AGP Executive Report

World Bank Support: Zambia’s Green Economy ministry says the World Bank is ready to back a $102m Lobito Plantation Forest Economy programme, aimed at boosting private investment in plantation forestry, timber value chains, jobs and treasury revenue. Parliament Representation: The Electoral Commission of Zambia has validated 40 proportional representation MPs—20 women, 15 youth and 5 persons with disabilities—clearing the way for their formal entry into the National Assembly. Local Court Update: A Local Government Elections Tribunal has dismissed an attempt by Lusaka mayor-elect Simon Mwewa and the ECZ to throw out a Lusaka mayoral petition, keeping the case alive. Sports—Women’s Football: Zambia’s Copper Queens will play Denmark in a December friendly in Esbjerg as they build toward Olympic qualifiers. Sports—Rugby Sevens: Zambia targets World Rugby Sevens Division Three qualification at the Africa Men’s Sevens Series in Kampala. Mining & Exploration: Koryx Copper begins diamond drilling at Luanshya West and advances work at Mpongwe, while also moving to increase ownership in its Zambia projects. Wildlife Science: African wild dogs set a record by travelling nearly 2,500 miles across Zambia in search of mates, highlighting the need to protect connected wildlife corridors. Diplomacy & Defence: The United States commended Zambia’s peaceful elections and pledged support for modernising the Zambian military.

Parliament Leadership: Likando Mufalali says National Assembly Speaker Nelly Mutti “has never been biased” and deserves another term, defending her handling of the last session despite past opposition criticism. Food Security: Finance Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane insists Zambia is food secure even with drought risks, pointing to planned maize exports and saying government will review taxes and incentives for the 2027 budget. New Parliament Timetable: President Hakainde Hichilema will open the 14th National Assembly on Oct 9, with presiding officers to be elected on Oct 2. Human Rights Pressure: The European Parliament adopted a resolution urging a speedy, transparent probe into the murder of former minister Mutotwe Kafwaya and alleged post-election repression, with MEPs calling for accountability and fair trials. ECZ Proportional Representation: ECZ will unveil 40 proportional representation MPs on Friday, with seats reserved for women, youth and persons with disabilities. Local Enforcement: Lusaka City Council demolished 18 illegal structures under ZESCO pylons after owners ignored warnings. Copper Update: KCM restarted its Nchanga smelter after 106 days, casting the first copper anode following a $40m rehabilitation. Education & STEM: President Mnangagwa capped 2,570 graduates at NUST, noting rising female participation and that 68% graduated with STEM degrees. Tax Relief: Government and ZRA extended a voluntary disclosure scheme offering a 100% waiver on accrued penalties and interest for taxpayers settling principal tax.

Energy Regulation: Zambia’s Energy Regulation Board has approved K1 billion in energy licences, permits and amendments, including petroleum distribution and retail licences, renewable energy equipment approvals, and electricity generation and supply authorisations. Diplomacy: Foreign Affairs Minister Mulambo Haimbe will represent President Hakainde Hichilema at UNGA81 in New York, delivering Zambia’s national statement and pushing partnerships under the Grow Zambia Agenda. Politics & Governance: The Electoral Commission of Zambia will unveil 40 proportional representation MPs on Friday, with seats reserved for women, youth and persons with disabilities, after parties submit lists. Tax Administration: ZRA has launched a 100% waiver on penalties and interest for taxpayers settling outstanding principal tax liabilities under an Extended Voluntary Disclosure Scheme running from Sept. 17 to Dec. 31, 2026. Telecoms Regulation: ZICTA has cancelled Beeline Telecoms’ Zedmobile licences in Zambia for failing regulatory, operational and financial milestones. Football (Youth): Zambia Under-20 has set up camp in Maputo ahead of the COSAFA U-20 qualifier opener against Malawi, with the tournament running Sept. 18–27. Public Safety: Police in eastern Zambia have launched a manhunt after a man allegedly strangled his girlfriend’s two children in Nyimba District.

