AGP Executive Report

Zambia Election Results: President Hakainde Hichilema has been re-elected for a second five-year term after the Electoral Commission of Zambia declared him winner with about 60% (61.4% in final tallies) of the vote, beating Brian Mundubile who polled about 38%. The race was largely peaceful, but counting was suspended after reports of violence against election staff and theft of marked ballot papers, and authorities later arrested opposition figures during a raid described by police as targeting “militia activity.” Economic Direction: Hichilema’s campaign leaned on continuity after debt restructuring and macroeconomic stabilisation, with promises to expand jobs and grow the economy further, while investors are said to welcome reduced political uncertainty. Currency Watch: The kwacha held steady against major currencies, supported by consistent copper export inflows and other forex sources including agriculture sales and tourism. Agribusiness: Zambia recorded its largest maize harvest on record at about 4.9 million tonnes, leaving a sizeable surplus for regional supply and carryover. Regional Trade & Industry: At the 46th SADC summit in Durban, leaders backed industrialisation through infrastructure, agriculture and critical minerals transformation, and approved a SADC tourism visa plus plans to operationalise the SADC Regional Development Fund. Critical Minerals Politics: US lawmakers raised conflict-of-interest concerns over Trump-linked critical minerals deals, while Zambia’s mineral value-add push remains a key theme across the region.

Zambia Election Update: President Hakainde Hichilema’s lead widened as results came in, with his share of valid votes rising to about 62% from roughly 59% late Sunday, while opposition leader Brian Mundubile slipped to around 36%—as counting nears completion and the vote remains clouded by opposition claims of fraud and irregularities. Security Crackdown: Police arrested 11 people, including senior opposition figures, alleging an insurrection plot tied to the election night in Lusaka, with authorities saying weapons and ammunition were seized. Energy Investment Push: The Energy Regulation Board approved 23 licences and 20 construction permits worth about ZMW 18.4 billion for electricity, renewable energy and downstream petroleum projects, including solar and fuel retail expansion. Mining & Industrialisation: Tertiary Minerals reported early positive pXRF results from new Western Zone drill holes at the Mushima North Project, while SADC leaders renewed calls for processing critical minerals locally to create jobs. Aviation & Connectivity: Zambia Airways appointed Aman Wole Gurmu as CEO to drive regional growth, building on the airline’s commercial push. Regional Trade Finance: The AfDB approved US$255m to support Zambia’s participation in the Lobito Corridor, including 550km of railway development linking the Copperbelt to Angola’s Lobito port. Business Events Outlook: Zambia is positioning itself as a serious MICE destination in 2026, supported by improved air links and a pipeline of global conferences.

Zambia Election Watch: Hakainde Hichilema is leading the presidential count with 54.82% (1,056,812 votes) from 105 of 226 constituencies, putting him on track for a possible first-round win if he holds above 50%. Election Integrity: Counting was briefly suspended after reports of violence against officials and ballot paper theft, with police arresting suspects after a polling agent was killed; observers urged calm as final results are expected soon. FX and Business Sentiment: The kwacha held around K18.88/$ during the vote-counting period, but dealers say trading is quiet as importers and exporters wait for the outcome. SADC Summit in Durban: South Africa takes over the SADC chair as leaders meet amid tightened security and a focus on industrialisation, infrastructure, critical minerals, and Zambia’s election; migration remains a flashpoint with anti-migrant protests planned. Transport and Trade: Tanzania’s MV Liemba is set for relaunch after a Sh34 billion overhaul, with commercial operations targeted for September 1. Aviation Leadership: Zambia Airways appoints Aman Wole Gurmu as CEO effective August 1, 2026, signalling a push for growth and commercial strategy.

Zambia Election Update: President Hakainde Hichilema is leading the presidential count with 1,056,812 votes (54.82%) from 105 of 226 constituencies, while opposition leader Brian Mundubile has 830,841 (43%). Electoral Integrity Concerns: Observers say the vote was marred by intimidation claims, ballot theft allegations and a counting pause after violence against polling staff, though SADC observers also reported most polling stations were calm. Regional Governance & Democracy Debate: A commentary claims Hichilema “stole” the election, arguing weakened safeguards and an uneven playing field undermined a peaceful transition. Mining Skills Gap: Uganda’s mining growth targets could be threatened by a shortage of metallurgists, mining engineers and mining economists, with industry urging more local training. Education Policy: Uganda’s NCDC says curricula must be continuously reviewed to stay relevant to national priorities and global changes. Currency & Trade: Zambia is highlighted for collecting taxes and royalties from Chinese mining firms in yuan, feeding into a wider push for yuan-based cross-border payments across Africa. Youth & Jobs: Zambia, Japan and the ILO launched a sustainable e-waste project aimed at green jobs and youth employment. Consumer Safety: Zimbabwe warns of counterfeit Nivea lotion and Huletts sugar flooding informal markets.

