AGP Executive Report

Constitutional Court Challenge: A petition filed by UPND founding member Charles Longwe seeks to block President Hakainde Hichilema’s August 13 candidacy, arguing the party lacked a valid convention before his May 22 nomination; the Constitutional Court has set June 19 for the hearing. Election Security: North-Western Province Police Commissioner Brighton Siwale ordered firm action against political violence, saying an electoral security plan is in place to prevent disorder and protect journalists. Church Neutrality: Kasama Catholic Archbishop Ignatius Chama banned politicians from campaigning, giving gifts, or making political speeches in church services, warning against any appearance of endorsement. Political Tensions at Nominations: Mazabuka Central independent candidate Gary Nkombo faces an assault charge after clashes during nomination filing; police say procedures were followed, while Nkombo disputes the account. High Court on Independents: Lusaka High Court reserved a ruling on a petition seeking to disqualify 101 independent candidates, including Nkombo, after objections raised by respondents. Copperbelt Rallies Postponed: Tonse Alliance halted its first three Copperbelt campaign rallies out of respect for the late Paramount Chief Mpezeni IV, with rallies to resume after the burial. Business & Finance: Moore Global launched Moore Zambia CFS in Lusaka, while Airtel Money and Stanbic Bank rolled out mobile wallet payments on Stanbic POS machines. Energy & Trade: ECA launched a €15m SADC project to strengthen responsible, decarbonised critical minerals value chains, and Zambia’s Eurobond buyback plans continue to draw attention.

Kwacha Watch: The Zambian kwacha kept strengthening, trading around K17.9 to the dollar, with Bank of Zambia linking the move to strong mining inflows and foreign financial activity. Election Courtroom Tension: Human rights campaigner Brebnar Changala says opposition presidential candidate Xavier Chungu should be taken to court instead of being held in police custody beyond 48 hours. Higher Education Finance: HELSB says it has recovered over K1.01 billion in student loans from former public university students since 2018, citing improved recovery systems and digitised processes. UNZA Sanitation Upgrade: Secretary to the Cabinet Patrick Kangwa says UNZA sanitation will not slip back, after inspections of renovated sewer lines and hostels under the New Dawn administration. Regional Fisheries Governance: SADC renewed the board of the fisheries monitoring and surveillance centre in Maputo, keeping Stanley Ndara as chair as the region targets better vessel registers and enforcement. Business & Jobs: FPM Agro Mechanic begins setting up an agricultural equipment plant in Lusaka’s South Multi-Facility Economic Zone, aiming to assemble for local use and export. Politics & Unity: UPP and NCP both made election moves—UPP joining the UPND alliance for August polls, while NCP endorsed President Hichilema as its preferred candidate. Traditional Leadership: Ngoni Royal Establishment is preparing Paramount Chief Mpezeni’s burial, with arrangements pointing to a major funeral in Chipata and a suspension of political activities during mourning.

Eurobond Buyback & Debt Relief: PwC Zambia says government’s planned buyback of over US$1.3bn in Eurobonds is a key step to cut future debt costs, supported by a US$600m AfDB facility and improved credit confidence. Local Economy & Jobs: FPM Agro Mechanic is setting up an agricultural equipment assembly plant in Lusaka South Multi-Facility Economic Zone, targeting operation in 8–10 weeks and exports to neighbouring countries. Public Health & Safety: Zambia’s election season continues under a cloud of legal and rights concerns, including a court setting July 14 for judgment in the seditious practices case against Raphael Nakacinda, and a rights activist demanding court access for opposition leader Xavier Chungu held beyond 48 hours. Elections & Political Alliances: UPP has joined the UPND Alliance ahead of August polls, while NCP endorsed President Hichilema as its preferred candidate. Infrastructure & Services: UNZA sanitation upgrades are being promised as permanent, with government pledging sewer and water systems will not slip back to past levels. Food Security: Lusaka District has been assigned a 2,800MT maize purchase target for FRA satellite depots to restock strategic reserves. Mining & Power Supply: Vedanta’s Konkola Copper Mines begins a 60-day Nchanga smelter shutdown for maintenance, with possible copper and sulphuric acid supply tightening. Regional Disaster Preparedness: Zambia calls for stronger regional collaboration and better local risk data sharing as SADC workshops push sub-national disaster risk planning.

