AGP Executive Report

Foot-and-mouth controls: The Philippines has imposed a temporary ban on importing FMD-susceptible animals and products from at least 23 countries, including Zambia, after lab-confirmed outbreaks reported to WOAH. Regional farm trade & climate pressure: SADC leaders put agriculture at the centre of growth talks, with emphasis on productivity, climate resilience and—crucially—trade and agro-processing value chains; meanwhile, El Niño warnings are sharpening fears for southern Africa’s production plans. Cancer care push in Zambia: Zambia reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening oncology services, highlighting upgraded radiotherapy/imaging, decentralisation (Ndola near 85% completion; Livingstone planned) and a push for prevention and early detection. Clinical trials regulation: ZAMRA and NHRA signed an MoU to speed up approval and monitoring of clinical trials, harmonise requirements and reduce delays for researchers. Fuel corridor upgrades: Mozambique and Zimbabwe launched expansion of the Beira–Harare corridor, lifting pipeline capacity from 3 to 5 million cubic metres by end-2027 to improve fuel security for landlocked SADC markets (including Zambia). Mobile money next step: MTN’s fintech summit debate in Africa shifted from just getting people access to helping them save, invest and use services in daily life—relevant as Zambia’s mobile money adoption grows. Mining & manufacturing momentum: Zambia’s mining sector is described as operating at full capacity with renewed investment and jobs, while manufacturers back the “Grow Zambia” shift from stabilisation to growth.

Mining Revival & Jobs: Zambia’s Ministry of Mines says the sector is back at “full capacity”, citing Mopani and KCM restarting, plus new investment momentum like Kansanshi’s S3 expansion and Barrick’s Super Pit. Regional Energy Trade: Mozambique and Zimbabwe broke ground on expanding the Beira–Harare fuel corridor (CPMZ), lifting capacity by 67% to 5 million cubic metres by end-2027 and adding about 2 billion litres of fuel annually for markets including Zambia. Tax for Growth: Zambia launched public consultations on the 2027–2031 Medium-Term Revenue Strategy, stressing domestic revenue mobilisation to create fiscal space without a tax-increase push. Clinical Trials Regulation: ZAMRA and NHRA signed an MoU to speed up approval and monitoring of clinical trials, including joint inspections and safety monitoring. Agriculture Diversification: Farming stakeholders backed Hichilema’s push to scale production and diversify, calling for climate-smart agriculture and coordinated delivery. Manufacturing Push: ZAM’s president welcomed the shift from stabilisation to growth, urging deeper value addition and industrial linkages. Tourism Target: Government says Zambia has crossed 2 million international tourist arrivals and aims for 2.5 million by end-2026. Trade & SME Support: DHL and Absa signed an MoU to expand DHL GoTrade, training SMEs for cross-border trade, including Zambia. Critical Minerals Race: Coverage highlights intensifying China–US competition for Africa’s critical minerals, with Zambia’s copper boom drawing fresh interest.

Critical Minerals Race: A new week of reporting shows China edging ahead in Africa’s critical minerals acquisitions, while the US ramps up infrastructure and rare-earth activity—keeping Zambia’s copper-and-minerals ambitions firmly in the spotlight. Digital Infrastructure & AI: WIOCC secured a $300m push to expand data centres, fibre and subsea connectivity for AI and digital public infrastructure—an enabler for Zambia’s next wave of tech and industry. Regional Energy Corridors: Zimbabwe and Mozambique broke ground on Phase II of the CPMZ fuel pipeline expansion, lifting capacity and boosting fuel supply into the wider region, including Zambia. Zambia’s Second Term Politics: Hichilema’s inauguration begins amid election disputes and arrests, but he also launched the Grow Zambia agenda—watch how policy translates into jobs, investment and production. Mining Formalisation: ZCCM-IH says it wants to unlock over $1.8bn from small-scale gold by formalising trade using Ghana’s model, targeting the big export-value gap. Agriculture & Food Systems: Zambia’s bishops launched the 2026 Season of Creation (“Living Water”), while analysts call for stronger agro funding and smarter financing to build resilient food systems. Education & Informal Sector: NUPPEZ urges more teacher hiring and classroom capacity, and ZANAMACA calls for stronger legal protection and finance for marketeers and traders.

