AGP Executive Report

Customs Integrity & Anti-Corruption: Zambia Revenue Authority says it has embedded integrity into its strategy since 2019, but a 2024 Bribe Payers Index shows bribery risk at ZRA rose to 6.6 from 1.1 in 2022, calling for sustained targeted action. Water & Sanitation Push: President Hichilema reaffirmed universal access to clean water and safe sanitation, citing completed projects like Kafulafuta and Kafue Bulk that reached 1.4m people, plus 1,500 emergency boreholes after the 2023/24 drought. Lobito Corridor Funding Realignment: Zambia and the US agreed to redirect part of the $491m MCC grant from agriculture to infrastructure supporting the Lobito Corridor, prioritising road links in North-Western and Copperbelt to move copper and farm produce. Rail Investment Secured: Government says it has locked in over $1.48bn in rail deals and grants, including a $1.4bn PPP to rehabilitate the TAZARA line, plus EU and other support for key sections. Renewables & Power Deals: Zambia signed a PPA for a 500MW solar park backed by a South Korean investor, as regional power pools are highlighted as a route to faster electrification. LPG Expansion: BB Energy launched BBE-D Gas Zambia, building an LPG storage, bottling and distribution network starting with Lusaka kiosks as demand rises amid electricity shortages. Business Financing Tool: Moore Zambia CFS launched a free online Business Bankability Self-Assessment platform to help firms gauge readiness before approaching banks. Mining Updates: Koryx Copper reported follow-up Cu soil anomalies on its Mpongwe licence and plans a drill programme at Luanshya West later in 2026. Election Campaign Timetable: ECZ released the 50-day presidential campaign schedule for August 13, with candidates rotating across all 10 provinces.

Energy & Mining Investment: ZESCO and South Korea’s KS Eco Solutions signed for a 500MW solar plant with 500MWh battery storage, as Zambia targets power expansion to cut shortages and diversify generation. Agribusiness & Food Security: Government says Social Cash Transfer beneficiaries have surged to about 1.6 million, citing fiscal space created by debt restructuring, while Welfare Component support rose to 120,000 households in 2026 (up from 40,000 in 2025). Early Childhood Education Delivery: Procurement delays for ZEEL Early Childhood Hubs and Satellite Centers could see funds lost; the Ministry of Education has until June 30, 2026 to complete procurement for 110 hubs and 112 satellite centers. Capital Markets: FMDQ Exchange approved C & I Leasing Plc’s N18.90bn Series 1 Commercial Paper quotation under its N50bn programme. Digital Finance: MTN Mobile Money Zambia launched “Salary Advance” for formal public-sector employees, offering instant salary-based financing via MoMo. Trade & Connectivity: Nigeria and RwandAir launched an expanded air cargo corridor with direct routes to Kigali, Lusaka and Harare to lower export costs and boost AfCFTA trade. Corporate Expansion in Mining: Laxyo Ltd secured a US$23m raise-boring contract at Mopani Copper Mines as it pushes further into Africa ahead of an IPO. Education Infrastructure: Light of Hope Secondary School in Livingstone is nearing completion under the World Bank-funded ZEEP at K24m, easing long travel distances for learners.

Energy & Investment: ZESCO and South Korea’s KS Eco Solutions have signed for a 500MW solar plant with 500MWh battery storage to help Zambia close its power deficit and reach about 10,000MW by 2030. Power & Policy: Namibia says it needs stronger checks, balances and new rules before opening its rail sector beyond TransNamib—an approach Zambia regulators may want to mirror. Digital Finance: MTN Mobile Money Zambia launched “Salary Advance” for formal public-sector employees, offering instant salary-based financing into customers’ MoMo wallets. Social Protection: Government says welfare support under the Food Security Pack has expanded to 120,000 households in 2026 (from 40,000 in 2025), with 200,000 beneficiaries under productive welfare. Mining & Jobs: Indian contractor Laxyo Ltd secured a US$23m raise-boring contract at Mopani Copper Mines as it expands across Africa ahead of an IPO. Trade & Logistics: RwandAir and Nigeria launched an air cargo corridor linking Nigeria to Kigali, Lusaka and Harare, boosting export access across the region. Regional Business Climate: Zambia lifted its maize export ban, allowing Namibian imports via ZAMACE. Tech & Media: Canal+ and Samsung expanded a deal to pre-install the DStv Stream app on new Samsung Smart TVs across 18 African markets including Zambia.

