AGP Executive Report

Presidential Inauguration Under Tension: Hakainde Hichilema was sworn in for a second term at Heroes Stadium on Tuesday, but the ceremony came with fresh controversy as election observers described serious irregularities in the August 13 vote and the post-election crackdown. Unity Message: After taking the oath, HH urged rivals to keep competition peaceful, saying the campaign is over and the work of building Zambia continues together. Treason Case Dominates Politics: His main challenger, Brian Mundubile, and running mate Makebi Zulu were charged with treason and held in Mukobeko, with critics warning the arrests could set a dangerous precedent for democracy. Regional Diplomacy in Lusaka: Several Heads of State and senior envoys arrived for the inauguration, including Kenya’s William Ruto, Zimbabwe’s Emmerson Mnangagwa, Tanzania’s Samia Suluhu Hassan, Namibia’s Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, Botswana’s Duma Boko and Eswatini’s deputy prime minister. Trade, Investment and Food Security Signals: Zambia’s copper-linked investor mood remains upbeat after the election, India has resumed mineral investment talks with Lusaka, and Zambians were cautioned to prepare for a drier-than-normal 2026/27 rainy season amid El Niño fears.

Inauguration Watch: Zambia heads into President Hakainde Hichilema’s second-term swearing-in on 1 September at Heroes Stadium, with heightened security, traffic diversions and calls for calm as world leaders are expected to attend. Treason Case Escalates: Police have formally charged opposition leader Brian Mundubile, running mate Makebi Zulu and 16 others with treason, with some already moved to Mukobeko Maximum Security Prison—deepening post-election tensions. Police Charge Update: Mwenzo MP Luka Simumba has been charged with seditious practices, though police have not disclosed the specific allegations. Dialogue vs Confrontation: Tonse Alliance secretary-general Dr Chris Zumani Zimba says he will not abandon calls for dialogue, warning that more confrontation could worsen the country’s political and human toll. Farmers’ Cashflow: The Food Reserve Agency says it has bought over one million tonnes of maize and paid more than K6 billion to farmers, citing timely payments and efforts to fix processing delays. Regional Agriculture & Food Trees: A workshop in Malawi highlights how planting indigenous food trees can tackle malnutrition and biodiversity loss, pushing beyond fast-growing timber species. Tech & Connectivity: Zambia is among eight countries approved to join the Digital Cooperation Organization, expanding the digital-economy rules platform. Scam Warning: Zambia Correctional Service warns the public about fake recruitment adverts and messages demanding money or personal details.

Inauguration Watch: Defence and security chiefs say preparations are complete for President-elect Hakainde Hichilema’s second-term swearing-in at National Heroes Stadium on Tuesday, 1 September, which has been declared a public holiday. Treason Case: Opposition leader Brian Mundubile, running mate Makebi Zulu and businessman Harry Findlay were airlifted under armed guard to Mukobeko after treason charges were formalised, as police cite an alleged armed-insurrection plot. Election Integrity Debate: UPND is pushing nationwide election petitions, questioning ECZ conduct, while calls for dialogue and political healing grow louder in the post-election tension. Tax and Borrowing Shift: Government will launch public consultations on the 2027–2031 Medium-Term Revenue Strategy in Lusaka to boost domestic revenue, improve compliance and reduce reliance on borrowing. Road Works: K1.7 billion has been released for the Livingstone–Sesheke road reconstruction, with planning and job creation expected ahead of the rainy season. Jobs Scam Warning: Zambia Correctional Service warns the public that recruitment is never done via WhatsApp/SMS or private messages and that no fees are charged. Local Economy: LuSE slipped 0.53% week-on-week, but REIZ surged about 25% on optimism around its planned acquisition of East Park Mall. Manufacturers Month: ZAM has announced a packed September programme, including expos, conferences and a Proudly Zambian Expo in Lusaka.

