AGP Executive Report

Public Health: Zambia’s cholera outbreak has reached 966 cases and 25 deaths, with 43 new cases in the latest 24 hours. Lusaka accounts for 503 cases; 46 patients remain in hospital as national and Africa CDC response efforts intensify. Business: Chipokota Mwanawasa has left State House to become Trafigura’s executive director for Zambia, overseeing the company’s metals, energy and logistics activities. She previously advised the President on economic policy and investment. Economy: The IMF says reforms and debt-restructuring progress have helped Zambia and other African economies withstand a global oil-price shock, but warned resilience depends on energy flows and domestic policy choices. Diplomacy: Zambia has won a seat on the UN Human Rights Council for 2027–2029, securing the highest vote among elected countries, according to reports. Sport: Zambia’s Under-17 Copper Princesses have arrived in Rabat for the World Cup, where they open against Japan on Sunday.

Jay Banda Reports: Opposition-linked figures say fugitive former MP Emmanuel Jay Banda was captured in Mozambique, but accounts conflict and police had yet to confirm his whereabouts. Solar Power: Construction is set to begin on the 40-megawatt Kafue solar project, with first power expected in 2027 under a 25-year ZESCO agreement. Copper Trade: Bank of Zambia Governor Denny Kalyalya says some Chinese buyers will pay for copper in yuan, potentially reducing currency-conversion costs. Maize and Markets: Reports say K16 billion is owed for maize purchases, while 57% of the crop remains in storage; farmers’ groups are urging collective sales to improve prices. Diplomacy and Health: Zambia has secured a seat on the UN Human Rights Council for 2027–29 and has been removed from the WHO health workforce red list after recruitment efforts. Local Life and Sport: Livingstone council says street vendors have cleared the CBD after a relocation deadline. The Copper Queens advanced in their Olympic qualifying campaign with a 4–1 win over Uganda.

UN Role: Zambia won a seat on the UN Human Rights Council for 2027–2029, leading the newly elected countries with 177 votes. Health: UTH specialists have performed the country’s first cochlear implant surgery, a milestone that could support a local treatment programme. Zambia and the US also signed a five-year health cooperation agreement covering HIV, tuberculosis, malaria and other priorities. Schools: Starlink connections now serve 18 Family Legacy schools in Lusaka, bringing reliable internet to more than 10,000 children. Copperbelt: ZCCM-IH and IRH reaffirmed a US$1.1 billion commitment to Mopani, which aims to produce 300,000 tonnes of copper annually by 2029. Football: The Copper Queens beat Uganda 4–1 in Ndola to advance in qualifying for the 2028 Olympics. Justice: LAZ condemned violence at the Supreme Court premises and called for those responsible to face prosecution; the ECZ defended its redistribution of proportional-representation seats, denying political favouritism. Farming: NASFA urged maize growers to sell in groups to secure better prices as the government plans not to fund FRA purchases next season.

Diplomacy: Zambia won a seat on the UN Human Rights Council for 2027–29 with 177 votes, the highest tally among the 15 countries elected. Health: Zambia and the United States signed a five-year health cooperation deal covering HIV, TB, malaria, maternal care and disease surveillance, after contentious negotiations. Rule of Law: The Law Association of Zambia condemned violence at the Supreme Court in Lusaka and called for those responsible to be arrested and prosecuted. Police are also working with Zimbabwean counterparts to track five Zambian fugitives facing serious charges. Mining: ZCCM-IH and IRH reaffirmed a $1.1 billion commitment to Mopani Copper Mines, which is targeting annual production of 300,000 tonnes of finished copper by 2029. Power and Fisheries: Officials warn Zambia’s generation ambitions need matching investment in grids and regional links. Meanwhile, Lake Tanganyika’s fish stocks have plunged, with illegal fishing and climate change among the pressures cited.

UN Diplomacy: Zambia won 177 votes to secure a seat on the UN Human Rights Council for 2027–2029. Foreign Affairs Minister Mulambo Haimbe says the country will promote human dignity, equality and the rule of law. Health Services: Health Minister Roma Chilengi has ordered 123 headquarters staff back to their substantive posts as the ministry reviews its staffing and qualifications. Church and State: The government says clergy facing serious allegations should consider stepping aside; the Council of Churches in Zambia says decisions on church leadership belong to religious institutions. Debt and Investment: The Economics Association of Zambia welcomed Moody’s projection of falling debt, saying it could boost investor confidence; the outlook follows a new three-year IMF deal. Food Reserves: Millers support the government’s plan to withhold Treasury funding from the Food Reserve Agency next season, but want details on how it will sell its maize stocks to fund operations. Fuel Supply: A regional pipeline forum will meet in Livingstone on October 27 as plans advance to expand the Beira–Feruka pipeline’s capacity by 67%, potentially strengthening fuel supplies to Zambia and neighbouring markets.

