Take charge of your future, Gonzales urges Zambia
By Tony Nkhoma
UNITED States Ambassador to Zambia Michael Gonzales says in this era of widespread policy changes in American assistance, the people of Zambians must take an even greater lead in forging their own future.
Gonzales said the future of Zambia should not be driven by fancy headlines and announcements that sound good but never seem to take shape, but with actual commercial and investment partnerships.
“I’m talking about partnerships among equals that drive systematic and sustainable job creation, economic growth and expansion of social services that empower and benefit all Zambians,” he said.
Speaking in Lusaka during the celebration marking 249 years of American independence, Gonzales said no countries across the world benefiting from the US assistance would want to experience what had happened to Zambia.
“Just as with the Marshall Plan, the massive development assistance that the United States has provided to Zambia and across the world was never intended to go on forever in this exact form. And I imagine countries across the world benefiting from this assistance do not want that either,” Gonzales said.
He said the massive development assistance the US has provided to Zambia and across the world was never intended to go on forever.
The US hoped to see a Zambian future of self-sufficiency and growth, built on partnerships among equals, and led by commercial and investment ties.
Gonzales said the US remained committed to stepping forward when it mattered, being there when needed, providing space when necessary and engaging respectfully as equal partners.
“Over our 249 years, we have never been without our flaws and challenges. But that, too, is what drives us forward because since our founding, the United States has always strived to be a more perfect union,” Gonzales said.
