The government of Zambia has outlined the reasons behind a prolonged deadlock in negotiations with the United States over a proposed health funding agreement, citing concerns over data privacy and contentious trade-related provisions.
According to officials, the talks stalled after disagreements emerged over terms linked to proposed critical minerals arrangements and the handling of sensitive health data.
The discussions are part of broader United States efforts to structure more tightly controlled health aid agreements across Africa following the closure of the United States Agency for International Development.
Zambian authorities said the proposed deal included conditions they deemed unacceptable, particularly clauses related to data sharing, which the government argued could violate citizens’ privacy rights.
The agreement reportedly proposed around $2 billion in U.S. health funding over five years, with a gradual reduction in annual disbursements from about $320 million in the first year to $112 million by 2030. This marks a decline compared with previous support levels, as Zambia received over $400 million in health-sector assistance from Washington in 2024.
The Zambian government said negotiations were postponed due to the inclusion of provisions it could not accept in their current form.
Officials also pointed to concerns over the integration of critical minerals-related terms into what is primarily a health funding arrangement, adding further complexity to the discussions.
The announcement follows reports that the draft US-Zambia agreement had been leaked earlier in the year by a non-governmental organisation, drawing attention to the structure and scale of the proposed funding.
While both sides have yet to reach an agreement, Zambian authorities say discussions remain open, though significant differences must still be resolved before any deal can proceed.