Budget & Growth Agenda: President Hakainde Hichilema chaired his first Cabinet meeting of the renewed term, approving the 2027 Budget framework and the 2027–2029 Medium Term Budget Plan, with a shift from stabilisation to growth under the “Grow Zambia Agenda”, including jobs, single-digit inflation and a stable exchange rate, plus plans to broaden the tax base and boost efficiency through digital tax systems. Diplomacy: Foreign Affairs Minister Mulambo Haimbe met the US Chargé d’Affaires in Lusaka to discuss cooperation across health, trade, agriculture and security, while the Netherlands announced it will close its Harare embassy as part of wider diplomatic restructuring affecting Zambia and Malawi. Wildlife & Conservation: Zambia’s conservation story made headlines as three endangered wild dog brothers recorded the longest single mammal journey in Africa, travelling over 2,500 miles across Zambia, and satellite-tracked vultures revealed cross-border corridors spanning Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, Angola and Zambia. Sports & Youth: Junior Chipolopolo arrived in Mozambique for the COSAFA U20 qualifier, drawn in Group C with Malawi, Comoros and Botswana, while FAZ youth representative Zephaniah Mwanza defended Zambia’s youth development approach after criticism from former winger Clifford Mulenga. Business & Markets: The Lusaka Securities Exchange is set to list its first gold ETF before end-October, giving investors direct gold exposure, as foreign demand for bonds and equities reportedly picked up after the August election.

Lusaka Capital Markets: The Lusaka Securities Exchange says it will list its first gold exchange-traded fund before end of October, giving Zambians direct exposure to gold, with LuSE also lining up five more listings and expecting about US$1bn from IPOs as foreign demand recovers after the August election. Wildlife & Conservation: Duchess of Edinburgh Sophie continues her Zambia tour with a focus on wildlife protection, visiting Conservation Lower Zambezi and meeting Kufadza Female Scouts, Zambia’s first all-women ranger unit, including snare removal and anti-poaching work. Finance & Policy: President Hakainde Hichilema reappoints Situmbeko Musokotwane as Finance Minister, tasking him to deliver results and protect public funds under the Grow Zambia Agenda. Politics & Courts: Charity Lumpa discontinues her Lusaka Central election petition against UPND’s Musaiwale Mlewa, while in Kawambwa the MP seat dispute heads to trial with 15 witnesses lined up. Health & Rights: NGOCC says Mafinga South MP Faith Munthali is in critical condition in ICU and calls for humane treatment and urgent medical evacuation. Mining & Regional Industry: Reuters reports Kemcore won environmental clearance in Botswana for a $140m integrated battery-minerals chemicals plant, aimed at supplying copper and cobalt mines in DRC and Zambia.

Energy & Investment: Zambia’s mineral mapping drive is 93.6% complete, with a high-resolution geophysical survey due to finish this December to guide new exploration and investment. Local Governance: Lusaka City Council has secured K40 million to strengthen flood resilience, expand drainage systems, and urge residents to stop dumping rubbish into drains. Finance & Jobs: Stakeholders welcomed Situmbeko Musokotwane’s return as Finance Minister, saying it brings policy continuity and should reassure lenders, while President Hichilema urged “unity, discipline and smart” work so growth benefits citizens. Health & Integrity: Former Health Minister Alex Katakwe warned the new Health Minister, Prof Roma Chilengi, to watch for cartels protecting selfish interests. Public Safety: Zambia Police reported a 53-year-old officer, Daniel Banda, died after shooting himself at Police Headquarters in Lusaka. Food Safety: Authorities warned residents against eating or handling wildlife meat after anthrax killed dozens of animals and infected 12 people in Muchinga. Sports: Zambia’s Flamingos and other WAFU-B U17 teams are in action as preparations continue for the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup.

