AGP Executive Report

Renewables in Zambia: Solarmaax says it will build a 500MW solar plant in Solwezi, aiming to become the country’s largest, after signing a 25-year PPA with ZESCO and securing US$600m financing. Water security: President Hakainde Hichilema ordered Mulonga Water and Sanitation Company to urgently fix persistent water challenges on the Copperbelt, stressing practical, sustainable solutions for households. Mining and local benefits: In Copperbelt engagements, Hichilema also pushed for stronger local content in mining so Zambian businesses get more contracts and communities see direct gains from resource projects. Wildlife conflict risk: New research warns that human-elephant conflict across southern Africa could sharply expand by 2085, driven by population growth, cropland expansion and climate-driven aridity—relevant to Zambia’s shared elephant range. Community land rights vs mining: Ecofeminism conveners in Harare renewed calls for governments and financiers to respect community land rights amid mining-linked displacement, pollution and weak consultation. STEM for sustainability: Zambia’s Ministry of Education signed an MoU with the Zambian National STEM Foundation to expand practical STEM learning, teacher capacity and innovation hubs. Climate impacts across Africa: A major roundup highlights how floods are worsening across multiple regions, with Zambia among the affected countries. UN policing and gender: Zambia reaffirmed support for UN peacekeeping, calling for more women in policing missions and better support for UN Police. Safety incident: Zambia’s VP Mutale Nalumango escaped unharmed after a helicopter crash-landing during a Muchinga tour.

Human–wildlife conflict: New research warns that as southern Africa’s savanna elephants share space with expanding farms, crop-raiding clashes could intensify—potentially doubling the area at high risk of conflict by 2085, with human population growth, cropland expansion and climate-driven aridity driving the trend across Namibia, Botswana, Angola and parts of Zambia. Climate disasters: A continent-wide look at flooding shows how repeated heavy rains are overwhelming planning and preparedness, with Southern Africa hit across multiple countries including Zambia, and the wet season’s impacts spreading from East to West Africa. Zambia energy push: Zambia’s debt-for-energy swap is highlighted as a rare deal aimed at boosting grid electricity—an environmental and development lever for a country where many still lack reliable power. Renewables investment: Solarmaax plans a 500MW solar plant in Solwezi under a 25-year PPA with ZESCO, targeting Zambia’s largest solar facility and a cleaner power mix. Land rights vs mining: African ecofeminism conveners renew calls for stronger community land rights and fairer protections as mining and large projects displace families and damage livelihoods, including in Zambia. Water and climate resilience: FAO spotlights Zambia’s climate resilience efforts, while Zambia’s Vice President survives a helicopter incident during a Muchinga tour. Plant health security: Zambia is among countries expanding Africa’s phytosanitary programme to curb crop pests and diseases using digital surveillance tools.

Human–wildlife conflict: Researchers warn a “turf war” between people and elephants is rising across Namibia, Botswana, Angola and Zambia, driven mainly by expanding human land use and population pressure, with climate-linked water stress adding strain. Mining and land rights: African ecofeminism conveners in Harare renewed calls for mining firms and financiers to respect community land rights, warning of forced relocations, pollution, weak compensation and limited participation in decisions. Zambia’s clean energy push: Solarmaax plans a 500MW solar plant in Solwezi under a 25-year PPA with ZESCO, aiming to boost renewable power and cut reliance on fossil generation. Water security on the Copperbelt: President Hichilema ordered Mulonga Water and Sanitation Company to urgently fix persistent water challenges in Chililabombwe. Plant health for safer crops: FAO and IPPC partners expanded Zambia-linked phytosanitary support under the Africa Phytosanitary Programme to curb crop pests and diseases using digital surveillance tools. E-waste regulation: Saudi Arabia and ITU backed new circular-economy e-waste regulatory frameworks for Zambia, including guidance and cost estimates for extended producer responsibility fees. STEM for green jobs: Zambia’s Ministry of Education signed an MoU with the Zambian National STEM Foundation to expand practical STEM learning for sectors like agriculture and renewable energy. Climate finance governance: The FRLD board meets in the Philippines to strengthen support for countries hit by extreme weather and slow-onset disasters.