Treason Case Escalates: Zambia’s detained opposition leader Brian Mundubile and running mate Makebi Zulu have been formally charged with treason, with police saying lawyers can access them while the opposition and rights groups warn political space is shrinking; reports also say Mundubile and Zulu were moved to Mukobeko Maximum Security Prison in Kabwe. Inauguration Logistics: Government has declared Tuesday, September 1, a public holiday for President-elect Hakainde Hichilema’s swearing-in at National Heroes Stadium, urging invitees to carpool due to limited parking. Judiciary Independence: Attorney General Mulilo Kabesha says the judiciary is powerful and independent, not controllable by other arms of government. Copper Push: Konkola Copper Mines targets 300,000 tonnes of copper annually within three years as operations ramp up. Zambia-China Spotlight: Lusaka hosted a drone light show celebrating Zambia-China people-to-people exchanges and heritage, including the TAZARA railway. Local Governance: UPND alliance member Charles Chanda backs calls to increase chiefs’ allowances to help them carry out duties. Wildlife Conservation: Zambia plans a cheetah soft-release boma modelled on India’s Kuno approach, with a 2,000-hectare enclosure.

Treason Case in Lusaka: Opposition leader Brian Mundubile and running mate Makebi Zulu have been formally charged with treason and remain detained at Lusaka Central Police Station after the disputed August 13 election, with police also rejecting claims that lawyers were blocked from visiting them. Courtroom Tension: Legal debate is intensifying around Zambia’s presidential election petition and whether procedural steps are helping or undermining constitutional challenges. International Pressure: Mo Ibrahim has warned President Hichilema not to let post-election arrests and court closures undo his first-term gains, while the World Economic Forum has congratulated Hichilema on re-election and pledged continued public-private cooperation. Food Security & Payments: The Food Reserve Agency says it will export only surplus maize and has paid farmers over K6bn for maize bought this season, as Zambia prepares for possible rainfall shortfalls in 2026/27. Tourism Business Move: Zimbabwe’s Victoria Falls Hotel partnership is set for a major ownership shift, with African Sun targeting full management control and a refurbishment push.

Treason Case Deepens: Police have formally charged NRPUP presidential candidate Brian Mundubile, running mate Makebi Zulu and 16 others with treason, bringing the accused to 18, with lawyer Milner Katolo confirming the latest charges and the matter set for court appearances. Church Clarifies Role: Eight church mother bodies say they had no mandate to negotiate a political settlement, only to facilitate Mundubile and Zulu’s safe handover from UN premises to their legal representatives, while police recorded warn-and-caution statements. Election Transparency Push: Transparency International Zambia (TIZ) has flagged 32 constituencies for a transparent review of August 13 results, citing procedural irregularities and inconsistent enforcement of electoral laws. Food Security & Prices: The Food Reserve Agency says it has paid over K6 billion to maize farmers, buying more than one million metric tonnes since August 20, as mealie meal prices ease and Kenya moves to buy 10.8 million bags. Health & Safety: A 26-year-old football referee died in Kazungula police custody in a suspected suicide case, with investigations opened. Weather Outlook: Zambia’s 2026/27 rainfall forecast warns of drier conditions in southern areas, with risks of dry spells for rain-fed farming. Digital Cooperation: Zambia is set to join the Digital Cooperation Organization as a member state after accession procedures.

Post-election justice and politics: Zambia’s main opposition leader Brian Mundubile and running mate Makebi Zulu were detained after “warn and caution” statements in a treason probe following a disputed Aug 13 election, with police alleging militia plans; the church mother bodies also moved to clarify they did not hand the pair to police, saying they were instead handed to their lawyers after a UN stay. Debt and cost of living: Government says external debt-service payments have dropped to about US$900m a year from 2026 after restructuring, cutting the share of domestic revenue spent on external debt and supporting macro stability as inflation eases to around 6.2%. Inauguration diplomacy: China will send a special envoy, Xian Hui, to President Hakainde Hichilema’s Sept 1 inauguration at Heroes Stadium, underscoring continued Zambia–China ties. Regional trade and food security: Kenya is ready to buy 10.8 million bags of maize from Zambia to cover a harvest shortfall, with Zambia citing strong stock levels and readiness to support exports. Digital expansion: The Digital Cooperation Organization approved eight new member states including Zambia, potentially expanding its reach to about 980 million people. Local safety: A woman died after a hippo attack in Itezhi-Tezhi, according to police.