Political Stability & Governance: President Hakainde Hichilema was sworn in for a second term after an Aug. 13 election that observers say was held on an uneven playing field, with arrests and treason charges against his main rival, casting a shadow over the start of the “Grow Zambia” growth push. Education & Human Capital: NUPPEZ welcomed increased education investment plans—more teachers, classrooms and welfare—but warned overcrowding (80–90 learners per room) and calls for better learning materials. Informal Sector Policy: ZANAMACA urged government to put the informal economy at the centre of transformation by fully implementing the Markets and Bus Stations Act and ring-fencing CDF support for marketeers, traders and small-scale farmers. Mining & Value Capture: ZCCM-IH says it wants to formalise Zambia’s small-scale gold trade using Ghana’s model, aiming to unlock over $1.8bn and close the gap between buyer imports and official exports. Energy & Power Security: An energy consultant urged faster power project delivery as Kariba water levels fall, warning of added pressure on electricity supply. Agribusiness & Soil Resilience: A new enhanced rock weathering trial partnership targets smallholder yield gains and stronger resilience to heat and drought. Retail & Consumer Markets: Cashbuild reported revenue growth but squeezed profits amid tougher demand and costs, while Shoprite’s acquisition of Vida e Caffè signals continued expansion of convenience and coffee formats across the region.

Fuel & Infrastructure: Presidents Mnangagwa and Chapo will launch the second phase of the Mozambique–Zimbabwe Beira-Feruka pipeline expansion in Nhamatanda, boosting capacity from 3m to 5m cubic metres and adding two pumping stations to raise annual transport capacity by 67%, with knock-on benefits for regional fuel supply including Zambia. Economic Direction: Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema was sworn in for a second term, pledging a shift from stabilisation to growth under the Grow Zambia Agenda with targets spanning maize, power, tourism, copper and agriculture, plus reforms in mining, farming, tourism and energy. Unity & Investment Climate: Kenya’s William Ruto urged African leaders to keep elections from dividing nations, arguing that political competition must not undermine institutions, rule of law and investment. Critical Minerals Talks: India has resumed discussions with Zambia on copper and critical minerals, focusing on investment opportunities after earlier mining-rights assurances stalled talks. Trade & Logistics: Lusaka Airport is seeing new dedicated freighter capacity, with Emirates adding B777F and TAAG Angola Airlines launching B737-800F cargo links, signalling growing demand for time-critical imports. Cyber Risk: Hungry Lion customer credentials were reportedly exposed for months, highlighting ongoing cybersecurity threats for consumer-facing businesses. Climate Watch: Zambians are being warned to prepare for a drier-than-normal 2026/27 rainy season as El Niño strengthens, with agriculture, energy and tourism at risk. Mining Update: Mushima North Phase 4 drilling returned promising near-surface silver-copper-zinc results, supporting further exploration in Zambia’s IOCG belt.

Grow Zambia Agenda: President Hakainde Hichilema unveiled the 2026–2031 Grow Zambia Agenda with the 10-10-5-3-3-1-1-1 targets, aiming for 10m tonnes of maize by 2031, 10,000MW electricity, 5m tourist arrivals, plus big boosts in copper, soya, wheat, beef and sugar—framing the second term as a shift from stabilisation to faster growth and a plan to triple the economy. EU Partnership: The European Union congratulated Hichilema and flagged deeper cooperation under its Global Gateway focus on infrastructure and energy investment. Critical Minerals Talks: India has resumed discussions with Zambia on copper and critical minerals, with officials exploring new investment opportunities after earlier mining-rights concerns stalled talks. Electricity Outlook: Energy expert Dr Johnstone Chikwanda says Zambia could exceed 10,000MW installed capacity by 2031, though universal access remains a challenge. Logistics & Trade Facilitation: Southern African customs administrations agreed a roadmap to link systems via Customs-to-Customs data exchange to cut border delays and logistics costs. Cyber & Retail Signals: Hungry Lion reported exposed customer credentials linked to online portals, while Shoprite posted strong sales growth and moved further into coffee/QSR with its Vida e Caffè acquisition. Climate Risk for Industry: El Niño warnings highlight limited room to absorb another food-price shock, with agriculture, energy and tourism at risk. Health Supply for Copperbelt: CIDRZ handed over TB lab equipment and commodities to strengthen diagnosis and treatment capacity in Copperbelt facilities.

