AGP Executive Report

Wildlife & Conservation: World Lion Day coverage highlights how lions remain vulnerable as habitat shrinks and conflict with people grows; Zambia is cited among countries holding remaining lion populations, with pressure from expanding settlements and livestock predation. Governance & Environment Risk: A new report warns company directors across Africa could face legal liability if they fail to account for nature-related risks like biodiversity loss, water scarcity and land degradation—pushing environmental issues into boardroom duties. Natural Capital Finance: The AfDB’s African Development Fund approved a $4.23m grant to integrate natural capital into development financing across 13 countries including Zambia, aiming to strengthen policies, statistics and institutions from 2026–2029. Energy Access & Climate Resilience: Zambia’s Kasama 100MW solar project gets major backing, with leaders stressing diversification away from hydropower amid changing rainfall. Rural Electrification: REA reports investing over K167m in Northern Province (2023–2026) including grid projects, solar mini-grids, biodigesters and solar-for-health installations. Elections & Rights: With the 13 August vote near, Zambia’s judiciary trains to resolve election disputes on time, while Amnesty flags escalating authoritarian practices and media crackdowns ahead of polling.

World Lion Day & Coexistence: Communities across southern Africa are testing ways to live with lions—using community “protectors,” better livestock enclosures and early warning alerts to cut conflict as lions face shrinking habitat. Zambia Election Pulse: Ahead of the Aug 13 vote, ECZ reiterates free, fair observation and results timelines, while civil society and legal groups condemn political violence and warn against misinformation. Energy & Climate Moves: Government launched the National Carbon Registry to route carbon credit transactions through an official digital system, and commissioned Kasama’s 100MW solar project—both aimed at strengthening climate action and energy security. Water & Sanitation: Chilanga and Kafue received upgraded boreholes converted into small piped schemes, improving safe water access and public health. Trade & Regional Integration: SADC is pushing a Simplified Trade Regime to reduce border costs and barriers for small-scale cross-border traders, with Lusaka hosting implementation talks. Wildlife Crime: Five Lusaka residents were jailed for illegal possession of pangolin.

Climate Finance & Carbon Markets: Zambia has launched a National Carbon Registry, moving carbon credit transactions onto a single official digital platform overseen by ZEMA and linked to UN climate reporting systems—aimed at boosting transparency and attracting climate finance. Renewable Power Push: Government is investing US$84.2m in the 100MW Kasama solar project, with leaders stressing Zambia’s need to diversify beyond hydropower as rainfall patterns become less reliable. Water & Sanitation Upgrades: In Chilanga and Kafue, 10 upgraded boreholes have been converted into small piped water schemes (K5.8m), while Kafue District also handed over a CDF-funded market shelter and an ablution block to improve safer, cleaner trading conditions. Wildlife & Tourism Cooperation: Zambia and Malawi agreed to jointly market tourism, develop shared products, and strengthen wildlife conservation after their first Joint Tourism Technical Committee meeting. Human-Wildlife Conflict Lesson: India’s plan to build a 100-hectare enclosure for Asiatic lions involved in attacks highlights a growing global shift toward managing conflict while protecting conservation gains. Governance & Environment Link: With elections approaching, ECZ reaffirmed commitment to free, fair polls and warned against misinformation—important for keeping public order during periods when environmental and community issues can also flare.

Climate Policy & Carbon Markets: Zambia launched a National Carbon Registry in Lusaka, moving carbon credit transactions onto a single digital platform managed by ZEMA and linked to MRV systems and UN reporting—aimed at boosting transparency and climate finance. Energy & Resilience: Government is investing US$84.2m in a 100MW Kasama solar project, with President Hichilema stressing Zambia’s need to diversify beyond hydropower amid changing rainfall patterns. Water & Public Health: Chilanga and Kafue received 10 upgraded boreholes converted into small piped water schemes (K5.8m), expected to cut waterborne disease risk and improve access for hundreds of households. Sanitation & Local Livelihoods: In Kafue, a CDF-funded market shelter and a modern ablution block were handed over at Kalukungu Market to create a safer, cleaner trading space. Wildlife & Tourism Cooperation: Zambia and Malawi agreed to jointly market tourism, develop shared products, and step up wildlife conservation after their first Joint Tourism Technical Committee meeting in Lilongwe. Elections & Civic Space (Indirect Environment Link): ECZ reaffirmed commitment to free, fair elections and warned against misinformation as campaigning tightens ahead of 13 August.

