AGP Executive Report

Water Security Push: Government says it is investing K5 billion to build and rehabilitate 60 dams in drought-prone areas, targeting five provinces, with nine dams already under construction and support for district water offices to monitor and maintain the projects. Passports Revoked: The Registrar General’s Office has cancelled six passports, including those of opposition figures Emmanuel Mwamba and Binwell Mpundu, citing “security reasons” and ordering the documents handed over. Human Rights and Treason Case: Calls are growing for the release of detained opposition leaders Brian Mundubile and Makebi Zulu, with a UN human rights expert warning Zambia against criminalising peaceful political dissent. Renewables Deal: South Africa’s Sturdee Energy enters Zambia by acquiring the 200MW Masaiti Wind Project in Mpongwe, aiming for financial close and grid connection via ZESCO lines. Agribusiness Support: Yango Food ends its Farmer’s Month drive in Lusaka with a handover to WEAC beneficiaries, highlighting local farmers and agribusiness entrepreneurs. Trade and Food Prices: Zambia’s maize export deal to Kenya is backed by MAZ, which says local stocks are sufficient but urges caution amid El Niño. Business and Culture: Zambian Breweries launches MXD vodka cocktail RTD, while Gemfields reports its latest rough emerald auction from Kagem mine raised $29.6m. Sports: FAZ appoints Chisi Mbewe as U23 coach ahead of AFCON 2027 qualifiers and the 2028 Olympics.

Diplomacy & Security: Uganda’s Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba orders Turkish nationals to leave and calls for a mass protest outside the Turkish Embassy in Kampala, escalating a months-long Ankara row. Health: Zambia’s Ministry of Health gets K5.47m worth of TB equipment from CIDRZ to boost diagnosis and drug-resistant TB detection, supported by the US Stop TB Partnership. Elections & Governance: ECZ meets qualifying parties on how 40 new Proportional Representation seats will be allocated, including quotas for women, youths and persons with disabilities. Sports: FAZ names Red Arrows coach Chisi Mbewe as Zambia U23 head coach ahead of 2027 qualifiers. Local Politics: Munali MP Thomas Sipalo is sworn into Lusaka City Council, while Chifunabuli South’s first UPND MP, Peter Kapala, is profiled. Public Debate: Zimbabwe’s Mnangagwa reignites the Victoria Falls “belongs to Zimbabwe” claim, a potential diplomatic flashpoint for Lusaka. Business & Food: Millers say mealie-meal prices are easing due to steady maize supply, while Zambia and Kenya move ahead with a 540,000MT maize export deal. Culture & Tourism: AMC confirms marketing leaders for its 2026 conference in Livingstone, with sessions on AI and AfCFTA-driven value creation.

Democracy Under Pressure: Zambia’s post-election tensions stay in the spotlight as opposition figure Brian Mundubile remains detained on treason allegations, drawing warnings of “bad precedent” and democratic backsliding. Dialogue vs Justice: Commentaries and statements keep clashing over whether dialogue is replacing court processes, while Binwell Mpundu withdraws a dialogue call and returns to election rigging claims. Security at Heroes: Zambia deployed an anti-drone mesh over the presidential stage during President Hakainde Hichilema’s inauguration, underscoring heightened concerns about drone threats. Food & Prices: Millers say steady maize supply is helping push down mealie meal prices, while Zambia and Kenya sign a deal for up to 540,000 tonnes of maize in batches. Health: UNAIDS and partners roll out Lenacapavir for HIV prevention in Zambia, aiming to prevent new infections. Sports & Business: FAZ urges more sponsorship to lift football standards, as it receives equipment support; Champion Breweries’ new CEO also signals continued business momentum. Culture: Sampa The Great announces “Nu Zamrock,” tying Zambia’s music legacy to a new album and single.

