AGP Executive Report

Climate preparedness: Zambia hosted ACCOF-21 in Lusaka, where experts urged countries to start preparing now for possible El Niño impacts in 2026/2027, citing lessons from the 2023/24 drought that hit crops, hydropower and energy supply. Water & hydropower: The Zambezi River Authority joined the International Hydropower Association to improve operations and strengthen the bankability of projects like Kariba rehabilitation and Batoka Gorge. Green jobs: A Hwange technical college trained students and trainers on solar installation through a regional “train-the-trainer” programme, aiming to build local skills for the photovoltaic industry. Health & environment link: Zambia’s CDC travel advisory highlights a rare but serious tsetse fly-borne sleeping sickness risk for safari travellers returning from Zambia and Zimbabwe. Malaria push: Chief Mumena urged corporate partners to fund malaria elimination efforts, including nets, mass drug administration and community clean-up. Biodiversity spotlight: Livingstone Museum’s “Frogs of Zambia” exhibition highlights frogs as environmental bio-indicators and notes their role in pregnancy tests.

Green Jobs & Skills: Hwange youths are being trained for the green energy transition through a solar “train-the-trainer” programme, building photovoltaic installation capacity across Zambia, Zimbabwe and Malawi. Wildlife & Water Safety: A Livingstone Museum exhibition, “Frogs of Zambia,” highlights frogs as bio-indicators of pollution and notes their role in pregnancy testing, with 94 frog species recorded in Zambia. Hydropower & River Management: The Zambezi River Authority has joined the International Hydropower Association to strengthen operations and improve the bankability of projects like Kariba rehabilitation and Batoka Gorge. Malaria Partnerships: Chief Mumena urged the corporate world to fund malaria elimination efforts by supporting nets, mass drug administration and community clean-ups. Energy Transition & Power Markets: A special report says African electricity is shifting toward private capital and blended finance, with reliability driving new investment models. Copper Demand Pressure: Analysis warns copper markets may face a structural deficit as AI data centres ramp up power needs, adding a new driver beyond EVs and grids. Local Campaign Security (Environment-linked): ECZ lifted the suspension of Mazabuka Central campaigns after security measures were met, while calls for safer, more responsible public conduct continue. Debt & Development Finance: Zambia secured 97.85% participation in a US$1.36bn Eurobond buyback, aiming to cut long-term debt costs and protect development priorities. Health Data Scrutiny: Human Rights Watch renewed concerns about US-Africa health agreements that may require access to surveillance data and biological samples. Cross-border Transport & Emissions: Pangolin Logistics took delivery of ten new DAF trucks for cross-border bulk hauling between mining towns and Mozambique, supporting regional supply chains.

Water & Hydropower: The Zambezi River Authority has joined the International Hydropower Association to improve operations and strengthen the bankability of key projects like Kariba Dam rehabilitation and the Batoka Gorge scheme—aiming for more responsible river management across Zambia and Zimbabwe. Wildlife & Conservation Tourism: KAZA TFCA ministers in Victoria Falls commended Zimbabwe’s First Lady for bringing 10,000 women to see Victoria Falls, highlighting the region’s conservation value and the shared push to protect savanna elephants and key UNESCO sites that span Zambia, Angola, Botswana, Namibia and Zimbabwe. Environment-linked Science Education: Livingstone Museum’s “Frogs of Zambia” exhibition spotlights how frogs can act as bio-indicators of water pollution and notes Zambia’s rich frog diversity, using local culture and science to raise awareness until September 5. Energy & Climate Resilience (Regional): A special report says African power systems are shifting away from utility monopolies as private capital grows in generation, storage and grids—driven by reliability needs and the push to reduce dependence on diesel. Local Governance & Public Safety: ECZ lifted the suspension of Mazabuka Central campaign activities after conditions for a peaceful environment were met, following earlier violence concerns.