Public Safety: A 53-year-old assistant superintendent, Daniel Banda, died after shooting himself at Lusaka’s Police Service Headquarters following hours of negotiations. Health & Environment: Zambia warned residents against eating or handling wildlife meat after anthrax killed 60 animals and infected 12 people in Muchinga. Politics & Courts: The ECZ rejected Frank Tayali’s petition against the Ndola Central result, saying the election was free and fair; meanwhile, Bishop George Lungu asked for a private meeting with President Hakainde Hichilema over justice and constitutional rights concerns. Governance & Media: ZICTA cancelled Z-Mobile licences over regulatory breaches, while civil society and unions urged unity and professionalism in the public service after election tensions. Economy & Markets: Zambia secured a spot in J.P. Morgan’s new Frontier Bond Index, a move that could boost foreign investor interest in kwacha government bonds. Sports: Zambia named a provisional U-17 Women’s World Cup squad led by Taonga Mubanga, and the Road to BAL qualifying tournament highlighted Lusaka as a host city. International Spotlight: The Duchess of Edinburgh continued her Lusaka engagements, visiting gemstone makers and Imvelo Studios supporting survivors of gender-based violence.

Cabinet & Governance: President Hakainde Hichilema chaired the first Cabinet meeting of his renewed mandate, urging ministers to deliver the Grow Zambia Agenda through jobs, higher Treasury revenue and expanded business opportunities. Elections & Courts: The ECZ has asked the Lusaka High Court to dismiss Sylvia Masebo’s election petition over Chongwe East, while the MP Anita Kamanga denies vote-buying claims. Justice & Cybercrime: Lusaka Magistrates sentenced vlogger Joseph Chishimba to 9 months for sharing a screenshot alleging Chipo Mwanawasa was impregnated by a man at State House. Food Security & Trade: The Millers Association of Zambia wants regulated maize exports as El Niño risks severe shortages; FRA has signed a deal to export 540,000 tonnes of maize to Kenya. Police Response: Zambia Police dismissed social media claims that 1,180 Tonse members are being held on politically motivated charges. Youth & Defence: Defence says recruitment for the second cohort of Voluntary National Service training is expected before year-end. Economy & Investment: Solar Industries plans to acquire South Africa’s Omnia Holdings for about $1.36bn to expand global mining explosives capacity. Sports (Zambia-linked): Orlando Pride extended Barbra Banda’s contract through 2029. Health Alert: Authorities warn the public to avoid handling meat from wild animals after an anthrax outbreak.

Cabinet & Economy: President Hakainde Hichilema has named four ministers for his second term, reappointing Situmbeko Musokotwane as Finance and National Planning, Mulambo Haimbe as Foreign Affairs, Roma Chilengi as Health, and Gilbert Siame as Green Economy and Environment, urging ministers to put Zambia first and deliver results under the Grow Zambia Agenda. Copper Watch: Copper prices pushed above $14,200/tonne as Musokotwane returns to the Treasury, giving Zambia a strong market backdrop while the government focuses on mining, investment and revenue conversion. Local Content: The Ministry of Mines says local content uptake by mining firms is at about 90% compliance, with officials urging suppliers to improve quality, pricing and timely delivery. Anti-Corruption: Solwezi Municipal Council HR officer Golden Matimba has been arrested and charged over alleged false accounting of over K100,000 meant for 2023 Labour Day celebrations. Justice & Rights: A Lusaka court jailed vlogger Joseph Chishimba for nine months with hard labour over cyber harassment tied to a false WhatsApp claim about Chipo Mwanawasa; meanwhile the DPP warned Zambians abroad they can still face prosecution. Crime & Safety: Three people died in a Kafue road crash after improper overtaking, police report. Health Alert: Zambia warns the public not to eat meat from wildlife after anthrax killed dozens of animals and infected people. Sports: Zambian forward Barbra Banda signed a new Orlando Pride deal through 2029. UK Royals: The Duchess of Edinburgh begins an official visit to Zambia (Sept 14–19) focusing on education, women’s enterprise, health, conservation and culture.

