tazara, it becomes apparent that the collaboration between the two nations has stood the test of time. President Hichilema also acknowledged the early days of independence when Zambia and China worked together, laying the foundation for the durable relationship they enjoy today.
The strengthened bonds between Zambia and China have the potential to bring about significant benefits to both nations. China has long been an important economic partner for Zambia, providing investment, infrastructure development, and support in various sectors. President Hichilema’s visit further solidifies this partnership and opens up new avenues for cooperation.
For Zambia, the visit signifies an opportunity to tap into China’s expertise and resources in areas such as technology, infrastructure, trade, and investment.
The MoU signed with Huawei is a notable step towards harnessing the power of digital transformation, which has the potential to drive economic growth, innovation, and inclusivity in Zambia.
The MoU signed with Huawei, a renowned global leader in telecommunications and technology solutions, marks a significant milestone in Zambia’s digital transformation journey. This agreement is poised to enhance connectivity, technological infrastructure, and innovation in the country.
During the signing ceremony, President Hichilema called for closer collaboration between the Chinese ambassador to Zambia and the Zambian ambassador to China, emphasising the importance of international cooperation to meet the mutual needs and objectives of both nations.
In a statement on his Facebook page, President Hichilema expressed his satisfaction with the progress made on the first day of his official visit to China, affirming his commitment to following in the footsteps of President Kaunda.
President Hichilema also urged Zambians to draw inspiration from China’s remarkable journey in realising its vision, highlighting the potential for Zambia to achieve similar levels of development and growth.
As President Hichilema’s state visit continues, it is expected to unlock new avenues of cooperation and deepen the historic ties between Zambia and China. The signing of the MoU with Huawei represents a significant step towards a digitally transformed Zambia, while the overarching message is one of diplomacy, collaboration, and shared progress.
