USAID Commits $60 Million Towards Addressing Zambia’s Economic Challenges

The United States has said it will contribute over $60 million to help the Zambian government address some of the country’s economic challenges.

At a meeting with President Hakainde Hichilema at State House yesterday, USAID Administrator Samantha Power said $9 million was earmarked for combatting the immediate effects of high fuel prices and food insecurity.

$30 million will go towards boosting trade and investment in Zambia, while a further $20 million will go towards supporting Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs).

The remaining funds will be spent on addressing legal reforms related to anti-corruption efforts.

Ms Power stated that the US government is committed to supporting Zambia’s democratic progress and commended President Hichilema’s government for its excellent program of reform.

She observed that only 10 months ago, Zambia was weighed down by high levels of corruption and crippling inflation rates. Now, she said, the world can see the steps the New Dawn government is taking to change that picture.

The President thanked Ms Power following her address and praised the United States government for its unwavering support to Zambia across all sectors: from education, to health, to water reticulation and other infrastructure needs.  

Writing on his Facebook page later, President Hichilema said, “We applauded the Biden Administration’s commitment on combating climate change and emphasised our Government’s desire to change Zambia’s trajectory to one that supports environmental sustainability and low carbon development while promoting social inclusion.”