AGP Executive Report

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.

Police & Security: President Hichilema has fired Deputy Police IG Charity Munganga, with more reshuffles hinted. Drugs Crackdown: DEC arrested and charged 10 people after seizing 10.8kg of cannabis at the Summer Reggae and Afro Music Festival, and also nabbed two students with cannabis-laced cupcakes. Church & Justice: Catholic bishops from Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe demand a transparent legal process for Lusaka Archbishop Alick Banda after his arrest over a Toyota Hilux linked to ZRA allegations. Street Trade Enforcement: Lusaka Mayor Mwewa says 24/7 patrols will curb street vending; volunteers cleaned CBD areas after vendor removal, and Chilanga councillors were sworn in under MMPR. Health & Education: Education PS urged schools to tighten hygiene to prevent cholera spread; Kabompo received 46,140 insecticide-treated nets for the End Malaria campaign. Economy & Policy: Government targets five million tourists; Zamtel is pushed to align with the Grow Zambia Agenda; Invest-Zambia conference aims for over US$5bn in deals. Fuel & Politics: ERB fuel prices rose (petrol to K31.46, diesel to K33.27), drawing fresh criticism over cost of living. Maize Debate: UPND disowns George Mtonga’s maize marketing comments, insisting FRA will keep buying and farmers should rely on official updates. Business: Fine Spinners targets DRC, Zambia and Ethiopia after a US$5m textile machinery investment.

Health & Safety: Education PS Kelvin Mambwe urged Lusaka schools to tighten sanitation and hygiene to curb cholera and diarrhoeal disease spread, stressing safe water, soap and proper waste management. Medicines Supply Reset: Health Minister Roma Chilengi announced a full “reset” of ZAMMSA, separating all staff after a forensic audit found systemic failures across procurement, warehousing and distribution, including inflated purchases and diversion of medicines. Urban Order & Public Health: Lusaka Mayor-elect Mwewa Chitambala’s “Operation Clear Path” gets extra police support as government warns against disrupting street-vending crackdowns tied to cholera and other health risks. Digital Economy Push: Government challenged Zamtel to turn connectivity into economic value by expanding reliable rural coverage and digital finance, highlighting upgrades to the MyZamtel app and Zamtel Money. Investment Drive: Zambia targets over US$5bn in deals at the Invest-Zambia International Conference in December, aiming to turn investor interest into signed projects. Energy Reliability: ZESCO moved a 1MVA backup generator from Heroes Stadium to Levy Mwanawasa Stadium after a brief power disturbance disrupted an AFCON qualifier. Sports: FAZ president Keith Mweemba stepped down as chair of the national team technical committee, with Peter Kaumba appointed to the committee.

Court Watch: Lusaka Magistrates’ Court adjourned Esther Lungu’s motor vehicle theft case to October 14 for mention and trial dates, while former Cabinet minister Dr Katele Kalumba’s sedition case stalled as the court awaits DPP consent. Health & Governance: Health Minister Prof. Roma Chilengi ordered a “reset” at ZAMMSA, separating all staff in the national interest following forensic audit concerns over the medicines supply chain. Politics & Courts: Former UPND minister Frank Tayali’s testimony renewed claims of abnormal military involvement during the August elections, with courts now facing fresh scrutiny of the process. Energy & Prices: ERB says Zambia’s fuel reviews remain tied to the monthly pricing framework, with stock levels and tax changes shaping pump impacts. Business & Tech: MTN Zambia appointed Joshua Sichinga as Chief Consumer Officer, and Airtel Money set its London IPO offer price at £1.96 per share. Sports: Green Eagles open the transitional season against Mufulira Wanderers, while Copper Queens interim coach Charles Haalubono urges a quick turnaround ahead of the Uganda Olympic qualifier.

