Zambia Halts US Health Funding Negotiations Over Terms

Negotiations between Zambia and the United States concerning a $2 billion health funding deal have stalled, primarily due to Zambia's objections to terms deemed unacceptable, particularly regarding data sharing which the government argues infringes on citizens' privacy rights. In addition, Zambia opposes provisions that prioritize US companies in accessing critical minerals, asserting that both agreements should be considered independently.

The proposed health deal, which initially offered $320 million this year, faces a gradual reduction, dropping to $112 million by 2030, with a deadline for finalizing the agreements set for April 1. This development follows similar rejections from other African countries, indicating a potential shift in how US aid conditions are perceived across the continent.