AGP Executive Report

Election Pressure on the Economy: Northern Province’s Catholic leadership links high fuel prices, weak crop marketing and bad roads to voters’ anger ahead of Thursday’s poll, urging people to vote for relief. Campaign Trail: President Hakainde Hichilema ends an intense North-Western tour with calls for massive turnout, pitching UPND as the route to jobs, safer mining and more agriculture support. Pension Boost: NAPSA says it has lifted the minimum monthly pension from K1,861 to K2,327 under the 2026 reforms, paying K119.1m to 34,390 pensioners. Solar Push: ZESCO unveils the $84.2m Kasama 100MW solar project, while the government launches a National Carbon Registry to route carbon credit transactions through a new digital system. Trade & Industry: Zambia and DRC hold talks on tightening border controls to stop illegal diversion of transit cargo. Fertiliser & Water Delivery: Omnia begins building a Lusaka fertiliser blending plant, and government commissions upgraded boreholes for small piped water schemes worth K5.8m. Business & Society: Colgate-Palmolive Zambia and Shoprite launch a scholarship campaign worth K800,000 tied to toothpaste purchases. Energy Transition Watch: A report highlights Africa’s push for more homegrown solar manufacturing, even as China remains dominant.

Pension Reforms: NAPSA says more than 17,800 Zambian pensioners are now receiving higher monthly pensions after reforms under the National Pension Scheme Act No. 72 of 2026, lifting the minimum pension from K1,861 to K2,327 and increasing payments from K31.8m (June) to K39.6m (July), with added benefits like interest-free pension advances and expanded survivor pensions. Agriculture & Food Security: Government has opened new Food Reserve Agency maize depots in Lavushimanda, cutting transport costs and post-harvest losses for farmers, while Omnia begins construction of a Lusaka fertiliser blending plant to produce soil-specific fertiliser blends aimed at boosting yields. Trade & Border Controls: Zambia and the DRC held bilateral talks in Ndola to tighten measures at border points to stop illegal offloading of transit cargo, a move meant to protect customs revenue and curb smuggling. Lobito Corridor Finance: The AfDB approved a $255m loan and a $10m grant to support Zambia’s role in the Lobito Economic Corridor. Tourism Cooperation: Zambia and Malawi agreed to jointly market each other as holiday destinations and develop shared tourism products after their first Joint Tourism Technical Committee meeting in Lilongwe. Legal Aid Access: Government launched the National Policy on Legal Aid Services 2026, targeting legal aid coverage in all 116 districts by 2030 through Legal Aid Board offices, legal aid desks, circuit clinics and partnerships. Mobile Money & Insurance: Britam Uganda and Airtel Money launched mobile-first motor third-party insurance via USSD, showing how telecoms can expand insurance access. Energy & Markets: Tanzania relaxed forex rules to let non-residents participate in government securities auctions, aiming to deepen local financial markets and attract foreign investors. Sports & Business: CAF reaffirmed support for FIFA president Gianni Infantino, while Zambia’s election-related political noise continues to dominate headlines.

Election Logistics & Governance: Ballot papers for Zambia’s 2026 general election have arrived at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport and are being distributed to 13,529 polling stations ahead of August 13 voting, with serial-number tracking from printing in Dubai. Roads & Trade Connectivity: The 182km Kasomeno–Mwenda Road in Luapula has hit 50% completion, including a 362m Luapula River bridge and a one-stop border post to boost Zambia–DRC trade. Agribusiness & Fertiliser Supply: Omnia has commissioned construction of a Lusaka fertiliser blending plant to produce soil-specific blends for higher yields; separately, Sino Great Chemicals’ phosphate fertiliser plant in Chilanga is ~30% complete with trial production expected in August 2027. Health Workforce Jobs: Government has begun implementing Hichilema’s health worker job promises, with the Civil Service Commission validating applications and starting recruitment of volunteer health workers. Regional Infrastructure: Chinese envoy says TAZARA revitalisation will improve efficiency and connectivity, supporting the African Continental Free Trade Area. Energy Watch: South Africa’s electricity generation keeps falling for the 13th straight year, raising regional power-supply concerns. Aviation & Business Links: Emirates and South African Airways expanded their codeshare, adding Lusaka and other regional cities to improve business and tourism connectivity. Politics & Public Order: Police have ordered arrests over election violence in several districts as government and opposition trade blame.

