ZambiaZambia Cancels Oct 18 Holiday
Government merges National Day of Prayer with Christian Nation commemoration on Dec 29, effective immediately. The decision follows consultations between the government and Church Mother Bodies.
Global Newsflix 2 min read
The Zambian government has cancelled October 18 as a public holiday, Secretary to the Cabinet Patrick K. Kangwa announced. The National Day of Prayer, Fasting, Repentance and Reconciliation will now be merged with the commemoration of Zambia's declaration as a Christian Nation on December 29.
The unified observance will be known as the National Day of Prayer and Christian Heritage, with the first consolidated commemoration scheduled for December 29, 2026. To effect the change, the government has revoked Statutory Instrument No. 78 of 2015 and issued Statutory Instrument No. 73 of 2026.
The move formalizes President Hakainde Hichilema's announcement in December 2025 to reinforce Zambia's Christian identity. Church Mother Bodies said the consolidation will help strengthen the observance, placing it strategically between Christmas and New Year to allow wider participation.
October 18 was first declared as the National Day of Prayer by former President Edgar Lungu in 2015. It has been observed annually with inter-denominational prayers at Showgrounds in Lusaka and across the country.
With this amendment, Zambians will still pray for the nation on October 18 through regular church services, but it will be a normal working day. December 29 will be the official public holiday.
The government's decision follows extensive consultations between the government and the Church Mother Bodies. The change is effective immediately, and the 2026 Public Holidays in Zambia have been amended accordingly.
The consolidation of the two events is expected to promote unity and strengthen Zambia's Christian heritage. The government and Church Mother Bodies will work together to ensure a successful commemoration on December 29.
Key facts
- October 18 is no longer a public holiday in Zambia
- The National Day of Prayer is merged with the commemoration of Zambia's declaration as a Christian Nation on December 29
- The unified observance is known as the National Day of Prayer and Christian Heritage
- The first consolidated commemoration is scheduled for December 29, 2026
Three perspectives
Neutral
The government's decision to cancel October 18 as a public holiday and merge it with the commemoration of Zambia's declaration as a Christian Nation on December 29 is a significant change. The impact of this change will depend on how it is received by the public and how it affects the country's religious and cultural landscape. The government and Church Mother Bodies will need to work together to ensure a smooth transition.
Positive
The consolidation of the two events is expected to promote unity and strengthen Zambia's Christian heritage. The government's decision to reinforce Zambia's Christian identity is seen as a positive move by many. The new public holiday on December 29 will provide an opportunity for Zambians to come together and celebrate their faith.
Negative
The cancellation of October 18 as a public holiday may be seen as a negative move by some, particularly those who have traditionally observed the National Day of Prayer on this day. The change may also cause confusion and disruption to those who have already made plans for October 18. The government will need to ensure that the new public holiday on December 29 is well-promoted and widely observed.
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