Election Justice & Unity in Focus: Citizens First president Harry Kalaba urged President Hakainde Hichilema to release opposition leader Brian Mundubile, lawyer Makebi Zulu and others detained at Mukobeko, saying Zambia must heal rather than deepen camps after August 13. Courtroom Developments: Former Constitutional Court judge Anne Mwewa Sitali was released on bail after arrest linked to advice on an election petition, while Celestin Mukandila has moved to quash the cancellation of his NRC and passport. Digital Zambia Push: Zambia launched its National Public Key Infrastructure to secure digital transactions and support future digital identity and e-signatures. Food Security & Trade: Zambia signed a 540,000-metric-tonne maize export deal with Kenya, tapping surplus to earn foreign exchange. Women in Governance: NGOCC chair Beauty Katebe urged Hichilema to appoint more women to Cabinet and key decision roles, including via nominated parliamentary seats. Sports & Support: FAZ appealed to corporates to fund Zambian football as 1xBet Zambia donated equipment for national teams and match officials. Regional Security Cooperation: Mozambique praised Zambia’s peaceful elections and called for stronger defence and security coordination.

Digital Economy Security: Zambia has launched a National Public Key Infrastructure to secure digital transactions, support digital signatures, and protect government and business documents. Energy & Mining Push: President Hakainde Hichilema urged Vedanta to speed up KCM expansion and power investments, while Sturdee Energy entered Zambia with a 200MW Masaiti wind project acquisition on the Copperbelt. Trade & SME 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 and banking support. Governance & Appointments Debate: AIPAC is calling for the reintroduction of deputy ministers, arguing it would strengthen governance and service delivery as new MPs take office. Politics, Dialogue and Courts: Opposition figures and commentators are intensifying calls around dialogue and reconciliation, while legal disputes continue, including the bail release of former Constitutional Court judge Anne Mwewa Sitali. Environment & Regulation: ZEMA has cut EIA approval fees and processing time under new regulations. Sports & Athlete Welfare: Commonwealth gold medallist Muzala Samukonga criticised Zambia Athletics for forcing athletes to fund their own trips. Business Safety: Isuzu D-Max bakkies face a brake-related recall affecting vehicles exported to Zambia.

Sanganai/Hlanganani Expo: Zimbabwe’s tourism push is in full swing in Masvingo as President Mnangagwa opens the 19th edition, drawing 153 buyers and industry players for four days of deals and investment talks. Mining & jobs: Zambia’s government says it is encouraging inclusive investment in mining, promising stable policy, security of tenure, faster licensing and local content to boost jobs and processing. Local governance & services: Human rights defender Laura Miti urges President Hichilema’s incoming Cabinet to prioritise rural basics—graded feeder roads, safe boreholes near settlements, and proper accommodation for teachers and nurses. Politics & dialogue: Opposition figure Binwell Mpundu pleads for dialogue with President Hichilema to cool hostility, while other voices warn against dressing criminality up as “dialogue.” Courts & citizenship: The Law Association of Zambia will represent Celestine Mukandila after authorities cancelled his NRC and passport, with due process and citizenship status now headed to court. EU election oversight: The EU election observer mission says it is in its final phase, preparing its report and recommendations for Zambia’s electoral process. Business & consumer safety: Isuzu recalls over 2,500 D-Max bakkies in multiple countries, including Zambia, over a brake pedal pivot pin issue. Tourism & culture: UNZA students celebrate independent MP Captain Towani Chipeta in Chasefu, citing boreholes and anti-malarial support; Zambia also celebrates Adah Mushibi’s historic Miss World Top 12 run.

Post-election rule of law: The Commonwealth Lawyers Association says Zambia’s August 13 election aftermath breaches Commonwealth legal standards, citing army deployment, alleged counting irregularities, a fatal raid killing former minister Mutotwe Kafwaya, and court buildings being sealed. Justice and safety debate: Lawyers and church leaders continue to trade statements over access to courts and the role of religious bodies in handling political tensions, while Chief Mpepo demands answers over who authorised Kafwaya’s killing. Immigration crackdown: Zambia intercepted 10 Malawians at Mtilizi and removed dozens of other foreign nationals in separate operations, with cases pending prosecution. Rural development push: Activist Laura Miti urges President Hichilema to prioritise rural service delivery in cabinet appointments, while UPND MP George Mtonga warns government red tape is a major obstacle to job creation. Food and jobs: Ackim Antony Njobvu calls for tomato processing to cut wastage and create youth jobs. Trade and business: Government begins talks with a Kenyan firm to buy 10.8 million bags of maize; Pick n Pay signs an MoU with Skydates to empower SMEs. Regional and global: DR Congo moves to tighten control of mining geological data; Africa’s solar build-out is accelerating, with 17GW projected for 2026.

