AGP Executive Report

Infrastructure & Trade: President Hakainde Hichilema inspected the Lusaka–Ndola dual carriageway and said the project is on track, while also announcing exports of electric cables and batteries from the Chisamba Multi-Facility Economic Zone to eight SADC countries. Agriculture Digitisation: Government is modernising extension services with the Mulimi360 e-extension platform to give farmers timely information, supported by EU-backed programmes. Health Access: WHO and Zambia’s Ministry of Health are preparing a nationwide survey to assess affordability and access to neurological and mental health medicines and services across six provinces. Energy Markets: SADC called for more investment in energy infrastructure as the region lags on electrification, highlighting interconnector projects meant to boost cross-border power trade. Business & Finance: The Constitutional Court dismissed a challenge over Zambia-US health aid arrangements after negotiations stalled, while EAZ warned that manufacturers are slow to pass on kwacha gains to consumers. Elections & Governance: SADC announced an electoral observer mission for Zambia’s August 13 polls, as rights groups continue to condemn the detention of a ZNBC journalist under cyber laws. Mining & Politics: First Quantum rejected Global Witness claims of covert political funding influence in Zambia, denying wrongdoing.

Lusaka–Ndola Dual Carriageway: President Hakainde Hichilema inspected the US$650m upgrade, saying works are on track and will cut accidents and congestion, while also directing a lay-by for traders and promising further road upgrades. Industrial Exports: Hichilema said Zambia has started exporting electric cables and batteries from the Chisamba Multi-Facility Economic Zone to eight SADC countries, alongside plans for a market and health facility at John Chinena. ConCourt Ruling: Zambia’s Constitutional Court dismissed a challenge over the Zambia–US health aid MoU and compact, ruling negotiations had stalled and no concluded agreements required parliamentary approval. Gold Sector Formalisation: ZCCM-IH says it is discussing gold trading centres with the Ministry of Mines to help formalise small-scale mining, including training and licensing cooperatives. Mining & Governance Scrutiny: Global Witness allegations about FQM’s influence and tax concessions since 2022 drew fresh calls for Zambians to read the report and question state capture risks. Bonds & Investor Sentiment: Citigroup reports Zambia’s kwacha bonds have delivered strong returns and expects renewed foreign interest after the 13 August elections. Critical Minerals Warning: The WTO and UN warned that surging demand for minerals like lithium and rare earths is fueling conflict and poverty, risking low-value lock-in for resource-rich countries. Food Security Push: The Hunger Project–Zambia launched an additional K5.8m Food Second Project in Sinda to support 530 farmers with inputs and water-linked gains. Migration Crackdown: ZRA intercepted seven Somali nationals hidden under bags of rice near Kapiri Mposhi, handing the driver and migrants to immigration for profiling.

Sports Finance: CAF has boosted WAFCON 2026 prize money to a record $5.8m, with winners taking $2m—up from $1m—plus higher payouts for runners-up, third place and participation funding for all 16 teams. Conservation & Tourism: South Africa has relocated six cheetahs to Zambia’s Luangwa ecosystem after nearly 30 years absent, with satellite tracking and a predator-proof sanctuary to support a long-term reintroduction. Food Security: Government and The Hunger Project–Zambia launched a K5.8m “Food Second Project” in Sinda, targeting 530 farmers with inputs and support over two years, building on earlier water schemes. Mining & Markets: ZCCM-IH says it is discussing gold trading markets with the Ministry of Mines to help formalise small-scale mining, improve transparency and market access for cooperatives. Investment Promotion: Zambia’s ZDA says its Zambia Investment Deal Room has attracted 202 investors and 187 projects under review, linking investors with 28 fund providers across priority sectors. Energy & Infrastructure: President Hichilema inspected progress on the Lusaka–Kabwe dual carriageway, a USD650m project aimed at cutting travel time, accidents and operating costs. Energy Sector: Hichilema also commissioned Phase II of a 100MW solar plant in Chisamba, bringing the site to 200MW and citing private investment as proof of energy reforms. Football Sponsorship: Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) signed a ZMW93m, five-year sponsorship with FAZ to support men’s and women’s football, including the KCM FAZ Cup. Policy & Politics: State House accused opposition parties of recycling existing government programmes instead of offering original policy ideas ahead of the August 13 elections. Cyber & Media: CPJ urged Zambia to release detained ZNBC journalist MacPherson Mukuka, saying the case under the Cyber Crimes Act risks criminalising journalism ahead of elections. Migration Enforcement: ZRA intercepted seven Somali nationals hidden under bags of rice in Kapiri Mposhi and detained the driver for immigration profiling and investigations.

