AGP Executive Report

Regional Energy: Namibia has launched Dangote’s $2.5 billion fuel-storage and pipeline project, with a planned 1,700-kilometre network that could serve Zambia and other landlocked markets. Lake Tanganyika: A €15.986 million, six-year conservation programme involving Zambia, Tanzania, Burundi and the DRC aims to protect 1.6 million hectares and support climate-resilient livelihoods. Election Scrutiny: The EU observer mission flagged shortcomings in Zambia’s August polls, including results tabulation; the government has challenged the report. Civil society groups plan a November 25 procession opposing efforts to remove presidential term limits. Economy: Moody’s upgraded Zambia to Caa1, citing an improving debt outlook, while Cabinet approved the 2027 National Budget. Climate-smart Farming: Zambian startup TulimeZed is building a digital marketplace to connect farmers with machinery for hire, helping them access equipment without the cost of ownership.

Election Scrutiny: The EU observer mission says Zambia’s 2026 election process showed serious transparency and democratic-space concerns, including incomplete publication of presidential results and bias in state media. Government disputes parts of the report but says it welcomes recommendations for reform. The ECZ says it counts votes, not “manufacture[s]” results, and urges parties to deploy polling agents. Mining: Mines Minister Brenda Tambatamba says licence holders must develop dormant sites, find partners or surrender their rights so capable investors can put Zambia’s mineral resources to work. Economy: Moody’s has upgraded Zambia’s rating to Caa1 from Caa2, while Cabinet has approved the proposed 2027 budget. Zesco, meanwhile, owes independent power producers US$109.7 million, including US$93 million to Karpowership. Farming: Lusaka-based TulimeZed is using a digital marketplace to connect farmers with machinery for hire, aiming to improve access to equipment as climate change makes planting seasons less predictable. Community: President Hakainde Hichilema is due to meet Mandevu residents amid concerns over rising fuel prices and living costs.

Election Scrutiny: EU observers say serious irregularities in the tallying process and the failure to publish complete presidential results weakened transparency in Zambia’s August election. Human Rights Watch has separately accused authorities of politically motivated arrests and abuses; the government has challenged aspects of the EU report. Debt and Economy: Moody’s upgraded Zambia’s credit rating to Caa1 from Caa2, keeping a positive outlook and citing progress on debt restructuring and fiscal reforms. Business and Transport: Chinese manufacturer Sany has launched electric commercial trucks in Zambia through a local dealership, offering an alternative to diesel where charging and operating conditions allow. Environment: Zambia is among four countries in a new €16 million Lake Tanganyika Basin programme aiming to protect ecosystems, strengthen climate resilience and support local livelihoods by 2032.

Politics: Human Rights Watch has accused Zambia’s security forces of disappearances, beatings and arbitrary detentions in a post-election crackdown, and urged authorities to release detainees and investigate abuses. Economy: Moody’s upgraded Zambia’s sovereign rating to Caa1 with a positive outlook, citing progress on debt and fiscal reforms; the Finance Ministry says the move could strengthen investor confidence. Fuel and Business: Debate over using foreign reserves to cushion fuel costs continues, while government is urging chain stores to source more goods from local SMEs. Shoprite says it is still assessing the costs and security needs of 24-hour operations. Digital Government: Huawei and the Smart Zambia Institute have launched AI training for public-sector officials, aimed at improving digital services and decision-making. Football: Zambia captain Barbra Banda is among the nominees for the 2026 CAF Women’s Player of the Year award.

Rights and Politics: Human Rights Watch urged Zambia to end what it called a post-election crackdown, reporting 14 apparent disappearances and 61 allegations of beatings or other abuse. It called for detainees’ release and accountability. Economy: Moody’s upgraded Zambia’s credit rating to Caa1 with a positive outlook, citing an improved debt trajectory, though interest payments still consume about 35% of government revenue. Digital Services: Huawei and Smart Zambia launched a programme to build local AI skills and explore uses in public services. Energy: Government is seeking private investment to help reach its target of 10,000 megawatts of electricity generation by 2031. Public Health: Zambia is expected to be the first country to receive a low-cost generic version of the twice-yearly HIV-prevention injection, following US approval. Football: Zambia mourned Freddie Mwila Snr, the former national team captain and coach, who died aged 80.

Rights and Politics: Human Rights Watch accused police and military of arbitrary detention, beatings and disappearances around Zambia’s August election, and urged authorities to release detainees and investigate alleged abuses. Economy: Moody’s upgraded Zambia’s credit rating to Caa1 with a positive outlook, citing an improving debt trajectory, though interest payments still consume about 35% of government revenue. Fuel and Energy: Government says global oil-market disruption is driving November’s fuel rise, while oil marketers argue wider access to the TAZAMA pipeline could improve competition. Officials are also seeking private investment to help reach a 10,000MW power-generation target by 2031. Industry: A $1.6 billion fertilizer plant expansion in Chilanga is expected to boost local production and create jobs. Football: Zambia is mourning Freddie Mwila Snr, the pioneering former national team captain and coach, who died aged 80.

