AGP Executive Report

Debt & Growth Update: President Hakainde Hichilema says Zambia’s second Eurobond refinancing and earlier debt restructuring have cut annual debt servicing to about US$900m, freeing roughly US$1.4bn for free education, social programmes and infrastructure. Election Security: Central Province Police chief Lemekani Chirwa warned police will act against violence and intimidation, urging parties to avoid inflammatory language ahead of August 13. Cost of Living Debate: Socialist Party leader Fred M’membe called the advertised K179.99 mealie-meal price a “vote snare,” arguing it’s election-cycle messaging. Bank of Zambia for SMEs: BoZ pledged K5bn for a Small Business Growth Initiative to expand affordable finance for MSMEs via credit guarantees and support. Manifesto & Jobs Push: HH launched the UPND 2026–2031 manifesto with targets including 10m tonnes maize, 10,000MW power, 3m tonnes copper and 5m tourists. Agriculture Results: Central Province maize output rose to over one million tonnes, credited to timely FISP inputs and extension support. Transport & Trade: Restoration of Lake Tanganyika’s MV Liemba is 75% complete, with trial operations due in July and return to service in August. Education Story: Patricia, 57, returned to school through free education and ODL, aiming to improve literacy for her farming plans. Sports: Zambia and Zimbabwe women’s volleyball teams meet again in a CAVB qualifier “dress rehearsal” ahead of the final.

UPND Manifesto Launch: President Hakainde Hichilema unveiled the UPND 2026–2031 development agenda at Mulungushi, promising jobs for those still unemployed, faster growth, lower living costs, and targets including 10m tonnes maize, 3m tonnes copper, 10,000MW electricity and 5m tourists annually. Eurobond Buyback: The Centre for Trade Policy and Development (CTPD) praised Zambia’s 97.85% participation in the Eurobond buyback, but says a full net present value review is still needed to confirm net savings. Elections and Assembly Tensions: Opposition figures traded blows over the Public Gatherings Bill and campaign conditions, with claims of blocked freedom of assembly and calls for fair campaign timelines ahead of August 13. Ebola Preparedness: Zambia’s health authorities stepped up precautionary measures, including screening at borders and travel warnings over Ebola risk regions. Mining and Environment: Chinese-owned U-Metals in Chingola reportedly resumed operations after a shutdown over pollution concerns, reigniting debate on enforcement and public health around the Kafue River system. Culture 2030 Progress: Zambia reported progress on UNESCO’s Culture 2030 indicators, aiming to strengthen evidence-based cultural policy and sustainable development planning.

Debt & Markets: Zambia’s Eurobond buyback is off to a strong start, with the government reporting 97.85% participation (US$1.335bn tendered) in the US$1.36bn fixed-rate step-up cash tender offer, a move framed as improving debt sustainability. Culture & Development: Zambia says it has made progress on UNESCO’s Culture 2030 indicators, using 22 measures to link culture to heritage, jobs, inclusion and evidence-based policy. Politics & Rights: The Law Association of Zambia backs President Hichilema’s decision to refer the Public Gatherings Bill back to Parliament, saying the process must be transparent and rights-focused. Elections & Campaign Climate: UPND coalition politics continues to expand, with five parties joining the alliance to bring it to 15, while opposition figures trade accusations over Bill 7 and campaign fairness. Environment & Industry: Chinese-owned U-Metals in Chingola has resumed operations after being shut over pollution concerns, with critics pointing to hazardous tailings near waterways. Business & Connectivity: Airtel Networks Zambia hits a US$1bn market capitalisation milestone on the LuSE, and Google expands “Ask Gemini in Chrome” to Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa. Health & Safety: Zambia is on high alert for Ebola, with precautionary measures and travel warnings highlighted.

