AGP Executive Report

Energy & Renewables: Zambia’s Energy Regulation Board approved 32 licences, 16 construction permits and amendments worth K4.5bn, including solar PV projects (126MWp) and new downstream petroleum infrastructure like retail stations, storage and fuel tankers—aimed at boosting energy access and supply. Environment Watchdog: The Office of the Public Protector urged citizens, parties and local authorities to tackle environmental neglect ahead of the August 13 election, citing clogged drainages, uncollected garbage, broken toilets and poor sanitation. Forests & Climate Action: ABSA Bank Zambia backed the Katembo Community Forest Management Group in Luwingu with bicycles, protective gear and safety boots, highlighting forest conservation that supports livelihoods like honey and mushroom growing while helping mitigate climate change. Wildlife & Conservation Tourism: Green Safaris marked 10 years in Mumbwa, with officials praising wildlife protection and community benefits, including conservation funding and jobs. Climate Risk: Reports warn El Niño may return, threatening crops, grids and mines—pushing calls for preparedness. Water & Sanitation Theme: Public Service Day coverage in Lusaka spotlighted universal water availability and safe sanitation by 2063, linking service delivery to sustainable water management. Mining, Power & Regional Trade: Zambia and the US signed an MCC amendment realigning about US$491m toward the Lobito Corridor, with funding for roads, electricity access, irrigation and logistics tied to agriculture and critical minerals.

Environmental accountability: Zambia’s Office of the Public Protector has urged citizens, political parties and local authorities to prioritise environmental cleanliness ahead of the August 13 General Election, citing clogged drainages, uncollected garbage and poor sanitation as signs of service delivery failure. Forests under pressure: A public call is growing for President Hakainde Hichilema to suspend or reverse any sale of the Shimwalule forest, described as sacred burial grounds for the Bemba royal establishment in Muchinga. Energy and climate resilience: The Energy Regulation Board approved K4.5 billion in energy investment pledges, including licences and permits across electricity, renewables and downstream petroleum infrastructure. Wildlife and conservation tourism: Green Safaris marked its 10th anniversary in Mumbwa, with government praising its conservation work and community benefits, including conservation funding raised in 2025. Water and sanitation theme: Public Service Day messaging linked universal water availability and safe sanitation by 2063 to improved public sector delivery. El Niño risk: Weather coverage warns El Niño could return and disrupt crops, grids and mines, pushing Zambia toward earlier preparedness. Blue economy angle: A wider Africa focus highlights rising demand for aquatic foods but supply gaps, reinforcing the need for stronger fisheries and aquaculture planning. Mining-linked environment spotlight: A documentary on Jon Snow says he uncovered an underreported environmental catastrophe tied to a Chinese mining company in Zambia.

Environmental Clean-up Call: Zambia’s Public Protector Caroline Sokoni urged citizens, political parties and local authorities to prioritise environmental cleanliness ahead of the August 13 election, citing clogged drainages, uncollected garbage and poor sanitation as signs of service delivery failure. Forest Conservation & Climate Livelihoods: ABSA Bank Zambia backed the Katembo Community Forest Management Group in Luwingu with bicycles, protective gear and safety boots, highlighting forest conservation that also supports income activities like mushroom growing and honey production. Energy & Renewables Push: The Energy Regulation Board approved 32 licences and 16 construction permits worth K4.5 billion, including solar photovoltaic projects (126 MWp total) and new petroleum infrastructure approvals—moves aimed at expanding energy access and supporting a cleaner transition. Wildlife-Tourism Model: Green Safaris marked its 10th anniversary in Mumbwa, with government praising conservation-led tourism that protects wildlife while creating jobs and funding community projects. Blue Economy & Food Security: A new FAO-linked discussion warns Africa’s aquatic food supply is lagging behind rising demand, urging stronger focus on sustainable fisheries and water-based food systems. El Niño Warning: Weather risk is back on the agenda as El Niño threatens crops, grids and mines, raising the need for anticipatory climate preparedness in Zambia.