Energy Expansion: President Hakainde Hichilema has commissioned Chisamba Phase II, a 100MW solar plant that doubles the site’s capacity to 200MW, saying it will cut load shedding through more generation and support industrial growth toward the 10,000MW target. Election Logistics: The Electoral Commission of Zambia says Al Ghurair in Dubai has completed about 86% of ballot paper printing, with presidential ballots fully printed and only 14% outstanding, while 189 seats are unopposed, reducing total ballot volumes. Regional Trade & Industry: SADC is pushing leather value-chain transformation, with member states including Zambia aligning national leather plans to a regional framework aimed at boosting value addition and jobs. Business & Digital Readiness: Businesses are being urged to upgrade for the digital tax era, as Zambia is cited among countries moving toward more digital transaction visibility. HIV Funding Pressure: Ahead of AIDS 2026, studies highlight how disruptions to PEPFAR support are cutting HIV treatment access, raising concerns for children on therapy. Food Security Watch: A UN report says global hunger fell for a third straight year, but climate and trade risks could slow progress, with Africa still carrying the largest undernourished population.

Energy & Power: President Hakainde Hichilema has commissioned Chisamba Solar Phase II, adding 100MW to take the plant to 200MW, with ZESCO citing about 1,480 local jobs during construction and government pushing a diversified power mix to support mining, manufacturing and growth. Elections & Governance: The ECZ says ballot paper printing in Dubai is progressing, with presidential ballots (9.1m) completed and major portions of ward, council and parliamentary papers already printed, while it also reports a rise in unopposed seats ahead of the 13 August polls. Business & Capital Markets: FMDQ has approved listing of Paras Energy Funding SPV’s N15bn, 5-year 18% Series 1 fixed-rate bond, signalling continued debt financing activity in the power sector. Mining & Investment: Prospect Resources reports new thick, high-grade copper intercepts at Nyungu Central, extending mineralisation beyond its current resource boundary, while Tertiary Minerals says drilling at Mushima North confirms a higher-grade copper zone continuation. Sports Sponsorship: Konkola Copper Mines pledges ZMW93m over five years to FAZ, becoming official partner and title sponsor of the KCM FAZ Cup, expanding support to men’s and women’s football. Policy & Skills: A new push highlights Zambia’s skills gap and the need to prepare young people for the labour market as the country’s youth bulge approaches working age. Media Freedom: The Committee to Protect Journalists urges Zambia to release ZNBC journalist MacPherson Mukuka after detention over an alleged cyber law offence linked to a secret audio recording.

Fuel & Inflation Watch: Zambia braces for a fuel price hike as crude tops $90 amid Middle East escalation, with authorities insisting TAZAMA has sufficient stocks and urging motorists to avoid panic buying. Copper Exploration: Prospect Resources reports wide, high-grade copper intercepts at Nyungu Central, extending mineralisation beyond its resource estimate—another signal for Zambia’s copper growth story. Renewables Power Push: Copperbelt Energy Corporation (CEC) highlights progress toward Zambia’s 10,000MW target, keeping renewable generation and grid expansion in focus for investors. Elections & Governance: Opposition and civil society are in the spotlight over campaign and media issues, including the detention of ZNBC journalist MacPherson Mukuka under cyber laws, drawing condemnation from press freedom groups. Regional Trade & Infrastructure: TAZARA revitalisation moves into construction with a new training centre and operations control centre in Dar es Salaam, aimed at safer, faster and more reliable freight services. Business & Media Expansion: eMedia launches Openview Stream, a free ad-supported streaming platform rolling out across Zambia and other markets, signalling continued growth in Africa’s digital entertainment economy. Sports Administration: Zambia’s National Sports Council says the Zambia Hockey Association did not formally request funding for U18 teams, after ZHA said it failed to raise the required K590,148.

