Zambia halts US talks over health and minerals terms

Zambia has paused negotiations with the United States on two major agreements covering health funding and critical minerals, signalling a breakdown over what Lusaka describes as one-sided conditions.

Foreign Minister Mulambo Haimbe said the talks have stalled because of “unacceptable” US demands, including requests for preferential treatment and provisions the government believes could infringe on citizens’ rights.

At the centre of the dispute is a proposed health deal worth up to $2bn over five years. According to Haimbe, the agreement is on hold due to “the incorporation of terms that the Zambian government considers unacceptable,” particularly clauses requiring data sharing that authorities say would violate “citizens rights”.

A parallel agreement on critical minerals has also been delayed. The US has pushed for preferential access for its companies, an approach Zambia is resisting as it looks to retain control over its resource sector. The country is Africa’s second-largest copper producer and holds significant reserves of other key minerals.

The structure of the negotiations has added to the friction. Haimbe said Zambia is concerned about “the coupling of the two agreements,” with Washington effectively linking progress on the health package to concessions in the minerals deal.

“The Zambian Government has been consistent in asserting that the agreements must be considered separately on their respective merits,” he said.

Tensions have been building in recent days. Outgoing US ambassador to Lusaka Michael Gonzales raised concerns about Zambia’s anti-corruption efforts and broader structural issues tied to American support for the health sector, according to officials cited by Anadolu Agency.

Haimbe pushed back, rejecting the criticism and framing the relationship in broader terms. He said ties between Lusaka and Washington are not defined by aid flows but by “a strong and growing partnership rooted in strategic co-operation.”