The Government of the United States of America (USA) has pledged to provide Zambia with grants — including a technical assistance package — that could exceed 2 billion dollars over the next five years, with the aim of informing, enacting and implementing key reforms that attract more investment, create jobs and drive economic growth and private-sector-led development.
The announcement was made this Monday (8), at State House, by the US Deputy Secretary of State for Economic, Energy and Business Affairs, Caleb Orr, during a courtesy visit to the President of Zambia, Hakainde Hichilema.
“We are offering the much-needed fiscal and policy space to support and enable these difficult reforms, reinforced by the stabilising support of an assertive and reliable partner. We are also providing a targeted package of technical assistance to inform, enact and implement fundamental reforms that will attract more investment, create jobs and boost economic growth and private-sector-led development. Importantly, what we are offering are grants, not loans, which may exceed 2 billion dollars over the next five years,” said Orr.
He stressed that the US Government under President Donald Trump is committed to offering Zambia a new partnership in which the United States engages boldly and intensively to support the realisation of the country’s vast economic potential.
Orr noted that the collaboration aims to leverage US assistance to promote lasting reforms that stimulate growth and deliver tangible benefits to both countries.
For his part, President Hakainde Hichilema stated that, over the years, Zambia and the USA have maintained strong and friendly relations.
“As we enter a new era of cooperation, we are pleased to welcome Deputy Secretary Orr to finalise discussions on a potential grant exceeding 2 billion dollars,” he said.
Hichilema emphasised that the grant will focus not only on improving the delivery of healthcare and renewing the Millennium Challenge Corporation Compact, but also on strengthening agriculture.
Source: Mwebantu
