USA (bbabo.net), - Due to the most serious drought in recent decades, the economic growth of the South African state of Zambia by the end of 2024 will fall from 2.5% to 2%. At 5.2% at the end of 2023. Bloomberg reports details.

Drought in the country will primarily affect the pace and volume of copper production in the country. The $900 million requested by the government should help Zambia cope with the colossal crisis.

Zambian Finance Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane also confirmed the possibility of famine as drought in some parts of the country prevents harvesting in sufficient quantities. bbabo.net recalls that Zambia has traditionally been not only a major producer, but also an exporter of maize. But in 2024 it will be collected two-thirds less than it was in 2023.

In this regard, Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema arrived in Washington, where he issued an official appeal for emergency assistance. According to him, the level of dams on which hydroelectric power stations operate has fallen to critical levels. The country is urgently reviewing the budget for the current year and hopes for help from the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.

bbabo.Net