AGP Executive Report

Mining Pollution: Zambia is investigating a chemical spill allegedly linked to Vedanta-owned KCM after residents reported discoloured water and dead fish in the Kafue River. Tests found elevated turbidity and conductivity downstream; KCM disputes responsibility. Climate Preparedness: Officials are urging action before El Niño risks become a crisis, including getting water and food to vulnerable communities and investing in rainwater and groundwater harvesting for drought-prone areas. Clean Energy: Zambia’s installed solar capacity has climbed to 1,027.5 megawatts, up from 178 megawatts in 2024, while the president says stronger transmission and distribution networks are needed. Kabwe’s Toxic Legacy: Residents are still waiting for justice over lead contamination from the former Broken Hill Mine. The site’s waste continues to threaten the community, with the article reporting elevated blood-lead levels in 95% of children. Urban Environment: Lusaka’s clean-up is moving to a second phase, with the council aiming to shift street traders to designated sites and keep the central business district clean.

Climate Preparedness: Zambia is stepping up its response to El Niño, with the Food Reserve Agency aiming to build reserves above one million tonnes and authorities drilling or repairing boreholes. The Government warns about 1.2 million people could face severe food shortages from October to March. Urban Clean-up: Lusaka’s clean-up has entered phase two, shifting from clearing street trading to moving vendors into designated spaces. Wildlife: Three wild dogs travelled more than 2,500 miles across Zambia in search of mates, highlighting the importance of connected habitats. Six cheetahs have also been returned to North Luangwa after nearly 30 years without confirmed sightings, while wildlife authorities arrested 41 people in a crime crackdown. Sustainable Farming: A Lusaka-area grower is using homemade bokashi compost to avoid steep fertilizer costs and maintain vegetable production. Clean Energy: ZEMA has approved a 350-megawatt wind energy project in Katete.

Wildlife Recovery: Six cheetahs have returned to Zambia’s Greater Luangwa Ecosystem after nearly 30 years, with conservationists moving 3 males and 3 females into North Luangwa and closely monitoring habitat, prey recovery, and community protection. Air Quality & Health: Makerere’s AirQo has been named a finalist for the 2026 Earthshot Prize for tackling air pollution using low-cost monitors and open data across African cities. Climate Adaptation Finance: A new UN Environment Programme-backed piece highlights Africa’s huge adaptation funding gap—estimated US$310–365 billion a year by 2035 versus just US$26 billion in 2023—while noting remittances often become a coping tool during droughts and floods. Clean Lusaka Push: Former minister Doreen Mwamba backs Lusaka Mayor Mwewa Chitambala’s clean-city agenda, urging household cleanliness to match city-wide efforts. Forestry & Timber Jobs: Zambia’s Green Economy and Environment Minister Gilbert Siame says the “forest economy” can drive jobs and revenue, targeting plantation expansion and wood-processing investment along the Lobito and TAZARA corridors. Wildlife Crime Crackdown: Zambia’s DNPW arrested 41 suspects in 17 cases, recovering ivory, pangolin products, firearms, bushmeat, and timber. Solar Market Reality Check: A report argues Africa’s solar boom is bigger than official data shows, pointing to undercounted distributed solar driven by weak grids and cheaper Chinese panels. Economy Watch (Jobs Challenge): The World Bank upgraded Sub-Saharan Africa’s 2026 growth to 4.3% and says Zambia’s reforms are starting to pay off, but warns growth must translate into jobs and poverty reduction.

