AGP Executive Report

Police & Elections: Zambia Police dismissed social media claims linking Chawama OIC Francis Mulundu’s transfer to recent violence, saying the reports are false and part of routine postings. Campaign Tensions: Separate reports say five people were arrested after clashes between Tonse Pamodzi Alliance and UPND supporters in Chawama left injuries and damage, with investigations ongoing. ConCourt Politics: UPND SG Batuke Imenda and President Hichilema asked the Constitutional Court to dismiss a petition challenging Hichilema’s eligibility for the August 13 polls. UPND Internal Fallout: UPND says Gary Nkombo is no longer a party member after filing as an independent, warning against burning party regalia. NAPSA Reform: An explainer breaks down NAPSA’s biggest shake-up in 30 years, including more flexible access to pension savings and higher minimum payouts. Sports (Zambia): Copper Queens beat Kenya on penalties after a 1-1 draw to reach the Four Nations final; Mighty Warriors set up a derby final against Zambia after beating Lesotho 3-1. Athletics: Zakithi Nene wins Stockholm Diamond League 400m; Sinesipho Dambile takes silver in the 200m. Business/Tech: Energia appoints Tai Oshisanya as independent non-executive director; Zambia’s sports stadium is poised for CAF clearance.

Election Courtroom Drama: UPND SG Batuke Imenda and President Hakainde Hichilema asked the Constitutional Court to dismiss a petition challenging HH’s August candidature, calling it an abuse of process. Running Mate Qualifications: ECZ told the court that Socialist Party candidate Fred M’membe’s running mate Dolika Banda lacks a Grade 12 equivalent because her O-Level certificate reportedly has no English, with AG Mulilo Kabesha urging invalidation. Party Fallout in Mazabuka: UPND says Gary Nkombo is no longer a member after resigning late and filing as an independent; the party also warns against a planned regalia-burning event. Traditional Affairs: Ngoni leaders say Paramount Chief Mpezeni IV will be buried at Ephendukeni Kraal, not the Feni royal grave site, citing custom. Sports—Women’s Football: Zambia’s Copper Queens beat Kenya 4-1 on penalties to reach the Four Nations final against Zimbabwe, while Zimbabwe’s Mighty Warriors also booked the final after a 3-1 win over Lesotho. Social Policy—NAPSA: An explainer outlines NAPSA’s biggest shake-up in 30 years, including new flexibility for accessing part of pension benefits and higher minimum payouts.

Election Politics: NRPUP presidential candidate Brian Mundubile stepped up outreach in Lusaka, telling aspiring candidates from Southern Province that Zambia’s biggest fight is against political, regional and tribal division as he pushes a “national movement” for unity. Party Discipline: UPND secretary general Batuke Imenda ordered Mazabuka members to disassociate from independent candidate Gary Nkombo, alleging he plans to publicly burn UPND regalia and warning it is a criminal offence. Court Challenge: The Constitutional Court is hearing a petition over Socialist Party running mate Dolika Banda’s qualifications, with ECZ arguing her O-Level certificate lacks English Language required for Grade 12 equivalence, while the Attorney-General urges invalidation of her nomination. Sports—Women’s Football: Zambia’s Copper Queens reached the Four Nations final in Ndola after beating Kenya on penalties, and will face Zimbabwe after the earlier Zimbabwe- Lesotho win. Governance & Social Policy: Government released additional Constituency Development Fund money—bringing 2026 disbursements to K2.2 billion—and President Hichilema signed free education and pension reforms into law.

Free Education Push: President Hakainde Hichilema signed the Free Education and Pension Bills into law, locking in free schooling for millions and building on the return of 2.6 million learners since 2021, with school feeding also expanded. Local Development Funding: Government released an extra K500 million for the Constituency Development Fund, taking 2026 disbursements to K2.2 billion, with projects already approved across all 116 local authorities. Election Court Drama: The Constitutional Court is hearing a challenge to Socialist Party running mate Dolika Banda’s nomination over alleged Grade 12 qualification and equivalence requirements. Political Realignment: PF faction leader Miles Sampa endorsed Hichilema for August, citing achievements including free education and pension reforms. Traditional Leadership & Unity: As Zambia mourns Paramount Chief Mpezeni, leaders urged citizens to stay united and avoid division. Sports—LA28 Road: Zambia is set to host Zone VI volleyball qualifiers in Harare next week, with Zambia among the teams chasing LA28 qualification.

