AGP Executive Report

Election Logistics: Ballot papers keep landing in Lusaka as ECZ receives more consignments, with stakeholders saying the process is transparent and urging continued monitoring ahead of August 13. Public Service Accountability: Secretary to the Cabinet Patrick Kangwa tells senior civil servants to uphold professionalism, integrity and transparency as government pushes policy implementation. Cost of Living Watch: ZAMSTAT reports Zambia’s annual inflation stayed at 6.5% in July, with food inflation easing while non-food prices rose. Energy Update: Government says Zambia is moving toward power surplus as new generation projects are commissioned, including Kafue Gorge Lower. HIV Prevention in Defence: CIDRZ trains defence health leaders on lenacapavir injectable PrEP to strengthen HIV prevention for uniformed personnel. Sports—WAFCON: Zambia’s Copper Queens celebrate a 6-0 win over Egypt and now face Nigeria, with coach Nora Häuptle warning against complacency after Nigeria’s shock loss to Malawi. Court/Traditional Leadership: Three paramount chiefs oppose recognition of Chief Mukuni as Paramount Chief, asking to join the case. Agribusiness: ZADAC urges Zambians to invest in goat farming, promising seminars and goat auctions to boost quality breeding and market access.

Elections Countdown: Ballot papers for Zambia’s 13 August general election have started arriving in Lusaka from Dubai, with ECZ officials saying verification begins 1 August at the Silverest Warehouse in Chongwe. Health Care: Lusaka’s Cancer Diseases Hospital has restarted radiotherapy after a six-year pause, with a newly commissioned unit treating its first patient on Tuesday. Social Protection & Youth: UNZA students received a record K5,850 meal allowance and vowed to march to State House to thank President Hakainde Hichilema; meanwhile, opposition presidential hopeful Brian Mundubile promises to universalise Social Cash Transfers for all NRC holders. Sports (WAFCON): Zambia’s WAFCON campaign context is set by Nigeria’s shock 3-2 loss to Malawi, with the next Group C clash against Zambia looming. US Visa Update: The US says routine visa processing at its Abuja mission and 24 other African posts will end from 1 August, shifting services to regional hubs.

WAFCON Fallout: Nigeria’s Asisat Oshoala apologised after the Super Falcons’ shock 3-2 loss to debutants Malawi, calling it a “wake-up call” as the team heads into a must-win next match against Zambia. Copper Queens’ Statement Win: Zambia opened WAFCON in Morocco with a 6-0 thrashing of Egypt, with Barbra Banda scoring four as the Copper Queens top Group C ahead of the Nigeria clash. Commonwealth Games Update: Team Zambia’s Muzala Samukonga booked a spot in the men’s 400m semi-finals, while Zambia’s Edna Ng’andula was disqualified in the women’s 200m semis. Elections & Youth: The ECZ urged Western Province youth to take an active role in the August 2026 electoral process, including understanding reforms that boost representation for women, youths and persons with disabilities. US Visa Changes: The US will stop routine visa processing at its Abuja embassy and 24 other African missions from August 1, shifting services to regional hubs—Lusaka is among the affected posts. Industry & Jobs: Zambia’s manufacturing sector led ZDA actualised investments (US$7.33bn) and helped drive job creation, according to the Zambia Association of Manufacturers.

Commonwealth Games (Glasgow 2026): India’s boxing and weightlifting stars kept the spotlight on Tuesday as Preeti Pawar and Priya Ghanghas reached the semifinals, while Jadumani Singh booked his last-four spot after beating Zambia’s Mwale—meaning more medals are locked in for India. Zambia in sport: Zambia’s Catherine Mwape awaits Preeti in the semis after her own comeback win, while Zambia’s Mwale’s Commonwealth run ended in the quarterfinal. WAFCON 2026 (Morocco): Debutants Malawi stunned defending champions Nigeria 3-2, setting up a high-stakes Group C clash where Zambia’s Super Falcons face the challenge of bouncing back after their own opening win over Egypt. Elections (ECZ): The Electoral Commission of Zambia says the first ballot-paper consignment will arrive in Lusaka on Wednesday 29 July around 09:00hrs, with the final batch due Friday 31 July at the same time. Governance & integrity: Transparency International Zambia raised concerns over reports that some UPND members collected voters’ card numbers and NRC details in parts of Eastern and North-Western provinces, urging parties to respect voters’ freedom. Mining: Patriot Resources acquired a 90% interest in a copper licence in Zambia’s Copperbelt, close to First Quantum Minerals’ Fishtie project.

