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Zambia - US Relations

The United States and Zambia enjoy cordial relations. The United States works closely with the Zambian Government to defeat the HIV/AIDS pandemic that is ravaging Zambia, to promote economic growth and development, and to bring about political reform by promoting democratic principles and responsible government. The United States is also supporting the government's efforts to root out corruption.

Zambia is a beneficiary of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and in December 2009 was re-selected as eligible for a Millennium Challenge Account (MCA) compact, for which it first qualified in 2008. The U.S. Government provides a variety of additional technical assistance and support that is managed by the Department of State, in cooperation with the U.S. Agency for International Development, the Centers for Disease Control, the Department of Treasury, the Department of Defense, the Department of Justice, and the Peace Corps. The majority of U.S. assistance is provided through the President'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 the World Food Program (WFP) and is a major contributor to refugee programs in Zambia through the UN High Commissioner for Refugees and other agencies.

A country agreement inviting the Peace Corps to 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. In 2010, the Peace Corps program in Zambia continues to increase understanding between Zambians and Americans. More than 150 two-year Volunteers and as many as 15 extension and Peace Corps Response Volunteers promote sustainable development through their activities in agricultural and natural resource management, health, rural education, aquaculture, and humanitarian assistance.

Volunteers are working in eight of Zambia's nine provinces building local capacity to manage family fish farms, to promote food security and positive resource management practices near forest reserves, 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 in PEPFAR. Volunteers live primarily in rural villages in remote parts of the country without running water, electricity, or other amenities. New trainees undertake training in local language, culture, and the relevant technical specialty for 9 weeks at a center in the Chongwe district of Lusaka province.

U.S. assistance promotes agriculture-led economic growth and food security; expands and improves the quality of health and education opportunities; fights HIV/AIDS; strengthens democratic and accountable governance; provides clean water and improves sanitation, and builds Zambian capacity to promote regional peace, security, and stability.

Zambia is eligible for preferential trade benefits under the African Growth and Opportunity Act. U.S. exports to Zambia include vehicles, machinery, baking-related goods, and optic and medical instruments. U.S. imports from Zambia include iron, steel, copper, nickel and nickel products, tobacco, tea, and hides and skins. The United States has signed a trade and investment framework agreement with the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), of which Zambia is a member.

For a decade now, Zambia has been one of the 10 largest recipients of US humanitarian assistance, receiving over US$500 million annually, which is the highest in the world on a per capita basis.