AGP Executive Report

Election Logistics & Transparency: The Electoral Commission of Zambia adjusted the arrival schedule for August 13 ballot papers, saying flight changes—not printing issues—caused delays, while NRPUP accused ECZ of secrecy over transport, storage and security of the Dubai shipments. Cost of Living Pressure: With Kwacha stability but prices still high, analysts point to “sticky downward” pricing—goods rise fast when the dollar strengthens, but take months to fall. Agriculture & Food Security: FRA raised 2026 maize and paddy buying prices (maize K347 per 50kg; rice K300 per 40kg) and promised payments within three days, drawing support from farmers’ groups. Mining & Jobs: Government reiterated occupational health and safety focus in mining, as Kansanshi hosted Zambia’s first UCI-accredited national mountain bike championship and miners’ groups pushed back on local content pledges. Politics & Campaign Tensions: Gary Nkombo hit back at President Hichilema’s remarks, while Hichilema urged Southern Province voters to back UPND and avoid a return to “dark days” of violence and looting. Culture & Community: Zambian musician T-Sean mourns his wife Sharai, as Zambia’s music fraternity and fans are urged to keep him in prayers.

HIV & Health: Zambia is feeling the squeeze from PEPFAR disruption, with 1,700 HIV service sites closed globally and Zambia among countries seeing sharper drops in prevention support; officials say treatment supplies are largely intact, but prevention is being rationed as only about 13,000 of expected lenacapavir doses have arrived, forcing limits on PrEP initiations. Elections & Governance: The ECZ says ballot papers for the August 13 polls are ready but the first consignment’s arrival has been pushed to Tuesday, July 28, after air-operator changes; meanwhile, the Tonse Pamodzi Alliance has issued a 24-hour ultimatum to police over alleged political violence. Security & Rights: Amnesty International urges Zambia to drop charges and release ZNBC journalist MacPherson Mukuka, arrested over social media posts involving a private conversation. Agriculture & Food Security: FRA sets maize buying at K347 per 50kg for 2026 and plans 1,749 satellite depots; government also targets expanding irrigation to 500,000 hectares by 2031. Politics: President Hichilema renews calls for peace and unity in Southern Province while also reigniting internal UPND tensions by accusing Gary Nkombo of betrayal during opposition years. Digital & Telecom: Zambia’s Kezias Mwale was elected ATU Secretary-General, and member states adopted the Abuja Declaration pushing cheaper internet, affordable smartphones, and technology-neutral regulation. Environment: Six cheetahs have been reintroduced to Zambia’s Greater Luangwa ecosystem after more than 30 years.

Electoral Process & Transparency: The Electoral Commission of Zambia says ballot papers for the Aug. 13 polls will start arriving from Dubai on Sunday via six daily flights, with stakeholder verification at the ECZ Silverest Warehouse from Monday—while NRPUP says ECZ failed to disclose full information and follow standard procedures on movement, arrival and storage. Election Security & Political Tension: The Tonse Pamodzi Alliance has issued police a 24-hour ultimatum to arrest alleged perpetrators of political violence, as debate over policing failures and opposition vehicle damage in Kitwe continues. Agriculture & Food Prices: FRA set the 2026 maize buying price at K347 per 50kg (and paddy rice at K300 per 40kg), with NASFA calling it profitable for farmers and urging branding Zambia maize as non-GMO; government also plans to expand irrigation to 500,000 hectares by 2031. Energy & Fuel: Government has suspended negotiations with Nigeria’s Dangote refinery over pricing, and opposition claims load shedding is returning in Luanshya. Digital Connectivity: African states adopted the Abuja Declaration on Meaningful Connectivity, pushing cheaper internet and smartphones and technology-neutral regulation; Zambia’s Kezias Mwale was elected ATU Secretary-General. Sports (WAFCON): WAFCON 2026 begins in Morocco with Super Falcons in Rabat, while Zambia’s women’s team faces Egypt in the opening phase and the tournament is set for live broadcast on SuperSport.

