AGP Executive Report

Digital Identity & Security: Altron Security completes Zambia’s national public key infrastructure milestone, laying groundwork for digital identity, e-signatures and secure online government services. Tax Administration: ZRA starts a nationwide Cost of Tax Compliance Survey (Sept 7–Oct 31) to measure the time, money and effort businesses spend meeting tax obligations, with a view to simplifying processes. Education Performance: Zambia posts gains in OECD’s PISA results, with officials citing improved reading, maths and science outcomes as proof of education reforms. Roads & Infrastructure Delivery: RDA announces an organizational restructuring aimed at faster decisions, better accountability and improved service delivery under the Grow Zambia mission. Women’s Financial Inclusion: Stanbic Bank Zambia and CARE Zambia sign an MoU to connect women entrepreneurs and savings groups to financial education and growth support. Environment Regulation: ZEMA cuts EIA approval fees and speeds up assessment processing under new 2026 regulations. Consumer Safety Recall: NCC flags an Isuzu D-Max brake recall affecting 2,586 vehicles sold in multiple countries including Zambia, urging free inspection and repair. Mining & Finance Pressure: Debt remains a budget constraint despite fiscal improvement, with August releases showing debt service taking a large share. Business & Trade: Zambia’s mining sector policy focus includes local content and faster licensing to attract investment and expand value chain opportunities.

Cabinet & Rural Delivery: Human rights defender Laura Miti urged President Hakainde Hichilema to pick technocrats for the looming cabinet, warning against rewarding political allies and pushing for faster rural basics—graded feeder roads, boreholes within walking distance, and better accommodation for teachers and nurses. Mining Investment & Local Linkages: The Ministry of Mines says it is creating opportunities across the mining value chain, promising stable policy and security of tenure, faster licensing, and stronger local content so small-scale miners and local enterprises benefit. Grow Zambia Focus: Economist Paul Chisunka says the second term must move from stabilisation to inclusive growth with disciplined debt management, investor-friendly policies, credible budgets, and faster VAT refund clearing. MPs & CDF Priorities: Re-elected MPs pledged continued constituency development, with emphasis on roads, health facilities and youth empowerment through CDF projects. Business Costs & Job Creation Debate: Macpherson Mutale argues running a business is too expensive in Zambia, while UPND’s George Mtonga says government regulations and overlapping health inspections may be blocking job creation. Corporate & Consumer News: Zambian Breweries reported a 27% rise in operating profit in H1 2026, and Isuzu recalled over 2,500 D-Max bakkies over a brake pedal pivot pin risk. Safety & Accountability: MUZ condemned recent mining deaths and called for stronger safety enforcement and investigations. Tourism & Media: Zambia’s “Year of Heritage” tourism push and the Zambia Short Film Festival’s local wins highlight culture-led growth, while ZDML managers were urged to strengthen risk management.

Zambia–Rwanda Visa Talks: Lusaka hosted bilateral consultations that put a reciprocal visa exemption deal on track, with officials also discussing Rwanda hosting the 8th Joint Permanent Commission for Cooperation in 2027—aimed at boosting trade, tourism and people-to-people ties. Grow Zambia Agenda & Cabinet: State House says President Hakainde Hichilema will appoint his Cabinet “in his own time” as the country shifts from stabilisation to growth under the Grow Zambia plan. Public Finance Focus: Government released K16.1bn in August for public services, debt service and social programmes, stressing fiscal discipline to protect essential services and enable private investment. Mining & Safety: Police in Chambishi are investigating a fatal accident at Tongguan Mining Company after a 52-year-old miner was struck by rock underground. Power & Renewables: Lunzua Power Company and Valinor Investments broke ground on a $8m, 10MW solar plant in Western Province, targeting about 4,600 homes via the national grid. Education Benchmarking: ECZ says OECD will release Zambia’s PISA 2025 results soon, as the global test flags major drops in reading and maths performance. Regional Trade & Integration: COMESA congratulated Hichilema’s re-election, while Zimbabwe prepares to assume COMESA chairmanship in October. Digital Payments Marketing: airpay launched its “Invisible” campaign across India, the UAE, Tanzania and Zambia, spotlighting seamless payments that work quietly in the background.