Ebola Preparedness: Zambia’s Health Ministry has activated precautionary measures and issued travel advisories as Ebola risk rises in the region, with enhanced screening at border points and calls for caution over travel to affected areas. Elections & Public Order: The Public Gatherings Bill remains a flashpoint, with opposition alleging police are enforcing provisions of an unpassed law to restrict campaigns ahead of the August 13, 2026 polls. UPND Campaign Trail: President Hakainde Hichilema is set to launch the UPND manifesto in Lusaka, with promises focused on jobs, cost of living, economic acceleration and electricity capacity. Governance & Transparency: Good-governance activists are pushing for leaders to disclose assets as a standard ethical practice, while debate continues over whether disclosure should be compelled by law. Energy & Investment: Zambia and Germany are launching a project to protect the Kafue River, while commentary highlights Zambia’s debt buyback plan tied to power grid resilience. Economy & Markets: The Securities and Exchange Commission reports growth in Zambia’s capital markets in Q1 2026, alongside Bank of Zambia moves to expand SME financing. Local Politics: Former minister Gary Nkhombo says police attempted to search his Mazabuka home without a warrant, escalating tensions around campaign activity.

SME Finance Push: The Bank of Zambia has committed K5 billion to the Small Business Growth Initiative (SBGI), aimed at unlocking affordable credit for MSMEs through guarantees, technical support and a learning lab, with launch expected in Q4 2026. Capital Markets Momentum: Zambia’s capital markets posted strong Q1 2026 growth, with the LuSE All Share Index up 5.29% and investor numbers rising to about 92,000, as inflation eased and the Kwacha strengthened. Elections and Public Gatherings Row: PF Pamodzi Alliance accuses police of using an unpassed Public Gatherings Bill to suspend political meetings in Mazabuka, while President Hichilema has returned the bill to Parliament for reconsideration. Power Stability: ZESCO says nationwide load shedding won’t return this year, citing improved generation and stronger partnerships with independent producers and traders. Ebola Preparedness: Health authorities advise against travel to Ebola-hit DRC, Uganda and South Sudan, and warn of enhanced screening for returning travellers. Retiree Relief: Government releases K48 million to pay ZAMPOST retirees’ terminal benefits on a first-retired, first-paid basis. Water Sector Incentive: Vice-President Nalumango says water treatment chemicals have been zero-rated to cut costs and expand access to safe water. Mining Updates: Copper production rose to 890,345.79 tonnes in 2025, with projections of over 1 million tonnes by end-2026; Shuka Minerals also reports high-grade zinc results from drilling at Kabwe. Sports and Youth: Mopani hails the Zambia Open Golf Championship’s impact on youth in Kitwe, saying it’s become a platform linking sport, business and communities.

Zambia Economy & Food Prices: ZACA says the latest mealie meal price cut to around K220 is welcome for household food security, but warns it must be reflected in township shops so consumers actually feel the relief. Postal Benefits: Government has released K48m to clear ZAMPOST retirees’ terminal benefits, with payments set on a first-retired, first-paid basis. Mining & Energy: Shuka Minerals reports strong zinc grades from a third drill at Kabwe Zinc Mine and has started a fourth hole to test the orebody further. Local Industry: Jubilee Metals says Molefe Mine has restarted deliveries to Sable refinery at 6,000 tons per month, targeting higher output by August and October. Health & Services: In Kitwe, government and AMREF Health Africa have given community health volunteers and health cooperatives a seed grant of over K500,000 to strengthen grassroots service delivery. Sports: Copper Queens face Zimbabwe in the Women’s Four Nations final, with the team using the tournament to fine-tune ahead of WAFCON. Governance & Social Policy: Hichilema has signed free education into law, making schooling a legal right for children who can’t pay fees. Politics & Security Claims: Opposition figures allege police surrounded a hotel in Chipata during Paramount Chief Mpezeni’s funeral, sparking fresh tensions around election-season policing.

