By the EditorZambia
HISTORY was made in Lusaka this week as Israeli President Isaac Herzog became the first Israeli Head of State to visit Zambia.
In a world torn by divisions, where geopolitical alliances are being tested and religious tensions threaten to divide rather than unite, President Herzog’s visit stands as a powerful symbol of dialogue, cooperation, and mutual respect between two nations, Israel and Zambia, one steeped in ancient biblical heritage, the other proudly declared a Christian nation. 
Those who have rushed to politicise or condemn this visit as an endorsement of one side in the Middle East conflict miss the point entirely.
This was not a diplomatic spectacle or a photo opportunity; it was a meeting of visionaries.
It was about charting a new chapter of cooperation between Israel, which is the cradle of Abrahamic faith, and Zambia, a nation that boldly stands for peace, tolerance, and progress in Africa.
President Herzog’s message was clear: “We want peace. We seek peace. There is nothing we want more than peace with our Palestinian neighbours.”
These were not the words of a belligerent leader but of a man who understands the agony of war, the cost of terrorism, and the urgent need for humanity to prevail over hatred.
He spoke not just for Israel but for every nation that has suffered at the hands of violence, including African nations whose citizens have perished in global conflicts they did not start.
The Zambian government, led by President Hakainde Hichilema, did not flinch in welcoming Herzog.
Critics have claimed that such a visit contradicts Zambia’s Christian identity. Yet, on the contrary, Christianity calls for fellowship, compassion, and bridge-building.
Christ himself reached across divides, and it is in that same spirit that Zambia opened its doors to the people of Israel.
Mutual Benefits for Both Nations
Beyond symbolism, the meeting produced tangible outcomes. The two leaders discussed strengthening cooperation in innovation, agriculture, health, science, technology, food security, water management, tourism, and investment.
These are not abstract ideals. They are areas where Israel has demonstrated unmatched global expertise and where Zambia can benefit enormously.
Israel is a world leader in agricultural technology. From irrigation systems that make deserts bloom to crop innovations that ensure food security even in harsh climates, Israel’s experience is invaluable to Africa.
Zambia, a country blessed with arable land and abundant water, can harness Israeli know-how to revolutionise its farming sector, empowering small-scale farmers and enhancing national productivity.
In the health sector, Israel’s advanced medical research and technology can help Zambia strengthen its healthcare systems, develop specialised hospitals, and train local doctors.
Collaborative efforts could also target the development of digital health solutions that reach rural areas, ensuring that no Zambian is left behind.
In trade and investment, the establishment of the Israeli embassy in Lusaka and the renewed diplomatic momentum open doors for Israeli investors to explore Zambia’s rich potential in renewable energy, mining, and tourism. The economic dividends of such partnerships cannot be overstated.
A Friendship Rooted in Faith and Shared Humanity
President Herzog’s visit also reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to Africa. “Africa is the future,” he said. This is a statement that resonates deeply at a time when global powers are looking to Africa not as a charity case but as a continent of opportunity.
Israel’s outreach to Zambia signals recognition of the country’s growing role as a regional economic hub and a stable democracy in Southern Africa.
For President Hichilema, this visit reinforces his growing stature as a statesman of substance, a leader unafraid to engage with all nations for Zambia’s benefit.
It is not about choosing sides. It is about standing on the side of progress and peace. As he rightly noted, “Zambia will remain a friend of Israel, regardless of what others say.”
Friendship is not betrayal. It is diplomacy.
Against the Tide of Cynicism
Some critics have attempted to frame this visit as Israel’s attempt to “whitewash” its image amidst the Gaza conflict.
But this visit was not about propaganda. It was about partnership.
Zambia, like any responsible nation, engages globally based on its interests and moral compass, not on the whims of online activists or foreign critics.
President Herzog’s recognition of Zambia’s economic resilience was both sincere and strategic: “I am very impressed with what I see in terms of how Zambia is steering its economy in the right direction.”
His admiration for Zambia’s recovery efforts shows that the world is watching Lusaka’s reform path with respect.
A Visit Worth Treasuring
This historic visit is more than a diplomatic footnote. It is a testament to Zambia’s place on the world stage.
It shows that under President Hichilema’s leadership, Zambia is no longer a quiet observer but an active participant in shaping global peace and development.
Israel and Zambia believe in Christianity. One is the spiritual home of Christianity’s origins, and the other, a Christian nation by proclamation. The two countries have found common ground, and together, they remind the world that faith and diplomacy are not enemies but allies.
In a time when the world trembles with division, Zambia chose dialogue. In choosing to welcome President Herzog, Zambia stood on the right side of history, the side of peace, progress, and humanity.
Indeed, this is not merely an endorsement of President Hichilema as a world statesman. It is a defining moment in Zambia’s foreign policy.
A visit worth treasuring, a friendship worth nurturing, and a future worth building.
Shalom!
