Reported by: The Agency Media.
Date: 11th April, 2025.
Kabwe, Central Province, Zambia,
In a significant stride towards enhancing regional military cooperation and advancing gender inclusion in defence leadership, President Hakainde Hichilema has presided over the commissioning of more than 500 officer cadets at Kohima Barracks in Kabwe.
The commissioning ceremony marked the graduation of cadets from the Zambia Army’s Regular Officers Intake 25 of 2023 and Specialist Officer Cadets Intake 10 of 2024. Notably, the cohort included 17 cadets from allied nations — Botswana, Central African Republic, Eswatini, Malawi, Mozambique, and Namibia — reinforcing Zambia’s role as a key player in fostering regional defence collaboration.
As Commander-in-Chief, President Hichilema underscored the importance of standardized military training across the region, stating that such initiatives not only strengthen operational effectiveness but also build camaraderie among defence forces. “It is essential that we continue to offer our training facilities to allied nations, as it enables our officers to work seamlessly across borders and understand one another better,” he emphasized.
Highlighting a milestone in gender representation, President Hichilema praised the increasing participation of women in the military, celebrating the achievement of a female cadet who emerged as the best-performing officer in this intake. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fully supporting the Zambia Defence Force, emphasizing their critical role in safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The President also called on the newly commissioned officers to uphold the highest standards of loyalty, integrity, and professionalism in their service to the nation.
Defence Minister Ambrose Lufuma echoed these sentiments, reminding the cadets of their expanded role beyond national borders. “Your duty transcends Zambia’s frontiers. You are ambassadors of peace and stability,” he remarked, urging them to embody the military’s core values.
Zambia Army Commander, Lieutenant General Geoffrey Zyeele, expressed gratitude for the government’s steadfast support, which ensured the success of the training programme. He advised the cadets to remain non-partisan and dedicated to upholding the Constitution.
Further affirming Zambia’s commitment to military excellence, Brigadier General Hedon Mwilu, Commandant of the Military Training Establishment of Zambia, highlighted that the graduates are now equipped with the skills necessary to plan and execute complex military operations to international standards.
The event drew distinguished military leaders from several countries, underscoring the regional significance of the commissioning parade and Zambia’s growing influence as a centre for defence training excellence.
The Agency.