AGP Executive Report

Cabinet & Economy: President Hakainde Hichilema has named four ministers for his second term, reappointing Situmbeko Musokotwane as Finance and National Planning, Mulambo Haimbe as Foreign Affairs, Roma Chilengi as Health, and Gilbert Siame as Green Economy and Environment, urging ministers to put Zambia first and deliver results under the Grow Zambia Agenda. Copper Watch: Copper prices pushed above $14,200/tonne as Musokotwane returns to the Treasury, giving Zambia a strong market backdrop while the government focuses on mining, investment and revenue conversion. Local Content: The Ministry of Mines says local content uptake by mining firms is at about 90% compliance, with officials urging suppliers to improve quality, pricing and timely delivery. Anti-Corruption: Solwezi Municipal Council HR officer Golden Matimba has been arrested and charged over alleged false accounting of over K100,000 meant for 2023 Labour Day celebrations. Justice & Rights: A Lusaka court jailed vlogger Joseph Chishimba for nine months with hard labour over cyber harassment tied to a false WhatsApp claim about Chipo Mwanawasa; meanwhile the DPP warned Zambians abroad they can still face prosecution. Crime & Safety: Three people died in a Kafue road crash after improper overtaking, police report. Health Alert: Zambia warns the public not to eat meat from wildlife after anthrax killed dozens of animals and infected people. Sports: Zambian forward Barbra Banda signed a new Orlando Pride deal through 2029. UK Royals: The Duchess of Edinburgh begins an official visit to Zambia (Sept 14–19) focusing on education, women’s enterprise, health, conservation and culture.

Anti-Corruption Watch: Transparency International Zambia’s Prof Lewis Chilufya says Zambia has laws to fight corruption, but enforcement is weak and often seen as selective under President Hakainde Hichilema’s second term. Police Crackdown on Online Hate: Immigration and security wings arrested TikTok user “Brotherman” (Misheck Mulubwa) in Kasumbalesa for alleged hate speech, insults and threats against senior government officials, including the President. Mundubile Treason Case: Three of the 18 petitioners in the Mundubile/Makebi Zulu treason matter claim they were offered incentives to become State witnesses, raising fresh concerns as the case continues in the Lusaka High Court. Pre-Trial Detention Rules: Chapter One Foundation says prolonged detention cannot be used as punishment before trial, after a court ordered the immediate release of 43 detainees and directed the State to meet costs. Road Expansion Bottleneck: The Road Development Agency says illegal encroachments on road reserves are limiting road expansion and dualisation plans. Food Security Question: A commentary challenges the logic of exporting maize while warning of looming severe hunger. Wildlife Science: Zambian wild dogs recorded the longest African mammal movement on record, with three males travelling over 4,000 km in search of territory and mates. Sports—CAF: Simba thrashed Mighty Wanderers 6-1 to advance in the CAF Champions League, while Red Arrows set up a CAF Confederation Cup tie against Kaizer Chiefs’ next opponents.

Social Media & Security: Zambia Police say TikTok creator “Brotherman” (Misheck Mulubwa) was arrested at Kasumbalesa for alleged hate speech, incitement and threats to assassinate President Hichilema and other senior officials, with a phone seized during the probe. Courts & Rights: Attorney-General Mulilo Kabesha urged citizens to stop blaming the President for court outcomes, as criminal cases are handled by investigators and prosecutors; meanwhile, Mundubile and others have sued government over alleged unlawful detention and denial of access to lawyers and families. Politics & Governance: A senior UPND official Michael Chuzu sparked debate by claiming Hichilema’s presidential terms should start counting from 2031; Lusaka Mayor-elect Chitambala Mwewa says his “Make Lusaka Clean” push will start with relocating street vendors into markets. Food Security: DMMU says it can feed 1.2 million people at risk of food shortages from October to March 2027, despite El Niño fears. Sports: Red Arrows set up a CAF Confederation Cup meeting with Kaizer Chiefs after beating Madagascar’s FC Rouge 2-0 (4-0 aggregate), while Power Dynamos were knocked out of the CAF Champions League by Al Merrikh.

Human Rights & Passports: Amnesty International says Zambia’s arbitrary passport cancellations violate international human rights, urging restoration for Emmanuel Mwamba, Emmanuel Jay Banda, Binwell Mpundu and three others, while Chapter One Foundation challenges government to explain the legal basis for the revocations. Legal Battles in Custody: Brian Mundubile, Makebi Zulu and 16 others have petitioned the Attorney General over alleged rights violations while detained at Mukobeko, seeking removal to police stations; separately, a wife has filed for habeas corpus for a ZNS officer held without charge. Urban Clean-up: Lusaka Mayor-elect Chitambala Mwewa has started relocating street vendors into designated markets as part of a city decongestion push. Food Security: DMMU says Zambia has enough maize to feed 1.2 million people at risk of food shortages from October to March 2027, despite El Niño concerns. Politics & Public Order: Mafinga South MP Faith Munthali has been arrested and charged with being armed in public and conspiracy to commit a felony, with trial set for Sept 17. Health & Wildlife: Authorities report an anthrax outbreak in Muchinga, urging suspension of hunting and warning against consuming meat from infected animals. Power & Development: Tanesco signed a Sh198.67bn deal to build a 220kV line and substation in Songwe and Mbeya to end persistent power shortages.

