President Mahama Champions African Integration and Economic Partnership in Address to Zambia’s National Assembly
Lusaka, Zambia — President John Dramani Mahama has delivered a far-reaching address to the National Assembly of the Republic of Zambia, using the platform to call for deeper African integration, stronger democratic institutions, and practical economic partnerships capable of transforming the continent’s fortunes.
The address formed a key highlight of President Mahama’s State Visit to Zambia, undertaken at the invitation of President Hakainde Hichilema, and underscored the long-standing historical and ideological ties between Ghana and Zambia.
Historic Bonds, Contemporary Responsibility
President Mahama opened his remarks by recalling the shared liberation history of both countries, anchored in the Pan-African ideals championed by Ghana’s first President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, and Zambia’s founding leader, Dr.Kenneth Kaunda. He noted that while political independence had been achieved decades ago, Africa now faces the more demanding task of securing economic sovereignty and social progress for its people.
He stressed that historical solidarity must evolve into concrete cooperation that delivers jobs, industrial growth, and improved living standards across the continent.
Economic Transformation and Reform
A significant portion of the address focused on economic renewal. President Mahama outlined Ghana’s ongoing economic reforms, emphasizing fiscal discipline, debt restructuring, digitalization of public services, and policies aimed at restoring investor confidence and stabilizing the macro-economy.
He argued that African countries can no longer rely on fragmented national strategies in a rapidly changing global economy, urging lawmakers and governments to pursue regional value chains,industrial collaboration, and intra-African trade as engines of sustainable growth.
Ghana–Zambia: Natural Economic Partners
President Mahama described Ghana and Zambia as natural partners, citing shared strengths in mineral resources, agriculture, energy, education, and human capital development. He called for expanded cooperation between the two countries in mining value addition, agribusiness, renewable energy, and manufacturing.
To support this agenda, he announced the signing of multiple bilateral agreements andMemoranda of Understanding during the visit, designed to strengthen collaboration in trade, education, health, defence, and public sector development.
Visa-Free Travel and Free Movement
One of the most significant policy outcomes highlighted in the address was the agreement between Ghana and Zambia to abolish visa requirements for all categories of passportholders. President Mahama described the visa-free arrangement as a practical demonstration of Africa’s commitment to free movement, people-to-people exchange, and economic integration.
He noted that removing travel barriers would boost tourism, trade, investment, and cultural cooperation between the two nations.
Democracy, Governance, and the Role of Parliament
Addressing members of Zambia’s legislature, President Mahama reaffirmed the central role of parliaments in safeguarding democracy, accountability, and the rule of law. He commended Zambia’s democratic progress and ongoing economic reforms, expressing confidence in the country’s institutions as it prepares for national elections.
He further emphasized that strong democratic governance remains essential for attracting investment, managing public resources responsibly, and maintaining social cohesion.
Africa’s “Triple Dependency” Challenge
In a broader continental reflection, the President warned that Africa remains constrained by what he described as a triple dependency, reliance on external financing, imported goods, and foreign security arrangements. Overcoming these challenges, he argued, requires coordinated African strategies in industrialization, defence cooperation, and global negotiations on trade, debt, and climate finance.
Security and Regional Stability
President Mahama also touched on peace and security, reaffirming Ghana’s commitment to regional stability and cooperation with Zambia in defense, peacekeeping, and intelligence sharing. He noted that sustainable development cannot thrive in the absence of peace and urged African states to invest collectively in conflict prevention and security architecture.
A Call to Action
Concluding his address, President Mahama urged African leaders and legislatures to move beyond rhetoric and adopt action-oriented unity. He called for practical collaboration in manufacturing, energy integration, infrastructure development, and policy coordination, insisting that Africa’s future depends on its ability to act together in an increasingly competitive global environment.
The address was received with sustained applause from members of the Zambian National Assembly, marking it as a significant moment in Ghana–Zambia relations and a renewed call for pragmatic Pan-Africanism rooted in results, not slogans.
