AGP Executive Report

Election Countdown: The ECZ says ballot paper distribution for Zambia’s 13 August general elections will end tomorrow, with training of over 81,000 poll staff underway and 8.7 million voters updated in the register. Court & Speech: Lusaka Magistrates’ Court fined Raphael Nakacinda K2,400 for seditious practices, though he remains jailed on a separate 18-month sentence. Peace & Religion: The Archdiocese of Lusaka reaffirmed that Candlelight Prayers for Peace will proceed on 12 August despite UPND concerns, saying the event is purely spiritual. Traditional Leadership: Barotseland’s Litunga condemned political violence during Brian Mundubile’s Western Province campaign, urging peace and respect for all parties. Public Service & Health: NAPSA says pension reforms have lifted monthly pensions for 17,800+ beneficiaries, while Zambia marks World Breastfeeding Week with calls for stronger workplace support for mothers. Tragedy: An eight-year-old boy died in Lumezi after police say he was allegedly lured into a pit and buried alive with his sister. Regional Focus: Zambia-DRC talks in Ndola target tighter controls on diverted transit cargo to curb smuggling and revenue losses. Sports: WAFCON quarter-final focus continues as Zambia’s women’s team story remains tied to the tournament’s World Cup qualification stakes.

WAFCON Update: Zambia’s Copper Queens were knocked out after a three-way Group C tie left them third on goals, despite beating Malawi 2-1; Nigeria and Malawi advanced, and Nigeria now face Cameroon in the quarter-finals in Casablanca on Sunday. CAF–FIFA Fallout: CAF has unanimously backed FIFA president Gianni Infantino, endorsing FIFA’s apology over the botched World Cup “Forward Enterprise” plan even as European federations push for his resignation. Politics & Polls: President Hakainde Hichilema says he welcomes competition ahead of August 13, while police and courts continue to act on election-related unrest, including a K2,400 fine for Patriotic Front figure Raphael Nakacinda over seditious remarks. Agriculture & Jobs: Omnia has started building a fertiliser blending plant in Lusaka to produce soil-specific blends aimed at boosting crop yields. Transport & Justice: Government launched a National Legal Aid Policy 2026 to expand access to justice, and NTSA backed a move to regulate public transport fares to curb peak-season hikes.

Election Rights & Internet Access: Access Now’s #KeepItOn coalition urges President Hakainde Hichilema to order ZICTA and ISPs to keep the internet fully open during the August 13 polls, warning against any “kill switch” disruptions. Campaign Trail & Development Promises: Hichilema tells Manyama residents in Kalumbila to vote UPND, pledging continued roads, schools and health support and warning against a return to past debt pressures. Political Tensions & Violence Claims: Opposition figures allege ruling-party cadres are escorted by police to disrupt rallies, while UPND also moves to cancel a candlelight prayer event it says could be politicised. Judicial Tech Debate: Zambia’s Supreme Court judge Abha Nayar Patel, speaking with India’s CJI Surya Kant, says AI can support courts but must not replace human conscience. WAFCON Shock for Copper Queens: Zambia coach Nora Hauptle calls the Copper Queens’ exit “completely weird” after a 2-1 win over Malawi, saying CAF tiebreak rules knocked them out despite best goal difference. Sports—Super Falcons Advance: Amstel Malta celebrates Nigeria’s Super Falcons’ 6-2 win over Egypt and their quarter-final clash with Cameroon.

WAFCON Shock for Zambia: The Copper Queens crashed out of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations despite finishing level on six points in Group C, with Nigeria and Malawi advancing on CAF’s head-to-head tiebreaks that excluded results vs Egypt; FAZ says Football House will do a post-mortem and Zambia also missed a route to the 2027 Women’s World Cup. FIFA Infantino Fallout: Infantino attended the WAFCON match in Rabat amid FIFA’s internal crisis over the failed “FIFA Forward Enterprise” plan to sell World Cup rights, with FIFA apologising for process mistakes while insisting he remains supported. Trade Policy Update: Zambia partially lifted its suspension on livestock imports from South Africa as foot-and-mouth disease improves, allowing selected cloven-hoofed animals and certain processed products on case-by-case approval. Elections Focus: ECZ urged women to seize new proportional representation seats, while SADC’s Electoral Observation Mission was launched ahead of the August 13 polls. Health Workforce: The Civil Service Commission has started recruiting volunteer health workers, beginning validation in Muchinga, Northern and Luapula. Business & Connectivity: ZACCI praised Puma Energy’s PRIS Loyalty Programme for boosting digital customer service.

