The United States Government has given a K39 billion grant to Zambia under the new five-year Country Development Cooperation Strategy.
And President Edgar Lungu says government appreciates the support rendered by the United States of America in different sectors of the economy.
President Lungu has cited health, education and social protection as among the key sectors of the economy that have received tremendous support from the US government.
The Head of State made the remarks when United States Embassy Charge d’Affaires, David Young paid a courtesy call on him at State House today as part of the celebration of the new five year Country Development Co-operation Strategy agreement between the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Zambian government.
“The United States of America’s support has been essential in complementing the Zambian government’s efforts in preserving lives, particularly human resources required for economic development,” he stressed.
“More recently, the United States pledged $14.5 million to Zambia for the COVID-19 response. The support has been earmarked, among others, towards the purchase of medical equipment, such as oxygen machines, testing equipment, and other supplies aimed at combating the pandemic,” added President Lungu.
The president emphasised that the health sector has been the greatest beneficiary of the support from the U.S. government especially in the fight against HIV/AIDS, Malaria and Malnutrition, among others.
Meanwhile, U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires (CDA), David Young explained that the K39 billion represents a renewed commitment by his country towards Zambia’s journey to being self-reliant.
Mr Young has stated that the long-term strategy will benefit more than 2.5 million citizens in the areas of health, education, economic development, and democratic governance.
“Subject to continued availability of funds from the U.S. Congress, the agreement signifies the total amount of planned funding the United States has pledged over the next five years to implement development assistance and programmes in support of the work of the U.S. Agency for International Development, which serves as a blueprint on how the U.S. government will help Zambia ultimately end its need for development assistance,” Mr Young underlined.
And speaking later in a discussion with cabinet ministers, Mr Young pointed out that the new USAID strategy helps support a road map towards Zambia’s self-reliance, aiming for a time when the country will no longer need to rely on foreign assistance.
The U.S.Embassy Charge d’Affaires affirmed that his country’s vision aligns with and supports Zambia’s Seventh National Development Plan and vision 2030 that aspires that the country attains its middle income status.
“Over the next five years, through USAID, the United States is committed to working with the Zambian government, its citizens, the private sector, and other donors to improve health, literacy, and food security for the most vulnerable Zambians,” Mr Young added.
In response, Finance Minister, Bwalya Ng’andu disclosed that the K39 billion grant that was signed in July this year, will go a long way in improving the health, education, water, sanitation and hygiene sectors.
Dr Ng’andu has assured the U.S. government of prudent use of the resources as enshrined in the Public Financial Management Act of 2018 that provides for an institutional and regulatory framework for management of public funds through the strengthening of accountability, oversight, management and control of public funds in the public financial management framework.
Cabinet Ministers that attended the ministerial discussion with Mr Young include Ministers of Agriculture Michael Katambo, General Education Dennis Wanchinga, Foreign Affairs Joseph Malanji and Presidential Affairs Freedom Sikazwe.
In 1977, the U.S. government first established the USAID presence in Zambia.
Since then, USAID has invested more than K80 billion ($4 billion) towards Zambia’s economic, political, and social development, and helped the country respond to major crises such as the HIV/AIDS pandemic, periodic droughts, and the current coronavirus disease.
These figures announced do not match with outcomes on the ground, is it its application that present challenges.
Based on Lungu and PF’s record on project implementation ,their handling of aid, loans and grants i’d say this money will go down the drain.
Yes business is better when the Zambian kwacha is at it’s weakest point , that is when they come to involve you with their strong dollar so that they can reap more from your misfortune, exporting is good for Zambia at this time but importing of a dollar can be deadly weapon against Zambia.
Please think again before you commit yourself to this bait.
Your friend Magufuli refused some deadly loans as their symptoms can leave Avery bad scar on your face better avoid it, however it is better to take you what you have and convert it into money than get borrowed money from a subtle business man who is just there to trap in his tricks
No sometimes they give but they take back as well. They will bring in their corporations, agencies and technocrats who, under the guise of advice, will be paid from the same grant. Mostly only about 30% of the grant will actually be utilised within Zambia. They are a clever and shrewd bunch.
It’s good that USA has noticed that condemning China for helping africa doesn’t pay but to join in china into helping africa. Thumbs up USA
Of course Health has always had a bigger share/ chunk. But always in wrong hands just like the Kapoko stealing story. What about the no case Health fimofimo after embezzling huge sums of money such that even the “blind” were able to see.
Final result do not much the donation at its waste example as Muna puts it.
Disaster!!!!
Friends of all weather. The upnd diasporans are scratching their head wondering why such good development is being brought to a country they ran away from and criticize all day
K39 billion ? Twalya again ! Do you think we can leave such a huge sum for the upnd to misuse in the next 5 yrs? pepe baadala, its dununa nafuti .
Atleast Kambwili in that 1 year in prison he can still participate in elections – by voting from prison
Apa manje ni Kumwa na kunya again and a couple of mansions ku chalala, I pity the poor citizens.
BALYA AGAIN BA MWANKOLE
More money in my pockets, Now I can start taking my boat and groupies entourage to Kafue marine,
Chizalila mu state house…. Friday njikata…KZ ati shani boyi
Kambwili should be sent to Kalomo Prison, he will survive. Kambwili is a patient, they just sentenced him to death. If they keep him at Simusamba’s favored prison he will die within this year.
Good Gesture by the US Government. The aid will definitely go a long way for our country. This is what you get when you have a President that has good relations with other Presidents.
If Elections next year are declared not free,fair and credible International Sanctions will be imposed on Zambia. Watch this space.
What is a grant mwebantu? Is it a form of loan?
Is this another loan? Educate me people
A grant is free money
Mwansa – it will never happen. Just forget – elections will go ahead and losers will cry. Sanctions – no chance.
This is the second good news we got over last one week. First it was government of UK that announced investment of GBP 100 Million in Zambia and to create 50,000 jobs. Now the heartening announcement by the government of USA. God has been kind to us. This is the crucial help coming our way in the time of distress. The two countries coming to rescue of Zambia is a big reason to celebrate.
This is a God sent gift for Zambia. After UK investing in SMEs, government of USA has decided to invest in health, education and social protection. This will help enhance health care and education infrastructure in the country. The investment will secure future of Zambia’s youths and children.
The help is pouring in from all sides! This is not for no reason. It is the result of high level of statesmanship shown by the leaders. This is how the leader is expected to handle the situation. Now that the country like USA has joined hands with Zambia, we can expect situation to improve soon.
It was not long ago that USA had decided to donate $14.5 Million for Covid 19 Response. That fund helped a lot in mitigating the effects of pandemic and enhancing health care infrastructure in the country. Now the additional help will ensure further strengthening of the vital sectors such as health care, education and social security.
As we are in the middle of pandemic the health care sector is under tremendous stress. This aide will help not only in controlling Covid19, but also the fight against HIV/AIDS, Malaria and Malnutrition. This donation will give a much needed boost to Zambia’s journey towards self-reliance.
And speaking later in a discussion with cabinet ministers, Mr Young pointed out that the new USAID strategy helps support a road map towards Zambia’s self-reliance, aiming for a time when the country will no longer need to rely on foreign assistance.
IT SEEMS THEY ARE FED UP OF GIVING THANDIZO.
Useless USA
Gayzar Zulu, yes you will be happy, more money for PF pockets!
Too good to hear USA can give us such a huge grant with the corruption levels in this country which they are aware of, unless the Reporter meant
$ 39 M or ZMK 39 B ?.