Mining & jobs on the Copperbelt: Brian Mundubile’s Tonse Alliance campaign launch in Kitwe drew thousands, with a big pledge to lift local content in mining from 20% to 50%, aiming to keep more value and work in communities that live with the mines. Debt relief with development focus: Zambia says it secured 97.85% participation in the US$1.365bn buyback of 2053 Eurobonds, and leaders link the savings to free education, expanded CDF, and water and sanitation—while analysts still urge net savings checks. Kafue River protection: Zambia and Germany are launching a project to protect the Kafue River, tying conservation to long-term environmental health. Wildlife & tourism push in KAZA: KAZA ministers commended Zimbabwe’s First Lady for bringing 10,000 women to Victoria Falls, with Zambia’s tourism ministry represented—highlighting regional conservation and community tourism. Environment science spotlight: A Livingstone Museum “Frogs of Zambia” exhibition highlights frogs as bio-indicators of water pollution and notes Zambia’s frog diversity. Climate risk for food systems: Coverage flags that the 2026 harvest must be protected amid strong climate risk ahead.

Debt & Finance: Zambia has secured 97.85% participation in the buyback of US$1.36 billion in 2053 Eurobonds, with government saying it acted before rates jumped to 7.5%—a move framed as protecting development priorities and cutting long-term costs. Debt Restructuring Savings: President Hichilema also says refinancing and restructuring have reduced annual debt servicing from about US$2.3 billion to around US$900 million, freeing roughly US$1.4 billion for free education, expanded CDF, and water and sanitation. Roads & Public Funds: NAPSA defended its US$300 million role in financing the Lusaka–Ndola Dual Carriageway, saying the decision followed due diligence and safeguards to protect contributors. SME Finance: Bank of Zambia pledged K5 billion for a Small Business Growth Initiative, using credit guarantees, technical support and a learning platform to widen affordable lending to MSMEs. Wildlife & Tourism (KAZA): KAZA ministers commended Zimbabwe’s First Lady for enabling 10,000 women to visit Victoria Falls, with Zambia’s tourism leadership attending the regional conservation meeting.

Anti-Corruption Cooperation: Zambia’s ACC delegation has wrapped a three-day study visit to Ghana’s Office of the Special Prosecutor, focusing on investigative techniques, asset recovery, digital forensics, and prosecution strategies—useful for strengthening accountability in politically sensitive cases. Debt & Public Spending: Zambia refinanced its second Eurobond and secured a 97.85% participation rate in a 2053 buyback, cutting annual debt servicing costs by about US$1.4bn and freeing money for services like education, healthcare, and water/sanitation. SME Finance Push: The Bank of Zambia pledged K5bn for a Small Business Growth Initiative to expand affordable credit for MSMEs via credit guarantees, technical support, and a learning platform. Kafue River Protection: Zambia and Germany launched a project aimed at protecting the Kafue River, aligning conservation with long-term environmental health. Agriculture Resilience: Nakonde farmers were urged to use post-harvest training and improved storage methods to reduce losses as climate change pressures yields. Wildlife & Tourism (KAZA): KAZA ministers commended Zimbabwe’s First Lady for tourism and conservation-linked visits for 10,000 women, with Zambia represented in the regional conservation agenda.

Debt & Finance: Zambia says it has refinanced its second Eurobond to cut annual debt servicing from about US$2.3bn to around US$900m, saving roughly US$1.4bn a year, with freed funds aimed at services like education and water supply. Public Finance Oversight: The Centre for Trade Policy and Development backs the Eurobond buyback’s 97.85% participation but says a full net present value check is still needed to confirm long-term savings. SME Support: The Bank of Zambia pledges K5bn for a Small Business Growth Initiative to expand affordable MSME lending via credit guarantees, technical help and a learning platform. Environment & Water: Zambia is implementing UNESCO’s Culture 2030 Indicators framework, linking culture to environment and resilience, while government also reiterates Africa Day priorities on safe water and sanitation. Conservation & Tourism: Zambia’s First Lady-linked KAZA TFCA tourism push is praised for enabling 10,000 women to visit Victoria Falls, highlighting regional wildlife and heritage conservation. Mining Pollution Watch: Chinese-owned U-Metals in Chingola is reported to have resumed after a shutdown over severe environmental breaches, including tailings risks near a stream feeding the Kafue River. Agriculture Resilience: Nakonde farmers are urged to use post-harvest training and improved storage to cut losses as climate change pressures yields. Digital Safety: Zambia Army warns against misuse of social media and AI-generated content that could mislead the public and threaten stability.

