AGP Executive Report

Government Reshuffle: President Hakainde Hichilema has asked Parliament to approve the realignment, merger or dissolution of ministries, saying the changes would improve efficiency and support the Grow Zambia agenda. Climate Risks: A new forecast warns that the 2026–27 El Niño could worsen drought risks for Zambia’s crops and hydropower, threatening food production and electricity supplies. Economic Outlook: Zambia’s economy grew 5.2% in 2025, up from 3.8%, but the African Development Bank says major development goals still face a substantial financing gap. Public Finances: A proposed K19.9 billion supplementary budget, including K18 billion in domestic borrowing, is sharpening questions about how Zambia can fund its ambitions while restoring fiscal buffers. Wildlife Trafficking: Thai authorities seized more than 3.1 tonnes of ivory concealed in timber imported from Zambia, in a haul valued at over 155 million baht. Football: Red Arrows have qualified for the CAF Confederation Cup group stage, securing Zambian representation in the continental competition.

Digital Inclusion: MTN Zambia met NAPSA to discuss expanding connectivity and access to financial services across the country. Mining: Zambia has launched its first gold refinery, designed to process gold to up to 99.99% purity. Its impact will depend on securing supply and building commercial output. Football: Red Arrows made history by beating Kaizer Chiefs on penalties to reach the CAF Confederation Cup group stage for the first time. Independence: President Hakainde Hichilema honoured 20 Zambians, including Chalala rescue helper Robby Chitambo and football legend Ashios Melu. The omission of late former president Edgar Lungu from a state newspaper’s anniversary supplement has drawn criticism. Regional Trade: Zambia handed over land in Lusaka for COMESA’s new headquarters as leaders urged stronger trade among member states. Japan also pledged $6.3 million for railway maintenance. Heritage: Zambian conservation expert Chilangwa Chaiwa was re-elected ICOMOS vice-president for Africa.

Mineral Value-Adding: Zambia has unveiled its first gold refinery, designed to process gold to 99% purity, in a push to retain more mineral wealth at home and formalise small-scale mining. Independence & Politics: 62nd anniversary honours included Chalala rescue hero Robby Chitambo and late football legend Ashios Melu. The omission of former president Edgar Lungu from a state newspaper’s commemorative spread drew political backlash. Socialist Party leader Fred M’membe also condemned prolonged detention of opposition figures, citing the 48-hour legal limit. Regional Trade: At the COMESA summit, President Hichilema urged members to trade more within the region. Zambia handed over land in Lusaka for the bloc’s new headquarters, while Japan committed US$6.3 million for railway maintenance equipment. Health: A visiting US team performed more than 70 surgeries in five days and trained Zambian health workers, renewing questions about building lasting local specialist capacity. Football: Red Arrows reached the CAF Confederation Cup group stage for the first time, beating Kaizer Chiefs 3-2 on penalties after a 1-1 aggregate draw.

Regional Trade: Zambia’s role at the COMESA summit is in focus as leaders push to expand trade and open regional markets to local businesses. Independence: President Hakainde Hichilema honoured a fisherman who saved another from a crocodile and a civilian who helped rescue 13 abducted women; football great Ashios Melu was also recognised posthumously. Public Debate: The omission of late President Edgar Lungu from a state-owned newspaper’s Independence supplement has drawn criticism, with the reason still unclear. Economy: Zambia has opened its first gold refinery, designed to process gold to 99% purity and boost local value addition. Japan has also provided a US$6.3 million grant for railway maintenance equipment. Governance: Zambia fell five places to 108th in the 2026 global rule-of-law index, prompting concern from civil rights groups. Budget: The government has proposed a K19.9 billion supplementary budget, with K14.7 billion earmarked for maize farmers.

Independence at 62: Zambia marked its anniversary with calls from President Hakainde Hichilema and Vice-President Mutale Nalumango to honour the freedom fighters and protect peace and unity. Hichilema also pardoned 852 inmates. Jobs and Investment: The President urged mining firms to prioritise local jobs, skills and suppliers. Zambia has also launched its first gold refinery, aiming to add value before export. Regional Trade: At the COMESA summit, Hichilema called for stronger trade among member states; Zambia took the bloc’s vice-chairmanship and handed over land in Lusaka for its new headquarters. Rail Upgrade: Japan’s US$6.3 million grant will fund railway maintenance equipment, supporting more reliable transport. Animal Health: Lavushimanda has vaccinated more than 7,000 cattle, goats and sheep against anthrax, with the campaign continuing. Football: Red Arrows advanced in the CAF Confederation Cup after beating Kaizer Chiefs on penalties in Durban.

