“I want to confirm here that Eastern Province, together with other provinces which don’t have a public university, I can say to you that we are cooking something…”
President Hakainde Hichilema has described the Ncwala traditional ceremony as a key cultural event contributing to the growth of Zambia’s tourism sector.
Speaking during this year’s Ncwala ceremony of the Ngoni people at Mtenguleni Royal Village in Chipata, the President noted the steady increase in tourist arrivals, attributing part of this growth to the country’s rich cultural heritage and traditional ceremonies.
“This ceremony is spectacular and special in its own right. It adds to our tourism and our tourism numbers are increasing.
“Clearly, the Ncwala ceremony is contributing to the increase in the arrival of tourists in our country,” President Hichilema said.
The ceremony drew thousands of participants, including Malawi’s First Vice-President, Dr Jane Ansah.
As part of tradition, President Hichilema began the day with a courtesy call on Paramount Chief Mpezeni of the Ngoni at Laweni Palace before proceeding to Mtenguleni Royal Village for the main event.
Highlighting progress in the tourism sector, the President pointed to the significant rise in visitor numbers since 2021, when the UPND assumed office.
“But in 2025, we reached the landmark figure of 2.5 million tourists coming to this country. That means revenues, jobs and business opportunities.
“So thank you to the Ncwala contribution to the tourism industry in our country,” President Hichilema said.
The President also emphasised the role of culture in fostering unity within Zambia’s diverse society.
“Culture unifies us. When we took office in August 2021, we encouraged traditional leaders to attend each other’s traditional ceremony.
“Today alone we have almost 80 chiefs in attendance at this Ncwala ceremony. This is wonderful,” President Hichilema said.
He noted that cooperation among traditional leaders plays an important role in strengthening national cohesion and promoting harmony across communities.
The President further highlighted the importance of regional solidarity, citing the presence of traditional leaders from across the region.
“If you look at the chiefs from different parts of this region who are attending this ceremony, it’s a clear message that culture builds beyond Zambia but in the region as well.
“This is why this President supports the Ngoni Royal Establishment to also visit ceremonies in South Africa, Eswatini and I’m hoping sometime in Lesotho as well,” he said.
President Hichilema stressed that the preservation of culture is a responsibility shared across all levels of leadership.
“Preservation of culture is not optional but a mandatory obligation that: “we have as leaders in the nation, provinces, districts and constituencies.”
“I can confirm here that this government will continue investing in our heritage,” he said.
He also reaffirmed government’s commitment to expanding access to education, including plans to establish public universities in provinces that currently do not have them.
“I want to confirm here that Eastern Province, together with other provinces which don’t have a public university, I can say to you that we are cooking something,” said President Hichilema.
