Anti-corruption commission in Zambia charged former health minister, Chitalu Chilufya with corruption, local media reported.
The former minister is accused of conspiracy to defraud the state $17m (£15m) over the supply of health kits when he served as minister in the last administration, according to a statement by the anti-corruption commission.
He was charged alongside former permanent secretary Mulalelo Kakulubelwa and three directors of a local pharmacy.
They all denied the charge and were released on bond.