AGP Executive Report

Election Security Push: President Hakainde Hichilema has ordered Zambia’s security agencies to stay on high alert as the official campaign period begins Saturday, warning that no one—“including members of his own party”—will be spared if they threaten peace, unity, public order or national security. ECZ Nominations Kick-Off: The Electoral Commission of Zambia says it is ready for presidential nominations starting today at Mulungushi International Conference Centre, with accreditation underway for party officials, observers and media. Lungu Repatriation Court Date: A key legal battle over the repatriation of former President Edgar Lungu’s remains is set for May 29, after earlier rulings that favoured the Zambian government. Debt Deal With Israel: Zambia and Israel have signed an amendment to restructure about US$460 million in debt, extending obligations to 2043. Health Warning: Doctors mark World Hypertension Day by urging Zambians to get screened, calling high blood pressure a “silent killer.” Sports & Community: COSAFA leadership elections in Harare kept Zambia’s Dr Brenda Kunda on the executive, while tributes continue for ex-Red Arrows midfielder Whiteson Simwanza, who died aged 41.

Super League Survival Drama: With one match left, the relegation fight is down to Nkwazi, Mutondo Stars, Napsa Stars and FC Leopards after weekend results left only Mines United already dropped. Nkwazi beat Kansanshi Dynamos 1-0, Leopards stunned Green Buffaloes 1-0, Napsa drew Konkola Blades 0-0, and Mutondo Stars thrashed Mines United 3-1—setting up a final-day showdown. COSAFA Football Politics: Namibia’s Robert Shimooshili was elected to the COSAFA Executive Committee for 2026–2029, while Botswana’s Tariq Babitseng won the COSAFA presidency unopposed and Zambia’s Dr Brenda Kunda secured the reserved women’s seat. Mining & Elections: Investors are watching August 13 as Zambia pushes mining modernisation, with uranium and copper projects in the spotlight. Opposition Unity Push: Makebi Zulu says the Tonse–Pamodzi momentum is growing and insists they’ll be on the ballot despite ECZ nomination hurdles. Church & National Leadership: President Hichilema mourned Emeritus Archbishop Telesphore Mpundu, who died at 78.

Anti-Corruption Push: State House has doubled down on President Hichilema’s “zero tolerance” stance, saying there is no moderation threshold for any public officer who benefits from contracts—corruption is “a cancer” that will not be tolerated. UPND Election Tensions: In Mufulira, Dr Evans Chibanda denies vote-buying claims tied to a UPND opinion poll, arguing the poll was too short-notice for him to mobilise and urging complainants to report to police. Parliament Clock Starts: State House says Zambia’s National Assembly will dissolve by law on Friday, 15 May 2026, ahead of the August 13 general election. Church Shock: Zambia mourns the death of Emeritus Archbishop Telesphore Mpundu (78), remembered for outspoken advocacy on governance and justice. ECZ Supporter Rules: ECZ warns presidential hopefuls who missed pre-screening to bring all 1,000 supporters during nomination week for verification. Health & Culture: A cervical cancer elimination report highlights progress in the fight against the disease, while Zambia’s First Lady’s Doek Drive brings cultural support to Manicaland.

Church & National Mourning: Zambia’s Catholic community is in mourning after Emeritus Archbishop Telesphore George Mpundu died at 79, with Lusaka Archbishop Alick Banda praising his “courageous voice” on governance and justice and calling for Masses of suffrage. Media Reforms: Information and Media Minister Cornelius Mweetwa says President Hichilema has delivered on media reforms, including the Access to Information Law and repeal of defamation criminalisation, urging balanced coverage ahead of August. Election Politics: Vice President Mutale Nalumango urged chiefs to promote unity and discourage hate speech as campaigns heat up, while the ECZ told presidential hopefuls who missed supporter pre-screening to present all 1,000 supporters during nominations. UPND Adoption Tensions: Former Education Minister Douglas Siakalima has bowed out of the Chirundu parliamentary race, and a UPND councillor resigned over controversial laws. Transport Safety: A coal shunt train derailed near Ndola, with two people feared trapped and an investigation launched. Global Links: India hosts the 2026 India-Africa Forum Summit in New Delhi, aiming for a New Delhi Declaration on future cooperation.

Election Countdown: Zambia’s National Assembly has dissolved ahead of the August general election, ending a four-year run that passed major reforms including the Access to Information Act and a push for free education. Public Rights Clash: The Law Association of Zambia is urging President Hakainde Hichilema to withhold assent to the Public Gatherings Bill, saying it risks reintroducing a permit-style regime that courts struck down in 1995. ECZ Rules Under Scrutiny: The ECZ says the rise in polling stations reflects more “voting rooms” at existing voting centres, not new centres, while it also adjusts nomination dates and warns independents against unauthorized symbols. Ruling Party Tensions: Adoption primaries are reportedly rejecting former ministers and MPs, with opposition reading it as wider public pushback. Money & Markets: The IMF says talks on a new Zambia programme are advancing, and ZDA reports $1.65bn in Q1 investments and 9,500+ jobs. Regional Business: Tanzania’s Mo Dewji-backed MeTL plans a $50m soft drinks plant in Kenya, targeting cheaper mass-market prices.

