MCC Chief Executive Officer Daniel Yohannes congratulates the people of Zambia on their successful democratic elections and peaceful transition of power.
Zambia was one of the first countries selected by MCC to participate in the MCC Threshold Program. In 2006, the MCC Board of Directors approved a Threshold Program with Zambia targeting control of corruption and government effectiveness. In late 2008, as the Threshold Program was successfully concluding, the MCC Board of Directors selected Zambia eligible to develop an MCC compact.
In order to be selected and to maintain eligibility for an MCC compact, countries must demonstrate commitment to democratic governance and the rule of law. The smooth transition following its recent elections sent a strong signal about Zambia’s commitment to these bedrock principles.
As President Obama said, “I commend you for building on your commitment to multiparty democracy. Zambia’s Electoral Commission, political leaders, civil society, and above all its citizens all contributed to this important accomplishment. The United States looks forward to working with President Michael Sata, members of parliament, and representatives of all of Zambia’s political parties to build on the long-standing partnership between our two nations.”
Daniel Yohannes stated, “I acknowledge and thank former President Rupiah Banda for his leadership through the development of Zambia’s MCC compact proposal. My colleagues and I look forward to working with President Sata to continue the compact development process and achieve poverty reduction and economic growth for the people of Zambia.”
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The Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) is an innovative and independent U.S. foreign aid agency that is helping lead the fight against global poverty. Created by the U.S. Congress in January 2004 with strong bipartisan support, MCC is changing the conversation on how best to deliver smart U.S. foreign assistance by focusing on good policies, country ownership and results.