Clean Energy Finance: Orb Energy secured $2m from KawiSafi Ventures to expand commercial and industrial solar projects across East Africa, aiming to move more businesses onto reliable, cleaner power. Climate Adaptation Funding Gap: A new analysis highlights Africa’s huge shortfall in climate adaptation money, arguing remittances can help households cope with droughts and floods even though they aren’t “climate finance.” Water & Food Security: A climate-smart agriculture expert warns solar-powered irrigation could trigger a groundwater crisis unless Zambia builds education on aquifer protection, efficient irrigation, soil health, and rainwater harvesting. Forestry & Timber Jobs: Zambia’s Green Economy and Environment Minister says the country wants to unlock a “forest economy” by expanding plantations by one million hectares and attracting wood-processing investment along the Lobito and TAZARA corridors. Seeds & Resilience: The AU stresses high-quality seeds—including indigenous varieties—for resilient food systems, while Zambia is also linked to calls for better seed markets, not just seed policies. Tobacco & Enforcement: Zambia’s illicit cigarette rate is reported at 12.2%, with the study pointing to supply-chain vulnerabilities and enforcement gaps rather than tax levels alone. Biodiversity Caution: Conservation reporting flags that reintroducing elephants and rhinos can backfire if moves aren’t carefully planned for people-wildlife conflict.

Forestry Investment Push: Zambia’s Green Economy and Environment Minister Gilbert Siame says the country wants to unlock the “forest economy” by attracting forestry investment, targeting expansion of plantations by one million hectares and prioritising wood-processing areas along the Lobito and TAZARA corridors. Lobito Corridor, AfCFTA Focus: President Hichilema and Finance Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane used the Second Lobito Corridor Coordination meeting in Lusaka to argue the corridor must become an export-led economic ecosystem that boosts jobs, industrialisation and regional trade under AfCFTA. Water & Climate Risk: A climate-smart agriculture expert warns solar-powered irrigation could trigger a new groundwater crisis unless programmes include education on groundwater conservation, efficient irrigation, soil health and protection of recharge areas. Illicit Tobacco Crackdown Data: Tobacco Control Data Initiative figures put Zambia’s illicit cigarette prevalence at 12.2%, with the report linking illicit trade more to enforcement and supply-chain vulnerabilities than tax levels. Public Health Deal Update: Zambia says it is ready to sign a US$1.5bn US health funding agreement after dropping requirements that would have allowed biological specimens to be shared outside the country. Urban Sanitation & Cholera: Lusaka’s cleaner streets are being tested by enforcement politics as cholera cases are reported, with sanitation and waste control still a key concern.

Urban Health & Sanitation: Lusaka’s “cleaner streets” push is colliding with street-vending livelihoods as cholera cases rise, with authorities tightening enforcement on food trading, waste disposal and drainage. Wildlife & Tourism Security: Kuti Wildlife Reserve in Salima was torched by surrounding villagers after rangers intercepted alleged poachers, reigniting concerns over forest protection and tourism infrastructure. Climate & Food Security: President Hichilema urged chiefs to help households keep enough maize ahead of an El Niño-linked drought warning, stressing granary storage and protection for vulnerable people. Water Investment: Namibia’s vice-president called for turning water commitments into bankable projects as Africa closes a major water investment gap tied to food security and climate resilience. Biosafety & Climate Tech: Zambia’s National Biosafety Authority urged stronger links between regulators, researchers and communities as biotechnology and climate challenges shape the Grow Zambia Agenda. Energy/Environment Business: ZEMA approved a 350MW wind energy facility in Katete, adding momentum to renewable power plans. Governance & Civic Space: Commentary warns Zambia’s post-election civic space is shrinking amid arrests and intimidation, raising alarms for rights and rule of law. Health Funding: Zambia is set to sign a US$1.5bn US health deal after dropping a requirement that would have allowed biological specimens to leave the country.