Zambia–US Deal Watch: Zambia and the United States have signed an amendment to the Millennium Challenge Compact, expanding and realigning funding under a roughly US$458 million package aimed at strengthening economic priorities, including critical minerals supply-chain infrastructure. Energy & Rail Push: ZESCO says Zambia is now a construction site for energy projects as it chases the 10,000MW vision, while government also commits to launching major greenfield railway projects with regional status. Rail PPP Accountability: Former Finance Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane rejects corruption claims over the Lusaka–Ndola Dual Carriageway, insisting the $649m PPP contract is fixed and accusing opponents of inflated, “fictitious” figures. Entrepreneurship Boost: Business School by 1xBet launches in Zambia with free training and a grant pathway to help young people turn business ideas into funded ventures. Digital Rights Debate: A fresh wave of reporting highlights “digital colonialism” concerns as the U.S. seeks access to Africans’ health data tied to aid deals, raising privacy and sovereignty alarms. Copper & Trade Signals: Regional reporting flags continued copper smuggling busts and trade pressure, underscoring how mineral flows and cross-border enforcement remain central to the economy.

Zambia–US Deal Watch: Zambia and the United States have signed an amendment to the Millennium Challenge Compact, realigning investments under a $491m grant/compact scope aimed at strengthening critical minerals supply-chain infrastructure and broader economic outcomes. Energy Build-Up: ZESCO says Zambia is now a “construction site” for power projects as it pushes toward the 10,000MW vision, highlighting new solar and thermal plants under development across Southern Province and beyond. Copper Smuggling Crackdown: South Africa’s City Deep operation—triggered by intelligence from Zambia—seized about R12.68m worth of suspected stolen copper, with investigators linking the haul to cross-border hijacking, fake Tanzanian plates and fraudulent customs paperwork. Agriculture & Jobs Pitch: Opposition presidential candidate Brian Mundubile says he will move Zambia National Service away from gold mining areas and redirect it to roads and dam development, while also promising irrigation, mechanisation and faster maize payments for farmers. Youth Entrepreneurship: 1xBet’s “Business School” has launched in Zambia, offering free business education plus a grant pathway to help young people turn ideas into start-up plans. Public Service & Social Security: Government highlights progress at Africa Public Service Day, while NAPSA launches a Student Chapter Programme to extend social security and financial planning culture to higher-learning students.

Energy Build-Out: ZESCO says Zambia is now a construction site for energy projects as it pushes toward the 10,000MW vision, citing work on solar plants in Chikuni and Rusangu, plus thermal and hydropower projects across Sinazeze, Sinazongwe and Livingstone. Ebola Alert: DRC and Africa CDC warn that Ebola spread is outpacing response, with contact tracing coverage falling and labs running out of testing kits. Copper Smuggling Crackdown: South African police seized about R12.68m worth of suspected stolen copper in City Deep after intelligence from Zambia, disrupting a syndicate using fake Tanzanian plates and fraudulent customs documents. Public Service & Water Agenda: Government says Africa Public Service Day exhibitions showed improved coordination in service delivery, tied to the theme of universal water availability and safe sanitation by 2063. Pension Coverage for Students: NAPSA launches a Student Chapter Programme to bring social security and financial planning to higher-learning students. Regional Trade & Logistics: Analysis highlights the Durban–Kasumbalesa corridor as key to boosting intra-African trade under AfCFTA, stressing border and transport efficiency. Campaign Economy Promises: Opposition candidate Brian Mundubile pledges to redirect ZNS away from gold mining areas toward roads and dams, while also promising a debt swap for civil servants.

Copper Smuggling Crackdown: South African police and partners seized about 121 tonnes of suspected stolen copper worth R12.68 million in Johannesburg’s City Deep, after intelligence from Zambia linked the haul to hijacked trucks using fake Tanzanian plates and fraudulent customs documents. Fuel Cost Watch: Malawi’s regulator cut maximum pump prices for petrol, diesel and kerosene, but analysts warn the relief may be limited unless broader cost pressures ease. Social Security for Students: NAPSA launched a Student Chapter Programme to bring social security and long-term savings habits to university and college students nationwide. Education Investment: Lotus Way International School was officially launched in Lusaka, with government praising the school’s push to build “global citizens” and human capital. Infrastructure & Jobs Angle: Zambia’s 2026 Construction Expo opened with officials highlighting manufacturing’s contribution to GDP and the role of construction in jobs and local contractor participation. Trade & Logistics: A regional trade analysis points to the Durban–Kasumbalesa corridor as a key route for boosting intra-African commerce under AfCFTA by improving border and transport efficiency. Public Service Focus: The Secretary to the Cabinet urged civil servants to uphold integrity and professionalism to improve service delivery. Refugee Day Commitment: Government reaffirmed protection and inclusion of refugees, citing the World Bank-funded Zambia Refugees and Host Communities Project. Business & Growth: ZCCM-IH held talks in France to line up investment and partnerships for mining and critical minerals ahead of its capital markets and investor day.