Police and politics in Chipata: Opposition leaders Brian Mundubile and Makebi Zulu allege police surrounded their hotel in Chipata during Paramount Chief Mpezeni’s funeral, removing party members “one by one” and turning mourning into a security operation. Traditional leadership and national unity: President Hakainde Hichilema hailed Mpezeni IV as a patriot who championed unity and promoted the Ncwala ceremony, while calls for dignified burials continue to fuel debate over Edgar Lungu’s unresolved burial dispute. Health and welfare: Government released K48 million for ZAMPOST retirees’ terminal benefits, and community health volunteers in Kitwe received K500,000 seed grants. Ebola readiness: Zambia is on high alert as government steps up preparedness measures amid regional concerns. Economy and cost of living: Mealie meal prices have dropped to around K220–K230 following a bumper harvest and a stronger kwacha. Energy investment: Zambia linked sovereign bond buyback financing to a $275m grid resilience programme to modernise electricity distribution.

Copper & Industry: Jubilee Metals has restarted run-of-mine deliveries from the Molefe mine to the Sable refinery as refining resumes, targeting a step-up in monthly volumes from 6,000 tonnes in June to 8,500 tonnes by August. Elections & Public Order: The ECZ has suspended all Mazabuka Central campaign activities after violence concerns, including a clash involving independent candidate Gary Nkombo; the commission also condemned disturbances in Kabwe Central and Chawama. Governance & Digital Sovereignty: Zambia is pushing digital sovereignty with a Huawei AI partnership to support AI and national cloud infrastructure for government services, including plans for a national data centre. US Health Aid Scrutiny: Human Rights Watch says US health agreements are being restored under “troubling conditions,” including access to sensitive health data and pathogen samples, with Zambia’s draft deal linked to minerals access. Security & AI Abuse: The Zambia Army warns against AI-generated content misuse and urges the public to verify online information during the election period. Business & Markets: Vedanta’s CopperTech Metals IPO faces US listing scrutiny after auditors flagged “substantial doubt” over going concern at Konkola Copper Mines. Sports: Nigeria’s Super Falcons beat Senegal 3-0 in WAFCON preparations, with Nottingham Forest’s Joy Omewa scoring twice.

Election Watch: Independent Mazabuka Central candidate Gary Nkombo says police unlawfully cancelled his campaign launch and used teargas, while police insist he breached an agreed schedule; the dispute is now also tied to wider claims of harassment and vote-buying allegations in Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula Ward 12. ECZ Symbols: Separate reporting warns ECZ’s move to suspend the “candle” symbol for independent candidates could trigger a constitutional crisis, raising fears of unequal treatment and economic prejudice. Campaign Mood & Politics: Tonse-Pamodzi presidential candidate Brian Mundubile says the August 13 race feels unusually quiet because “there is simply no money,” while he pushes unity and merit-based leadership. Health & Research: CIDRZ and the Ministry of Health reviewed progress strengthening NCD care under the PEN Plus programme, and JICA/Noguchi are training lab professionals across Africa to tackle infectious diseases. Business & Finance: Vedanta’s copper arm faces a “going concern” warning in US filings ahead of a planned IPO to fund Zambia expansion; FCMB Group proposes a 35 kobo final dividend. Sports: Jereem “The Dream” Richards won bronze in the 400m at the Wanda Diamond League in Stockholm. Legal: Chellah Tukuta faces a K10 million defamation suit over a Facebook post.

Election Symbols Clash: The Electoral Commission of Zambia has ordered independent candidates to replace “candle” and other light-based campaign symbols by June 10, warning it will assign alternatives if they miss the deadline—sparking fresh constitutional and political heat. Local Economy & Mining: President Hichilema says 2025 local content rules for mining are already boosting local suppliers, with procurement shares rising from 20% to 40% from January 2026. Pensions Overhaul: An explainer breaks down NAPSA’s biggest shake-up in 30 years after the 2026 National Pension Scheme Act, including new flexibility for lump-sum access and higher minimum payouts. Politics & Detention: Makebi Zulu says “freedom is coming” after visiting detained Xavier Chungu at Kabwata Police Station, as debate grows over his continued custody. Women’s Football: Copper Queens’ Barbra Banda is nursing a hamstring strain ahead of WAFCON, while Zambia’s Mighty Warriors set up a Four Nations final derby against Zimbabwe. Sports & Spotlight: Jereem Richards won bronze in Stockholm; Zakithi Nene took another Diamond League 400m win. Youth & Society: A Southern Africa youth forum urged young people to use social media to push policy action on issues like child marriage.

