Mwanza Challenges Government on Health Deal Transparency
Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) president Antonio Mourinho Mwanza has formally challenged the Zambian government to publish the full text of a five-year, US$1.5 billion health agreement with the United States prior to its execution.
Mwanza stated that the public holds a right to know the specific conditions, obligations, financing arrangements, performance requirements, data provisions, and other commitments contained within the deal. He urged officials to release the final agreement before any signatures are applied, emphasizing that transparency is a prerequisite for public trust in such significant international partnerships.
The DPP leader specifically called for the disclosure of revised provisions regarding biological specimens. This demand follows concerns raised over an earlier version of the requirement that mandated specimens leave Zambia, raising questions about data sovereignty and local control over national health resources.
Mwanza further asserted that the public must be allowed to scrutinize reports indicating the agreement was previously conditional on a separate Bilateral Compact. He also highlighted claims that health assistance was linked to negotiations over critical minerals, suggesting that the deal may have broader geopolitical implications beyond immediate healthcare needs.
Questions on Sovereignty and Illicit Financial Flows
Addressing the broader economic context, Mwanza questioned why Zambia continues to rely on external financing for basic public services despite possessing vast deposits of copper, cobalt, nickel, gold, and emeralds. He argued that the nation's rich mineral endowment should theoretically reduce dependence on foreign aid for essential services.
To illustrate the scale of capital leaving the country, Mwanza cited estimates from the Financial Intelligence Centre. These figures show illicit financial flows totaling K9.93 billion in 2022, K51.25 billion in 2023, and K85 billion in 2024. The sharp increase in these outflows underscores what Mwanza described as a critical leakage of national wealth.
Based on these figures, Mwanza said the government should prioritize strengthening domestic revenue mobilization. He argued that state efforts must focus on fighting tax evasion, corruption, and illicit financial flows, rather than relying on external partnerships that may come with opaque conditions.
While acknowledging the role of foreign aid, Mwanza stated that international assistance should be welcomed but must not compromise Zambia’s sovereignty or national interests. He emphasized that any future agreements must align with the country's long-term development goals and respect its legal and economic autonomy.