AGP Executive Report

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.

Lusaka Street Trade Crackdown: Lusaka Mayor Chitambala Mwewa says today is the last day for street vendors to relocate from undesignated areas, with enforcement starting tomorrow. Copper Push in Abu Dhabi: President Hichilema tells Mopani Copper Mines to ramp up output and fully apply the Local Content law as Zambia targets 3 million tonnes of copper by 2031. Food Security Support: IOM and Bayer Zambia donate 30 metric tonnes of maize seed to vulnerable farmers in five Southern Province districts to boost resilience. Church Case Update: Archbishop Alick Banda, granted K80,000 bail over an alleged unlawfully obtained Toyota Hilux, spent the night in prison after pleading not guilty. Tax Compliance Drive: ZRA urges landlords to declare rental income, citing low registration for withholding tax on rental earnings. Economy & Inflation Watch: Oil price spikes threaten Africa’s disinflation gains, with Zambia among countries seeing lower inflation in August. AFCON Qualifiers Focus: Zambia hosts Togo after losing 3-1 to Algeria, while matchday 2 fixtures intensify qualification races. Local Development Funds: World Bank backs devolution projects like truck parks and water schemes in Central Province.

AFCON 2027 Qualifiers: Zambia’s Chipolopolo host Togo at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola on Tuesday after a 3-1 opening loss to Algeria, with interim coach George ‘Chicken’ Lwandamina and captain Fashion Sakala insisting they will “rise to the occasion” and secure maximum points. Economy & Growth: Zambia targets average economic growth of 7% over the next three years, with projected 6.0% (2027), 7.5% (2028) and 7.1% (2029) as debt restructuring and reforms continue. Energy & Investment: UK firm Globeleq appoints Edouard Wenseleers as chief development officer, while Mercuria/Exergy’s US$250m deal boosts Zambia’s power agenda. Local Development: World Bank support under the Zambia Devolution programme is funding truck parks, water schemes and a bus station across Central Province. Finance for Households: FNB Zambia launches up to K1.5m vacant land loans in Luanshya, urging residents to use the opportunity to expand housing and SMEs. Health & HIV: MOH updates Zambia’s HIV treatment and prevention guidelines, training frontline workers in Lusaka on the new consolidated guidance. Governance & Justice: Lusaka Archbishop Alick Banda is arrested and charged over a ZRA-linked Toyota Hilux, pleads not guilty, and is granted K80,000 bail pending trial.

Inflation & Growth: Finance Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane says inflation has eased to 6.1% in September, helping “arrest” the cost-of-living pressure, alongside 7.2% Q2 economic growth. UNGA Peace Message: President Hakainde Hichilema told the UN General Assembly Zambia is peaceful and “not at war,” urging disputes be handled through legal institutions—while opposition voices dispute the claim. DEC vs Church: The Drug Enforcement Commission summoned Lusaka Catholic Archbishop Alick Banda over an alleged unlawfully obtained Toyota Hilux from ZRA; authorities warn against gatherings as only lawyers and connected persons will accompany him. Court Politics: The Livingstone High Court heard that ECZ declared Mapatizya winner despite missing results from 10 polling stations. By-elections Ahead: Tonse Alliance says it will strategise for upcoming by-elections after ECZ set November 5 for Lumezi North and Mandevu, plus Mbala mayoral and 11 wards. Trade Question: A commentary on Zambia–UAE mirror trade statistics flags a large mismatch in reported exports/imports, urging reconciliation rather than jumping to conclusions. Energy Push: Maamba Solar’s 100MW injection into the national grid signals continued power diversification amid El Niño risks.