Zambia Elections Update: Vote counting resumed after a suspension linked to attacks on polling staff and theft of marked ballots, with early results showing President Hakainde Hichilema leading Brian Mundubile as ECZ finalises verification; AU-COMESA observers urged stakeholders to avoid inflammatory acts while SADC election monitors warned the credibility of the process could be undermined by delays. Presidential Race Numbers: In 49 of 226 constituencies, Hichilema leads with 438,708 votes to Mundubile’s 351,281, with turnout around 55%. Opinion Polls & Economy: A new analysis says Zambian voters’ views on the economy worsened since the last election, with undecided voters still holding a large share—making the contest highly sensitive to economic perceptions. Green Jobs & Environment: Zambia, Japan and the ILO launched a Sustainable E-Waste Management for Youth Employment project in Central Province to create green jobs and support circular enterprise. Aviation Business: Zambia Airways appointed Ethiopian executive Aman Wole as CEO, aiming to strengthen routes, partnerships and financial sustainability. Regional Trade & Currency: Coverage highlights Africa’s growing push to use the yuan more widely, including Zambia’s collection of taxes and royalties from Chinese mining firms in yuan. Public Health/Infrastructure: Japan-funded e-waste and Zambia’s election-linked stability remain in focus as the country prepares for final results.

Zambia Election Watch: The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) suspended vote counting after reports of attacks on polling officials and theft of marked ballot papers, then restarted hours later after saying the security threat was contained, with heightened police and army deployed around key tallying sites in Lusaka; early results show President Hakainde Hichilema leading, but full presidential, parliamentary and local results are still expected. Election Integrity Concerns: Observers from SADC said the process was marred by claims of intimidation, abductions and a pause in counting, while police arrested suspects over the killing of a polling agent in Matero. Aviation Leadership: Zambia Airways appointed Ethiopian Airlines executive Aman Wole Gurmu as CEO, effective August 1, aiming to strengthen operations, expand routes and improve financial sustainability. Copperbelt Politics: Former Mines Minister Paul Kabuswe lost the Chililabombwe parliamentary seat, dealing a blow to the UPND on the Copperbelt. Public Finance & Policy Debate: An IMF critique argues its Africa approach focuses more on state retreat than on building productive capacity for jobs and diversification. Regional Business & Energy: South Africa’s Eskom says it is pushing for better reliability as outages continue to disrupt households and businesses. Humanitarian Tragedy: On Lake Kariba, Zimbabwe’s ferry disaster death toll rose further as divers recovered more bodies, including children.

Zambia Election: The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) suspended presidential vote counting after reports of attacks on polling officials and theft of marked ballot papers, then restarted hours later under heightened security after saying the threat was contained; opposition leader Brian Mundubile claimed victory amid warnings that delays could invite manipulation, while ECZ said the first official presidential results would come later in the evening and full results are still expected by Monday. Police & Security: Police arrested nine suspects over the alleged murder of a Matero polling agent and reported other election-day disturbances in Lusaka, as the vote tallying process faced renewed pressure. Agriculture Trade: Zambia inaugurated an upgraded Plant Quarantine and Phytosanitary Service laboratory in Livingstone, aimed at cutting testing costs and speeding up clearance to support agricultural exports and safer plant movement. Regional Business & Policy: Botswana signalled plans to legalise cannabis for medical use and exports, betting on new jobs and investment beyond diamond dependence. Health & Development: Zambia is among countries highlighted for progress toward the 95-95-95 HIV targets, with emphasis on partnerships between health systems and communities. Global Markets: The Black Sea shipping war pushed up world wheat prices as the US cut forecasts for Russian and Ukrainian exports, tightening supply expectations.

Zambia Election Update: Zambia’s Electoral Commission (ECZ) has resumed vote counting after a nationwide suspension triggered by reports of violence against polling staff and theft of marked ballot papers, with the first batch of results expected at 10:00pm local time; President Hakainde Hichilema is seeking a second term while opposition leader Brian Mundubile says he has already won and is demanding prompt, verified results. Security & Polling Incidents: Police have arrested nine suspects over the alleged murder of a Matero polling agent, as Lusaka also saw road blockages and unrest linked to election tensions. Political Fallout: As results emerge, four senior ministers are reported to have lost parliamentary seats, including major Copperbelt defeats for the ruling UPND. Business Angle on the Vote: Commentaries and reporting frame the election as a referendum on Zambia’s economic recovery—debt restructuring, inflation progress and copper investment—against continued cost-of-living pressure. Carbon Markets Push: Zambia launched a national carbon registry to improve carbon accounting and transparency, positioning the country to attract climate finance and participate more actively in international carbon markets.