Energy Regulation Push: Zambia’s Energy Regulation Board approved 32 licences, 16 construction permits and amendments worth K4.5 billion, spanning electricity, renewables and downstream petroleum— including solar PV approvals for 126MWp and new retail and storage infrastructure to strengthen supply. Climate & Food Risk: El Niño is back on the radar, with warnings it could bring renewed weather volatility that hits crops, grids and mines—raising the stakes for Zambia’s preparedness. Conservation & Wildlife Tourism: Green Safaris marked its 10th anniversary with government recognition for wildlife protection and community benefits, highlighting how tourism can support conservation and local livelihoods. Water-Efficient Agriculture Skills: Israel’s Ramat Negev centre trained 740 Zambians through an 11-month internship blending paid farm work and classroom learning, with a focus on water-scarce farming and composting. Health & Sanitation for Resilience: Government reiterated plans to retain health workers and boost water, sanitation and hygiene in facilities, linking stronger WASH and disease surveillance to better readiness for climate-related shocks like El Niño. Blue Economy Angle: A new FAO-backed discussion stresses that Africa’s food security must look beyond land crops to rivers, lakes and oceans—where aquatic foods are vital but under-supplied.

Wildlife & Tourism: Green Safaris marked its 10th anniversary in Mumbwa, with officials praising a model that puts conservation and nearby communities first—supporting about 500 jobs and raising over US$410,000 in 2025 for schooling and local development. Forests & Land Rights: Ambassador Emmanuel Mwamba urges President Hakainde Hichilema to suspend or reverse any sale of the Shimwalule forest, describing it as sacred burial ground for Bemba royals and a spiritual sanctuary. Clean Energy Push: Government says Zambia has only 525 registered electric vehicles and wants a coordinated shift away from fossil fuels, while stressing the private sector should drive adoption. Electricity & Climate Finance: AXIAN Energy secured a US$60m financing package to expand renewable projects across Africa, including Zambia’s Bangweulu Solar PV plant. Blue Economy Food Security: A new FAO-linked analysis warns Africa’s aquatic food supply is lagging behind rising demand, urging more focus on lakes and rivers for nutrition and livelihoods. Malaria Nets Still Work: A review finds insecticide-treated bed nets remain effective at preventing malaria transmission even as mosquito resistance grows. Water & Health Infrastructure: Concerns continue over sanitation at UTH, with calls to urgently fix non-functioning toilets as a public health priority. Regional Conservation Link: Zambia’s wildlife story also echoes globally, with reports of major bat migrations and renewed conservation breeding efforts for endangered cheetahs. Economy-Environment Link: Zambia–US MCC amendments realign US$491m toward the Lobito Corridor, including roads, electricity access, irrigation and support for agri-SMEs—key for sustainable growth.

Health & Sanitation: Zambia’s Levy Mwanawasa University Teaching Hospital received support from a Chinese medical team to expand gastrointestinal services, including training and advanced digestive endoscopy to improve diagnosis of ulcers and cancers. Climate-Ready Health Systems: Government says it will keep working to retain health workers and strengthen malaria case finding, plus invest in water, sanitation and hygiene in facilities to better handle climate-linked shocks like El Niño. Green Jobs & Skills: A Zambia delegation is on a weeklong TVET study tour in Ghana under an EU/ILO green jobs and skills project, aiming to build green and digital skills for youth and cut unemployment. Waste & Public Health Risk: Lusaka’s waste problem remains stark, with only about half of solid waste reaching Chunga dumpsite; the report flags hazardous healthcare waste and weak disposal systems as a major health and environmental threat. Wildlife & Conservation: Zambia-linked conservation news highlights cheetah breeding efforts and renewed interest in reintroducing cheetahs to Zambia’s Luangwa Valley, while regional wildlife counts underscore ongoing pressure on African species.

Renewables & Grid Resilience: RES4Africa leaders met in Cape Town to push renewables as the backbone of Africa’s energy security, stressing the need for storage and smarter grids to keep power reliable for industry. Waste & Health Risks in Lusaka: A Lusaka waste management report flags that only about half of the city’s solid waste reaches Chunga, with hazardous hospital waste and poor disposal systems raising disease and pollution concerns. Wildlife & Conservation Tourism: Zambia’s safari sector is getting a boost from growing demand for “green” travel, while conservation-focused tourism stories highlight wildlife protection and community benefits. Climate Preparedness: Zambia is preparing for a possible El Niño return, with experts calling for anticipatory action. Biodiversity Spotlight: Whipsnade Zoo welcomed seven endangered cheetah cubs, adding momentum to international breeding efforts. Education & Water Infrastructure: UNZA delayed mid-year exams due to ongoing rehabilitation of its water and sewer network, leaving some students stranded.

