AGP Executive Report

Wildlife & Biodiversity: Zambia plans to reintroduce cheetahs to the Luangwa Valley for the first time in nearly 30 years, relocating six animals from South Africa to help restore ecosystems and boost wildlife tourism. Environmental Governance: ZEMA has approved a landmark USD 1.1bn crude oil refinery for Ndola (adjacent to Indeni), aiming to cut reliance on imported refined fuel—while also approving 77 projects in its June board sitting. Climate-Smart Agriculture: FAO opened its first Global Conference on Smart Farming, pushing tools that help farmers produce more with fewer resources amid climate variability and soil and water degradation. Food Security & Aquaculture: FAO warns Africa’s fish supply is lagging behind demand, raising nutrition concerns; Zambia’s own aquaculture push is echoed by reports of feed improvements to boost production cycles. Mining Accountability: Zambia scored 81/100 in its latest EITI validation, reinforcing transparency reforms in the extractive sector. Water & Weather Risk: El Niño warnings and rainfall impacts are again in focus across the region, underlining the need for preparedness for crop and weather shocks. Public Finance Pressure: The IMF says Zambia’s fiscal pressures intensified in 2026, which could affect funding for environmental and food-security priorities.

Energy & Environment Policy: ZEMA has approved a landmark USD 1.1bn crude oil refinery by ZPEC in Ndola (Bwana Mkubwa), targeting 3 million tonnes of refined products yearly—aimed at cutting Zambia’s reliance on imported fuel and improving fuel security. Mining Governance & Accountability: Zambia scored 81/100 in its third EITI validation, earning a “very good” rating for transparency and multi-stakeholder engagement in the extractive sector. Climate & Food Security: Government steps up El Niño preparedness to safeguard food security, as weather risks threaten crop and rainfall stability. Health, Nutrition & Sustainability: Zambia signed a four-year partnership with Kenya’s Food4Education to expand school feeding from 4.6m to 5.6m learners by end-2026, with support across policy, data, budgeting and infrastructure. Water, Ecosystems & Livelihoods: FAO warns Africa’s fish supply is lagging behind demand, raising food security and nutrition concerns as climate pressures mount. Trade & Regional Links: ZimTrade is facilitating Zimbabwean firms’ participation in Zambia’s ZACS 2026 in Lusaka, boosting cross-border market access for agriculture, processed foods and light industry.

School Feeding Push: Zambia has earmarked over K500 million per year for its School Feeding Programme, with government also boosting the production unit by over K100 million as it partners with Food4Education to scale meals for 5.6 million learners by end-2026. Mining Accountability: Zambia scored 81/100 in its third EITI validation, earning a very good rating for extractive transparency and multi-stakeholder reforms. Local Mining Rights: Tonse Alliance candidate Brian Mundubile says he will end military presence at artisanal mining sites and decentralise mining licences to local communities. Food Security & Climate: A new FAO warning says Africa’s fish supply is lagging behind rising demand, raising nutrition and food security concerns as climate pressures grow. Road Safety for Kids: Yango Zambia and ZRST expanded the Safer Journeys to School initiative in Lusaka, adding zebra crossings, speed humps and school-zone signage to reach over 24,000 children. Heritage & Livelihoods: Zimbabwe and Zambia are running a Victoria Falls World Heritage entrepreneurship workshop to help communities benefit from conservation. Human Rights in Extractives: A report says allegations of abuse in mining are rising, including claims linked to air and water pollution and labour abuses.