Clean Energy Push: Leaders and business chiefs at the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi announced about €27bn ($31.5bn) for roughly 30 projects, aiming for €100bn in revenue and 600,000+ jobs, with energy taking the biggest share. Elections in Focus: Zambia’s National Assembly has been dissolved ahead of the Aug. 13 general elections, while the ECZ set the campaign run from May 23 to Aug. 12 and revised nomination dates. Mining & Safety: The Zambia Chamber of Mines praised Mopani and KCM after they won four awards at the 2026 International Mines Rescue Competition. Wildlife Coexistence: A community radio programme in Eastern Province is using satellite alerts to help farmers prepare for dangerous animals. Health & Digital Records: The Ministry of Health received UNFPA e-Registry equipment to strengthen digital records management. Agriculture & Climate: Scientists are also tracking how climate change is driving disease spread, and a Zambian teen’s weather prediction model is shortlisted for the Earth Prize.

Elections Kick-Off: Zambia’s 13th National Assembly was dissolved at midnight, starting a 90-day countdown to the 13 August general election, with nominations for parliamentary and local government candidates set for 18–19 May. Campaign Stakes: President Hakainde Hichilema used his final Cabinet meeting to sell a “harvest” message—free education for 2.5 million learners, Constituency Development Fund rising to K40m per constituency, 45,000 new teachers, and mining momentum—while acknowledging cost-of-living pressure and youth unemployment. IMF Boost: The IMF pointed to gross reserves around US$6.4bn, inflation at 6.8% in April, and a 3.1% primary surplus in 2025, though it warned pre-election spending pressures could bite. Opposition Shake-Up: Brian Mundubile and Makebi Zulu merged their presidential efforts, reshaping opposition politics ahead of nominations. Governance & Peace: Hichilema urged ECZ and parties to deliver free, fair, peaceful polls. Economy Watch: Bank of Zambia cut the Monetary Policy Rate to 13.25% as the Kwacha strengthened and reserves hit record levels.

Health Delivery Boost: Government has completed delivery of the final batch of CDF ambulances—bringing Zambia’s total to 156 units across all constituencies, with the last 37 handed over to councils for faster emergency response. Climate Action Check: A national validation workshop reviewed Zambia’s climate capability gaps under the EU-funded EZ-NDC project, flagging weak coordination, limited technical capacity, and climate data challenges that still affect planning and budgeting. Elections Machinery Moves: President Hakainde Hichilema is set to dissolve the National Assembly tomorrow ahead of the Aug. 13 polls, while he has sworn in ECZ Vice Chairperson Vincent Mukanda and Commissioner Zevwanji Sinkala, urging peaceful, credible elections. Local Governance in Focus: Lusangazi Town Council approved eight ZDSP capital grant projects worth over K15.3 million, including waste management and agricultural support. Road Safety Tragedy: A six-year-old in Chinsali died after being hit by a speeding vehicle; the driver was detained. Tobacco Policy Push: The Tobacco Board of Zambia wants the law revised to better protect small-scale farmers on tobacco pricing.

ECZ Leadership Shake-up: President Hakainde Hichilema has sworn in Major General (Retired) Vincent Mukanda as Vice Chairperson of the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ), with Zevyanji Sinkala also sworn in as a Commissioner, as the August election clock keeps ticking. Football Violence Probe: In Chipangali, police have detained eight more suspects over the murder of a referee, bringing the total in custody to 12, including a football coach linked to the incident. BoZ Rate Cut: The Bank of Zambia reduced the Monetary Policy Rate to 13.25% as inflation eases, while reserves are reported at about US$6.2–6.5 billion levels in recent updates. Economy Watch: Zambia’s copper output for Q1 2026 fell 4.27% to about 208,992 tonnes, though officials say the country is still aiming for 1 million tonnes this year. Sports & Society: Mercy Oketch faces a tough Diamond League debut in Shanghai; meanwhile, HIV testing gaps remain stark for young women, and a fire at New Soweto Market destroyed several businesses.

