The United States and Zambia have enjoyed good relations since Zambia’s independence from Great Britain. Despite high levels of poverty, Zambia successfully made the transition from one-party rule to democracy in 1991 and provides a safe haven to refuges from throughout Africa, while the United States has sought to bolster Zambia’s prospects through economic and humanitarian assistance.
The United States recognized Zambia on October 24, 1964, when the American consulate at Lusaka was elevated to Embassy status upon Zambia’s attainment of independence on the same date. Zambia previously had been under British sovereignty as Northern Rhodesia.
Diplomatic relations were established on October 24, 1964, when the American consulate at Lusaka was elevated to Embassy status with Robert C. Foulon as Chargé d’Affaires ad interim.