US PROVIDES MORE THAN $3 BILLION IN DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE TO ZAMBIA

Tourism Minister Rodney Sikumba has disclosed that the United States of America is Zambia’s largest bilateral donor, providing more than $3 billion in development assistance to Zambia through various agencies since the country’s independence.

Speaking during the USA Independence Day and 60 years of bilateral relations with Zambia celebrations in Lusaka last evening, Mr. Sikumba said Zambia and USA have enjoyed warm and friendly relations that have contributed positively to Zambia’s economic and social development agenda.

He says Zambia also acknowledges the excellent bond of friendship and cooperation attained with USA and reaffirms its commitment to further strengthen the two countries multilateral and bilateral cooperation for mutual benefits.

Mr. Sikumba adds that the Zambian government appreciates the two countries bilateral relationships and is looking forward to further synergies between the two countries with the envisaged support of more that $505 million in the fiscal year 2024 bilateral assistance.

Meanwhile, U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Linnisa Wahid says her country looks forward to enhanced supply chains and value chains where Zambian products will be exported through the Lobito corridor railway line.

By Tellah Hazinji

PHOENIX NEWS