Eurobond Buyback: Zambia has started buying back more than US$1.3bn in Eurobonds, a move Prof. Lubinda Haabazoka says should cut future debt costs and improve fiscal sustainability. Rural Roads: Government has launched a K230m feeder roads project in Rufunsa and Luangwa under the World Bank-backed Improved Rural Connectivity Project, with works expected to finish by December 2026. Energy Security: ZCCM-IH has backed a 600MW thermal power plan in Sinazongwe to ease Zambia’s baseload shortfall and reduce reliance on drought-affected hydro. Elections Watch: The ECZ launched its “Count Me In” voter sensitisation campaign ahead of the August 13 polls, targeting women, youths, persons with disabilities and first-time voters across all wards. Political Tensions: UPND-linked figures dismissed US Embassy election unrest claims, while UPP leader Saviour Chishimba announced his party’s joining of the UPND Alliance. Education Integrity: Police arrested a Socialist Party candidate, Raymond Mwale, over a forged Grade 12 certificate submitted for nomination verification. Public Health: Africa CDC warned that lack of licensed Ebola vaccines and intense cross-border movement could fuel spread, with Zambia listed among high-risk countries. Sports & Business: First Capital Bank partnered Hashtag Fitness on a K40m padel tournament in Malawi, while Zambia also featured in regional IP school awards won by Liberia.

Eurobond Buyback & Debt Relief: Economist Prof Lubinda Haabazoka backs Zambia’s plan to repurchase over US$1.3bn of 2053 Eurobonds, saying it should cut future interest costs and free budget space for health, education and infrastructure. Rural Roads Push: Government has started K230m feeder road works in Rufunsa and Luangwa under the World Bank-backed Improved Rural Connectivity Project, with completion targeted for December 2026 and added boreholes, toilets, markets and bus shelters. Energy Security Moves: ZCCM-IH and Wonderful Group back a 600MW Sinazongwe thermal power project to reduce Zambia’s baseload gap and drought-linked hydro dependence. Elections Readiness: ECZ launched the “Count Me In” voter sensitisation campaign ahead of the 2026 General Elections, with outreach across all wards and a focus on women, youths, persons with disabilities and first-time voters. Regional Health Alert: Africa CDC warns Ebola spread risk is rising as suspected cases climb and vaccine access remains limited, with cross-border movement a key concern. Education & Credentials: Ghana’s GTEC warns the public about 70 unrecognised tertiary institutions, urging due diligence on certificates. Legal/Business Fallout: London arbitration orders ZCCM-IH to pay Trafigura US$92m in a dispute tied to a Konkola Copper Mines prepayment agreement. Governance & Campaign Rules: Zambia Police urge parties to campaign lawfully and police neutrality, while civil groups call for manifestos to be released early.

Eurobond Buyback: Zambia has launched a tender to repurchase about US$1.3bn of Eurobonds due in 2053, using a US$600m African Development Bank loan plus domestic resources, as government frames it as proactive debt management to cut future repayment pressure and free space for investment. Inflation Watch: The Economics Association of Zambia warns inflation could rise above the 6.8% target if elections are not well managed, even as ZAMSTATS reports May inflation easing to 6.6% on the back of a projected bumper maize harvest. Traditional Leadership & Unity: Paramount Chief Mpezeni IV’s death has triggered rare cross-party calm, with leaders urging respect for traditional succession and keeping campaigns away from funeral proceedings. Public Health: Eastern Province officials call for stronger action against tobacco and nicotine, warning of addiction risks and health impacts, especially for young people. Election Media Rules: Zambia’s Independent Broadcasting Authority says it has not banned political campaign songs, only issued guidance to broadcasters to avoid hate and inflammatory content. Governance & Security: Police have conducted searches linked to former spy boss Xavier Chungu, as election-season legal and political tensions continue.

Debt Relief Move: Zambia has started buying back Eurobonds worth about US$1.3–1.4 billion, using cheaper financing and domestic resources to avoid a costly interest-rate trigger and improve fiscal predictability. Energy Transition: Africa’s power build-out is increasingly shifting to solar, wind and battery storage, with Zambia linked to a wider regional push for faster, cheaper generation. Renewables Push: The AfDB launched a clean cooking programme in Brazzaville aimed at reaching one million households, cutting major carbon emissions while tackling energy access gaps. Elections & Media: The IBA says it has not banned political campaign songs, only issued election-content guidance for broadcasters. Health Watch: Zambia cleared two suspected Ebola cases and says screening and surveillance have been stepped up as Congo reports rise. Traditional Leadership: President Hichilema confirmed the death of Paramount Chief Mpezeni IV, ending a 44-year Ngoni reign and triggering nationwide mourning. Governance & Law: A legal clarification says candidates cannot withdraw after nominations close, citing the Electoral Process Act.