Cabinet timing: State House says President Hakainde Hichilema will appoint his second-term Cabinet “in his own time,” as attention turns to the team behind the Grow Zambia Agenda. Parliament starts: Vice President Dr W.K. Mutale Nalumango was sworn in as MP, with 112 MPs taking oaths and the House set to resume full business. Education benchmark: ECZ says OECD will release Zambia’s 2025 PISA results on September 8, marking the country’s first full global benchmarking in the main assessment. Energy growth: Zambia’s cumulative solar PV capacity hit about 841MW by end-July 2026, on track for the 1,000MW target. SME trade push: DHL Express and Absa partner to expand the GoTrade programme across Sub-Saharan Africa, training SMEs and linking them to cross-border finance and logistics. Mining & investment signals: Tertiary Minerals reports more Phase 4 infill drilling results at Mushima North, while US buyers increasingly import Congo copper—highlighting Zambia’s role in COMEX-listed African brands. Local development: Kasama’s ZAPD provincial offices are 99% complete under CDF funding, aimed at improving services and economic empowerment for persons with disabilities. Immigration enforcement: Immigration removed 59 foreign nationals and apprehended 48 in separate operations for inadmissibility and immigration offences. Regional climate risk: Commentary warns Southern Africa’s debt burden could worsen El Niño-driven food insecurity, with calls for earlier resilience financing.

Grow Zambia Agenda & Fiscal Discipline: Government says fiscal discipline remains central as it transitions from stabilisation to stronger growth, releasing K16.1bn in August for public services, debt and social programmes, including K7.6bn for debt service and K4.1bn for the wage bill, while consultations are underway for the 2027–2031 Medium-Term Revenue Strategy. Economic Targets to 2031: An explainer on Hakainde Hichilema’s Grow Zambia outlines ambitious production and export goals—ranging from maize, electricity and copper to tourism and beef exports—framing the second term as turning stability into jobs and household income. Farmer Payments Go Digital: Access Bank Zambia says it has disbursed over K2bn to 113,000+ farmers via a digital platform with the Food Reserve Agency, with payments reaching farmers within 24 hours. Critical Minerals & Mining Drilling: Tertiary Minerals reports expanded silver-copper-zinc mineralisation at Mushima North, while Prospect Resources ramps up a 22,000-metre Zambia drilling push aimed at resource growth and a scoping study later in 2026. Banking & Trade Connectivity: Xinhua reports the RMB is gaining wider use across Africa beyond trade settlement, supported by payment infrastructure and deeper China-Africa economic ties. Corporate Leadership: Champion Breweries confirms Malolan Sampath has assumed office as MD/CEO from 1 September 2026. Governance & Value for Money: An economist argues expanded Parliament and new constituencies must deliver measurable development value through stronger CDF monitoring and minimum development standards.

Leadership & Jobs: Champion Breweries has appointed Malolan Sampath as its new Managing Director/CEO, tasking him with driving the brewer’s next phase of growth and transformation. Digital Payments for Agriculture: Access Bank Zambia says it has disbursed over K2bn to more than 113,000 farmers via its digital platform, with payments reaching farmers within 24 hours to support the 2026 crop marketing season. Electricity Supply: Government and investors are adding more power to Zambia’s grid, with installed generation rising from about 3,100MW in 2021 to 4,576MW in 2026, and solar capacity climbing to about 841MW. Regional Trade & Finance: The US Export-Import Bank has reopened short-term credit and insurance for Zambia’s private sector, while AGOA access is extended through 2028—signals aimed at boosting trade and investment. Transport Safety: Yango Ride reports a 38% drop in reckless driving incidents in Africa and a 49% reduction in Zambia, linking improvements to updated safety and anti-fraud systems. Food Systems & Exports: Zambia’s horticulture sector is urged to scale up rose flower and blueberry production to lift export earnings, alongside calls for more cold-room facilities to meet regional and export standards. Governance & Economy: Commentary continues around President Hakainde Hichilema’s “Grow Zambia” agenda and the expected new Cabinet to triple the economy. Courts & Elections: Post-election disputes are moving into court, with 67 parliamentary petitions filed after the deadline for challenges passed.