Health & Governance: Health Minister Prof. Roma Chilengi says all ZAMMSA staff have been separated from the agency “in the national interest,” amid concerns over alleged cartels in medicines and supplies. Elections & Courts: Former UPND minister Frank Tayali told the Ndola High Court it was “abnormal” to involve soldiers in the August elections, citing violence and disrupted voting. Catholic Church & State: African bishops, through SECAM, expressed solidarity with Lusaka Archbishop Alick Banda after his arrest over a car gift, urging calm and respect for due process. Detention Case Heads to High Court: The Tonse-Pamodzi Alliance set a constitutional petition hearing for Mundubile and Zulu from Oct 26 to Nov 6, alleging unlawful detention without court appearances. Energy & Economy: Government dissolved the ZEMA board and says it will announce a new one within two weeks; meanwhile, fuel pump prices rose as tax relief ends, with analysts pointing to earlier government cushioning of costs. Sports: Power Dynamos kick off the transitional league against Konkola Blades; Zambia’s futsal team departs for an AFCON camp in Egypt; Patson Daka faces weeks out with a thigh injury. Tech & Business: Zamtel launched the MyZamtel Super App and new digital services, while MTN Zambia appointed Joshua Sichinga as Chief Consumer Officer.

UAE Investment Push: President Hakainde Hichilema returned from the United Arab Emirates saying he went to woo investors, not for medical treatment, citing agreements worth over US$2.1bn and promising more deals as Zambia’s Grow Zambia Agenda drives jobs and growth. Monetary Policy Relief: The Economics Association of Zambia welcomed the Bank of Zambia’s cut of the Monetary Policy Rate by 2.5 percentage points to 10.75%, saying it could ease borrowing costs while warning El Niño and oil prices remain key risks. Energy & Green Growth: ZEMA approved a 350MW wind energy facility in Katete, with 42 turbines, as Zambia diversifies away from hydropower. Local Development Works: Residents in Mwinilunga praised progress on the Lumwana–Kambimba border road, expected to boost trade with the DRC and create jobs. Banking & Finance: BoZ said it raised about K300m from Investrust Bank assets for distribution under the law, while ZICB maintained an ‘A’ credit rating. Health & Education: Chilanga recorded 8 cholera cases with treatment and contact tracing underway, and five Chilanga schools received over K800,000 for irrigation to strengthen school gardens and nutrition. Urban Order: Lusaka Mayor Chitambala Mwewa said police and LCC teams will remove street vendors from Saturday, with markets ready to absorb traders. Church-State Tensions: State House rejected claims that Zambia is under military control, urging legal processes, as Catholic bishops continue to raise concerns over arrests and governance.

IMF Talks: Zambia says an IMF mission is in Lusaka to negotiate a successor programme after the $1.7bn deal expired, aiming to protect debt sustainability and push private-sector-led growth and jobs. UAE Investment Push: President Hakainde Hichilema returns from the UAE after securing over US$2.1bn in investment commitments, urging the private sector to help deliver the Grow Zambia Agenda. Digital Compact & AI: The AU and Zambia discuss implementing the Global Digital Compact, including compute infrastructure, data governance and AI capability, with regional data-centre and energy planning on the agenda. Fuel Costs & Policy: Fuel prices are rising as tax relief ends, while the Bank of Zambia cuts the policy rate to 10.75% as inflation eases. Health Financing: Government calls for citizens and partners to protect health-sector gains as donor funding pressures grow, stressing local production of essential commodities. Crime Crackdown: DEC arrests four over suspected counterfeit fertiliser production, seizing 739 bags and charging them with money laundering. Local Economy: Lusaka Mayor-elect Mwewa Chitambala says street vendors will be moved into markets to access CDF loans and improve trader verification. Infrastructure: Chinsali Access Road hits 60% completion, entering asphalt paving ahead of a November target.

