HH Becomes First African Leader To Visit Biden White House

On Wednesday, President Hakainde Hichilema became the first African leader to visit the White House since U.S. President Joe Biden took office. Washington officials have said the meeting was intended to signal that the Biden administration supports democracy all over the world, including in Africa.

The Zambian president met with Vice President Kamala Harris and the pair discussed a wide range of issues, including diplomatic and economic ties, strengthening Zambia’s democratic institutions, and tackling the coronavirus pandemic. 

A statement from the White House said the vice president “applauded President Hichilema’s focus on prioritising necessary reforms and his efforts to stabilise and grow the Zambian economy.” 

President Hichilema is visiting the United States for a number of high level meetings, including the United Nations General Assembly. On Tuesday he delivered his maiden speech to the assembly, outlining his plans to revitalise Zambia’s economy. 

“Our administration shall design and implement interventions aimed at enhanced productivity in agriculture, mining, energy, financial services, tourism , technology, health and education as well as support the growth of micro, small and medium enterprises,” Hichilema told world leaders.

The president is also expected to meet with representatives from the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank in Washington, according to his spokesman Anthony Bwalya.

Mr Bwalya did not say when these meeting would take place however they are likely to focus on an economic bailout package for Zambia, following the country’s debt default in November 2020.

Under the previous Patriotic Front administration, the country racked up foreign debts of more than $13 billion. Despite repeated promises by President Lungu, the government was unable to secure a debt restructuring deal with the IMF, leading to inflation and a rise in the cost of living. 

President Hichilema is now trying to rectify that situation, promising to work with international lenders to balance Zambia’s books.