U.S. Govt Pledges $20 Million for Zambia’s Drought Relief
The U.S. government has today 1st August 2024, announced a $20 million (515 million kwacha) contribution to the World Food Programme (WFP) to bolster Zambia’s drought relief efforts.
This funding will assist over 600,000 individuals across Western, Southern, Eastern, and Central provinces by providing life-saving food, cash, and agricultural support.
U.S. Ambassador to Zambia Michael Gonzales, Vice President Mrs. W.K. Mutale Nalumango, and WFP Country Director Cissy Kabasuuga attended the launch in Lusaka.
Ambassador Gonzales affirmed the U.S.’s commitment to supporting Zambia’s recovery, emphasizing the partnership’s role in fostering inclusive growth and food security.
The new $20 million funding is part of a broader $66 million (1.7 billion kwacha) U.S. pledge aimed at addressing the current drought and enhancing food security. This initiative complements USAID’s existing $9.5 million (245 million kwacha) Feed the Future program, which focuses on long-term agricultural development.
Additionally, the U.S. government plans to invest $32.3 million (836 million kwacha) in Zambia’s development, including $11 million (285 million kwacha) for climate adaptation and $12 million (310 million kwacha) to improve governance and stimulate economic growth.
