The recent announcement by the U.S. Embassy in Zambia to withhold nearly $50 million in health aid due to the rampant theft of essential medications, including antiretroviral (ARV) drugs, marks a national embarrassment. More than just an isolated incident, it is a clarion call for urgent reform. For decades, Zambia has relied on international aid to sustain vital sectors like health and education. However, this latest development reveals a stark truth: donor patience is finite. When life-saving medicines are looted from hospitals and sold in black markets, it erodes not only the trust of our international partners but also our moral standing on the global stage.
This is a moment for profound reflection. Zambia has always had potential, yet it continues to fall into the trap of aid dependency. The country is not poor—it is rich, abundantly so. Beneath Zambia’s soil lies a treasure trove of resources capable of sustaining and transforming our economy. If well-managed, these resources can provide the foundation for a prosperous, self-sufficient future.
Zambia’s Rich Natural Resources
Zambia is home to some of the world’s most valuable minerals, including:
- Copper – Our flagship export, in global demand for electric vehicles and infrastructure development.
- Cobalt – A strategic resource essential for the clean energy transition.
- Gold, Emeralds, and Sugilite – Highly sought-after on the global gemstone market.
- Manganese, Nickel, Lead, Zinc, and Diamonds – All valuable resources with high commercial value.
With such wealth beneath our feet, Zambia should no longer rely on foreign aid to fund its healthcare systems. Instead, it should be harnessing its own resources to invest in the well-being of its people. The theft of essential medicines is not just a healthcare crisis; it is a glaring example of the mismanagement and corruption that continues to plague the country.
A Nation in Need of Change
The suspension of U.S. aid is more than a financial loss—it is a moment of reckoning for Zambia. It is an undeniable signal that we must do more than simply talk about fighting corruption. We must act with measurable consequences. Transparency and accountability must become the bedrock of every sector, from public procurement and mining revenue management to healthcare delivery.
The fight against corruption cannot be an endless cycle of broken promises. It must be met with swift and decisive action. Public servants must be held accountable for their actions, and the looting of essential resources, such as medication, must be treated as a national crime—one that endangers lives and undermines the very foundations of the state.
Shifting from Raw Exports to Value Addition
Beyond the fight against corruption, Zambia must embrace a shift in economic strategy. The export of raw minerals has long been Zambia’s primary source of wealth. However, this model leaves too much of the value created from our resources outside our borders. To truly build a sustainable economy, Zambia must move towards value addition—processing raw materials into finished products that can be sold at higher prices on global markets.
By investing in local industries that process copper, cobalt, and gemstones, Zambia can retain more wealth within the country. This will not only boost the economy but also create jobs and reduce poverty. It is time for Zambia to stop allowing others to profit from our resources while our citizens suffer.
A Call to Action
The suspension of U.S. aid is a wake-up call. It is time for Zambia to stop looking outward for assistance and start looking inward for solutions. The country’s resources, if managed wisely, can fund a future built on self-reliance. But this requires a fundamental shift in how we approach governance, accountability, and economic development.
Zambia has the potential to be a shining example of what can be achieved when a nation harnesses its own resources with integrity and vision. The future is in our hands, but only if we choose to act now. It is not just a political issue—it is a matter of national survival, dignity, and pride. Let the suspension of U.S. aid be the final alarm bell. It’s time for Zambia to wake up and begin building a future that is financed by our own resources, governed by our own integrity, and sustained by our own innovation.