CIVIL SOCIETY DEMANDS TRANSPARENCY OVER US HEALTH AID, MINERALS TALKS

LUSAKA – Civil society organisations (CSOs) and governance experts across Zambia have amplified their calls for heightened transparency concerning the proposed bilateral agreements between the Zambian government and the United States. At the heart of their demands are two critical areas: health sector cooperation and, more significantly, the governance of Zambia's vital critical minerals. These groups contend that the Zambian populace deserves comprehensive insight into the details, potential benefits, and long-term implications of these agreements. The discussions surrounding these agreements have gained traction following various high-level engagements between Lusaka and Washington. While the government has often highlighted the strategic importance of these partnerships for national development and economic growth, particularly in leveraging Zambia's rich mineral resources for the burgeoning global green energy transition, civil society groups are urging caution. They emphasize the need to avoid past pitfalls where resource extraction deals have not always translated into tangible benefits for ordinary citizens, often due to opaque terms and insufficient public oversight. Experts point to Zambia's historical experience with large-scale mining operations, where concerns over environmental impact, local community displacement, and equitable revenue sharing have frequently surfaced. The proposed critical minerals agreement, therefore, must be meticulously scrutinized to ensure that it aligns with national development priorities, promotes local value addition, and guarantees fair returns for the country. Transparency, in this context, is not merely about disclosure but about fostering an informed public debate that can shape more beneficial and sustainable outcomes. Similarly, the health agreement, while ostensibly aimed at strengthening Zambia's public health infrastructure and response capabilities, also warrants detailed public disclosure. Civil society leaders