Zambia Accuses United States of Tying $2 Billion Health Aid to Critical Mineral Access

Zambia’s foreign affairs minister, Mulambo Haimbe, said on 8 May the United States is conditioning a $2 billion health-assistance package on Zambian consent to U.S. access to critical mineral assets. Haimbe called the demand for extensive health-data sharing and preferential treatment of American firms a violation of Zambian privacy and sovereignty. The allegation reflects a broader U.S. shift toward transactional aid deals in Africa.

The Independent

Since President Donald Trump’s “America First” policy, the United States has moved away from multilateral programs such as USAID and PEPFAR, negotiating 30 country-by-country agreements that tie funding to commercial provisions, domestic financing, disease-surveillance and pathogen-sharing clauses. Washington says the model reduces donor dependency and counters China’s influence in Africa’s mineral trade.

The Independent

Zambia’s officials say the U.S. proposal requires long-term access to health-surveillance data and biological samples, without guaranteeing reciprocal access to vaccines, diagnostics or treatments. Similar clauses have led Ghana to reject a deal, Zimbabwe to abandon a $367 million package, and Kenya to pause a $2.5 billion agreement after a court challenge. In Lesotho, a draft request for 25 years of data access was reduced to five years.

The Independent

Zambia described ambassador Michael Gonzales’s accusations of corruption as “mischievous” and “deeply regrettable, undiplomatic and inconsistent with the spirit of mutual respect.” Gonzales dismissed the concerns as “alarmist,” labeling the allegations “disgusting” and “absolutely and patently false.” The U.S. State Department has not issued further comment.

The Independent

Health experts warn the data-sharing demands tilt the balance toward U.S. interests, creating a one-way flow of information. Atilla Kisla of the Southern Africa Litigation Center said the arrangement “raises serious concerns about who benefits.” Asia Russell of Health GAP warned that “secrecy is at the center of this. That puts accountability for results at risk.” Jen Kates of Kaiser Family Foundation cautioned that the requirements impose “heavy lifts” on strained health systems, as many agreements reduce funding and require higher domestic spending.

The Independent

Zambia has indicated negotiations will stay stalled until data-sharing terms are revised. The United States is expected to continue pursuing similar agreements across Africa, while Ghana, Zimbabwe, Kenya and Lesotho monitor their own stalled talks for possible renegotiation or termination.

The Independent

• “mischievous” and “deeply regrettable, undiplomatic and inconsistent with the spirit of mutual respect.” — Mulambo Haimbe, Zambian Minister of Foreign Affairs

The Independent

• “disgusting” and “absolutely and patently false.” — Michael Gonzales, U.S. Ambassador to Zambia

The Independent

• “Secrecy is at the center of this. That puts accountability for results at risk,” — Asia Russell, Executive Director, Health GAP

The Independent

• “That raises serious concerns about who benefits,” — Atilla Kisla, Southern Africa Litigation Center

The Independent

• “They (the U.S.) want to understand what’s actually happening,” — Jen Kates, Senior Vice President, KFF

The Independent