The administration of Emmerson Mnangagwa has turned down a $367-million health funding package from the United States, citing concerns over sovereignty and national control.
US Ambassador to Zimbabwe Pamela Tremont confirmed that negotiations had collapsed, adding that Zimbabwean authorities said they are prepared to continue combating HIV, TB and malaria independently.
According to local reports, the rejection was ordered by Mnangagwa. A key point of contention involved granting the US access to Zimbabwe’s national health data, including pathogen samples and epidemiological information, in exchange for the funding.
The Herald quoted Information Secretary Nick Mangwana as saying any partnership must be based on “mutual respect, transparency, and reciprocal benefit,” criteria the proposed deal allegedly failed to meet.
Officials also opposed conditions that would have expanded US access to Zimbabwe’s critical mineral resources, arguing this could undermine long-term economic independence.
While Zimbabwe rejected the offer, other African nations — including Nigeria and Kenya — have engaged with similar initiatives, though Kenya has suspended its deal pending a court case over data privacy concerns.
Washington says 16 African countries have signed health agreements under President Donald Trump’s America First Global Health Strategy, totaling about $18.3 billion to combat infectious diseases across the continent.
SOURCE : TRT AFRICA