Courts: The National Prosecution Authority is asking the Court of Appeal to increase former minister Joe Malanji’s and former Treasury secretary Fredson Yamba’s prison sentences, arguing they are too lenient. Politics: Former Botswana president Ian Khama has accused President Hakainde Hichilema’s government of political persecution and torture; Zambian officials have rejected his criticism. Green Party leader Peter Sinkamba has separately called for fresh elections, citing disputes over the last poll. Cost of Living: November fuel prices rose to K33.06 per litre for petrol and K34.45 for diesel, with the regulator citing higher global oil prices and a weaker kwacha. Elections: The ECZ says Mandevu by-election ballots arrived with names of candidates who withdrew after printing was completed; six local government seats are also due to be contested on November 5. Food Security: El Niño threatens erratic rainfall and farm production, while many small-scale farmers lack funds for irrigation. Sport: Nkana FC was fined K100,000 over supporters’ political chants, though part of a five-match home-ground ban was suspended.

Fuel Costs: November pump prices rose by K1.60 for petrol to K33.06 per litre and K1.18 for diesel to K34.45. The Energy Regulation Board cited higher global oil prices and a weaker kwacha, renewing calls for measures to shield households and businesses. Mandevu By-election: Ballot papers have arrived, but include candidates who withdrew after printing. The November 5 poll has also raised concerns about voter choice, with the UPND candidate left unopposed after rivals pulled out. Political Debate: Former Botswana president Ian Khama’s reported description of President Hakainde Hichilema as a dictator has prompted sharp responses from government and opposition figures, with calls to respect Zambia’s sovereignty and debate the country’s democratic record. Rule of Law: Zambia placed 121st globally for fundamental rights in the 2026 World Justice Project index, which also flagged weakened judicial constraints on government power. Farming and Health: El Niño is expected to bring erratic rainfall, putting harvests at risk as many small-scale farmers lack irrigation. Zambia is also strengthening its emergency medical team’s readiness amid regional Ebola concerns.

Health Preparedness: Zambia is strengthening its emergency medical team after recent Ebola outbreaks in the region. A delegation visited Uganda to study treatment units, cross-border response and outbreak logistics. Agriculture: El Niño threatens another difficult farming season, with forecasts pointing to below-normal rain in the south and heavier rainfall in the north. Farmers say the cost of irrigation remains a major obstacle. Election Watch: Ballot papers for Thursday’s by-elections did not arrive in Lusaka as scheduled. The Electoral Commission is investigating with the printer and airline; the polls include Mandevu and Lumezi. Fuel Costs: Vice-President Mutale Nalumango says the government will not use foreign reserves to cushion fuel prices, arguing the reserves are vital for national security and Zambia’s prices compare favourably with those in neighbouring countries. Representation: Women’s groups say women hold just five of 40 cabinet and provincial minister posts, or 12.5 percent, and are calling for stronger representation in government.

By-election Logistics: The Electoral Commission of Zambia is investigating why ballot papers for the November 5 by-elections did not arrive on an Emirates flight as scheduled. ECZ says it is checking with the Dubai printer and airline; the polls cover Mandevu and Lumezi and 12 local seats. Education: The Ministry of Education and UNESCO have launched Ola-ZED, a WhatsApp learning platform, to widen access to study materials. The ministry also says 5,000 tablets will be distributed across the provinces in the first quarter of 2027. Transport Links: A Webuild-led team has been named preferred bidder for the 517-kilometre Zambia section of the Lobito railway, with negotiations due to begin in November. Separately, Tanzania and Angola plan to link rail corridors through Zambia and the DRC, connecting the Atlantic and Indian Ocean routes. Fuel Security: A Livingstone forum called for stronger regional cooperation as the Beira-Feruka pipeline expansion aims to raise annual capacity from three million to five million cubic metres by December 2027. Farm Payments: Government says it will release K14.7 billion to clear outstanding payments to farmers, with most of the money expected in November.

By-elections: The Electoral Commission says ballot papers for the November 5 polls had not arrived as expected and is asking the Dubai printer and Emirates Airline why. Mandevu and Lumezi parliamentary races are uncontested after rival candidates withdrew. Education: Zambia and UNESCO launched a WhatsApp learning platform to widen access to study materials; 5,000 tablets are also due for distribution across the provinces in early 2027. Transport links: Tanzania and Angola want to connect the TAZARA and Benguela railways through Zambia and the DRC, linking the Indian and Atlantic oceans. Separately, a Webuild-led team won a tender for a 517-kilometre section of Zambia’s Lobito railway. Fuel security: A Livingstone regional forum called for stronger cooperation as the Beira–Feruka pipeline expands its annual capacity from three million to five million cubic metres by the end of 2027. Public health: Construction of a cholera vaccine plant in Lusaka is set to begin next month, with planned annual production of 20 million doses. Government: Parliament approved an expansion to 30 ministries, as debate continues over whether a larger Cabinet will improve delivery.