Mining and Jobs: President Hakainde Hichilema urged mining firms to prioritise Zambian jobs, skills training and contracts for local businesses, arguing these bring communities more lasting benefits than traditional corporate donations. Regional Trade: At the COMESA summit, Hichilema called on member states to trade more with one another and cut border delays. Zambia took up the bloc’s vice-chairmanship and handed over 14 hectares in Lusaka for its new headquarters. Public Spending: Government has proposed a K19.9 billion supplementary budget, including K14.7 billion to pay maize suppliers after the Food Reserve Agency bought 2.7 million tonnes—well above its 500,000-tonne target. Transport: Japan has committed US$6.17 million for Zambia Railways maintenance equipment, aimed at improving the movement of goods. Football: Zambia’s Red Arrows advanced in the CAF Confederation Cup after eliminating Kaizer Chiefs on penalties.

Public Spending: Government has proposed a K19.9 billion supplementary budget, with K14.7 billion set aside to pay maize suppliers after the Food Reserve Agency bought 2.7 million tonnes — far above its 500,000-tonne target. Farm Accountability: Smallholder farmers are demanding investigations after an Auditor General’s report found K19.6 million in inputs went to 2,339 people missing from the authorised farmer register. Trade and Transport: Japan is providing US$6.17 million for Zambia Railways maintenance equipment, while President Hichilema urged COMESA members to increase trade among themselves and handed over land for the bloc’s new Lusaka headquarters. Mining Investment: The ZDA signed a US$122 million investment agreement for a copper-processing project in Kalulushi; officials say new mines and exploration are needed to reach the three-million-tonne annual production target by 2031. Rule of Law: Zambia fell five places to 108th in the 2026 World Justice Project index, with its score dipping to 0.44.

Regional Trade: President Hakainde Hichilema urged COMESA members to trade more with one another to create jobs and expand business, and said Zambia had provided land for a new COMESA headquarters in Lusaka. Farm Support: Government has proposed a K19.9 billion supplementary budget, including K14.7 billion to pay farmers who supplied maize to the Food Reserve Agency after purchases reached 2.7 million tonnes. Energy: The government says Zambia’s generation capacity has reached 4,700 megawatts and plans to commission three solar plants before year-end as it diversifies beyond hydropower. Mining and Environment: Mines officials say mineral production must deliver local jobs, skills and value addition. Separately, authorities have ordered KCM to assess infrastructure and clean up areas affected by pollution linked to the Kafue River; the company disputes responsibility. Digital Finance: MTN MoMo leaders met Finance Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane to discuss how mobile payments could widen financial inclusion and support businesses. Jay Jay Banda Case: Civil society groups are asking State House to clarify the legal process behind Banda’s return from Mozambique, while saying any charges should be addressed through lawful proceedings.

Regional Trade: President Hakainde Hichilema arrived in Harare for the COMESA summit, where Zambia is pushing for stronger trade, investment and regional links. Copper Investment: The Zambia Development Agency signed a US$122 million agreement with Rongxing Investments to expand copper processing in Kalulushi, lifting planned annual cathode output from 5,500 to 10,000 tonnes and adding 194 jobs. Transport: Zambia and Japan signed a US$6.3 million grant agreement for railway maintenance, aimed at lowering transport costs and improving exports of minerals and farm produce. Agriculture: Government urged Seed Co Zambia to deliver seed promptly to farmers in Northern Province, where favourable rainfall could support higher yields; officials also called for more irrigation. Accountability: A Chongwe court convicted the district health director on 10 counts of failing to declare a conflict of interest over contracts awarded to his own company.

Project Delivery: President Hakainde Hichilema launched a US$1.6 billion fertiliser plant expansion in Chilanga and warned that officials who delay investment projects will face consequences. Court Watch: The State will oppose bail for Bishop Trevor Mwanda and co-defendants; the court has yet to rule, and the accused remain presumed innocent. Election Petition: A former Mwandi magistrate told the High Court he took part in voter bribery during the election campaign, but said he had no evidence that MP Iris Kaingu directed him to do so. Mining Safety: Government says tailings dam safety is a priority, as officials call for tighter inspections and oversight amid heavier rainfall and concerns about current standards. Cross-Border Business: Payments firm Nomba has extended its DRC corridor to Zambia, aiming to ease delays and cash-flow problems for businesses trading between the two countries.

Regional Diplomacy: President Hakainde Hichilema is due to join an extraordinary SADC summit virtually and travel to Harare for Thursday’s COMESA summit. Industry and Jobs: Hichilema has launched a US$1.6 billion fertiliser plant expansion in Chilanga, with employment projected to reach 10,000. Zambia, Botswana and the DRC also renewed calls for regional mining partnerships and local mineral processing. Energy: Zambia’s solar capacity has surpassed 1 gigawatt, up from 178 megawatts in 2024, as the country pursues a 10-gigawatt power target by 2031. Public Accountability: The Auditor General reported K3.56 billion in unpaid Health Ministry obligations and more than K19.6 million in FISP inputs going to unverified beneficiaries. Jay Jay Banda Case: State House says Banda will face justice, while rights groups are demanding answers about the legality of his transfer from Mozambique. Lusaka Safety: BuyZed has urged the city council to remove or relocate advertising at Longacres Roundabout, saying it obstructs motorists’ visibility.

