President Hakainde Hichilema has underscored the necessity for African nations to manage their resources prudently in light of the recent suspension of USAID funding across the continent. During a bilateral meeting with UNAIDS Executive Director and United Nations Under-Secretary-General Winnie Byanyima on the sidelines of the African Union (AU) Summit in Addis Ababa, President Hichilema emphasized that while the withdrawal of such aid was foreseeable, it presents an opportunity for Africa to strengthen its self-reliance.
“The impact and disruption caused by the withdrawal of funding from USAID cannot be overstated,” President Hichilema remarked. He highlighted the critical need for African countries to prioritize efficiency and reduce wasteful expenditures, thereby redirecting resources to essential sectors such as health, agriculture, and education.
The suspension of USAID funding, initiated by an executive order from U.S. President Donald Trump on January 20, 2025, has led to a 90-day pause in U.S. foreign development assistance to various entities, including foreign countries, NGOs, international organizations, and contractors. This abrupt halt has significantly affected numerous programs across Africa, particularly those related to health and humanitarian aid.
During the AU Summit, President Hichilema and Ms. Byanyima discussed strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of the funding suspension. They concurred on the importance of African nations taking proactive measures to manage their resources effectively. This includes reducing wasteful and consumptive expenditures to ensure that critical sectors remain functional and resilient in the face of external funding uncertainties.
President Hichilema’s call to action reflects a broader sentiment among African leaders regarding the need for self-sufficiency. The suspension of aid serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities associated with dependence on external assistance. By fostering prudent resource management and prioritizing key sectors, African nations can build more robust economies capable of withstanding such disruptions.
The President’s sentiments were echoed by Ms. Byanyima, who emphasized the role of efficient resource utilization in sustaining health programs across the continent. She highlighted the necessity for innovative approaches to healthcare funding, including increased domestic investment and the exploration of alternative financing mechanisms.
President Hichilema and his administration is expected to implement policies that reflect this commitment to resource efficiency. By channeling funds away from non-essential expenditures and towards critical areas like health, agriculture, and education, Zambia aims to mitigate the impact of the aid suspension and set a precedent for sustainable development.
The current situation presents both challenges and opportunities for African nations. While the suspension of USAID funding disrupts many existing programs, it also serves as a catalyst for introspection and reform. By embracing prudent resource management and reducing dependency on external aid, African countries can pave the way for a more autonomous and resilient future.
President Hichilema’s advocacy for self-reliance and efficient resource management resonates as a crucial strategy for African nations navigating the complexities of global aid dynamics. The recent developments underscore the imperative for Africa to harness its resources effectively, ensuring sustainable growth and development irrespective of external funding landscapes.
Kikikikiki boasting nanjala…..i thought HH was going to sort out our economic challenges with home grown solutions….now caught pants down…Thanks to Trump no more begging bowls…I’ve always been against Western dependency….and seriously hope Trump can disband the IMF and kick the UN out of New York
Do you want to exterminate all Africans?
Breaking news
Kyiv has refused to accept the US offer of a security guarantee if it hands over its rights to precious materials used in mobile phones and electric cars.
Ukrainian officials were shocked to discover what was missing: any guarantee of future assistance in return for giving up their natural resources.
Cut wasteful spending,curb excessive borrowing,stop corruption and abuse,diversify the economy,tame inflation and yes stop the monster of aid dependency.No country has ever gotten rich thru aid
Genesis 3:17-19 you shall eat from the sweat of your brow (outside aid is somehow cursed)
@ Enka
And i have always said our Government is too big…..we need to get rid of unnecessary Ministries….in some cases we have 3 Ministries doing the same thing….for example we have Ministry of Green Economy…Ministry of lands and natural resources and Ministry of Agriculture….All these 3 Ministries should be merged
Ministry of Energy, Ministry of Commerce and Ministry of Mines should be merged
Ministry of Health, Ministry of Technology and Science…Ministry of Education should be merged
Ministry of Home Affairs…Ministry of Foreign affairs and Ministry of Defense should be merged
Ministry of Local government..Ministry of housing and Ministry of Labour should be merged
Ministry of Education…Ministry of Youth and Ministry of community development should be merged
Sometimes good sound logic is not appreciated by most
Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of Livestock should be merged. Ministry of Green Economy Tourism and Fisheries should be merged and combined with Lands. Energy should go back to Power Transport and Communication. There should be twenty Ministries with two Ministers from each province. Southern Province should have Jack Mwiimbu and Dr. Choolwe Beyani. In Lusaka Mulambo Haaimbe can continue but Masebo should be removed. For Western Province Charles Milupi Lubasi can be given the new Ministry of Power Transport and communication. Situmbeko Musokotwane should be removed from Finance after all he is MMD at heart.
If we reduce our Cabinet then all the money should be pumped into our economy…build better roads….build better transportation network….build better Hospitals…….buy more than 200 garbage collection trucks for the whole country to help keep our cities sparkling clean…..and this will create massive employment for our youths
If i can be President of Zambia just for 2 years believe me i can Transform Zambia into a beautiful country…..
How many times have we heard that story ??
If you have the correct attire, swanky vehicle and money to match
you probably would suceed knowing our voters
40 people died in a Mine Accident in Mali Yesterday and not even a single African President sending message of condolences….if that Accident happened in America the African leaders would have been the first to issue messages of condolences…and the Entire African Presidents planning to attend the Funerals
All these years the West has been preaching that Africa is Poor….but Trump is telling us that NO AFRICA IS NOT POOR….Africa needs to manage its resources properly
The only problem in Africa if you have good ideas and you want to genuinely develop Africa then Politicians will kill you….in Zambia we had late Paul Tembo and late Baldwin Nkumbula who were killed because they had plans for Zambia and they wanted to fight corruption
Imagine we have Ministry of Education and again Ministry of Technology and Science kikikikiki Only in Africa
Reduce Presidential motorcade from 36 cars to just 4 cars….and no more unnecessary foreign trips…no more the entire Cabinet Welcoming the President at the Airport
And stop calling Ministers Honorable….they’re not Honorable they’re just a bunch of Bandits bankrupting our country ..Faith Musonda had 600 million cash and we go to beg from Trump
This coming for HH? I will take it with a pinch of salt. What has he done with our resources? Who is enjoying Zambian resources? His friends and sponsors.
The only person nechunsu. Even a lady has shorter hair. This guy is really odd.
He is a sweet talker ,he can’t stick to his words, last time he went to Japan to beg for Toyota company to invest in Zambia and how do remain self reliance .he is a man of words not actions.
If we had self reliance thinking from day one
We would not have been where we are today.
Let’s stop globe trotting and work at home.
What can investors give us?
We have been telling you this from day 1. Europe and America are not your friends. A bit late now that you have handed over your soul to them.
American withdraw of aid is big blessing in disguise to Africa. We may doubt it bus the US has not been a friend of Africa. They are responsible for the spread of AIDS, Covid 19. ebola and many more. They are also responsible for the introduction of many dangerous pests like the army worm. Let the Americans go home.
The opposition has been advising this president that we should be taxing the mining houses that are making profits from our minerals, now they will have no choice but to do it. HH has failed the Zambian people buy giving away our minerals for free!!