President Emmerson Mnangagwa has departed Harare for Luanda, Angola, where he is set to join fellow Heads of State and Government for the grand celebrations marking Angola’s 50th Independence anniversary. The event, scheduled to take place in the capital Luanda, commemorates half a century since Angola achieved freedom from Portuguese colonial rule on November 11, 1975. The celebrations are expected to attract an impressive turnout of African leaders, diplomats, and international dignitaries, underscoring Angola’s growing importance in regional and continental affairs.
According to Angolan authorities, preparations for the Golden Jubilee have been extensive, reflecting both the historic significance of the occasion and Angola’s transformation over the past five decades. The Angolan Secretary of State for Territorial Administration, Teresa Quivienguele, confirmed that approximately 30 foreign delegations have already confirmed their attendance. “The main event celebrating the 50th anniversary of national independence, in Praça da República, Luanda, will have more than eight thousand participants from all over the country and abroad,” she said in a statement.
Quivienguele added that close to 10,000 national guests representing all segments of Angolan society will be present, alongside a massive contingent of media personnel. “We are expecting around 350 journalists to cover the ceremony,” she noted, highlighting the global attention that Angola’s milestone has drawn. The event will feature military parades, cultural performances, and speeches celebrating the nation’s journey from colonial oppression to independence and progress.
President Mnangagwa was seen off at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport by Vice Presidents General (Rtd) Dr Constantino Chiwenga and Colonel (Rtd) Dr Kembo Mohadi, as well as several cabinet ministers, service chiefs, and senior government officials. His attendance reflects Zimbabwe’s solidarity with Angola, a country that played a critical role in the liberation struggles of Southern Africa.
President Mnangagwa Joins African Leaders for Angola’s Golden Jubilee of Independence
Angola’s road to independence was long and costly, defined by decades of armed struggle under the People’s Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA). The country’s hard-won freedom inspired and materially supported other liberation movements across Southern Africa, including Zimbabwe’s. During the 1970s, Angola served as a key ally for nationalist movements fighting against colonial and minority rule, providing bases, training, and military assistance to freedom fighters.
Zimbabwe’s liberation movements, notably ZANLA and ZIPRA, benefited immensely from Angola’s solidarity. The MPLA government, under the leadership of President Agostinho Neto, opened its doors to liberation movements from across the region, including those from Zimbabwe, Namibia, Mozambique, and South Africa. The cooperation between these liberation movements not only hastened the end of colonialism but also forged enduring bonds that continue to shape the political and diplomatic landscape of Southern Africa today.
When Zimbabwe attained independence in 1980, relations between Harare and Luanda deepened further. The two nations established strong diplomatic and economic ties, anchored on shared liberation values, Pan-Africanism, and mutual respect. Over the years, Zimbabwe and Angola have collaborated in sectors such as energy, agriculture, mining, and education. Both countries are also members of key regional organisations, including the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the African Union (AU), where they continue to advocate for regional integration, peace, and economic self-reliance.
President Mnangagwa’s participation in Angola’s 50th Independence anniversary is thus not only symbolic but deeply historical. It serves as a reaffirmation of the unbreakable bonds between the two nations, forged in the fires of the liberation struggle and strengthened through decades of cooperation. The visit also provides an opportunity for both governments to explore new areas of partnership, particularly in trade and investment, as both economies seek to accelerate growth through regional collaboration.
As Angola celebrates 50 years of independence, the nation reflects on its remarkable journey from a war-torn country to one of Africa’s fastest-growing economies. Following decades of civil conflict that ended in 2002, Angola has made significant strides in rebuilding its infrastructure, expanding its energy sector, and diversifying its economy beyond oil. The government, under President João Lourenço, has introduced wide-ranging reforms aimed at improving governance, fighting corruption, and promoting private investment.
The 50th anniversary celebrations therefore represent both a moment of pride and introspection for the Angolan people—a chance to honour the sacrifices of the liberation heroes while acknowledging the work still needed to ensure inclusive growth and lasting peace.
For Zimbabwe, the celebrations resonate deeply, given the two countries’ intertwined histories and shared vision for an empowered Africa. President Mnangagwa’s presence at the Golden Jubilee underscores Harare’s commitment to Pan-African unity and the principle of mutual support among former liberation movements.
As Luanda hosts thousands of guests for the historic commemoration, the spirit of solidarity and freedom that once defined Southern Africa’s liberation era continues to shine brightly. Both Zimbabwe and Angola stand as living testaments to the enduring power of unity, resilience, and self-determination—values that remain at the heart of Africa’s ongoing quest for prosperity and independence.
Source- ZBC