Debt Relief and Jobs: Zambia says external debt-service will drop to about US$900m from 2026, down from an estimated US$2.6bn without restructuring—freeing money for education, health, agriculture and infrastructure. Election Fallout and Treason Case: Opposition presidential candidate Brian Mundubile and running mate Makebi Zulu have been arrested over alleged high treason, after days of hiding and a UN stay that ended with a handover to police. Church and UN Clarifications: Eight church mother bodies say the UN engagement was only to help a safe handover to lawyers, not to grant asylum or decide guilt. Due Process Debate: UPND figures and others argue the State must follow the law and compensate if wrongdoing is found. Public Anger Over Kafwaya’s Remains: Mutotwe Kafwaya’s family protested missing clothes and personal effects after his body was found at a guarded military hospital, reigniting questions about handling of evidence. Regional Diplomacy: Namibia’s President Nandi-Ndaitwah congratulated Hakainde Hichilema and urged protection of democratic institutions and peace. Digital Governance: Sinazongwe Town Council goes digital with Smart Zambia ICT tools to improve service delivery.

Election Fallout and Treason Probe: Opposition leader Brian Mundubile and running mate Makebi Zulu have been handed to police after days in hiding and UN protection, with authorities issuing “warn and caution” statements over alleged treason linked to the disputed Aug 13 election. Diplomacy Under Fire: Former diplomat Emmanuel Mwamba says the UN failed Zambia by leaving without a deal, while commentary debates whether UN protection is “immunity” from state investigations. Security Raid Aftermath: The family of slain former minister Mutotwe Kafwaya rejects a state funeral offer and protests missing clothes and personal effects from Maina Soko Mortuary. Inflation Eases: Zambia’s annual inflation slowed to 6.2% in August, down from 6.5% in July, moving closer to the Bank of Zambia’s 6–8% target range. Local Digital Push: Sinazongwe Town Council goes digital as Smart Zambia deploys ICT tools to improve service delivery. Value Addition in Forestry: ZAFFICO starts work on a $25m particle board factory to cut import costs and boost jobs. Regional and Global Links: China’s Xi envoy Xian Hui will attend President Hakainde Hichilema’s Sept 1 inauguration in Lusaka.

Election Crisis in Lusaka: Opposition leader Brian Mundubile and running mate Makebi Zulu have been detained after “warn and caution” statements over alleged treason, following their surrender to police after seeking refuge at the UN in Lusaka; the move follows a Kabulonga raid in which former Transport and Communications Minister Mutotwe Kafwaya was killed, and police say investigations link the case to alleged militia activity. Inflation Update: Zambia’s annual inflation eased to 6.2% in August from 6.5% in July, keeping it within the Bank of Zambia’s 6–8% target band, with State House pointing to discipline, lower borrowing costs and a focus on cost of living and jobs. Justice and Due Process Pressure: Church mother bodies called for humane treatment and full respect for due process for Mundubile and Zulu as legal processes begin, while opposition figures urge the African Union to intervene ahead of the planned inauguration. Local Economy & Jobs: Gwembe Town Council secured funding for a fish feed plant to boost aquaculture and employment, and plans a farmers’ training centre and tourism mapping to diversify the district’s income. Cybersecurity Alert: Hungry Lion is among targets flagged in a dark-web sweep tied to ransomware activity, raising fresh concerns about payment systems and branch-level vulnerabilities.

