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Zambia has declined a proposed United States health funding package worth more than $1 billion due to concerns that the agreement did not align with the country’s national interests.
The package, already scheduled for signing in November 2025, was designed to support health initiatives in African countries over five years, with Zambia expected to contribute about $340 million alongside US assistance.
The Zambian Ministry of Health said the draft “did not align with the position and interests” of the country.
Reuters reported that the US had indicated in December 2025 that the package would involve collaboration in the mining sector, noting Zambia’s position as Africa’s second-largest copper producer and a source of cobalt, nickel, manganese, graphite, lithium, and rare-earth elements.
The decision by Zambia comes after Zimbabwe made a similar one, rejecting a $367 million US health initiative due to issues with sensitive health data and mineral access.
According to the US, at least 16 African countries, including Nigeria, Uganda, and Kenya, have signed the package, though Kenya’s participation is currently suspended due to a court case.
Observers have noted that while some African countries welcomed the decision to reject the funding package, others advocate for domestic resource development to reduce reliance on foreign aid.
