AGP Executive Report

UN Diplomacy: Zambia won a seat on the UN Human Rights Council for 2027–2029 with 177 votes. President Hakainde Hichilema says the country will use its membership to promote human rights at home. Electoral Dispute: The ECZ says it was legally required to reallocate vacant proportional-representation seats after NRPUP failed to submit a complete list within the deadline, rejecting claims of political bias. Justice and Public Order: The Law Association of Zambia condemned violence at the Supreme Court and called for those responsible to be arrested and prosecuted. Health: Zambia and the US signed a five-year health cooperation agreement covering HIV, tuberculosis, malaria, maternal and child health, and disease surveillance; the deal is no longer tied to critical-minerals talks. The Health Ministry is also redeploying 123 headquarters officers. Mining: ZCCM-IH and IRH reaffirmed a US$1.1 billion commitment to Mopani Copper Mines, which is targeting annual production of 300,000 tonnes by 2029. Sport: The Copper Queens advanced in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic qualifiers, beating Uganda 4–1 in Ndola to win 5–3 on aggregate.

Diplomacy: Zambia won a seat on the UN Human Rights Council for 2027–2029 with 177 votes, the highest tally among this year’s successful candidates. President Hakainde Hichilema called the result a responsibility; rights groups, meanwhile, criticised the uncontested election of all 15 members. Health: Zambia and the United States signed a five-year health cooperation pact covering HIV, TB, malaria, maternal and child care, and disease surveillance. Lusaka says the agreement is no longer linked to critical-minerals talks. Separately, the Health Ministry is redeploying 123 headquarters staff and reviewing qualifications across its 403 approved posts. Courts and politics: Security has been stepped up at the Supreme Court after former PF secretary-general Davies Mwila was assaulted on court premises. Chief Justice Mumba Malila says the incident is under investigation. A Lusaka magistrate also issued a bench warrant for former MP Binwell Mpundu after repeated absences in a sedition case. Economy and sport: Business groups say Moody’s improved outlook for Zambia’s debt could encourage investment. Zambia opened its Futsal Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a 3–1 win over Libya.

UN Role: Zambia won a seat on the UN Human Rights Council for 2027–2029, with 177 votes. The election was uncontested, drawing criticism from rights groups who say such votes weaken accountability. Health Services: The Ministry of Health is moving 123 headquarters staff back to their substantive stations and reviewing whether staff have the qualifications required for their current roles. Political Case: A Solwezi magistrate ruled that the sedition case against Brian Mundubile and Makebi Zulu belongs in the Lusaka High Court, where proceedings will continue. Football: The Copper Queens beat Uganda 4–1 in Ndola, advancing to the next round of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic qualifiers with a 5–3 aggregate win. Economy: Moody’s projects Zambia will record sub-Saharan Africa’s biggest debt reduction, while the country pursues a new $1.47 billion IMF programme.

Diplomacy: Zambia won a seat on the UN Human Rights Council for 2027–2029, with the government saying it will champion human rights and international cooperation. Politics and Courts: A Solwezi magistrate ruled she lacked jurisdiction in the sedition case against Brian Mundubile and Makebi Zulu, sending it to the Lusaka High Court. Political Violence: Former PF secretary-general Davies Mwila says he was attacked outside the Supreme Court and has given those responsible 30 days to apologise; the incident has renewed concerns about political intolerance. Health: Zambia has been removed from the WHO’s health workforce safeguards list after hiring more than 18,000 health workers since 2021. Economy: The Economics Association of Zambia welcomed the proposed $1.47 billion IMF facility as support for stability and investment, though debt costs remain high. Football: The Copper Queens were drawing 0–0 with Uganda in the live Olympic qualifier, trailing 2–1 on aggregate.

Health: Zambia has been removed from the WHO’s health workforce safeguards list after revised criteria and years of recruitment. The change could open more overseas opportunities for medical workers, though staffing shortages remain a concern. Medicines Supply: ZAMMSA has begun recruiting for eight senior posts after the government dismissed the agency’s workforce over long-running problems and audit findings. Mining Revenue: ZCCM-IH paid K183 million in dividends, including K110 million to the IDC and K27 million to NAPSA, marking its 11th straight annual payout. Power Supply: Kariba’s usable water storage has fallen to 37.21%, raising fresh concerns about electricity generation, although levels remain well above last year’s crisis low. Economy: Zambia has reached a staff-level agreement with the IMF for a new $1.47 billion programme. The Zambia Association of Manufacturers is urging the government to swiftly implement reforms aimed at lowering business costs and boosting production.