STEM Education Boost: Zambia’s Ministry of Education signed a landmark MoU with the Zambian National STEM Foundation to expand practical STEM learning, innovation hubs, and teacher capacity—aimed at building skills for industrialisation. Plant Health Push: FAO and partners launched the Africa Phytosanitary Programme phase 3, expanding digital pest surveillance to 38 countries to curb crop pests and diseases. Water Crisis Response: President Hichilema ordered Mulonga Water and Sanitation Company to urgently fix persistent water supply problems in Chililabombwe, citing impacts on households, schools, clinics, and businesses. Renewable Power Expansion: Solarmaax plans Zambia’s largest solar plant—a 500MW photovoltaic facility in Solwezi—under a 25-year PPA with ZESCO. E-waste Regulation in Zambia: Saudi Arabia and ITU supported national e-waste frameworks in Zambia, building circular-economy rules and guidance to cut electronic waste. Cleaner Telecom: Airtel Africa reported cutting diesel use by 9.1 million litres by converting 390 sites to grid power and shifting to lower-carbon energy. Wildlife Conservation via Wine: Avani hotels rolled out conservation-linked house wines, with proceeds supporting efforts against wildlife crime and poaching. Mining Formalisation Spotlight: Vice President Nalumango met Mpika artisanal miners, who thanked government for training, licences, and formalisation steps—key for safer, more regulated operations.

Renewable Power Push: Solarmaax plans Zambia’s largest solar plant—a 500MW photovoltaic project in Solwezi District—after signing a 25-year PPA with ZESCO and securing US$600m financing, using about 1,000 hectares to expand clean electricity. Water Security Urgency: President Hichilema ordered Mulonga Water and Sanitation Company to urgently fix persistent water shortages in Chililabombwe, citing impacts on households, schools, clinics and businesses. Climate Finance Governance: The FRLD board will hold its 9th meeting in the Philippines (July 8–10) to strengthen support for countries hit by climate loss and damage, focusing on funding, governance and operationalizing key modalities. E-waste Regulation for Circular Economy: Saudi Arabia and the ITU say their global e-waste initiative has helped develop national circular-e-waste regulatory frameworks for Paraguay, Rwanda and Zambia, including cost studies and guidance for extended producer responsibility. Community Forestry for El Niño Resilience: FAO highlights Zambia’s Choma District tree nurseries producing over 300,000 seedlings to restore degraded land and build drought resilience as El Niño threatens Southern Africa. Mining Formalisation & Environment: Mpika artisanal miners thanked government for training cooperatives, issuing licences and lowering environmental licensing fees, urging faster tenement identification to keep operations legal and safer. Energy Transition in Telecom: Airtel Africa says it cut diesel use by 9.1 million litres in FY25/26 by converting 390 sites to grid power and expanding lower-carbon energy.

Debt-for-energy shift: Zambia’s “world-first” debt-for-energy swap will use an AfDB concessional loan to buy back $1.36bn in bonds, with interest savings earmarked for grid power over 15 years—an approach that could cut the electricity bottleneck for households and industry. Water stress in mining towns: President Hichilema ordered Mulonga Water and Sanitation Company to urgently fix persistent supply problems in Chililabombwe, citing impacts on schools, clinics, businesses and public health. Climate resilience via trees: FAO highlighted community-led tree nurseries in Choma producing 300,000+ seedlings to restore degraded land and build drought resilience as El Niño looms across Southern Africa. E-waste regulation push: Saudi Arabia, with ITU, says it helped develop national e-waste frameworks for circular-economy management in Paraguay, Rwanda and Zambia, including cost studies and guidance for extended producer responsibility. Wildlife-linked consumer action: Avani’s “Saving the Wild” house wine range channels proceeds into wildlife protection efforts across several Southern African countries, including Zambia. Climate accountability in courts: A new report says 249 climate lawsuits were filed in 2025–2026, with Zambia named among countries where new cases emerged. Diesel cuts from telecom greening: Airtel Africa reported reducing diesel use by 9.1 million litres by converting sites to on-grid power and expanding lower-carbon energy use, with progress shared in Lusaka.

