USAID Deputy Administrator Isobel Coleman embarked on a trip to Botswana and Zambia, enhancing U.S. diplomatic and development ties in Africa.
During her visit, Deputy Administrator Coleman stated the important role of defense, development, and diplomacy in fostering mutual security and addressing instability.
In Botswana, Coleman attended the U.S. Africa Command Chiefs of Defense Conference, marking the first time this conference was convened in Africa.
Under the theme “Together on the Rampart: Expanding Cooperation, Sharing Values,” she delivered a keynote address emphasizing the importance of robust partnerships between African and U.S. military and defense sectors.
Coleman also engaged in panel discussions and meetings with various Chiefs of Defense, particularly focusing on Coastal West African states like Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, and Togo, which are key to the U.S. Strategy to Prevent Conflict and Promote Stability.
Following her engagements in Botswana, Coleman traveled to Lusaka, Zambia, where she met with government leaders, civil society, and private sector representatives to reaffirm U.S. support amidst Zambia’s severe drought.
Key discussions centered on creating an enabling business environment, strengthening media freedom, and leveraging digital technology to enhance information integrity.
A notable visit to a USAID-partnered fertilizer blending facility highlighted the potential for agriculture-led economic growth, with Zambia’s Minister of Agriculture, Reuben Phiri, expressing gratitude for U.S. assistance.
A major highlight of Coleman’s Zambia visit was the announcement of $66.8 million in U.S. assistance, including $20 million for urgent drought relief and $15.5 million to bolster long-term food security through Feed the Future initiatives.
The remaining funds will support governance reforms and resilience-building across various sectors. Additionally, Coleman launched Zambia’s Global Food Security Strategy Country Plan, positioning Zambia as a Feed the Future Accelerator country to optimize agricultural transformation efforts.
Concluding her trip, Deputy Administrator Coleman met with President Hichilema and senior officials to discuss ongoing support for economic resilience, the Accelerator initiative, and continued economic and democratic reforms. Her visit reinforced USAID’s commitment to fostering sustainable development and strong bilateral partnerships in Africa.
