Kasama, Northern Province – The Deputy Permanent Secretary (DPS) of Northern Province, Ms. Beauty Undi-Phiri, hosted a courtesy call from USAID National Director, Mr. Peter Weibler, during his working visit to the region. The visit, focused on assessing USAID-funded initiatives, included a tour of Northern Coffee Corporation Limited (NCCL) and discussions with provincial leadership about the impact of USAID programs in the province.
Mr. Weibler’s visit sought to gain a deeper understanding of NCCL’s operations and its partnership with USAID, while exploring opportunities for greater collaboration. It also served as a platform to engage with provincial leaders on the broader benefits of USAID-supported projects in the region.
During the meeting, the DPS highlighted the positive contributions of USAID’s partnership with NCCL, particularly in creating jobs and boosting the local economy.
“The collaboration with Northern Coffee Corporation Limited has created much-needed employment opportunities and enhanced agricultural productivity, benefiting both households and the regional economy,” said the DPS.
She also praised the impact of USAID-funded programs aimed at combating malaria and HIV/AIDS, noting that they had significantly reduced mortality rates in the province. In addition, she acknowledged the role of USAID initiatives in improving access to clean water, which has greatly enhanced public health.
“We are immensely grateful for USAID’s support across various sectors, and we urge the agency to expand its partnerships to benefit even more communities,” she added.
In response, Mr. Weibler reaffirmed USAID’s commitment to fostering sustainable development and creating opportunities for individuals and communities.
“USAID is dedicated to empowering people by creating an environment where they can pursue meaningful opportunities,” he said. “We are also committed to supporting the government’s decentralization efforts, ensuring resources and decision-making reach the grassroots level.”
Mr. Weibler further emphasized USAID’s focus on strengthening agricultural enterprises like NCCL, which play a crucial role in driving economic growth and promoting sustainable practices.
Following the courtesy call, Mr. Weibler toured NCCL to observe the impact of USAID-supported initiatives and explore areas for further collaboration.
The visit underscored the importance of coordinated development efforts between USAID, local organizations, and government entities, highlighting the tangible benefits of such partnerships in Northern Province.
