Windhoek: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has congratulated Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema on his re-election in polls held on 13 August 2026. President Nandi-Ndaitwah wished President Hichilema wisdom, strength, and success as he resumes his executive duties after securing a renewed mandate.According to Namibia Press Agency, Hichilema, 64, will govern Zambia for a second term with the ruling United Party for National Development. The President emphasised that safeguarding democracy is a collective responsibility, involving political leaders, institutions, parties, and citizens to ensure electoral competition does not undermine national cohesion or peace, which are essential for development and prosperity.Recalling the historic ties between Namibia and Zambia, Nandi-Ndaitwah noted that their friendship, forged through the sacrifices of Southern Africa's liberation struggles, remains strong today through collaborative efforts in the Southern African Development Community, the African Union, and inte rnational forums. "Namibia and Zambia share bonds that extend far beyond geography. Our friendship was forged through the common history and sacrifices of the liberation struggles of Southern Africa and has endured through generations of close political, economic, and people-to-people relations," she said.The President reaffirmed Namibia's commitment to enhancing bilateral cooperation with Zambia during President Hichilema's renewed term, focusing on trade, investment, infrastructure, energy, agriculture, transport and logistics, and exchanges between citizens. Addressing urgent regional challenges such as economic development, unemployment, and climate change, Nandi-Ndaitwah highlighted the essential need for Southern African nations to collaborate in promoting peace, security, and economic integration across the continent."Namibia remains committed to working with Zambia in promoting peace, security, stability, democracy, and sustainable development in Southern Africa, while advancing common African pri orities on the continental and international stage," she added. President Nandi-Ndaitwah expressed confidence in Zambia's ongoing role in regional integration, peace, security, and economic progress in Southern Africa and the broader African continent.She further highlighted that she foresees continued productive collaboration with President Hichilema, his government, and the Zambian people as both nations strengthen their historical ties and work towards a shared future of peace, prosperity, and development.