AGP Executive Report Archive | Business Post of Zambia

May 7, 2026 - 03:17

In the last 12 hours, Zambia’s business and policy coverage is dominated by two themes: (1) efforts to improve economic “connectivity” and (2) tightening governance and regulation. On connectivity, the Lobito Corridor is framed as moving from blueprint to a “delivery test,” with AFP quoting the Lobito Atlantic Railway chief saying the project’s strategy is driven by operations rather than geopolitics. In parallel, Zambia is also mentioned in regional digital-integration moves: Ghana announced a pilot continental digital trade corridor with Rwanda and Zambia, focusing on mobile money interoperability, cross-border digital identity/KYC, and harmonised e-invoicing—aimed at enabling faster, lower-cost payments across African markets. On governance/regulation, Zambia’s Energy Regulation Board (ERB) is reported warning that building or operating energy facilities without permits/licenses is a serious legal offence, with enforcement including fines and closure.

Mining and energy-related business updates also feature prominently. Jubilee Metals reports a rise in saleable copper production in Zambia (nine months ended 31 March), citing progress at Roan and ramp-up of an expanded concentrate circuit after delays. Separately, the Minerals Regulation Commission angle is reinforced by coverage that the Mines and Minerals Development Minister has inducted board members for the MRC, with an emphasis on responsible mining, compliance, and attracting sustainable investment. There is also a practical “sector capability” signal from Zambia-linked rescue competition coverage: Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) is reported winning first prize in an international underground mines rescue category held in Zambia, underscoring skills and preparedness in the mining safety ecosystem.

Beyond mining, the last 12 hours include targeted economic-policy and institutional items that look more routine than headline-grabbing but still matter for business conditions. Government is reported to have relaxed maize export rules to boost private-sector trade, including allowing exporters to apply for permits, assess stock and demand, and export without the previously described controlled-export clearance steps. Financial-sector development is also visible through coverage of First National Bank (FNB) Ghana opening a private lounge (not Zambia-specific, but part of the broader regional banking push), while Zambia’s domestic political-business environment is reflected in commentary and endorsements ahead of 2026.

Older coverage from 3 to 7 days ago provides continuity on Zambia’s external-facing policy posture and regulatory/sovereignty debates, especially around digital rights and international engagement. Multiple reports say Zambia cancelled the RightsCon summit days before launch amid pressure linked to China/Taiwan issues, and related commentary continues to frame the episode as a sovereignty and governance dispute rather than a purely technical event. That background helps contextualise the more recent emphasis on regulation (ERB, MRC) and on building interoperable systems (digital trade corridor), suggesting a broader push to define Zambia’s operating rules—at home and across borders—though the most recent evidence is strongest on the digital and compliance fronts rather than on any single new Zambia-specific “major event.”

May 6, 2026 - 15:14

In the last 12 hours, Zambia’s political and diplomatic agenda has been dominated by election-season positioning and renewed foreign-policy messaging. The Zambia Ablaze Clergy Movement endorsed President Hakainde Hichilema for the 2026 elections, citing his “proven track record” and urging voters not to “gamble with progress.” In parallel, the government continued to frame Zambia’s external relations as expanding—Foreign Affairs Minister Mulambo Haimbe said strengthened partnerships (including with Belgium, Sweden, Equatorial Guinea and Japan) are increasing investment opportunities, with Zambia highlighting energy, infrastructure and critical minerals as priority areas. Separately, Zambia’s media environment also drew attention: a 2026 Southern Africa Press Freedom report warned that cyber laws, political influence and economic fragility of media institutions are threatening earlier press-freedom gains, including through court injunctions against investigative work.

Economic and sectoral developments in the same window were more mixed, with both investment-oriented initiatives and business performance updates. Zambia’s agriculture policy engagement continued through the Public Private Dialogue Forum (PPDF) Agriculture Technical Working Group meeting, where stakeholders—including the Zambia National Farmers Union—discussed progress and remaining work to achieve the agriculture targets set by President Hichilema. On the energy and investment side, coverage pointed to regional and cross-border momentum: DR Congo is reported to be seeking an equity stake in a $270 million Zambia power link amid a mining energy crunch. There were also business updates relevant to Zambia’s economy, including Jubilee Metals’ reported 28.7% year-on-year rise in nine-month copper output, and Access Bank Zambia launching a deposit mobilisation campaign offering K700,000 in rewards—both suggesting ongoing private-sector activity even as broader geopolitical pressures persist.

A major theme across the broader 7-day range—especially in the 12 to 72 hours window—has been Zambia’s dispute with the United States over a proposed $2 billion health assistance deal tied to access to critical minerals. Multiple reports describe Zambia “blasting” the U.S. and rejecting the linkage, with Foreign Affairs Minister Mulambo Haimbe calling the outgoing U.S. ambassador’s corruption claims “mischievous” and “undiplomatic,” and arguing that the minerals-for-health framing is inconsistent with mutual respect. This dispute appears to be part of a wider geopolitical contest over Africa’s critical minerals and influence, with related coverage also touching on RightsCon’s cancellation in Zambia amid allegations of Chinese pressure over Taiwanese participation—an issue that reinforces how international politics is spilling into civil society and technology governance spaces.

Finally, the week’s coverage also shows continuity in Zambia’s push for governance and institutional readiness ahead of August elections. The Electoral Commission of Zambia increased nomination fees for the August 13 polls, a move that triggered concerns about whether higher costs could disadvantage smaller parties and independents. Meanwhile, FAZ appointed a 17-member Commercial and Marketing Advisory Committee to strengthen football’s financial sustainability—tasked with addressing legacy debts and identifying revenue opportunities—while the PPDF agriculture meeting and other policy engagements indicate that government-linked coordination remains active even as political campaigning intensifies.

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