Tourism & Jobs: President Hakainde Hichilema used the official opening of ZATEX 2026 to stress tourism as a key driver of diversification, employment and community empowerment, targeting 2.5 million visitors and $1bn in revenue while pushing road upgrades to major parks and a “Visit Zambia” push. Health Access: Hope Walks Zambia marked World Clubfoot Day in Lusaka, saying about 808 babies are born with clubfoot each year and only around 40% get treatment, urging early diagnosis and the Ponseti method. Election Prep: The ECZ launched a nationwide recruitment drive for 89,370 poll staff ahead of the 13 August 2026 general election, with clear eligibility and duties for polling day. Regional Cooperation: Zambia and Zimbabwe began a pilot on Lake Kariba to install floating buoys marking their boundary, aiming to cut arrests and vessel seizures caused by unclear borders. Politics: PF faction leader Miles Sampa endorsed President Hichilema and said PF is withdrawing from the August 2026 election. Tech & Infrastructure: Smart Hands Africa was appointed an authorised Supermicro services partner across multiple African markets including Zambia.

Free Education & Pensions: President Hakainde Hichilema has assented to five Bills into law, including education and pension reforms, with labour and education unions welcoming the changes as a major boost to social protection and learning. Electoral Court Battle: The ECZ told the Constitutional Court it received concerns from the Examinations Council about Socialist Party running mate Dolika Banda’s Grade 12 qualifications, but says the nomination process had already been completed. Tonse Alliance Dispute: ZRA has denied impounding Tonse Alliance campaign materials, calling the claims false after investigations. Ngoni Paramount Chief Mpezeni IV: Zambia declared June 9 a national day of mourning as President Hichilema granted an official funeral for Mpezeni IV, whose remains are being taken for final farewell. Copper & Power Moves: Zambia extended the copper concentrate export tax waiver to September 30 to ease smelter maintenance bottlenecks, while ZCCM-IH agreed a deal to build a 600MW coal plant with a Chinese firm to tackle power shortages. SADC Energy Transition: SADC launched a five-year initiative in Lusaka to build sustainable energy transition mineral value chains, aiming to keep more value and jobs in the region. Sports: Zimbabwe’s Mighty Warriors see Zambia’s Four Nations Tournament as key preparation for Olympic qualifiers, with captain Emmaculate Msipa returning to camp.

Nuclear & Radiation Safety: Senior health officials from nine African countries met in Nairobi to strengthen safeguards for nuclear and radiation use in healthcare, with Kenya’s regulator and the IAEA pushing for shared action plans. Free Education & Pensions: President Hakainde Hichilema signed five Bills into law, including Free Education and major pension reforms aimed at raising minimum pensions and boosting benefits for NAPSA members and retirees. Environment & Green Growth: ZEMA approved 103 development projects, including 300MW solar, recycling plants in Lusaka and Kalumbila, and upgrades to the Chipata–Chadiza road ahead of World Environment Day. Copper & Mining Finance: Vedanta seeks a New York listing to fund Zambia’s copper expansion, while Barrick and First Quantum highlight continued investment plans on the Copperbelt. Power Resilience: ZESCO warned of possible disruptions linked to El Niño and urged citizens to adopt backup solar and net metering. Electoral Court Date: Zambia’s Constitutional Court set June 19 for a petition challenging President Hichilema’s candidature. Traditional Leadership: Paramount Chief Mpezeni’s body arrived in Chipata for public mourning ahead of burial. Tax Claims Denied: ZRA dismissed social media allegations that it impounded Tonse Pamodzi Alliance trucks, saying investigations found the claims false.

Education & Pensions Reform: President Hakainde Hichilema is set to sign five bills into law today, locking in free education as a legal right and boosting pension benefits, including raising the minimum monthly pension from K1,861 to K2,327 and improving NAPSA savings for about 1.2 million members. Kwacha Watch: The kwacha has strengthened further, trading in the K17.9 range per US dollar as copper, harvest gains and debt management support foreign exchange inflows. Copper Policy: Zambia has extended the 10% export duty waiver on copper concentrates to September 30 to ease stockpiles while smelters remain under maintenance. Court Timeline: The Constitutional Court set June 19 for a petition challenging Hichilema’s candidature over claims of an invalid UPND convention. Traditional Leadership: Zambia mourns Paramount Chief Mpezeni IV, with his body expected to arrive in Chipata as the Ngoni Royal Establishment urges the public to ignore misleading social media claims on funeral and succession. Public Order & Media: Government warned against sharing a fake AI video allegedly showing Edgar Lungu’s post-mortem, saying it could inflame tensions ahead of August elections. Agriculture Outlook: ATPSUZ expects a bumper 2025/26 maize harvest of about five million metric tonnes, a boost for food security and growth. Business & Trade: DHL launched a humanitarian logistics academy across Sub-Saharan Africa to speed up aid delivery, while Zambia’s agriculture machinery sector gets a boost as Serbian firm FPM Agromehanika plans a Lusaka plant.