US-Zambia Trade Finance: The US EXIM Bank has reopened short-term commercial credit and insurance support for Zambia’s private sector, following an update to its country limits, while AGOA access is extended through 2028—an expected boost for firms importing US equipment and technology. Copper & Smelting Pressure: Global copper mine output fell in the first half of 2026 as smelter treatment charges collapsed toward zero, squeezing both miners and processors and raising supply-chain mismatch concerns. Electricity Supply Push: Zambia’s installed generation capacity rose from about 3,100MW (2021) to 4,576MW (2026), with solar growth a key diversification move as the country targets more capacity by end-2026. Horticulture Export Drive: Government officials toured flower and blueberry production, pointing to higher horticulture exports and jobs, while flagging challenges like taxation and labour casualisation. Business Leadership: Champion Breweries appointed Malolan Sampath as Managing Director/CEO effective 1 September 2026, signalling leadership continuity for the beverage sector. Financial Integrity: Zambia’s FATF/ESAAMLG progress was highlighted as a milestone in tackling money laundering and related crimes. Food Value Chain Infra: The Zambia Fruits and Vegetables Association urged investment in cold-room facilities to cut post-harvest losses and meet export standards. Politics in Courts: Zambia’s post-election disputes continue in court, with 67 parliamentary petitions filed after the presidential challenge window closed.

US-Zambia Trade Boost: The U.S. Export-Import (EXIM) Bank has reopened short-term commercial credit and insurance for Zambia’s private sector, effective July 30, as the AGOA extension through 2028 takes effect—an apparent shift from aid tensions to trade-backed financing. Corporate Leadership: Champion Breweries PLC has appointed Malolan Sampath as Managing Director and CEO, effective 1 September 2026, following a leadership transition. Energy Supply Push: Government and investors say Zambia is adding more power to the national grid, with generation capacity rising from about 3,100MW in 2021 to 4,576MW in 2026, including faster solar growth. Anti-Money Laundering Progress: Zambia’s FATF/ESAAMLG ratings improved, with three areas upgraded—beneficial ownership, financial institutions supervision, and oversight of designated non-financial businesses and professions. Digital Government: The Secretary to the Cabinet has directed ministries and state entities to adopt and use the Smart Office Platform, with progress reporting due by end of October. Agribusiness Infrastructure: The Zambia Fruits and Vegetables Association urges investment in cold-room facilities to cut post-harvest losses and meet export standards. Media Personnel Update: ZNBC says veteran broadcasters Innocent Kalaluka and Franklin Tembo Jnr have retired effective 31 August, describing it as voluntary and compliant with labour rules.

US-linked Financing for Zambia’s Private Sector: Zambia’s ambassador to the US, Dr Chibamba Kanyama, says eligible projects involving American goods, services and partners could access alternative financing and insurance, easing pressure from high local interest rates and collateral demands. Mining Deal-Making in Perth: Zambia’s Africa Down Under showcase in Perth was oversubscribed, with bilateral talks drawing major miners including Fortescue, Teck Resources and BHP, as ZCCM-IH shifts toward active partnership. Anti-Money Laundering Upgrade: Attorney General Mulilo Kabesha says Zambia improved under FATF standards, with three areas upgraded—beneficial ownership, financial institution supervision, and oversight of designated non-financial businesses—moving the country toward compliance on 38 of 40 recommendations. Digital Government Push: Secretary to the Cabinet Patrick Kangwa directed all public institutions to adopt and use the Smart Office Platform, with onboarding progress reports due by end of October. Food Security Assurance: The Food Reserve Agency says it has measures to prevent maize spoilage ahead of expected rainfall, including tents, chemicals, fumigation and satellite depot handling. Public Finance Watch: Zambia’s PAC leadership question returns as debate grows over whether the next chair will keep tightening scrutiny on spending and accountability. Corruption Case: A Mwaka Freight Cargo customs official was jailed two years for offering a K70,000 bribe to secure release of impounded trucks. Business Risk Alert: Commentary flags National Breweries’ weak balance sheet, warning the company may face insolvency concerns under Zambia’s law.

Defamation & Media Law: Hot FM chairman Oscar Chavula has sued photographer Chellah Tukuta for defamation, seeking up to K20 million damages over a Facebook post accusing him of promoting terrorism. Anti-Money Laundering Push: Zambia says it has upgraded key parts of its anti-money laundering framework under FATF standards, moving toward compliance on beneficial ownership and supervision of financial and non-financial institutions. Digital Government: The Secretary to the Cabinet Patrick Kangwa has ordered all government institutions to adopt and use the Smart Office Platform, with progress reporting due by end of October. Corruption Case: A Mwaka Freight Cargo customs official was jailed two years for offering a K70,000 bribe to secure release of impounded trucks. Public Finance Oversight: Commentary asks whether the new PAC chair will return to a tough stance on misuse of public funds. Energy & Finance Partnerships: Sawa Energy and dfcu Bank plan to expand access to affordable clean energy for SMEs via long-term solar financing. Trade & Investment Link: Zambia is listed among 15 countries participating in Sabah International Expo 2026, positioning Zambia for regional trade and investment talks. Food Security: FRA assures maize is protected against spoilage ahead of expected rainfall, citing tents, chemicals, fumigation and depot controls. Road Safety Tech: Yango Ride reports a 38% regional drop in reckless driving, with Zambia down 49%, tied to speed control and safety support. Governance & Rights: The Human Rights Commission urges authorities to charge, grant bond or release at least 84 election-related detainees. Local Infrastructure Vandalism: Mpika officials report vandalism on Kapamba Bridge after iron bars were stolen, raising safety concerns for road users.

