United States–Zambia relations

The diplomatic relationship between theUnited States of AmericaandZambiacan be characterized as warm and cooperative. Relations are based on their shared experiences asBritish colonies, both before, after and during the struggle for independence. Several U.S. administrations cooperated closely with Zambia's first president, Kenneth Kaunda, in hopes of facilitating solutions to the conflicts in Rhodesia (Zimbabwe), Angola, and Namibia.The United States works closely with theZambian Governmentto defeat theHIV/AIDSpandemicthat is ravaging Zambia, to promoteeconomic growthanddevelopment, and to effect political reform needed to promote responsive and responsible government. The United States is also supporting the government's efforts to root out corruption. Zambia is a beneficiary of theAfrican Growth and Opportunity Act(AGOA). The U.S. Government provides a variety of technical assistance and other support that is managed by theDepartment of State,U.S. Agency for International Development,Millennium Challenge Account(MCA) Threshold Program,Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,Department of Treasury,Department of Defense, and Peace Corps. The majority of U.S. assistance is provided through thePresident's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief(PEPFAR), in support of the fight against HIV/AIDS.
In addition to supporting development projects, the United States has provided considerable emergency food aid during periods of drought and flooding through theWorld Food Program(WFP) and is a major contributor to refugee programs in Zambia through theUN High Commission for Refugeesand other agencies.
According to the 2012 U.S. Global Leadership Report, 59% ofZambiansapprove of U.S. leadership, with 30% disapproving and 11% uncertain.
On 14 October 2020, theUSgovernment pledged to implement a five-year development assistance and program inZambiaworth $1.9 billion. The five-year strategy is said to focus on education, health, economic development, and democratic governance.
In 2007, U.S. assistance to Zambia exceeded $259 million. USAID's program in Zambia included over $116 million for HIV/AIDS programs utilizing PEPFAR funding and $11 million to fight corruption and increase trade under the MCA Threshold Program. In addition to programs funded throughPEPFAR, thePresident's Malaria Initiative, and theMillennium Challenge AccountThreshold Program, USAID's program in Zambia supported training and technical assistance to promote economic growth through trade and investment; create health and educational opportunities to improve lives; and reduce the impact of HIV/AIDS through multi-sectoral responses.
A country agreement inviting thePeace Corpsto work in Zambia was signed by the United States and Zambia on September 14, 1993. The first group of volunteers was sworn in on April 7, 1994. The Peace Corps program in Zambia has continued to increase with more than 200 American volunteers working to promote sustainable development through their activities in agricultural and natural resource management, health and sanitation, rural education, and humanitarian assistance. Volunteers are working in all of Zambia's nine provinces to build the local capacity to manage familyfish farms, develop an innovative paradigm via appropriate technologies, to promote food security and promote positive resource management practices, to implement health reforms at the village level, to promote and support rural education, and to extend HIV/AIDS education and prevention efforts through full participation inPEPFAR. Volunteers live primarily in rural villages in remote parts of the country withoutrunning water,electricity, or other amenities. Peace Corps Zambia has one of the highest rates of extension (third-year volunteers) and enjoys successful partnerships with many other aid organizations in Zambia.
The U.S. Embassy in Zambia is inLusaka. The United States established diplomatic relations with Zambia in 1964, following its independence from the United Kingdom. Zambia saw single-party rule from independence until 1973, when it formally became a one-party state. In 1991, Zambia began adopting multi-party democracy and a more liberalized economy. Zambia’s economic growth has not benefited the many rural and urban Zambians who continue to live in poverty. The Zambian government is pursuing a national development plan to reduce the economy’s reliance on the copper industry. The country’s primary challenges are to improve governance issues; restore debt sustainability, promote broad-based, inclusive economic growth; maintain adherence to democratic and constitutional principles; create employment; and develop its human capital.
The United States and Zambia enjoy cordial relations. U.S. goals in Zambia include reducing widespread poverty and building and sustaining a democratic, well-governed country that contributes positively to regional stability. The United States works closely with the Zambian government to defeat the HIV/AIDS pandemic that is widespread but stabilizing in Zambia, to promote economic growth and development, and to bring about political reform by promoting democratic principles and a responsible and responsive government.
In December 2019, the United States was reported to have recalled itsambassador to Zambiaafter he spoke out publicly against the conviction of two men who were sentenced to prison in Zambia for consensual same-sex sexual activity. Then-President of ZambiaEdgar Lungudeclared AmbassadorDaniel Lewis Footepersona non gratabecause he had criticized the verdict while accusing Zambia of not actively persecuting misappropriation ofdonor aid.
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