Zambia Election Aftermath: Zambia’s courts were shut on security grounds during the presidential petition window, with police deployed at the Supreme Court/Constitutional Court in Lusaka; the judiciary says no petition was filed in time, while the Chief Justice says “People’s Presidential Petition” documents were received via private email—raising fresh alarm about access to justice. UN to Police: The UN handed over opposition presidential candidate Brian Mundubile and running mate Makebi Zulu to Zambia Police for questioning at the Law Enforcement Agencies Command Centre after they sheltered at UN premises following a deadly Kabulonga raid that killed former minister Mutotwe Kafwaya. Security at Institutions: SACCORD has urged police to publicly update Zambians on security measures at key government sites, especially courts, as tensions remain high. Economy Watch: Zambia’s annual inflation eased to 6.2% in August, down from 6.5% in July, with food inflation falling to 6.0%. Markets: Investors piled into Zambia’s bonds after Hichilema’s re-election, with an auction oversubscribed by about 37%. Diplomatic Signals: The IMF and other partners congratulated Hichilema, pledging continued cooperation as he begins a second term. Youth & Transport: The Ministry of Transport backs the 16th Lusaka Motor Show (28–30 August), while Kinglong hands over 100 fuel tankers under a youth empowerment programme.

Lobito Corridor Deal: Angola’s João Lourenço says new contracts for the Congo section of the Lobito railway will unlock full operations across the corridor, boosting trade links for Angola, DR Congo and Zambia. Election Court Crisis: Zambia’s courts were shut as the opposition’s presidential petition deadline passed, with the judiciary saying no petition was formally filed; opposition figures and civil society warn this risks blocking access to justice ahead of the Sept 1 inauguration. IMF and China Engagement: The IMF signals continued support as a Chinese envoy meets President Hichilema in Lusaka, underscoring Zambia’s key external relationships for the next term. Youth in Petroleum: A Chinese firm donated 100 fuel tankers to Zambia to expand youth participation in the petroleum sector, targeting about 12,000 young people. Mining Power Pressure: Zambia’s copper push faces a power crunch, with drought and rising mining demand straining the grid and threatening production targets. Education Boost: Government plans to expand the school feeding programme to over 13,000 schools to improve attendance and learning. Sports: Zambian golfer Gilbert Chalwe leads after Day 2 of the Uganda Amateur Open.

Courts and election dispute: Zambia’s courts have stayed shut as the deadline for filing a presidential petition nears, renewing fears over access to justice and judicial independence; State House denies President Hakainde Hichilema ordered the closure, saying security risk assessments were carried out across key government premises, while the Law Association of Zambia and opposition figures insist the move blocks legal safeguards. AU intervention push: The Tonse-Pamodzi Alliance has asked the African Union to intervene and halt the Sept 1 inauguration, arguing judicial scrutiny is being “mooted” by the court shutdown. UN at Mundubile’s UN refuge: The UN has sent a representative to engage Zambian authorities over Brian Mundubile and Makebi Zulu staying at a UN facility in Lusaka, as police seek to question them over alleged national security threats. Cybercrime crackdown: Zambia’s Drug Enforcement Commission says 79 cybercrime suspects arrested in Lusaka ran a clandestine digital lab targeting government systems, including the Electoral Commission of Zambia. Gold sector reforms: Government says the Bank of Zambia remains the sole authorised gold buyer as a single-buyer model is introduced to tighten regulation. Trade and revenue: ZRA signs for drive-through X-ray cargo scanning at Livingstone Border Post to boost security and speed up trade. Business capital push: LuSE and ZDA sign an MoU to help firms, especially SMEs, access long-term funding and consider listing.