Debt Relief for Civil Servants: NRPUP presidential candidate Brian Mundubile says he will introduce a debt swap programme to help civil servants clear personal debts, arguing low pay pushes many into borrowing. Public Service Integrity: Secretary to the Cabinet Patrick Kangwa urged civil servants to uphold integrity and professionalism to improve service delivery. Banking & Community Support: ABSA Bank Zambia donated bicycles, protective gear and safety boots to a forest management group in Luwingu, linking conservation with livelihoods. Manufacturing & Infrastructure Push: The 2026 Construction Expo heard that manufacturing contributed 7% to 2025 GDP, with government stressing infrastructure as a jobs and growth driver. Creative Economy Deal: Zambia announced a “Creative Convergence” plan to host major creative industry and arts events, pitching the sector as “The Next Copper.” Mining Investment Signals: ZCCM-IH met French institutions in Paris ahead of its Capital Markets and Investor Day, spotlighting critical minerals and energy transition opportunities. Fuel Supply Tension: Vitol is supplying diesel to Zambia via the Tazama pipeline under an emergency arrangement IMF has urged to end by restoring open access. Regional Trade Logistics: Nigeria expanded an AfCFTA air cargo corridor with RwandAir, adding Lusaka and Harare routes and cutting eligible freight rates below $2/kg. World Refugee Day: Government reaffirmed plans to protect and integrate refugees, citing a World Bank-funded project for refugee-hosting areas.

Zambia–US Critical Minerals Push: Zambia and the US have signed an amendment to the $491m Millennium Challenge Corporation compact, expanding agriculture funding to critical minerals infrastructure along the Lobito Corridor, with priority road segments in North-Western and Copperbelt and support for electricity, irrigation, logistics and SME access to finance. Mining Capital Markets: ZCCM-IH is in Paris for investment talks ahead of its Capital Markets and Investor Day, while it says Vedanta’s planned CopperTech IPO could speed up the $2.7bn Konkola Deep Mine expansion by bringing cash forward to 2028. Fuel Supply Dispute: Vitol is supplying diesel to Zambia via the Tazama pipeline on an emergency, exclusive basis, after IMF pressure to restore open access and publish the terms of the arrangement. Energy Projects: ZESCO reports progress on the Gouli Thermal Power Plant, targeting 135MW by Dec 2026 and 270MW total by June 2027, as Zambia diversifies generation. Agribusiness & Jobs: Israel’s Ramat Negev centre trained 740 Zambian students in modern, water-efficient agriculture through an 11-month paid internship; locally, Mansa Sugar plans a $100m Chembe expansion to lift processing capacity to 3,500 tonnes/day. Social Protection & Governance: Government praised civil servants for national progress and urged integrity; the WCFCB was rebranded to modernise its worker compensation identity. Sports & Business: Access Bank sponsors the NAPSA Pensioners Marathon with K450,000.

Tobacco Earnings: Tobacco Board of Zambia reports 43.17m kg traded, bringing US$87.95m to growers and industry; flue-cured Virginia led with 36.72m kg at US$1.98/kg, while Burley sold 6.45m kg at US$2.38/kg, with the marketing season running to Sept 2. Trade & Exports: ZAMSTATS says Zambia posted a K3.5bn overall merchandise trade surplus in April 2026, with SADC-COMESA surpluses and export earnings up 1.5% to K25.4bn, while deficits persisted in Asia, the EU and some regional markets. US-Zambia Compact Update: Zambia and the US signed an amendment to the US$491m Millennium Challenge Compact, with US$458m from the US, targeting agriculture and critical minerals along the Lobito Corridor and supporting roads, electricity, irrigation, logistics and governance reforms. Banking & Markets: Airtel Zambia hit a US$1bn market capitalisation milestone on LuSE, joining Zambia’s top listed firms by value, as investors track ICT growth. Energy/Industry Tech: KoBold Metals Africa CEO will spotlight AI in mineral exploration at African Mining Week, as Zambia’s Mingomba project and other regional initiatives lean on data modelling. Public Finance & Reserves Debate: A fresh pushback article argues BoZ cannot “lie” about gross international reserves rising to US$6.47bn, citing import cover of 5.7 months. Election Administration: DVEC began monitoring voter education in Nalolo ahead of Aug 13, urging non-partisan facilitation as campaigns remain peaceful. Education Disruption: UNZA students complain mid-year exams were postponed after they returned to campus, raising calls for refunds of transport and accommodation costs. Workplace Policy: Shoprite Zambia banned “traditional cousinship” powder/meal smearing at work, saying it must stay outside working hours and premises.

