AGP Executive Report

Presidential Term Limit Debate: COF says President Hakainde Hichilema must commit to upholding the presidential term limit, warning it would be a contradiction for UPND to reverse what it opposed under Edgar Lungu; UPND voices remain split, with some saying removal could be acceptable if it serves the people, while others insist Zambia must not move toward a third term. Public Health: Zambia’s Ministry of Health flags syphilis as a serious STI burden, with high rates reported in Lusaka, Copperbelt, Eastern, Central and Southern provinces, especially among 15–25-year-olds, as a Stop Syphilis campaign rolls out condom distribution. Anti-Corruption & Assets: The ACC pushes for a specialised agency to manage recovered and forfeited assets, arguing seized property must be protected from deterioration while court cases conclude. Trade & Infrastructure: Zimbabwe secures funding for a $65m+ Chirundu border upgrade with Zambia to cut delays on the vital copperbelt route, with construction expected to start soon under a PPP. Economy & Industry: ZAM backs ZRA’s three-month tax waiver/amnesty, saying it helps manufacturers ease cash-flow pressure while regularising tax affairs. Sports: Safari Sevens returns with a star-studded line-up as Kenya’s Shujaa and Morans headline; meanwhile, Zambia’s copper target push continues as Govt links 3m tonnes output to middle-income status. Governance & Courts: High Court dismisses Geoffrey Chumbwe’s Chongwe East election petition for late filing, while PR MPs’ swearing-in marks the first major step in Zambia’s proportional representation rollout.

UNGA81 Diplomacy: Zambia used the first days of UN General Assembly in New York to deepen ties and push the Grow Zambia agenda, with Foreign Affairs Minister Mulambo Haimbe signing new diplomatic relations with Uruguay and Vanuatu and meeting counterparts from Malawi and Cuba. Constitution Debate: The Council of Churches in Zambia (CCZ) says it will not support removing presidential term limits, warning amendments must serve all Zambians and follow broad consultation. Opposition Realignment: NRPUP president Ezra Tembo has taken over as Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, leading a 75-seat opposition block. Crime Update: Eastern Province police report one suspect dead and another seriously hurt after a mob caught a gang that attacked a microfinance worker in Chipata. Drugs Seizure: DEC arrested two people and seized 175kg of cannabis in Lumezi, with suspects awaiting court. Sports—Chipolopolo: Zambia’s AFCON qualifier preparations in Algeria continue as assistant coach Andrew Sinkala is excused for personal matters and goalkeeper coach Kennedy Mweene joins the bench. Tech & Skills: Yango Fellowship wrapped in Abidjan with 24 fellows from six countries pitching locally rooted tech solutions.

Constitution Debate: UPND-linked voices are pushing for a public discussion on presidential term limits, with Media Director Mark Simuuwe calling for open debate while others warn against any “third term” for President Hakainde Hichilema. Parliament Swearing-In: Speaker Nelly Mutti swore in 40 proportional representation MPs, including persons with disabilities, women and youths, marking the start of their term after the Sept 18 election. Rule of Law Pushback: Joint CSOs issued an open letter to the Attorney-General urging respect for constitutional governance, amid ongoing tensions over post-election court processes and detention claims. Economy & Taxes: Government says it will not shy away from foreign direct investment to support an export-led economy, while ZRA urges eligible taxpayers to review past tax affairs and use a three-month tax amnesty running to Dec 31. Education Quality: ZANEC says free education must now translate into better learning by improving funding, timely releases, and classroom and teaching conditions. Fuel Security: ERB reports Zambia’s petrol and diesel stocks remain above minimum thresholds, with monitoring continuing nationwide. Sports—Chipolopolo & U-20: Zambia’s Chipolopolo intensify AFCON qualifier preparations for Algeria, while Junior Chipolopolo booked semi-final qualification in the COSAFA U-20 after a 3-0 win over Comoros. Business & Finance: LuSE says it has upgraded infrastructure to support a possible 24-hour economy, and KCB disclosed it is buying a 22.23% stake in Pesapal as part of its fintech push.

EU-Zambia Tensions: Zambia rejects the European Parliament’s post-election resolution as premature, saying it was adopted without enough engagement and that courts remain independent under the Constitution. Constitutional Reform Debate: Attorney General Mulilo Kabesha says any constitutional reform will follow lawful procedures and public participation, as UPND figures and MPs renew debate over whether President Hakainde Hichilema should stay beyond 2031. Political Pushback: Opposition voices intensify warnings against removing presidential term limits, with Antonio Mwanza saying Zambians won’t accept a third term or a one-party state. Local Court Update: The Local Government Elections Tribunal denies NRPUP mayoral candidate Gabriel Kibombwe’s bid to testify virtually in his petition, and the case adjourns for further hearing. Parliament Roll-Out: Speaker Nelly Mutti swears in 40 PR MPs ahead of the 14th National Assembly’s first session. Sports—Chipolopolo: Zambia’s Junior Chipolopolo moves to six points after a 3-0 win over Comoros in COSAFA U20 qualifiers. Mining & Jobs: KCM awards a $498m contract to Nerin Engineering for a tailings leach plant in Chingola, targeting 70,000 tonnes of copper per year.

