By Jane Chanda
The U.S in Zambia says the launch of the 13th Commercial Service Office in Africa demonstrates the US government’s commitment to bolstering economic ties in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in Zambia, where the two nations have shared a strong partnership for six decades.
And U.S Aassador to Zambia Michael Gonzales says the U.S has made significant strides in strengthening its economic ties with Zambia, marking 60 years of diplomatic relations and Zambia’s independence.
Meanwhile, Commerce minister Chipoka Mulenga says the office will enhance the business portfolio between the two nations, particularly in value-added products.
Speaking at the official launch of the U.S. Embassy’s Commercial Service Office in Lusaka yesterday, U. S assistant secretary of Commerce for Global Markets Arun Venkataraman said the launch of the 13th Commercial Service Office in Africa marked a significant milestone in the 60-year bilateral relationship between his government and Zambia.
He said this development also marked the U.S’s dedication to fostering economic growth and cooperation in the region.
Venkataraman talked about the importance of having colleagues on the ground to forge relationships with government counterparts and the business community.
He said the team, led by Senior Commercial Officer Kully Nelson, would identify and pursue opportunities for U.S companies to support Zambia’s economic growth and diversification.
Venkataraman said Nelson brought valuable experience, and thanked his team members, Vivian Kalabi and Tazizwa Mvula.
He noted that the new office built upon the success of the inaugural US-Zambia Business Summit in 2022 and the subsequent signing of a commercial Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
“As we open this office, we reaffirm our commitment to strengthening our economic ties aiming to foster greater economic collaboration and policy alignment across various sectors,” Venkataraman said.
And Amb Gonzales said the $491 million compact between the U.S Millennium Challenge Corporation and Zambia was a testament to this commitment, aiming to boost the agricultural sector and promote inclusive economic growth.
He said this investment had already yielded impressive results, including increased life expectancy, treatment for 1.2 million HIV-positive Zambians among others.
Gonzales said the American investors had developed cutting-edge technology in copper mines, demonstrating the potential for innovative partnerships.
He said the US government had contributed over $350 million to reduce malaria deaths by an impressive 76 percent since 2014, adding that this significant reduction in malaria-related deaths underscored the impact of US-Zambia cooperation in improving public health.
“The partnership between the US and Zambia is yielding remarkable outcomes, and education is a key area of focus,” Gonzales said. “By enriching pre-service teacher education, these investments will help ingrain effective primary literacy instruction practices in Zambia’s education system to benefit future generations of teachers and students.”
He also noted that more than half of Zambia’s primary school children were now learning to read through U.S teaching support, demonstrating the effectiveness of US-Zambia collaboration in enhancing education outcomes.
Gonzales said with the launch of the Commercial Service Office, the stage was set for even greater cooperation and progress in the years to come.
Meanwhile, Mulenga said President Hakainde Hichilema’s instructions were clear on improving living standards for Zambians which required creating industries through partnerships.
He acknowledged the U.S’ long-standing support across various sectors and expressed optimism about the newly opened commercial office.
Mulenga talked about the importance of creating a roadmap with timelines and scheduled activities to translate the signed memorandum into tangible outcomes.
He said Zambia aimed to improve living standards in rural areas, addressing energy deficits and promoting agriculture growth.
“As Zambia navigates drought challenges, we believe the next 18 months will yield meaningful progress. President Hichilema focuses on engaging the private sector to improve living standards,” Mulenga said.
Mulenga expressed excitement about the opened commercial office, saying it would transform living standards for Zambians and foster mutual benefits between the U.S and Zambia.
He said with the U.S having excess energy, Zambia saw opportunities for cooperation.
The minister said the new Commercial Service office marked a significant shift in the U.S-Zambia relationship, moving from aid-focused to trade, investment, and commerce-centered, which would strengthen trade ties and connect U.S businesses with Zambian partners.
In picture: From left, US Ambassador to Zambia Michael C. Gonzales, Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Global Markets, and Director General of the U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service
Arun Venkataraman, Minister of Commerce Trade and Industry Chipoka Mulenga, Senior commercial officer Kully Nelson