Climate Policy: Zambia has launched a National Carbon Registry, moving carbon credit transactions onto a single official digital platform run by ZEMA and linked to MRV systems and UN reporting. Water & Sanitation: Government commissioned 10 upgraded boreholes turned into small piped water schemes in Chilanga and Kafue, worth K5.8m, to improve safe water access and cut waterborne disease risks. Local Infrastructure: Kafue District handed over a CDF-funded market shelter and a devolution programme ablution block at Kalukungu Market to make trading safer and cleaner. Land, Health & Community: Chilanga authorities renewed breastfeeding support systems as exclusive breastfeeding rates reportedly declined, urging stronger family and workplace support. Tobacco Control: A youth-focused report highlights Zambia’s tobacco industry lobbying to weaken nicotine rules, as governments face pressure to protect young people from addiction. Wildlife & Conservation (Regional): Zambia and Malawi agreed to jointly market tourism and step up wildlife conservation after a joint technical committee meeting. Governance & Environment: With elections on August 13, ECZ set August 17 for results and urged stakeholders to curb misinformation—critical for keeping public trust during climate and environment policy rollouts.

Air Quality & Health: A global push highlights how lung diseases like childhood asthma and COPD remain a major burden in Africa, with barriers ranging from pollution and stigma to gaps in diagnosis and access to medicines. Breastfeeding Support: Chadiza District reaffirmed plans to strengthen breastfeeding support as exclusive breastfeeding rates decline, citing misinformation, workplace pressures, and weak community backing—while urging breastfeeding-friendly workplaces. Election Rule of Law: Zambia’s Law Association and police leadership condemned pre-election violence and ordered impartial enforcement, including a review of Mongu/Kalabo teargas crowd-control actions. Carbon Markets: Zambia joined the Coalition to Grow Carbon Markets as Türkiye, Ghana and Luxembourg came on board, aiming to boost demand for high-integrity carbon credits ahead of COP31. Tourism & Wildlife: Zambia and Malawi agreed to jointly market destinations, develop shared tourism products, and step up wildlife conservation through a new tourism technical committee roadmap. Fertiliser & Food Security: Analysts warn that disruptions to fertiliser inputs—linked to global shipping chokepoints—could quickly translate into higher prices and lower yields across import-dependent countries including Zambia.

Climate & Energy: A new Ember report says global coal power output fell sharply in 2025, but the US bucked the trend—raising coal generation—after deregulation and support for coal plants. Election & Rights: Ahead of Zambia’s 13 August polls, police ordered arrests over recent political violence and launched a review of Mongu teargas operations; a legal body warns violence could damage election credibility. Digital Freedom: The Net Rights Coalition urges Zambia to uphold digital rights, citing arrests of journalists under cyber laws. Tourism & Wildlife: Zambia and Malawi signed minutes after a joint tourism technical meeting in Lilongwe, pushing joint marketing, product development and sustainable tourism with wildlife conservation. Water & Sanitation (SDG 6): A global local-government brief highlights the push to localize water and sanitation planning for sustainable development. Food Security (Regional): Malawi’s Mvac projects food-insecure numbers falling to 2.6m in 2026/27, citing improved rainfall and maize output.

Electricity & climate stress: South Africa’s June electricity generation fell 8.1% year-on-year for the 13th straight year, with lower deliveries to provinces—another reminder that power reliability across the region is still fragile. Food security & fertiliser shocks: Disruptions tied to the Strait of Hormuz could tighten sulphur supplies for phosphate fertiliser, raising prices and threatening rain-fed farming countries including Zambia. Governance & elections: The Law Association of Zambia warned that political violence could undermine the credibility of the August 13 polls, while police and government officials condemned violence and ordered/urged enforcement against perpetrators. Wildlife crime: A Lusaka case saw five years handed down for illegal possession of leopard skin, and separate reporting flags pangolin-related jail time. Mining, environment & accountability: A new investigation claims uranium may have been exported from the DRC to China hidden in cobalt shipments—raising nuclear safety and environmental concerns for the region’s mineral supply chains. Digital & sustainability: UNDP is pushing blockchain from pilots to wider public use, while SIGNIS Africa leaders link digital communication with environmental well-being. Energy transition: Studies warn warming temperatures are already reshaping Africa’s malaria map, with risks shifting toward southern and East Africa.