Air Connectivity: Emirates and South African Airways have expanded their codeshare, adding nine new routes and moving to a reciprocal arrangement that will deepen access into South Africa and neighbouring markets including Lusaka and other regional cities. Zambia-UK Business Links: Government says it will accelerate collaboration between UNZA and Oxford University to boost Zambia’s marketing, business engagement, research and investment pipeline. Digital Economy & Payments: UNDP is pushing blockchain from pilots to wider deployment as part of digital public infrastructure, with governance and trust framed as the main hurdles. Justice & Tech Use: Zambia’s Supreme Court judge Abha Nayar Patel says courtroom technology must first improve fairness and access, warning that innovation can otherwise just digitise inequality. Cybersecurity: Interpol reports AI is powering more than half of Africa’s reported cybercrimes, raising pressure on law enforcement readiness and cybercrime laws. Health Workforce: The Civil Service Commission has started recruiting volunteer health workers, beginning with validation in three provinces before rolling out nationwide. Inclusive Governance: CSOs sign an MoU to strengthen community participation and economic partnerships along the Lobito Corridor through the Corridor Voices initiative. Agriculture Ambition: Former ZAMPOST boss McPherson Chanda urges Zambia to target 9 million tonnes of maize annually, arguing yields can rise with soil testing and better farming inputs. Food System Focus: Farmers’ Day coverage stresses that stronger food security depends on the whole value chain, not farmers alone. Mining & Copper Outlook: A business feature highlights Zambia’s copper recovery momentum and the push toward higher annual output as investment returns.

Road & Trade: The Road Development Agency says the $260m Kasomeno–Mwenda road, bridge and One Stop Border Post linking Zambia and the DRC is 50% complete, with the bridge at over 60%, and completion targeted for Q3 2027—positioning Luapula as a bigger trade corridor. Election & Governance: Former defence minister Ambrose Lufuma says Zambians “can’t return” to PF violence and corruption, while the Electoral Commission of Zambia reports ballot papers distributed to 52% of districts, with 19% in transit and the rest expected by today. Cost of Living Politics: President Hakainde Hichilema defends his second-term bid on BBC, arguing reforms need time and highlighting mealie meal price reductions, as opposition figures accuse the ruling camp of election-linked promises. Aviation Connectivity: Emirates and South African Airways expand their codeshare with nine new routes, including Lusaka and other regional destinations, improving business and travel links. Energy Outlook: A new forecast says Sub-Saharan Africa’s renewable power capacity will more than double by 2030, driven by falling solar and wind costs and rising demand. Malaria Watch: End Malaria Fund warns that increased movement of people is contributing to malaria spread and plans net distribution ahead of the rainy season. Business & Finance: Zambia’s foreign policy tribute to late Ambassador Ivan Zyuulu underscores economic diplomacy with China, while a separate report highlights Zambia’s small data-centre footprint as AI infrastructure grows across Africa.

Road & Trade: The Kasomeno–Mwenda toll road in Luapula has hit 50% completion under a PPP deal worth about US$260m, with a 182km corridor linking DRC’s Kasomeno to Zambia’s Mwenda, plus a Luapula River bridge and an OSBP—targeted for completion in Q3 2027. Regional Transport: Zimbabwe and South Africa are holding high-level transport talks in Victoria Falls, with a third Beitbridge bridge at the border post among key agenda items to cut delays and boost cross-border trade. Politics & Cost of Living: President Hakainde Hichilema defends his second-term bid in a BBC interview, arguing reforms need time, while opposition leader Brian Mundubile says Zambia’s mining sector must deliver a fairer return and admits opposition faces a funding disadvantage. Diplomacy & Legacy: Zambia marked TAZARA’s 50th anniversary of commercial operations, with officials highlighting the railway’s role in jobs, trade and regional integration. Tourism Business: Meikles’ exit from Victoria Falls Hotel is raising investor questions about strategy and timing as African Sun consolidates ownership. Health: End Malaria Fund warns that increased people movement is driving malaria spread and plans net distribution ahead of the rainy season. Air Connectivity: Emirates and South African Airways expand their codeshare into a reciprocal deal, adding nine destinations including Lusaka and Victoria Falls. Mining & Investment: Patriot Resources completes initial site visit and reconnaissance mapping on a new Mkushi-area licence, aiming to test Fishtie-style copper potential. US Travel Policy: The US makes its visa bond programme permanent, raising the maximum to $20,000 and affecting nationals including Zambia. Governance & Rights: Civil society condemns reports of SMS messages linking Social Cash Transfer support to voting for the ruling party, calling it abuse of incumbency.

