AGP Executive Report

Energy & Power Contracts: Tanesco has sealed a Sh198.67 billion deal with TBEA to build a 220kV transmission line and receiving substation to end chronic power shortages in Songwe and Mbeya, with an 18-month timeline aimed at boosting mining, industry, agriculture and trade. Digital Identity & Sovereignty: Zambia’s national PKI launch lands amid a wider global debate on digital credentials, as countries push different wallet formats and “trust” models that raise new questions about data control and security. Governance, Courts & Rights: Opposition leader Brian Mundubile, Makebi Zulu and 16 others have sued the State over detention and alleged rights violations, including restricted access to lawyers and family. Law & Order: Mafinga South MP Faith Munthali has been arrested and charged with being armed in public and conspiracy to commit a felony, with trial set for Sept 17. Anti-Fraud & Immigration: Zambia has cancelled passports of associates linked to the Hopewell Chin’ono fraud gang, while a suspected mobile money scammer in Chongwe narrowly escaped mob justice after an alleged K6,000 attempt. Food Security: Government warns about 1.2 million people at risk of severe food shortages from Oct to March 2027 as El Niño odds rise. Regional Trade: Kenya signed an agreement to import 540,000 tonnes of maize from Zambia in six batches to cushion a seven-year production low. Renewables Finance: Africa GreenCo secured an additional US$11.5m to expand its renewable energy platform across SAPP markets, bringing total raised funds to about US$21.5m.

Critical Minerals & Energy Markets: Africa’s race to monetise critical minerals is intensifying, but the continent still captures a small share of mineral revenues and faces low exploration levels—raising the stakes for Zambia’s copper and power-linked growth. Power & Renewables Funding: Africa GreenCo, licensed across Zambia and the region, secured an extra US$11.5m (total US$21.5m) to strengthen renewable power trading and off-take routes. Food Security Shock: Government warns 1.2 million people could face severe food shortages from Oct to Mar 2027 as El Niño risk climbs above 90%. Agriculture Trade: Kenya signed a deal to import 540,000 tonnes of maize from Zambia in six batches after production fell to a seven-year low. Mining Power Pressure: President Hichilema urged Vedanta to move faster on power generation for Konkola Copper Mines as output targets come under scrutiny. Governance & Rights: Opposition leader Brian Mundubile, Makebi Zulu and 16 others sued the State over detention and alleged rights abuses, while Amnesty condemned Zambia’s cancellation of passports of six critics. Digital Finance & Banking: Bank of Zambia called for financial-sector transformation to deliver the Grow Zambia Agenda, with data and AI flagged as key. Regional Tourism Dispute: Zambia and Zimbabwe escalated the Victoria Falls ownership row, with Zambia citing measurements and control of key attractions. Business & Sports Sponsorship: Melbet Zambia signed a US$40,000 season sponsorship with Atletico Lusaka, backing youth development.

Zambia Politics & Rights: Amnesty International has condemned the cancellation of passports for six government critics, including Emmanuel Mwamba and Binwell Mpundu, saying the move “weaponizes citizenship documents” and violates freedom of movement. Legal Fallout: An explainer says the affected individuals can appeal under Zambia’s Passports Act, but the Gazette directs banks, borders and institutions not to recognise the documents. Detention Challenge: Opposition leader Brian Mundubile and 17 others have filed a High Court petition challenging continued detention and alleged denial of access to lawyers and family. Governance & Rule of Law: The acting president, Ambassador Mary Zambezi, also issued a statement on the arrest of MP Faith Munthali, while the broader post-election environment remains under scrutiny. Energy & Investment: Bank of Zambia says the Grow Zambia Agenda will require financial-sector transformation, as Zambia pushes power expansion and reforms to attract private investment. Renewables Deal: Sturdee Energy enters Zambia via acquisition of the 200MW Masaiti wind project, targeting financial close and grid-linked clean power. Trade & Payments: Africa GreenCo secured an additional US$11.5m to strengthen bankable routes to market for renewables across southern Africa. Sports & Business: Melbet Zambia signs a $40,000 sponsorship with Atletico Lusaka, backing youth development.