Wildlife Enforcement: A Lusaka court sentenced a 34-year-old man to five years with hard labour for illegal possession of a leopard skin, with the Department of National Parks and Wildlife stressing the need to protect endangered species and Zambia’s biodiversity. Election Security: Zambia Police IG Graphel Musamba ordered arrests over recent political violence in Shibuyunji, Livingstone and Luampa, while opposition leader Brian Mundubile condemned state-linked teargas attacks in Mongu and Kalabo, calling for EU, SADC and AU action. Women in Politics: ECZ urged women and youths to seize Zambia’s new proportional representation seats reserved for women, saying participation must go beyond voting into candidacy and leadership. Regional Democracy Watch: The SADC Electoral Observation Mission for Zambia’s August 13 polls was launched in Lusaka, with observers set to cover pre- and post-election phases across all provinces. Climate Finance Push: COP31 host Türkiye, Ghana and Luxembourg joined the Coalition to Grow Carbon Markets, aiming to scale demand for high-integrity carbon credits. Energy Transition Context: A report highlights rapid renewable expansion in Sub-Saharan Africa, driven by falling solar and wind costs and growing battery storage needs.

Renewables Boom: BloombergNEF says Sub-Saharan Africa’s renewable power capacity could more than double by 2030, driven by cheaper solar and wind, rising demand, and growing battery storage—key for energy security where hundreds of millions still lack reliable electricity. Wildlife Crime Crackdown (Zambia): Lusaka courts handed five-year hard labour sentences to people caught with leopard skin and live ground pangolins, with authorities stressing these cases protect biodiversity and tourism. Climate & Health Watch: A new study finds climate change is reshaping malaria across Africa—slightly increasing risk overall so far, but shifting hotspots toward southern and East Africa while easing pressure in today’s hardest-hit areas. Food Security Signals: Zambia’s Meteorological Department warning of possible drought is prompting calls for farmers to hold back maize for household needs instead of selling everything to the FRA. Natural Capital in Policy: AfDF approved a $4.23m grant to help Zambia and 12 other countries integrate natural capital into development planning, linking environment to budgeting and decision-making.

Wildlife Crime Crackdown: Lusaka courts handed five-year hard labour sentences to men caught with leopard skin and live ground pangolins, with DNPW stressing these cases protect biodiversity and tourism. Climate & Health: A new Nature study says climate change is already slightly increasing malaria overall, but it will shift risk—reducing transmission in today’s hottest hotspots while raising it in southern and East Africa, including areas like Zambia. Education Infrastructure: Government received 17 new classroom blocks in Lusaka Province under the Free Education push, aimed at easing congestion for secondary schools. Food Security & Weather Warnings: UPND’s Aubrey Muzaza urged farmers to avoid selling all maize to FRA and keep household stocks amid warnings of possible drought from changing weather patterns. Natural Capital Finance: AfDB’s African Development Fund approved a $4.23m grant to help integrate natural capital into development planning across Zambia and 12 other countries. Energy & Power Costs: Hichilema unveiled Copperbelt measures, including personally paying electricity connection fees for 16,000 households, alongside plans to revive mining and cut timber costs. Regional Conservation & Research: Zambia-linked conservation and science themes also surfaced, including satellite-style monitoring for wildlife and broader research on climate resilience crops like chickpeas.

Wildlife Crime Crackdown: Five Lusaka residents were jailed for five years with hard labour for illegal possession of a live ground pangolin, after an intelligence-led operation found the animal at Novare Mall; DNPW says the case shows trafficking networks can be disrupted. Climate & Health: A new Nature study says climate change will shift malaria risk across Africa—reducing transmission in some hotter West African areas while increasing cases in southern and eastern regions, including parts of Angola, Zambia and northeastern South Africa. Clean Energy Push: A BloombergNEF report projects Sub-Saharan Africa will more than double renewable capacity by 2030, with rising grid tariffs pushing households and mines toward solar. Natural Capital for Policy: AfDB’s African Development Fund approved a $4.23m grant to integrate natural capital into development financing across 13 countries, including Zambia, from 2026–2029. El Niño Preparedness: The AU warns Africa faces a high chance of a major El Niño event later in 2026, urging countries to move from forecasts to action to cut drought, flood and food shock risks. Regional Elections & Security: Malawi’s Samuel Tembenu will lead SADC’s election observation mission in Zambia, while civil society calls on ECZ to act over violence allegations tied to UPND cadres. Copper & Mining Signals: Patriot Resources says early mapping in a new Zambian copper licence shows geology similar to the Central African Copperbelt’s giant deposits, while separate reports highlight scrutiny around rare earth mining licensing and operations.

