USAID has worked in Zambia since 1977. James Bedner was recently inaugurated as the new Mission Director in the country.
As the Director of Mission, James is responsible for overseeing all of USAID's work in the country and coordinating its relations with governmental and non-governmental bodies. USAID's work in Zambia is based on four key areas: agriculture and economic growth, basic education, integration of population, health and nutrition programs and democracy and governance. In 1991 when the country held its first democratic elections, and it has made some way to reverse a decade of economic decline in the 1980s.
In recent years HIV and AIDS has had a negative impact on the economy of the country. Much of USAID's work in the country is focused on methods of treating and preventing the disease. This includes behavior-change communication, social marketing of condoms and family planning.
James studied at George Washington University in the USA, gaining both a BA in Political Science and an MA in International Affairs. He also studied at the American University in Paris. His career within USAID began 28 years ago and includes stints as Mission Director in Czech Republic and in Morocco, based in Rabat.
In heading the Mission, James will bring his extensive field experience to continue the work of USAID in supporting economic improvements and working in the health field.