President Hichilema Strengthens Zambia–U.S. Mining and Investment Partnership
President Hichilema, U.S. Agree on Mining Cooperation and Business Reforms to Unlock Major U.S. Grant Support
President Hakainde Hichilema and U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Economic, Energy, and Business Affairs Caleb Orr have agreed on a strategic framework aimed at unlocking a substantial package of U.S. grant support in return for enhanced cooperation in the mining sector and the implementation of clear, investor-focused business reforms.
The proposed support package, to be complemented by a restructured Millennium Challenge Corporation Compact and a five-year partnership on public health, is intended to enable key reforms that stimulate investment, create employment, and drive private sector–led economic growth in both Zambia and the United States.
During the engagement, Assistant Secretary Orr reaffirmed the Trump Administration’s interest in forging a new and elevated partnership with Zambia. He noted that while Zambia possesses significant economic potential, growth has historically been constrained by a slow, unpredictable, and opaque regulatory environment.
He said U.S. assistance would be leveraged to support reforms that unlock business investment, strengthen U.S. access to critical supply chains, and generate quality jobs for the Zambian people.
The renewed engagement comes as the Trump Administration refocuses U.S. foreign assistance toward advancing core strategic and economic interests. Assistant Secretary Orr stated that Zambia has an opportunity to lead and benefit from this new approach, adding that the United States looks forward to finalising the partnership terms based on demonstrable reform progress in the coming months.
The U.S. delegation included U.S. Ambassador to Zambia Michael C. Gonzales, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Southern African Affairs and Foreign Assistance in Africa Nick Checker, and senior officials from the U.S. Department of State.
Following the meeting at State House, Assistant Secretary Orr is scheduled to engage with senior officials from Zambia’s Ministries of Finance; Mines and Mineral Development; Commerce, Trade and Industry; Technology and Science; and Agriculture. He will also meet with mining sector stakeholders and U.S. private sector representatives, including KoBold Metals, and is expected to visit Kansanshi Mine, operated by First Quantum Minerals in North-Western Province.