Zambia Election Update: Vote counting has begun after Thursday’s tightly watched presidential, parliamentary and local elections, with about 8 million registered voters and results expected Monday; the race is widely seen as a referendum on President Hakainde Hichilema’s economic reforms amid persistent cost-of-living pressure. Early Returns: Initial polling-station figures point to a geography of margins—Hichilema dominating parts of the western/north-western belt while Brian Mundubile leads in pockets such as Kasama and Chipata—turning the contest into a question of “by how much”. Incumbent’s Message: Hichilema says the election reflects growing stability and a steadier kwacha, urging unity as the country awaits results. Opposition Push: Mundubile warns against vote manipulation, citing low turnout concerns in Southern Province, and frames his bid as “second independence” focused on jobs, poverty reduction and rights. Rule-of-Law Tensions: Copperbelt police commissioner Mwala Yuyi’s lawyer calls his two-week detention “injustice” after alleging delays in being taken to court. Finance & Markets: Standard Bank reports strong Africa Regions earnings (N$10.4bn) and Standard Bank CEO Sim Tshabalala stresses client-focused execution as the group tracks record profit momentum.

Zambia Election Watch: Vote counting is underway after Thursday’s presidential, parliamentary and local elections, with President Hakainde Hichilema seeking a second term on the back of debt restructuring and economic recovery, but facing voter anger over food prices, unemployment and unreliable electricity; results are expected Monday and the race is widely seen as a two-horse contest with Brian Mundubile as the main challenger. Democracy & Process: The campaign has been shadowed by disputes over ballot papers and allegations of restrictions on opposition campaigning, while EU observers are monitoring fairness, transparency and inclusiveness. Copper, Jobs & Geopolitics: Analysts say the outcome will shape investor confidence in mining licences, taxes and power supply, as Zambia’s copper and critical minerals keep drawing China and the US into a wider competition. Mining & Environment: A new study links a 2025 tailings dam failure at Sino-Metals Leach to toxic releases into the Kafue River system, with communities still living with contamination. Mining Growth: Shuka Minerals reports a new near-surface zinc orebody at its Kabwe mine after completing the ninth drill hole, adding to its exploration targets. Tech & Industry: Zambia and China discussed AI cooperation, including digital infrastructure, industrial applications and talent development.

Zambia Election Day: Polls opened in a one-day presidential, parliamentary and local vote, with about 8.7 million registered voters expected to decide whether incumbent Hakainde Hichilema gets a second term; the contest is widely seen as a referendum on his economic reforms amid stubborn cost-of-living pressure, food and energy prices, unemployment and unreliable electricity. Election Integrity & Security: Authorities say they have arrested people over an alleged plot to disrupt the electoral process, including claims of foreign military training and seized K7.3 million linked to the Tonse Alliance; opposition leaders dispute the fairness of the process. International Watch: US senators urged peaceful, free and fair elections, while AU-COMESA observers face calls for disclosure and recusal over perceived conflicts. Banking & Dividends: Standard Bank reported record first-half headline earnings and lifted its dividend by 10%, signalling improving business conditions. Pensions Push: NAPSA disbursed interest-free advances to 565 pensioners as part of pension reforms. Industry & Infrastructure: Mulungushi Textiles resumed production and has dispatched nearly two million metres of fabric since April; government also commissioned dams in Pemba and Kalomo to boost water supply for communities and farming.

Election Countdown: Zambia goes to the polls on Thursday, with President Hakainde Hichilema urging voters in Mandevu to back the UPND on a promise of continued roads, schools, clinics and social cash transfers. Campaign Tensions: Opposition leader Brian Mundubile says the election process is not free and fair, alleging restrictions on his campaign, including denied permits and confiscated phones/passport. Regional Pressure for Peace: SADC chair Peter Mutharika calls for calm and tolerance, pointing to SADC’s election observation mission as key to credible polls. Pension Relief: NAPSA disbursed K9.1m in interest-free advances to 565 pensioners within three days of launching the facility, with the highest payment at K17,454.37. Industry Revival: Mulungushi Textiles in Kabwe has dispatched nearly two million metres of fabric since restarting production in April, supported by rehabilitated equipment and added digital printing. Water & Resilience: Government commissioned two dams in Pemba and Kalomo to improve water supply for communities, livestock and agriculture amid erratic rainfall. Power Upgrade: Zambia commissioned its first solar-hydro hybrid plant (27MWp solar with Lunsemfwa hydro) to strengthen grid reliability. Road Investment: RDA signed a K177.6m contract to expand the Shimabala toll plaza, aiming to cut congestion and improve transport efficiency. Crime & Business Shock: Police arrested seven suspects over the murder and robbery of Chaminuka Resort CEO Stelios Sardanis.