Drought and food security: President Hakainde Hichilema told chiefs to urge households to keep enough maize for their families, warning an El Niño-linked drought is coming and advising storage in granaries to reduce distress sales. Urban health and sanitation: A Lusaka clean-up is underway, but the debate is political—street vending, waste disposal and blocked drainage are being blamed for cholera risk, while vendors push back on enforcement. Environment governance: Government dissolved the Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) board, saying a new board will be announced within two weeks. Conservation and wildlife protection: Reports from Malawi highlight how encroachment and poaching allegations can escalate into destruction of Kuti Wildlife Reserve infrastructure—an indirect warning for Zambia’s reserves. Water resilience: A regional push is growing for stronger, bankable investment in Africa’s water sector to close the investment gap and support climate resilience and food security. Biosafety and climate tech: Zambia’s National Biosafety Authority says tackling climate change needs better links between regulators, researchers, innovators and communities, with public access to clear biosafety information. Energy and fuel stability: An energy expert said Zambia’s fuel price adjustments must be seen in the context of earlier tax relief meant to cushion households from global oil shocks. Regional trade corridor: Lusaka will host high-level Lobito Corridor coordination talks to speed up an integrated route connecting infrastructure, production and investment across Zambia, Angola and the DRC.

Urban Health & Waste: Lusaka’s cleanup is visible, but enforcement politics are the real test as cholera cases rise (304 with 11 deaths reported across seven districts), with street vending, poor sanitation and blocked drainage still driving risk. Wildlife & Tourism Safety: Kuti Wildlife Reserve in Salima was torched to the ground by villagers two days after World Tourism Day/National Tourism Month, following claims of poaching and a ranger confrontation—raising alarms for reserve protection and accountability. Energy & Climate Action: ZEMA has approved a 350MW wind project in Katete (Unika I & II, 42 turbines), positioning wind as a cleaner alternative to hydropower and noting a community stake via the Chewa Development Trust. Water Security: Namibia’s Nandi-Ndaitwah urged turning Africa’s water investment pledges into bankable projects, linking water to food security, climate resilience and sustainable development. Governance & Environment Oversight: Government dissolved the ZEMA board and says a new board will be announced within two weeks, a major shift for how environmental approvals and compliance are managed. Food Security Risks: Malawi’s food insecurity is expected to worsen as El Niño threatens rainfall and labour demand, with households struggling more from low incomes than from outright food absence. Biosafety & Innovation: Zambia’s National Biosafety Authority called for stronger collaboration across regulators, researchers and communities as biotechnology and climate pressures shape agriculture and environmental management. Tourism Targets: Government reaffirmed plans to attract five million tourists, betting on cultural tourism, private-sector partnerships and local community involvement.

Green Economy & Energy: ZEMA has approved the 350MW Unika I and II wind energy facility in Katete, Eastern Province, with 42 turbines and transmission infrastructure—positioned as clean power that helps Zambia diversify away from hydropower. Climate Risk & Farming Resilience: ZSIC is urging farmers to take up agricultural insurance as drought, floods, pests and diseases intensify; payouts under the Grain for Premium programme show how cover can cushion losses. Biosafety & Climate Tech: The National Biosafety Authority says tackling climate change needs stronger links between regulators, researchers, innovators and communities, stressing public access to clear information on biotech safeguards. Water & Food Systems: Government says it is committed to transforming fisheries and aquaculture, citing growth in production and launching new aqua fish feed to support both small-scale and commercial farmers. Governance & Environment Institutions: Government dissolved the ZEMA board and says a new board will be announced within two weeks, citing powers under Zambia’s laws. Tourism & Community Link: Government targets five million tourists, pitching culture and tourism as drivers of inclusive growth and partnerships with local communities. Urban Livelihoods: UPND backs Lusaka City Council’s plan to relocate street vendors from undesignated trading areas, arguing markets have enough space and street trading undermines revenue. Investment Push: Zambia targets over US$5 billion in deals at Invest-Zambia International Conference in December, with UK-backed support for the Grow Zambia Agenda and a push for projects in clean energy, agriculture and mining.