Water & Environment Justice: Zambia’s Judiciary plans a specialised lands and environment court to speed up land and environmental dispute resolution, with Justice Malila citing long delays in current processes. Kafue River Protection: Zambia and Germany are working on a €6m water security project for the Kafue River, aimed at tackling water pollution and improving water access, with a further €26.5m water and sanitation commitment flagged for 2026. Mining Pollution Watch: Chinese-owned U-Metals in Chingola has reportedly resumed operations after an earlier shutdown over pollution breaches, including hazardous tailings dam risks near a stream feeding the Kafue system. Forests & Media: An African Forest Forum study says forestry and science reporting gaps persist across Anglophone Africa, including Zambia, despite rising deforestation and climate pressures. Culture for Sustainability: Zambia is implementing UNESCO’s Culture 2030 Indicators, linking culture to environment and resilience, livelihoods, skills, and inclusion for more evidence-based policy. Climate Risk: A new analysis highlights “cooling poverty” across vulnerable communities, where heat becomes life-threatening without safe, affordable cooling.

Kafue River Protection: Zambia and Germany are set to launch a €6m water security project for the Kafue River, targeting water pollution and expected to start next year, with a further €26.5m water and sanitation commitment foreseen for 2026. Water & Sanitation Policy: Vice-President Mutale Nalumango says government has zero-rated tax on water treatment chemicals to cut costs for utilities and expand access to safe drinking water, as Zambia still faces gaps in water and sanitation coverage. Wildlife & Land Pressure: Environmentalists warn that improved transport in Mozambique’s Nacala Corridor is accelerating deforestation, raising ecosystem risks despite mitigation claims. Climate & Food Security: Southern Africa’s rural women farmers are calling for women smallholders to lead food and climate policy, arguing they already hold practical solutions for resilient food systems. Heat Risk: New analysis highlights “cooling poverty” affecting over 2bn people, with heat spikes worsening health risks where cooling options and safe housing are lacking. Zoonotic Disease Watch: A HERPEZ pilot study flags under-recognised zoonotic pathogen risks at the human-animal interface, urging stronger surveillance in Zambia. Mining & Environment: Zambia reports rising copper output and investment, while the wider copper market outlook points to long timelines and sustainability pressures as demand grows.

Water & Sanitation Policy: Vice-President Mutale Nalumango says Zambia has zero-rated tax on water treatment chemicals to cut costs for utilities and expand access to safe drinking water, while also reviewing the Water Supply and Sanitation Act to strengthen governance and fair service delivery amid droughts, floods and rapid urbanisation. Climate & Power Resilience: A commentary revisits Zambia’s post–load shedding recovery and warns that El Niño could bring back harsh weather pressures, urging calm, preparedness and delivery over fear-mongering. Electricity Grid Upgrade Finance: Zambia has launched a sovereign finance deal linking bond buybacks to a 15-year grid resilience programme to modernise electricity distribution, using AfDB support and local resources. Mining & Environment-Linked Economy: The Ministry of Mines reports rising copper output and broader mineral diversification, alongside growing mining jobs and female participation—key context for how environmental management must keep pace with production. Zoonotic Disease Watch: HERPEZ shares pilot findings on zoonotic pathogens in Zambia, flagging under-recognised human-animal health risks and calling for stronger surveillance. Illicit Financial Flows: The Financial Intelligence Centre estimates Zambia lost about US$3.5bn to illicit financial flows over five years, warning this drains resources that could fund water, health and infrastructure. SME Financing Push: Bank of Zambia commits K5bn to a Small Business Growth Initiative to expand MSME access to affordable finance, with launch expected in Q4 2026.

