AGP Executive Report

Healthcare & Regulation: Senior health officials from across the region met in Nairobi to discuss safer use of nuclear and radiation technologies in healthcare, with Zambia among the participating countries. Pensions & Education: President Hakainde Hichilema signed five Bills into law, including four pension reform laws to raise minimum pensions and support NAPSA members, plus an Education Amendment Bill. Environment & Green Growth: ZEMA approved 103 development projects, including 300MW solar initiatives and recycling plants, ahead of World Environment Day. Food Security: The Office of the Vice President’s Resettlement Division has started harvesting maize at Kanakantapa, targeting over 700 bags for sale to the Food Reserve Agency. Copper & Industry: Vedanta-linked CopperTech Metals filed for a New York IPO, while Barrick and First Quantum continue backing Zambia’s copper expansion and Jubilee Metals reported Roan concentrator operations returning to full capacity. Traditional Leadership: Zambia declared an official funeral for Paramount Chief Mpezeni IV, with repatriation and burial arrangements underway. Public Health Supplies: Government received a bulk medicines consignment from Egypt via ZAMMSA to strengthen access in public facilities. Regional Mobility: Zambia repatriated 40 citizens from South Africa amid anti-immigration tensions.

Constitutional Court: Zambia’s Constitutional Court has set June 19 to hear a petition challenging President Hakainde Hichilema’s candidature, with the case questioning whether the UPND held a valid convention before adopting him. High Court Election Ruling: The Lusaka High Court dismissed an election petition seeking to disqualify 101 independent parliamentary candidates, ruling it was filed improperly for failing to meet required election-petition documents. Free Education & Pensions: President Hichilema is set to sign five bills into law today, including the Education (Amendment) Bill and pension reforms that raise the minimum monthly pension from K1,861 to K2,327. Kwacha Gains: The kwacha has strengthened further, trading in the K17.9 range per US dollar as copper earnings, a bumper harvest outlook, and improved debt management support recovery. Copper Sector Relief: Zambia has extended the 10% export duty waiver on copper concentrates to September 30 to ease stockpiles while smelters remain under maintenance. Mining & Industry: Jubilee’s Roan concentrator has restarted at full capacity after maintenance, targeting 30,000 tonnes of ore per month, while a Serbian firm FPM Agromehanika plans a Lusaka plant to assemble agricultural machinery for the region. Public Safety & Integrity: ZRA has dismissed social media claims it impounded political party goods, saying investigations found them false, and the ACC prosecutor appeared in court over alleged theft of K20,000 from its exhibits office. Sports: Zambia hosts the Four Nations women’s tournament this weekend, with Copper Queens and visiting teams using the games as preparation for WAFCON.

Traditional Leadership & National Unity: Tributes pour in for late Paramount Chief Mpezeni IV, with President Hichilema and Ngoni leaders praising him as a unifying custodian of culture and peace. Economy & Currency: The kwacha keeps strengthening, reaching K17.9 per US dollar as foreign exchange inflows—especially from mining—support liquidity. Education & Pensions: Hichilema will sign free education and pension reform laws into effect tomorrow, including higher minimum pensions and improved NAPSA benefits. Politics & Courts: The Constitutional Court sets June 19 to hear a petition seeking to nullify Hichilema’s nomination over alleged UPND convention and nomination process issues. Elections & Alliances: UPPZ endorses Hichilema and joins the UPND Alliance, while Tonse Alliance postpones Copperbelt rallies out of respect for Mpezeni’s death. Agriculture & Exports: SeedCo says it exported 15,000 seed units to East Africa in 2025, pushing Zambia’s role as a regional food supplier. Mining & Trade: Zambia extends a duty suspension on copper concentrate exports to September 30 as smelters remain under maintenance. Public Safety: Police warn against political violence and order firm action ahead of elections; Archbishop Chama also bans political campaigning and gifts in Kasama Catholic churches.

Politics & Courts: Lusaka Magistrates set July 14 for judgment in Raphael Nakacinda’s seditious practices case, after allegations that President Hakainde Hichilema ordered raids on Edgar Lungu’s home. Election Tensions: Police say they arrested and charged former Mazabuka Central independent candidate Gary Nkombo with assault following complaints, while Nkombo insists he was the victim during nominations. Sports: Mighty Warriors captain Emmaculate Musipa has joined camp ahead of the Four Nations Tournament in Zambia (June 6–9). Economy & Energy: REA handed Zesco 85 completed grid extension projects worth K463m, targeting initial connections for 15,232 households. Agriculture & Jobs: UN ECA launched a €15m SADC project in Lusaka to strengthen critical minerals value chains with responsible, inclusive and decarbonised practices. Business & Trade: The kwacha continues to strengthen, trading around K17.9 per US dollar, as mining and foreign inflows support the currency. Health & Governance: Ministry of Information PS Thabo Kawana clarified the US $1.5m health deal has not yet been signed.

