Zambia and US clash over health aid and minerals deal
Zambia has publicly accused the United States of linking a proposed $2 billion health package to demands over data sharing and access to critical minerals, saying some conditions attached to the deal are unacceptable. The government has suspended negotiations over the multi-billion dollar agreements, which also cover critical minerals, according to statements from Foreign Affairs Minister Mulambo Haimbe.
Haimbe said in a televised address that the proposed agreements stalled because Washington’s terms included demands for citizens’ data and preferential treatment for US mining companies. He said the sharing of data would violate citizens’ right to privacy, and noted that the matter is subject to litigation in Zambian courts.
Separately, Haimbe said Zambia objected to efforts to link the health negotiations to a critical minerals deal, expressing concern that the US wanted the two agreements treated as part of the same negotiation. He said the conclusion of the critical minerals agreement would be made conditional on the conclusion of the health memorandum of understanding.
Zambia insists the two agreements must be considered separately on their respective merits, Haimbe said. He rejected claims that ties between Lusaka and Washington are based on aid, saying the relationship is a strong partnership rooted in strategic cooperation.
The US had proposed $2 billion in health funding over five years, according to reports. Under the offer, Zambia would receive $320 million this year, decreasing annually to $112 million in 2030. That compares with more than $400 million in health sector aid Zambia received from Washington in 2024.
A separate report said the US has sharply criticized Zambia after a deadline passed without the signing of a major health aid agreement worth more than $1 billion. Outgoing US Ambassador Michael Gonzales said repeated efforts by Washington to secure Zambia’s commitment went unanswered, forcing American support to continue on an ad hoc basis.
According to Gonzales, the unsigned memorandum of understanding was meant to guide funding for key health programmes, including HIV treatment, malaria response, maternal and child health, and disease prevention. He said progress had stalled because of a lack of engagement from Zambian officials since January.
Gonzales denied accusations that the US would link health aid to access to critical minerals, calling them false and offensive. In response, Zambian presidential spokesperson Clayson Hamasaka said the government values US support and remains open to discussions, but stressed that concerns should be handled through formal diplomatic channels.
Health activists have criticized attempts to link healthcare funding to strategic minerals access. “When health becomes a bargaining chip, everyone becomes less safe,” said Asia Russell, executive director of advocacy group Health GAP.
Zambia must decide by April 30 whether to provide American businesses with preferential access to its minerals, or lose support for 1.3 million people who rely on US funding for HIV treatment, according to one report.