Republic Day is a public holiday in Zambia, and it is observed on October 24 each year. The holiday commemorates when Zambia gained independence from the British in 1964.
The British South Africa Company (BSA Company), led by Cecil Rhodes, obtained the mineral rights in Zambia and Zimbabwe in 1888. Three areas were gradually formed in the following years: Barotziland-North-Western Rhodesia, North-Eastern Rhodesia, and Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe).
North-Eastern Rhodesia and Barotziland-North-Western Rhodesia were merged to form Northern Rhodesia in 1911 and ceded control to the British government in 1923.
In 1953, Northern Rhodesia, Southern Rhodesia, and Nyasaland (now Malawi) formed the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland as a single semi-autonomous region. In 1962, Northern Rhodesia seceded from the federation and formed full internal self-government. The federal dissolved in 1963.
On October 24, 1964, Northern Rhodesia declared independence from the British as the Republic of Zambia, and Kenneth Kaunda became the first president.
The following is the list of Independence Day in Zambia from 2022 to 2026.
| Holiday | Date | Weekday |
|---|---|---|
| Independence Day | Oct 24, 2022 | Monday |
| Independence Day | Oct 24, 2023 | Tuesday |
| Independence Day | Oct 24, 2024 | Thursday |
| Independence Day | Oct 24, 2025 | Friday |
| Independence Day | Oct 24, 2026 | Saturday |
Please check more public holidays in Zambia: