President Murmu Attends Angola’s Golden Jubilee of Independence, Begins Historic State Visit to Botswana

Luanda/Gaborone, November 12, 2025 President Droupadi Murmu marked a significant moment in India’s growing ties with Africa as she attended Angola’s 50th Independence Day celebrations in Luanda on Tuesday. The visit came at the invitation of Angolan President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço and highlighted the deep friendship between the two nations. The grand event took place at Praça da República, the main ceremonial square in Luanda, where Angola celebrated five decades of independence with pride and splendour. The ceremony showcased the country’s military strength, cultural diversity, and national spirit, with colourful parades, music, and performances representing different regions of Angola. President Murmu joined President Lourenço and several foreign dignitaries in the celebrations, witnessing the impressive display that reflected Angola’s journey from struggle to sovereignty since gaining independence from Portugal in 1975. In her remarks, she appreciated the resilience and achievements of the Angolan people, reaffirming India’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with African nations based on mutual respect, solidarity, and shared progress. The President’s visit to Angola underscored India’s growing engagement with Africa, particularly in areas such as trade, investment, energy, and capacity building. India has been a steadfast partner in Angola’s post-independence development journey, with collaborations in agriculture, health, and education sectors over the years. Following the celebrations in Luanda, President Murmu flew to Gaborone, Botswana, marking the final leg of her two-nation tour of Africa. Her arrival in Botswana carries historic significance, as this is the first-ever State Visit by an Indian Head of State to the southern African nation. Upon her arrival at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport, President Murmu was warmly received by Botswana’s President Advocate Duma Gideon Boko. The Indian President was given a ceremonial welcome, complete with a guard of honour and traditional performances by local artists, reflecting Botswana’s rich culture and hospitality. The visit aims to deepen India-Botswana relations, focusing on areas such as renewable energy, digital technology, healthcare, and skill development. Discussions are also expected to explore new opportunities for collaboration in education, mining, and wildlife conservation, sectors that hold strong potential for both countries. President Murmu’s ongoing tour of Africa underlines India’s broader diplomatic vision of engaging meaningfully with the continent through cooperation and shared development. It is part of India’s continued effort to enhance South-South partnerships and contribute to global peace, prosperity, and sustainability. Her visits to Angola and Botswana not only celebrate historic milestones like Angola’s golden jubilee of independence but also open new avenues of friendship and cooperation that promise a brighter future for India-Africa relations. As President Murmu continues her engagements in Botswana, both countries are expected to sign several bilateral agreements aimed at boosting economic, cultural, and technological ties—marking yet another step forward in India’s partnership with Africa. President Murmu Attends Angola’s Golden Jubilee of Independence, Begins Historic State Visit to Botswana President Droupadi Murmu participated in Angola’s 50th Independence Day celebrations in Luanda, marking a moment of pride and friendship between India and Angola. Invited by President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, she joined global dignitaries at the grand ceremony at Praça da República, where Angola showcased its vibrant military and cultural heritage, celebrating five decades of freedom. After the celebrations, President Murmu travelled to Gaborone for the final leg of her two-nation African tour — a historic moment as this is the first-ever State Visit by an Indian Head of State to Botswana. On her arrival, she was received by President Advocate Duma Gideon Boko and accorded a ceremonial welcome with a guard of honour. The visit highlights India’s strong partnership with Africa and focuses on enhancing cooperation in trade, education, healthcare, renewable energy, and digital growth. President Murmu’s engagements aim to build deeper ties and open new opportunities for collaboration between India, Angola, and Botswana — strengthening India’s enduring friendship with the African continent.