ZAMBIA BLAST BACK AT OUTGOING U.S. AMBASSADOR

The Zambian Government has issued a strong response to remarks made by outgoing United States Ambassador Michael Gonzales, stressing that Zambia’s economic and investment policies particularly on health cooperation, critical minerals and governance reforms will continue to be guided strictly by national interests, sovereignty and long-term value creation.

In a detailed statement delivered by Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Mulambo Haimbe, the government dismissed the Ambassador’s assertions as “regrettable and undiplomatic,” adding that they misrepresented Zambia’s position on key economic negotiations currently underway.

From a business and investment perspective, the government clarified that Zambia’s stance on the proposed US$2 billion Health Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and the separate Critical Minerals Agreement reflects prudent economic management and responsible policy oversight not reluctance to collaborate. Mr. Haimbe revealed that negotiations stalled after the U.S. inserted clauses that Zambia considers commercially and legally unacceptable, including data-sharing provisions that violate citizens’ privacy rights and terms that appear to give preferential access to U.S. companies in the mineral sector.

According to the Minister, Zambia will not endorse any agreement that compromises its ability to manage its mineral wealth or places one foreign player at an advantage over others. “Zambians must have a say in how their critical minerals are used,” he said, emphasising that investment partnerships must support value addition, local participation and long-term economic resilience.

Mr. Haimbe also rejected claims that Zambia is losing investor confidence, citing more than US$12 billion in new mining investments, revived mining operations, geological mapping programmes and progress toward the country’s goal of producing three million metric tonnes of copper. Recent macroeconomic gains including a turnaround from negative growth in 2021 and increased funding to health and social sectors were highlighted as indicators of a strengthening business environment.

On governance, the Minister stressed that Zambia has made significant progress in corruption control, asset recovery and reforms aimed at restoring certainty and credibility to public institutions key factors that international investors use to assess risk.

The government concluded by reaffirming its commitment to a strong relationship with the United States, but insisted that future cooperation must be anchored in mutual respect, non-interference and alignment with Zambia’s economic priorities.

For investors and businesses watching U.S.–Zambia relations, Zambia remains open to strategic partnerships but not at the expense of sovereignty, transparency, or equitable economic gains.

JUST TO UNLOCK YOUR MIND 

Michael Gonzales in his farewell speech at his official residence in Lusaka, blasted the Zambian government, accused them of fake corruption fight. 

He also said the U.S. woukd never ask for exclusive access to rare earth minerals and access to health data of the Zambian people. 

Many Zambians including a govt's heavy critique media, KBN applauded the government for telling off the USA and protecting the interests of Zambia.