Zambian Army to Learn From Ethiopia in Pursuit of Modernisation

Modernisation is on the agenda for the Zambia Army, and Ethiopia has been identified as an ideal case-study of rapid and cost-effective military renewal in Africa. Ethiopia boasts one of the continent’s most advanced militaries, and President Hakainde Hichilema, acting in his capacity as Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Force, has ordered this directive.

This was revealed after the Zambia Army’s Deputy Chief of Staff, Major General Luswepo Sinyinza, visited the Zambian embassy in Addis Ababa. A press release from the embassy summarises the conclusions of the visit: “The Zambia Army is taking a leaf from Ethiopia, that has developed technology to upgrade obsolete military equipment into modern, technologically advanced hardware. Major General Sinyinza said the Zambia Army aims to adopt similar strategies to revamp some of the outdated equipment to strengthen national defence and enhance operational effectiveness”.

The repurposing of ageing military hardware provides an attractive alternative to asking the treasury for more funding. It ensures that Zambia’s army remains forward-looking and capable of dealing with the realities of 21st century conflict, whilst guarding against unsustainable spending or cuts to vital public services. It is an innovative and cost-effective solution.

The ambassador in Addis Ababa, Rose Sakala, was eager to point out that such modernisation is necessary if Zambia is to continue fulfilling its commitments in the continent. She praised the Zambia Army’s contributions to UN peacekeeping missions, for example in the Central African Republic, where Zambia is currently in command of operations. She also noted the army’s swift assistance to communities affected by last year’s drought.

The Zambia Army’s clear commitment to modernisation, and the blueprint provided by Ethiopia, demonstrate that these responsibilities are taken seriously.