Investment & Jobs: President Hakainde Hichilema has launched a US$1.6 billion expansion of United Capital Fertilizer’s Chilanga plant. The project is expected to lift direct employment from 7,400 to 10,000, increase local fertiliser supply and support exports. Jay Banda Case: State House says former MP Emmanuel Jay Banda will face court and receive legal counsel after his capture in Mozambique; civil society groups are seeking answers about the legality of his transfer. Mining: At the Lusaka Mining Insaka, Hichilema urged companies to prioritise local content and warned licence holders to develop their concessions or risk losing them. Culture & Unity: Likumbi Lyamize leaders are calling for stronger protection of cultural traditions and a museum in Zambezi, while a UNZA historian urged Zambians to safeguard the country’s peace and unity.

Mining and Jobs: President Hakainde Hichilema has warned licence holders to develop their mines or risk losing them, targeting three million tonnes of copper a year by 2031 and a rise in local content requirements from 20% to 40%. Jay Banda Case: State House says former MP Emmanuel Jay Banda will face court and receive legal and medical care; civil society groups are demanding clarity on the legality of his transfer from Mozambique and his condition in custody. Copper Processing: Copper rods are now being exported from a Chibombo industrial zone, while locally made cables and wires supply Zambian businesses; the facility employs about 93 locals. Public Finance: The Auditor-General found K626.64 million in mining penalties uncollected, alongside other gaps in government revenue and financial management. Safety Abroad: More than 250 Zambians in South Africa say they are hiding amid attacks on foreigners and are appealing to Lusaka for help returning home. Kabwe Lead Crisis: An African Union children’s rights body is considering a complaint over ongoing lead exposure, with campaigners urging action to protect children in the former mining town.

Mining: President Hakainde Hichilema urged licence holders to develop their sites, create jobs and settle disputes through dialogue, saying Zambia must “mine in the ground, not in court.” Energy: Livingstone will host the Zimbabwe-Zambia Energy Projects Summit from November 3–5, focusing on power generation, transmission links and investment. The IAEA has also stressed that Zambia needs strong safety regulation as it advances nuclear energy plans. Jay Banda case: Human rights groups are demanding answers about Emmanuel Jay Banda’s apprehension in Mozambique and his treatment in custody. He is back in Zambia and faces criminal charges; State House says crossing borders does not put fugitives beyond the law. International role: Zambia won a seat on the UN Human Rights Council for 2027–2029 with 177 votes, the highest tally among elected members. Renewables: Copperbelt Energy Corporation reported 158.78 GWh of renewable generation in the first half of 2026, nearly double the same period last year, following the commissioning of its 136 MW Itimpi II solar project.

Mining: Government says it has no plans to fully nationalise mines, favouring private investment with ZCCM-IH as a shareholder, as the Zambia Mining and Investment Insaka opens. IRH and ZCCM-IH have also reaffirmed a $1.1 billion commitment to Mopani Copper Mines after a dispute over investment obligations. Public Health: Zambia has launched an oral cholera vaccination campaign as the outbreak reaches 966 cases and 25 deaths. Green Jobs: Airtel Zambia and the ILO are teaming up to turn electronic waste into skills and job opportunities for young people in Central Province. Education: Zambian authors are helping create textbooks for the new Competence Based Curriculum, which serves more than 6.8 million learners. Human Rights: Zambia won a seat on the UN Human Rights Council with 177 votes; local advocates say membership should bring stronger action on rights concerns at home. Football: Red Arrows took a 1-0 first-leg lead over Kaizer Chiefs in the CAF Confederation Cup.

Mining Investment: Zambia’s five-day Mining and Investment Insaka is set to open in Lusaka, drawing more than 1,500 participants to discuss regional value chains and investment. Separately, IRH and ZCCM-IH reaffirmed a $1.1 billion commitment to Mopani Copper Mines after a dispute over obligations. Public Health: Zambia has recorded 966 cholera cases and 25 deaths; a vaccination campaign is under way, with more than 500,000 doses reported for Lusaka and Chibombo. Justice: Police say former Petauke MP Emmanuel Jay Banda is back in Zambia after being apprehended, ending a two-year manhunt. Medicine Supply: Government plans to outsource ZAMMSA’s warehousing and distribution while retaining procurement, following an audit that flagged K1.4 billion in irregular contracts. Football: Red Arrows beat South Africa’s Kaizer Chiefs 1-0 in Ndola, taking an advantage into the CAF Confederation Cup return leg. Global Role: Zambia secured a seat on the UN Human Rights Council for 2027–2029.