President Hichilema and Senior U.S. Official Chart a New Course for Bilateral Ties
President Hakainde Hichilema and U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Economic, Energy, and Business Affairs Caleb Orr have agreed on a plan aimed at unlocking a significant package of U.S. support for Zambia, contingent on collaboration in the mining sector and the implementation of key business reforms to stimulate economic growth and investment.
The initiative includes a restructured Millennium Challenge Corporation Compact and a five-year public health partnership, designed to drive private sector-led growth, create employment, and attract investment that benefits both Zambia and the United States.
Addressing the media, Assistant Secretary Orr emphasised the U.S. commitment to a strengthened partnership. “Zambia possesses vast economic potential, but progress has often been slowed by an opaque and unpredictable business environment. We aim to use U.S. support to encourage reforms that will unlock investment, improve supply chain access, and create meaningful jobs for Zambians,” he said.
The visit marks a shift in U.S. foreign assistance policy under the Trump Administration, with a focus on aligning support to strategic interests. Orr added, “We are providing Zambia with the opportunity to lead and benefit from our new approach to foreign assistance, and we look forward to finalising agreements as progress is made in the coming months.”
The U.S. delegation accompanying Orr included Ambassador Michael C. Gonzales, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Southern African Affairs & Foreign Assistance in Africa Nick Checker, and senior staff from the State Department.
Following the State House meeting, Assistant Secretary Orr is scheduled to meet leaders from Zambia’s Ministries of Finance; Mines and Mineral Development; Commerce, Trade and Industry; Technology and Science; and Agriculture.
He will also engage with mining and U.S. private sector representatives, including KoBold Metals, and will tour the Kansanshi copper mine operated by First Quantum Minerals in the North-Western Province.