WAFCON Shock in Rabat: Zambia’s Copper Queens beat Malawi 2-1 but still crashed out of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after a head-to-head tiebreak left them behind Malawi and Nigeria, who advanced after thrashing Egypt 6-2 to set up a quarter-final with Cameroon. FIFA Turmoil: FIFA president Gianni Infantino says he has “full support” from senior leadership after apologising for errors over the shelved World Cup private-investment plan, as pressure mounts for him to step down. Air Connectivity Boost: Emirates and South African Airways expanded their codeshare with reciprocal access to nine new routes, including Lusaka and other regional cities, promising single-ticket travel and coordinated schedules. Regional Rail Progress: Botswana and Namibia completed the feasibility study for the Trans Kalahari Railway, moving the project toward financing and procurement talks. Football Coaching Moves: Cape Verde coach Bubista resigned to take charge of Morocco’s RS Berkane, while Hervé Renard returned to lead Côte d’Ivoire again.

WAFCON Group C: Zambia’s Copper Queens face a do-or-die test against Malawi as the race for quarter-final survival tightens, with coach Nora Häuptle urging a calm, controlled approach after the 1-0 loss to Nigeria. WAFCON Group C (Nigeria-Egypt): Defending champions Nigeria meet Egypt in a high-stakes final group clash at Rabat, needing a win to secure knockout progression after earlier setbacks. Diplomacy: President Hakainde Hichilema has paid tribute to late Ambassador Ivan Zyuulu, saying Zambia’s foreign policy must serve national interests. Wildlife crime: A Lusaka man, Raphael Simwale, was jailed five years for illegal possession of leopard skin. Education: Government handed over 17 classroom blocks to ease congestion under the Free Education Policy. Health: End Malaria Fund warns that increased inter-provincial movement is driving malaria spread and plans net distribution ahead of rains. Arts: NAC launched the 2026 Ngoma Awards guidelines and call for entries. Politics & security: Hichilema warned of full-force action against political violence; Barotseland’s Litunga reportedly rejected Mundubile’s meeting over protocol. Business/Mining: Patriot Resources completes initial site visit and mapping on a new Zambian copper licence near Mkushi.

Politics & Peace: President Hakainde Hichilema has condemned political violence reports, warning that intimidation or lawlessness by any party, candidate or supporter will not be tolerated and offenders will face the full force of the law. Election Readiness: ECZ handling of ballot logistics continues to draw praise, with Mporokoso stakeholders commending the professional receipt and offloading of ballot papers ahead of the August 13 polls. Campaign Tensions: Videos and reports from Mongu allege clashes and gunfire as cadres block Brian Mundubile’s convoy, raising fresh concerns about campaign conduct. Women’s Football (WAFCON): Zambia’s Copper Queens face a must-win Group C clash against Malawi to reach the quarterfinals, with coach Nora Häuptle saying the team will focus on performance and keep qualification in its own hands. Mining & Copper Ambitions: Lusaka-based mining voices say Zambia must boost exploration, mineral processing and power generation to triple copper output, while Patriot Resources reports early mapping that it says mirrors geology near the Central African Copperbelt’s giant deposits. Public Safety: Lusaka courts have sentenced five people to five years each for illegal possession of a live ground pangolin, in an intelligence-led wildlife trafficking crackdown.

WAFCON Focus: Zambia’s Copper Queens face a must-win clash against Malawi in Rabat, with goalkeeper Hazel Natasha Nali urging the team to ignore past meetings and go for victory to keep quarter-final hopes alive. Election Tension: The Tonse Pamodzi Alliance alleges three Russia-trained VVIP bodyguards linked to opposition presidential candidate Brian Mundubile were abducted at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport, as campaigning heats up ahead of the August 13 vote. Football Spotlight: Herve Renard returns to coach Ivory Coast for a second spell, replacing Emerse Fae, after previously winning AFCON with Zambia in 2012. Security Update: Police recorded 32 criminal cases and one road accident during the 98th Zambia Agricultural and Commercial Show in Lusaka, with theft from persons—especially mobile phones—leading the offences. Health Warning: A new study says climate change could redraw Africa’s malaria map, raising risks in parts of southern and eastern Africa including Zambia. Business & Trade: Zambia’s miners say next week’s elections should unlock stronger incentives for mineral processing, exploration and power generation to help triple copper output.