Regional Trade: Tanzania and Angola have agreed to link the TAZARA railway with Angola’s Lobito Corridor through Zambia and the DRC, creating a potential coast-to-coast route. No completion date has been set, but the link could give Zambia access to ports on both oceans. Public Health: Zambia had recorded 1,622 cholera cases and 30 deaths by October 28, with Lusaka accounting for 1,090 cases. President Hichilema says construction of a vaccine plant in Lusaka will begin in November, with planned annual capacity of 20 million doses. Cost of Living: Annual inflation rose to 6.3% in October from 6.1% in September. Food inflation eased slightly, but non-food costs—including housing, utilities and transport—rose faster. Urban Growth: Hichilema has directed councils to stop allocating residential plots without basic infrastructure, while Vice-President Nalumango called for practical planning that improves services without unnecessarily displacing communities.

Cost of Living: Zambia’s annual inflation edged up to 6.3% in October from 6.1% in September, as faster-rising housing, transport and utility costs outweighed a slight easing in food inflation. Cabinet and Delivery: President Hakainde Hichilema has sworn in 24 Cabinet ministers and 10 provincial ministers, urging them to deliver on the Grow Zambia agenda. He singled out rail and transport projects, including the Lobito Corridor and TAZARA, as priorities. Farm Payments: Government plans to release K14.7 billion, mostly in November, to clear outstanding payments to farmers for maize and rice. Workers’ Taxes: The Zambia Congress of Trade Unions wants lower PAYE rates in the 2027 budget to ease pressure on workers; ZIPAR argues rates should not be cut, setting up a debate over household relief and revenue needs. Women in Cabinet: NGOCC says women hold just five of 40 Cabinet and provincial minister posts, or 12.5%, and warns progress on equal representation remains limited.

Cabinet and Government: Hakainde Hichilema swore in 24 ministers and 10 provincial ministers, including Zambia’s first woman mines minister, Brenda Tambatamba. The expanded government structure has drawn criticism from Transparency International Zambia, which says more ministries do not guarantee better services. Economy: An economist warned that plans to borrow K18 billion locally could push up interest rates and squeeze businesses, as unions call for PAYE cuts while ZIPAR argues against them. Justice: The High Court ordered authorities to bring 18 political detainees before judges today, after more than 62 days in custody. Energy and Sport: Government says installed power capacity has risen to 4,722MW from 3,777MW in 2024. CAF has also granted National Heroes Stadium temporary approval to host November international matches, including Zambia’s AFCON qualifier against Burundi.

Cabinet Realignment: Parliament has approved an expansion to 30 ministries, as President Hakainde Hichilema’s newly configured Cabinet takes office. He told ministers public funds are tight and urged them to focus on delivery, while critics question the cost and impact on services. Farm Payments: The Treasury has released K14.7 billion to help clear arrears to farmers who sold maize and rice to the Food Reserve Agency, with most payments expected next month. Trade and Investment: Hichilema urged Swiss businesses to invest beyond copper, backing technology transfer, local processing and job creation. Transport Links: Italy’s Webuild-led consortium has been named preferred bidder for the 517-kilometre Zambian section of the Lobito railway, which is expected to speed mineral exports to Angola’s Atlantic coast. Digital Finance: MTN Group’s fintech chief visited Zambia to discuss digital payments and wider access to financial services. Medicine Safety: A new national tracking system will use security labels to help identify counterfeit drugs and prevent government medicines being diverted for sale.

Government Restructuring: Parliament has approved President Hichilema’s plan to expand government from 24 to 30 ministries, including separate portfolios for electricity and petroleum. Critics question the cost and whether a larger Cabinet will improve services. Trade and Investment: Hichilema urged Swiss businesses to invest alongside Zambian partners and expand beyond copper. Separately, Webuild-led consortium has been named preferred bidder for the 517-kilometre Zambian section of the Lobito Corridor railway, which aims to speed mineral exports to the Atlantic. Farm Payments: The Government says K14.7 billion will go toward paying farmers who supplied maize and rice to the Food Reserve Agency, with most outstanding payments expected next month. Medicine Safety: A national tracking system launches November 2, using security labels to help identify counterfeit drugs and prevent government medicines being diverted for sale. Public Finances: Zambia’s 2027 budget presentation has been postponed to November 6.