Imagine celebrating Zambia’s 61st Independence Anniversary right at address No. 61 Independence Avenue! That’s exactly what the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) staff did yesterday, and the energy was infectious.
Under the nostalgic theme “IDC Down Memory Lane,” the day was filled with pride, laughter, and heartfelt reflections on Zambia’s remarkable journey since 1964. The event blended patriotism with history, showcasing how far the nation has come — and how industrial development continues to power its progress.
IDC CEO, Mr Cornwell Muleya, perfectly captured the spirit of the celebration, saying: “It is no coincidence that our headquarters stands at 61 Independence Avenue, Prospect Hill, while we celebrate Zambia’s 61st Independence Day! From this symbolic place, we look back with immense pride on the vision of our founding fathers. We honour the generations of Zambians whose toil and resilience built the foundations of our key sectors.”
The “memory lane” journey was made even richer by a visit from the Memorable Order of Tin Hats (MOTH) Club, a group of military veterans from the Kabaw Valley Shellhole in Longacres. Among them was former Zambia Army Commander Lieutenant General Wisdom Lopa. Led by Moth John Mutama, the veterans captivated the audience with powerful stories about the Zambia Defence Force’s role in the liberation wars, a living reminder of the bravery and sacrifice that paved the way for freedom.
Adding to the nostalgia, Major Ben Phiri delivered a captivating reflection on the early days of Zambia’s industrial revolution, offering vivid recollections of how it all began. He traced the nation’s industrial journey through the establishment and evolution of key institutions such as the Zambia Industrial and Mining Corporation (ZIMCO) and the Industrial Development Corporation (INDECO). These entities, he noted, played a central role in shaping Zambia’s post-independence economic landscape, driving industrialization, creating employment, and promoting local participation in key sectors of the economy.
Major Phiri further highlighted how the visionary foundations laid by ZIMCO and INDECO paved the way for the modern Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), which continues to uphold their legacy by promoting sustainable growth, nurturing Zambian enterprises, and positioning the country for long-term industrial transformation.
The celebration was truly a tribute to Zambia’s enduring spirit of independence. At 61 Independence Avenue, the message was clear: Zambia’s industrial story is still being written — and IDC is proud to carry the torch forward.
