Zambia Refuses to Sign US Health Deal Worth Over $1 Billion
Published on February 27, 2026 at 11:28 AM by Evance Kapito
The Government of Zambia has reportedly declined to sign a health financing agreement proposed by the United States, citing concerns that the terms conflict with the country’s national policies.
According to a report by Reuters, the deal valued at more than one billion US dollars would have required Zambia to share citizens’ health data for a period of four years. It also allegedly included provisions granting the US access or involvement in Zambia’s mining sector activities.
Zambian authorities are said to have viewed these conditions as inconsistent with the country’s established principles and strategic interests, leading to the decision not to proceed with the agreement.
The development comes shortly after Zimbabwe announced that it was pulling out of negotiations over a similar health cooperation arrangement.
Meanwhile, several African nations, including Malawi, Rwanda, Uganda, Lesotho and Eswatini, have already signed comparable agreements.
Observers say the move by Zambia could influence how other countries in the region approach similar international health financing arrangements in the future.
