A diplomatic swing: With Pretoria–Washington ties collapsing, the US is boldly cosying up to Zambia

The relationship between Pretoria and Washington have continued to deteriorate throughout 2025, but the United States appears to be fortifying its ties with the Republic of Zambia through a series of diplomatic, political and development engagements that unfolded within days of one another.

While South Africa endures the wrath of Washington — recently underscored by the US decision to boycott the upcoming G20 Summit in Johannesburg and ongoing disagreements on geopolitical and security matters — Zambia is emerging as a rising partner in the southern Africa region.

Trump Jr’s warm meeting with Hichilema

The first sign came when Donald Trump Jr, son of US President Donald Trump, held a warm, high-profile meeting with Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema during a private visit to the country. The photographs and public statements from the meeting projected an unusually close personal rapport and goodwill between the two sides.

IOL reported on Monday that Hichilema announced that he met President Trump's eldest son in a friendly encounter that comes just as the United States confirmed it would not attend the G20 summit hosted by South Africa.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Hichilema said Trump Jr. “experienced the beauty of our country” and that the leader of Zambia's ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) conveyed “warm regards” to the US president, while reaffirming Zambia’s commitment to fostering stronger ties with Washington.

“We were delighted to meet @DonaldJTrumpJr during his private vacation in Zambia, where he experienced the beauty of our country,” Hichilema wrote.

“We conveyed our warm regards to his father, US President @realDonaldTrump, and affirmed our commitment to fostering enhanced US–Zambia relations.”

Major US health-assistance package under discussion

The diplomatic momentum deepened when a high-level US government delegation arrived in Lusaka on November 17 for talks on a new, multi-year health-funding and performance agreement.

According to the US Embassy in Zambia, the proposed package would provide “significant new grant assistance” to support Zambia’s health systems over the next five years. The model under discussion would see both governments commit to funding levels and measurable health-outcome targets as Zambia transitions from aid dependence toward a sustainable, government-led health sector.

The delegation included the US State Department’s Senior Health Advisor Brad Smith, US Ambassador Michael Gonzales and senior officials from the CDC and the State Department. They met Zambia’s Minister of Health Dr Elijah Muchima, Finance Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane and Zambia National Public Health Institute Director General Roma Chilengi.

Hichilema's phone call with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio

Capping the series of developments, President Hichilema announced that he held a “fruitful” phone call with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Writing on X, Hichilema said: “This afternoon, I had a fruitful phone call with US Secretary of State @marcorubio where we discussed matters that mutually benefit our two countries. We expressed our appreciation for President @realDonaldTrump's peace efforts and new approach to development partnerships.”

Such direct engagement at Cabinet-level underscores Zambia’s deepening access and relevance to Washington at a time when US–South Africa relations remain at a historic low.

A regional shift taking shape

Taken together, the developments suggest a clear warming of US–Zambia relations — unfolding in parallel with a marked deterioration between Washington and Pretoria.

Zambia, viewed as more predictable and less politically adversarial toward the West, appears to be positioning itself as Washington’s preferred partner in Southern Africa for investment, diplomacy and development programmes.

With Pretoria and Washington drifting further apart, Zambia’s growing alignment with the United States is emerging as one of the most significant geopolitical shifts in the region.

jonisayi.maromo@iol.co.za

IOL News  

Get your news on the go. Download the latest IOL App for Android and IOS now.