Traditional Leadership & Rural Development: Copperbelt Province Permanent Secretary Lawrence Mwanza says Government will keep working with traditional leaders to advance rural development and protect Zambia’s cultural heritage, citing investments in roads, public facilities and boreholes. Presidential Development Push: President Hakainde Hichilema tells Chipangali voters his administration will keep expanding agriculture, education, social security and skills training, with lagging districts getting a fair share. National Mourning: Hichilema has granted an official funeral for late Ambassador Ivan Zyuulu, with a Day of National Mourning set for August 6 and services in Lusaka and Southern Province. Agriculture Show Highlights: The 98th Zambia Agriculture and Commercial Show showcased value-added products and modern farming tech, with exhibitors and showgoers praising the event’s business opportunities and innovation. WAFCON Focus: Zambia’s Copper Queens are urged to beat Malawi in their final Group C match to reach the quarter-finals after a narrow loss to Nigeria. Election Logistics & Claims: ECZ delivered ballot papers for Mbala Central and Saise, while Tonse Alliance alleges foreign nationals could enter to vote.

Election Watch: ECZ says ballot papers for Lusangazi Central and Msanzala have arrived under tight security, with verification against Material Issue Forms and 24-hour storage before distribution to polling stations. Voter Participation: ECZ strengthens voter education to remove barriers to women’s electoral participation ahead of the August 13 polls. Campaign Politics: Tonse-Pamodzi alleges ECZ is hiding polling staff names and warns of foreign nationals it claims may be in voting areas, while President Hakainde Hichilema urges Kasenengwa voters to save money and backs UPND with CDF promises for roads, water and dams. Local Development: Lusaka City Council reports four roads fully tarred under the Lusaka Urban Roads Project, and pushes businesses to use the e-Council platform for online council services. Economy & Food Security: Hichilema praises FRA for prompt maize payments via mobile money and says Zambia is now food secure. Sports: Super Falcons of Nigeria resume training for a decisive WAFCON Group C clash against Egypt after beating Zambia 1-0. US Travel Rules: The US makes its visa bond programme permanent (up to $20,000) and shifts visa processing to regional hubs, affecting countries including Zambia.

WAFCON Focus: Nigeria’s Super Falcons bounced back with a 1-0 win over Zambia at WAFCON in Morocco, with Asisat Oshoala scoring early and the visitors surviving after a red card left them playing with 10 women; Zambia coach Nora Häuptle said the result was “in their hands” but they failed to take chances, while Zambia’s Copper Queens now shift attention to a must-win against Malawi. Local Politics & Campaigns: ZICTA and the Bank of Zambia shut down Brian Mundubile’s Vote Protection fundraising short code amid claims his campaign raised K860,000 in 24 hours and K2.8 million in pledges, as election rhetoric heats up ahead of August 13. Health & Science: Zambia is among countries in phase three trials for the M72/ASOIE TB vaccine, with preparations underway for an expedited rollout if approved. Mining & Jobs: Smart Zambia Institute says 78 mining firms are registered on the Local Content Access System to boost procurement by Zambian suppliers. Sports (Youth): Zambia beat Kenya 8.5-5 to win the Under-18 International polo tournament in Gilgil. Civic Life: UNZA students met President Hichilema to thank him for sanitation improvements and reinstated meal allowances, urging higher accommodation support.

WAFCON Focus: Zambia’s Copper Queens suffered a 1-0 defeat to Nigeria after Asisat Oshoala’s early strike, with Zambia unable to capitalise despite a red card that left the Super Falcons down to 10 for much of the match; Zambia now turns to a must-win clash against Malawi to keep knockout hopes alive. Election Politics: President Hakainde Hichilema mocked NRPUP presidential candidate Brian Mundubile’s public fundraising push, telling him to “apply for the Constituency Development Fund” instead, as the campaign season intensifies ahead of August 13. ECZ Update: The Electoral Commission of Zambia has wrapped up nationwide women’s conferences under the theme “Count Me In,” aimed at boosting women’s participation and voter education ahead of the general election. Public Service Debate: Wynter Kabimba says a fully non-partisan civil service is unrealistic and calls for reforms to clarify how public officers should handle politics. Health & Climate: A new study warns climate change is shifting malaria risk across southern and East Africa, while Zambia also faces broader water-risk pressures for businesses.