Public Finance: Zambia released K14.6 billion in September for public services, debt payments and social protection; K5.4 billion went to debt. Moody’s says Zambia is poised for the biggest debt reduction in sub-Saharan Africa, as the country advances a new $1.47 billion IMF programme. Poverty: A UN index records more people in multidimensional poverty worldwide for the first time since 2010. Zambia’s poverty rate has declined, but population growth means the number affected has risen. Mining: State-owned ZCCM-IH paid shareholders K183 million in dividends, its 11th consecutive annual payout. Politics: The ECZ rejected claims of manipulation over proportional-representation seats, saying the NRPUP submitted fewer names than its allocation. Sport: Zambia opened its Futsal AFCON campaign against Libya in Morocco, while the Copper Queens prepare to face Uganda in a decisive Olympic qualifier in Ndola. Climate and health: Health Minister Roma Chilengi urged planners to factor possible El Niño floods and droughts into 2027 preparations, including disease surveillance.

Election Oversight: The Electoral Commission says NRPUP lost some proportional-representation seats after submitting fewer names than allocated, and that the vacant seats were reassigned under the law. IMF Deal: Zambia has reached a staff-level agreement for a US$1.47 billion, three-year IMF programme, pending board approval. The proposed reforms include higher revenue collection and spending restraint, while officials warn next year’s Constituency Development Fund allocation may be lower. Parliament and Democracy: British High Commissioner Rebecca Terzeon urged that opposition MPs be able to scrutinise the Executive and called for electoral observer recommendations to be taken seriously. Public Services: Government says it released K14.6 billion in September, including K5.4 billion for wages, K5.4 billion for debt and arrears, and K435.8 million for social cash transfers. Football and Politics: Government and FAZ have condemned political chants at Nkana Stadium, warning that stadia should remain safe, non-partisan spaces.

Public Finances: Treasury released K14.6 billion in September for wages, debt, social support and development. Finance Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane says next year’s CDF allocation will be lower as revenue tightens. Zambia has also reached a staff-level agreement with the IMF for a three-year, $1.47 billion programme. Health: Zambia and the US signed a five-year partnership with about $1.5 billion in US funding after revisions addressed concerns over data sharing. Politics: The ECZ rejects claims it manipulated proportional-representation seats, saying a party failed to submit its list on time. Government denies torture allegations by Brian Mundubile, Makebi Zulu and 16 others; the case remains before the courts. Public Safety: Government condemned political chants at Nkana Stadium, while Lusaka Council steps up drain clearing to reduce flooding and cholera risks. Football: The Copper Queens host Uganda on Tuesday, needing to overturn a 2-1 deficit to keep their LA 2028 Olympic hopes alive.

US Health Partnership: Zambia and the United States have signed a five-year health agreement, with Washington committing about $1.5 billion. Officials say the deal protects patient privacy and excludes the disputed data- and specimen-sharing terms. IMF Deal: Zambia has reached a staff-level agreement for a new $1.47 billion, three-year programme. Civil society groups warn debt repayments must not squeeze household support, jobs and essential services. Parliament and Policy: President Hakainde Hichilema has set out the Grow Zambia agenda and ordered government institutions to switch to electric vehicles, prompting questions about the cost. By-Elections: The Electoral Commission has urged Mandevu candidates to follow the campaign timetable and avoid campaigning in one another’s assigned areas. Olympic Qualifier: Copper Queens forward Racheal Kundananji says Zambia can overturn a 2-1 first-leg loss to Uganda in Tuesday’s home match and keep their LA 2028 hopes alive.

IMF Programme: Zambia reached a staff-level agreement on a three-year, $1.47 billion IMF facility, subject to board approval. The programme aims to support growth and debt sustainability while protecting priority social spending. Health Partnership: Zambia and the US signed a five-year health pact worth up to $2.49 billion after removing data- and specimen-sharing clauses. Health workers’ representatives say recruitment plans should prioritise staff already in the system. Grow Zambia Agenda: Opening Parliament, President Hakainde Hichilema set a goal of doubling the economy in five years, with targets for agriculture, mining, energy and tourism. He also ordered government institutions to switch to electric vehicles, prompting questions about the cost. By-Elections: The Electoral Commission says NRPUP chose not to contest the November 5 polls and asked it not to accept the party’s nomination papers, rejecting claims of collusion. Reconciliation and Poverty: Opposition figures say national unity is difficult while leaders remain detained, while the Civil Society for Poverty Reduction urges the government to ensure the new IMF programme improves household incomes and protects social services.

IMF Programme: Zambia and the IMF have reached a staff-level agreement on a new 36-month, US$1.47 billion programme, pending Executive Board approval. The deal is intended to support budget needs, debt sustainability and private-sector growth; the economy is forecast to expand by 5.6% this year. Grow Zambia Agenda: Opening the new Parliament, President Hakainde Hichilema set five-year targets including 10 million tonnes of maize, 10,000 megawatts of power and five million tourist arrivals. Government institutions will also shift to electric vehicles. US Health Pact: Zambia has signed a five-year health partnership with the US, valued at US$2.49 billion, after removing patient-data and specimen-sharing provisions. Zambia is to contribute US$975 million, with the US providing US$1.5 billion. Public Holiday Change: Government says October 18 will no longer be a public holiday after the National Day of Prayer was merged with the Christian Heritage commemoration on December 29. Heroes Stadium Arrests: Police arrested 11 people after a crowd gathered in Lusaka over misleading social media claims of a cash giveaway.

