More than USD$16 million has been released, according to United States Vice President Kamala Harris, for the fight against corruption and other reform initiatives.
According to Ms. Harris, the US is eager to speed up the fight against corruption in order to help clear the way for democracy to flourish.
Ms. Harris stated today at State House that Zambia and the US will maintain their close connections, which include the battle against corruption.
“Democracy is a priority for the United States. We have released more than USD$16 million for programs including anti-corruption and other reform programs,” she said.
She praised President Hakainde Hichilema for his accomplishments in the battle against corruption and debt restructuring.
“We will quicken the debt restructuring and we advise other bilateral official creditors to have meaningful debt restructure for Zambia as well,” she said.
And Mr. Hichilema stated that Zambia loves its bilateral friendship with the US and will work to keep it strong.
The government’s top objective, he said, is to revive the economy.
“What is keeping us down is debt over hung. It is contributing towards the affected foreign exchange market prices and so we are pushing to unlock that so that we create more jobs and more businesses,” he said.
Mr Hichilema further reiterated that Zambia will continue upholding good governance and also stated that Zambia is a democracy by choice and not through persuasion.
