politics
May 6, 2026
Zambia pushes back on US health deal amid minerals dispute
Zambia has rejected terms in a proposed US health deal, accusing Washington of linking the agreement to access to the country’s critical minerals
TL;DR
- Zambia accuses the US of attempting to link a proposed health funding agreement to access to its critical minerals.
- Outgoing US Ambassador Michael Gonzales criticized Zambia for "effectively zero substantive engagement" and alleged theft of US-provided medicines.
- Zambian Foreign Minister Mulambo Haimbe called the envoy's comments "undiplomatic" and "mischievous."
- Zambia objects to proposed data-sharing provisions in the health MOU that could violate citizens' privacy rights.
- Zambia also objects to a critical minerals agreement, citing US insistence on preferential treatment for its companies.
- Zambia believes the US is conditioning the conclusion of the critical minerals agreement on the conclusion of the Health MOU.
- Other African nations, including Ghana and Zimbabwe, have also rejected similar US health agreements over concerns about data access and sovereignty.
Continue reading the original article