Regional Diplomacy: Zimbabwe is set to assume the COMESA chairmanship in October 2026, with President Mnangagwa saying Harare is ready to host heads of state and push regional integration and self-sufficiency. Justice and Rights: Lawyers say they were denied access to detained Tonse Pamodzi leaders Brian Mundubile and Makebi Zulu at Mukobeko Maximum Prison, as calls for release of political detainees grow. Church and Politics: Anglicans in Africa have raised deep concerns about Zambia’s post-electoral process, urging prayers and dialogue, while other voices continue to demand restraint and respect for due process. Governance and Services: Vice President Dr. W.K. Mutale Nalumango has been sworn in as MP for the 2026–2031 National Assembly term, with MPs taking oaths to begin parliamentary business. Local Development: Kasama’s ZAPD provincial offices are reportedly over 99% complete under CDF funding, aimed at improving access and services for persons with disabilities. Health and Planning: Central Province’s PS Milner Mwanakampwe urged evidence-based decision-making using vulnerability and needs assessment findings to guide budgeting and early action. Energy Update: Zambia’s cumulative installed solar PV capacity reached about 841 MW by end of July 2026, moving toward a 1,000 MW target.

First Gentleman’s Death: Tanzania’s First Gentleman Hafidh Ameir Hassan, husband of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, has died in hospital in Zanzibar after a heart condition, with funeral arrangements underway in Kizimkazi and condolences pouring in from regional leaders including Zambia’s Hakainde Hichilema and Kenya’s William Ruto. Parliament Opens: Mutale Nalumango has been sworn in as Zambia’s 2026–2031 National Assembly term begins, urging MPs to put Zambia first as the ECZ confirms 224 elected members and notes women hold 32 seats. Energy Update: Zambia’s cumulative installed solar PV capacity has reached about 841 MW by end of July 2026, putting the country on track for a 1,000 MW solar target this year. Local Development Funds: Chisamba Town Council has called for applications for 2027 Constituency Development Fund projects, with a deadline of October 16, 2026. Governance & Economy: Government says fiscal discipline remains central under the Grow Zambia agenda, while releasing K16.1bn in August 2026 for services, debt and social programmes. UN Map Resolution: The UN General Assembly adopted the “Correct the Map” resolution backed by Zambia and all AU member states, encouraging use of the Equal Earth projection in schools and digital platforms. Sports & Culture: Zambia’s Mutale Nalumango swearing-in comes as Zambia’s football and cultural debates continue, including renewed attention on political detainee releases and the cancellation of Ukusefya pa Ng’wena.

Business Leadership: Champion Breweries has formally installed Malolan Sampath as Managing Director and CEO effective 1 September 2026, following his board appointment and bringing 26+ years of experience across brewing, FMCG and manufacturing. Human Rights & Detention: Former Constitutional Court judge Anne Mwewa Sitali remains in detention after her August 13 arrest, with Zambia’s Human Rights Commission raising alarm over prolonged custody of election-related detainees and calling for charges or release. Post-Election Justice Debate: The UN’s call for release of Mundubile and Makebi continues to spark pushback, with Citizens First and others urging unconditional release and alleging selective justice. Civil Society Positioning: The Consortium of CSOs on Governance and Constitutionalism says it has not proposed a Government of National Unity, arguing the idea is baseless and reiterating support for unity, reconciliation and detainee releases through the rule of law. Citizenship Row: Opposition lawyer Celestine Mukandila challenges the cancellation of his NRC and passport, insisting he is a Zambian citizen by descent and demanding the legal basis for invalidating his documents. Economy & Governance: President Hichilema’s “Grow Zambia” agenda is driving expectations for a new Cabinet focused on turning stability into growth, jobs and food security. Agriculture Payments: Access Bank Zambia says it has disbursed over K2bn to 113,000+ farmers via digital payments for the 2026 crop marketing season, aiming to speed up FRA maize payments.