Human Rights: Zambia won a seat on the UN Human Rights Council for 2027–29, but rights groups criticized the uncontested vote, saying it weakened the credibility of the election. Public Health: Cholera remains a major concern: 55 new cases and one death were reported in 24 hours, bringing the total to 874. Lusaka has recorded 429 cases. Economy: Moody’s expects Zambia to record one of the region’s biggest debt reductions, as the country secures a staff-level agreement for a new $1.47 billion IMF programme. Health Workforce: The WHO has removed Zambia from its health-worker recruitment red list after improvements in staffing and health services. Food and Local Development: State House says the FRA will keep buying maize for strategic reserves, while a proposed crop-marketing body would help sell surplus abroad. It also says CDF remains at K40 million per constituency. Courts: A sedition case against opposition figures Brian Mundubile and Makebi Zulu is being transferred to Lusaka High Court.

Regional Trade: Zambia will pilot online purchases and digital verification for COMESA Yellow Card motor insurance, aiming to cut fraud and border delays. Health: Zambia’s removal from the WHO health workforce red list follows a major recruitment drive; a US health pact is expected to support further hiring and essential medicines. Debt and Growth: President Hakainde Hichilema welcomed Moody’s projection of one of the region’s steepest debt reductions, as Zambia pursues a new US$1.47 billion IMF programme. Public Spending: Treasury says 2027 Constituency Development Fund allocations may be lower than planned because of revenue pressures, putting community projects in focus. Power Supply: Kariba’s usable water storage has fallen to 37%, renewing concerns about electricity generation and possible blackouts. Poverty: Zambia’s multidimensional poverty rate has declined, but population growth has increased the number of people affected.

Copper Queens: Captain Barbra Banda says Zambia must stay composed as it seeks to overturn a 2–1 aggregate deficit against Uganda in today’s Olympic qualifying decider in Ndola. Debt and Growth: Moody’s expects Zambia to record one of the region’s sharpest debt reductions. The government has also reached a staff-level agreement with the IMF for a new $1.47 billion programme, while President Hakainde Hichilema says debt relief should support jobs and investment. Public Finances: Treasury released K14.6 billion in September, including K5.4 billion for debt and arrears and K1.8 billion for social benefits. Mining Returns: ZCCM-IH paid shareholders K183 million, its 11th straight annual dividend, backed by stronger mining and energy investment income. Poverty and Health: Zambia’s poverty rate has fallen, but population growth means the number of people in poverty has still risen. Health officials are also urging climate-informed planning as El Niño threatens droughts and floods.

Debt and Growth: Moody’s says Zambia could record one of sub-Saharan Africa’s steepest debt declines. President Hakainde Hichilema welcomed the projection as the country awaits approval of a proposed $1.472 billion IMF programme. Public Finances: Government released K14.6 billion in September, including K5.4 billion for debt and arrears and K5.4 billion for public-sector wages. Treasury also plans to cut Food Reserve Agency funding in 2027, saying existing maize stocks can support future purchases. Cost of Living: Lusaka bus fares rose by K2 on local routes, prompting consumer advocates to warn that some commuters may walk as transport costs climb. Climate and Health: Health Minister Roma Chilengi says 2027 health planning must account for El Niño-related droughts and floods, with climate data being linked to malaria and diarrhoeal disease trends. Youth and Jobs: More than 500 young people are expected at a November summit in Lusaka to discuss their role in the Grow Zambia agenda.

IMF Deal: Zambia has reached a staff-level agreement for a US$1.47 billion, three-year IMF programme, pending board approval. The deal calls for higher revenue and a larger budget surplus, raising concerns that tax increases could add to pressure on households. Health Partnership: Zambia and the US have signed a five-year health agreement, with Washington committing about US$1.5 billion. The pact followed a dispute over data-sharing terms, which officials say were narrowed. Public Funds: The Treasury released K14.6 billion in September, including K435.8 million for social cash transfers. Separately, the Anti-Corruption Commission charged a former ministry accountant over the alleged diversion of K44.6 million meant for the programme. Football and Politics: Government and FAZ condemned political chants at Nkana Stadium and warned supporters to keep political messages out of football, citing safety and the sport’s role in bringing people together.

Public Spending: Zambia released K14.6 billion in September, including K5.4 billion for public-service wages, K5.4 billion for debt payments and arrears, and K435.8 million for Social Cash Transfers. Health: Zambia and the US have signed a five-year health partnership, with Washington pledging about $1.5 billion after disputed patient-data and specimen-sharing terms were dropped. Economy: Zambia reached a staff-level agreement with the IMF for a new $1.47 billion, three-year programme, subject to approval. Lusaka: Residents say the CBD is cleaner and easier to navigate after a city clean-up led by Mayor Chitambala Mwewa, though the work is ongoing. Politics: Davies Mwila says calls for national reconciliation ring hollow while opposition figures Brian Mundubile and Makebi Zulu remain detained, and is again urging an inquiry into former minister Mutotwe Kafwaya’s death.