Mobile Money Shift: MTN’s fintech summit in Johannesburg turned the spotlight from getting people onto mobile money to whether they actually save and invest—using Ghana’s example where transaction volumes are high but active investing is tiny, while Zambia’s focus is on reliable access and liquidity rather than just more agents. Treason Case Watch: Opposition presidential candidate Brian Mundubile and running mate Makebi Zulu remain detained at Mukobeko as their treason case proceeds after the Kabulonga raid that followed the August 14 security operation. Human Rights Pressure: Zambia’s Human Rights Commission urged police and prosecutors to charge, grant bond, or release at least 84 election-related detainees held without court appearance. Payments & Digital Identity: Paycode appointed Colin Digby as Chief Revenue Officer to scale payments and digital identity solutions across hard-to-reach markets, including Zambia. Trade Support for SMEs: DHL Express and Absa will expand the GoTrade programme across Sub-Saharan Africa, with Zambia among beneficiaries, aiming to help SMEs export through training and finance-logistics tools. Regional Fuel Security: Zimbabwe and Mozambique’s Beira-Feruka pipeline upgrade is set to raise pumping capacity to five million cubic metres by late 2027 to buffer SADC against fuel supply shocks. Grow Zambia Under Climate Threat: Analysts warn the “super El Niño” could disrupt Hichilema’s Grow Zambia targets, especially maize and power plans, as rainfall, floods and drought risks rise. Inauguration Politics: Hichilema begins a second term amid disputed election fallout, with international leaders congratulating him while opposition detention and election credibility questions continue.

Election Diplomacy: France’s President Emmanuel Macron and the OACPS have congratulated President Hakainde Hichilema on his re-election, praising deeper cooperation on debt financing, health and natural-resource management. Political Tensions: Opposition-linked voices are questioning consistency on election acceptance, while reports say main rival Brian Mundubile is facing treason charges and another figure, Jay Jay Banda, is not facing extradition to Zambia. Grow Zambia Agenda Under Pressure: Analysts warn the “Super El Niño” could disrupt key targets in the Grow Zambia plan, just as the government pushes growth, jobs and investment. Revenue Focus: The Ministry of Finance has launched public consultations on the 2027–2031 Medium-Term Revenue Strategy, stressing domestic revenue mobilisation without a tax-increase push. Health & Regulation: ZAMRA and NHRA signed an MoU to speed up clinical trial approvals and monitoring, and Zambia reported a slight decline in people living with HIV. Mining & Trade Logistics: Government says mining is back at full capacity; meanwhile, the Beira-Harare fuel corridor is set for a major capacity boost, supporting regional supply chains. Business & Payments: DHL and Absa sign an MoU to expand the GoTrade programme for SMEs, and fintech Nomba raises a $3m debt facility to scale cross-border payments from the DRC.

Zambia’s Second-Term Reset: President Hakainde Hichilema was sworn in for a second five-year term amid election fallout, with his main rival Brian Mundubile detained on treason charges; the EU and observers raised concerns about vote tabulation transparency, while Hichilema’s inauguration pushed a shift from stabilisation to growth under the “Grow Zambia” agenda. Manufacturing Push: The Zambia Association of Manufacturers backed the new growth focus, saying it can turn stability into more production, value addition, exports and jobs. China-TAZARA Momentum: China’s Xi Jinping sent support through a special envoy, backing deeper cooperation on TAZARA revitalisation and trade, while Zambia reaffirmed commitment to accelerate the railway corridor. Critical Minerals Race: A wider Africa-focused look at the China-US scramble for critical minerals highlights Zambia’s strategic position as global demand intensifies. Climate Risk for Families: UNICEF warned that over 162 million children across eastern and southern Africa face heightened El Niño impacts—food, health, education and water risks—while WMO forecasts very strong conditions. Digital & Media Capacity: MTN launched its Pan-African Media Innovation Programme cohort in Zambia, aiming to strengthen journalism in a fast-changing digital economy. Mining & Exploration: Midnight Sun Mining began targeted Phase Two exploration at its Dumbwa copper project, while ESMAZ said emerald mining still struggles with low markets and high costs. Business & Trade Signals: Canada congratulated Hichilema, and Yango Ride reported a 31% global drop in serious traffic violations, citing tech-enabled safety improvements.