Anti-Corruption Watch: Transparency International Zambia’s Prof Lewis Chilufya says Zambia has laws to fight corruption, but enforcement is weak and often seen as selective under President Hakainde Hichilema’s second term. Police Crackdown on Online Hate: Immigration and security wings arrested TikTok user “Brotherman” (Misheck Mulubwa) in Kasumbalesa for alleged hate speech, insults and threats against senior government officials, including the President. Mundubile Treason Case: Three of the 18 petitioners in the Mundubile/Makebi Zulu treason matter claim they were offered incentives to become State witnesses, raising fresh concerns as the case continues in the Lusaka High Court. Pre-Trial Detention Rules: Chapter One Foundation says prolonged detention cannot be used as punishment before trial, after a court ordered the immediate release of 43 detainees and directed the State to meet costs. Road Expansion Bottleneck: The Road Development Agency says illegal encroachments on road reserves are limiting road expansion and dualisation plans. Food Security Question: A commentary challenges the logic of exporting maize while warning of looming severe hunger. Wildlife Science: Zambian wild dogs recorded the longest African mammal movement on record, with three males travelling over 4,000 km in search of territory and mates. Sports—CAF: Simba thrashed Mighty Wanderers 6-1 to advance in the CAF Champions League, while Red Arrows set up a CAF Confederation Cup tie against Kaizer Chiefs’ next opponents.

Social Media & Security: Zambia Police say TikTok creator “Brotherman” (Misheck Mulubwa) was arrested at Kasumbalesa for alleged hate speech, incitement and threats to assassinate President Hichilema and other senior officials, with a phone seized during the probe. Courts & Rights: Attorney-General Mulilo Kabesha urged citizens to stop blaming the President for court outcomes, as criminal cases are handled by investigators and prosecutors; meanwhile, Mundubile and others have sued government over alleged unlawful detention and denial of access to lawyers and families. Politics & Governance: A senior UPND official Michael Chuzu sparked debate by claiming Hichilema’s presidential terms should start counting from 2031; Lusaka Mayor-elect Chitambala Mwewa says his “Make Lusaka Clean” push will start with relocating street vendors into markets. Food Security: DMMU says it can feed 1.2 million people at risk of food shortages from October to March 2027, despite El Niño fears. Sports: Red Arrows set up a CAF Confederation Cup meeting with Kaizer Chiefs after beating Madagascar’s FC Rouge 2-0 (4-0 aggregate), while Power Dynamos were knocked out of the CAF Champions League by Al Merrikh.

Human Rights & Passports: Amnesty International says Zambia’s arbitrary passport cancellations violate international human rights, urging restoration for Emmanuel Mwamba, Emmanuel Jay Banda, Binwell Mpundu and three others, while Chapter One Foundation challenges government to explain the legal basis for the revocations. Legal Battles in Custody: Brian Mundubile, Makebi Zulu and 16 others have petitioned the Attorney General over alleged rights violations while detained at Mukobeko, seeking removal to police stations; separately, a wife has filed for habeas corpus for a ZNS officer held without charge. Urban Clean-up: Lusaka Mayor-elect Chitambala Mwewa has started relocating street vendors into designated markets as part of a city decongestion push. Food Security: DMMU says Zambia has enough maize to feed 1.2 million people at risk of food shortages from October to March 2027, despite El Niño concerns. Politics & Public Order: Mafinga South MP Faith Munthali has been arrested and charged with being armed in public and conspiracy to commit a felony, with trial set for Sept 17. Health & Wildlife: Authorities report an anthrax outbreak in Muchinga, urging suspension of hunting and warning against consuming meat from infected animals. Power & Development: Tanesco signed a Sh198.67bn deal to build a 220kV line and substation in Songwe and Mbeya to end persistent power shortages.

CAF Champions League: TP Mazembe knocked out Ghana’s Medeama with a 3-1 win in Lubumbashi for a 4-1 aggregate, setting up a next-round clash with Zambia’s Red Arrows. Zambian Football: Power Dynamos’ Champions League run ended after a 1-0 home loss to Sudan’s Al Merreikh, who won 2-0 on aggregate. Politics & Justice: Police have arrested and charged Mafinga South MP Faith Munthali with being armed in public and conspiracy to commit a felony, with trial set for Sept. 17. Rights in Court: Brian Mundubile, Makebi Zulu and 16 others have sued the State over alleged unlawful detention and rights violations at Mukobeko, while police also added sedition-related pressure to their case. Passports & Diplomacy: Government revoked passports of six Zambians on security grounds, drawing pushback from AIPAC and Amnesty International. Public Health: Anthrax has hit northern Zambia, killing wildlife and infecting 12 people after exposure to carcasses; hunting in the area has been temporarily suspended. Energy: Tanesco signed a Sh198.67bn deal to build a 220kV line and substation in Songwe/Mbeya to end power shortages. Food Security: Zambia faces acute food insecurity risks as El Niño strengthens, with officials warning of drought impacts.

