Samia: Africa now needs economic independence

Dar es Salaam. President Samia Suluhu Hassan said on Wednesday that African countries should focus on attaining full economic independence, arguing that political freedom, while hard-won, is only the first step in a much longer journey toward the continent’s prosperity and dignity.

Speaking in Maputo as the chief guest at Mozambique’s 50th independence anniversary celebrations, she said the continent must now redirect its collective energy towards liberating its economies, strengthening regional trade and promoting intra-African investment.

“Africa has made commendable strides in achieving political independence, but we cannot stop there. We must ensure our nations are at peace and united so we can collectively pursue the second phase of transformation: the fight for economic freedom,” President Hassan told fellow heads of state and thousands Mozambicans who gathered for the Golden Jubilee celebrations.

She said the vision of the continent’s founding fathers was not only to dismantle colonial rule but also to create self-reliant, prosperous societies rooted in dignity, equality and opportunity. She urged today’s generation to inherit and complete that mission.

The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), whose protocols now include women and youth, said President Hassan, provides a framework for broad-based development if countries are willing to commit resources and political will to its implementation.

“We must prioritise empowering our women and youth, integrating markets, and unlocking the potential of our people,” President Hassan said.

She commended Mozambique for choosing the theme “Empowering Women, Building Gender Equality” for this year’s national Freedom Torch relay, calling it a powerful step towards inclusive development.

She also saluted Mozambique’s liberation heroes, particularly the women who defied gender norms to fight alongside men in the armed struggle.

“The female detachment of FRELIMO, formed in 1967, made history. Women like Josina Machel, Paulina Nkunda and Monica Chitupila fought not only for independence but for the emancipation of all women.”

Tanzania’s support for liberation movements

Reflecting on the close historical, cultural and blood ties between Tanzania and Mozambique, President Hassan said the two nations are not only neighbours separated by the Ruvuma River but siblings forged in the crucible of anti-colonial struggle.

She said Tanzania’s support for Mozambique’s liberation movement was based on the deep belief in African unity and the conviction that no African can be free while others remain under colonial rule.

Quoting Mwalimu Nyerere, President Hassan said: “A Makonde living north of the Ruvuma is no different from one living south of it. Denying freedom to one is denying it to all.”

Beyond the moral imperative, she said that colonial presence in Mozambique posed a direct security threat to southern Tanzania, where citizens frequently faced attacks and provocations from Portuguese colonial forces.

“This forced Tanzania to act. We opened our borders, we hosted refugees and freedom fighters and we became the base for Mozambique’s liberation movement. It was in Dar es Salaam that FRELIMO was founded in 1962.”

Tanzania also hosted military training camps in Kongwa and Nachingwea and served as the headquarters of the Liberation Committee of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU). These sites provided strategic planning and military training that helped sustain the armed struggle across Southern Africa.

President Hassan recalled the sacrifices made during that period, including economic disruptions and direct military threats.

“Portuguese planes attacked southern Tanzania and even bombed parts of Dar es Salaam. But our commitment never wavered. We were prepared to delay our own development to ensure Mozambique and other African nations were free.”

The President also acknowledged Mozambique’s reciprocal support, including the assistance it gave to Tanzania in 1978–79 during the Kagera War against Idi Amin’s Uganda.

Forward together

President Hassan congratulated Mozambique on its socio-economic progress since independence, noting its investment in infrastructure, education, and healthcare, which have contributed to a decline in maternal and child mortality.

“You have risen from the shadows of colonialism to build a new future of freedom and prosperity. I salute all your past presidents, including President Joaquim Chissano, President Armando Guebuza, and my brother President Filipe Nyusi,” she said.

She expressed confidence in the leadership of President Daniel Chapo and pledged Tanzania’s continued solidarity and cooperation.

“Tanzania will continue to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Mozambique as we move forward together. I am pleased to announce that Air Tanzania will begin direct flights between our two countries later this year, opening new doors for trade and people-to-people connections.”

President Hassan called on African countries to uphold the spirit of unity, protect their natural resources, and ensure national development is inclusive and sustainable.