Zambia Accuses U.S. of Linking Health Aid to Mineral Access

Zambia is accusing the United States of linking a $2 billion health assistance deal to access to the country’s mineral resources, while condemning remarks by the outgoing U.S. ambassador as “mischievous” and “undiplomatic,” Farai Mutsaka and Gerald Imray reported for the Associated Press (AP).

The dispute reflects growing tensions over President Donald Trump’s “America First” approach. (Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Cooperation Facebook)

Foreign Affairs Minister Mulambo Haimbe said the dispute reflects growing tensions over President Donald Trump’s “America First” approach, which critics say is reshaping aid agreements into transactional arrangements.

Some African leaders and health experts have criticized the policy, arguing it could limit access to medical innovations and sensitive health support in exchange for strategic concessions.

The U.S. is also seeking to counter China’s growing influence in Zambia and across Africa, particularly in critical minerals tied to the green energy transition.

Haimbe criticized comments by outgoing U.S. Ambassador Michael Gonzales, who had accused Zambian officials of corruption and delays in negotiations. Gonzales denied claims that the U.S. tied mineral access to the health agreement.