U.S. Envoy Tells Zambia: ‘Time to Trade, Not Beg’
LUSAKA, July 9, 2025
In a frank and forward-looking address, United States Ambassador to Zambia, Mike Gonzalez, has urged Zambia to abandon dependency on development aid and embrace a bold new era of economic engagement grounded in trade, transparency, and mutual respect.
Speaking during a high-level meeting at State House with President Hakainde Hichilema and senior cabinet officials, Gonzalez said it was time to reset the trajectory of Zambia U.S. relations, which have long been characterised by what he described as underwhelming outcomes despite decades of American development assistance.
“Despite massive potential across this economy and nation, the business environment has not succeeded in attracting American businesses,” Gonzalez said, adding, “It is an environment where others have exploited resources, labor, and the law at the cost of the Zambian people.”
The U.S. diplomat made it clear that Washington’s current policy direction, especially under the administration of President Donald Trump, is to pivot away from handouts and toward sustainable, commerce-driven partnerships that benefit both nations. He stressed that future engagements must reflect mutual interests, lawfulness, and measurable results.
“This is not about non-disclosure agreements or unsustainable debt,” Gonzalez said. “It’s about commerce that pays taxes, abides by the law, and benefits our peoples.”
Calling for a fresh chapter in bilateral ties, the Ambassador urged Zambia to act quickly in creating an enabling environment that could invite serious American investment, noting that the window for global opportunities was rapidly narrowing.
“This is the moment to seize,” he emphasised. “Time has run out for platitudes. We need tangible results.”
Gonzalez also spoke in personal terms about his connection to Zambia, recalling that he first visited the country 30 years ago as a backpacker, and that his daughter took her first steps in Livingstone 15 years ago.
President Hichilema welcomed the Ambassador’s remarks, stating that he had initiated the meeting to express appreciation for U.S. support, particularly in Zambia’s debt restructuring process, and to explore new avenues of cooperation. He outlined four focal points for strengthening ties: mobilising capital, accessing technology, pursuing joint ventures, and ensuring value addition in Zambia’s key sectors.
The President acknowledged the past failings in Zambia’s investment climate but said his administration was rebuilding confidence by prioritising the rule of law and sound governance.
He pointed to recent milestones in the mining sector, such as the reopening of dormant shafts, as well as improvements in revenue collection, education access, and public infrastructure. Hichilema also highlighted the need for speed in turning bilateral intentions into action, reminding the U.S. delegation that electoral mandates come with tight delivery timelines.
“We are elected for five years,” he said. “Like President Trump, we must deliver in a limited window.”
Ambassador Gonzalez agreed, noting that his visit marked the beginning of a strategic “reset” that must replace nostalgia with pragmatic outcomes. He assured the President of the U.S. Embassy’s commitment to supporting Zambia’s development agenda, as long as it is rooted in fairness, reciprocity, and rule-based partnerships.
Time to trade and not beg NOW that is good news
No more pocketing donor funding
What the ambassador is saying is exactly the policy what President HH advocates. HH made it abundantly clear the other day when he said he agreed with Trump who was slapping both cheeks of Africans to wake them up.
President HH firmly believe in hard work and the private sector to help provide solutions rather the state being involved in everything.
When the president talked about that cheek slap he was actually complaining and did no see it as an eye opener. He groaned and wished aid withdrawal did not happen.
Stop spinning narratives.
Blackman
The slap talk was made by the president on March 7 in Kasama before women’s day celebrations the following day. He addressed those sentiments to the gathered arising from USAID freeze which had a component of ARV’s donations. A slap on both cheeks is an embarrassment and never a blessing.
So when did the policy shift from begging to working? Truth be told.
The artisanal mining sector has a pivotal role to play. Gold production can easily double with minimal capital investment. Please feel free to solicit the advice of we old-timers. It’s a shame to see such potential go to waste!
While you are the richest country………
The problem with this is the USA’s back yard, close-by , south America…….
Is a mess…….
That area boasts the poorest country……Haiti
High drug production areas…….Mexico and Columbia
Highest murder rate……..Al Salvador , hounduras
Highest drug addiction……..Canada , USA , Peru , Brazil , Panama
Is the USA a force of good or malignant ??
You could atleast fixed your backyard before reaching out to other countries
FWD2031
Now the president is not as airborne as he used to be. Work work work. He is no more welcome there as before. Thank you.
Zambia has had too much reliance on not just the US, but the West.
How would we develop when half of our budget is US taxpayer’s funded? And we fail to collect our taxes but busy doing dirty mining deals. Instead of doing business we were ready to freely give them our raw input materials. Aid is also stolen. Let’s have a purely business dealing than aid.
Wait and see what Gonzalez says when Trump sends him back to Mexico. They should put their CIA headquarters back in USA. Voet sak