Yesterday, July 9, 2025, Zambia’s State House once again played host to a significant diplomatic engagement as President Hakainde Hichilema (fondly known as HH) met with the United States Ambassador to Zambia, His Excellency Mr. Michael C. Gonzales. This high-level interaction underscores a complex and evolving relationship, one that has seen moments of robust cooperation alongside periods of frank, even uncomfortable, dialogue.

Key Points from the Ambassador Speech

  1. Our relationship has underperformed as we have a huge amount of development assistance that have failed to spur systemic development despite massive potential across this economy and nation.
  2. This environment has not succeeded in attracting American businesses in an environment where others have been able to exploit the environment, labor and laws at a cost to the Zambian people.
  3. So today, I believe its an opportunity for us to re-set the relationship for our mutual benefit, for the benefit of all our countries.
  4. I am committed as is my team, to help Zambia to Seize the moment, to one which is more bold and candid.
  5. Its not about NDA, exploiting labor, its about a relationship where both of our countries benefit.

Reasons for the Latest Meeting: A “Reset” Amidst Shifting Sands
The primary reason for yesterday’s meeting, as articulated by President Hichilema himself, was a call for a “reset” in U.S.-Zambia relations. This comes at a pivotal moment, with discussions of a potential shift in U.S. foreign policy under a prospective future Donald Trump administration. While the Biden administration has been the U.S.’s partner for much of HH’s presidency, President Hichilema’s remarks indicate an eagerness to ensure a strong and mutually beneficial partnership, regardless of who occupies the White House.
Ambassador Gonzales, for his part, has been forthright in his messaging. A significant aspect of his recent discourse, including what he likely conveyed yesterday, revolves around a shift from “aid” to “trade.” Ambassador Gonzales has urged Zambia to abandon dependency on development aid and embrace a bold new era of economic engagement grounded in trade, transparency, and mutual respect. This position highlights a U.S. desire for Zambia to leverage its natural resources and entrepreneurial spirit for self-reliant economic growth, moving beyond traditional aid models.

This meeting also serves as an attempt to mend fences following a period of considerable friction. In May 2025, Ambassador Gonzales announced a substantial $50 million cut in annual U.S. aid for medications and medical supplies to Zambia, citing “large-scale theft and fraud” and a perceived lack of tangible action from the Zambian government to address these issues. This decision, though painful, was framed by President Hichilema as a “harsh slap or reality check” – a catalyst for Zambia to pursue greater self-reliance and strategic engagement. The latest meeting, therefore, was crucial for both sides to articulate their current positions and chart a constructive path forward.

A Tumultuous Tenure: Ambassador Gonzales’s Engagements
Ambassador Michael C. Gonzales assumed his role as the U.S. Ambassador to Zambia in September 2022, presenting his credentials to President Hichilema on September 16, 2022. His tenure has been marked by a consistent focus on good governance, economic opportunities, human rights, and development assistance.

Timeline of Key Discussions between President Hichilema and Ambassador Gonzales:

  • September 16, 2022: Ambassador Gonzales presents his credentials to President Hichilema, officially marking the start of his ambassadorship. This initial meeting focused on establishing rapport and outlining areas of mutual interest.

  • Throughout 2023-Early 2025: Regular engagements continued between the U.S. Embassy, Ambassador Gonzales, President Hichilema, and senior government officials on bilateral relations, promoting transparent governance, attracting U.S. investment, human rights, and ongoing development assistance, particularly in health programs.

  • April 3, 2024: Ambassador Gonzales brought “alarming information” regarding systematic theft of U.S.-provided health products to senior Zambian government leaders, marking a critical point in escalating concerns over aid accountability.

  • April 2024 – April 2025: Over 33 meetings were held with senior Zambian government officials to address theft and demand accountability.

  • May 2025: Ambassador Gonzales publicly announced the $50 million cut in medical aid, citing insufficient governmental action on corruption.

  • July 9, 2025: The latest meeting at State House where President Hichilema called for a “reset” of relations, and the Ambassador emphasized shifting towards trade and away from aid dependency.

U.S. Embassy Engagements in Zambia (2022-2025):

  • Ongoing since 2003 and continuing through 2022-2025: The U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) remains a cornerstone of U.S. development assistance, with significant annual commitments. This involves continuous collaboration with Zambia’s Ministry of Health and various partners.

  • Throughout 2022-2025: Regular engagements with Zambian civil society, media, and academic institutions through programs aimed at strengthening democracy, human rights, independent media, and anti-corruption efforts.

  • 2023-2024 onwards: Active involvement in the Lobito Corridor project, a critical minerals infrastructure initiative to facilitate transportation of copper and cobalt from Zambia and DRC to Angola, diversifying supply chains.

  • Various dates in 2025: Ambassador Gonzales participated in public forums addressing corruption and advocating for transparent governance.

  • Ongoing: Meetings with Zambian private sector and business leaders to discuss investment climate, regulatory reforms, and opportunities for U.S. businesses, aligning with the “trade, not beg” philosophy.

The trajectory of U.S.-Zambia relations under Ambassador Gonzales’s watch is a narrative of a partnership striving for greater maturity and accountability. While recent aid cuts signal a stern U.S. stance on corruption, continued high-level engagements demonstrate a mutual desire to redefine and strengthen ties for long-term benefit. The focus now appears to be on fostering an environment where Zambia’s vast potential can be realized through self-driven development and a robust, transparent, trade-based economy.

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