A Non-governmental Organization (NGO) says citizens must take time to reflect on the progress the country has made both economically and socially, 56 years after Independence.
Born Short Living Tall Executive Director Ntalasha Chisha told Money FM News that as Zambia commemorates its 56th Independence Anniversary tomorrow, issues bordering on health, education, agriculture, energy and social protection are some of the parameters that should be seriously taken into consideration when assessing the progress that has been made so far.
Mr. Chisha said the organization appreciates Governments’ efforts towards putting the country on a path to economic recovery but that more still needs to be done to improve the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
He added that government should create jobs for millions of youths and build a thriving business environment where citizens drive the development agenda of the nation.
“Zambia will tomorrow October 24, 2020 be commemorating her 56th Independence anniversary, the day the country become free from her colonial masters. As we celebrate this year’s Independence Day, we need to take time to reflect on the progress we are making as a nation economically and socially as well as other aspects. Serious questions on the common vision of this nation must be asked on the Independence Day.”
“We acknowledge Governments’ efforts to put the country on a path to economic recovery but we are of the view that more can be done to improve the country’s GDP, to create jobs for millions of youths and build a thriving business environment where citizens drive the development agenda of the nation. It should be our quest as nation to have a road map of economic independence in place, ” Mr. Chisha said.
Meanwhile, Mr. Chisha advised government to spearhead the revolution of the agriculture sector in order to make Zambia the food basket of Africa.
He said new farming techniques, inventions and focusing on value addition of agriculture produce will lead to the formation of new industrial plants that will in turn lead to sustainable development.

Unless there are deliberate efforts to writing a clear vision for this nation, nothing will be attained. We hold the view that with consistent of policies in agriculture, the country is able to feed African nations, taking advantage of the 40% water bodies that we have,” he stated.
This year’ 56th Independence anniversary is being celebrated under the theme; “24th October 2020, Zambia at 56: One Land, One Nation – Building Our Future Proud and Free”.