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.

- JONISAYI MAROMO

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.

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.