$1B U.S. Aid Could Undermine Zambia


Civil society warns that health assistance linked to mineral access threatens transparency, national sovereignty, and long-term health goals

By Francis Maingaila ♥️

Lusaka, Zambia24 – (30 March 2026) --- A coalition of Zambian civil society organizations (CSOs) has warned that the proposed $1 billion U.S. health aid deal could undermine Zambia if signed without full public disclosure and parliamentary oversight.

Ms. Chitimbwa Chifunda, Oxfam Zambia Country Director, told journalists at a media briefing on behalf of other CSOs that proceeding under the current terms could compromise transparency, accountability, and national sovereignty.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), reportedly worth USD 1.012 billion over five years, is designed to support HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, vaccines, maternal and child health, and pandemic surveillance programs.


Ms. Chifunda explained that lifesaving health assistance should not be tied to access to Zambia’s critical minerals or other unrelated negotiations.

The warning follows a New York Times report on 16 March 2026 suggesting that the U.S. may condition health aid on expanded access to Zambia’s minerals and health data.

Earlier coverage appeared in The Mast on 25 January and later in The Guardian. According to News Diggers, the Zambian government has not rejected the deal but continues negotiating its terms.

Global health and natural resource advocacy organizations have also expressed concern. On 26 March 2026, more than 90 international development, public health, environmental, and faith-based organizations co-signed a letter urging U.S.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio to reject using medical aid as a negotiating tool to pressure Zambia into signing a minerals agreement, the coalition said.

The CSOs urged the Zambian government to safeguard mineral resources to support national revenue, ensuring that funds help close health financing gaps and strengthen other critical sectors.

“The health system and mineral resources are strategic national assets,” Ms. Chifunda said.

“Decisions affecting them must prioritize public interest, be evidence-based, and support the urgent scaling up of health programs.”

Civil society groups involved in the advocacy include Oxfam, ActionAid, Publish What You Pay, Zambia Alliance of Women (ZAW), Chapter 1 Foundation, Fighting Inequality Alliance, and IPAS.

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