Copper Watch: Zambia’s copper output fell 4.27% to about 208,992 tonnes in Q1 2026, with Mines Minister Paul Kabuswe blaming operational challenges at some large mines but insisting the country is still on track for 1 million tonnes this year. Health & Nutrition: A new ECHO-funded SAFE-SA project is set to support over 36,000 people around Mantapala Refugee Settlement in Luapula with emergency health and malnutrition services. Public Service Accountability: Secretary to the Cabinet Patrick Kangwa launched an Emoluments Commission service charter and communication strategy, pushing for clear, performance-focused mandates. Courtroom Drama: TikToker “Why Me” Francis Kapwepwe cross-examined a ZICTA witness and challenged the authenticity of digital material in his hate speech and cyber case. Public Gathering Bill: Government amended the definition of a “public gathering” from 3 to 7 people after public outcry. Security Ahead of Polls: China donated 80 vehicles to Zambia Police and internal security wings for election-period operations. Economy: Bank of Zambia cut the policy rate to 13.25%, citing easing inflation but warning risks from the Iran conflict. Water Projects: Government says water and sanitation investment since 2021 has topped US$998m, reaching 3.6m people.

Security & Elections: China has donated 80 vehicles to Zambia’s Home Affairs and Internal Security ahead of the August 2026 polls, with officials saying the fleet will boost law-and-order capacity. Politics & Opposition: PF and Citizens First managed to present 100 presidential supporters to the ECZ in Lusaka, while other parties missed the mark; meanwhile, Joseph Willah Mudolo says he may run as an independent. Rights & Assembly: RightsCon 2026 was abruptly cancelled in Zambia, drawing sharp condemnation from global and local rights groups over freedom of expression and assembly. Law & Campaign Rules: The Public Gathering Bill 2026 is still at the centre of controversy as opposition leaders urge President Hichilema not to sign it, warning it could be abused during campaigning. Mining & Roads: Government is stepping up small-scale mining oversight with new regional vehicles, and construction is set to begin on major road projects linking the Copperbelt and Central provinces. Science Watch: New research points to a possible active rift beneath Zambia, raising big questions about future tectonic change.

Parliament Wraps Up: Zambia’s National Assembly adjourned sine die ahead of dissolution on May 15, with Speaker Nelly Mutti and MPs marking “unprecedented” legislative work. Public Gatherings Bill Fire: The Public Gatherings Bill is still at the centre of a rights fight—stakeholders warn it could keep restrictive rules and be enforced like the old Public Order Act, while MPs say aggrieved parties can go to court. RightsCon Cancelled: Article 19 says Zambia cancelled RightsCon 2026 under a “postponement” label, raising alarms over freedom of expression and assembly. Energy & Power: Energy Minister Makozo Chikote says reforms helped end crippling load shedding, while Sungrow’s Itimpi Phase II solar plant reportedly came online and Zambia’s clean-energy push continues. Economy & Finance: Fidelity Bank Nigeria posted a 45% earnings jump, and Zambia’s financial inclusion is reported up to 80.1% as digital services expand. Sports: ZANACO coach Numba Mumamba blasted refereeing after a 2-0 loss to NAPSA Stars. Science Watch: New studies point to an “awake” Kafue Rift in Zambia, with helium signals suggesting mantle-linked activity.

Health Funding Shock: USAID’s exit is laying bare how fragile Africa’s donor-run health systems are, with experts at a Nairobi summit urging governments to fund and own services themselves. Public Order Reset: Parliament has passed Zambia’s Public Gatherings Bill 2026, setting up a replacement for the colonial-era Public Order Act—while government says critics should challenge it in court. Election Politics Heat Up: Mundubile denies any deal to be Hichilema’s running mate, while UPND figures warn a divided opposition could make 2026 “one-sided.” Tax Crackdown: ZRA moves to prosecute seven taxpayers for willful Smart Invoice non-compliance. Mining Oversight Boost: Government hands vehicles to regional mines offices to strengthen inspections for artisanal and small-scale copper. Sports Moment: Red Arrows beat Power Dynamos 2-0 to lift the ABSA Cup, with Albert Kangwanda shining.

Health Policy Launch: Government has rolled out the 2026 National Health Policy and an Implementation Plan, promising equitable, affordable, people-centred care under Universal Health Coverage. Tax Crackdown: ZRA has started court action against seven taxpayers for Smart Invoice non-compliance, warning that registration is not enough and penalties can reach K120,000 or jail. Elections Machinery: ECZ has begun screening “100 presidential supporters” across provinces, with the first Lusaka slot reportedly missing for some parties as preprocessing ramps up ahead of August nominations. Parliament & Governance: MPs approved supplementary funding for the Electoral Commission after new constituencies, while local governance committees warn councils about irregular spending, weak controls and delayed projects. Mining & Power: Barrick says its Lumwana copper expansion is progressing toward first production in 2028, and Kariba Dam rehab is nearing completion at 94%. Climate & Food Systems: Coverage highlights the push to include care services in climate adaptation planning and renewed calls to invest in resilient food systems as global shocks bite.