El Niño watch: Zambia is preparing for a possible return of El Niño, with government and stakeholders urged to act early on climate preparedness. Energy & resilience: The government launched a 15-year Grid Resilience Programme, using savings from a US$1.365bn Eurobond buyback to invest about US$275m into electricity distribution upgrades. Wildlife & conservation context: Tanzania’s latest wildlife census shows lions and buffaloes leading Africa, while elephants have sharply declined over two decades—useful for Zambia’s own biodiversity planning and anti-poaching focus. Malaria innovation: A Johns Hopkins study says an orange sidewalk yeast could help lure and trap malaria mosquitoes, pointing to cheaper, eco-friendly control options. Education pressure points: Opposition candidate Brian Mundubile argues free education must be matched with more classrooms and higher, timely school grants to cut overcrowding. Democracy concerns: Fred M’membe told a Commonwealth delegation that opposition rallies are being denied and Zambia’s democratic space is shrinking ahead of 2026 elections. Sustainable tourism push: Zambia’s tourism sector is getting a boost from demand for responsible travel, with Green Safaris highlighted for conservation-linked growth.

Climate Readiness: Zambia is warning of a possible return of El Niño later this year and is pushing for stronger preparedness, as scientists and planners meet in Lusaka to help countries anticipate and manage climate shocks. Electricity & Resilience: Zambia launched a 15-year Grid Resilience Programme, funded through a debt-for-energy conversion linked to the repurchase of a US$1.365bn bond, aiming to strengthen power distribution and cut future grid stress. Sustainable Tourism: Zambia’s tourism sector is getting a boost from global demand for authentic, sustainable travel, with Green Safaris highlighted for conservation, renewable energy and community support. Wildlife & Nature Tourism: Kasanka National Park in northern Zambia is set for the sky-darkening straw-coloured fruit bat migration, a major nature spectacle that also supports seed dispersal and biodiversity. Health & Environment Link: Zambia’s health tax enforcement debate continues, with calls to close collection gaps so revenues can better support public health outcomes. Governance & Accountability: Zambia also marked a decade of the Police Public Complaints Commission, reinforcing oversight and citizens’ rights—important for environmental enforcement too.

Climate Preparedness: Zambia hosted the 21st Africa Continental Climate Outlook Forum in Lusaka, where experts urged countries to prepare for possible El Niño impacts on food, water, energy and livelihoods, with Zambia’s El Niño drought experience cited as a warning. Health & Environment Link: Government launched the 2027–2029 Medium Term Budget for Health, highlighting malaria prevention progress (including millions of insecticide-treated nets) and plans to digitalise health systems—key for climate-stressed disease control. Wildlife & Public Health: A CDC travel notice flags rare tsetse fly-borne sleeping sickness risk in Zambia and Zimbabwe, stressing that cases have been reported in returning safari travellers. Water & Ecosystems: Zambia and Germany launched a project to protect the Kafue River, aiming to safeguard one of the country’s most important water systems. Regional Trade & Minerals: The Lobito Corridor’s rail push is reshaping copper logistics and could affect mining-linked environmental pressures and land/transport planning across the Copperbelt. Community Resilience: Mayukwayukwa Refugee Settlement in Kaoma District received new roads, a school, a health facility and water systems—improving access and reducing strain on local services.

Climate Preparedness: Zambia hosted African experts at ACCOF-21 in Lusaka to strengthen readiness for a possible “super” El Nino in 2026/2027, with officials stressing that forecasts must translate into early warnings and action for vulnerable groups. Health Taxes & Tobacco Farmers: A Zambia-focused policy update says health tax reforms still face enforcement gaps, arguing digital tax stamps and better revenue earmarking are key, while also calling for support to help tobacco farmers transition. Water & Hydropower Governance: The Zambezi River Authority joined the International Hydropower Association to improve operations and boost the bankability of projects like Kariba rehabilitation and Batoka Gorge. Biodiversity & Public Awareness: A Livingstone Museum exhibition, “Frogs of Zambia,” highlights frogs as environmental bio-indicators and showcases their role in pregnancy testing. Public Health Risk for Wildlife Tourism: A CDC-linked report flags rare tsetse fly-borne sleeping sickness cases in travelers returning from Zambia and Zimbabwe, pointing to a diagnostic blind spot. Green Jobs & Skills: Hwange’s Don Bosco Technical College ran solar “train-the-trainer” training to build regional photovoltaic installation capacity.

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.