Ebola Watch: Zambia says two suspected Ebola cases have tested negative as Congo’s suspected tally rises to 1,028, with health authorities stepping up screening at entry points and for Ebola-like symptoms. Debt & Finance: Zambia has launched a cash tender to buy back its $1.36bn 2053 bond, offering $780 per $1,000 of principal for early participants, funded partly by a $600m AfDB loan, as the move could cut future borrowing costs. Traditional Leadership: President Hichilema confirms the death of Paramount Chief Mpezeni IV, ending a long reign since 1982, while political leaders and the public send condolences. Courtroom Politics: Zambia’s Attorney General Mulilo Kabesha says government will abide by South Africa’s Supreme Court of Appeal decision in the Edgar Lungu burial repatriation dispute. Local Enforcement: Nine people were arrested in Mpulungu for fish trading during the Lake Tanganyika fishing ban, with 75kg of dry fish seized. Governance & Elections: Opposition candidate Xavier Chungu’s detention and calls for due process continue to fuel election-season debate, while election-related advisories from the US embassy are framed as standard safety reminders.

Ebola Watch: Zambia says two suspected Ebola cases have tested negative as it ramps up screening and surveillance at entry points after the DRC reported 1,028 suspected cases of the Bundibugyo strain. Election Fallout: Parliamentary candidate withdrawals are becoming a major issue ahead of Zambia’s August 13 polls, with former Matero MP Miles Sampa stepping aside for Lima and PeP’s Sean Tembo and Katotobwe alleging Registrar of Societies record tampering to block nominations. Court Battle: The Lungu burial dispute continues in South Africa’s Supreme Court of Appeal, with the family pushing back against President Hichilema’s proposed role. Digital Zambia: Zambia and Huawei sign an MoU to build a National AI Data Centre and train 5,000 ICT professionals by 2028. Environment & Livelihoods: Zambia launches the Kafue Flats Wildlife, Habitat, Health and Livelihood project to restore degraded ecosystems and protect wildlife while boosting climate resilience. Local Crime: A Lusaka woman, Metisha Mubanga, is arrested over alleged production and circulation of obscene videos.

Election Court Battles: Governance activist Isaac Mwanza has petitioned Zambia’s High Court to disqualify more than 100 parliamentary candidates who filed as independents, arguing they were still affiliated with political parties—naming figures including Garry Nkombo, Miles Sampa, Chitalu Chilufya and Joseph Phiri. National Security & Politics: Former ZSIS boss Xavier Chungu has been charged under the State Security Act, escalating election-season tensions around what officials say is sensitive information. Presidential Race Eligibility: Dr Fred M’membe faces a constitutional challenge over his Grade 12 certificate, with the petition also targeting his running mate Dolika Banda. Local Governance & Delivery: The Presidential Delivery Unit says strong monitoring and evaluation systems are key to turning government programmes into real service improvements. Environment & Livelihoods: Zambia launched the Kafue Flats Wildlife, Habitat, Health and Livelihood Project in Southern Province with WWF Zambia and the International Crane Foundation to restore degraded ecosystems and protect livelihoods. Trade & Jobs: China’s zero-tariff policy for 20 African countries is expected to boost exports to China and support Zambia’s trade balance. Economy & Currency: Traders say Zambia’s kwacha may strengthen against the dollar on copper-driven inflows and debt restructuring. Agriculture & Food Security: ICRISAT is expanding climate-resilient chickpea seed production across Southern Africa, including Zambia, to help farmers cope with rising costs and unpredictable weather.

Election Watch: Zambia’s High Court has been petitioned to disqualify former ZSIS boss Garry Nkombo from the 2026 polls, with claims he and other independents allegedly stayed affiliated with political parties after filing nominations, raising a fresh legal test for ECZ and candidates. Security & Politics: Police questioning of ex-spy boss Xavier Chungu has intensified election-season tensions, while the U.S. Embassy warns Americans of possible civil unrest ahead of August 13, urging citizens to avoid crowds as demonstrations could escalate. National Security & Information: A local commentary urges Zambians to treat misinformation as a national security risk, stressing verification and responsibility when sharing posts that could inflame fear. Economy & Markets: Traders say Zambia’s kwacha is likely to strengthen against the dollar next week, supported by steady mining inflows and copper prices, alongside debt restructuring and dedollarisation. Health: South Africa’s push to switch ARVs to six-month dispensing is highlighted as a way to cut clinic visits and reduce treatment interruptions. Environment: A GEF-backed Kafue Flats restoration effort offers renewed hope for wetland recovery and community resilience.

Elections & Governance: The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) says the presidential nomination period is closed and cannot be reopened, after clarifying that PeP remains a registered political party and was never converted into a church; ECZ also dismissed as false PF claims that it was plotting to disqualify Brian Mundubile and Makebi Zulu, warning of social media abuse ahead of August polls. Anti-Corruption & Public Ethics: Zambia’s Anti-Corruption Commission warned officials against accepting “talk time” rewards, saying such tokens can amount to bribery under the Anti-Corruption Act; meanwhile, Cabinet Secretary Patrick Kangwa directed action against public officers who joined politics without resigning. Security & Political Tension: Copperbelt police commander Mwala Yuyi warned politicians to campaign lawfully and avoid violence. Economy & IMF: The IMF says Zambia has made progress on macro stability, but warns fiscal pressure is rising ahead of Aug. 13 elections. Housing Finance: Government and ZNBS launched the “Bondi Yanga” housing finance campaign to tackle a housing deficit of over 1.5 million units. Health: WHO urged an immediate ceasefire in DRC as suspected Ebola cases near 1,000, with regional border controls tightening.

