AGP Executive Report

Social Protection: The Anti-Corruption Commission has charged former ministry accountant Casious Mweetwa over the alleged diversion of K44.6 million meant for the Social Cash Transfer programme. Economy: Zambia has reached a staff-level agreement with the IMF for a new US$1.47 billion, three-year loan; the deal is subject to board approval and calls for fiscal reforms, including higher revenue collection. Politics and Elections: The Electoral Commission says NRPUP lost out on proportional-representation seats after submitting fewer names than allocated, denying claims of manipulation. British High Commissioner Rebecca Terzeon also urged that opposition MPs be allowed to hold government to account. Transport: Bus fares from Lusaka to Luapula destinations have risen by K25 to K45, effective October 9. Football: FAZ and the government have warned fans against political chants at stadia, saying they risk undermining football’s role in uniting supporters.

Public Funds: A former Ministry of Community Development accountant has been charged over the alleged diversion of K44.6 million meant for Social Cash Transfer beneficiaries. The ACC says the funds were moved through eight transactions and may have been used to acquire assets. Treasury: Government released K14.6 billion in September, including K5.4 billion for wages and K5.4 billion for debt service and arrears. Finance Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane has warned next year’s CDF allocation will be lower as Treasury faces cash constraints. Electoral Affairs: The ECZ has rejected claims it manipulated proportional-representation seats, saying NRPUP failed to submit its list within the legal deadline. Public Safety: Two young women from the same family died in separate crocodile attacks while fetching water in Sioma; residents say a suspected crocodile was later killed. Lusaka: The city council is clearing blocked drains to reduce flooding and disease risks. Football: Government condemned political chants at Nkana Stadium, warning that political activity at matches could fuel tension. Meanwhile, the Copper Queens say they take responsibility for their Uganda defeat and are determined to overturn the 2–1 deficit in Tuesday’s Olympic qualifier return leg.

US Health Pact: Zambia and the United States have signed a five-year health partnership, with Washington committing about $1.5 billion. The deal followed a dispute over data and specimen-sharing terms, which were dropped from the agreement. Olympic Qualifier: The Copper Queens return to Ndola needing to overturn a 2-1 first-leg loss to Uganda in Tuesday’s Los Angeles 2028 qualifier. Rachel Kundananji says Zambia will not give up its Olympic hopes. By-elections: The ECZ says NRPUP chose to withdraw from November’s polls, denying claims the commission was involved. After another candidate quit, UPND’s Anderson Banda was declared unopposed in Lumezi North; the commission has also urged Mandevu candidates to follow the campaign timetable. Economy: Zambia has reached a staff-level agreement with the IMF for a new $1.47 billion programme, while President Hakainde Hichilema has set out his Grow Zambia agenda to Parliament. Lusaka: The city council says 45 street vendors were fined after a joint enforcement operation. Airports have also tightened security, warning passengers to expect longer screening times.

IMF Deal: Zambia has reached a staff-level agreement on a new $1.47 billion, three-year IMF programme, subject to board approval. The Fund projects 5.6% growth this year; civil society groups urge the government to protect social spending and household incomes. Economic Plans: Opening Parliament, President Hakainde Hichilema unveiled the Grow Zambia Agenda, including targets to expand agriculture, energy, mining and tourism. He also ordered government institutions to switch to electric vehicles, prompting questions about the cost. US Health Partnership: Zambia and the US signed a five-year health agreement after removing data- and specimen-sharing terms. The plan includes recruiting 40,000 health workers, with doctors’ representatives urging priority for staff already in the system. By-elections: The Electoral Commission says NRPUP chose to withdraw from all upcoming by-elections, rejecting claims it blocked the party. UPND’s candidate was declared unopposed in Lumezi North. Football: Zambia’s Copper Queens return home for the second leg against Uganda after losing the Olympic qualifier’s first match 2–1.

