The Government of the Republic of Zambia has officially renamed Kasama Road in Lusaka to Dr. Sam Nujoma Road, paying tribute to Namibia’s Founding President and revered Pan-African liberation hero, His Excellency Dr. Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma. This significant act cements the enduring friendship and shared history between Zambia and Namibia.
The historic renaming ceremony was attended by the President of the Republic of Namibia, H.E. Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, who traveled to Lusaka to represent the Namibian people and honour the legacy of their nation’s first Head of State. Her presence underscored the deep emotional and historical bonds between the two Southern African nations.
“This is more than a renaming; it’s a powerful symbol of the ties that bind our nations,” President Nandi-Ndaitwah said. “Zambia was a true friend and partner in our liberation struggle. Naming this road after our Founding President is a gesture of brotherhood that deeply touches the Namibian people. This is a reflection of the enduring solidarity between our two nations.”
The ceremony, officiated by the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Hon. Gift Sialubalo, MP, drew participation from high-ranking government officials, diplomats, and local residents. The event culminated in the unveiling of the new Dr. Sam Nujoma Road signage, met with warm applause and a sense of shared pride.
Dr. Sam Nujoma, widely regarded as a titan of African liberation, led Namibia to independence in 1990 after decades of struggle against colonial rule. Zambia played a key role during that period, providing political support, refuge, and training grounds for Namibian freedom fighters. The road renaming is both a tribute to Nujoma’s lifelong commitment to African freedom and a recognition of Zambia’s own contributions to Namibia’s independence.
The gesture also comes at a time when both nations are deepening bilateral relations, reinforcing cooperation in trade, infrastructure, and regional development. It highlights the importance of preserving and honouring African history while promoting unity among nations on the continent.
As Lusaka now proudly hosts Dr. Sam Nujoma Road, the legacy of a liberation hero continues to live on—not only in Namibia but also in the hearts of Zambians who stood in solidarity during a defining moment in African history.