Zambian President Edgar Lungu visiting Malawi has said the two countries ability to effectively attain long-term economic growth depends on how well the countries effectively innovate and transform their economies and open up modern and higher technology opportunities in the production and export sectors.
He believes Malawi and Zambia need to fully harness and exploit their immense natural resources to improve the livelihood of their people.
Edgar Lungu was speaking on Monday when he graced Malawi’s 51st Independence Anniversary Celebrations at Kamuzu Stadium in the commercial capital Blantyre.
He said the two countries, having attained their golden jubilee last year, have remained united, strong and resolute in their determination to continue to afford nationals opportunities to enjoy freedom, democracy, justice, equality and personal liberties.
“Africa’s future lies in diversifying its production and export base so that they become competitive on the international market noting that the economic transformation and diversification will, therefore, contribute to the shared prosperity and improve the standard of living of our people,” noted Lungu.
As Malawi celebrates five decades of freedom, Lungu said it was befitting that the people of Malawi should reflect on great strides the country has made since 1964.
He further thanked his host the Malawi President Peter Mutharika for inviting him to attend Malawi’s Independence Day celebrations.
President Lungu was on Sunday conferred upon Freedom of the City of Blantyre and the Zambian leader said he was greatly honoured to be a Free Person in Malawi’s commercial capital city.
Speaking at the same function, President Professor Mutharika identified patriotism, integrity and hard work as three pillars government plans to utilize to ensure progress of the country’s development.
President Peter Mutharika on the other hand urged various stakeholders to embrace these pillars as the core values of national character.
“At an appropriate time, we will organize a national conference at which we must draw up a national plan of implementation. We must agree how best we should inculcate these values in every Malawian. I want these values to be collectively owned by all Malawians; said President Peter Mutharika.