Climate litigation: A new LSE Grantham Institute report says 249 new climate cases were filed in 2025, with Zambia named among countries seeing fresh filings. Community forestry for resilience: FAO highlights Zambia’s Choma District tree nurseries, scaling seedling production from 50,000 to over 300,000 to restore degraded land and boost incomes as El Niño threatens Southern Africa. Low-carbon telecom push: Airtel Africa says it cut diesel use by 9.1 million litres in FY25/26 by converting 390 sites to grid power, with CEO reporting progress on sustainability in Lusaka. Zambia budget and environment-linked spending: Government released K49.1 billion for June programmes, including funding for roads, water, health and geological mapping to unlock mineral potential. Wildlife conflict and corridors: Reporting from the Hwange Mabale corridor shows elephants rerouting into farms, destroying harvests and escalating human-wildlife tensions—an argument for restoring space for migration. Conservation-linked hospitality: Avani unveiled a conservation-inspired house wine range named after threatened species (rhino, pangolin, elephant), tying tourism spending to wildlife protection. Tazara@50: Memorial ceremonies in Zambia and Tanzania honoured workers who died building the railway, with revitalisation framed as a lasting tribute through continued service and jobs.

Climate Resilience (FAO): FAO highlighted Zambia’s community-led climate resilience work as it visited Choma District tree nurseries, where seedlings production has grown from 50,000 to over 300,000—helping restore degraded land and support farmers’ incomes as El Niño threatens Southern Africa. Public Finance & Infrastructure: Zambia released K49.1 billion for June 2026, including K5.5bn for the public wage bill, K34.9bn for debt service and arrears (including a Bond B buyback), K4.2bn for social protection and food security support, and K1.4bn for capital projects like roads, schools, health facilities and water. Electoral Integrity (TI-Z): Transparency International Zambia said it will keep monitoring the electoral environment, focusing on ECZ voter education, campaign schedules, and incidents that could affect integrity. Wildlife & Land Use: A report on elephant conflict in the Hwange Mabale corridor warns that blocked migration routes are driving crop raids, pushing communities toward solutions that restore space for wildlife. Conservation Tourism (Zambia/region): Coverage notes safari demand is splitting into ultra-luxury and budget tiers, squeezing the mid-range—important for how Zambia’s wildlife tourism may price and plan.

Clean Energy Push: Airtel Africa says it cut diesel use by 9.1 million litres in 2025/26 by converting 390 telecom sites to on-grid power, while recycling 94% of waste—an effort to lower emissions as network demand rises. Wildlife & Land Conflict: In Zimbabwe’s Hwange corridor, elephants are increasingly rerouting through villages, destroying crops and threatening safety—communities and conservationists argue the real fix is restoring space for migration, not just fences. Agroecology for Climate Resilience: A regional programme (including Zambia) is training young farmers and women in agroforestry, water conservation, contour farming and mulching to build soil health and adapt to climate change. Regional Trade & Borders: Zambezi province reports record cargo flows at Katima Mulilo and Ngoma, urging faster rollout of One Stop Border Posts to keep trade moving. Children’s Protection Systems: Stakeholders in Zimbabwe meet to map strategies and funding mechanisms to strengthen national child protection systems, with UNICEF and Sweden supporting. Power Supply Watch: Lake Kariba’s improved water levels are boosting hydropower generation, but officials warn against complacency.