China-Africa People-to-People: A 26th Chinese medical team donated supplies and offered free care to refugees at Lusaka’s Makeni Transit Centre with UNHCR ahead of World Refugee Day. Election Courts & Detention: Former intelligence chief Xavier Chungu has been slapped with 11 counts and is seeking bail, as rights campaigners demand he be taken to court instead of prolonged police detention. Assault Allegations: Mazabuka ex-MP Gary Nkombo says he is ready to answer assault charges after supporters’ altercation during nominations, while Wynter Kabimba calls the charges “laughable.” Traditional Leadership: Ngoni Paramount Chief Mpezeni IV will be buried next Tuesday, June 9, with preparations underway after his May 30 death. Economy & Debt: PwC Zambia backs Zambia’s Eurobond buyback as a step to cut debt costs, supported by an AfDB facility. Education Finance: HELSB reports recovering over K1.01bn in student loans and notes digitised processes and flexible repayment terms. Agriculture & Exports: An agricultural adviser says a near-5m-tonne maize crop could unlock export opportunities once consumption and reserves are met. Business & Jobs: FPM Agro Mechanic begins assembling agricultural equipment in Lusaka South Multi-Facility Economic Zone, targeting operations in weeks. Sports: Highlanders beat FC Hunters 2-0 in the Castle Lager Premier League.

Copper & Industry: Vedanta’s Konkola Copper Mines has started a 60-day shutdown of the Nchanga smelter for maintenance and repairs, part of a wider modernisation push aimed at lifting output toward 300,000 tonnes per year by 2030, with other major plants (Mopani and Chambishi) also scheduled for downtime between June and mid-September. Debt & Finance: Zambia has begun buying back Eurobonds worth over US$1.3bn as part of a debt-management shift meant to lower borrowing costs and improve fiscal sustainability. Elections & Politics: The Electoral Commission of Zambia has launched its “Count Me In” voter education push ahead of the August 13 polls, urging citizens to vote peacefully and parties to share accurate information. Local Governance & Food Security: Lusaka District has been assigned a FRA target of 2,800 metric tons of grade A white maize for the 2025/2026 marketing season through satellite depots to restock strategic reserves. Public Safety: Two illegal miners died after a pit collapse in Lubwe Village, Choma District, police say no foul play is suspected. Sports (Zambia-linked): Zambia’s Copper Princesses set their sights on reaching beyond the group stage at the 2026 U-17 Women’s World Cup after a 7-0 aggregate win over DR Congo.

UPP-Alliance Move: UPP leader Saviour Chishimba says his party is joining the UPND Alliance, backing President Hakainde Hichilema and calling it a bid for “continuity with progress, peace and respect.” Health Workforce Push: UPND says it plans to recruit over 40,000 health workers in its second term, building on 23,560 hires already made in five years. Elections Voter Drive: ECZ launches the “Count Me In” campaign to boost participation in the 2026 General Elections, targeting women, youths, persons with disabilities and first-time voters across all wards. Energy and Power: ZCCM-IH agrees terms to develop a 600MW power plant in Sinazongwe, aimed at easing Zambia’s energy shortfall. Debt Management: Economist Lubinda Haabazoka welcomes Zambia’s Eurobond buyback plan, saying it should cut future debt costs. Land Administration: National Land Titling Programme reports 8,200+ offer letters issued in Q1 and plans more distribution in Kabwe. Justice and Politics: Ngoni Royal Establishment rejects claims that Paramount Chief Mpezeni IV was killed, while Chishimba Kambwili admits illegal entry into Zimbabwe and faces judgment on June 4. Regional Health Alert: Zimbabwe sets up Ebola isolation centres and intensifies screening as Africa CDC warns of cross-border spread risks. Business/Trade: Trafigura wins a final award against a Zambian state entity in a copper joint venture dispute.

SADC Integration: Justice ministers and attorneys general from across the 16-member bloc meet in Victoria Falls to push the proposed SADC Tourism UNIVISA, aimed at easing travel and boosting regional tourism. Economy & Inflation: Economist Kelvin Chisanga says Zambia’s inflation eased to 6.6% in May, helped by improved food supply from the harvest season, while EAZ warns elections must be well managed to avoid renewed price pressure. Elections Readiness: ECZ has launched the 2026 General Election voter education campaign, and the Ministry of Defence urges the military to safeguard voters for peaceful, free polls. Child Safety: The National Child Rights Forum condemns the transport of pupils in unsafe vehicles after 31 Ikelenge Boarding School learners were injured in North-Western Province. Debt Management: Government has started a tender offer to repurchase about US$1.36bn in Eurobonds due in 2053, using a US$600m AfDB facility to reduce long-term debt pressure. Traditional Leadership: Zambia mourns Paramount Chief Mpezeni IV, with tributes cutting across political lines and calls for calm around the funeral. Public Order: Police urge political parties to campaign lawfully and respect neutrality, warning against disorder and harassment of media.