Copper & Trade: Zambia’s refined copper exports rose 8.8% to 521,400 tonnes in Jan–July 2026, though July volumes and earnings dipped slightly, with trade surplus edging to K4.1bn. Mining Finance: ZCCM Investments is considering selling a stake to meet LuSE tradability rules and may revive London trading once delayed filings are cleared. Manufacturing Push: ZAM announced a packed Manufacturers Month 2026 calendar, including Mining Local Content Expo in Kitwe, an energy efficiency conference, and a Proudly Zambian Expo in Lusaka. Agriculture Payments: The Food Reserve Agency says it has bought over 1 million tonnes of maize and paid more than K6bn to farmers, aiming to keep payments within days. Road & Jobs: Government released K1.7bn for the Livingstone–Sesheke road, with construction planned after design and EIA work and expected job creation. Policy & Revenue: Consultations begin for Zambia’s 2027–2031 Medium-Term Revenue Strategy to boost domestic revenue and cut reliance on borrowing. Digital & Labs: CIDRZ trained lab staff on biosafety and biosecurity risk assessment, while Zambia also moves to strengthen cybersecurity capacity amid digital growth. Energy/Mining Diplomacy: US Assistant Secretary Frank Garcia arrives in Lusaka ahead of Hichilema’s inauguration, with focus on trade, mining, and health partnerships. Governance & Transparency: ZEITI expands public access to mining revenue information, including taxes and royalties to local authorities. Upcoming Inauguration: Defence and security chiefs confirm preparations for Hichilema’s second-term swearing-in at Heroes Stadium on Sept 1.

Zambia-China ties: President Hakainde Hichilema’s Sept 1 inauguration in Lusaka will host Chinese envoy Xian Hui, as Lusaka readies for the second-term swearing-in. Mining & capital markets: ZCCM-IH says it may sell a stake in its copper-mine investment vehicle to meet LuSE tradability rules, while KCM targets 300,000 tonnes of copper in three years. Copper trade: ZamStats reports refined copper export volumes up 8.8% to 521,400 tonnes in Jan–Jul 2026, despite July softening. Manufacturing push: ZAM announces a packed Manufacturers Month 2026 calendar, including mining local content, energy efficiency and a Proudly Zambian Expo. Agriculture & jobs: TBZ says it has bought 67 million kg of tobacco (US$135m) toward an 80m kg target, and government reiterates support for small-scale farmers via FISP. Roads & infrastructure: K1.7bn released for Livingstone–Sesheke road reconstruction, with Sinohydro/Nchifar involved. Governance & revenue: Finance consults on a 2027–2031 Medium-Term Revenue Strategy to cut borrowing and improve tax compliance through digitalisation. Security & fraud: Zambia Correctional Service warns the public about fake recruitment adverts and fee-charging scams.

Copper Output Push: Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) targets 300,000 tonnes of copper annually within three years, citing rising July output and renewed momentum as Vedanta stabilises operations—key for Zambia’s 2031 copper goal. Maize & Food Security: The Food Reserve Agency says it will export only surplus maize, while FRA has already paid over K6bn to farmers and Zambia’s mealie meal prices ease as carry-over stocks and bumper harvests strengthen supply. Regional Trade Links: Zambia’s surplus is drawing Kenyan demand, with talks on exporting about 10.8 million 90kg bags—balancing export ambition with domestic availability. Energy & Power Infrastructure: USTDA is inviting power-sector decision-makers from Angola, Botswana, Mozambique and Zambia to the US to modernise grids and boost procurement opportunities. Standards & Trade Costs: Delayed harmonisation of standards across Africa is still slowing goods movement under AfCFTA, raising costs for exporters and importers. China-Zambia Ties: Lusaka hosted a drone light show celebrating China-Zambia people-to-people exchanges, highlighting cooperation in mining, energy and technology. Governance Watch: Ibrahim warns Zambia’s institutions must not be squandered amid post-election tensions and concerns over arrests and court actions.

