Chinese Government grants RMB 10 million for materials to support Zambia’s 2006 elections

In May 2006, the Chinese Government agreed to provide an RMB 10 million grant to the Government of Zambia for purchasing goods and materials — including vehicles — to help facilitate the September 2006 elections. It is unclear whether these goods were ever delivered. The 2006 elections in Zambia featured a growing tide of anti-Chinese sentiment among Zambians.

Michael Sata preached a populist message on the campaign trail laced with anti-Chinese references that resonated in the Copperbelt, where Chinese businessmen were accused of paying low wages and ignoring safety procedures. The Chinese reportedly threatened to cut ties with Zambia if Sata beat the incumbent Levy Mwanawasa.

According to the New York Times, Sata claimed that the government had endangered the accuracy of the vote by using Chinese computers to tally the results.