Women’s Football: Nigeria’s Super Falcons named a 23-player squad for friendlies against Senegal, with Rasheedat Ajibade, Chiamaka Nnadozie and Asisat Oshoala recalled as preparations for WAFCON 2026 continue. Youth & Sports: Zambia’s Copper Princesses booked their place two steps from the 2026 U-17 Women’s World Cup after a 2-0 win over DR Congo in Lubumbashi, setting up a final qualifier against Ethiopia. Health Alert: Africa CDC says suspected Ebola cases in DR Congo have surpassed 1,000, with Zambia listed among countries at high risk, as MSF warns response is lagging behind spread. Elections & Media: Zambia’s IBA says it has not banned political campaign songs, only issued guidance to broadcasters to avoid hate and inflammatory content. Governance & Justice: Police released Kalenga Chambatu and Elson Chigerwe after detaining them following an interview with Xavier Chungu; meanwhile, the Attorney General urged citizens to write wills to prevent family legal battles. Economy: Zambia moves to buy back its 2053 bond using a cheaper AfDB loan, a step framed as boosting investor confidence and easing future debt costs.

National Mourning: President Hakainde Hichilema and the nation mourn the death of Paramount Chief Mpezeni IV of the Ngoni people, ending a 44-year reign and prompting tributes for his role as a unifying custodian of Ngoni culture. Anti-Corruption: The ACC has arrested a Mulobezi Ward Development Committee member, Hamanyanga Hamanyanga, over corrupt practices involving K200,000 linked to a conflict of interest in a Constituency Development Fund loan matter. Drugs Crackdown: The DEC intercepted a public service bus on the Great North Road in Kabwe and arrested five people after finding cannabis, Benylin with codeine, and suspected narcotic tablets hidden in the fuel tank compartment. Election Courtroom Fight: Governance activist Isaac Mwanza dismisses claims his election petition is UPND-sponsored, saying the case should focus on whether some “independent” candidates were still party members at nomination. Public Health Alert: Zambia says two suspected Ebola cases tested negative as it ramps up screening and surveillance amid an outbreak in DR Congo. Debt Management: Government begins buying back over US$1.3bn in Eurobonds, a move aimed at lowering debt costs and improving fiscal sustainability.

Traditional Leadership: President Hichilema has confirmed the death of Paramount Chief Mpezeni IV of the Ngoni people, ending hours of speculation and prompting condolences from across Zambia. Public Safety: Police say 31 Ikelenge pupils sustained minor injuries after an overloaded vehicle’s tailgate opened while it was moving. Health Watch: Zambia has cleared two suspected Ebola cases after lab tests and is stepping up screening and surveillance as DRC reports 1,028 suspected cases. Crime & Enforcement: The Drug Enforcement Commission intercepted a bus in Kabwe and arrested five people over cannabis and Benylin with codeine. Economy & Debt: Zambia has launched a cash tender offer to buy back its $1.36bn 2053 bond, using an AfDB $600m loan, as it seeks to cut future borrowing costs. Energy & Governance: An editorial warns the power crisis could have been avoided, as rolling cuts continue amid generation shortfalls. Local Development: Government handed over 31 bicycles to Luangwa community volunteers to improve access to social protection services.

Ebola Alert: Zambia cleared two suspected Ebola cases after lab tests, even as the Ministry of Health steps up screening and surveillance at entry points and at Lusaka’s referral facilities, with WHO and Africa CDC support. Regional Preparedness: IGAD urged urgent, coordinated action across the Horn of Africa, citing porous borders and high mobility, and announced reprogramming of $7m for response measures. Election Politics: A UPND founding member, Charles Longwe, has petitioned the Constitutional Court to disqualify President Hakainde Hichilema over claims the party failed to hold valid intra-party elections. Governance & Security: DEC arrested Deputy Ambassador to Ethiopia Tom Michelo over alleged investor fraud involving Chinese investors, prompting his removal from post. Economy Watch: Inflation eased to 6.6% in May and Zambia recorded a K3.5bn trade surplus in April, as exports rose and imports fell. Sports: Copper Queens confirmed for the Four Nations tournament in Ndola, while Zambia’s Barbra Banda scored twice for Orlando Pride but was injured late in the win.