WAFCON Fitness Update: Zambia coach Nora Häuptle says Barbra Banda is nursing a hamstring strain after playing for Orlando Pride in the US and missed the Four Nations clash with Kenya; she underwent an MRI and treatment in camp, and Häuptle expects Banda to be ready within one or two weeks ahead of Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. Labour Politics: Tonse Alliance’s labour chair Chanoda Ngwira tells ZCTU to stay focused on workers’ issues—deployment of senior staff and arrears for retirees—warning against election talk and insisting unions must remain non-partisan. Election Tensions in Lusaka: Police have arrested five suspects after a Chawama clash between UPND and Tonse Pamodzi Alliance supporters, including allegations of ransacking and theft from a UPND ward office, with injuries reported. Pensions Explained: An explainer details NAPSA’s biggest shake-up in 30 years after the National Pension Scheme Act of 2026, including new flexibility for accessing part of benefits and higher minimum pension payouts. Sports Spotlight: Zakithi Nene wins the men’s 400m at the Stockholm Diamond League, while Sinesipho Dambile takes second in the 200m; Zambia’s Four Nations final is set after Zimbabwe beat Lesotho. Environment & Health: A study warns charcoal and fuelwood dependence is driving forest loss across countries including Zambia, as weak regulation and rising urban demand intensify extraction.

Election Tensions in Chawama: Police in Lusaka arrested five suspects after a clash between UPND and Tonse Pamodzi Alliance supporters in John Howard Compound, Chawama, leaving injuries and damage to a UPND ward office. Court Challenge to Candidature: Charles Longwe has taken the UPND presidential nomination dispute to the Constitutional Court, arguing the party did not hold a valid convention before nominating President Hakainde Hichilema. ECZ Electoral Act Sensitisation: The Electoral Commission of Zambia urged parties to familiarise themselves with the Electoral Process Act and reiterated that it does not condone violence. Labour on August Polls: ZCTU president Leonard Hikaumba said the union is free to discuss what it wants from the August election outcome, while stressing it is not partisan. Sports—Four Nations Drama: Zambia’s Copper Queens beat Harambee Starlets on penalties in Ndola, while Zimbabwe’s Mighty Warriors booked the final after a 3-1 win over Lesotho, setting up a Zambia derby. Public Health—Safe Water Warning: A new global assessment highlights unsafe drinking water risks, with many African countries among the worst affected. AI Governance Push: ADHERE argues Africa needs a strong AI governance framework to harness technology responsibly.

ZATEX 2026 Tourism Win: Zimbabwe grabbed First Runner-Up in the Best International Stand category at the Zambia Travel Expo, with officials citing standout destination marketing and stronger regional tourism integration. Chawama Election Tensions: Police in Lusaka arrested five people after a political clash in John Howard Compound, Chawama, where alleged Tonse Pamodzi-linked supporters attacked and ransacked a UPND ward office, leaving injuries and theft reported. Chawama’s Lungu Shadow: In a separate Chawama visit, Tonse Alliance presidential candidate Brian Mundubile and running mate Makebi Zulu drew a large supporter turnout, underscoring how Edgar Lungu’s legacy still shapes local politics. Rule of Law Demand: The Kazembe Lunda Royal Establishment renewed calls for the immediate release of detained former ZSIS boss Xavier Chungu, despite a High Court bail order. Political Violence Crackdown: Zambia’s Inspector General of Police Graphel Musamba directed commanders to swiftly arrest and prosecute offenders of political violence ahead of the August 13 elections. Bank of Zambia Dismissal Claim: PF figure Miles Sampa alleged he was fired from Finance Bank in 2010 with armed paramilitary involvement, describing it as politically motivated.