Parliament and Priorities: President Hakainde Hichilema opened Zambia’s new National Assembly, pledging to grow the economy and raise living standards. His targets include 10 million tonnes of maize, 10,000 megawatts of power and 3 million tonnes of copper a year. US Health Pact: Zambia and the United States signed a five-year partnership worth $2.49 billion, combining $1.52 billion in planned US support with $975 million in Zambian spending. The government says provisions requiring the sharing of medical specimens were removed; talks on a separate minerals framework continue. Police and Public Order: Police arrested 11 people after crowds gathered in Lusaka expecting cash handouts promoted by former MP Emmanuel Jay Banda, who said he would distribute $6 million.

Health Partnership: Zambia and the United States signed a five-year, $2.49 billion health deal, with Washington planning $1.52 billion in support and Lusaka committing $975 million. The disputed patient-data and specimen-sharing clauses were dropped; Zambia says health funding is separate from minerals negotiations. National Observance: Church bodies and government merged the annual prayer observance with the Christian Nation commemoration, setting December 29 as the National Day of Prayer and Christian Heritage. Energy: President Hakainde Hichilema says solar capacity has reached 1,027MW, surpassing the 2026 target, as total installed generation capacity rises to 4,722MW. Public Health: Zambia’s cholera death toll has risen to 16, with authorities reporting new suspected cases. Economy: The World Bank has upgraded Zambia’s growth outlook, while warning that stronger growth has yet to translate into enough jobs and higher incomes. Football: Zambia forward Racheal Kundananji has joined Chicago Stars in a reported $700,000 deal.

US Health Pact: Zambia and the United States signed a five-year, $2.49 billion health agreement after dropping clauses on sharing patient data and specimens. The US will contribute $1.52 billion and Zambia $975 million; the deal targets recruitment of 40,000 health workers. Foreign Minister Mulambo Haimbe says separate talks on critical minerals are continuing. Cholera: Zambia has recorded 604 suspected cases, 126 confirmed infections and 16 deaths, with 31 new suspected cases and one death in the latest 24 hours. Energy: President Hakainde Hichilema says solar capacity has topped 1,000MW, reaching 1,027MW, while total installed power capacity stands at 4,722MW. Economy: Hichilema has met an IMF team to discuss a successor programme, saying it should support the Grow Zambia Agenda. Moody’s has also given Zambia a positive outlook, alongside seven other sub-Saharan African countries. Politics: Calls to remove presidential term limits have resurfaced, with supporters arguing longer tenure would help maintain development plans. Football: The Copper Queens must overturn a 2-1 first-leg deficit against Uganda in next week’s Olympic qualifier in Ndola.

Public Health: Zambia’s renewed cholera outbreak has killed 15 people; the Health Ministry reported 63 new cases, with 115 confirmed since the outbreak began. U.S. Health Pact: Zambia has signed a health agreement with the United States after dropping clauses on sharing patient data and biological samples. Opposition leader Fred M’membe says the full deal should be published and argues the changes do not end aid dependence. Mining Pollution: The government is investigating a chemical spill allegedly linked to Konkola Copper Mines near Chingola. Residents reported discoloured water and dead fish in the Kafue River; tests found elevated readings downstream. Economy and Energy: The World Bank upgraded Zambia’s growth outlook but warned that high debt-servicing costs could constrain spending. Installed power capacity has risen to 4,722 megawatts, while a planned Zambia–DRC interconnector could open new electricity export opportunities. By-Elections: UPND has selected Adrian Banda and the Tonse Pamodzi Alliance Jean Kapata for the November 5 Mandevu parliamentary poll.

US Health Pact: Zambia is set to sign a five-year, US$3.6 billion health agreement after dropping clauses on sharing patient data and biological samples. The US will contribute US$1.516 billion, with Zambia providing the rest. By-elections: Jean Kapata will contest Mandevu for the Tonse Pamodzi Alliance against UPND candidate Adrian Banda in the November 5 poll. In Lumezi North, only NRPUP can nominate a replacement after its candidate died. Power and Mining: A $300 million agreement will advance a 200-kilometre power line linking Kalumbila and Kolwezi, opening new electricity export opportunities for Zambia. ZCCM-IH has also approved a $498 million KCM plant to recover copper from mine tailings. Economy: The World Bank raised its 2026 sub-Saharan Africa growth forecast to 4.3%, citing stronger demand and resilience, but warned that poverty and job creation remain major challenges. Health: Zambia recorded 11 new cholera cases and one death, renewing calls for vigilance. Football: Captain Barbra Banda says the Copper Queens are targeting victory against Uganda in Thursday’s Olympic qualifier in Kampala.