Election logistics: The ECZ says all ballot papers for Zambia’s August 13 polls will arrive “this week” despite flight changes, with another update promised on 28 July. Campaign tensions: UPND’s Mulambo Haimbe hit back at Makebi Zulu, saying the PF/Tonse alliance has “finally told Zambians the truth” about a return to the Lungu era, while President Hichilema warns voters against “exhuming” PF problems. Economy & debt: Investors are watching the election as a test of whether Zambia can keep stability and move beyond the debt crisis, with a new IMF programme and copper reforms key to growth. Mining & jobs: Zambia is pushing a Pan-African minerals and metals exchange to boost local value addition, as the country also restricts raw copper exports to deepen processing. Sports: Red Arrows secure a CAF Club license for the 2026-27 Confederation Cup, and Zambia’s boxers keep advancing at the Commonwealth Games.

Election Watch: EU election observers visit Muchinga Province to assess Zambia’s 2026 poll readiness, including the electoral environment and campaign conditions. Politics & Campaigns: As August 13 nears, debate heats up over Mundubile’s promises and alleged political violence, while miners dismiss his pledges on local content and jobs as already being delivered under HH. HIV Funding: A KFF-UNAIDS report says donor governments cut HIV treatment and prevention funding by 25% from 2024 to 2025, risking a resurgence. Economy & Investment: ZDA says US$19.07bn in investments have been actualised since 2021, with manufacturing and mining leading. Justice & Cyber: Police charge Lusaka social media personality Gezile Smith Mwale over alleged production of obscene material, as investigations continue. Sports (Zambia-linked): Zambia’s Copper Queens prepare for WAFCON in Morocco, while Nigeria’s Super Falcons open against Malawi with Zambia and Egypt also in Group C. Energy & Climate: ZESA says it is managing Kariba water and boosting Hwange thermal output to cushion potential El Niño disruptions.

WAFCON 2026 (Zambia): The Copper Queens open their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign on Tuesday against Egypt in Rabat, with coach Nora Häuptle insisting Zambia will be aggressive but won’t underestimate the North Africans. WAFCON 2026 (Malawi): Malawi’s debutants say they’re not treating the tournament as a “participation” trip, aiming for FIFA World Cup qualification after drawing defending champions Nigeria, plus Zambia and Egypt in a tough group. Elections (ECZ): The ECZ says ballot paper deliveries have been rescheduled after a flight change, with the first consignment now expected to land in Lusaka on Tuesday morning. Economy (Kwacha): Zambia’s Kwacha has strengthened, with analysts pointing to better agriculture output, higher copper exports, and tourism inflows alongside lower inflation. Investment (ZDA): ZDA reports US$19bn in actualised investments since 2021, citing investor confidence across mining, manufacturing and other sectors. Environment: Conservation groups report satellite tracking and reintroductions are boosting protection for Zambia’s threatened vultures and cheetahs in the Luangwa ecosystem.

Green Industrialisation: UN ECA says Southern Africa must strengthen institutions, skills and innovation to benefit from the green economy, warning against staying stuck as raw-material suppliers. WAFCON 2026 Spotlight: FIFA confirms WAFCON in Morocco will decide 2027 Women’s World Cup qualifiers, with all four semi-finalists earning spots and quarter-final losers getting a second chance via play-offs. Super Falcons Theft Fallout: Nigeria’s Super Falcons report cash stolen from hotel rooms in Casablanca; a suspect has reportedly confessed and restitution is expected, while players faced racist abuse online. Zambia Election Logistics: ECZ says the first ballot paper consignment delivery is rescheduled to Tuesday after air-operator changes, with a bigger plane arranged. HIV Prevention Funding Cuts: Zambia faces a lenacapavir shortage for PrEP, forcing rationing of initiations and limiting sites, as U.S. prevention funding declines. Politics & Campaign Promises: Brian Mundubile pledges a 30% civil service salary increment and fuel price cuts to K10 within 100 days, while PF calls for withdrawal of campaign videos using Edgar Lungu’s image. Traditional Leadership & Peace: Mwata Kazembe urges unity and warns against violence as Zambia heads to August 13 polls.