Maize & Food Security: FRA says it will only export surplus maize, not core stocks, as it discusses selling about 10.8 million 90kg bags to Kenya—while Zambia keeps enough grain for domestic needs. Mealie Meal Prices: With bumper harvest and carry-over stocks, mealie meal prices are easing (e.g., Eagles breakfast meal down to K175 on order and K185 retail), and Kenya is moving to buy large volumes. Debt & Fiscal Space: Zambia’s external debt service is set to fall to about US$900m a year from 2026, freeing room for priority spending after restructuring. Energy & Power Infrastructure: USTDA is inviting power-sector decision-makers from Angola, Botswana, Mozambique and Zambia to the US to modernize grids and boost procurement links. Solar Push: Africa could add 17GW of solar in 2026, with China supplying most modules, as decentralized systems drive growth. China-Zambia Tech & Tourism: A Lusaka drone light show celebrated people-to-people exchanges and highlighted cooperation in mining, energy and trade. Education Quality Watch: Ghana’s GTEC lists 100 unrecognised universities, including some operating in Zambia, warning students to verify recognition. Sports & Youth: Zambia begins rebuilding its U-17 squad with a 40-player camp ahead of the Region 5 Cosafa tournament.

Food Security & Prices: ZNS has cut Eagles mealie meal prices, with a 25kg breakfast bag now K175 on order (K185 retail) and roller meal K135 on order (K145 retail), as Zambia’s maize surplus and carry-over stocks strengthen supply. Maize Market Dynamics: FRA says it has paid over K6 billion to farmers and bought more than 1 million metric tonnes of maize since Aug 20, aiming to keep payments within three days and expand storage. Debt & Fiscal Space: Zambia’s annual external debt service is projected to drop to about US$900m from 2026 after restructuring, freeing resources for education, health, agriculture and infrastructure. Climate Risk for Agriculture: Southern Africa’s SARCOF-33 forecast warns of hotter, drier conditions and below-normal rainfall across parts of the region including southern Zambia, raising pressure on crops, water and livestock. Trade & Standards: Delayed harmonisation of standards is still raising trade costs and slowing movement of goods across African markets, complicating AfCFTA implementation. Energy & Power Infrastructure: USTDA plans to bring power-sector decision-makers from Angola, Botswana, Mozambique and Zambia to the US to explore grid modernisation partnerships. Governance & Institutions: Transparency International Zambia flags procedural irregularities in 32 constituencies and calls for transparent review of election results.

Food Security & Prices: Zambia’s Food Reserve Agency says it has paid farmers over K6 billion, buying more than 1 million metric tonnes of maize since Aug 20, while ZNS also cut Eagles mealie meal prices (25kg breakfast meal K175 on order, K185 retail; roller K135 on order, K145 retail) to ease household costs as maize stocks rise. Trade & Standards: Experts warn that delayed harmonisation of standards is acting like a tax on intra-Africa trade, slowing movement of goods under AfCFTA and raising costs for exporters and importers. Energy & Industry: A new USTDA push will take about 15 power-sector decision-makers from Angola, Botswana, Mozambique and Zambia to the US to modernise grids and boost electricity reliability for growing industrial demand, including critical minerals. Solar Scale-Up: Africa could add 17 GW of solar in 2026 (up 45%), with China supplying most modules, as decentralised systems drive new installations. Debt & Fiscal Space: Zambia’s annual external debt service is projected to fall to about US$900m from 2026, freeing resources for priority sectors after restructuring. Value Addition: ZAFFICO begins work on Zambia’s first particle board factory (about US$25m), aiming to cut import reliance and support construction and furniture manufacturing.

Debt Relief for Industry: Zambia’s annual external debt-service is projected to drop to about US$900m from 2026, down from an estimated US$2.6bn without restructuring—freeing fiscal space as external debt costs fall from roughly K70 to K15 per K100 of domestic revenue, with inflation easing to 6.2% and reserves rising to US$6.5bn by June 2026. Food Security Push: The Zambia National Service (ZNS) cut Eagles breakfast mealie meal to K185 (from K250) and roller to K145 (from higher prior levels), with sales through ZNS milling plants in Chongwe, Monze and Mpika to support affordability. Local Manufacturing Boost: ZAFFICO has started work on Zambia’s first particle board factory (about US$25m), aiming to reduce import costs for furniture and construction while creating jobs and adding value to timber resources. Cybersecurity Warning: Government says cybersecurity is now an economic and security issue as digital transformation expands connectivity; police recorded 874 cyber-related cases in the first half of 2025. Energy Transition Skills Gap: An Africa energy transition debate in Accra highlights a missing “people” line item—more investment is needed in local teams to design, operate and maintain power systems, not just import hardware.