WAFCON 2026 (Women’s Africa Cup of Nations): Nigeria’s Super Falcons kept their knockout hopes alive with a 1-0 win over Zambia’s Copper Queens in Rabat, thanks to Asisat Oshoala’s early strike in the 8th minute. Zambia pushed hard but couldn’t break through, while Nigeria defended stoutly after being reduced to 10 players following a straight red card. The result leaves Group C tight, with Malawi also winning 3-1 over Egypt, setting up a must-win final round for Zambia and Malawi. U.S. Visa Policy: The United States moves to make its visa bond programme permanent from August 3, requiring some business and tourist applicants from 50 countries—including Zambia—to post refundable deposits of up to $20,000, aimed at reducing overstays. Commonwealth Games 2026 (Sports): India’s boxing continued to shine in Glasgow, with Jadumani Singh taking silver in the men’s 55kg final, while other medal action kept the Games’ medal race lively.

HIV Funding Worry: Zambia’s infectious diseases director Lloyd Mulenga warns U.S. HIV funding cuts could squeeze community prevention and raise new infections, even if deaths don’t return to late-1990s levels. Economy-to-Prices Push: President Hakainde Hichilema urges businesses to pass economic gains to citizens through lower shop, market and transport prices. Cancer Upgrade: Hichilema commissions a US$31m radiotherapy and imaging upgrade at Lusaka’s Cancer Diseases Hospital, funded locally, and says more cancer facilities are planned for Ndola and Livingstone. Election Readiness: ECZ says ballot paper verification is complete and an inclusive process is key, with women-focused voter education and representation highlighted. Campaign Integrity: CSOs urge ECZ, ACC and data protection authorities to probe alleged SMS links between Social Cash Transfers and votes. Copperbelt Rumours Denied: Copperbelt UPND dismisses claims of arrests tied to the Mufulira copper scandal as false. Sports—WAFCON: Zambia’s Copper Queens prepare for a must-win Group C clash with Nigeria after a 6-0 win over Egypt; Nigeria also vows redemption after Malawi upset. Sports—Commonwealth Games: Jadumani Singh wins silver for India in men’s 55kg boxing; Zambia’s Muzala Samukonga qualifies for 400m semis.

Election Integrity: ECZ says ballot papers and other election materials have been verified and remain sealed, with stakeholders confirming they are untampered ahead of nationwide distribution for the 13 August general election. Fuel Prices: ERB cuts August petroleum prices, with petrol down to K25.29/litre and diesel to K26.86, easing transport and business costs. Economy Watch: Zambia’s inflation holds steady at 6.5% in July as a stronger kwacha helps keep import costs in check, while the fuel tax moratorium supports stability. Politics & Campaigns: President Hakainde Hichilema wraps up Western Province rallies, pledging upgrades from Shangombo Harbour and border works to road improvements, airport expansion and university completion. Sports—WAFCON: Zambia’s Copper Queens face Nigeria in a must-win Group C clash after Nigeria’s shock Malawi loss; Zambia coach Nora Häuptle says her side won’t play for a draw. Football Transfer: Kings Kangwa joins Greek giants Panathinaikos on a four-year deal. Commonwealth Games: Preeti Pawar books the women’s 54kg final after a dominant win over Zambia’s Catherine Mwape; Ankush Panghal also reaches the men’s 80kg final.

WAFCON 2026 (Nigeria vs Zambia): Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie says the team has moved on from Malawi’s shock 3-2 loss and is now focused on Saturday’s must-win clash against Zambia, insisting the defeat was not intentional and the spirit in camp is high. WAFCON 2026 (Copper Queens): Zambia coach Nora Häuptle warns Nigeria they will not play for a draw, saying her side will chase the lead and is ready to execute its plan. Commonwealth Games 2026 (Athletics): Sprinter Muzala Samukonga qualified for the men’s 400m final in Glasgow after running 45.95, while other Zambians missed out in their heats. Commonwealth Games 2026 (Boxing): Zambia’s Catherine Mwape and Emmanuel Katema won bronze medals for Team Zambia after reaching the podium in their respective bouts. Diplomacy: Zambia’s Ambassador to China, Ivan Zyuulu, has died after illness. Mining (Small-scale): Government launches the ASM Strategy 2025–2029 to formalise artisanal mining, while OB22 and OB19 dumpsite operations are set to begin this week with safety controls. Energy: Zambia says reforms are moving the country from power shortages toward surplus, supported by new generation and solar growth.