World Heritage & Jobs: Zimbabwe and Zambia launched a capacity-building workshop in Victoria Falls to safeguard the Mosi-oa-Tunya/World Heritage Site while pushing community entrepreneurship and meaningful local benefits, backed by the African World Heritage Fund and Zambia’s heritage conservation bodies. School Feeding Expansion: Zambia signed a four-year partnership with Kenya’s Food4Education to strengthen the national school feeding programme, targeting growth from 4.6 million to 5.6 million learners by end-2026, with support across policy, operations, data, financing and infrastructure. Road Safety for Learners: Yango Zambia and the Zambia Road Safety Trust expanded the “Safer Journeys to School” initiative in Lusaka, adding 15 schools in 2026 and reaching 24,000+ children with safer routes like zebra crossings, speed humps and school-zone signage. Climate & Food Security Pressure: In Muchinga, officials and candidates urged farmers to protect household maize stocks amid El Niño risks, while the province targets buying 65,000 metric tons of white maize for strategic reserves and promotes climate-smart farming. Mining & Local Rights: Muchinga/ Tonse Alliance candidate Brian Mundubile vowed to end military presence at artisanal mining sites and decentralise mining licences so local miners can operate legally and safely. Water Access Data: A global mapping story highlights how safely managed drinking water remains out of reach for billions, underscoring the scale of Zambia’s clean-water challenge.

Livestock Health & Biosecurity: Zambia is moving to close vaccine gaps by importing about 40 million doses to protect cattle and goats from Lumpy Skin Disease and Foot-and-Mouth Disease, while also ramping up local production from 500,000 doses last year to 2 million this year. El Niño Food Security Push: Government has launched a Comprehensive Agriculture and Food Security response plan built on early preparedness, coordinated action, and stronger farmer support, including climate-smart farming, irrigation, pest surveillance, and better management of strategic food reserves. Provincial Maize Procurement: Muchinga Province plans to buy 65,000 metric tons of white maize for national reserves, urging farmers to sell responsibly and keep enough for home consumption as El Niño risks loom. Local Farming Advice: In Mafinga, farmers are urged to prioritize household food stocks and avoid selling to “briefcase” buyers, warning that poor timing could leave families exposed if weather turns harsh. Clean Water Mapping: A global data map highlights where safely managed drinking water is still out of reach, underscoring the scale of Zambia-relevant water access challenges across low-income regions. Mining & Environment Watch: Separate reporting flags ongoing environmental compliance issues tied to mining operations in the region, including pollution and weak waste controls.

Clean Water Access Gap: A new global map highlights that over 2 billion people still lack safely managed drinking water at home, with access near-universal in many rich countries but below 20% in several low-income settings—an urgent reminder that water systems, not just water sources, are the real challenge. El Niño Food Security Push: Zambia’s Ministry of Agriculture says it has activated a Comprehensive Agriculture and Food Security Cluster Response Framework to protect farmers and stabilize supplies as El Niño conditions are forecast for 2026/27, including climate-resilient farming, drought-tolerant crops, irrigation, pest monitoring, and stronger strategic food reserves. Climate-Linked Clean Water Goal: President Hichilema has pledged universal access to clean water and sanitation, aligning with the wider push to reduce climate and health risks tied to unsafe water. Urban Waste & Road Safety: Government is reviewing Zambia’s Outdoor Advertising Policy to curb unsafe placements and reduce environmental degradation from uncoordinated billboards and digital displays. Rights-Based Resettlement: Zambia also reaffirmed that no displacement project should proceed without proper assessment, fair compensation, livelihood restoration, and grievance redress under the revised resettlement policy and proposed bill. Copperbelt Digital Mining: The “Konkola Playbook” points to a digital-first revival at Konkola Copper Mines, using autonomous and AI-driven approaches to reduce hydrological and operational risks as production targets rise.

El Niño Preparedness: Zambia’s Ministry of Agriculture has rolled out a Comprehensive Agriculture and Food Security Cluster Response Framework to protect farmers and food supplies as El Niño conditions are forecast for 2026/2027, focusing on early preparedness, coordinated response, climate-resilient farming, irrigation, pest surveillance, strategic food reserves, and drought-tolerant varieties. Clean & Green Lusaka: Lusaka local government leaders used the Lusaka City Council 2026 Half Marathon to push community togetherness and environmental habits, including a direct call to stop indiscriminate littering to keep the city clean and green. Outdoor Advertising & Road Safety: The Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development is reviewing a draft Outdoor Advertising Policy to curb unsafe, uncoordinated billboard and digital display placement that can harm road users and the environment, while improving local authority monitoring and revenue. Rights-based Resettlement: Government says no project should displace communities without proper assessment, fair compensation, livelihood restoration, and grievance redress, under reforms to Zambia’s Resettlement Policy and a proposed Resettlement Management Bill. Regional Tourism Visa Push: SADC UniVisa progress is reported as ministers move closer to adoption, aiming to simplify travel across 16 states and build regional tourism momentum, building on the Kavango-Zambezi UniVisa model that already links Zambia and Zimbabwe. Copper & Clean Energy Context: Commentary highlights Zambia’s expanding role in the global energy transition as copper demand rises, alongside broader critical-minerals value-chain ambitions.