Traditional Leadership & National Unity: Tributes poured in for late Paramount Chief Mpezeni IV, described by traditional leaders and President Hichilema as a unifying custodian of Ngoni culture who promoted peace and development. Economy & Currency: The kwacha strengthened further to K17.9 per US dollar, with Bank of Zambia pointing to improved foreign exchange inflows, led by mining and foreign financial institutions. Education & Pensions: President Hichilema will sign free education and pension reform laws tomorrow, including higher minimum pensions and improved NAPSA benefits. Politics & Courts: The Constitutional Court set June 19 to hear a petition challenging ECZ acceptance of Hichilema’s nomination. Elections & Campaigns: UPPZ endorsed Hichilema for August elections, while Tonse Alliance postponed Copperbelt rallies out of respect for Mpezeni’s death. Mining & Trade: Zambia extended a 10% duty suspension on copper concentrate exports to September 30 to clear smelter stockpiles. Public Health: Isoka launched a second round of nOPV2 polio vaccination, targeting under-fives after detection of cVDPV2 in Lusaka’s sewer system. Safety & Security: Police in North-Western Province warned of firm action against political violence ahead of elections. Sports: Zambia’s presence is confirmed in Rugby Africa Sevens in Mauritius, while Nigeria and Senegal friendlies continue to shape Super Falcons preparations.

Aquaculture Support: AquaCulture Pro launched a free FCR and harvest projection calculator for small pond farmers, with a Zambia case showing how knowing feed conversion can expose costly inefficiencies. Election Focus: Campaign messaging is sharpening around jobs, service delivery and economic recovery as Zambia heads to August 13, while two parliamentary candidates withdrew from the race. Legal Tensions: Former intelligence chief Xavier Chungu was slapped with 11 counts and is seeking bail, as rights groups argue detention is dragging on past expected timelines. Traditional Leadership: Ngoni Paramount Chief Mpezeni’s burial arrangements are underway, with the royal establishment suspending political activities during mourning. Critical Minerals & Trade: UN ECA launched a €15m SADC project to strengthen responsible critical minerals value chains, aiming to move countries from extraction to value addition. Sports & Youth: Harambee Starlets gear up for a Four Nations tournament in Lusaka ahead of WAFCON, and Zambia’s junior swimmers are set for regional competition. Business & Finance: Ecobank issued a Nature Bond on the London Stock Exchange to fund biodiversity protection, while MTN announced leadership changes including a new Group Chief People & Culture Officer.

China-Africa People-to-People: A viral “Song of Chambishi” highlights how a Sino-Zambian mining venture is shaping local jobs and culture. Humanitarian Support: A 26th Chinese medical team donated supplies and offered free care to refugees at Lusaka’s Makeni Transit Centre with UNHCR ahead of World Refugee Day. Election Justice Clash: Former spy chief Xavier Chungu faces 11 counts after detention, while rights groups and campaigners demand he be taken to court and seek bail, arguing delays are harming his August 13 campaign. Court Watch: The Constitutional Court set June 17 for the M’membe eligibility petition hearing. Local Governance & Services: UNZA sanitation will not slip back, as Cabinet Secretary Patrick Kangwa says sewer and water works are being protected with maintenance plans. Economy & Jobs: PwC says Zambia’s planned Eurobond buyback is a key step to cut debt costs; meanwhile FPM Agro Mechanic is setting up an assembly plant in Lusaka South to boost farm equipment supply. Politics & Alliances: UPP joins the UPND alliance; NCP endorses Hichilema. Disaster Risk: Zambia calls for stronger regional data-sharing and collaboration on disaster risk management. Sports: 410 swimmers from Zambia, Kenya and Tanzania head to the Tanzania National Junior Championship in Dar es Salaam.

Debt & Finance: Zambia has begun buying back US$1.3bn (about US$1.36bn) in Eurobonds, a move aimed at lowering debt costs and improving fiscal sustainability. Elections & Youth Politics: UPND youth leader Gilbert Liswaniso says there’s “no election hype” because people are broke, while UPND also signals plans to recruit over 40,000 health workers in its second term. Health & Schools: Education Minister Torerai Moyo calls HIV, early/unintended pregnancies, gender-based violence and substance abuse among learners a national crisis needing urgent action. Land Administration: The National Land Titling Programme issued 8,200+ offer letters in Q1 2026 and processed 2,500 title deeds, with more offer letters set for Kabwe. Traditional Leadership: Zambia and the region mourn Paramount Chief Mpezeni IV, with Ngoni leaders urging calm as succession is expected to be dispute-free. Sports: Zambia’s teams head to Zimbabwe for the Zone VI Nations Championship, while Temwa Chawinga defends missing Malawi friendlies, insisting she chose honesty.

