LUSAKA, 11 May. - (ANA) - Zambia said it opposed US attempts to tie a $2 billion healthcare deal to access to the country’s minerals, becoming the latest African nation to hit back at Washington’s new approach toward the continent. 

 

Since the start of US President Donald Trump’s second term, Washington’s Africa strategy has shifted radically, slashing aid in favor of trade deals that serve US interests. The agreements have raised issues over privacy — Zambia’s foreign minister said his country was against handing over data — prompting “huge concerns” from a leading African health organization along with other nations, including Ghana and Zimbabwe. 

 

The new US approach, as well as Trump’s tariffs, have pushed some countries closer to China, which last week slashed levies on virtually all African imports, further embedding Beijing’s toehold on the continent.   - (ANA) -

 

AB/ANA/11 May 2026 - - -