BoZ & ACC Bonds: The Bank of Zambia will auction K3.14m government bonds on behalf of the Anti-Corruption Commission on June 19, with bids accepted via the BoZ Investor Portal or commercial banks. Public Finance & Debt: Zambia’s debt service fell by $90.9m in 2025, while the country also secured a large participation rate in a second Eurobond buyback—signals of continued debt management momentum. Digital Government: MLGRD and SMART Zambia are testing the revised Cash for Work Management Information System in Zambezi ahead of a nationwide rollout aimed at faster, more transparent beneficiary payments. Energy & Industry: Experts at the Africa Energy Forum in Cape Town stressed that renewables alone won’t industrialise Africa without grid resilience, storage and bankable power project financing. Mining & Commodities: Shuka Minerals completed a fourth diamond drill hole at Kabwe, reporting zinc grades to be verified in lab tests; analysts also say copper’s strategic value is strengthening African producers’ leverage. Markets & FX: Traders expect the Ugandan and Kenyan shillings to firm, while Zambia’s kwacha may face pressure as demand for dollars rises. UNZA Exams Disruption: UNZA delayed mid-year exams due to water and sewer rehabilitation, leaving students stranded after travel. Business & Investment: Huaxin Cement’s planned $2.4bn buyout of CSN’s Brazilian cement division faces resistance from Holcim, while Zambia-linked industrial activity continues to draw regional and global capital.

Debt & Finance: Zambia’s external debt service fell by $90.9m in 2025 to $575.1m, helped by lower payments on restructured Eurobonds, while private sector external debt also declined, according to the Bank of Zambia. Energy & Investment: Government says Korean developers are proposing a 500MW solar project in Zambia in ten phases, with land support and potential financing from Korea’s export and development banks, aiming to cut part of the power deficit. Power Market: A regional shift is underway as private players increasingly finance cross-border power through the Southern African Power Pool, with lenders moving beyond long-term power purchase deals. SMEs & Capital Markets: NASD Plc says the alternative securities market can bridge long-term funding gaps for medium-sized firms and emerging businesses, improving access to investors and growth finance. Health Supply: Isoka District reports essential drug stock levels above 92%, citing timely requisitions and tighter controls to curb pilferage. Governance & Elections: The Constitutional Court cleared Socialist Party presidential candidate Dr Fred M’membe and running mate Dolika Banda to contest August 13 after rejecting a challenge over Grade 12 equivalency. Tourism & Jobs: Zambia’s safari tourism is being positioned as a “force for good,” funding conservation and community development as global demand for sustainable travel rises. Regional Trade & Logistics: Standard Bank says Africa’s logistics woes stem more from poor planning and weak coordination across the mine-to-port value chain than from lack of capital. Safety & Skills: MOESNA is pushing to standardise and professionalise coxswain training across the region to curb inland water accidents and harmonise certification. Waste Management: Lusaka’s waste problem remains severe, with only about half of solid waste collected and hazardous hospital waste disposal still falling short of recommended standards.

Politics & Continuity: President Hakainde Hichilema urged UPND structures and the public to stay united and vote for him and adopted party candidates in August, saying Zambia’s gains like free education and the Constituency Development Fund must be protected. Health Supply: Isoka District reports essential drug stock levels above 92%, crediting timely requisitions and steady deliveries from ZAMMSA, with CCTV installed to curb pilferage. Energy & Infrastructure Finance: Government launched a 15-year Grid Resilience Programme funded through debt-for-energy conversion after the 2053 bond buyback, channeling US$275m into electricity distribution resilience. Capital Markets: Lusaka Securities Exchange is considering extended trading hours and a shorter settlement cycle to support a 24-hour economy, alongside incentives to boost SME listings. Mining & Business: Galileo Resources agreed to sell its Botswana copper licences via a deal involving Sandfire’s unit, while Zambia’s tourism push continues to highlight growth in arrivals and sustainable experiences. Regional Trade & Tourism: Zimbabwe says it is coordinating across government to remove barriers to tourist movement, including smoother border and visa processes with Zambia.