Street Children Reintegration: Zambia’s Ministry of Community Development and Social Services says it has reintegrated 6,896 children from the streets into family homes over the past five years, with outreach, rescue, shelter, counselling, family tracing and school re-enrolment—though it cites shortages of transit and rehabilitation centres. Inflation Watch: ZamStats reports inflation eased again in May to 6.6% from 6.8% in April, driven by slower food inflation as mealie meal and rice prices fell, while non-food inflation rose on higher medicines and fuel costs. Trade Update: Zambia posted a bigger trade surplus of K3.5 billion in April, as exports edged up and imports dropped, with non-traditional exports rising strongly. Ebola Preparedness: In Nakonde, Muchinga, health officials say Ebola surveillance has been intensified at the border, with stronger screening and hygiene measures despite Zambia having no confirmed cases. Lungu Burial Court Fight: In South Africa, the Supreme Court of Appeal heard arguments in Edgar Lungu’s burial dispute, with the family pushing for widow-led wishes and the court stressing ubuntu should prioritise the grieving family’s interests. Election Politics: PF faction leader Miles Sampa has withdrawn from the Lima parliamentary race, saying PF will now focus on influencing the presidential contest. Cyber Crime Arrest: Lusaka police and the Cyber Security Agency arrested 22-year-old Rabecca Mubanga (Metisha Mubanga) over alleged production and sharing of obscene videos, with prosecution pending. Digital AI Deal: SMART Zambia and Huawei signed an MoU to build a National AI Data Centre and train 5,000 ICT professionals by 2028.

Election Court Battles: Governance activist Isaac Mwanza has escalated Zambia’s August 13 election drama by petitioning the Lusaka High Court to disqualify more than 100 parliamentary candidates who filed as independents but are alleged to still be members of political parties, citing Article 51(a); the same legal push also targets Socialist Party presidential candidate Fred M’membe over his Grade 12 qualification and seeks to knock out his running mate Dolika Banda. State Security Shock: Former ZSIS boss Xavier Chungu has been picked up and charged under the State Security Act, turning a political story into a major national security flashpoint as police questioning continues. Lungu Burial Appeal: Edgar Lungu’s family is back in court at the Supreme Court of Appeal in South Africa to challenge a ruling that allows Zambia to repatriate his remains for a state funeral and burial in Lusaka. Drugs Seizures: South Africa intercepted a methaqualone (ABBA) haul worth about K106 billion at Beitbridge, arresting two Malawians and a Zambian. Health & Economy Watch: Africa CDC says suspected Ebola cases in DRC and Uganda have surpassed 1,000, while traders report Zambia’s kwacha is supported by steady mining inflows and stronger copper prices.

Election Security Alert: The U.S. Embassy in Zambia has warned citizens of a “potential for increased civil unrest” as the August 13 polls near, urging people to avoid crowds and political gatherings. Political Violence Watch: Zambia’s Bishops Council warned the UPND against tolerating violence and intimidation of independent candidates and opposition ahead of the elections, calling for swift police action. Court Challenge to Nominations: A consortium of civil societies has petitioned the Lusaka High Court seeking to disqualify Socialist Party leader Dr. Fred M’membe and running mate Dolika Banda, plus other independents, over alleged qualification verification issues. Inflation Update: May inflation fell to 6.6% from 6.8% in April, with analysts pointing to improving macroeconomic stability. Health & Ebola Region: The DRC Ebola situation has surged past 1,000 suspected cases, prompting stricter regional border controls and heightened surveillance. Conservation in Zambia: “Operation Return of the Wild” will film the restoration of Cape buffalo and Puku antelope to Zambia’s Lower Luano Valley after poaching losses. Anti-Corruption: ACC arrested and charged three Ministry of Fisheries officials over alleged corruption linked to the SLIMP project worth over K8.8 million.

ECZ Pushback on Mundubile Claims: The Electoral Commission of Zambia has dismissed as “false and malicious” social media allegations that it plans to disqualify presidential candidate Brian Mundubile and running mate Makebi Zulu, saying both were duly nominated and warning the public against misinformation. Election Integrity: ECZ also says it has uncovered 10 forged Grade 12 certificates during the 2026 verification exercise, while courts continue to handle election-related defamation cases. Uranium Update: Atomic Eagle reports progress on uranium targeting at Muntanga North, completing 53km of ground radiometric surveys across five priority areas and refining drill targets ahead of drilling. Zambia-US Trade Focus: President Hichilema calls for a stronger Zambia–US economic partnership centred on trade and private sector investment during a courtesy call by the US Chargé d’Affaires. Energy and Industry: ZCCM-IH and Wonderful Group move ahead with a US$30m joint venture to revive Ndola lime production, starting with a 600 tonnes/day plant. Public Safety and Health: With Ebola concerns rising in the region, Zambia’s football programme and other sectors say they are monitoring developments closely, while authorities urge caution and adherence to official guidance. Sports: Red Arrows unveil a Bolabet kit sponsorship deal for the 2026/27 season.