Census Tech Upgrade: ZamStats has handed 15,000 tablets used in the 2022 census to government ministries to boost electronic data collection and sharing. Food Security Alarm: Secretary to the Cabinet Patrick Kangwa says about 1.2 million people face acute food shortages from October to March due to El Niño, with drought expected in 93 districts. Urban Traders Crackdown Pushback: Lusaka mayor-elect Chitambala Mwewa says it’s “impossible” to run a functional city with street vending and insists relocation must be phased, not rushed. Rule of Law Under Scrutiny: Attorney General Mulilo Kabesha warns of a worrying trend of ignoring the rule of law, while courts and police actions continue to draw criticism. Sedition and Treason Cases: Police have charged Brian Mundubile and Makebi Zulu with additional seditious practices, as they remain detained at Mukobeko. Passports Cancelled: Amnesty International condemns Zambia’s cancellation of passports for six prominent critics, saying it targets dissent and violates freedom of movement. Victoria Falls Ownership Row: Zambia’s tourism officials fired back at Zimbabwe over claims that the Falls belong exclusively to Zimbabwe, citing measurements and Zambia-controlled attractions. Defamation Conviction: A Lusaka court convicted vlogger Joseph Chishimba over a false social media claim involving Chipo Mwanawasa. Energy Investment: Africa GreenCo secured an extra US$11.5m to expand renewable power trading across southern Africa.

Passport Revocations: President Hakainde Hichilema has cancelled passports of Emmanuel Mwamba, Sishuwa Sishuwa, Binwell Mpundu, Emmanuel Jay Banda, Kaizer Zulu and Lillian Mutambo on “security” grounds, warning institutions and the public not to accept the documents. Seditious Practices Case: Police have confirmed an additional seditious practices charge against Brian Mundubile and Makebi Zulu, with both returned to Mukobeko pending court. Cyber Crimes Court Ruling: Lusaka Magistrates’ Court convicted vlogger Joseph Chishimba over a false WhatsApp screenshot alleging Chipokota Mwanawasa was pregnant by President Hichilema, under the Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Act. Visa-Free Travel: Ghanaian citizens can now travel visa-free to Maldives, Zambia and Antigua and Barbuda (30 days for Zambia). Football: FAZ appointed Red Arrows coach Chisi Mbewe as Zambia U23 head coach ahead of 2027 qualifiers; Power Dynamos push for a comeback vs Al Merrikh. Energy & Water: Government plans K5bn for 60 dams for water security, while Bank of Zambia calls for financial-sector transformation to deliver the Grow Zambia Agenda.

Democracy Under Pressure: Former Botswana president Ian Khama warns Zambia is setting a “bad precedent” as opposition figure Brian Mundubile faces treason charges in Mukobeko nearly a month after detention, raising fears of democratic backsliding. Cost of Living: JCTR reports Lusaka’s basic needs basket for a family of five rose by K302.52 in August to K12,000.94, with households struggling to meet essentials. Court Orders Release: Lusaka High Court ordered the immediate release of 43 detainees held 21 days without charge, directing the State to pay case costs. ECZ PR Seats: ECZ held orientations with UPND and NRPUP on the new proportional representation seats, including how party lists will be submitted and processed. Energy Investment: GreenCo secured an extra US$11.5m backing to expand renewable power trading across Southern Africa. Mining & Governance: Attorney General Mulilo Kabesha says mineral wealth must translate into citizen benefit, urging stronger coordination to fight financial crimes. Sports & Youth: FAZ named Chisi Mbewe as Zambia U23 coach ahead of 2027 qualifiers. Health Support: CIDRZ donated K5.47m in TB equipment to strengthen Zambia’s drug-resistant TB diagnostics.