Outgoing United States Ambassador to Zambia, Michael Gonzales, says Washington remains committed to supporting Zambia, particularly in the health sector, but warns that corruption, theft of donor resources, and weak government accountability are threatening the future of that support.
Speaking during his farewell reception in Lusaka on April 30th, 2026, Ambassador Gonzales said the U.S. has provided billions of dollars in aid to Zambia over the decades, including more than $7 billion in health assistance since 2000, helping the country achieve HIV epidemic control, reduce malaria deaths, and improve life expectancy.
However, he says the collapse of parts of Zambia’s health system following last year’s temporary pause in U.S. funding exposed deep institutional failures and overdependence on foreign aid.
Mr. Gonzales has accused successive Zambian governments of failing to build sustainable systems, alleging that some officials diverted public funds for personal gain while relying on American taxpayers to finance healthcare services.
He says despite announcing a $50 million cut in U.S. health support last year over the systematic theft of U.S.-donated medicines, no notable arrests or prosecutions have followed.
The Ambassador has revealed that the U.S. has since resumed most of its health assistance, including over $400 million and more than $75 million worth of medication, while continuing to pay salaries for over 23,000 healthcare workers.
But he has stressed that America can no longer accept what he called “empty promises,” saying Zambia must increase its own healthcare funding, strengthen accountability, and take ownership of its public systems.
Mr. Gonzales has further alleged that Zambia loses more than $4 billion annually through illicit financial flows to East Asia and hundreds of millions more through corruption and blocked investment caused by bribery and bureaucratic inefficiency.
He has also criticized the lack of engagement from government officials, saying U.S. calls go unanswered, meetings are cancelled, and reform agreements often remain unimplemented.
The outgoing envoy has warned that without fundamental change, it would be difficult to justify continued large-scale U.S. aid to American taxpayers, Congress, and President Donald Trump.
Despite the criticism, he has emphasized that the U.S. will continue life-saving healthcare support, including ARVs and HIV prevention programs, saying America’s hand remains open for transparent and accountable cooperation.
He has concluded by urging Zambians to demand better leadership and accountability, saying Zambia does not need more money, but leaders who govern with integrity and put the people first.
By Best Jere
