Today the U.S. government launched a $20 million (515 million kwacha) contribution to the World Food Programme (WFP) to support Zambia’s immediate drought response. WFP will use the money to support over 600,000 beneficiaries in the ongoing drought response efforts in Zambia.
WFP will distribute life-saving food and cash from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance and provide agriculture assistance to benefit Zambians affected by drought in Western, Southern, Eastern, and Central provinces. This assistance is part of more than $66 million (1.7 billion kwacha) the U.S. government has pledged to Zambia to address the current drought, strengthen food security, and help improve policies and practices across a variety of sectors that ensure Zambia emerges from the drought with more productive and nutritious crops.
U.S. Ambassador to Zambia Michael Gonzales joined the Vice President of Zambia Mrs. W.K. Mutale Nalumango and World Food Programme Country Director Cissy Kabasuuga at the launch event in Lusaka. “The U.S. government stands by Zambia as it recovers from drought and will continue to support those most in need. We are proud to be Zambia’s committed partner as the country works toward inclusive economic growth and food security,” said Ambassador Gonzales.
“We are grateful to the American people for their generous contribution towards our drought
response efforts in Zambia,” said Cissy Kabasuuga, WFP Country Director. “This funding will enable us to expand our assistance to reach those most in need and make a meaningful impact on the lives of the affected communities. Our efforts will focus on ensuring efficient coordination with the government and other humanitarian actors to maximize impact and minimize duplications in the response.”
This assistance complements USAID’s existing $9.5 million (K245 million) Feed the Future portfolio to drive inclusive, long-term agricultural-led economic growth. For over a decade, Feed the Future, the U.S. government’s global food security initiative, has been a champion in the fight against hunger, poverty, and malnutrition, working to build sustainable food systems. USAID also invested an additional $5 million (K130 million) to increase the long-term food security of Zambia by strengthening its agricultural productivity, improving nutrition, and helping producers manage future shocks. In addition, the United States government intends to provide $32.3 million (K836 million) to accelerate development across various sectors in Zambia, including $11 million (K285 million) in climate adaptation programming and $12 million (K310 million) to boost good governance and help create a policy environment that fuels job creation and income-generating business, trade, and investment.
