Zambian Foreign Minister Resigns After Being Caught on Camera Receiving Cash from Chinese Investor

Zambian Foreign Minister, Stanley Kakubo, has tendered his resignation following allegations of receiving cash from a Chinese businessman, as captured in a video circulating online. Despite not disputing his presence in the footage, Kakubo attributed his resignation to “malicious claims over a business transaction,” expressing his desire to prevent government distraction from the controversy.

The video, reported by BBC, depicts two unidentified individuals counting a substantial amount of US dollars and Zambian kwacha at a table, prompting speculation that one is Mr. Kakubo and the other a Chinese businessman. Social media discussions questioned the absence of a bank transfer and raised concerns about potential tax implications.

Unverified images of handwritten notes circulated on social media, suggesting an exchange of $100,000 between a Zambian entity and a Chinese mining company, dated July 8, 2022, along with another note mentioning a total sum of $200,000.

In his resignation letter, Kakubo did not contest the video’s authenticity or the handwritten notes but claimed victimhood to “malicious claims over a business transaction between my private family business and our business partner.” He emphasized his commitment to the government’s efforts to improve Zambians’ lives but vowed to provide context on recent developments in due course.

President Hakainde Hichilema accepted Kakubo’s resignation, acknowledging his past work and leadership. This marks the second time Kakubo has faced controversy, having been previously accused of bribery in connection with a Chinese-owned cement company.

Notably, the resignation comes amid President Hichilema’s anti-corruption stance, with opposition leader Edgar Lungu calling for an investigation into Kakubo’s alleged corruption. This move follows a similar incident in Nigeria, where Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje faced a corruption scandal captured on video but retained his position within the All Progressives Congress (APC).

This development places scrutiny on the relationship between Zambia and Chinese investors, with Chinese companies contributing significantly to Zambia’s economy. Kakubo’s resignation makes him the first minister to step down since President Hichilema assumed office in August 2021.