IMF Programme: Zambia has reached a staff-level agreement with the IMF on a new 36-month, US$1.47 billion programme, subject to board approval. The fund forecasts 5.6% growth this year but says revenue shortfalls and rising spending need attention. Parliament: President Hakainde Hichilema opened the new National Assembly with his Grow Zambia agenda, setting targets including 10 million tonnes of maize, 10,000 megawatts of electricity and 3 million tonnes of copper. He also said government institutions will buy only electric vehicles. US Health Deal: Zambia and the US have signed a five-year health partnership after removing disputed data- and specimen-sharing clauses. Legal Affairs: Police have denied claims that Brian Mundubile, Makebi Zulu and 16 others were tortured in maximum-security prisons; the detainees’ constitutional-rights case is before the courts. Public Holiday: October 18 will no longer be a public holiday after the National Day of Prayer was merged with the Christian Heritage commemoration on December 29. Football: The Copper Queens are back in Zambia and must overturn a 2-1 first-leg loss to Uganda in Tuesday’s Olympic qualifier.

Parliament: President Hakainde Hichilema opened the 14th National Assembly in Lusaka, setting out his five-year Grow Zambia agenda, including targets to raise maize production to 10 million tonnes and power generation to 10,000 megawatts. US Health Deal: Zambia and the United States have signed a five-year partnership worth $2.49 billion in combined commitments, with Washington providing about $1.5 billion and Zambia pledging $975 million. The health pact is separate from ongoing minerals talks, and disputed patient-data and specimen-sharing clauses were removed. Transport Costs: Bus fares rose nationwide today after RTSA approved increases, including K2 on Lusaka local routes and an average 7% on intercity services, following recent fuel price hikes. Police: Officers arrested 11 people over an alleged unlawful assembly after crowds gathered at Lusaka’s Heroes Stadium expecting cash promised by former MP Emmanuel Jay Banda.

Health Partnership: Zambia and the United States signed a five-year, $2.49 billion health pact, with $1.52 billion planned from Washington and $975 million in new spending pledged by Lusaka. The agreement aims to expand the health workforce and shift more responsibility for medicines and services to Zambia. National Observance: Church bodies say the National Day of Prayer and Zambia’s Christian heritage commemoration will be combined on December 29, starting this year. Copper Queens: Zambia return home needing to overturn a 2-1 first-leg loss to Uganda in Tuesday’s Olympic qualifier at Ndola’s Levy Mwanawasa Stadium. Captain Barbra Banda says the team must correct its mistakes. Mining: ZCCM-IH approved KCM’s $498 million tailings plant at Nchanga, expected to produce about 70,000 tonnes of copper a year once operational. Cholera: The outbreak death toll has risen to 16, according to reports.

US Health Deal: Zambia and the United States signed a five-year, $2.49 billion health pact after dropping disputed patient-data and specimen-sharing terms. Zambia says the agreement will help recruit 40,000 health workers; talks on a separate minerals deal continue. Mining Investment: ZCCM-IH approved KCM’s $498 million Nchanga tailings plant, expected to produce about 70,000 tonnes of copper a year from historic waste. Copper Queens: Zambia lost 2-1 to Uganda in the first leg of their Olympic qualifier after taking an early lead; the return match is in Ndola next week. Public Health: Cholera cases continue to rise, with 31 new suspected cases and one death reported in the latest 24 hours, bringing the toll to 16. Energy: Zambia has exceeded its 2026 solar target, reaching 1,027MW as installed power capacity climbed to 4,722MW. Lusaka: Chitambala Mwewa was installed as mayor, pledging action on waste, drainage, congestion and sanitation. By-election: Anderson Banda was declared Lumezi North MP unopposed after rival candidates failed to file or withdrew.

Public Health: Zambia’s renewed cholera outbreak has killed 15 people, with 115 confirmed cases among 573 suspected cases investigated; 62 patients remain hospitalised. Mining Pollution: Authorities are investigating a chemical spill allegedly linked to Konkola Copper Mines after residents reported discoloured water and dead fish in the Kafue River near Chingola. US Health Pact: Zambia has signed a revised health agreement with the United States after dropping clauses on sharing patient data and biological samples; opposition leader Fred M’membe is demanding publication of the full deal. Power and Growth: Installed generating capacity has climbed to 4,722.3 megawatts, driven by solar expansion, while the World Bank has upgraded Zambia’s growth outlook. It warns that debt repayments and financing costs could still constrain public investment.

