Zimbabwe rejects $350 Million US health deal over sovereignty concerns

Zimbabwe has rejected a proposed $350 million health funding agreement with the United States after President Emmerson Mnangagwa ordered an end to negotiations over what Harare described as a deal compromising national sovereignty.

Washington had presented the memorandum of understanding as the basis for future health assistance under its America First Global Health Strategy. However, Zimbabwean officials said several provisions were unacceptable.

Among their concerns was a US request for direct access to Zimbabwe's health data for a specified period—a provision Harare viewed as excessive and intrusive. The United States had also sought access to Zimbabwe's critical mineral resources, which formed part of the broader arrangement, further raising objections.

Officials argued that entering into a bilateral health framework with Washington would contradict the country’s commitment to multilateral cooperation, particularly following the United States’ withdrawal from the World Health Organization under the Trump administration. Establishing a parallel bilateral mechanism, Harare said, would effectively endorse Washington’s departure from the global health system.

Despite Zimbabwe’s stance, US health diplomacy efforts are gaining ground elsewhere in Africa, with at least 14 countries reported to have signed similar agreements under the new framework.

The rejection comes amid broader US foreign aid cuts, including those affecting Zimbabwe’s health programs.