Climate-Smart Farming Push: Government, with ZamGROW, is training 75,000 farmers across all 11 districts of Central Province in climate-smart practices to boost resilience and productivity. Food Security Watch: The Food Reserve Agency will announce the 2026 maize floor price once grain reaches 12.5% moisture, with officials citing slower drying from winter conditions and monitoring moisture levels across regions. Wildlife & Human Safety: A woman in Chama District was injured after an elephant attacked her while she tried to chase it away from her banana plantation; DNPW officers were deployed to prevent further incidents. Cleaner Power for Networks: Airtel Africa says it cut diesel use by 9.1 million litres in 2025/26 by converting 390 sites to on-grid power and recycling 94% of waste, with a Lusaka media roundtable highlighting lower-carbon operations. Energy Access Angle: A wider regional push for solar and off-grid power is framed as a practical route for rural electrification where grid expansion is costly. Forest Loss Reminder: Global Forest Watch data flags 25.5 million hectares of tree cover loss in 2025, with fires still the main driver and Africa’s forests under pressure.

Energy & Industry: A new LNG corridor linking Mozambique’s Rovuma Basin to South Africa’s Richards Bay and Ngqura terminals could reshape Southern Africa’s power, trade and industrial growth, with ExxonMobil leading Mozambique’s Area 4 project. Clean Power in Zambia: Zambia Revenue Authority has commissioned a 220kWp solar system (120kW in Lusaka, 100kW in Ndola) to cut grid reliance and protect ICT infrastructure. Climate-Smart Farming: Government, via ZamGROW, is training 75,000 farmers in climate-smart agriculture across Central Province’s 11 districts. Food Security Signals: The Food Reserve Agency will announce the 2026 maize floor price once grain moisture hits 12.5% for safe storage, as winter weather slows drying. Wildlife & Safety: A woman in Chama was injured after an elephant attacked her while she tried to protect her banana plantation; DNPW officers were deployed. Forests Under Pressure: Global Forest Watch reports 25.5 million hectares of tree cover loss in 2025, driven mainly by fires, with Africa’s forests still at risk. Corporate Environment Watch: Avocado Mining Limited has apologized to Kalulushi residents for air pollution and seeks to resume operations after ZEMA enforcement actions.

Public Health & Funding: The 2025 SADC TB progress report says Southern Africa has cut TB incidence by 26% since 2016, but progress is plateauing and 2030 elimination targets are at risk as a “global funding shock” threatens gains; the region still carries 55% of WHO Africa notifications, with men, mining communities, and high-burden countries like Lesotho, Namibia and South Africa driving the pressure. Wildlife Conflict: In Chama, Eastern Province, a 47-year-old woman was injured after an elephant attacked her while she tried to chase it away from banana plantations; parks and wildlife officers were deployed to control the animals and prevent more incidents. Food Security & Climate: Government says the 2026 maize floor price will be announced once grain dries to the required 12.5% moisture for safe storage, citing slower drying linked to regional weather and winter cold. Energy & Resilience: ZRA commissioned a 220kWp solar system to cut grid reliance and protect ICT infrastructure amid hydro drought cycles. Climate Reporting Awards: A regional journalism prize highlighted how climate change is reshaping public health across East and Southern Africa, with winners covering topics like sand dams and disease risk. Mining & Environment: Avocado Mining Limited in Kalulushi apologized for air pollution after ZEMA flagged environmental violations and shutdowns, seeking permission to resume operations.

Solar for reliability: Zambia Revenue Authority commissioned a 220kWp solar system—120kW at its Lusaka HQ and 100kW at Mpendwa House in Ndola—to cut grid reliance and protect ICT infrastructure amid drought-hit hydro power. Mining output and power: Mopani Copper Mines reported its strongest monthly ore production in two years (289,000 tonnes in June) and slightly exceeded its copper cathode target, citing operational improvements and reduced dependence on toll treatment. Copper and recycling pressure: A global analysis flags a widening copper supply gap as AI data-centre demand grows, putting copper scrapping/recycling in the spotlight as a faster “buffer” than new mines. Water stress map: A new global visual shows extreme water stress in several countries, underscoring how climate-linked pressure can spill into food and industry. Food security risk: Zambia’s bumper harvest may not last as geopolitical shocks push up fertilizer and fuel costs; experts call for irrigation, climate-smart farming, and diversified food systems. Digital learning push: UNICEF, Airtel and the Ministry of Education say 300 of 500 targeted schools are already connected, with the remaining 200 expected to be linked by end-2026. Cyber rights warning: A bishop cautioned that Zambia’s cyber laws could chill free expression ahead of elections. Environment compliance: Avocado Mining Limited apologized to Kalulushi residents after pollution concerns and seeks to resume operations following ZEMA action.