Election Court Crisis: Zambia’s courts were shut and barricaded across Lusaka as “crime scenes” ahead of the deadline to challenge the August 13 presidential vote, with police citing intelligence-led security risk assessments; critics warn this blocks access to justice. Inauguration Timeline: Despite the legal uncertainty, Cabinet says President-elect Hakainde Hichilema will be sworn in on Tuesday, September 1, after the seven-day petition window expired—though the Chief Justice says documents sent to his private email were referred to the Constitutional Court as “highly irregular.” Petition Filed: Former Law Association of Zambia president Linda Kasonde, Brebner Changala and LCK Freedom Foundation have filed a 60-page challenge to the ECZ result, citing turnout and tally anomalies and concerns over the election environment. Cyber Security: The Drug Enforcement Commission says 79 cyber crime suspects were arrested in Lusaka over alleged attacks on government systems, including those linked to the ECZ. Gold Regulation: The Bank of Zambia remains the sole authorised buyer of gold as authorities move to tighten licensing for gold trading and processing. Border Tech & Trade: ZRA signed for advanced X-ray cargo scanning at Livingstone Border Post to boost security and speed up trade. Business Capital: LuSE and ZDA signed an MoU to help firms access long-term capital and consider listing. Public Safety & Health: A Bulawayo workshop warned drug and substance abuse is now a socio-economic and national security threat, calling for coordinated action beyond health services.

Election Petition Pressure: Zambia’s courts were shut as the deadline nears for challenging the August 13 presidential result, with opposition figures like Brian Mundubile saying they will petition over alleged irregularities while police cite security risk assessments. Legal Challenge Filed: Former Law Association of Zambia president Linda Kasonde and two others have lodged a presidential election petition, pointing to monitoring reports, alleged security force deployments, and the suspension of vote counting. State House Response: Government says President Hakainde Hichilema had no power to close courts, arguing the closures were part of wider intelligence-led checks at key institutions. EU Observers Concern: Ambassadors Muhabi Lungu and George Chulumanda told EU election observers that court access was restricted on deadline day and that other institutions stayed open, raising fears of political interference. Border Security Upgrade: Zambia Revenue Authority signed for an advanced drive-through X-ray cargo scanner at Livingstone border post, building on similar tech at Nakonde to speed trade and curb contraband. Infrastructure Push: Government plans to upgrade the Great East Road stretch from the airport to Chongwe into a dual carriageway to cut congestion and improve connectivity. Copper Ambition Tested: A new analysis says Zambia’s copper output is improving but still falling behind the pace needed to reach the three-million-tonne target by 2031. Markets React: Zambia’s first post-election local bond auction was oversubscribed by about 37%, signalling renewed investor confidence in the second Hichilema term.

Courts Shutdown on Petition Deadline: Zambia closed the Supreme Court, Constitutional Court and other courts across Lusaka and beyond on Monday, citing “security reasons,” just as opposition leader Brian Mundubile’s seven-day window to file a presidential election petition was expiring. Reports said some entrances were cordoned off with tape marked “Crime Scene,” while lawyers were reportedly turned away; the move has sparked sharp criticism from legal and rights groups over access to justice and judicial independence. Civil Society Pushback: A coalition of civil society groups said the shutdown undermines constitutional rights and demanded court services resume, while others urged calm as post-election tensions continue. Parallel Vote Tabulation: Civil society monitors confirmed President Hakainde Hichilema’s re-election via a Parallel Vote Tabulation, estimating 57.9% for Hichilema and 40.2% for Mundubile, broadly matching official results, but warned of deep regional and political divisions. Security Assessments: Zambia Police said it is conducting intelligence-led security risk assessments at key government premises, insisting the exercise is preventive and not targeted at any individual. Inauguration Preparations: Work at National Heroes Stadium is progressing ahead of President Hichilema’s inauguration, with officials inspecting renovations and saying final touches are expected by Friday. Health Access in Kabwe: Bayer and the Ministry of Health handed over the Munzele Health Centre in Kabwe, aiming to cut a long travel barrier to primary care for nearby communities. Uranium Deal Watch: Atomic Eagle said it secured a new exploitation permit for Niger’s Madaouela uranium project, restoring a 60% interest and ending an arbitration dispute.