CAF Champions League: TP Mazembe knocked out Ghana’s Medeama with a 3-1 win in Lubumbashi for a 4-1 aggregate, setting up a next-round clash with Zambia’s Red Arrows. Zambian Football: Power Dynamos’ Champions League run ended after a 1-0 home loss to Sudan’s Al Merreikh, who won 2-0 on aggregate. Politics & Justice: Police have arrested and charged Mafinga South MP Faith Munthali with being armed in public and conspiracy to commit a felony, with trial set for Sept. 17. Rights in Court: Brian Mundubile, Makebi Zulu and 16 others have sued the State over alleged unlawful detention and rights violations at Mukobeko, while police also added sedition-related pressure to their case. Passports & Diplomacy: Government revoked passports of six Zambians on security grounds, drawing pushback from AIPAC and Amnesty International. Public Health: Anthrax has hit northern Zambia, killing wildlife and infecting 12 people after exposure to carcasses; hunting in the area has been temporarily suspended. Energy: Tanesco signed a Sh198.67bn deal to build a 220kV line and substation in Songwe/Mbeya to end power shortages. Food Security: Zambia faces acute food insecurity risks as El Niño strengthens, with officials warning of drought impacts.

Census Tech Upgrade: ZamStats has handed 15,000 tablets used in the 2022 census to government ministries to boost electronic data collection and sharing. Food Security Alarm: Secretary to the Cabinet Patrick Kangwa says about 1.2 million people face acute food shortages from October to March due to El Niño, with drought expected in 93 districts. Urban Traders Crackdown Pushback: Lusaka mayor-elect Chitambala Mwewa says it’s “impossible” to run a functional city with street vending and insists relocation must be phased, not rushed. Rule of Law Under Scrutiny: Attorney General Mulilo Kabesha warns of a worrying trend of ignoring the rule of law, while courts and police actions continue to draw criticism. Sedition and Treason Cases: Police have charged Brian Mundubile and Makebi Zulu with additional seditious practices, as they remain detained at Mukobeko. Passports Cancelled: Amnesty International condemns Zambia’s cancellation of passports for six prominent critics, saying it targets dissent and violates freedom of movement. Victoria Falls Ownership Row: Zambia’s tourism officials fired back at Zimbabwe over claims that the Falls belong exclusively to Zimbabwe, citing measurements and Zambia-controlled attractions. Defamation Conviction: A Lusaka court convicted vlogger Joseph Chishimba over a false social media claim involving Chipo Mwanawasa. Energy Investment: Africa GreenCo secured an extra US$11.5m to expand renewable power trading across southern Africa.

Passport Revocations: President Hakainde Hichilema has cancelled passports of Emmanuel Mwamba, Sishuwa Sishuwa, Binwell Mpundu, Emmanuel Jay Banda, Kaizer Zulu and Lillian Mutambo on “security” grounds, warning institutions and the public not to accept the documents. Seditious Practices Case: Police have confirmed an additional seditious practices charge against Brian Mundubile and Makebi Zulu, with both returned to Mukobeko pending court. Cyber Crimes Court Ruling: Lusaka Magistrates’ Court convicted vlogger Joseph Chishimba over a false WhatsApp screenshot alleging Chipokota Mwanawasa was pregnant by President Hichilema, under the Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Act. Visa-Free Travel: Ghanaian citizens can now travel visa-free to Maldives, Zambia and Antigua and Barbuda (30 days for Zambia). Football: FAZ appointed Red Arrows coach Chisi Mbewe as Zambia U23 head coach ahead of 2027 qualifiers; Power Dynamos push for a comeback vs Al Merrikh. Energy & Water: Government plans K5bn for 60 dams for water security, while Bank of Zambia calls for financial-sector transformation to deliver the Grow Zambia Agenda.