UPP-Alliance Move: United Progressive People leader Saviour Chishimba says his party has joined the UPND Alliance, arguing it’s about “continuity with progress” rather than opposing for opposition’s sake. Health Workforce Push: UPND says it plans to recruit over 40,000 health workers in its second term, building on 23,560 already hired in five years. Voter Education: ECZ launches the “Count Me In” campaign to boost participation ahead of the 2026 elections, with special focus on women, youths, first-time voters and people with disabilities. Land Formalisation: National Land Titling Programme reports 8,200 offer letters issued in Q1 2026 and 2,500 title deeds processed, with more offer letters set for Kabwe. Ngoni Succession Calm: Ngoni Royal Establishment rejects claims that Paramount Chief Mpezeni IV was killed, while senior advisor George Zulu says no disputes are expected in the succession process. Sports—Copper Queens: Zambia’s Copper Queens are set for a FIFA Window Four Nations Tournament in Ndola, facing Kenya on 6 June. Digital Payments: Flutterwave says it has processed over 1 billion transactions and moved more than $40bn in payment value, citing new licences including Zambia.

Debt Management: Zambia has launched a tender offer to buy back part of its long-term Eurobond, targeting the 2053 maturity, as officials say it will cut future debt pressure and free space for infrastructure and other development priorities. Traditional Leadership: Paramount Chief Mpezeni IV’s death has sparked rare political calm, with tributes crossing party lines and leaders urging campaigns to stay away from funeral proceedings. Elections & Governance: Advocates for National Development and Democracy (ANDD) urged all parties to publish election manifestos urgently, warning that voters can’t hold leaders to account without written policy plans. Police & Campaign Conduct: Zambia Police urged political parties to campaign lawfully and respect neutrality, promising equal security coverage and safeguards for media during the election period. Public Health: Eastern Province officials called for stronger action against tobacco and nicotine, highlighting risks to women and children and the need for youth-focused awareness and regulation. Football (U-17): Zambia’s Copper Princesses are two matches from the 2026 U-17 Women’s World Cup after a 2-0 win over DR Congo to complete a 7-0 aggregate, setting up a final qualifier against Ethiopia. Women’s Football (Senegal friendlies): Nigeria’s Super Falcons named a 23-player squad for friendlies against Senegal, with captain Rasheedat Ajibade, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie and Asisat Oshoala among those recalled.

Ngoni Leadership: Zambia mourns Paramount Chief Mpezeni IV, whose death ends a 44-year reign; mourners gathered at Ephendukeni Palace as President Hichilema led tributes, calling him a unifying custodian of Ngoni culture. Politics & Elections: Former PF health minister Dr. Chitalu Chilufya quits the Patriotic Front and will contest Mansa West as an independent, deepening PF faction questions ahead of August polls. Media & Regulation: The IBA says it has not banned political campaign songs, only issued election-content guidance to broadcasters to avoid hatred and inflammatory messaging. Justice & Public Awareness: Attorney General Mulilo Kabesha urges Zambians to write wills to prevent costly family legal battles, as a Lusaka legal clinic offers free services. Cybercrime: Lusaka police arrest 22-year-old Rebecca Mulenga (Metisha Mulenga) over viral obscene videos, with charges pending under the 2025 Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Act. Sports (Youth): Zambia’s Copper Princesses book a spot two wins from the 2026 U-17 Women’s World Cup after a 2-0 win over DR Congo, setting up a final qualifier against Ethiopia. Health (Regional Risk): Africa CDC reports suspected Ebola cases in DR Congo surpass 1,000, with Zambia listed among high-risk countries.

Traditional Leadership & National Mourning: President Hakainde Hichilema has confirmed the death of Paramount Chief Mpezeni IV of the Ngoni people, describing him as a unifying patriot and custodian of culture; condolences poured in from political leaders and the Ngoni Royal Establishment as funeral arrangements are awaited. Public Health: Zambia says two suspected Ebola cases have tested negative after laboratory tests, even as the DRC reports suspected cases rising to 1,028 and Zambia maintains heightened screening at entry points. Economy & Debt Management: Zambia has launched a cash tender offer to repurchase its $1.36bn 2053 bond, offering $780 per $1,000 tendered (until 5 June), funded partly by an AfDB loan, as analysts watch whether Zambia meets IMF debt-sustainability targets. Road Safety: Thirty-one Ikelenge pupils were injured after falling from an overloaded vehicle when the tailgate opened while it was moving. Energy Transition: Reports highlight Africa’s rapid shift toward solar, wind and battery storage, with Zambia mentioned in a broader regional push for faster, cheaper power. Sports & Governance: Malawi’s football administrator George Chiusiwa warns FIFA risks over government interference in FAM affairs, while Zambia’s U17 coach Carol Kanyemba says the Congo qualifier will be tough.