Copper & Power Deal: President Hakainde Hichilema met Vedanta to scale up Konkola Copper Mines output toward 500,000 tonnes and urged faster investment in power generation to support Zambia’s 10GW target under the Grow Zambia agenda. Maize Trade & Food Security: Millers Association of Zambia (MAZ) backed the FRA’s 540,000MT maize export deal to Kenya, saying local stocks are sufficient but warning El Niño could change the outlook. Renewables Funding: GreenCo secured an extra US$11.5m from existing shareholders to expand its renewable energy role across Southern Africa, lifting total third funding close to US$21.5m. Financial Crime Push: Attorney General Mulilo Kabesha said it “does not make sense” for citizens to struggle while minerals are exploited, calling for tighter coordination to curb money laundering and mining-linked corruption. Digital Payments & Trade: PAPSS is highlighted as a way to reduce cross-border payment frictions for African businesses expanding across markets. Safety & Mobility: Yango reported a 49% drop in reckless driving incidents in Zambia, attributing improvements to driver checks, speed monitoring and safety support tools. Democracy Under Scrutiny: Opposition leader Brian Mundubile’s treason case and detention are framed as a “bad precedent” raising fears of democratic backsliding. El Niño Warning: Environmentalist Abel Musumali urged early preparations for a projected “super El Niño” that could hit agriculture, water and livelihoods. Tourism & Regional Tensions: Zimbabwe’s Mnangagwa renewed claims that Victoria Falls is Zimbabwe’s, a remark likely to strain relations with Lusaka. Business & Industry Events: Africa Marketing Confederation (AMC) conference in Livingstone (23–25 Sept) will focus on marketing leadership, brand power and value creation, with AI and AfCFTA in the mix.

TB Response Boost: CIDRZ donated K5.47m worth of equipment to Zambia’s Ministry of Health, including 200 computers, eight spirometers and five oxygen concentrators, to strengthen diagnosis and expand post-TB lung disease services. Food Security & Trade: Zambia and Kenya sealed a deal for up to 540,000 metric tonnes of maize, delivered in six batches, as governments push to stabilise unga prices and expand regional grain trade. Climate Risk: Experts warn Zambia to start early preparations for a projected “super El Niño”, with possible drought and wider impacts on livelihoods, water and food security. Digital Economy: Zambia is rolling out national digital ID infrastructure, with Altron Security contracted to support the system—aimed at securing digital transactions. Business & Jobs: EU and EIB’s Boost Africa initiative will invest €108m to back African entrepreneurs, leveraging €400m more and targeting up to 15,000 jobs. Markets & Prices: Millers credit steady maize supply for falling mealie-meal prices, while urging continued planning for El Niño effects. Governance & Democracy: Analysts and opposition voices raise alarm after treason charges resurfaced against a political challenger, calling it a dangerous precedent for Zambia’s democratic resilience. Regional Politics: Zimbabwe’s Mnangagwa reignited debate over Victoria Falls ownership, a claim that could strain tourism diplomacy with Lusaka. Transport Safety: A 75-seater bus overturned on the Bulawayo–Victoria Falls road, highlighting ongoing road safety concerns.

Maize Trade Deal: Zambia has signed an agreement to export 540,000 metric tonnes of Grade A, white non-GMO maize to Kenya in five tranches (100,000 tonnes every three months, then a final 40,000 tonnes), with officials citing bumper harvest surplus and urging traders to expand export markets. Digital Trust for Business: Zambia launched its National Public Key Infrastructure (NPKI), a state-managed cryptographic trust layer meant to secure electronic transactions and support future digital identity, e-signatures and e-government services. Child Marriage Focus: Zimbabwe and Zambia are tackling similar child marriage drivers—poverty, school dropout and limited information—while a Lusaka-based rights group says legislation alone won’t solve it without education and economic support. Corporate Support for Football: FAZ called for more corporate backing after receiving a K120,000 equipment donation from 1xBet Zambia to support football activities and match officials. Food Safety Crackdown: Lusaka police seized suspected counterfeit and unhygienically manufactured products, including hot chilli sauce, peanut butter, shampoo and repackaged sugar, following searches in Kabanana and Chipata compounds. Women in Governance Push: NGOCC urged President Hakainde Hichilema to appoint more women to Cabinet and key decision roles, citing low female representation in Parliament.

Digital Economy Security: Zambia has launched its National Public Key Infrastructure (NPKI), creating a trusted cryptographic layer to secure electronic transactions and support future digital identity, e-signatures and e-government services. Food & Trade: Government signed a deal for 540,000 metric tonnes of Grade A white non-GMO maize exports to Kenya, with shipments in five tranches to earn foreign exchange and support farmers. Mining & Energy Investment: Sturdee Energy entered Zambia by acquiring the 200MW Masaiti wind project on the Copperbelt, with plans to pair wind with solar and storage for steadier power supply. Tech & Business Support: DHL and Absa signed an MoU to expand the GoTrade programme across Sub-Saharan Africa, aiming to help SMEs trade and grow through logistics, training and financial services. Governance & Compliance: Zambia Police seized suspected counterfeit and unhygienically manufactured goods in Lusaka, including fake sugar and chilli sauce, following raids in Kabanana and Chipata compounds. Education Outcomes: The OECD’s PISA 2025 results show a global slide in reading and maths performance, raising pressure on skills and productivity. Roads Delivery: The Road Development Agency says it will restructure to speed up decision-making and improve service delivery under the Grow Zambia agenda.

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.