Fuel Prices Shock: The Energy Regulation Board has lifted October pump prices after six months of tax relief ended, with petrol rising to K31.46 and diesel to K33.27 per litre, plus kerosene and Jet A-1 also up as the Kwacha weakens and excise duty returns. Monetary Policy Move: The Bank of Zambia cut the Monetary Policy Rate by 2.5 percentage points to 10.75%, citing easing inflation and lower risks to the outlook. IMF Talks Begin: Government has started discussions with an IMF mission on a successor programme to the Extended Credit Facility, aiming to protect stability while pushing investment, exports and jobs. Cholera Update: Health authorities declared a new cholera outbreak with 304 cases and 11 deaths across seven districts in five provinces. Lusaka Politics & Courts: Lusaka Magistrates granted Celestine Mukandila K20,000 cash bail on forgery charges, while Catholic bishops warned of arbitrary arrests and shrinking civic space amid post-election tensions. Local Governance: Lusaka Mayor-elect Chitambala Mwewa vowed to clear street vendors from the CBD and plant palm trees after relocation. Energy & Industry: Arc Power plans a 10MW solar plant in Chinsali, and United Capital Fertilizer says it will expand capacity to boost urea and add ammonium nitrate production.

IMF Talks: Zambia has opened talks with an IMF mission on a successor programme to the Extended Credit Facility, aiming to protect macro stability and debt sustainability while boosting investment, exports and jobs; discussions run until Oct 10. Monetary Policy: The Bank of Zambia cut the policy rate sharply to 10.75% as inflation eases, urging banks to lower lending rates. Fuel Pricing: President Hichilema called for a more predictable fuel price adjustment system, considering moving from monthly changes to longer periods of two or three months. Energy & Power Reliability: ZESCO said the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium blackout during Zambia’s 2-0 win over Togo lasted only 0.2 seconds, but floodlights take about 20 minutes to fully return to brightness—prompting plans to redesign the lighting system. Church & Rule of Law: Catholic and Protestant church leaders raised concerns over electoral credibility, arrests and rule of law, calling for dialogue and independent investigations, including into Mutotwe Kafwaya’s death. Sports: Chipolopolo’s AFCON qualifier win over Togo keeps Zambia’s campaign alive, with coach George Lwandamina stressing continued improvement ahead of the next matches.

Zambia-UAE ties: President Hakainde Hichilema met UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi, with both sides pushing deeper cooperation in renewable energy, infrastructure and trade, and Zambia signing US$2.14bn MoUs ahead of a wider partnership push. Medical City deal: Government also signed a US$2bn agreement to build a Lusaka Medical City aimed at boosting health tourism and cutting costly medical travel. Economy update: Hichilema told UAE investors inflation kept falling through the election period, citing disciplined policy as inflation eased to 6.1% by September. Copper sector tension: ZCCM-IH accused Abu Dhabi’s IRH of breaching Mopani agreements, alleging failures in the turnaround plan. Health tech push: The Ministry of Health called for digital health to improve supply chains and service delivery. Street vending crackdown: Lusaka’s mayor-elect Chitambala warned vendors to stop protests after Sept 29 and vowed enforcement of trading rules. Court and crime: Lusaka High Court sentenced a Salama Park man to seven years for killing his parents; Mukandila appeared in court over forgery charges. AFCON qualifiers: Zambia bounced back with a 2-0 win over Togo, though an 18-minute power failure interrupted the match at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium.

Church & Justice: Lusaka Archbishop Alick Banda was released from Chimbokaila after meeting K80,000 bail conditions, following his DEC arrest over alleged unlawful possession of a Toyota Hilux linked to ZRA; his trial is set for November as lawyers and Catholic bishops continue to push for due process. Local Economy: Lusaka street vendors protested and stormed the mayor’s office as the City Council’s deadline to relocate traders to markets took effect, with enforcement underway and livelihoods at stake. Energy & Mining: Government suspended 2026 CDF loan empowerment after a low 35% repayment rate, while President Hichilema in Abu Dhabi signed UAE MoUs worth US$2.14bn and said Zambia needs about 8,000MW to produce 3 million tonnes of copper annually. Sports: Chipolopolo host Togo in AFCON 2027 qualifiers at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium, seeking a quick response after a 3-1 Algeria loss. Crime: Police in Chipata arrested a 15-year-old boy for alleged defilement of a 3-year-old child, with investigations underway.