Climate & Food Security: Government has stepped up El Niño preparedness for the 2026/2027 farming season, rolling out a Comprehensive Agriculture and Food Security Cluster Response Framework built on early warning, coordinated response, and tighter collaboration—pushing climate-resilient practices, irrigation, pest and disease surveillance, and better use of strategic food reserves. Agriculture Investment: Officials reaffirm plans to transform Zambia’s agriculture sector, including support for farmers through programmes like FISP and other financing and fertiliser support, with maize targets highlighted for districts such as Kalumbila. Clean & Green Cities: Lusaka’s local government is urging residents to keep the city clean and green, linking community action to environmental sustainability during the launch of the Lusaka City Council 2026 Half Marathon. Outdoor Advertising & Environment: The Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development is reviewing Zambia’s Outdoor Advertising Policy to improve road safety and reduce environmental harm from uncoordinated billboards and digital displays. Resettlement Rights: Government says no project should displace communities without proper assessment, fair compensation, livelihood restoration, and grievance redress under the Revised National Resettlement Policy of 2024 and the proposed Resettlement Management Bill of 2026. Mining, Water & Tech: Zambia’s Copperbelt is seeing a digital-first push at Konkola Copper Mines, with “autonomous technology” and AI-driven exploration framed as a way to reduce geological and hydrological risks while supporting copper production ambitions. Tourism & Conservation: Zambia’s regional tourism push is echoed by progress toward an SADC UniVisa, building on the Kavango-Zambezi UniVisa model that already links Zambia and Zimbabwe with easier travel.

Energy & Environment Policy: Zambia’s outdoor advertising sector is under review as the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development drafts a new Outdoor Advertising Policy to curb unsafe billboard and digital display placement, reduce environmental degradation, and strengthen local authority monitoring and revenue collection. Rights-Based Resettlement: Government says no project should displace communities without proper assessment, fair compensation, livelihood restoration, and grievance redress, as it rolls out the Revised National Resettlement Policy (2024) and a proposed Resettlement Management Bill (2026). Climate Risk for Southern Africa: With El Niño likely to intensify, southern Africa—including Zambia—faces heightened drought risk that could hit crops, water supplies, food prices, and nutrition outcomes in the 2026-27 season. Copper & the Energy Transition: Zambia is positioning itself for rising global copper demand tied to clean energy, highlighting new investment interest and efforts to expand production and strengthen supply-chain roles. Conservation & Wildlife Crime: Malawi’s ivory trafficking case sees renewed legal pressure, with a key suspect re-arrested in South Africa amid questions around how a wildlife-linked corruption case was handled. Community Learning & Resilience: World Vision Zambia and partners handed over classrooms, teacher housing, computers, and internet support to Mpande Hill Primary School in Kafue, boosting access to education that underpins long-term resilience.