US Health Pact: Zambia is set to sign a revised U.S. health agreement after patient-data and specimen-sharing clauses were dropped; reports put the funding at $3.6 billion. By-Elections: Tonse Pamodzi has picked Jean Kapata for Mandevu, where she will face UPND’s Adrian Banda on November 5. In Lumezi North, only NRPUP can nominate a replacement after its candidate died. Growth Outlook: The World Bank raised its 2026 Sub-Saharan Africa forecast to 4.3% and upgraded Zambia’s prospects, while warning regional growth may not deliver enough jobs or reduce poverty quickly. Power Links: A $300 million Zambia-DRC interconnector is advancing, with a planned 200-kilometre line expected to boost electricity trade and supply power to DRC mines. Copper Queens: Zambia face Uganda in Kampala on Thursday in the first leg of their Olympic qualifier; captain Barbra Banda says the team is targeting a win. Cybercrime Warning: Ghana has cautioned jobseekers about fake offers in Zambia after six Ghanaians were among those arrested in a Lusaka operation targeting suspected organised cybercrime.

Lusaka Street Vendors Crackdown: Lusaka Mayor-elect Chitambala Mwewa’s “Operation Clear Path” to remove vendors from undesignated areas is drawing pushback, with former Lusaka Mayor Elias Kamanga warning the move may be premature and could trigger legal battles before formal installation; Citizens First leader Harry Kalaba supports restoring order but says the city must provide safe, affordable trading spaces. Parliament Constituency Costs: UPND election chair Likando Mufalali says the cost of new constituencies and PR seats is already factored into the national budget and will face parliamentary scrutiny. Fuel Smuggling Arrests: Police in Eastern Province arrested NRPUP Chimaliro Ward councillor Klint Mwale and 23 others for illegal fuel buying in Lundazi meant for resale in Malawi, seizing over 5,000 litres. Health—US Deal Update: Health Minister Roma Chilengi says Zambia’s revised $3.6bn health agreement with the United States will drop specimen-sharing and patient data clauses, with signing expected Thursday. Cholera Update: Zambia recorded 63 new suspected cholera cases in 24 hours; 10 confirmed, with 15 deaths cumulatively. Economy—World Bank Outlook: The World Bank upgraded Sub-Saharan Africa growth to 4.3% for 2026 and says Zambia is among countries showing improved economic management, while warning growth must translate into jobs and poverty reduction. Church Meetings Clarification: Government denies claims of a ban on church gatherings and urges the public to rely on official channels. Cybercrime Warning: Ghana’s foreign ministry warns Ghanaians about fraudulent job offers in Zambia linked to forced cybercrime after arrests in Lusaka.

US-Health Deal: Zambia says it will sign a revised US$1.5bn health agreement this week after dropping specimen-sharing and removing sensitive patient data clauses, with the total package put at US$3.6bn over five years. Local Courts & Rights: In Solwezi, Mundubile and Makebi Zulu’s bid to present oral evidence in their sedition case jurisdiction challenge was rejected, with the matter adjourned to October 13. Public Health: Zambia reports 11 new cholera cases and 1 death, as health authorities continue response efforts. Security & Crime: Zambia’s Foreign Affairs warns Ghanaians about fake job offers linked to forced cybercrime, after six Ghanaians were arrested in Lusaka during a joint operation. Energy & Power: Electricity minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa calls power curtailment a “financial risk,” while Zambia also pushes for more power infrastructure investment. Urban Cleanup: Lusaka City Council moves into phase two of “Operation Clear Path,” targeting decongestion of the CBD and relocating buses from undesignated spots. Sports: Copper Princesses and Copper Queens continue preparations abroad for upcoming qualifiers and the U17 Women’s World Cup.