ECZ Ballot Papers: The Electoral Commission of Zambia says the first charter flight for August 13 ballot papers has been rescheduled, with a revised Dubai departure and a bigger plane carrying multiple consignments; it also says ballot verification is a critical step and will be secured at the Silverest Warehouse before verification, while Tonse Pamodzi and NRPUP demand emergency stakeholder clarity over arrival, storage and verification procedures. Election Campaign Tensions: NRPUP alleges ECZ secrecy and missing advance information on ballot handling, while Mundubile’s camp claims a mining house is funding UPND to “buy off” councillors; analysts also argue Mundubile’s chances hinge on a free and fair process. Hichilema Campaign Trail: President Hakainde Hichilema tells voters in Sinazongwe and Gwembe that roads, electricity, agriculture, mining and dams will continue, urging support for UPND in the Aug. 13 vote. Court Update: The High Court dismisses former Kabushi MP Bowman Lusambo’s bail pending appeal application. Sports & Health: Commonwealth Games boxing and WAFCON coverage continues, while Zambia’s HIV response progress is highlighted ahead of AIDS 2026 in Rio.

WAFCON 2026: Zambia’s Copper Queens are set to face Nigeria’s Super Falcons in Rabat on Tuesday as the tournament kicks off in Morocco (26 July–16 August), with Zambia in Group C alongside Nigeria, Egypt and Malawi. Team News: Nigeria’s camp has been rocked by fresh theft allegations—forward Esther Okoronkwo claims $700 was stolen from wallets at the Marriott Hotel in Casablanca, with other players also reporting missing cash. Elections & Governance: The Electoral Commission of Zambia says ballot papers for the 13 August polls will start arriving from Sunday (from Dubai via Lusaka), with verification set to begin Monday at the ECZ Silverest Warehouse. Politics & Security: The Tonse Pamodzi Alliance has issued police with a 24-hour ultimatum over alleged political violence ahead of the elections. Agriculture: FRA has pegged the 2026 maize buying price at K347 per 50kg and plans to open 1,749 satellite depots from 29 July, while farmers’ groups welcome the floor price but stress timely payments. Public Service: Lusaka and Muchinga officials urged civil servants to actively share government achievements reports with communities.

Elections & ECZ Logistics: The Electoral Commission of Zambia says it has completed printing 35,000,800 ballot papers for the 13 August polls, with the first consignment expected to land in Lusaka on Sunday (26 July) from Dubai via chartered flights, followed by stakeholder verification from 27 July. Political Tension on the Copperbelt: Police have charged 13 NRPUP supporters after an unauthorised Tonse Alliance roadshow in Ndola turned violent, while the Tonse Pamodzi Alliance also issued a 24-hour ultimatum to police over alleged political violence and accused officers of failing to protect its campaign team. Food Security & Prices: FRA set the 2026 maize floor price at K347 per 50kg bag and plans to open 1,749 satellite depots, with farmers’ groups welcoming the level but stressing timely payments. Agriculture Expansion: Government says it will expand irrigation development to 500,000 hectares by 2031 to reduce reliance on rain-fed farming. Mining Regulation: Zambia launched guidelines for mine closure plans to strengthen environmental safeguards and investor confidence. Sports & Zambia’s Presence: Zambia’s Kezias Mwale was elected ATU Secretary-General, and Chipolopolo forward Patson Daka marked his Hamburg debut with a goal and assist.

Election Logistics: The Electoral Commission of Zambia says the first batch of ballot papers for the 13 August general election will arrive in Lusaka on 26 July from Dubai, with verification starting 27 July at the ECZ Silverest Warehouse and party, civil society and media observers invited. Campaign Tensions: Opposition figures report alleged attacks on campaign teams on the Copperbelt, with NRPUP condemning a violent incident at Shelbourne Hotel and calling for an end to political violence ahead of polling day. ECZ Warnings: ECZ Chief Electoral Officer Brown Kasaro cautioned that violence could scare voters away and undermine confidence, saying the commission has intervened in hotspots and introduced a presidential timetable to reduce clashes. Inclusive Voting: ECZ opened a Lusaka workshop on inclusive electoral participation for persons with disabilities, stressing equal rights to register, access information and vote independently under the updated electoral framework. WAFCON Spotlight: Zambia’s ZNBC is among broadcasters set to air WAFCON 2026 in Morocco as the tournament kicks off this weekend, with Zambia and other contenders chasing World Cup qualification spots. Health & Research: JICA, Noguchi and WHO-backed training boosted infectious disease lab capacity for African health professionals, including Zambia.

