Story perspectives

Critics Decry US $2 B Aid Demand for Zambia Mineral Data

5/6/2026

Summary

Story summary

Critics say the U.S. uses a $2 billion aid package to pressure Zambia for unrestricted mineral data.
The United States replaced United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) with bilateral deals tying aid to commercial terms, prompting health experts to warn the clauses give Washington one-way disease data access without guaranteed vaccines.
Ghana, Zimbabwe and Kenya have rejected similar U.S. deals over privacy and reduced funding.

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Story summary

Critics say the U.S. uses a $2 billion aid package to pressure Zambia for unrestricted mineral data.
The United States replaced United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) with bilateral deals tying aid to commercial terms, prompting health experts to warn the clauses give Washington one-way disease data access without guaranteed vaccines.
Ghana, Zimbabwe and Kenya have rejected similar U.S. deals over privacy and reduced funding.