Congratulations Zambia! You have just passed through a major landmark of growth and the world is putting its hands together to salute your courage. 

Why?

You are a small developing country sandwiched between some of the most hostile areas in Africa who has just welcomed a new leader through a fair and democratic election. The scene of a burning mini-bus (BBC Website) to the right appears to be one of the most extreme examples of protest from impatient and eager voters awaiting the release of the results. I admire former President Rupiah Banda who responded to his concession from the Presidency with words of peace and well-wishes, "I have no ill feeling in my heart, there is no malice in my words. I wish him well in his years as President…Now is the time to unite and build tomorrow's Zambia together." No matter where you are in the world there are lessons to be learned from this level of humility and good will. 

I am excited for you Zambia. Taking the reins on corruption in such a bold manner is clearing the way for good to come. Did you know that in his first two weeks as President, Michael Sata has fired and replaced the country's police chief, top anti-corruption official, central bank governor, state utility CEO and many other lower-ranking public servants? Some say that he is placing many members of his own Bemba tribe into the new positions, but I do not have the details and time will reveal both his intentions and the outcome of such a shake-down. 

My glass is raised to your progress towards a place where one's love for one's country and fellow-citizens is placed well above the false love for material goods and power. The world and those of us who continue to care deeply about your potential will be watching.