Energy & Investment: Anzana Electric Group secured a US$20m senior secured debt facility from British International Investment to speed up run-of-river hydropower projects, with Zambia flagged as the first site. Mining & Industry: ZCCM-IH and Wonderful Group sealed a US$30m Ndola lime and cement JV, with a 600 tonnes/day lime plant as Phase One, while FQM said it contributed US$3.459bn to Zambia’s economy in 2025. Agriculture Exports: Zambia is exploring how to meet China’s interest in buying up to 3 million tonnes of Zambian soybeans, including varieties and quality standards for farmers and private players. Uranium Update: Atomic Eagle says ground radiometrics at Muntanga North refined uranium targets, with drilling expected soon at priority zones. Governance & Courts: President Hichilema urged newly sworn judges to clear the court backlog faster, fairer and accessible nationwide. Elections & Information War: ECZ dismissed social media claims that it plans to disqualify Tonse Alliance presidential candidate Brian Mundubile and running mate Makebi Zulu, saying they were duly nominated. Digital Push: Smart Zambia and Huawei signed an MoU for a National AI Data Centre and training of 5,000 ICT professionals by 2028.

Energy Transition & Power Supply: Zambia is moving faster into renewables, with a 22MW NRDC solar plant commissioned and new reporting saying Africa’s next power build is increasingly solar, wind and battery storage. Digital & AI Capacity: Smart Zambia and Huawei signed an MoU for a National AI Data Centre and training 5,000 ICT professionals by 2028. US-Zambia Trade Push: President Hichilema met the new US Chargé d’Affaires, urging deeper private-sector cooperation to expand trade and jobs. Critical Minerals Strategy: Government says Zambia will strengthen its critical minerals strategy through value addition, partnerships and better geological mapping. Agriculture Outlook: Zambia’s maize harvest is projected at about 4.9 million metric tonnes, with expectations of a surplus to support food security and regional exports. Elections & Information Integrity: ECZ rejected PF claims of a plot to disqualify Mundubile and Makebi Zulu, while police warned of false social media posts targeting election figures. Business & Industry: ZCCM-IH and Wonderful Group will invest $30m to revive Ndola lime production, and GreenCo secured a $10m stake investment from Sanlam Alternative Investments. Health Funding: Zambia was selected for a €10m global health fund initiative to strengthen primary healthcare and make projects investment-ready.

Election Tensions Boil Over: As Zambia heads toward August 13, the loudest fight is over nominations and media access. A fresh allegation claims UPND staged violence to secure more than 85 unopposed MPs—yet the Tonse Pamodzi camp says UPND only landed 6 unopposed seats nationwide. Opposition Pushback: Mundubile says jailed PF figures will only be freed after a government change, while Catholic priest Fr. Mukosa calls for an end to violence, defections and threatening behaviour. Media Under Pressure: The IBA denies ordering broadcasters to cancel Xavier Chungu interviews, after claims of threats over “national security” topics. ECZ Crackdown: ECZ reports 10 aspiring politicians reported to police for forged Grade 12 certificates, and runs voter-education training in Lavushimanda. Economy Watch: Zambia is projected to produce nearly 4.94 million tonnes of maize—another recovery season. Regional Health: Ebola concerns keep spreading in DR Congo and Uganda, with spillover risks highlighted in western Uganda.

Media Freedom Clash: Zambia’s Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) has denied blocking Xavier Chungu’s interview, saying no station was ordered to cancel or suspend any programme—after online claims that Millennium TV and ZedPodcast were threatened with charges over the planned airing. Election Rules Tighten: The IBA also unveiled 2026 election coverage guidelines, pushing fair, balanced reporting and banning hate speech, while ECZ continues training conflict-management committees to keep disputes from escalating. Digital Push: Vice President Mutale Nalumango launched the 2026 Zambia Mobile Congress with Huawei, pitching AI, cloud and connectivity as the route to broader access. Food Security: Government projects 4.9 million metric tonnes of maize for 2025/26, up from 3.8 million last season. Health Watch: Ebola concerns remain regional, with DR Congo reporting attacks on treatment centres and patients fleeing amid the outbreak. Business & Finance: AfDB backed Access Bank Zambia with a $20m trade finance guarantee aimed at unlocking SME imports and exports.