UPND Internal Tensions: President Hakainde Hichilema says his long-running rift with Gary Nkombo began during UPND’s opposition years, accusing Nkombo of “drinking with the enemy” while supporters suffered. Election Security Pressure: The Tonse Pamodzi Alliance has issued police a 24-hour ultimatum to arrest alleged “sponsored cadres” behind political violence ahead of the 13 August polls. Ballot Papers Update: ECZ says printing of 35 million ballot papers is complete, with the first consignment expected to land in Lusaka on Sunday from Dubai, followed by stakeholder verification. Food & Farming: FRA set the 2026 maize buying price at K347 per 50kg bag and plans 1,749 satellite depots; government also targets expanding irrigation to 500,000 hectares by 2031. Mining Regulation: Zambia launches guidelines for mine closure plans to strengthen rehabilitation and investor confidence. Digital Connectivity: ATU members adopt the Abuja Declaration pushing cheaper internet and smartphones, technology-neutral rules, and stronger cybersecurity. Sports (WAFCON): WAFCON 2026 begins in Morocco with all 34 matches live on SuperSport; Zambia’s Copper Queens and other teams chase World Cup qualification. Regional Trade Risk: Reports claim South African authorities or groups confronted a Zambian logistics firm in Johannesburg, raising concerns over intimidation and rule of law.

WAFCON 2026 Kick-off: The Women’s Africa Cup of Nations starts in Morocco on Sunday (26 July–16 August), with Nigeria defending their title and Zambia among the teams to watch as global broadcasters line up coverage. Southern Province Campaign: President Hakainde Hichilema told voters in Choma and across Southern Province to reject “plunderers,” pledging faster farmer payments (maize depots within three days) and more roads, schools, health facilities and an international airport. Election Logistics: Zambia’s ballot papers are set to arrive in Lusaka on 26 July from Dubai, with verification starting 27 July at the ECZ Silverest Warehouse and party/civil society/media observers invited. Political Tensions: The ECZ warns violence could scare voters, while NRPUP condemns an attack on Mundubile’s campaign team at Shelburne Hotel. Cross-border Trade Pressure: South Africa’s crackdown on illegal immigration is disrupting cross-border transport, with the DRC route hardest hit and foreign drivers seeking relief. Safety & Industry: Tanzania’s GCLA is tightening hazardous chemical safety after sulphur-related accidents, while Zambia’s Government consults on a Postal and Courier Services Bill to modernise regulation for e-commerce.

Election Logistics: The ECZ says the first batch of ballot papers for Zambia’s 13 August 2026 general election will arrive in Lusaka on Sunday from Dubai, landing at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport at 12:15pm, with six chartered flights scheduled daily from 26–31 July and verification starting Monday 27 July at 10:00am at the ECZ Silverest Warehouse, with parties, civil society, faith groups and media invited to observe. Campaign & Governance: President Hakainde Hichilema wrapped up day two of his Southern Province tour, urging voters to “keep Zambia moving forward” with pledges on roads, schools, jobs and peace, while also criticising alleged misuse of funds for the Itezhi Tezhi–Mongu road. Electoral Integrity: The ECZ warned that political violence could scare voters away and undermine confidence, saying campaigns may be suspended in areas where violence occurs, and also pushed inclusive participation for persons with disabilities. Accountability Push: SANAC challenged NRPUP presidential candidate Brian Mundubile to account publicly for alleged K1.5 billion road contracts tied to companies he has an interest in. Food Security: The Food Reserve Agency raised the 2026 maize buying price to K347 per 50kg and says farmers will be paid within three days using digital payments, provided moisture is 12.5% or below. Sports & Society: Zambia’s Copper Queens have arrived in Morocco ahead of WAFCON, while ECES and the City of Lusaka plan a democracy football tournament to promote peaceful voting and civic education.