Biosafety & Climate Collaboration: The National Biosafety Authority says tackling climate change and biotech risks needs tighter links between regulators, researchers, innovators, industry, communities and policy makers, with public access to clear biosafety information. ZEMA Shake-up: Government dissolved the Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) board and says a new board will be announced within two weeks. Clean Power Approvals: ZEMA approved a 350MW wind energy facility in Katete (Mphepo Power’s Unika I & II), with 42 turbines and transmission infrastructure, aimed at diversifying Zambia’s energy mix beyond hydropower. Fuel Price Context: An energy expert says Zambia’s recent fuel pump price adjustment follows months of tax relief to cushion households and businesses from global oil and exchange-rate shocks. Climate Risk for Farmers: ZSIC urged farmers to use agricultural insurance as drought, floods, pests and diseases intensify, citing payouts under the Grain for Premium programme. El Niño Preparedness Push: A commentary warns Zambia must urgently plan for possible El Niño impacts on the 2026/27 farming season, not repeat cycles of late emergency responses. Invest-Zambia Deals: Zambia targets over US$5 billion in investment and signed deals at the Invest-Zambia International Conference in December, framed around the Grow Zambia Agenda.

ZEMA Governance: Government dissolved the Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) board with immediate effect, saying a new board will be announced within two weeks. Clean Energy & Climate: ZEMA approved a 350MW wind energy facility in Katete (Unika I & II) by Mphepo Power Limited, with 42 turbines and transmission infrastructure, aiming to diversify Zambia’s power mix away from hydropower. El Niño Preparedness: Farmers are being urged to insure crops as climate shocks intensify; ZSIC says thousands of farmers have already received payouts under the Grain for Premium programme. Agriculture & Water Risk: A call is growing for stronger El Niño response planning, including crop diversification and water harvesting, as another drought season could hit the 2026/27 farming cycle. Regional Trade & Environment: Lusaka will host high-level Lobito Corridor talks (5–6 Oct) to speed up an integrated route linking Zambia, Angola and DRC—key for jobs and investment along the corridor. Health Sector Sustainability: Government urged citizens and partners to protect health gains amid shrinking donor support, pushing more domestic financing and essential commodity production.

ZEMA Governance Shake-up: Government has dissolved the Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) board with immediate effect, saying a new board will be announced within two weeks—raising fresh questions for environmental oversight and project approvals. Clean Energy Push: ZEMA has approved the 350MW Unika I and II wind energy facility in Katete, Eastern Province, with 42 turbines and transmission lines, and noted local community ownership through the Chewa Development Trust. Climate Risk for Farmers: ZSIC is urging farmers to insure crops against drought, floods, pests and diseases, citing payouts under the Grain for Premium programme as climate shocks intensify. Aquaculture Growth: Government says it remains committed to transforming fisheries and aquaculture, pointing to rising production and renewed investment in fish feed to support both small-scale and commercial farmers. El Niño Preparedness: Stakeholders are calling for stronger El Niño response planning, including crop diversification and water harvesting, as warnings point to possible drought impacts on food and livelihoods. IMF Talks in Focus: Zambia’s IMF mission is in Lusaka to discuss a successor programme, with emphasis on private-sector-led growth, exports, diversification and job creation—key for funding resilience and environmental priorities.

Clean Energy Expansion: ZEMA has approved a 350MW wind energy facility in Katete, Eastern Province—Unika I and II by Mphepo Power Limited—with 42 turbines, an on-site substation and 330kV transmission lines; the project is framed as a shift away from hydropower, and the Chewa Development Trust holds a 10% stake. Climate Risk for Food Security: Government is warning the 2026/2027 farming season could again be hit by El Niño, urging farmers in Northern Province to start mitigation now—drought-tolerant seeds, conservation farming, early planting and better water management. ESIA and Industry Growth: United Capital Fertilizer Zambia plans to expand its Chilanga facility—doubling urea capacity to 600,000 tonnes and adding ammonium nitrate production—while local leaders call for strict control of carbon emissions and other environmental impacts. Renewables Rollout: Arc Power says it will build a 10MW solar plant in Chinsali, with land secured and a feasibility study underway ahead of a 2027 ground-breaking. Conservation-Led Tourism: SUJÁN has acquired Chiawa Camp and Old Mondoro in Zambia’s Lower Zambezi National Park, aiming to more than double its portfolio over four years with a conservation-first approach.