Health Partnership: Zambia and the US have signed a five-year pact with about $1.5 billion in US funding for health programmes, including HIV, malaria, TB and maternal care. The agreement drops patient-data and specimen-sharing clauses that sparked public criticism. IMF Deal: Lusaka has reached a staff-level agreement for a proposed $1.47 billion, 36-month IMF programme, pending board approval. Civil society groups warn that debt repayments must not come at the cost of jobs or household support. Grow Zambia: President Hakainde Hichilema has set ambitious targets for agriculture, mining, energy and tourism, and ordered government institutions to switch to electric vehicles. A development expert has questioned whether the state can afford the transition. Public Holiday: Government has moved the National Day of Prayer from October 18 to December 29, combining it with the Christian Nation commemoration. Critics say the two observances should remain separate.

IMF Deal: Zambia has reached a staff-level agreement on a new $1.47 billion, three-year IMF programme, subject to board approval. Civil society group CSPR says its success must be measured in jobs, incomes and poverty reduction, not stability alone. Health Partnership: Zambia and the US have signed a $2.49 billion health cooperation pact after removing data- and specimen-sharing clauses. The agreement includes plans to recruit 40,000 health workers, while doctors’ representatives say recruitment should prioritise those already in the system. Grow Zambia Agenda: Opening Parliament, President Hakainde Hichilema set ambitious targets for growth in farming, mining, energy and tourism. He also ordered government institutions to buy electric vehicles and announced plans for new fuel pipelines to diversify supply. Public Holiday Change: Government has moved the National Day of Prayer from October 18 to December 29, merging it with the Christian Heritage commemoration. Critics say the observances should remain separate.

Grow Zambia Agenda: President Hakainde Hichilema opened the new National Assembly with targets including 10 million tonnes of maize, 10,000MW of power and five million tourist visits a year. He also pledged more electric vehicles for government and fuel pipelines linking Zambia with four neighbours. Public Holiday Change: Government has cancelled the October 18 public holiday, merging it with the Christian Heritage commemoration on December 29, which becomes a public holiday this year. Some leaders want the October observance kept separate. US Health Pact: Zambia and the United States signed a five-year agreement worth $2.49 billion in combined commitments. The deal excludes patient data and specimen-sharing clauses; talks on a separate minerals agreement continue. Travel Costs: Bus fares rose from October 9, including a K2 increase on local Lusaka routes and an average 7% rise on intercity routes, following fuel-price increases. Maize Deal Scrutiny: Malawi’s government says the World Bank approved a $13.9 million transfer from its water board to support a maize purchase for Zambia, but parliamentarians are seeking clarity on the funding and households meant to benefit.

Energy: Axian Energy and Africa GreenCo have signed a power purchase agreement for a 240MW solar project in Zambia, adding to a fast-growing pipeline of solar generation. US Health Deal: Zambia has signed a five-year, $2.49 billion health partnership with the US after removing clauses on sharing medical specimens and individual patient records. The pact includes $1.52 billion in planned US assistance and a $975 million Zambian commitment; a separate minerals deal remains under negotiation. Transport Costs: Bus fares rose nationwide today. Lusaka local routes increase by K2, peri-urban fares by K3, while intercity fares rise by an average of 7%. Parliament: President Hakainde Hichilema has opened the 14th National Assembly, now comprising 280 lawmakers following constitutional changes. National Observance: The government and church bodies have moved the National Day of Prayer to December 29, combining it with the Christian Heritage commemoration. By-elections: NRPUP says it will sit out all November 5 by-elections, citing financial constraints and internal disputes.

US Health Pact: Zambia and the US signed a five-year, $2.49 billion health agreement after dropping clauses on sharing patient data and specimens. Zambia says any critical-minerals deal with Washington will be negotiated separately. Lusaka Governance: Newly installed Mayor Chitambala Mwewa has pledged to put residents first, with waste, drainage, traffic and sanitation among the capital’s pressing challenges. Growth and Energy: President Hakainde Hichilema is seeking IMF backing for the Grow Zambia agenda and courting Gulf investors. He also says solar capacity has passed 1,000MW, though transmission investment must keep pace. Climate and Economy: Forecasters expect strong El Niño conditions through at least February, raising drought risks; Zambia’s Food Reserve Agency is building maize stocks. Moody’s has also shifted its outlook for sub-Saharan Africa to positive, naming Zambia among the countries with improved prospects while warning that debt and climate risks remain.