Zambia Delays US Deals Over Mineral Rights and Data Demands

Zambia Suspends Negotiations with US on Multi-Billion Dollar Deals

The Zambian government has suspended negotiations with the United States on multi-billion dollar deals for health services and minerals. Foreign Minister Mulambo Haimbe announced the suspension on Monday, citing “unacceptable” terms and demands from Washington.

A proposed health agreement, which would have provided up to $2 billion in funding over five years, is currently on hold due to concerns over data sharing. The Zambian government has stated that it considers this provision to be a violation of citizens’ rights.

Separately, a deal on critical minerals has been delayed due to US insistence that companies receive preferential treatment. Zambia is the second-largest copper producer in Africa and has significant reserves of other minerals.

Haimbe emphasized that the agreements must be considered separately on their respective merits. He also rejected claims made by the outgoing US ambassador to Lusaka, Michael Gonzales, which suggested concerns over Zambia’s anti-corruption efforts and structural issues with US support for the health sector.

The Zambian government has consistently stated that its relationship with Washington is based on a strong partnership rooted in strategic cooperation, rather than aid. This stance is shared by other African nations that have also rejected US demands, including Ghana and Zimbabwe.

Source: Al Jazeera