Water & Sanitation Policy: Vice-President Mutale Nalumango says Zambia has zero-rated tax on water treatment chemicals to cut costs for utilities and improve access to safe drinking water, while also reviewing the water supply and sanitation act to strengthen governance and service delivery. Climate Resilience & Water Security: She warned that climate variability, droughts, floods, rapid urbanisation and rising demand are still straining water and sanitation systems, even as Government pushes dams, boreholes and sanitation investments. Wildlife Conservation (KAZA): KAZA transfrontier conservation meetings in Victoria Falls bring Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe together to track conservation progress, update development plans and tackle elephant management and elephant product trade. Human-Wildlife Coexistence: In Zambia’s borderlands, electric fences (polywire) are helping farmers protect crops while allowing elephants to move across habitats. Agriculture & Food Prices: Mealie meal prices are falling to about K220–K230 after a bumper harvest and a stronger kwacha, with millers saying savings are being passed to consumers. Energy & Grid Resilience: Zambia has launched a sovereign finance-linked grid resilience plan using AfDB support to modernise electricity distribution and improve reliability. Local Environment & Waste: World Environment Day-linked cleanup efforts highlight growing push for responsible waste management and recycling partnerships.

Energy & Finance: Zambia launched a sovereign “grid resilience” deal, using an AfDB loan plus its own funds to buy back costly bonds and channel up to $275m over 15 years into modernising electricity distribution. Water & Sanitation: Vice President Mutale Nalumango reaffirmed government support for water and sanitation, citing zero-rated tax on treatment chemicals and ongoing reviews to strengthen governance and service delivery. Wildlife Conservation: KAZA meetings in Victoria Falls brought Angola, Botswana, Namibia and Zambia together to push a united stance on elephant conservation and elephant product trade, with EU funding highlighted. Human-Wildlife Coexistence: In Zambia’s borderlands, electric fences are helping farmers and elephants share space, reducing crop raids while keeping wildlife movement possible. Public Health: IOM’s “HIV Knows No Borders” programme in Beitbridge is working with mobile communities to improve HIV testing, sexual health and child protection. Governance & Safety: Police reinforced security in Mazabuka Central and Lusaka’s Chawama after violence concerns, while ECZ suspended campaigns in Mazabuka Central to protect public order.

KAZA Wildlife Governance: KAZA TFCA member states met in Victoria Falls to review conservation progress and push a united front on elephant management and elephant-product trade, with Zimbabwe chairing the five-day talks and EU funding supporting livelihoods and updated regional plans. Human-Elephant Coexistence: In Zambia’s borderlands, farmers are using electric fences and polywire to protect crops while allowing elephants to move across park boundaries—an approach aimed at reducing conflict without blocking wildlife movement. Maize & Climate Pressure: Mealie meal prices in Zambia eased to about K220–K230 after a bumper harvest and a stronger kwacha, but analysts warn 2026 harvests must be protected as climate risks like El Niño could disrupt production. Health Systems & Trust: Zambia’s Medical Association pushed back on claims that hospitals are “killing people,” stressing safety protocols, oversight bodies, and open disclosure when errors occur. Election Safety: ECZ suspended campaigns in Mazabuka Central after violence concerns, underscoring the need for peaceful campaigning ahead of the August 13 polls. NCD Care Progress: CIDRZ and the Ministry of Health reviewed PEN Plus Programme results, highlighting improved access to specialised care for severe and chronic non-communicable diseases.