Climate & Health: A new Nature study says climate change will shift malaria risk across Africa—cutting transmission in hotter West African areas but raising cases in cooler southern and eastern regions, including projected increases for Angola, Zambia and parts of South Africa by 2050. Extreme Weather Watch: Africa is on high alert for a potentially record-breaking El Niño, with a 90% chance of a major event that could bring droughts, floods, crop failures and disease outbreaks unless countries prepare now. Biodiversity & Wildlife: Zambia-linked conservation news highlights cheetah collaring in South Africa’s Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, using drones and aircraft to track five cheetahs and strengthen protection of the species. Community Environment Action: Zambia has launched the UN International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development 2026 with volunteerism plus environmental clean-ups and awareness activities starting in Mwinilunga. Energy Regulation: Zambia’s Energy Regulation Board says its enabling environment has attracted investment, with more than 620 Oil Marketing Companies operating nationwide. Food Security: A UN FAO report shows global hunger is falling, but Africa still lags—20% of Africans faced hunger in 2025, driven by conflict, aid cuts and climate shocks.

Climate & Health: A new Nature study says climate change is “moving” malaria—slightly increasing childhood malaria overall, with rising risk expected in southern and East Africa while today’s hottest areas may see relief as temperatures push mosquitoes out. Water & Business Risk: Reports warn water stress is climbing for companies, with heatwaves and drought already hitting food output and raising pressure across supply chains like textiles. Biodiversity & Conservation Tech: Zambia’s Luangwa Valley is set to use satellite tracking to boost vulture conservation, aiming to protect critical biodiversity. Agriculture & Innovation: Zambia’s 98th Agricultural and Commercial Show ends with praise for science and tech tools for farmers and entrepreneurs, after strong attendance and deal-making. Mining & Environment Governance: Malawi MPs order a fresh probe into the Kangankunde rare earths mine over licensing and missing environmental documentation, including concerns about raw mineral sample exports to Zambia. Community Nutrition: Kaoma district officials stress nutrition as a livelihood cornerstone, pushing coordination to cut stunting in Zambia.

Voter inclusion: The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) is stepping up voter education in Chipata to remove barriers to women’s participation, with Vice-Chair Major General Vincent Mukanda urging an inclusive electoral environment. Election integrity: Chishimba Kambwili wants ECZ to enforce the published campaign timetable strictly, arguing any unequal access to provinces undermines fairness. Regional transparency: SADC Electoral Advisory Council says 110 election observers from 11 member states are being trained and will be deployed across Zambia’s 10 provinces. Climate and health: A new Nature study says climate change is “moving” childhood malaria risk—rising temperatures may increase risk in southern and East Africa while reducing it in today’s hottest hotspots. Water risk: Reports warn water shortages are rising on corporate agendas, with drought and heat already hitting food and supply chains. Biodiversity tech: Zambia’s Luangwa Valley is set to use satellite tracking to boost vulture conservation. Agriculture innovation: The 98th Zambia Agricultural and Commercial Show ends today, highlighting science and technology to help farmers and entrepreneurs.

Sickle Cell Care in UHC: Kenya, Zambia, Tanzania and Ghana are pushing to fold sickle cell disease services into Universal Health Coverage, focusing on newborn screening, diagnosis, blood transfusion, referral systems and insurance coverage—Zambia’s Ministry of Health says it has expanded care by integrating services into government facilities and working with patient groups. Zambia Agricultural Show Wraps: The 98th Zambia Agricultural and Commercial Show ends today in Lusaka, with over 1,100 exhibitors and an estimated 260,000 attendees, spotlighting science, technology and innovation to boost trade and income for farmers and entrepreneurs. El Niño Heat Warning: The UN and WMO warn El Niño is strengthening into Aug–Oct 2026, raising the risk of record heat and shifting rainfall patterns—too much rain in parts of East Africa and drought in southern Africa, including Zambia. Water Risk for Business: New reports flag rising water stress as a growing corporate risk, with drought and heat already hitting food and supply chains. CORSIA Carbon Units Supply: IATA says airlines face a CORSIA eligible emissions units shortfall because countries hosting carbon projects must authorize unit use under UN rules, prompting a new push to get units to market. Food Security Inputs in Mpongwe: Zambia increased Wetlands Component beneficiaries under the Food Security Pack in Mpongwe from 700 to 1,100, adding fertiliser, seed packs and precision farming support.