LUSAKA, Feb 26 – Zambia has requested changes to a proposed health funding agreement worth more than $1 billion with the United States, citing concerns that parts of the deal do not align with national interests, government officials said.
The agreement covers U.S. funding for programs targeting HIV, malaria, maternal health and disease outbreak response over five years. It also requires Zambia to provide about $340 million in co financing during the same period.
The deal was expected to be signed in November. However, negotiations slowed after revised drafts introduced a section that officials described as inconsistent with Zambia’s position. The Ministry of Health said it has asked for further revisions but did not disclose details.
At the same time, U.S. officials had earlier linked broader cooperation to reforms in Zambia’s business environment and collaboration in the mining sector. Zambia remains Africa’s second largest copper producer after the Democratic Republic of Congo and holds deposits of cobalt, nickel and lithium.
Zambian authorities said the agreement is strictly focused on health and has no connection to mining or natural resources. They added that engagement will continue only under terms that are clear and mutually agreed.
The draft also states that funding may stop if both countries fail to agree on a separate bilateral compact by April 1. Sources familiar with the talks said that compact relates to mining cooperation.
In addition, health advocacy groups raised concerns about a proposed data sharing clause that would run for 10 years. They said the arrangement allows one way data flow from Zambia to the United States and called for more transparency.
The negotiations come as the U.S. adjusts how it delivers global health funding. Similar agreements have faced resistance elsewhere. Zimbabwe withdrew from a $367 million deal citing privacy concerns, while Kenya’s $1.6 billion arrangement remains suspended pending legal review.
