Hage Geingob, the late former President of Namibia, made a lasting impact on his country and the region. He passed away on February 4, 2024, at the age of 82. Today, Zambia is honoring his memory by renaming one of Lusaka’s busiest roads, Sadzu, to Dr. Hage G. Geingob Road. This gesture reflects the depth of his influence and the close ties he shared with Zambia.

Geingob’s time in Zambia was significant. During his 27 years in exile, he spent 14 of them in Lusaka, where he was inspired by former Zambian President Kenneth Kaunda’s well-known slogan, “One Zambia, One Nation.” This message later shaped his own vision for Namibia, where he often declared, “One Namibia, One Nation.” His years in Zambia were not only a period of refuge but also a time of committed activism as part of the Namibian liberation movement.

These experiences profoundly shaped his leadership approach and his aspirations for Namibia’s future. Following independence, Geingob played a key role in establishing the nation’s government and policy direction. He served as Prime Minister for 12 years and later became President in 2015, leaving behind a strong and influential legacy.

Zambia’s decision to declare two days of national mourning after his death is a clear sign of the respect and esteem he held beyond Namibia’s borders. President Hakainde Hichilema described him as a “liberation icon” recognizing both his role in the struggle for independence and his wider regional impact. Geingob’s life and work continue to inspire, and his contributions to Namibia and Zambia will be remembered for generations to come.