Copperbelt Campaign Push: President Hakainde Hichilema unveiled a Copperbelt package, including reopening mothballed mining operations and personally paying ZESCO connection fees for 16,000 households in Chambishi, as he rallies voters eight days to the 13 August general election. Monetary Policy Watch: Bank of Zambia cut the Statutory Reserve Ratio on Kwacha deposits from 26% to 21% effective 3 August, a move expected to free more liquidity for lending to businesses and households. Mining & Jobs Focus: Zambia’s miners are urging the next government to boost exploration and mineral processing, arguing incentives and power expansion are key to tripling copper output. Election Tensions: Civil society demanded ECZ action over alleged UPND-linked violence after attacks in Mwembeshi and Luampa, while ballot delivery in Chasefu sparked a tense standoff between party officials. Youth & Democracy: A 2026 African Youth Survey found young Africans back democracy but want home-grown reforms, more jobs, and leaders who deliver services. Regional Finance: AfDB’s concessional window approved a $4.23m grant to help integrate natural capital into development financing across 13 countries including Zambia. Air Connectivity: Emirates and South African Airways expanded their codeshare with new routes linking Johannesburg to Lusaka and other regional destinations.

Cybersecurity: Interpol warns AI is powering an “industrialised” wave of cybercrime across Africa, with faster, more scalable fraud and ransomware hitting banks, healthcare and public portals. Copper & elections: Zambia’s miners are pushing the next government to boost exploration, processing incentives and power generation to help triple copper output, while export duties on concentrates keep squeezing producers without refining capacity. Monetary policy: The Bank of Zambia cut the statutory reserve ratio on Kwacha deposits from 26% to 21%, freeing more liquidity for lending. Education funding: HELSB has started paying a K1,950 accommodation top-up for eligible off-campus UNZA students after the allowance was raised. Capital markets: SEC approved Magen Doxa Umerim Capital to operate as a fund and portfolio manager in Nigeria, expanding regulated investment services. Agriculture & food security: UN data shows global hunger is falling, but Africa still lags with 20% of people food insecure in 2025. Business investment: ZDA says King’s Chemicals’ US$14m flour milling plant is underway, and government has operationalised the US$1m Samfya aquaculture park to produce fingerlings and support fish farming. Mining governance: Parliament’s speaker ordered suspension of operations at Kangankunde rare earth mine after concerns over licence scale.

Mobile Money Security: ZICTA deactivated 43,500 SIM cards linked to mobile money scams between January and June 2026, recovering K19.8m after consumers reported fraud via *707#. Energy & Trade Investment: The Energy Regulation Board says Zambia’s enabling environment has attracted growth in petroleum retail, with over 620 Oil Marketing Companies and more than 700 filling stations nationwide. Agribusiness Value Addition: At the 98th Zambia Agricultural and Commercial Show, exhibitors pushed value-added products and modern farming tech, with showgoers reporting improved business traffic and profits. Election Money & Accountability: Tonse Pamodzi reports NRPUP fundraising as its “primary focus,” claiming K860,000 cash and K2.8m pledges in 24 hours, while Transparency International Zambia warns campaign promises are often unrealistic and financially unsustainable. Politics Meets Cost of Living: President Hichilema urged voters to back continued development in agriculture, education, social security and roads, as Zambia heads to the August 13, 2026 polls.

US Visa Bond Permanent: The US has made its refundable visa bond programme permanent, with deposits up to $20,000 for certain B1/B2 business and tourist applicants from 50 countries, including Zambia, effective August 3—bond refunds apply only if travellers comply and leave on time. Election Campaign Funding Dispute: Opposition candidate Brian Mundubile’s fundraising platform was reportedly disrupted after claims of raising K860,000 cash and K2.8m in pledges in 24 hours, with the team saying access is being restored and alternative channels will be shared. FRA Maize Payments: President Hakainde Hichilema says the Food Reserve Agency is paying maize farmers within two days via mobile money, citing K3.2m paid within 24 hours for day-one deliveries. Kwacha & Monetary Policy: Bank of Zambia reduced the statutory reserve ratio on Kwacha deposits, a move that could affect liquidity and lending conditions. Fertiliser Procurement Scrutiny: UCF Fertiliser is under spotlight over a proposed single-source supply arrangement linked to Malawi’s 2026/27 FISP, raising conflict-of-interest and procurement-process concerns. Business & Trade: ZDA urged firms to tap export financing through the Zambia Export Development Fund to expand beyond local markets. Agribusiness Show Recap: Zambia’s 98th Agricultural and Commercial Show wrapped up with exhibitors and visitors praising new farming technologies, livestock quality and improved security.