Climate Adaptation in Africa: A new analysis from the African Climate Foundation paints a stark picture of climate change already hitting Zambia and neighbours through failed rains and floods, stressing that adaptation needs real investment, not imported “solutions.” Outdoor Advertising & Road Safety: Zambia’s Ministry of Local Government is reviewing the Outdoor Advertising Policy to curb unsafe billboard and digital display placement, reduce environmental degradation, and strengthen local authority monitoring and revenue. Rights-Based Resettlement: Government says no project should displace communities without proper assessment, fair compensation, livelihood restoration, and grievance redress, under the Revised National Resettlement Policy (2024) and a proposed 2026 Resettlement Management Bill. El Niño Drought Watch: Southern Africa, including Zambia, is flagged as high risk for drought shocks in 2026-27 as El Niño conditions become more likely, threatening crops, water, prices and nutrition. Copper & Clean Energy: Zambia is positioning for rising global copper demand tied to the energy transition, with plans to expand production and strengthen supply-chain roles. Football as an Economic Sector: FAZ targets about US$30m over two years to make football more commercially sustainable, aiming to attract investment and grow programmes nationwide.

El Niño Drought Watch: Zimbabwe is bracing for another El Niño-linked drought, with a new UN-linked outlook flagging high odds of drought across southern Africa, including Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique—raising risks of crop failure, water stress and food price hikes. Electricity & Water Risks: A new Africa-wide study maps 3,139 power plants and shows how expanding generation could strain water resources and increase carbon emissions—fueling the debate on cleaner, smarter power planning. Grid Bottlenecks: Another report highlights how Africa’s grid constraints lag behind fast-growing generation, warning that new power can be stranded without major transmission and interconnection investment. Rural Power Learning Exchange: Zambia’s Rural Electrification Authority visited Tanzania to study how rural electrification is improving schools and livelihoods—pushing the idea that power should drive local economic transformation, not just service delivery. Wildlife Conservation: A critically endangered pancake tortoise has hatched in the UK, offering rare hope for a species threatened by habitat loss linked to illegal mining—while Zambia is named as part of its native range. Lake Tanganyika Pollution: Burundi-focused reporting warns untreated wastewater and uncontrolled resource use are degrading Lake Tanganyika, a shared biodiversity hotspot spanning Zambia and the wider Great Lakes region.

Uranium Project Clears Key Permits: Atomic Eagle says ZEMA approved the Muntanga uranium ESIA and the VP Resettlement Division issued a “no objection” for its RAP—major steps that reduce regulatory risk and move the project toward construction. Rural Power Lessons for Zambia: Zambia’s REA visited Tanzania to study rural electrification delivery, with a focus on using electricity as an engine for local economic growth, not just a social service. Grid Stress Across Africa: A new report highlights how fast-rising electricity demand is outpacing transmission and interconnection, risking stranded generation unless regional markets and grid investment catch up. Lake Tanganyika Pollution Warning: Burundi-linked reporting flags untreated wastewater and weak protections as mounting threats to Lake Tanganyika’s water quality and biodiversity. Wildlife Conservation Hope: A critically endangered pancake tortoise hatchling was born in the UK, with illegal mining cited as a major driver of habitat loss in its native range, including northern Zambia. Aviation Carbon Market Push: Zambia and Zimbabwe joined the Aviation Carbon Market Compact to scale CORSIA-ready carbon credit supply for international aviation. HIV Funding Appeal: Zambia urged renewed global support at a UN meeting, warning that declining resources could reverse gains in HIV prevention and treatment.

Wildlife & Mining Impacts: A critically endangered pancake tortoise hatchling has been born at Jimmy’s Farm & Wildlife Park in Suffolk, a rare boost for a species whose wild numbers have fallen sharply due to habitat loss linked to illegal mining, including rocky habitat destruction in parts of East Africa including northern Zambia. Lake Pollution Watch: Burundi-based reporting warns that untreated wastewater and uncontrolled exploitation around Lake Tanganyika are degrading water quality and threatening the lake’s biodiversity and health across Burundi, DR Congo, Tanzania and Zambia. Carbon Markets for Aviation: Zambia and Zimbabwe have joined the Aviation Carbon Market Compact to scale supply of CORSIA carbon credits, as IATA pushes for 225–250 million eligible units by 2027. Uranium Permits (Zambia): Atomic Eagle says ZEMA approved the Muntanga uranium ESIA and the Vice President’s Resettlement Division issued a “no objection” on the RAP—major steps to reduce regulatory risk before construction. Conservation Results: A new study highlights that direct anti-poaching and community-led wildlife protection can deliver fast, measurable gains, including in Zambia’s efforts to remove snares and arrest wildlife criminals. Climate & Power Systems: Coverage flags Africa’s growing electricity demand outpacing grid investment, raising the risk of underused generation without stronger transmission and regional interconnection.