Zambia’s second-term reset: President Hakainde Hichilema was sworn in for a new five-year term after the Aug 13 vote, but the start is shadowed by election irregularity claims, arrests and treason charges against his main rival Brian Mundubile and Makebi Zulu, with observers saying tabulation transparency deteriorated. Grow Zambia agenda: In his inauguration message, HH set priorities around jobs, economic growth, productivity and serving all citizens regardless of how they voted, while calling for unity and self-reliance. China ties and trade: China’s Xi Jinping envoy Xian Hui met HH at Community House, praising unity and backing TAZARA revitalisation; HH said Zambia’s exports to China have doubled to about US$4.2bn in five years. Health and prevention: Zambia received its first US-funded shipment of lenacapavir, a long-acting HIV prevention drug given twice yearly, expanding options beyond daily PrEP. Mining and gold formalisation: ZCCM-IH says it wants to unlock about US$1.8bn by formalising Zambia’s largely informal gold trade, citing a big gap between partner import reports and Zambia’s export figures. Informal sector push: ZANAMACA urged government to put the informal economy at the centre of transformation by fully implementing the Markets and Bus Stations Act and ring-fencing CDF support for traders and small farmers. Regional risk watch: UNICEF warned over 162m children in eastern and southern Africa are exposed to intensifying El Niño impacts, including food and water insecurity—Zambia is among the affected countries. Business moves: Shoprite reported earnings growth and announced its acquisition of coffee chain Vida e Caffè (with operations including Zambia), signalling continued retail expansion.

Political Stability Push: State House says Zambia has “no crisis” after the Aug. 13 vote, insisting there is no active presidential election petition and that only suspected criminal acts are being handled. Inauguration & Growth Plan: Hakainde Hichilema was sworn in for a second term amid treason charges against main rival Brian Mundubile, and he unveiled the Grow Zambia Agenda with targets coded 10-10-5-3-3-1-1-1 aimed at tripling the economy, boosting jobs and turning stabilisation into growth. Regional Diplomacy: SADC chair Cyril Ramaphosa skipped the ceremony, while leaders including Mnangagwa and Ruto urged unity and stronger trade ties. Mining Investment: ZCCM Investments says it wants to unlock $1.8bn from small-scale gold by formalising the sector using Ghana’s model. Fuel & Infrastructure: Mozambique and Zimbabwe are set to launch the second phase of the Beira-Feruka pipeline upgrade, expected to raise regional fuel capacity and support supply into Zambia and neighbours. Cost of Living Signal: OMCAZ welcomed ERB’s decision to keep September fuel prices steady, linking it to Kwacha performance and global crude costs.

Zambia Inauguration & Political Risk: Hakainde Hichilema was sworn in for a second term on Tuesday, pledging unity and a shift from stabilisation to growth, while his main rival Brian Mundubile remains in detention on treason charges after a disputed Aug 13 election that observers say was marred by vote-counting irregularities and weak verification. Grow Zambia Agenda: In his address, HH unveiled the 10-10-5-3-3-1-1-1 targets, including 10m tonnes of maize by 2031, 10,000MW power, 5m tourist arrivals, and a push to triple the economy—alongside cost-of-living and jobs priorities. Regional Diplomacy: Kenya’s William Ruto congratulated HH and urged political competition to never divide national destiny, while the EU hailed a “robust” partnership and support via its Global Gateway. Copper & Critical Minerals Talks: India resumed discussions with Zambia on copper and critical minerals investment, with sources pointing to renewed interest in brownfield and near-production projects. Trade & Markets: Zambia’s external debt service is reported to fall to about US$900m, while investors reportedly piled into Zambia bonds after the election outcome. Logistics & Connectivity: Lusaka airport is seeing new freighter capacity—Emirates added a weekly B777F and TAAG Angola a weekly B737F—signalling growing air cargo demand. Mining Pipeline Update: Tertiary Minerals reported first lab results from Phase 4 drilling at Mushima North, confirming near-surface silver-copper-zinc mineralisation.