As the Trump administration shifts foreign assistance from traditional charity to transactional “America First” agreements, a growing rift is emerging between Washington and several African nations. Zimbabwe recently withdrew from negotiations for an over $360 million health MOU, labelling the deal “asymmetrical.” Government officials cited grave concerns over sharing sensitive biological data without guaranteed access to the resulting medical innovations, such as vaccines. Zimbabwe is not alone in its scepticism. Zambia and Kenya have also stalled billion-dollar agreements, raising concerns over data sovereignty and the alleged link between health aid and access to strategic minerals like copper and lithium. While 16 nations—including Nigeria and Uganda—have signed on, the resistance from others highlights a significant shift in the geopolitical landscape. These African nations are increasingly prioritising sovereignty and mutual respect over patronage, signalling that Africa is no longer willing to accept aid that comes with "strings attached."