Zambia

In Zambia, the last 12 years of impressive economic growth raised the average per capita income to over $1,700 and made it a lower-middle-income country.  The past year saw a significant economic crisis with decreases in the global demand for copper and other minerals, significant devaluation of the Kwacha and continual electricity deficits.  Zambia’s more than two decades of successful multi-party democracy with two peaceful transitions between ruling political parties, however, has made the country a beacon of peace and security in sub-Saharan Africa.  Much remains to be done as even prior to the recent economic downturn, three out of four Zambians still lived in extreme poverty and the country faced major challenges, including high unemployment, low agricultural productivity, inadequate road and energy infrastructure, poor education outcomes, and health crises caused by HIV/AIDS and other diseases.

The United States shares a strong partnership with Zambia, begun in 1953, and formalized with the establishment of a USAID presence in 1977.  Since then, the American People, primarily through USAID, have invested more than $4 billion in Zambia’s economic, political, and social development and in response to major crises, such as HIV/AIDS, malaria, and periodic droughts.  Today, USAID/Zambia has over 30 activities that operate to save and improve lives across the country.  USAID/Zambia is led by Mission Director Dr. Michael Yates and the United States Ambassador to Zambia, Mr. Eric Schultz. 

USAID assistance to Zambia focuses on the following six key areas: (1) improving the health of Zambians, with a particular focus on women and vulnerable children; (2) reducing the incidence and impact of HIV/AIDS and other illnesses; (3) increasing agriculture-led economic development to reduce rural poverty, food insecurity, and malnutrition; (4) mitigating climate change and wildlife trafficking; (5) raising education quality and learner reading performance; and (6) advancing civil society, governance, and human rights. 

LEARN MORE

Zambia Country Development Cooperation Strategy 2011-2015

USAID/Zambia Partners in Development booklet

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