Uranium & Environment: Atomic Eagle says Zambia’s ZEMA approved its Muntanga Uranium Project ESIA and the Vice President’s Resettlement Division issued a “no objection” for its RAP—major permit wins that “derisk” the path toward construction. Climate Finance & Carbon Markets: Zambia joined an Aviation Carbon Market Compact and a Supporting Alliance aimed at scaling high-quality carbon units for CORSIA demand by 2027. Biodiversity & Conservation: A new study on conservation approaches finds direct, threat-focused action (like anti-poaching and veterinary interventions) delivers the fastest measurable results, while healthy habitats remain key for long-term recovery. Drylands & Food Security: A new Thrivelands coalition argues drylands—covering 41% of land and feeding much of the world—are still overlooked in climate policy and finance. Education & Sustainability: Absa backed school climate resilience with solar and learning support for tree-planting winners, while EU-funded DigiTrucks flagged off mobile digital labs for underprivileged learners. Mining & Pollution Accountability: Zambia’s resource partnerships face scrutiny after disputes tied to a tailings-dam spill and contested environmental assessments.

Ebola Response Watch: Zambia is listed among 11 African countries at high risk as the DRC outbreak surpasses 1,000 cases, with experts warning that insecurity, displacement, vaccine gaps and funding shortfalls could fuel further spread. Conservation Results: A new study on what works in conservation points to fast, targeted action—anti-poaching patrols and community scout networks—showing measurable wildlife crime reductions in Zambia within 1–2 years, while stressing that healthy, connected habitats still matter. Uranium Permits: Atomic Eagle says it has secured ZEMA approval for the Muntanga uranium Environmental and Social Impact Assessment and “No Objection” for its Resettlement Action Plan, clearing key environmental and social hurdles. Copper & Environment Scrutiny: A U.S. IPO filing for CopperTech Metals (linked to Konkola Copper Mines) signals a major Zambia copper expansion push, while separate reporting highlights how a Sino Metals tailings dam collapse has become a geopolitical flashpoint. Clean Energy & Power: Zambia’s renewable push continues with a 500 MW solar power purchase agreement, and BB Energy launched LPG distribution in Lusaka to expand access to cleaner household energy. Carbon Markets: Zambia joined an aviation carbon market compact and IATA-backed CORSIA supply alliance, aiming to scale high-quality emissions units for international flights. Clean Water Focus: Hichilema reaffirmed universal access to clean water and sanitation, citing dams, groundwater development and emergency boreholes after drought impacts.

Clean Water Push: President Hichilema reaffirmed Zambia’s drive for universal access to clean water and safe sanitation, citing dam construction, groundwater development, water harvesting and climate-resilient supply systems, plus 1,500+ emergency boreholes drilled after the 2023/24 drought. Election Environment: The ECZ defended a national presidential campaign timetable as a fairness and peace measure ahead of the August 13 polls, saying the President must follow the Electoral Code when campaigning. Energy & Climate Risk: New reporting warns El Niño is likely to intensify drought risk for agriculture, with Southern Africa highlighted among the hardest-hit regions. Cleaner Cooking & Power Access: BB Energy launched LPG distribution in Zambia, aiming to expand access to cleaner, more reliable household energy via storage, bottling and a Lusaka-focused kiosk network. Solar Deal Watch: Zambia signed a power purchase agreement for a 500 MW solar park backed by a South Korean investor, adding momentum to renewable capacity growth. Agro & Biodiversity: WWF and Biovision convened agroecology and conservation experts across the region, focusing on nature-positive farming to support biodiversity and livelihoods. Mining Exploration: Koryx Copper updated exploration progress on its Luanshya West and Mpongwe licences, including follow-up targets from soil sampling and planned drilling later in 2026.