Constitutional Court Watch: Zambia’s August election spotlight is on a Constitutional Court case challenging Socialist Party vice-presidential candidate Dolika Banda’s academic qualifications, with the ECZ and other bodies drawn in over whether submitted documents meet Grade 12 equivalence rules, including English language requirements. Political Realignment: Patriotic Front faction leader Miles Sampa has endorsed President Hakainde Hichilema for a second term, saying it’s based on achievements rather than a merger, as opposition politics keep shifting ahead of 13 August. Electoral Security: Inspector General Graphel Musamba has ordered swift arrest and prosecution of political violence offenders and urged police readiness for the election period. Infrastructure Accountability: Zimbabwe’s Treasury accuses ministries of “off-book” contracting that undermines budget discipline and delays payments for roads, clinics and schools. Sports & WAFCON Build-up: Harambee Starlets face Zambia in a FIFA Four Nations Tournament as teams fine-tune ahead of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. Energy & Water: ZRA has joined the International Hydropower Association to strengthen global standards for Kariba rehabilitation and the Batoka Gorge project. Health Access: Hope Walks Zambia says about 808 children are born with clubfoot yearly, with only around 40% reaching treatment. Tourism Push: Zambia’s Travel Expo (ZATEX) opens with President Hichilema stressing tourism’s role in jobs and diversification, targeting 2.5 million visitors and $1bn revenue.

Politics & Elections: PF faction leader Miles Sampa has endorsed President Hakainde Hichilema and says PF is withdrawing from the 13 August 2026 election, reshaping the opposition landscape. Electoral Commission: ECZ has launched a countrywide recruitment drive for 89,370 poll staff and is sensitising stakeholders on the new Electoral Process Amendment Act No. 12 of 2026, including how proportional representation will work in councils. Governance & Campaigns: In Nyimba, senior citizens say campaigns are peaceful and voters can make informed choices. Health & Social Protection: Hope Walks Zambia says about 808 children are born with clubfoot in Zambia each year, with only around 40% receiving treatment—urging early diagnosis and the Ponseti method. Economy & Debt: President Hichilema warns Zambia “totally lost” the PF decade and questions the cost of debt, while an opinion piece challenges Zambia’s Eurobond buyback as an expensive trap. Environment & Development: ZEMA has approved 103 development projects, including solar and recycling plants, under green growth and circular economy goals. Regional Cooperation: Zambia and Zimbabwe have started a pilot to install floating buoys on Lake Kariba to reduce boundary disputes and arrests of fishermen. Business & Infrastructure: Koryx Copper reports progress on the Haib project, including a NamPower grid connection MoU and plans for water supply. Tourism: ZATEX opens with Hichilema reiterating tourism’s role in diversification and jobs, targeting 2.5 million visitors and $1bn revenue.

Pensions & Education Bills: President Hakainde Hichilema has assented to five laws, including the Education (Amendment) Bill and four pension reform bills, promising clearer benefits for workers and retirees and locking in free education gains. Copper Policy: Zambia has extended the 10% copper concentrate export tax waiver to September 30, easing pressure on miners as smelters undergo maintenance. Mining Operations: Jubilee Metals says its Roan concentrator is back at full capacity after upgrades during a maintenance period. Regulation & Campaigns: Zambia’s media regulator, IBA, says it did not ban Mundubile and Makebi’s campaign song, but issued guidance to broadcasters on avoiding content that could inflame division or spread misinformation. Elections & Court Scrutiny: New court filings raise questions over how ECZ accepted Socialist Party running mate Dolika Banda’s nomination despite a Grade 12 certificate concern. Traditional Leadership: Zambia marks the one-year mark since Edgar Lungu’s death as the burial dispute remains unresolved, with renewed calls for closure. Tech & Connectivity: MTN Zambia and Huawei completed a commercial 5G indoor network deployment at Mulungushi International Conference Centre. Trade Diplomacy: Zambia pushes its trade and industrialisation agenda at the Korea-Africa foreign ministers meeting in Seoul.