Banking Policy: Bank of Zambia has cut the statutory reserve ratio on Kwacha deposits from 26% to 21%, while keeping foreign deposits at 26%, and urged the public to avoid exchanging money “in the dark.” Food Security & Agriculture: Government says food security is national security, with defence forces and Zambia National Service expanding maize, poultry and fish production; meanwhile, Zambia’s recovery is framed as “food secure” after drought rebound, but farmers are still pushing for timely payments. Mining & Local Content: Smart Zambia Institute reports 78 mining firms registered on the Local Content Access System to boost procurement from Zambian suppliers, warning non-compliance risks penalties. Election Campaign Finance: Opposition politics is heating up as Mundubile’s fundraising claims (K860,000 cash in 24 hours, K2.8m pledged) clash with allegations of missing “half a billion kwacha” and reports that ZICTA and BoZ shut down his vote-protection short code. US Visa Rules: The US makes its refundable visa bond programme permanent for eligible B1/B2 applicants from 50 countries, including Nigeria and other African states, with bonds up to $20,000—prompting calls for reciprocal measures. Health: Global HIV funding cuts are warned to risk undoing decades of progress, while South Africa’s TB vaccine push highlights M72 trials including Zambia.

Cancer Care Upgrade: President Hakainde Hichilema commissioned a refurbished radiotherapy and imaging wing at Cancer Diseases Hospital in Lusaka, a US$31m government-funded project that had been paused for six years, bringing specialised cancer treatment back for over 800 patients who had been waiting for care abroad. Cost of Living & Business: Hichilema urged the business community to pass on gains from economic recovery—lower inflation, stable kwacha, steadier electricity and falling fuel prices—to consumers, warning that improvements must show up in shop and transport prices. Election Finance & Politics: NRP-UP presidential candidate Brian Mundubile says his campaign raised over K860,000 in cash and K2.8m in pledges within 24 hours of launching a public fundraising drive, while Hichilema mocked the approach and told him to use the Constituency Development Fund instead. Mining & Law Enforcement: Zambia Police cautioned the public over cyberbullying of suspects in an alleged copper cathodes theft case and dismissed claims that former ministers were arrested. US Visa Policy: The US confirmed a permanent visa bond programme for B1/B2 travellers from 50 countries, including Zambia, with deposits up to $20,000 refundable if conditions are met. Policy Regulation: Zambia’s Engineering Institution of Zambia secured new professional service fee regulations (S.I. No. 34 of 2026) aimed at curbing undercutting and improving pricing standards. Health Research: A new TB vaccine is progressing in phase three trials in South Africa, Kenya, Zambia and others, with preparations underway for possible registration and rollout.

Business & Prices: President Hakainde Hichilema urged the business community to pass on Zambia’s economic recovery to consumers, pointing to lower inflation, a stable kwacha, bumper harvests, steady electricity supply and falling fuel prices—arguing that when the cost of doing business falls, the cost of living should follow. Energy & Power: Zambia’s government says it is ramping up electricity generation capacity with solar playing a key role, as the country pushes for more reliable supply to support economic activity. Mining Transparency: Opposition presidential candidate Brian Mundubile challenged President Hichilema to release the nationwide mineral survey report, saying it was funded by taxpayers and should be public to unlock investment and local entrepreneurship. Finance & Leadership: NICO Holdings Plc appointed Dr Kwanele Ngwenya as Deputy Group Managing Director, citing over 30 years of leadership experience across southern and eastern Africa. Public Safety & Crime: Zambia Police cautioned the public against cyberbullying suspects linked to alleged copper cathode theft, stressing accused persons are presumed innocent. Global Policy Watch: The US made its visa bond programme permanent, potentially requiring refundable deposits up to $20,000 for business and tourist visas for nationals of 50 countries, including Zambia. Politics & Campaign Funding: Mundubile launched a public “crowdfund the commander-in-chief” campaign, inviting voluntary contributions via a campaign platform.