Zambia Election Watch: Zambia goes to the polls on Thursday as voters weigh President Hakainde Hichilema’s economic recovery record against the still-high cost of living, with analysts pointing to copper output plans and debt restructuring as key campaign themes. Political Tensions: Opposition candidate Brian Mundubile alleges state-linked abductions and missing security personnel ahead of voting, while other reports highlight fears of violence and intimidation across campaign hotspots. Road Infrastructure Deal: The Road Development Agency has signed a K177.6m contract to expand the Shimabala toll plaza, aiming to cut congestion and improve traffic flow that affects business activity. Copper & Mining Updates: Prospect Resources says drilling at Nyungu Central in Zambia is extending a new mineralised zone, while Jubilee Metals received two binding offers for its Large Waste Project—moves that could reshape investment priorities in the sector. Public Health Cooperation: Zambia’s health ministry calls for stronger cross-border cooperation to prevent infectious disease outbreaks, warning that diseases spread with people across borders. Youth Sentiment: An African Youth Survey reports 55% of young Zambians feel the country is heading in the right direction, signalling cautious optimism despite economic pressure.

Zambia Election Tensions: With polls on Thursday, opposition candidate Brian Mundubile alleges intimidation and illegal arrests, saying his security detail is missing and that state actors are targeting opposition figures ahead of voting. Election Stakes & Economy: Analysts say the contest is being driven by cost of living, jobs and governance, with youth expected to be decisive as many feel economic gains have not reached daily life. Campaign Signals: President Hakainde Hichilema’s final push focuses on densely populated Lusaka areas, while endorsements and counter-narratives continue to shape voter perceptions. Public Holiday: Government has declared Thursday, August 13, a public holiday to allow voting, with Friday remaining a normal working day. Mining & Industry: Limeco’s quicklime project is advancing with the hot commissioning of Kiln 3, aiming to move into profitable production; Jubilee Metals also received two offers for its large waste project, planning to redeploy capital into copper operations. Energy Access Question: A new look at Zambia’s power recovery argues the key issue is not just generation numbers, but who is getting reliable electricity and at what cost. Education Support: Hichilema says student loans, bursaries and meal allowances will be expanded, including internships to help graduates secure jobs.

Election Campaign Momentum: President Hakainde Hichilema has wrapped a nationwide tour of all 116 districts, holding 127 rallies since 28 June, as more than 50,000 students marched to State House ahead of Thursday’s vote. Youth Vote Focus: With many registered voters aged 18–35, Hichilema urged supporters to campaign “everywhere” as the race tightens around cost-of-living concerns. Energy Assurance: Vice-President Mutale Nalumango says load shedding will not return, pointing to an expanded energy mix. Fuel Supply Plan: Cabinet approved two new regional pipeline projects—Tanzania-Zambia and Namibia-Zambia—under public-private partnerships to diversify petroleum sources and improve price stability. Election Monitoring: The AU-COMESA mission has deployed 93 observers across all 10 provinces, with preliminary findings due on 15 August. Ballot Marking Dispute: Brian Mundubile says voters are being confused by ECZ guidance on using a “tick” and wants any contradictions removed immediately. Trade & Logistics Watch: Dar es Salaam port transit cargo rose 17% in 2025/26, with DRC-bound shipments driving growth, while Namibia’s rail links are seen as key to protecting freight volumes.

Zambia Election Countdown: With polling set for 13 August, the race is tightening into a contest between the ruling UPND and the Tonse-Pamodzi Alliance led by Brian Mundubile, as students rally for HH, international observers step up, and disputes over ballot instructions flare—Mundubile says ECZ guidance on using a “tick” could confuse voters. First-Round Odds: PARI-Africa analysis gives Hakainde Hichilema a 70–80% chance of winning outright, pointing to UPND’s deep local presence, while warning opposition fragmentation could still shape outcomes. Campaign Finance & Promises: A debate is growing over what past PF and UPND budgets prioritised, alongside fresh claims from HH that Constituency Development Fund allocations have risen to K40m per constituency. Copperbelt Vote Battle: Tonse-Pamodzi is pushing gold-site access into the Copperbelt vote, linking it to remarks about “foreigners” in mining areas. Currency Watch: The kwacha is holding steady but under pressure as investors adopt election caution ahead of the vote. Infrastructure & Jobs: RDA reports 11% progress on the Nchelenge–Chienge road (K1.9bn), while Zesco unveils a Kasama solar project worth $84.2m. Health Insurance Study: National health insurance is said to cut costs for older people, but funding gaps still limit impact. Regional Trade & Policy: Zambia joins discussions on AfCFTA implementation, with experts flagging non-tariff barriers and weak trade infrastructure.