Fuel Supply & Debt Relief: Government says it has completed Zambia’s largest Lusaka fuel depot (102,000 cubic metres) and urges calm despite Middle East tensions, adding diesel and petrol stocks cover about 24 and 17 days respectively; it also reports fuel import debt cut from over US$900m in 2022 to about US$210m as of July 2026. Food Security: The FRA is set to announce 2026 crop purchase prices today, with officials saying delays were due to high grain moisture levels and that buying will start once moisture drops to 12.5% or below. Election & Media Integrity: Government urges the EU election observers to help curb election disinformation from Zambians abroad, while ECES and the City of Lusaka plan a democracy tournament to promote peaceful participation and civic education. Politics in the Spotlight: A court is expected to deliver judgment on PF faction secretary general Raphael Nakacinda’s sedition case, and NRPUP candidate Brian Mundubile vows to declare assets annually if elected. Sports & National Pride: Zambia’s Copper Queens have arrived in Morocco for WAFCON preparations, drawn in Group C with Egypt, Nigeria and Malawi. Conservation: South Africa has relocated six cheetahs to Zambia’s Greater Luangwa ecosystem as part of a long-term reintroduction plan.

Election Countdown & ECZ Scrutiny: Zambia’s August 13 polls stay in focus as ECZ figures are questioned over nomination gaps, including an unexplained missing constituency and mismatches in uncontested seats. Campaign Tensions in Southern Province: President Hichilema continues rallies across Southern Province, urging voters to protect “gains” and warning against opposition “plunderers,” while independent candidate Gary Nkombo rejects allegations linking him to Brian Mundubile and calls on supporters to stay focused. Cholera Preparedness: Zambia launched a WHO-supported Cholera Community Protection Game pilot to boost community surveillance, early detection, and coordination for faster outbreak response. Agriculture Digital Push: Government rolled out the Mulimi360 e-extension platform to modernise extension services and improve farmers’ access to timely information. Infrastructure & Development Messaging: Hichilema’s Lusaka–Ndola dual carriageway progress updates and Chikankata campaign pledges keep development promises front and centre. Regional Watch: SADC election observers are set to monitor Zambia’s vote, adding another layer of international attention.

Election Watch: SADC has announced it will deploy an Electoral Observation Mission to Zambia for the 13 August polls, with a secretariat support team arriving 27 July, observer training running 1–4 August, and a formal launch set for 6 August in Lusaka. Campaign Politics: NRPUP presidential hopeful Brian Mundubile hit back at President Hakainde Hichilema’s “government of thieves” line, accusing UPND insiders of looting through a ZNS-linked company and also facing criticism from Socialist Party leader Fred M’membe over Mundubile’s past PF-era record. Democracy Signals: EU observers say Zambia’s campaign environment shows growing political plurality, with hopes for violence-free, transparent polls and disputes handled through dialogue and the rule of law. Courts & Security: Former ZSIS boss Xavier Chungu has been committed to the High Court for trial under the State Security Act. Infrastructure & Industry: Hichilema inspected progress on the Lusaka–Ndola dual carriageway and said Zambia has started exporting Chisamba-made electric cables and batteries to eight SADC countries. Health Workforce: ZUNMO urged the government to prioritise nurses and midwives in recruitment, warning of gaps in frontline staffing. Agriculture: Shire Valley farmers in Malawi’s neighbouring region?—No, Zambia’s Shire Valley coverage points to irrigation needs as climate shocks threaten reliable harvests.

Election Politics & Opposition Fallout: State House says opposition parties are recycling UPND programmes instead of offering fresh policy ideas, while NRPUP presidential hopeful Brian Mundubile faces more internal friction as businessman Shadreck Kasanda refuses to endorse him and other opposition voices trade barbs. Mining, Democracy & Tax Scrutiny: Global Witness’ report on First Quantum Minerals’ influence in Zambia is drawing fresh attention, with Dr Grieve Chelwa urging readers to examine claims of major tax concessions and “state capture” concerns. Infrastructure & Jobs: President Hichilema inspects the Lusaka–Ndola Dual Carriageway, stressing PPP financing that avoids Treasury pressure, and the drive is drawing crowds as works continue. Health & Social Services: Government says it will launch a National Health Card to cut healthcare inequality, while UNZA confirms a fire affected only two rooms at October Hostel and TB services expand with mobile screening trucks. Food Security & Education: THP-Z launches an additional food security project in Sinda, and TIEEZ reports 70,000+ learners benefiting across provinces. Sports & Regional Interest: CAF announces a big WAFCON prize boost, and Zambia’s bonds story points to investor optimism ahead of the August 13 vote.