Cyber Rights Under Pressure: Anglican Bishop Emmanuel Chikoya says Zambia’s Cyber Security Act and Cyber Crimes Act are creating fear and could stifle free expression ahead of elections. Mining Pollution Accountability: Avocado Mining Limited in Kalulushi has apologized for air emissions after ZEMA shut it down over environmental violations, and is seeking to resume operations. Water Stress Reality Check: A new global map highlights extreme water stress in countries where withdrawals far exceed renewable supply, underscoring how climate and demand pressures can compound. Food Security Risks From Global Shocks: With Gulf tensions disrupting fuel and fertilizer routes, Zambia’s bumper harvest may not last; experts urge irrigation, climate-smart farming, and locally produced inputs. Smart Farming Tools: FAO launched CropSuit, a free app that matches crops to local soil and climate conditions to boost yields and reduce wasted fertilizer. Digital Learning Expansion: UNICEF, Airtel Zambia and the Ministry of Education are connecting remaining schools to a national digital platform, with 300 already linked and 200 more to go. HIV Funding Sustainability: Zambia called for renewed global solidarity and sustainable financing as external support tightens, citing gains but warning of rising incidence among young people. Copper Supply Pressure: Global analysis points to a 2026 copper structural deficit, with recycling (“copper scrapping”) increasingly vital as AI-driven power demand grows.

Mining & Pollution Accountability: Avocado Mining Limited in Kalulushi has apologized to residents after emissions polluted the air, following ZEMA action that previously shut the plant over environmental violations and a cease-and-desist order. Food Security & Climate Risk: Zambia’s bumper harvest may not last as global tensions push up fertilizer and fuel costs, with experts urging irrigation, climate-smart farming, locally produced inputs, and diversified food systems ahead of possible El Niño impacts. Digital Learning Access: UNICEF, Airtel Zambia and the Ministry of Education are nearing completion of a programme to connect 500 schools to a digital learning platform—about 300 already connected, with 200 more to go—though some learners face internet stability challenges. Investment & Policy Signals: Zambia’s OECD Investment Policy Review is in its final stretch, with consultations feeding into a December publication aimed at improving incentives, value addition and manufacturing. Regional Environment Watch: The week’s Environmental Security Weekly Watch (June 29–July 3) highlights ongoing climate and environmental pressures across the region. Education & Connectivity Sustainability: Airtel Africa reaffirmed sustainability and environmental responsibility in Zambia, citing partnerships that connected hundreds of schools and supported teachers with digital tools.

HIV Financing Push: Zambia’s government says it’s time to boost domestic funding for HIV, STI and TB as foreign support shrinks, aiming for long-term sustainability through mechanisms that include private-sector support and the Zambia HIV Trust Fund. Food Security Under Pressure: Experts warn Zambia’s “bumper harvest” may not last as Gulf tensions raise fertilizer and fuel costs, with calls for irrigation, climate-smart farming, and diversified food systems ahead of possible El Niño impacts. Smart Farming for Better Yields: FAO launched CropSuit, a free app that matches crops to local soil and climate conditions to cut wasted fertilizer and improve resilience. Digital Learning Rollout: UNICEF, Airtel and the Ministry of Education are expanding a digital learning programme to 500 schools, with about 300 already connected and 200 more planned before end-2026. Electricity, Environment Link: A new analysis argues Africa’s tariff debate is really about paying for efficient, reliable power—not financing losses and weak governance—key for cleaner, more sustainable energy planning. Wildlife Conservation Angle: Zambia is also reported to be deepening community participation in carbon markets, tying local livelihoods to climate action.