Food Security & Prices: ZNS cut Eagles mealie meal prices again, with 25kg breakfast dropping to K185 retail (from K250) and roller to K145, aiming to ease household costs. Public Finance & Investment Space: Zambia’s annual external debt service is projected to fall to about US$900m from 2026 after restructuring, freeing fiscal room as inflation trends toward the 6–8% target band. Inflation Watch: ZamStats reports August inflation easing to 6.2% (from 6.5% in July), with food—especially cereals and mealie meal—driving the slowdown. Forestry Value Addition: ZAFFICO has started work on Zambia’s first particle board factory (about US$25m), targeting cheaper local boards for construction and furniture while creating jobs. Cybersecurity & Industry Risk: Government says cybersecurity is now an economic and security issue as digital transformation expands; police recorded 874 cyber-related cases in Jan–Jun 2025. Transport & Trade Links: DR Congo and Angola signed a US-backed railway deal to boost the Lobito Corridor, with hopes of cutting mineral haul times from about 30 days to under a week. Regional Climate & Agriculture: SADC warns of below-normal rainfall for parts of the region, including Zambia, raising risks for water and farming. Banking & Productive Lending: NMB is expanding productive-sector lending, drawing external lines of credit to support sectors including mining. Industrial Events: The 16th Lusaka Motor Show (28–30 Aug) will spotlight vehicles, transport equipment and emerging green mobility solutions.

Banking & Mining Finance: NMB says it has secured over US$200m in external lines of credit to expand lending to productive sectors, with mining now 21% of its loan book as it targets more foreign-currency earnings. Inflation Watch: Zambia’s annual inflation eased to 6.2% in August (from 6.5% in July), with food inflation down and non-food inflation also easing—near the Bank of Zambia’s 6–8% target band. Regional Trade & Transport: TAZARA marks 50 years of commercial operation, highlighting its role as a key corridor linking Dar es Salaam to Zambia and supporting regional cargo flows. Aquaculture & Jobs: Gwembe Town Council secured funding to establish a fish feed manufacturing plant to boost aquaculture, create jobs, and support local training for farmers. Climate Risk for Industry: SADC warns of below-normal rainfall for parts of the region between Oct 2026 and Mar 2027, with above-average temperatures—raising risks for agriculture and water-dependent production. Critical Minerals Debate: A report argues the rush for critical minerals is driving major social and environmental harm, challenging the idea that extraction is mainly for green energy. Investment Signals: Investors showed strong appetite for Zambia bonds after the election, with the first post-election auction oversubscribed by about 37%.

Youth & Women Entrepreneurship: Japan-funded Empower Africa Programme opened applications for 18–35-year-olds across 11 Anglophone countries including Zambia, with training in entrepreneurship, AI, leadership and investment readiness, plus a possible Japan immersion for top performers. Inflation & Trade: Zambia’s annual inflation eased to 6.2% in August (from 6.5%), driven mainly by softer food prices; non-food inflation also eased, while July trade surplus was reported at K4.1bn, with exports rising slightly but refined copper earnings down. Transport & Regional Trade: TAZARA marked 50 years of commercial operation, highlighting its role as a trade corridor linking Dar es Salaam to Zambia’s Kapiri Mposhi and supporting rail-sea intermodal logistics and skills development. Investment Signals: Investors reportedly piled into Zambia’s bonds after Hichilema’s re-election, with an August 21 auction oversubscribed by about 37%, reflecting improved market confidence. Mining Power Crunch: Zambia’s copper expansion push is flagged as constrained by electricity shortages, with industry estimating the need for at least 2,000MW extra power to hit ambitious production targets. Standards for Trade: AU-backed push for harmonised product standards and one certificate across AfCFTA aims to cut repeated testing and unlock intra-African trade. Local Industry Events: The 16th Lusaka Motor Show (28–30 Aug) is set to bring together transport, equipment and green mobility players under one roof. Governance Watch: Mo Ibrahim urged Zambia’s re-elected leadership not to let post-election controversies erode democratic gains and first-term achievements.