UPND Election Pitch: Vice-President W.K. Mutale-Nalumango says the ruling party is seeking continuity on the back of steadier inflation and a more stable macroeconomic environment, with the next push focused on jobs, business growth and productivity ahead of August 13. Health Budgeting: Government has launched the 2027–2029 Medium Term Budget for the health sector, targeting better medicine access, more health workers and digitalised systems, while citing progress in HIV, malaria and TB programmes. Value Addition Drive: Finance and investment officials reiterate Zambia’s strategy to turn natural resources into lasting wealth through industrialisation, infrastructure, agriculture and diversification. Uranium Exploration Boost: Atomic Eagle expanded uranium resource zones at its Muntanga project in Zambia, extending higher-grade areas at Chisebuka and preparing further drilling. Sports & Youth Finance: ZANACO backs grassroots football through the Under-17 tournament, while Bank of Zambia-linked market news highlights Airtel Zambia crossing USD 1bn market cap on LuSE. Public Oversight: Cabinet Secretary Patrick Kangwa commended the Police Public Complaints Commission for a decade of improving accountability and professionalism.

Health Budgeting: Government has launched the 2027–2029 Medium Term Budget plan for the Ministry of Health, targeting better medicine access, health worker investment and digitalised systems as Zambia pushes toward universal health coverage. Police Oversight: Secretary to the Cabinet Patrick Kangwa commended the Police Public Complaints Commission for a decade of promoting accountability and professionalism in policing. Infrastructure for Inclusion: The government commissioned a 25-kilometre access road and 100-metre footbridge in Mayukwayukwa Resettlement Scheme, improving access to health, schools and markets. Uranium Investment: Australian explorer Atomic Eagle expanded uranium mineralisation at its Muntanga project’s Chisebuka deposit, extending higher-grade zones and advancing its 2026 exploration programme. Capital Markets: Airtel Zambia says its LuSE market capitalisation has surpassed US$1 billion, while Xenergi launched a mandatory tender offer to buy 2 million Premier Paint shares. Agri-Finance: Agribank and Germany’s DSIK signed an agreement to deepen financial inclusion and support agri-SMEs and farmers’ resilience. Food Producer Update: Zambeef reported higher local currency earnings, citing improved operations and cost savings, while flagging election and input-cost risks. Sports & Youth Economy: ZANACO-backed grassroots Under-17 football tournament draws government praise for building youth talent and linking sport to economic empowerment. Connectivity Expansion: Starlink secured licences to launch in Côte d’Ivoire, adding another African market to its satellite internet rollout. Campaign Economy Debate: Opposition candidate Brian Mundubile sharpened attacks on the ruling UPND over cost of living, while President Hichilema told party structures to “watch my steps” as the campaign machine prepares to move.

Global Finance & Markets: SoftBank Vision Fund CFO Navneet Govil is leaving after about a decade, as the firm shifts focus toward the AI boom. IMF & Energy: IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva welcomed the US-Iran ceasefire but warned energy and supply disruptions will take time to fade, with an updated World Economic Outlook due July 8. Copper Outlook: With copper near record highs, analysts point to tariff uncertainty and fast-growing AI/data-centre power demand as key supports, while southern Africa is flagged as a potential source to help close a widening supply gap. Zambia Politics & Campaign Economy: Tonse Pamodzi’s Brian Mundubile told Kabwe crowds that leadership can change peacefully and promised an “economic reset” message as the August 13 campaign intensifies. Banking & Capital Markets: Bank of Zambia raised concern over civil servants’ loan defaults, warning payroll-based lending abuse and off-payroll borrowing could threaten stability; meanwhile, Zambia’s capital markets performance and eurobond buyback participation remain in focus. Climate Preparedness: Zambia hosted African experts in Lusaka to strengthen preparedness for possible El Niño impacts, urging practical action across food, water and energy. Road Safety: Police reported multiple fatal crashes across provinces, citing speeding and improper overtaking. Business & Trade: Zambia’s corporate and transport ecosystem also featured, including cross-border logistics upgrades and regional shipping cooperation around Lake Tanganyika.