Energy & Climate Resilience: Zambia says it is ramping up electricity generation capacity, with solar playing a key role as drought-linked hydropower shortfalls have previously driven long hours of load shedding. Mining Transparency & Investment Climate: NRPUP presidential candidate Brian Mundubile has challenged President Hakainde Hichilema to immediately publish the nationwide mineral survey report, arguing it was funded by taxpayers and should be public to unlock investment. Inflation & Currency Watch: Zambia’s annual inflation held steady at 6.5% in July, helped by a stronger kwacha and a continued fuel tax moratorium, easing pressure on import costs. Business Leadership & Finance: NICO Holdings has appointed Dr Kwanele Ngwenya as Deputy Group Managing Director, signalling leadership succession as the group expands across the region. Health & Economic Development: President Hichilema commissioned US$31m advanced cancer treatment equipment at Lusaka’s Cancer Diseases Hospital, and outlined plans to expand oncology services to other towns. HIV Funding Risk: Zambia’s infectious diseases director warns that cuts to global HIV funding could raise new infections if community prevention work is squeezed. US Visa Policy Impact: The US has made its visa bond programme permanent for business and tourist applicants from 50 countries, including Zambia, with bonds up to $20,000—raising travel and compliance costs for regional travellers. Politics & Social Stability: Traditional leaders and church figures have warned against political violence as funerals have turned into flashpoints ahead of the August 13 election.

Pediatric Cardiac Care Boost: An Israeli team from Save a Child’s Heart supervised Zambia’s first generation of pediatric cardiac surgeons, performing 10 open-heart surgeries at Lusaka’s National Heart Hospital and mentoring local staff, including unveiling a $200,000 heart-lung machine. Inflation & Currency Watch: Zambia’s annual inflation held steady at 6.5% in July as a stronger kwacha eased import costs, with government extending a fuel tax moratorium to cushion prices ahead of the 13 August election. Copper Theft Crackdown: Police charged and arrested six people, including a former Copperbelt police chief and a magistrate, over alleged theft of 436 copper cathodes worth about N$7 million. Freight & Trade Links: TAAG Angola Airlines launched inaugural cargo routes to Lusaka, starting with Amsterdam–Lusaka and Luanda–Lusaka weekly services, aiming to deepen Africa’s airfreight connectivity. MSME Push: Government says it is creating opportunities for MSMEs and cooperatives through market access, skills and industrial yards to support export-oriented production under AfCFTA. HIV Funding Pressure: UNAIDS warns global HIV funding fell 18% in 2025, raising the risk of a resurgence unless commitments and domestic financing rise. Energy Resilience: Southern Africa’s hydropower drought shocks are reviving interest in coal, while Zambia says reforms are moving the country toward surplus power with rapid solar additions. Election Youth Engagement: ECZ held a youth conference in Ndola to boost young voters’ participation ahead of the August 13 polls.

Copper Theft Crackdown: Police have charged and arrested six people, including former Copperbelt police boss Yuyi Mwala and a magistrate, over alleged theft of 436 copper cathodes worth about US$448,596, after a truck consignment was diverted into Zambia and later recovered in Mokambo, Mufulira. Air Cargo Expansion: TAAG Angola Airlines launched inaugural freighter services to Lusaka, first from Amsterdam and also via Luanda, with weekly operations starting at 12.8 tonnes and plans to scale demand—boosting Zambia’s freight links across Africa. Energy & Power Outlook: Government says reforms are moving Zambia from power deficit toward surplus, adding about 1,476MW of new capacity and targeting over 1,000MW of solar by end-2026, already surpassing 800MW installed. SME Push: At the Zambia Agriculture and Commercial Show, government reiterated support for MSMEs through market access, skills and infrastructure, including industrial yards in eight districts to feed AfCFTA export opportunities. Mining Formalisation: Zambia launched the ASM Strategy 2025–2029 to formalise artisanal mining, backed by a new directorate and progress on airborne geophysical surveys to unlock investment. HIV Funding Shift: Across Africa, governments are accelerating domestic financing and integrating HIV services after PEPFAR cuts, with renewed focus on local manufacturing and sustainable health systems. Diplomacy: Zambia’s Ambassador to China, Ivan Zyuulu, has died after illness, with funeral arrangements underway. Elections & Youth: ECZ held a youth conference in Ndola to boost young voter participation ahead of the August 13 general election.