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Finance and National Planning Minister, Situmbeko Musokotwane, has described the abrupt cut in United States (US) health sector funding as a tough blow, saying it would have been better if Zambia had been given two years’ notice.
Speaking at the Bloomberg-organized Africa Business Media Innovators 2025 conference in Livingston on Monday, Musokotwane acknowledged donor aid cannot last forever but criticized the manner of the withdrawal.
He said it would have been preferable if the government had been informed at least two years in advance to allow for a smoother transition.
“It’s been tough dealing with the abruptness of the cut. Of course, everyone knows that aid is not meant to last forever, and at some point we have to become less aid-dependent. But what’s been difficult is how suddenly it’s being implemented. It would have been better to be told two, three, or even four years ahead — but that didn’t happen,” he said.
Responding to questions from delegates, Musokotwane acknowledged the inevitability of reduced donor aid over time but stressed the importance of managing such transitions carefully.
He also commented on the potential impact of tougher US trade measures on Zambia’s copper exports, warning that the restrictions would likely hurt the country’s mining sector.
However, he ruled out severing ties with the United States, expressing optimism that ongoing issues could be resolved through dialogue.
“We will not disengage from the US because of this,” he said. “There are challenges, yes — but we are hopeful that these can be worked out.”
Meanwhile, the Finance Minister called for a fundamental shift in how Zambia approached its mining sector, urging reforms aimed at boosting mineral production and making the country more competitive.
Musokotwane reminded delegates that sustainable national prosperity can only be achieved through increased output and innovation, rather than clinging to outdated practices.
“If we are going to create environments that benefit many people, that only happens when we produce more and more,” he said.
“This country will not become wealthy if we keep producing copper in the same quantities as we did in 1964,” he added.
He emphasized the need to overhaul the relationship between government and mining companies, making the business environment more attractive to investors while ensuring Zambia maximizes the benefits from its natural resources.
By modernizing its approach and increasing mineral output, Musokotwane said Zambia could position itself as a competitive, investor-friendly destination in the global mining industry.
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