UN Diplomacy in Focus: Foreign Affairs Minister Mulambo Haimbe has arrived in New York to represent President Hakainde Hichilema at the UN General Assembly, with Zambia pushing its Grow Zambia Agenda, peace and human rights priorities, and a bid for the UN Human Rights Council. Politics and Rights: Former Republican Vice-President Nevers Mumba says delays in taking incarcerated opposition leader Brian Mundubile and co-accused to court are “regrettable,” stressing presumption of innocence and urging faster, fair proceedings. Women, Democracy Debate: UPND nominated MP Florence Chileshe Chama reignited debate after saying women want development over democracy, while critics argue Zambia must protect multiparty democracy. Justice and Accountability: Zambia continues to challenge an EU Parliament resolution on post-election repression, with government officials calling it premature and demanding dialogue. Public Safety: Police report two Zambian nationals drowned after a hippo overturned their canoe in the Zambezi Region. Health Alert: Officials warn of an anthrax outbreak in Muchinga, urging people not to eat or handle dead wildlife. Connectivity: Liquid expands internet access with a new K300 “Liquid Home” package and enhanced 4G options. Sports: Chipolopolo reached Algeria for a key AFCON qualifier, while Junior Chipolopolo step up for a crucial COSAFA Under-20 clash with Comoros.

EU Parliament Fallout: Zambia’s government says an EU Parliament resolution on post-election repression is premature and lacks facts, while critics argue the UPND can’t dodge the issue and should investigate state violence transparently. Proportional Representation Politics: The Socialist Party youth wing questions whether PR nominations rewarded loyalty over youth contributions, as Stafford Mulusa insists PR MPs won’t face undue influence and should still support party policies. Gender Representation: NGOCC reports women now hold 63 seats in Zambia’s National Assembly after PR allocations, but says parity is still not reached. Local Governance: Lusaka Mayor Simon Mwewa’s push to remove traditional healers’ banners sparks backlash from healers who say advertising is needed. Public Health: An anthrax outbreak in Muchinga has killed dozens of wild animals and sickened people after they ate meat from dead wildlife. Economy & Connectivity: Liquid launches a new K300 “Liquid Home” package and enhanced 4G to expand affordable internet access. Sports: Chipolopolo arrive in Algeria for a key AFCON qualifier; Junior Chipolopolo prepare for Comoros; Red Arrows beat Power Dynamos to lift the Charity Shield. Corruption Watch: ACC arrests three Itezhi-Tezhi officials over alleged theft of K16.7m from the Social Cash Transfer Programme.

ZRA Revenue Update: ZRA Commissioner General Dingani Banda says VAT refunds hit K16bn by mid-2026, but a refund backlog remains a major challenge, while urging landlords to register and pay rental income tax. EU–Zambia Tensions: Government says the European Parliament’s resolution on Zambia’s post-election situation is premature and was adopted without engagement, calling for formal talks with EU institutions and insisting investigations into Mutotwe Kafwaya’s death are ongoing. Sports Leadership Change: FAZ confirms a mutual separation with Copper Queens coach Nora Häuptle, with assistant coach Charles Haalubono taking over on an interim basis. Crime and Courts: Mpika Immigration secured conviction of a Congolese refugee for aiding five Burundians, fined K80,000; in Kalomo, police detained an FRA employee over 2,278 missing maize bags. Parliament Numbers: Zambia reports 60 female MPs so far, with UPND leading the count. Local Violence: A Choma man was shot dead while counting beer sales. Copperbelt Economy: KCM signs a $498m deal for a tailings recovery copper plant in Chingola.

EU-Zambia Tension: Zambia says a European Parliament resolution on the post-election situation was adopted prematurely and without prior engagement, and it wants a formal partnership dialogue while insisting investigations and due process continue. Justice and Rights Pressure: Seven international legal groups demand independent probes into Zambia’s post-election court closures and access to justice, citing court shutdowns and disrupted filings. Government Pushback: Attorney General Mulilo Kabesha rejects claims of “lawlessness,” saying disagreements and legal processes are not proof institutions have abandoned the rule of law. Parliament Representation Milestone: ECZ validates 40 proportional representation MPs under the new system—20 women, 15 youth and 5 persons with disabilities—marking a historic shift in the National Assembly. Copper Queens Coaching Change: FAZ confirms a mutual separation with coach Nora Häuptle; assistant Charles Haalubono takes over on an interim basis. Sports—Junior Flames: Zambia beats Malawi 2-0 in the COSAFA U-20 opener, with Billy Daka scoring twice. Local Crime: Ndola police arrest a TikToker accused of harassing truck drivers over fuel theft claims. Royal Health Focus: Duchess Sophie ends her Zambia tour by dancing with trachoma survivors in Livingstone.

Mining & Governance: TI-Z Zambia says the Chinese Embassy didn’t read its report on governance risks in Chinese mining, and urges mitigation steps instead of dismissing findings. Courts & Property Recovery: Lusaka Magistrates’ Court ordered the return of US$160,000 stolen properties linked to Chishimba Kambwili after convictions. Democracy & Representation: ECZ validated 40 proportional representation MPs—UPND gets 32, NRPUP 8—covering women, youth and persons with disabilities. Local Government: The Local Government Elections Tribunal rejected Lusaka Mayor-elect Simon Mwewa’s bid to throw out the mayoral petition. Foreign Policy: President Hichilema says Zambia’s foreign policy is now anchored on economic diplomacy as he receives new envoys. Food Security: FRA warned officials against selling maize to foreigners, saying action will follow. EU Scrutiny: The European Parliament called for an independent probe into Mutotwe Kafwaya’s death and post-election arrests. Mining Deal: KCM signed a US$498m contract for a copper tailings recovery plant in Chingola with China’s Nerin Engineering. Wildlife Science: Three African wild dog brothers completed a 4,126km dispersal across Zambia to the Luangwa Valley. Sports: Zambia’s Junior Chipolopolo started COSAFA U-20 with a 2-0 win over Malawi; Namibia and Mozambique also won in the qualifiers.

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.