U.S. Relations With Zambia
More information about Zambia is available on the Zambia Page and from other Department of State publications and other sources listed at the end of this fact sheet.
U.S.-ZAMBIA RELATIONS
The United States established diplomatic relations with Zambia in 1964, following its independence from the United Kingdom. Zambia saw single-party rule from independence until 1973, when it formally became a one-party state. In 1991, Zambia began adopting multi-party democracy and a more liberalized economy. Zambia's economic growth has not benefited the many rural Zambians who continue to live in poverty. The Zambian Government is pursuing an economic diversification program to reduce the economy's reliance on the copper industry. The country's primary challenges are to promote broad-based economic growth, create employment, and develop its human capital.
The United States and Zambia enjoy cordial relations. U.S. goals in Zambia include reducing widespread poverty and building and sustaining a democratic, well-governed country that contributes positively to regional stability. The United States works closely with the Zambian Government to defeat the HIV/AIDS pandemic that is widespread but stabilizing in Zambia, to promote economic growth and development, and to bring about political reform by promoting democratic principles and responsible government. The United States is also supporting the government's efforts to root out corruption.
U.S. Assistance to Zambia
U.S. assistance promotes agriculture-led economic growth and food security; expands and improves the quality of health and education opportunities; fights HIV/AIDS; strengthens democratic and accountable governance; provides clean water and improves sanitation, and builds Zambian capacity to promote regional peace, security, and stability.
Bilateral Economic Relations
Zambia is eligible for preferential trade benefits under the African Growth and Opportunity Act. U.S. exports to Zambia include vehicles, machinery, baking-related goods, and optic and medical instruments. U.S. imports from Zambia include iron, steel, copper, nickel and nickel products, tobacco, tea, and hides and skins. The United States has signed a trade and investment framework agreement with the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), of which Zambia is a member.
Zambia's Membership in International Organizations
Zambia and the United States belong to a number of the same international organizations, including the United Nations, International Monetary Fund, World Bank, and World Trade Organization. Regionally, Zambia is a member of the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) as well as COMESA.
Bilateral Representation
The U.S. Ambassador to Zimbabwe is Eric T. Schultz; other principal embassy officials are listed in the Department's Key Officers List.
Zambia maintains an embassy in the United States at 2419 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20008 (tel: 202-265-9717).
More information about Zambia is available from the Department of State and other sources, some of which are listed here:
Department of State Zambia Page
Department of State Key Officers List
CIA World Factbook Zambia Page
U.S. Embassy: Zambia
USAID Zambia Page
History of U.S. Relations With Zambia
Human Rights Reports
International Religious Freedom Reports
Trafficking in Persons Reports
Narcotics Control Reports
Investment Climate Statements
Office of the U.S. Trade Representative Countries Page
U.S. Census Bureau Foreign Trade Statistics
Export.gov International Offices Page
Millennium Challenge Corporation
Travel and Business Information