WAFCON 2026: The delayed 14th Women Africa Cup of Nations finally kicks off in Morocco on Sunday, 26 July, with Algeria vs Senegal in Rabat, and the tournament now runs to 16 August, doubling as a qualifier for the 2027 Women’s World Cup. Super Falcons camp: Nigeria’s squad in Casablanca has grown to 23 after Folashade Ijamilusi arrived from China, while Deborah Abiodun and Gift Monday were held up by a cancelled US flight and are expected to join after new tickets. Energy: President Hakainde Hichilema commissioned the 100MW Chisamba Phase Two solar plant, saying it is driving down load shedding through planning and implementation, not election timing. Elections and security: Copperbelt Permanent Secretary Lawrence Mwanza says Yuyi remains Copperbelt police commissioner and warns against roadshows in dense residential areas as authorities monitor for violence ahead of 13 August. Politics: Socialist Party leader Fred M’membe attacks NRPUP’s Brian Mundubile, while Hichilema tells rallies in Chisamba not to trust “crooks” with Zambia’s money. Health: Ahead of AIDS 2026, reports say PEPFAR disruptions led to 1,700 HIV service sites closing and about 77,000 fewer children receiving treatment in 2025. Democracy concerns: CHAPTER One Foundation flags that unopposed candidates raise democratic worries, after ECZ reported several mayoral, parliamentary and local government seats without contests.

Election Watch: The ECZ says it has started issuing 2026 General Election accreditation cards from 22 July at Mulungushi International Conference Centre, with physical accreditation at district offices from 25 July, while ballot printing in Dubai shows presidential papers for 9.1 million already done and remaining parliamentary seats still being processed. Campaign Politics: In Kapiri Mposhi, Professor Namukolo Miyanda reports the town has rejected the UPND and backed Brian Mundubile and Makebi Zulu, while Gary Nkombo dismisses claims linking his dismissal to presidential ambitions and alleges “some sins are bigger than others” inside UPND. Energy & Jobs: President Hichilema commissions Chisamba Solar Phase II (100MW), taking capacity to 200MW, citing local jobs and a broader push for a diversified power mix. Health Security: Zambia and neighbours step up Ebola preparedness as DR Congo reports rising deaths and cases; Zambia says screening and infection control measures are reinforced. Sports & Society: Zambia is among contenders for WAFCON 2026 in Morocco, as Super Falcons camp numbers rise with key arrivals. Media Freedom: CPJ urges release of ZNBC journalist MacPherson Mukuka detained over a secret audio recording ahead of the August 13 polls.

Elections Update: The ECZ says 86% of ballot papers for Zambia’s August 13 polls are printed and packaged, with the first airlift to Lusaka set for July 26; all 9.1 million presidential ballots are done, while printing for some National Assembly seats is still outstanding. Journalism Under Pressure: The Committee to Protect Journalists urges Zambian authorities to release ZNBC journalist MacPherson Mukuka, detained since July 17 over an alleged cyber law breach linked to a secret audio recording ahead of the election. Campaign Tensions: NRPUP presidential candidate Brian Mundubile says political violence is rising and challenges President Hakainde Hichilema to publicly condemn “pangas, guns and violence,” while other campaign voices trade barbs over issues like UNZA closures and meal allowances. Football Investment: Konkola Copper Mines pledges ZMW93 million (US$5m) over five years to FAZ, backing both men’s and women’s football and taking title sponsorship of the KCM FAZ Cup. Health Focus: Zambia launches its third polio vaccination campaign targeting children under five, alongside new cold-chain support and solar power for the vaccine store. Regional Trade & Transport: Tanzania’s Kigoma is being positioned as a logistics gateway with the Tabora–Kigoma SGR and new Lake Tanganyika cargo vessels, linking trade routes that include Zambia.