Wildlife & Ivory Trade: KAZA TFCA ministers and officials from Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe meet in Victoria Falls to align on elephant conservation and the push for CITES-permitted trade in elephant products, with EU Natural Africa funding (€5m) supporting updated plans and livelihoods across the landscape. Forest & Biomass Pressure: A new regional study warns that charcoal and fuelwood—still dominant for cooking and heating—are driving unsustainable harvesting and forest loss, including in Zambia where pressure is rising as fruit trees are cut for charcoal. Climate Risk for Food: Zambia’s 2026 harvest needs protection as forecasts point to possible El Niño-linked disruptions, raising the stakes for climate-resilient farming. Water Safety: A global drinking-water assessment flags unsafe water risks across many African countries, tied to weak infrastructure, sanitation gaps and environmental degradation. Health Systems & Trust: Zambia Medical Association pushes back on claims that hospitals are “killing people,” stressing protocols, oversight and open disclosure when errors occur. Ivory Investigation Follow-Through: Tanzania’s ivory case—500 tusks seized from a North Korean man—raises questions about whether investigations and prosecutions are strong enough to expose trafficking networks. Energy & Grid Resilience: Zambia links sovereign bond buyback financing to a Grid Resilience Programme aimed at modernising electricity distribution, with AfDB support. Non-Communicable Disease Care: CIDRZ, MoH and partners review progress under the PEN Plus programme to strengthen NCD prevention, diagnosis and specialist care. Zambia’s NAPSA Reform: An explainer covers major pension changes, including new flexibility for accessing part of benefits before retirement.

Energy & Debt-to-Power Link: Zambia is using a $600m AfDB loan to help buy back $1.36bn sovereign bonds, while committing up to $275m over 15 years to a Grid Resilience Programme to modernise electricity distribution—tying debt management directly to cleaner, more reliable power delivery. Forest & Cooking Pressure: A new study warns that charcoal and fuelwood still dominate cooking across Zambia and other African countries, but weak regulation and unsustainable harvesting are driving forest loss and health risks, with growing urban demand pulling more extraction from rural areas. Wildlife & Climate Impacts: Hungry elephants are increasingly displacing farmers in Zambia, with reports of herds raiding maize overnight in areas linked to major transfrontier conservation landscapes. Water Safety: A global assessment flags unsafe drinking water as a major public health risk, with many African countries among the worst performers due to infrastructure gaps, sanitation shortfalls, and climate pressures. Conservation Corridors (Region): Malawi’s Elephant Marsh shows how wetland livelihoods face mounting threats from settlement, farming, and deforestation—while community-led conservation is being pushed to protect the fishery. Heritage Partnerships: Zambia’s National Heritage Conservation Commission is seeking partnerships to boost heritage tourism while safeguarding natural and cultural resources.

World Environment Day & Water Safety: A new Environmental Performance Index assessment flags unsafe drinking water as a major public health risk, with many of the lowest-ranked countries in Africa—linked to weak infrastructure, sanitation gaps, and climate pressure. Mining Pollution & Justice: World Environment Day coverage spotlights Kabwe’s lead pollution and ongoing health harms from mineral processing, calling out licences and weak enforcement that leave communities exposed. Charcoal Pressure on Forests: A study warns that biomass cooking—especially charcoal and fuelwood—remains widespread but is driving forest loss and health risks across countries including Zambia, as urban demand fuels extraction. Wildlife Corridors & Coexistence: Conservation reporting highlights efforts to reconnect wildlife habitats across Malawi and Zambia, while another story shows hungry elephants displacing farmers in Zambia’s borderlands—raising the stakes for corridor protection and mitigation. Hydropower Governance: Zambia’s Zambezi River Authority joins the International Hydropower Association, aiming to strengthen standards and investor confidence as it advances Kariba rehabilitation and Batoka Gorge planning. ZEMA Green Growth Projects: ZEMA approves 103 development projects under a green growth push, keeping environmental oversight in the spotlight. Zambia Travel Expo Tourism Push: President Hichilema reiterates tourism’s role in jobs and diversification at ZATEX, with plans to boost visitor numbers and revenue.