Democracy Under Pressure: Former Botswana president Ian Khama warns Zambia is setting a “bad precedent” as opposition figure Brian Mundubile faces treason charges in Mukobeko nearly a month after detention, raising fears of democratic backsliding. Cost of Living: JCTR reports Lusaka’s basic needs basket for a family of five rose by K302.52 in August to K12,000.94, with households struggling to meet essentials. Court Orders Release: Lusaka High Court ordered the immediate release of 43 detainees held 21 days without charge, directing the State to pay case costs. ECZ PR Seats: ECZ held orientations with UPND and NRPUP on the new proportional representation seats, including how party lists will be submitted and processed. Energy Investment: GreenCo secured an extra US$11.5m backing to expand renewable power trading across Southern Africa. Mining & Governance: Attorney General Mulilo Kabesha says mineral wealth must translate into citizen benefit, urging stronger coordination to fight financial crimes. Sports & Youth: FAZ named Chisi Mbewe as Zambia U23 coach ahead of 2027 qualifiers. Health Support: CIDRZ donated K5.47m in TB equipment to strengthen Zambia’s drug-resistant TB diagnostics.

FAZ Appoints Chisi Mbewe as U23 Coach: Football Association of Zambia has named Red Arrows coach Chisi Mbewe head coach for the Zambia U23 team, with a full technical bench to target qualification for the 2027 U23 AFCON and the 2028 Olympics. ECZ Proportional Representation Rollout: The Electoral Commission of Zambia has started the process for allocating 40 new PR seats, holding orientation meetings for NRPUP and UPND on party lists, with submission timelines now in focus. Court Moves in NRPUP Detention Case: NRPUP official Joseph Kaseya and 42 others have sued the Attorney General over alleged unlawful detention at Chelston Police Station. High Court Weighs Chililabombwe and Milanzi Petitions: ECZ has defended the election results, asking the Lusaka High Court to uphold both polls. Security and Justice: Police have warned 10 suspects in the murder case of Chaminuka Lodge CEO Stelios Sardanis, while drug trafficker Henry Kasolo was sentenced to seven years for cannabis trafficking and corruption. Weather Alert: Environmentalist Abel Musumali warns Zambia to prepare for a projected “super El Niño” that could hit agriculture and water security. Local Government Updates: Thomas Sipalo was sworn in as a Lusaka City Council member, and 38 newly elected Lusaka councillors took oaths.

Court Battles & Detention: NRPUP official Joseph Kaseya and 42 others sue Attorney General Mulilo Kabesha over alleged unlawful detention and torture, claiming they were seized while returning from election monitoring. Legal Pushback: Zambia Correctional Service says Mundubile and Makebi Zulu’s lawyers were denied access only after failing verification documents. NRC/Passport Challenge: Tonse-Pamodzi secretary general Celestine Mukandila seeks court review to quash government’s cancellation of his NRC and passport. Road Safety: RTSA warns it’s struggling to curb accidents as Zambia’s vehicle population jumps to about 1.1 million. Transport & Trade: RDA announces restructuring to support the Grow Zambia Agenda. Food Security: FRA signs a 540,000MT maize export deal to Kenya in batches. Local Governance: Lusaka mayor-elect Mwewa Chitambala inspects Simon Mwewa Lane Market as the council begins relocating street traders and rolling out electronic levies. Politics & Representation: MPs under mixed-member proportional representation are expected by Sept 17, says Parley.

Climate & Food Security: El Niño is strengthening and could bring wetter conditions in parts of East Africa while raising drought risk in Southern Africa, with knock-on effects for food, water, health and livelihoods. Digital Identity: Zambia launched a National Public Key Infrastructure to secure digital transactions, strengthen digital signatures and protect government documents, aiming to boost trust for businesses and investors. Mining & Power: President Hichilema urged Vedanta to speed up power investment alongside plans to expand Konkola Copper Mine output to 500,000 tonnes, to support Zambia’s 10GW target. Energy Investment: Sturdee Energy entered Zambia by acquiring the 200MW Masaiti wind project, planning to pair it with solar and battery storage for steadier supply. Football & Funding: FAZ appealed to corporates to support national teams, citing resource pressure, after 1xBet Zambia donated football and refereeing equipment worth about K120,000. Politics & Justice: Tonse Alliance suspended Secretary General Dr Chris Zumani Zimba pending disciplinary proceedings over unauthorised statements. Safety & Crime: Police in Kalumbila are hunting a man over the alleged murder of a woman found with injuries and burn marks. Education Watch: New PISA results show reading and maths performance falling worldwide, deepening a global learning crisis. Sports Spotlight: Zambia’s Barbra Banda and Barbra Banda’s Temwa Chawinga (Malawi) feature in the 2026 Ballon d’Or women’s shortlist, while Zambia’s Hamansenya joined Slovan Liberec on loan.