Archbishop Alick Banda DEC Probe: Zambia’s Drug Enforcement Commission and Police confirm the Lusaka Archbishop will be questioned on Monday over alleged possession of a Toyota Hilux linked to a Zambia Revenue Authority vehicle disposal case, with authorities warning the public against unlawful assemblies and allowing only legal representatives and key persons to accompany him. Peace, Unity and Development: Vice President Mutale Nalumango urged chiefs to keep promoting peace and unity, saying stability is key for the Grow Zambia Agenda, while President Hichilema told the UN that Zambia remains peaceful and stable after elections. Health Security Push: Government says it is building capacity for local vaccine manufacturing and is calling for faster WHO Pandemic Agreement talks, as Lusaka plans El Niño disaster risk reduction. Economy and Policy Direction: The Ministry of Finance targets average 7% growth for 2027–2029 as the Green Paper shifts from stabilization to expansion, with inflation easing and reserves rising. Sports Spotlight: Junior Chipolopolo won bronze at the COSAFA U-20 in Mozambique, beating Namibia 3-0, while FAZ named interim assistant coaches for the Copper Queens ahead of Olympic qualifiers vs Uganda. Business and Energy: ZESCO tariff calls and Maamba Solar’s 100MW grid injection underline the push to secure power and investment.

Church-State Tensions: The Archdiocese of Lusaka has called Catholics to a solidarity Mass at the Cathedral of the Child Jesus on Monday morning as Archbishop Alick Banda responds to a renewed Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) summons, with the Archbishop expected at the DEC at 10:00. Local Governance: Police have arrested and charged Kasama Mayor-elect Peter Yuda (Peter Chikweti Yuda) with criminal trespass after a complaint by Acting Permanent Secretary Beauty Undi Phiri over an alleged incident at her residence on August 14. Football—Chipolopolo: Zambia’s Chipolopolo held a recovery session in Ndola after losing 3-1 to Algeria and will host Togo on Tuesday, 29 September, at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium, seeking a quick response at home. Zambia Premier League: Mines United began the ZPL transitional season with a comeback win over Jumulo FC, while Forest Rangers and Ndola United also recorded narrow opening-day victories. Sports Business: Joy Sports Editor Fentuo Tahiru Fentuo will moderate Zambia’s inaugural Music Meets Football Summit in Lusaka on October 15–16. Tourism & Jobs: KAZA has launched a regenerative nature-based tourism initiative to support small tourism businesses and sustainable livelihoods across Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

AFCON 2027 Qualifiers: Chipolopolo returned home after a 3-1 loss to Algeria, and interim coach George Lwandamina says Zambia must respond at home against Togo in Ndola on Tuesday. Football Discipline: Algeria’s Rayan Ait-Nouri was sent home from international duty after an apparent clash with coaches over warm-up instructions. Court Watch: The Lusaka High Court heard the Mapatizya parliamentary petition, with claims that results from 10 polling stations were missing after violence. Politics & Courts: President Hichilema dismissed talk of a post-election crisis, warning that suspects will be arrested regardless of when alleged crimes happened. DEC & Church: The Archdiocese of Lusaka called for prayer as Archbishop Alick Banda faces renewed Drug Enforcement Commission summons. Economy & Budget: Cabinet approved the 2027–2029 Medium Term Budget Plan, projecting average 6% growth while citing El Niño risks and plans to strengthen fiscal buffers. Energy: Maamba Solar began feeding 100MW into Zambia’s national grid, boosting power supply ahead of El Niño pressure. Health: MOH says childhood cancer remains a major concern, with calls for early diagnosis and better access to treatment.

State House & Governance: President Hakainde Hichilema dismissed claims of a post-election crisis, saying social media scaremongering is scaring off investors, and urged Zambians to “love our country” and let the ballot settle matters. Public Finance: Zambia’s external debt stock fell 5% to $15.36bn as of June 2026, while the Kwacha strengthened; the Ministry said growth above 6% is needed to cut poverty. Accountability: Hichilema swore in Patricia Malaila as Deputy Auditor General (Audits), stressing timely, real-time audits to fix weaknesses in public resource use. Elections: ECZ set November 5, 2026 for by-elections in Lumezi and Mandevu, plus Mbala mayoral and 11 ward seats. Justice & Politics: NRPUP presidential candidate Brian Mundubile and running mate Makebi Zulu appeared in Solwezi court on sedition charges, with treason also in the mix. Energy & Business: Maamba Solar began supplying power to the national grid, while TAZAMA Open Access is set to resume in January 2027. Health: Zambia records about 16,500 new cancer cases annually, with cervical cancer the leading cause. AFCON 2027: Algeria beat Zambia 3-1 in the qualifier opener. Sanitation & Agriculture: A Czech-UNDP supported project in Kashitu is turning human waste from dry toilets into fertiliser to help farmers facing declining soil fertility.