Election Peace Watch: ECZ warns that political violence could scare voters and weaken confidence ahead of the August 13, 2026 polls, noting police interventions and campaign suspensions where incidents occurred. Inclusive Voting: ECZ also opened a Lusaka workshop on inclusive electoral participation for persons with disabilities, stressing equal rights to register, access information, vote independently and in secrecy under the new MMPR system. Campaign Tensions: Opposition figure Brian Mundubela questioned the ruling party’s peace message after alleged attacks on his team in Kitwe, while UPND supporters and Mundubile’s camp traded accusations over alleged violence and vandalism. Food Security Push: FRA set the 2026 maize buying price at K347 per 50kg bag and rice at K300 per 40kg, promising digital payments within three days and depot openings from 29 July. Infrastructure & Jobs Pitch: President Hichilema renewed pledges for a Lusaka–Livingstone dual carriageway, plus a Mazabuka hospital upgrade and skills training if re-elected. Sports (WAFCON): Zambia’s Copper Queens arrived in Rabat for WAFCON 2026, grouped with Nigeria, Egypt and Malawi, with the top four set to qualify for the 2027 World Cup.

Election Campaign Tensions: President Hakainde Hichilema’s Southern Province tour drew huge crowds in Chirundu, Siavonga, Chikankata and Mazabuka, where he promised continued free education, school feeding, restored meal allowances, and more teachers and health workers, while also intensifying attacks on opposition figures. Anti-Corruption Questions: SANAC has challenged Brian Mundubile to answer four questions over road contracts worth over K1.5 billion, demanding details on declared interests, payments, completed kilometres and independent verification. Legal/ECZ Updates: Liberal Democratic Party presidential candidate Xavier Chungu has withdrawn from the 13 August race and endorsed Brian Mundubile, citing detention that blocked active campaigning. Political Backlash: Gary Nkombo has rejected Hichilema’s allegations linking him to Mundubile, saying he is contesting as an independent under Zambia’s constitution and urging supporters to stay focused. Public Health: Zambia launched a cholera community protection pilot with WHO support to strengthen surveillance, early detection and coordination at community and district levels. Weather Advisory: Zambia Meteorological Department warned of strong winds, colder temperatures and dusty conditions from 28 July to 3 August, urging caution for travel and water transport.

Health Survey: WHO and Zambia’s Ministry of Health will run a nationwide study on access to mental health and neurological medicines, focusing on affordability, availability and delivery gaps in six provinces. Agriculture Modernisation: Government is rolling out the Mulimi360 e-extension platform to give farmers timely, reliable advice and boost climate resilience. Chirundu Hospital Plan: President Hichilema says an ultra-modern district hospital will be built in Chirundu, alongside recruitment of volunteer health workers and upgrades to roads and the border area. Election Watch: The EU Election Observation Mission praises Zambia’s democratic environment and the strong participation of independent candidates ahead of August 13, while SADC also announces an observer mission. Cyber & Media Rights: Amnesty International condemns the detention of a ZNBC journalist under Zambia’s Cyber Crimes Act, warning it could chill investigative reporting. Politics & Campaign Fire: NRPUP candidate Brian Mundubile accuses UPND officials of looting through a ZNS-linked company, as the campaign battle intensifies. WAFCON Focus: Zambia captain Barbra Banda says she is learning from Marta as the Copper Queens push for success at WAFCON 2026 in Morocco. Online Scandal: Police investigate influencer Gezile Smith Mwale over alleged obscene video circulation, renewing debate on privacy and consent.

Road Infrastructure: President Hakainde Hichilema says the Lusaka–Ndola Dual Carriageway is progressing well under a Public-Private Partnership, adding that no Treasury funds are going into the project and urging voters to back the UPND for completion. Election Politics: Opposition presidential candidate Brian Mundubile has unveiled the “Chitambo Declaration” on restoring Zambia’s Christian values, while the campaign remains heated with claims and counter-claims involving Mundubile and other political figures. Mining & Governance: A Global Witness report is drawing attention after Dr Grieve Chelwa warned it raises troubling questions about First Quantum Minerals’ influence and tax concessions linked to state capture. Immigration Enforcement: Zambia Revenue Authority intercepted seven Somali nationals hidden under bags of rice in a vehicle bound for Zimbabwe, handing them to immigration for processing. Women’s Football: CAF has increased WAFCON 2026 prize money, with Zambia’s Copper Queens set to receive $150,000 for participation as the tournament in Morocco approaches. Sports Transfers: ZESCO United is reported to be close to signing goalkeeper Patrick Chooma from Leopards FC after hijacking ZANACO’s pursuit.