Judicial & Peace Push: Zambia’s traditional leaders in Lunte District urged politicians to campaign peacefully and avoid character attacks, as Vice President Mutale Nalumango pledged continued government support for development. Elections & Violence Concerns: Opposition leader Brian Mundubile demanded President Hichilema publicly condemn political violence, after claims that five people have died in recent incidents. Campaign Friction: A widely shared video alleges an unidentified officer removed Hichilema campaign posters; police have yet to confirm details. Health: Zambia launched its third polio vaccination drive for under-fives, with WHO support, plus new solar power and a refrigerated vaccine truck to strengthen immunisation logistics. Labour & Education: Unions welcomed Hichilema’s plan to employ volunteer workers, while ZNUT and ZUNMO pushed for fair, first-in-first-out recruitment. Media Freedom: The Committee to Protect Journalists called for the immediate release of ZNBC journalist MacPherson Mukuka, detained under cyber laws over an alleged audio leak ahead of the August 13 polls. Sports: Temwa Chawinga has joined Malawi Scorchers for WAfCON 2026 in Morocco, with Zambia’s Copper Queens stars also in the squad. Church & Youth: AMECEA bishops in Eastern Africa made young people their top pastoral priority for the next four years, with calls for “bridges of communion” and good governance.

Elections & Governance: The Electoral Commission of Zambia says 9.1 million presidential ballot papers are printed, with 68% of all ballots (23.97 million) already produced, and shipping from Dubai set to begin on 26 July ahead of the 13 August polls. Politics & Campaigns: NRPUP presidential candidate Brian Mundubile told a Katuba crowd he and running mate Makebi Zulu are “ready to govern” and promised fertilizer, free quality education and university bursaries, while critics continue to trade barbs over campaign conduct and messaging. Public Health: With Ebola surging in DR Congo, neighbouring countries including Zambia have stepped up border screening, activated emergency response centres and reinforced infection prevention, even as Zambia reports no confirmed cases. Infrastructure & Jobs: Work is gathering pace on Tazara’s $1.4billion revitalisation, including training and operations control centres in Dar es Salaam, as Zambia also pushes development pledges in Luapula and beyond. Economy & Food Security: An opinion piece weighs Zambia’s maize marketing season choices as FRA delays announcing purchase prices due to grain moisture, raising questions on balancing farmer welfare and institutional sustainability. Sports: As WAFCON approaches, Zambia’s Copper Queens stars Barbra Banda and Temwa Chawinga are highlighted as key players to watch.

State Funeral for Dr Guy Scott: Vice President Mutale Nalumango visited the widow and family of late former Vice President Dr Guy Scott at Belvedere Lodge as Zambia continues mourning; a State Funeral is set for July 20 at the Anglican Cathedral of the Holy Cross, with burial at Leopards Hill Memorial Park. Elections Update: The Electoral Commission of Zambia says 9.1 million presidential ballot papers are printed, with 68% of all ballots (23,970,600) already produced; shipping from Dubai is expected to start July 26. Campaign Trail in Luapula: President Hakainde Hichilema pledged a university and the upgrade of Mansa Airport to international status, while also directing that volunteer health and education workers who attended his Mwense rally be considered for government recruitment. Local Development Promises: Hichilema told Lunga residents bridges will be built to connect island communities, and he promised a district hospital and boarding school. UNZA Students Return: Students are resuming at UNZA after ZNS rehabilitation of hostels and the main sewer system, with remaining students expected back by August 1. Political Tensions: NRPUP denounced a circulating video it says is propaganda, while Mundubile condemned police actions during a campaign blockade in Kalingalinga, which the government says involved only tear gas. Regional Culture & Sports: Zimbabwe’s Hurungwe Arts Festival marks its 10th anniversary with a regional line-up, and Zimbabwe hosted southern Africa’s best table tennis teams after a 31-year wait.