Digital Identity Rollout: Altron Security says it has completed Zambia’s national public key infrastructure for ZICTA, laying foundations for digital identity, e-signatures and secure online government services. Education Gains: Zambia’s Ministry of Education points to improved PISA results, citing a 50-point reading score gain since 2018 and better performance in maths and science. Migration Policing Costs: The inter-ministerial committee on migration remains tight-lipped on the cost of policing and deportation tied to planned September 30 anti-undocumented migration protests. Justice vs Dialogue: Opposition figures Binwell Mpundu and others are calling for dialogue and reconciliation, but critics warn it cannot replace accountability in treason-related matters. Court Case Update: Mufulira Magistrate’s Court grants K200,000 bail each to Mwala Yuyi and six co-accused in a metals fraud case. Local Development: Lavushimanda residents welcome community ablution blocks built under the Zambia Devolution Support Programme. Parliament Watch: Commentary warns that an expanded National Assembly could weaken debate quality unless the Speaker reforms procedures. Sports: Klings Kangwa is set to miss Zambia’s AFCON qualifiers against Algeria and Togo due to suspension. Tourism Push: Zimbabwe’s tourism chief urges Africa-wide unity in marketing, highlighting multi-country itineraries that can boost Zambia’s visitor numbers.

Football Spotlight: Zambia captain Barbra Banda has earned a third straight Ballon d’Or nomination, making history as the first African woman to get three nominations, while Malawi’s Temwa Chawinga also makes the women’s shortlist. Government & Mining: Zambia says it is encouraging inclusive investment in mining by improving licensing efficiency, guaranteeing security of tenure, and pushing local content so small-scale miners and local firms benefit. Public Safety: Isuzu has recalled over 2,500 D-Max 2026 bakkies in Zambia and other countries over a brake pedal pivot pin issue that could affect braking performance. Crime & Justice: A Nchelenge man was jailed for 60 months for possessing a crocodile carcass, and police in Chipata are investigating a motorbike rider attacked and robbed in Katopola. Health & Prevention: Petauke has started injectable PrEP for HIV-negative pregnant and breastfeeding women as part of HIV prevention efforts. Road Watch: Police report separate Lusaka accidents with one pedestrian killed and one injured.

Solar Power Push: Lunzua Power Company and Valinor Investments have broken ground on an $8m, 10MW solar plant in Mwandi, Western Province, expected to feed about 4,600 homes into the national grid. Police Cooperation: Inspector General Graphel Musamba says effective policing against cross-border crime depends on stronger international information sharing. Immigration Crackdown: Immigration says it removed 59 foreign nationals from Zambia and apprehended 48 others in separate operations, citing inadmissibility and immigration offences. Politics and Security: The Army warns against dragging it into partisan politics, while UPND says Zambians are guaranteed five years of peace and economic growth after re-election. Justice and Rights: The Lusaka High Court ordered a mental evaluation for a woman accused of drowning her stepchildren; lawyers also move to challenge the cancellation of Celestine Mukandila’s NRC and passport. Health & Governance: Government reaffirms mental health support at primary care level, and MPs continue being sworn in under the amended Constitution. Economy Watch: Tomato prices are swinging sharply, squeezing farmers’ returns.

Disability & Local Development: Kasama Municipal Council says construction of the Zambia Agency for Persons with Disabilities (ZAPD) Provincial Offices is over 99% complete, funded through the 2024 CDF, to boost access to services, advocacy and skills training in Northern Province. Politics & Justice: The Tonse Pamodzi Alliance alleges lawyers were twice blocked from accessing treason detainees Brian Mundubile, Makebi Zulu and 16 others at Mukobeko, while Kalaba also raises alarm over an alleged plot to abduct Mafinga South MP Faith Munthali. Parliament: Vice President W.K. Mutale Nalumango has been sworn in as an MP, with other lawmakers following suit to enable full participation in House business. Energy & Economy: Zambia’s cumulative installed solar PV capacity reached about 841 MW by end-July 2026, with net metering operating since July 2024. Sports & Talent Abroad: Zambia winger Edward Chilufya joins Israeli side Hapoel Jerusalem on loan for the season. International Relations: Hichilema and regional leaders sent condolences to Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan after the death of her husband, Hafidh Ameir Hassan.

National Unity & Leadership: President Hakainde Hichilema hosted Maggie Sapatu and Jeremiah Tembo at State House after their long journeys to his inauguration, urging Zambians to see themselves as partners in development. Public Finance: Government says it released K16.1bn in August for salaries, debt and social programmes, including K7.6bn for debt service and K4.1bn for the public service wage bill. Justice & Rights: The Human Rights Commission says at least 84 people remain detained after the August 13 elections beyond legal limits, while former Constitutional Court judge Ann Mwewa Sitali remains in custody. Church-State Tensions: Fr Mukosa says the Catholic Church will keep offering checks and balances, as UPND Lusaka chair Obvious Mwaliteta urges reconciliation with the President. Child Protection & Crime: Police in Ndola arrested a woman for allegedly burning her two children’s hands over relish; in Rufunsa, one died and three were injured in a bus crash involving pupils. Health & Education: Schools are ready to reopen for the new term on September 7, and a midwives feature highlights maternal survival challenges across Africa. Agriculture & Payments: Access Bank says it has paid over K2bn to 113,000 farmers via a digital platform with FRA.