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Sub-Saharan Africa
For a very long time, Zambia's development has depended largely on copper. When the country was still part of the British colony of Rhodesia, the profits from copper mining were siphoned off abroad. After independence in 1964, the economy flourished. The export revenues were used to finance roads, schools and hospitals and to ensure economic security. As the price of copper on the world market declined in the nineteen seventies, the country entered a period of crisis, from which it has still not fully recovered. Its one-sided dependence on copper mining and the poor management of the industry after it was nationalised were responsible. Zambia grew poorer and poorer, and the rapid spread of HIV/AIDS compounded the situation with a major social disaster. Life expectancy dropped to a low of 39 years and although it has now rallied to 48 years (2009) it remains well below the African average of 55 years.
In 1990, dissatisfaction with the worsening situation brought an end to the one-party state under President Kenneth Kaunda, who had been in power since 1964. The country's transition to a democratic republic with a free market economy is now well underway. Zambia is considered to be politically stable with democratic structures that, while still relatively new, are nonetheless robust in comparison with other countries in the region. This was illustrated most recently by the peaceful transition of power following the elections in September 2011.
The problems of the country's weak administrative bodies and its foot-dragging on the implementation of important structural reforms persist however. In spite of remarkable growth rates, the country's economic and social situation remain difficult. State revenues are still heavily dependent on the world market price of copper. The positive economic development has not yet improved the lot of the vast majority of the population. In rural areas in particular almost 80 per cent of the population live in poverty. A very high rate of HIV infection, poor infrastructure (roads, energy telecommunications) and corruption pose obstacles to development.
Combating poverty
In spite of Zambia's strong economic growth in recent years, poverty has dropped only slightly, from about 63 per cent in 2006 to 60 per cent in 2010. More than one third of the population live in extreme poverty, with rural areas particularly badly affected. The Sixth National Development Plan (SNDP) adopted at the beginning of 2011 documents the will of the government to adopt more pro-growth and pro-poor policies and to improve governance. Considerable sums of money will be required to implement the SNDP, however, and the Republic of Zambia cannot currently meet these costs without assistance.
The Federal Republic of Germany and Zambia have enjoyed friendly relations since the country became independent. Germany's engagement in Zambia focuses on the priority areas water and sanitation, and good governance.
German Embassy

German Embassy in Zambia
5209 United Nations Avenue
Ridgeway
Lusaka
Zambia
Phone: +260 / 211 / 25 06 44
Fax: +260 / 211 / 25 40 14






