Dear Fellow Citizens,

As we celebrate sixty years as an independent nation, I extend Happy Independence Day Greetings to you all from the National Assembly of Zambia, my family and myself, as Speaker of the National Assembly of Zambia.

As we celebrate this remarkable journey of our nation towards freedom, we reflect on the sacrifices of our leaders and forefathers who were involved in the struggle to attain independence. Indeed, Independence Day serves as a reminder of our collective struggles and the unwavering spirit that binds us together as a nation.

As Speaker of the Legislative wing of the Government, I take immense pride in witnessing the growth and progress which we have achieved as a country over the years, particularly in the field of enacting laws, thereby having a profound impact on the socio-economic growth of this country.

It is an undeniable fact that a capable and vibrant Parliament is essential to our country’s development agenda. The National Assembly of Zambia has continued to reform as it positions itself to be a legislature that is responsive to the needs and aspirations of the people by ensuring that the Government development priorities are more equitable and effective. To that effect, the reform of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) demonstrates how the National Assembly has positively impacted the development process in the country. The enhanced CDF has continued to transform communities and the lives of the people. The CDF Act has through Parliament been repealed to provide for broader representation in the CDF committee thereby encouraging a people-centric approach to development.

Further, the low number of women representation in the Zambian Parliament still remains a source of concern. Parliaments across the globe have slowly seen increasing numbers of women elected to serve as Parliamentarians. In some countries, the increase in female representation is due to the implementation of gender quotas, while in other countries it is due to other factors which include, among others, change of perceptions about the role of women in society. This is important because the increase in female elected representatives provides opportunities for women's voices and perspectives in legislative matters. The transformation of the Women’s Parliamentary Caucus into a fully-fledged Committee is one of the notable key milestones which has been achieved in our continued efforts to address the gender parity.

As a result of its lawmaking, oversight, representative, and budgetary functions, the Zambian Parliament shall continue to actively engage in the development and implementation of policies and laws that are socially inclusive and gender-responsive.

As we commemorate 60 years of Zambia’s Independence, we also at the same time reflect on 100 years of the National Assembly as a Legislature. It is crucial to acknowledge that the journey toward building a more prosperous, equitable, and inclusive society is not an event but rather a collective endeavor of continuous improvement. Therefore, the active participation and cooperation of all Zambians, irrespective of their creed, ethnicity, or political affiliation, remains key to the sustenance of the development gains that Zambia has made over the last 60 years. By working together, we can ensure that the Legislature not only reflects the diverse voices of the nation but also drives forward policies and initiatives that foster social and economic development for all.

As we mark this historic day, let us also take a moment to reflect on the challenges that lie ahead. We must continuously strive to make this country better than we found it. On this Independence Day, the National Assembly of Zambia would like to reaffirm its commitment towards its mandate and complementing the Executive in fostering innovation and inclusivity in the development process of the country. The Legislature shall continue to ensure that social inclusion and gender considerations are incorporated so that we do not leave anyone behind.

I urge everyone to join hands in this endeavor. As demonstrated by our forefathers who fought for our independence, only our collective efforts will shape the destiny of our nation. Every generation has a responsibility, and indeed we must at all times come together for the good of the nation.

Happy Independence Day to all!