Zambia er et vanskeligt land at drive udviklingsbistand i. Den sydafrikanske kobbernation lå således i 2009 i bund på en liste over målbare resultater af dansk bistand i vore partnerlande – men nu kommer Verdensbankens chef med (tiltrængte) roser
LUSAKA, 17th December 2010: World Bank Group President Robert B. Zoellick Friday praised Zambia’s efforts to reform its economy and encouraged its continued efforts to promote inclusive economic growth, especially to create opportunities for rural populations to overcome poverty.
Leaving after his two day visit, Zoellick noted that Zambia was among the top 10 global reformers in the World Bank’s Doing Business report this year.
During meetings with Zambian President Rupiah Banda and cabinet members, Zoellick observed that sound economic management had resulted in growth of more than six percent a year over the past three years and helped the country to cope with the global food, fuel and financial crises.
– Broader-based, more inclusive economic growth is key for Zambia to achieve its goal of becoming a prosperous middle-income economy, Zoellick said, adding:
– Zambia has great potential to in-crease productivity in the agriculture sector, where poverty is concentrated, and become more regionally competitive by reducing the costs of exporting local produce and expanding access to energy.
He pledged continued World Bank support to Zambia as the country expands irrigation infrastructure to boost agricultural productivity and enhance food security; explores ways of tapping its hydroelectric potential; and it improves transportation and strengthens regional integration to help overcome the disadvantages of being land-locked.
The World Bank has just concluded a successful 16th replenishment (genopfyldning) of the International Development Association (IDA), its main funding window for low-income countries. Zambia’s allocation under IDA 15 was about 90 million US dollar per year. Assuming a 20 percent increase, this would imply an IDA 16 allocation of slightly over 100 million annually for the next three years.
The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors is scheduled in March 2011 to examine 115 million dollar in financing for water infrastructure such as dams and irrigation canals, expected to benefit some 70.000 Zambian smallholder producers (småbønder).
The Bank’s private sector arm, IFC, is investing 56 million dollar to enhance diversification and employment creation in Zambia’s agribusinesses.
During his visit, Zoellick was shown the Zambeef Novatek Feed Mill in Lusaka, partially funded by the World Bank Group, which produces, edible oils, meat and dairy products and stock feeds.
PENGE MOD MALARIA
Zoellick signed an agreement to provide an additional 30 million dollar to an existing 20 million program to help Zambia overcome malaria.
Between 2006 and 2009, Zambia stepped up its efforts to overcome malaria with the support of the World Bank. Preventive measures, including indoor residual spraying and distribution of insecticide treated nets, were particularly effective.
These measures have contributed to dramatic progress against malaria in Zambia during the past decade. The annual number of malaria deaths fell by at least half from 2000 to 2008, during which time the population grew by nearly a third.
This implies a reduction in the death rate from malaria of more than 60 percent. Child mortality fell by 29 percent in this period – an estimated 75.000 children’s lives saved in six years.
Zoellick explained that the World Bank funds will support the government’s efforts to address remaining challenges, particularly the funding gap for purchases of bed nets. Bed net ownership has declined markedly since 2008 in two of the three provinces that have shown a recent worrying resurgence in malaria.
The 30 million dollar credit will be accompanied by a World Bank grant of 16,76 million from the Health Results Innovation Trust Fund (HRITF) to strengthen Zambia’s health system and improve the delivery of maternal and child health services in the country’s rural areas.
HRITF is a multi-donor trust fund supported by the governments of Norway and the United Kingdom through 2022.
KLIMAET KOSTBART FOR ZAMBIA
Zambia risks suffering 4,3 billion dollar in lost GDP over the next decade due to climate variability.
In June this year, Zambia became the first country worldwide to begin implementing the Pilot Program for Climate Resilience (modstands-dygtighed overfor klimaudsving), making it eligible for a 110 million dollar fund to develop climate resilient infrastructure.
Zoellick pointed out that Zambia will benefit from sustaining prudent economic policies and improving public financial management and oversight, especially in light of the country’s vulnerability to the boom-and-bust cycles of international copper prices.
Creating an environment that allows for active involvement of a strong civil society will improve systems of governance and oversight and help achieve development results.
Kilde: www.worldbank.org