In the last 12 hours, Zambia’s political and governance agenda featured prominently. Vice President Mutale Nalumango warned that corruption and misuse of public funds will not be tolerated, while the National Assembly extended its sittings to clear outstanding business before adjourning sine die. The same period also saw election-related developments, including reporting around voter registration certification and continued debate over how political messaging and media coverage should be handled as the August polls approach. Separately, the Independent Broadcasting Authority reminded broadcasters to ensure music and visuals align with Zambian cultural values and public expectations, reinforcing a regulatory push around content standards.

Security and enforcement stories also stood out in the most recent coverage. The Drug Enforcement Commission reported a major cannabis and codeine seizure at Chirundu Border Post, alongside arrests and disruptions in other provinces as part of nationwide anti-drug operations. Alongside this, there were also localized community and development items—such as government school grants released for the second quarter and President Hichilema’s two-day working visit to Mongu, where he is reported to be commissioning projects.

A major theme running through the last 12 hours is Zambia’s positioning within wider regional and global economic shifts, especially around digital finance and cross-border systems. Multiple reports focused on Ghana’s plan to pilot a continental digital trade corridor with Rwanda and Zambia, emphasizing mobile money interoperability, digital identity/KYC, and harmonised electronic invoicing. In parallel, coverage also touched on the broader “AI-Energy Nexus” framing—linking AI capacity building to energy and minerals—along with international discussions on AI cooperation at the UN co-chaired by China and Zambia.

Beyond Zambia-specific items, the last 12 hours included international and business coverage that may indirectly matter to Zambia’s outlook. These ranged from mining and mine-rescue competition results in Zambia (with teams winning international honours) to broader infrastructure narratives like the Lobito Corridor moving from planning toward delivery. However, the evidence in the provided material is more descriptive than analytical on Zambia’s direct involvement in these projects during this specific window.

Looking across the wider 7-day range, there is continuity in two areas: (1) election preparation and media/political discourse (including repeated attention to ECZ processes, opposition unity debates, and press freedom concerns), and (2) Zambia’s entanglement in regional digital and minerals-linked geopolitics (including the RightsCon cancellation controversy and recurring references to US/China-linked narratives around health, minerals, and digital rights). Still, because the most recent (last 12 hours) evidence is dominated by governance, enforcement, and digital-policy announcements rather than a single consolidated “breaking” event, the overall picture is best read as a busy policy-and-security cycle rather than one decisive development.

In the last 12 hours, Zambia’s domestic policy and governance headlines were dominated by education and agriculture. Parliament voted to make free education law, giving legal backing to the policy that has already brought millions of children back to school, expanded teacher recruitment, and supported free school meals. In parallel, President Hakainde Hichilema commissioned the Malombe Centre Pivot Irrigation Scheme in Western Province, framing it as part of a broader push to boost agriculture and food security ahead of the August 13, 2026 elections. The same period also saw government relax maize export rules to boost private-sector trade, including allowing exports without prior clearance/mandatory association membership and citing updated maize surplus assessments.

Political and civic activity also featured prominently, though with mixed signals rather than a single clear breakthrough. Opposition-related coverage included Chanda saying UPPZ can defeat UPND only after UPPZ is first defeated, which drew mixed public reactions about the party’s prominence. Meanwhile, the Zambia Ablaze Clergy Movement endorsed Hichilema for 2026, adding to a broader pattern of religious endorsements reported across the week. On the legal/anti-corruption front, the ACC arrested a former ZAMCOM accountant over alleged abuse of authority involving salary increments and promotions, while police reported child-murder investigations in Nchelenge and Chibombo—a serious development, but presented as ongoing cases rather than concluded outcomes.

International and sectoral stories in the last 12 hours leaned toward investment, regulation, and global governance themes. The EU reiterated support for SMEs at the opening of Impact Capital Africa (ICA) Invest fest 2026, with discussion of investment facilitation and a predictable regulatory environment. Zambia’s mining governance also moved forward: the Minister of Mines inaugurated the Minerals Regulation Commission (MRC) board to strengthen regulation and compliance. Separately, China’s UN messaging on AI capacity-building emphasized preventing AI from becoming “a game” for a few wealthy countries—while Zambia’s own conservation coverage highlighted a “turnaround” narrative tied to partnerships managing parks such as Kafue, Liuwa, and Bangweulu.

Beyond Zambia, the most concrete “hard news” item in the last 12 hours was sports discipline: FIFA extended Gianluca Prestianni’s ban globally, ruling him out of two World Cup matches if selected. This sits alongside broader international commentary in the coverage, but it is not directly linked to Zambia’s political or economic agenda.

Overall, the most evidence-rich developments in this rolling window are education law, agriculture/irrigation commissioning, maize export rule changes, and high-salience legal and public-safety cases. The older (3–7 day) material provides continuity on election-related debates (including opposition unity and candidate eligibility scrutiny) and on the wider RightsCon/civil liberties controversy, but the latest 12 hours contain the clearest “on-the-ground” policy actions and enforcement updates.