Anti-Corruption Push: Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe reaffirmed cross-border cooperation to scale integrity and fight corruption during African Anti-Corruption Day in Victoria Falls. Global AI Governance: Indonesia joined 28 countries as a founding member of WAICO, aiming to shape international AI rules and capacity-building under a UN-linked framework. Trade Deals: UAE says it has concluded 37 Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs), with 18 already in force, and negotiations ongoing with about 20 more countries including Zambia. Regional Infrastructure: Tanzania and Egypt signed MoUs on transport and electricity/renewables, targeting logistics links that could boost trade for landlocked neighbours including Zambia. Energy & Industry: Zambia’s fuel outlook is in focus as crude tops $90 amid Middle East escalation, while CEC highlights progress toward the 10,000MW renewable target. Politics & Unity: Brian Mundubile renewed attacks on President Hichilema, alleging division, as Hichilema urged Zambians to honour late Dr Guy Scott by rejecting division. Media & Rights: Zambian Civil Liberties groups condemned the arrest and detention of a ZNBC journalist under cyber laws. Business & Finance: CSCS in Nigeria declared its first interim dividend, while Access Bank celebrated 16 Euromoney Awards for excellence. Sports Governance: Maziko Phiri re-elected ZBF president as the federation reports a deficit and revenue drop.

Banking Accolades: Access Bank says it has won 16 Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2026, spanning customer experience, digital banking, SME finance and corporate responsibility across several African markets. Energy & Renewables: Zimbabwe’s Kariba Floating Solar Project (600MW) is nearing financial closure for its first phase, with a second proposal still undergoing environmental impact assessments. Zambia Politics & Governance: President Hakainde Hichilema says plans for a university and upgrading Mansa Airport to international status are “all set,” while also pledging jobs, roads and business opportunities in Luapula. Election Integrity Debate: A Global Witness report is expected to raise questions about mining-sector allegations and election timing, with critics warning about credibility and political intent. Media & Cyber Law: Police in Lusaka detained ZNBC journalist MacPherson Mukuka over alleged recording and publishing of a private conversation under Zambia’s Cyber Crimes Act. Regional Infrastructure: Tanzania, Zambia and China broke ground on a new TAZARA Training Centre and Operations Control Centre to strengthen rail operations and skills.

AI & Digital Policy: Zambia has signed on as a founding member of China-led WAICO, aiming to boost global AI cooperation and help close the digital divide, building on the country’s National AI Strategy. Copper & Inputs Risk: The IEA warns Zambia’s wider copper transition faces a near-term squeeze as a sulphuric acid shortage worsens, threatening refined copper output and supply outlooks. Energy & Infrastructure: TAZARA revitalisation continues with new training and operations control centres in Tanzania, while regional power leaders are set to discuss grid modernisation and transmission integration at Power Africa Today. Solar & Power Projects: Government has signed contracts for nationwide 2MW constituency solar plants and a 312MW constituency solar programme, pushing rural electrification and local jobs. Tax & Finance Oversight: Zambia’s election-related legal process is in focus as ECZ awaits Constitutional Court guidance on running-mate withdrawals after ballot printing, with printing at 68%. Governance & Media: A ZNBC journalist was detained in Lusaka over alleged cyber offences tied to publishing a secret audio recording, raising questions on media freedom and privacy. Poverty Pressure: Archbishop Alick Banda says Zambians are “growing poorer” amid rising poverty and shrinking freedoms, echoing broader cost-of-living concerns.

AI & Governance: Zambia has joined the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO) as a founding member, signing in Shanghai to push safer, fairer AI and help narrow the Global South’s AI gap. Elections & Electoral Process: The Electoral Commission of Zambia says it is awaiting Constitutional Court guidance after two presidential running mates withdrew after ballot papers were printed, with printing at 68% completion. Poverty & Cost of Living: Archbishop Alick Banda warns Zambians are “growing poorer” as rising poverty deepens hardship. Power & Infrastructure: Zambia signed contracts for a 312MW constituency solar programme, expected to create about 15,600 jobs and feed power directly into the ZESCO grid. Regional Trade & Transport: TAZARA revitalisation gained momentum with groundbreaking of a training centre and operations control centre in Dar es Salaam, aimed at boosting trade and industrialisation along the corridor. Banking & Finance: Access Bank won 16 Euromoney Awards for Excellence, highlighting strength in digital banking, SME finance and sustainable finance. Copper Outlook: The IEA warns copper supply risks have worsened near term, linked to a sulphuric acid crunch. Agriculture Tech: FAO launched CropSuit, a free app helping farmers choose the right crops for local conditions.