SADC Security Moves In: SADC’s politics, defence and security troika is set to convene member states after receiving a preliminary report on Zambia’s post-election crisis, with opposition leader Brian Mundubile still jailed and former minister Mutotwe Kafwaya dead following a military raid during the vote count. Farm Payments Boost: 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 for the 2026 crop marketing season. Malaria Surge in Namibia: Namibia reports 122 malaria deaths and 122,612 cases as it prepares to spray 1.2 million households, with indoor spraying below the WHO target. Citizenship Fight in Court: Lusaka lawyer Celestine Mukandila says Zambia is effectively making him stateless by cancelling his NRC and passport while he remains in custody, arguing citizenship by descent under the constitution. UN Rights Row: UPND figures reject a UN special rapporteur’s call for release of political detainees, saying the UN report is hasty and one-sided. Local Politics and Culture: ECZ says only two parties qualify for proportional representation seats, while the Bemba Royal Establishment’s cancellation of Ukusefya pa Ng’wena sparks fresh calls for dialogue and release of political prisoners.

US-Zambia Trade Boost: The U.S. EXIM Bank has re-opened short-term commercial credit and insurance for Zambia’s private sector, following AGOA extension through 2028—an apparent shift from aid tensions to trade-backed financing. Elections & Courts: Zambia’s Attorney-General says there are “no political prisoners,” pointing to treason and terrorism-related charges now before courts, while opposition figures and U.S. lawmaker Gregory Meeks demand release of polling-station results and transparency. Proportional Representation: ECZ says only two parties qualify for proportional seats in the National Assembly and all 116 local authorities, with candidate lists still to be submitted. Detention Dispute: Davies Mwila and others continue to challenge the continued detention of Brian Mundubile and Makebi Zulu, demanding evidence and due process. Economy & Power: Government reports electricity generation capacity rising and solar scaling up, while officials highlight horticulture growth potential and calls for more cold-room facilities. Business Leadership: Champion Breweries appoints Malolan Sampath as new MD/CEO. Security: Separate reports include Hawks explosives raids in South Africa.

Electricity & Growth: Government and private investors say Zambia is adding more power to the national grid, with installed generation rising from about 3,100MW in 2021 to 4,576MW in 2026, and solar capacity climbing from 88MW to about 841MW, targeting 1,000MW by year-end. Horticulture & Jobs: Deputy Secretary to the Cabinet for Finance Siazongo Siakalenge says horticulture can lift export earnings, pointing to rose flower and blueberry expansion, while noting concerns like taxation and casual labour. Cold-rooms for Produce: Zambia Fruits and Vegetables Association urges investment in cold-room facilities to cut post-harvest losses, meet export standards and boost mango and pineapple exports. Private-sector Finance: Zambia’s Ambassador to the US, Dr Chibamba Kanyama, says US-backed financing could open new funding and insurance options for eligible projects, easing pressure from high interest rates and collateral demands. Democracy & Elections: US Congressman Gregory Meeks demands Zambia releases polling-station results from the August 13 election and investigates the fatal shooting of former minister Mutotwe Kafwaya, as UN concerns over political detainees continue. Rule of Law Debate: Acting AG Marshal Muchende insists Mundubile, Makebi and others are not political prisoners, saying they face serious charges and due process. Women in Parliament: ECZ figures show women hold 32 of 224 decided seats so far, about 14%, keeping gender representation a major political question. Public Service Digital Push: Secretary to the Cabinet Patrick Kangwa directs institutions to adopt the Smart Office Platform, with progress reporting due end of October. Local Governance: Solwezi residents petition government to reconsider transfers affecting the town clerk, warning continuity could stall development projects. Safety & Infrastructure: Mpika officials report vandalism on Kapamba Bridge after iron bars were stolen, threatening safety and prompting police investigations.