Lobito Corridor Update: Finance Minister Dr Situmbeko Musokotwane says Zambia has sealed financing for road connectivity along the Lobito Corridor and is now awaiting procurement, as partners report rail progress and a signed development agreement for the Dilolo–Sakania segments. US Health Deal: Zambia is set to sign a revised US$1.5bn health agreement after negotiators dropped a specimen-sharing clause, with officials saying Lusaka is now aligned on key terms. Public Finance Scrutiny: TI-Z flags 467 unresolved audit issues worth about K18.1bn across 23 ministries, with Health, Education and Agriculture most affected. Sedition Case in Court: Brian Mundubile and Makebi Zulu want their sedition trial moved from Solwezi to Lusaka, arguing venue choice blocks access to witnesses; the court will rule on jurisdiction. Health Watch: Zambia records 11 new cholera cases and 1 death, bringing cumulative figures to 510 suspected and 105 confirmed. Governance & Rights: State House says due process will be followed in Archbishop Alick Banda’s case as Catholic bishops call for a transparent legal process. Digital Services: Zamtel launches the MyZamtel Super App plus two Zambia-first innovations, including Kongola Malaiti via *115#. Education & Teachers: ZANEC calls for better teacher welfare and working conditions as World Teachers’ Day is marked.

Copper Queens Olympic push: Barbra Banda and four foreign-based teammates have joined the Zambia camp in Kampala ahead of the Oct 8 first-leg Olympic qualifier against Uganda, with the squad set to complete arrivals soon and travel to Ndola after the match. Court and politics in Solwezi: Solwezi Magistrate’s Court rejected Brian Mundubile and Makebi Zulu’s bid to present oral evidence in their sedition case, with plea expected today as they face charges tied to social media posts around the August 13 election. Energy update: The World Bank says Zambia is emerging from its electricity crisis and could become a regional power-trading hub as generation and transmission investment grows, including solar and new power purchase deals. Health deal talks: Zambia says it is ready to sign a US$1.5bn health agreement with the United States after revising key requirements, including dropping specimen-sharing outside the country. ZAMMSA reset: Health Minister Roma Chilengi says the 150 fired ZAMMSA staff can reapply for jobs under the agency’s new structure, though not all old positions will return. Football development focus: A call is growing for more investment in coaching to sustain Zambia’s rising women’s football pathway, from youth teams to the senior Copper Queens.

National Reconciliation Push: LM president Dr Richard Silumbe says Zambia’s healing must start with leaders now, warning delay could fuel a national crisis and stressing the rule of law. Police Leadership Shake-up: State House confirms President Hakainde Hichilema has terminated Deputy Inspector General Charity Munganga’s appointment, with no reason or successor given. Drought & Food Security: Hichilema tells chiefs to warn households to keep enough maize for their families as an El Niño-linked drought threat looms. Cholera Warning: Government says the cholera “ceremony” is back early, reporting 304 cases and 11 deaths across seven districts, with some deaths occurring before patients reach facilities. Courts & Rights: A Chinese businessman detained since September 3 without charge has filed for habeas corpus, seeking release. Elections & Accountability: ECZ begins a Kasenengwa vote recount after a Chipata High Court order tied to an election petition. Local Governance & Clean-Up: Lusaka Mayor-elect Mwewa Chitambala says he won’t seek Local Government ministerial office, focusing on keeping Lusaka clean and restoring order. Sports: Copper Queens depart for Kampala for the Olympic qualifier first leg against Uganda, while Zambia’s U-17 women head to Morocco for World Cup preparations.

Grow Zambia Agenda Push: Muchinga heads of departments are being urged to plan and budget deliberately to support the Grow Zambia Agenda, with a 2027 ceiling of K124 million stressing discipline in prioritisation. Culture & Development: President Hichilema reaffirmed support for traditional ceremonies like Lukwakwa, saying they strengthen unity and identity, while also calling for CDF-funded development projects in chiefdoms. Elections & Courts: ECZ has started a Kasenengwa vote recount after a Chipata High Court order, following an election petition by LEVISON ZIWA against PHILIMON TWASA. Police Leadership Shake-up: Hichilema terminated DIG Charity Munganga’s appointment in charge of Administration, with no successor named yet. Political Parties: Citizens First appointed Ambassador Mary Zambezi as Vice President (Politics) and Faith Munthali as National Chairperson. Sports: Copper Queens departed for Kampala ahead of the Olympic qualifier first leg against Uganda, while Zambia’s U-17 women’s team heads to Morocco for World Cup preparations. Anti-Corruption: ACC arrested ZANIS editor Chimangeni Banda and a Social Welfare official over alleged concealment of properties worth over K5.6m. Lusaka Clean-up Debate: Lusaka is getting cleaner, but street-vending enforcement is testing whether politics can sustain the gains.