AI Governance Push: Zambia has joined the newly formed World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO) as a founding member, signing in Shanghai on 16 July to help shape “safe, fair and inclusive” AI and narrow the AI gap for developing countries. Election Process Watch: The Electoral Commission of Zambia says it is awaiting Constitutional Court guidance after two presidential running mates withdrew following ballot printing; ECZ reports printing is 68% complete with 23.9m of 36.47m ballots done. Poverty and Cost-of-Living: Catholic Archbishop Alick Banda warns Zambians are “growing poorer” as economic hardship deepens and freedoms diminish. Copper Supply Risk: The IEA flags a worsening near-term copper outlook, pointing to a sulphuric acid shortage that threatens refined copper production. Power and Jobs: Zambia signed contracts for a 312MW constituency solar programme, expected to create about 15,600 construction jobs and feed power into the ZESCO grid. Digital Payments Upgrade: The Bankers Association of Zambia says the country has moved to a real-time digital payments system, with cheques set to be phased out. Business Skills: 1xBet Business School promotes practical steps for would-be entrepreneurs, starting from identifying real customer problems. Banking Recognition: Access Bank wins 16 Euromoney Awards, including SME and digital banking honours across several African markets.

Zambia’s solar push: Government has signed contracts for a 312MW constituency solar programme, with projects expected to be completed within 12 months and create about 15,600 jobs, feeding power directly into the ZESCO grid to ease the country’s power deficit. Digital payments upgrade: The Bankers Association of Zambia says the payment system has moved to real-time digital transfers, with cheques to be phased out after a smooth transition by the 30 June deadline. Capital markets watch: FMDQ Exchange reports June secondary market turnover fell 34.07% month-on-month to N45.07trn, while FX spot turnover also declined. Election environment: Catholic bishops urge Zambia to keep campaigns and elections peaceful and violence-free ahead of 13 August, as the EU election mission draws a strict separation line after opposition alleges bias. IMF talks: Finance Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane says Zambia wants to conclude a new IMF programme before year-end to attract investment and restart growth. Regional trade & infrastructure: TAZARA revitalisation in Tanzania and Zambia gets a boost with new training and operations control facilities, aimed at unlocking trade and industrial opportunities along the corridor.

Solar Power Push: Zambia has signed contracts for a 312MW constituency solar programme, with projects expected to be completed within 12 months and create about 15,600 jobs during construction, feeding power directly into the ZESCO grid. Digital Payments Upgrade: The Bankers Association of Zambia says the country has moved to a real-time digital payments system, with cheques set to be phased out after a smooth transition led by the Office of the Accountant General. Elections, Peace and Scrutiny: Catholic bishops urge violence-free campaigns ahead of the 13 August polls, while the EU says it will investigate reports of candidate withdrawals and concerns about democratic participation. IMF Pathway: Finance Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane says Zambia aims to agree a new IMF programme before year-end to attract investment and create jobs, while avoiding a return to bond markets too soon. Critical Minerals and Trade Corridors: The Lobito Corridor is gaining momentum as a US-backed alternative route for copper and cobalt, intensifying competition with China and linking Angola, DRC and Zambia. Poverty and Cost of Living: Archbishop Alick Banda warns poverty is rising amid economic hardship, as inflation news across the region points to easing food prices but persistent pressure on non-food costs. Health and Jobs Beyond Politics: Zambia’s Mpulungu is being positioned for trade, investment and tourism growth, with government promising more opportunities if voters back the UPND.