IMF Talks: Zambia has opened talks with an IMF mission on a successor Extended Credit Facility, aiming to protect macro stability and debt sustainability while pushing private-sector-led growth, exports, diversification and jobs. Energy & Climate Resilience: With El Niño risks looming, farmers in Northern Province are being urged to start mitigation now—using drought-tolerant seeds, conservation farming and better water management. Solar Push: Arc Power plans a 10MW solar plant in Chinsali, with feasibility work set to run for three months and ground-breaking expected in early 2027. Fertiliser Expansion (ESIA): United Capital Fertilizer Zambia is seeking to expand capacity in Chilanga, doubling urea output to 600,000 tonnes and adding ammonium nitrate, while local leaders call for carbon and environmental impacts to be managed. Conservation Tourism: SUJÁN has acquired Chiawa Camp and Old Mondoro in Zambia’s Lower Zambezi, aiming to more than double its portfolio over four years with a conservation-led approach. Agriculture Finance: Indo Zambia Bank says its agriculture portfolio has reached about K3.3bn, with K400m disbursed to 3,600+ farmers under Grow Zambia-linked financing. Wildlife & Livelihoods: KAZA has launched a regenerative nature-based tourism initiative to boost conservation and local enterprise, especially for women, youth and communities near protected areas.

Fertilizer & Carbon Watch: United Capital Fertilizer plans a US$1.5bn expansion in Chilanga, doubling urea output to 600,000 tonnes a year and adding ammonium nitrate (400,000 tonnes), with local leaders urging strong carbon and ecosystem safeguards during the ESIA. Clean Power Push: Arc Power says it will build a 10MW solar plant in Chinsali, after land was secured in the industrial park; a feasibility study runs for three months and ground-breaking is expected in early 2027. Climate Risk for Farmers: Northern Province farmers are being urged to prepare for El Niño impacts (dry spells and erratic rain) by switching to drought-tolerant seeds, using conservation farming, and improving water management. Energy for Growth: Zambia is accelerating private solar and coal investment to meet a 1,000MW solar target by late 2026, aiming to protect power and agriculture during El Niño-linked drought risk. Conservation & Tourism: KAZA launches regenerative nature-based tourism to boost biodiversity protection, local enterprises, and livelihoods across member states. Wildlife & Ethics: Botswana faces backlash over a licence allowing the killing of 23 elephants for independence celebrations, raising fears for conservation and potential poaching incentives. IMF Talks: Government has started discussions with an IMF mission on a successor ECF programme focused on growth, jobs, exports and debt sustainability. UAE Deals with Environmental Angle: Zambia signed major UAE agreements including a US$2bn Lusaka medical city, plus other investments spanning renewable energy and logistics.

IMF Talks & Growth Agenda: Zambia has started discussions with an IMF mission on a successor Extended Credit Facility, aiming to protect debt sustainability while pushing investment, exports, diversification and jobs, with talks running to 10 October and covering the 2027 budget and 2027–2029 Medium-Term Plan. Energy & Climate Risk: Zambia is accelerating alternative power, with more private solar and coal investment flagged as key to managing anticipated El Niño-linked drought impacts on rainfall, agriculture and power generation. UAE Deals & Infrastructure: President Hichilema signed six agreements with the UAE worth about US$2.4bn, including a US$2bn Lusaka Medical City near the airport, plus deals spanning logistics, technology and biotechnology—moves framed under the Grow Zambia Agenda. Bureaucracy & Digital Services: Hichilema urged Zambia to use digital platforms to cut delays and inefficiencies that slow investment and service delivery. Conservation & Livelihoods: KAZA launched a regenerative nature-based tourism initiative to boost conservation, local enterprises and sustainable livelihoods across member states. Drug Abuse Response: Zambia is partnering with churches to tackle drug and substance abuse, with a planned K250m national rehabilitation and skills centre set to break ground. Wildlife Controversy (Regional): Botswana faces backlash over authorising the killing of 23 elephants for independence celebrations, raising conservation and disease-related concerns.