U.S. Congressional Delegation Visits Zambia, Strengthens U.S.-Zambia Partnership

A U.S. Congressional delegation led by U.S. Senator Patty Murray and including Senators Christopher Coons, Gary Peters, Catherine Cortez Masto, and Peter Welch completed a two-day visit to Zambia to discuss the U.S.-Zambia partnership with government officials as well as private sector and civil society leaders, and to learn more about the impact of U.S. government investments and programs.

The delegation met with President Hakainde Hichilema and several Zambian government ministers to explore how the United States can support reforms to the business enabling environment to attract greater investment and better spur economic growth.

The government leaders discussed the decades-long U.S. support for the health and agriculture sectors and strategies for systematically expanding agricultural productivity and sustaining Zambia’s improvements in public health.

They also emphasized the central roles of the rule of law and fundamental freedoms to accountable and responsive democratic governance.

Separately, the delegation met with members of the private sector and civil society to discuss efforts to bolster Zambia’s economic growth and support for democratic governance.

During their visit, the U.S. Senators visited 260 Brands, a Seba Foods subsidiary, which provides contracts to local farmers to serve as out growers for its soybeans.

Following on earlier support from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), last month at the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment Lobito Corridor Private Sector Investment Forum in Zambia, the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation announced plans to provide a $10 million (260 million Kwacha) concessional rate loan to 260 Brands to expand the company’s storage and production capacity for maize-based, soya-based, and other nutritious and affordable consumer food products, strengthening food security, and contributing to economic growth and agricultural sustainability in Zambia.

The delegation also toured the University Teaching Hospital (UTH). The U.S. government has partnered with UTH for over 20 years, providing support to build the capacity of the hospital in academic, clinical, and research spaces.

During the visit, UTH showcased the impact of these investments and highlighted the work done in partnership with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on digital health systems, allowing for UTH to offer telehealth to clients, and adult care, servicing over 14,000 adults living with HIV and other diseases.

The delegation also saw the work done in partnership with the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) on neonatal care to ensure that pre-mature babies receive life-saving treatment.

While at UTH, the delegation was joined by the U.S. Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) Andrea Palm, HHS Assistant Secretary Loyce Pace, and CDC Director Dr. Mandy Cohen.

The U.S. government reiterates its commitment to partnering with Zambia to promote democratic governance, inclusive economic growth, and health for the prosperity and well-being of both nations.