IMF Talks: Zambia’s finance minister Situmbeko Musokotwane says Lusaka hopes to agree a new IMF programme by year-end to unlock investment and jobs after the last deal ended in January. Sovereign Wealth/Mining Finance: Zambia’s delegation visited Ghana’s Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF) to study how a sovereign minerals fund can manage mineral wealth and support industrialisation. Critical Minerals: New global warnings highlight how China’s rare earth export controls could disrupt supply chains worth about $6.5trn, intensifying the push for mineral sovereignty and alternative processing routes. Energy Infrastructure: Trafigura has reportedly backed out of an Angola–DRC–Zambia 2,000MW transmission line project, leaving power plans for critical mines uncertain. Digital TV Expansion: eMedia launched Openview Stream, a free ad-supported FAST streaming service rolling out first in Zambia and several other countries. Agribusiness & Policy: Government unveiled a National Tobacco Strategy aimed at stabilising the sector and improving livelihoods as production rises. Elections & Business Climate: In Lusaka, police fired tear gas at opposition presidential candidate Brian Mundubile and running mate Makebi Zulu during a roadshow, underscoring heightened political tension ahead of 13 August. Health Systems: CIDRZ joined efforts to prepare for next-generation TB vaccines, with WHO-led planning for potential rollout in high-burden countries including Zambia. Tourism Investment: A World Bank-backed GREAT-TDP project in Zambia is targeting nature-based tourism businesses and infrastructure upgrades across provinces.

Sovereign wealth push: Zambia’s Ministry of Finance delegation visited Ghana’s Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF) to study how to manage mineral wealth through a dedicated sovereign minerals investment fund, as Lusaka explores its own blueprint for long-term value and industrialisation. Energy & industry: UNIDO says Africa’s industrialisation hinges on reliable, affordable power and urges aggregating industrial energy demand to attract investment in renewable systems and local supply chains. Banking & recovery: Bank of Zambia says Investrust Bank liquidation is being handled under the law, with no preferential payouts to creditors or former employees while recoveries are maximised. Elections & governance: Police tried to block a Mundubile/Makebi roadshow in Kabwata but later allowed it to proceed; meanwhile, ECZ praised transparency during ballot printing in Dubai with broader stakeholder observation. Agriculture resilience: Malawi’s Water & Soil Accelerator programme highlights climate-smart soil and water practices to stabilise yields under harsher conditions, with lessons relevant to Zambia’s smallholder farmers. Health & vaccines: Gates Medical Research Institute and Serum Institute of India signed to manufacture the M72/AS01E TB vaccine candidate, targeting scalable supply if approved. Rural finance: Government and IFAD launched a US$49.9m project to expand financial services for rural producers, aiming to reach over 300,000 producers and about 1.8m rural people. Trade & logistics: South Africa’s road freight bodies signed an MoU to cut customs delays and border inefficiencies, targeting lower cross-border supply chain costs. Regional infrastructure: Namibia’s Cabinet approved a headquarters agreement for the Walvis Bay–Ndola–Lubumbashi corridor management committee to strengthen access to the port for Zambia and DRC. Politics, risk & scrutiny: A commentary argues Zambia should audit presidential candidates before elections to protect the treasury and reduce hidden-network risks. Leadership loss: Zambia’s former vice president Guy Scott died at 82; Hichilema has granted him a state funeral.

School Feeding Partnership: Zambia’s Ministry of Education and Food4Education have signed an MoU to strengthen the national school feeding system, currently reaching 4.6 million children in 8,193 schools, with plans to scale to 5.6 million by end-2026, focusing on policy, programme design, data and digital innovation, and financing. Muchinga Development Push: President Hakainde Hichilema toured Nakonde, Mafinga, Isoka and Chinsali, promising airport-driven investment and jobs at Mwenzo, feeder road upgrades via higher CDF allocations, more FISP beneficiaries and timely Food Reserve Agency payments, plus water and communications improvements. Mining & Tax Confidence: Zambia’s mining tax reforms are credited with rebuilding investor confidence, while the Zambia Revenue Authority says domestic revenue’s share of the budget has risen from 49.6% (2021) to a projected 73.1% (2026) through tax reforms and modernised systems. Energy Investment: Navitas Planet secured a $20m EPC contract for a 54MW solar project in Serenje, expected to run in 7–8 months, as Zambia expands solar to diversify power beyond hydropower. Regional Trade & Connectivity: Zambia, China and Tanzania reaffirmed commitment to revitalise TAZARA at its 50th anniversary, with renewed focus on regional connectivity. National Loss: Former Vice-President Guy Scott died at 82; he served as acting president in 2014–2015 and received a state funeral.