Political Justice and UN Scrutiny: Acting Attorney General Marshal Muchende says Mundubile, Makebi Zulu and others are not political prisoners, insisting treason and terrorism charges follow due process, as UN Special Rapporteur Gina Romero renews calls for their release. Parliament and Representation: ECZ figures show women hold just 32 of 224 decided parliamentary seats so far, leaving Zambia’s National Assembly heavily male while two constituencies remain unresolved. Local Governance: Solwezi residents petition government over the transfer of the municipal town clerk, arguing continuity is needed to keep development projects on track. Public Infrastructure: Mpika’s Kapamba Bridge has been vandalised after two iron bars were stolen, weakening the structure and prompting police investigations. Digital Government: Secretary to the Cabinet Patrick Kangwa orders all institutions to adopt the Smart Office Platform, with progress reporting due by end of October. Media and Courts: Hot FM sues photographer Chellah Tukuta for defamation, seeking K20 million damages over a Facebook post alleging terrorism links. Sports: Malkia Strikers lose 3-0 to Egypt to miss out on Africa’s volleyball title and Olympic qualification. Business and Safety: Yango Ride reports a 49% drop in reckless driving incidents in Zambia after safety and privacy upgrades. Culture: Bemba Royal Establishment cancels Ukusefya pa Ng’wena, citing a sombre mood.

Zambia Politics & Justice: Brian Mundubile and Makebi Zulu remain in Mukobeko as their treason case continues after the Kabulonga raid that also saw Mutotwe Kafwaya killed, while the Human Rights Commission urges police and prosecutors to charge, grant bond, or release at least 84 election-related detainees who have stayed in custody without court appearances. UN vs Lusaka: Government says UN Special Envoy Parfait Onanga-Anyanga engaged constructively on the ground, while UN Special Rapporteur Gina Romero’s distant condemnation is “one-sided” and includes a “readily verifiable” legal error; UPND also rejects the rapporteur’s claims as unsubstantiated. Economy & Governance: Government has launched consultations for a 2027–2031 Medium-Term Revenue Strategy to make revenue more predictable and improve formalisation without raising tax rates. Business & Trade: DHL and Absa expand the GoTrade programme across Africa, with Zambia among beneficiaries, to help SMEs overcome cross-border barriers. Health & Skills: ZICA graduates are urged to go beyond bookkeeping to drive wealth creation, and new Africa-focused hypertension guidelines recommend school and community screening from age five. Regional/Global: The US signals warmer ties with Zambia after Hichilema’s inauguration, while Yango reports a 38% regional drop in reckless driving incidents.

Political Rights & Justice: Zambia’s government has pushed back hard on a UN special rapporteur’s claims, saying treason is not a “capital offence” and that “political detainees” language prejudges cases now before the courts, as calls for the release of detained opposition figures continue. Climate & Food Security: A “super El Niño” is forecast to intensify rainfall extremes, heatwaves and drought risks into early 2027, with analysts warning it could derail parts of the Grow Zambia plan. Health: Zambia reaffirmed its commitment to cancer treatment and oncology services, highlighting upgraded radiotherapy and imaging, plus plans to expand cancer centres; meanwhile HIV estimates show a slight decline in people living with HIV and continued progress on mother-to-child transmission. Governance & Economy: The Ministry of Finance launched public consultations on the 2027–2031 Medium-Term Revenue Strategy, stressing domestic revenue mobilisation to avoid debt distress. Regional Energy: Mozambique and Zimbabwe’s Beira-Feruka pipeline expansion is set to boost fuel storage and create a buffer for SADC against supply shocks. Business & Regulation: ZAMRA and NHRA signed an MoU to speed up and better monitor clinical trials, while Zambia’s treason-related tensions also drew fresh international attention.