AGP Executive Report

Maize Trade Deal: Zambia signed a 540,000 metric-tonne Grade A white maize export agreement with Kenya’s Baita Trading Limited, leveraging a bumper harvest of 5.1m tonnes to earn foreign exchange and support farmers, with shipments in five tranches. Food Safety Crackdown: Lusaka Police seized suspected counterfeit and unhygienically produced goods, including chilli sauce, peanut butter, shampoo and repackaged sugar, after raids in Kabanana and Chipata Compounds; suspects were charged over false trademarks and operating without licences. Renewables Investment: Sturdee Energy entered Zambia by acquiring the 200MW Masaiti Wind Project in Mpongwe, targeting grid-connected, round-the-clock renewable power through wind plus solar and battery storage. Mining & Power Push: President Hichilema urged Vedanta to speed up Konkola Copper Mine expansion to 500,000 tonnes and accelerate power generation to back mining and Zambia’s 10GW target. SME Trade Support: DHL and Absa signed an MoU to expand the GoTrade programme across Sub-Saharan Africa, aiming to help SMEs trade cross-border and grow intra-Africa commerce. Copper Market Watch: Copper demand forecasts are being shaped by expanding electricity-grid investment, keeping copper price outlooks in a wide 2026 band as supply responses diverge. EdTech Funding: Injini launched an $125,000 AI venture builder for early-stage EdTech teams across Southern Africa, including Zambia, with equity-free seed support for selected ventures.

Mining & Industrial Tech: Electra Mining Africa highlights AI solutions that cut mining tyre downtime by up to 20%, with Kal Tire set to roll the tech out in Zambia. Energy & Renewables: Sturdee Energy enters Zambia via acquisition of the 200MW Masaiti wind project, targeting round-the-clock supply by pairing wind with solar and battery storage. Copper Investment: President Hichilema urges Vedanta to speed up Konkola Copper Mine expansion to 500,000 tonnes and to invest in power generation to back the national 10GW target. Mining Exploration: Koryx Copper reports strong Haib copper drill results, while Koryx’s latest assays point to wide, consistent intercepts. SME Trade & Logistics: DHL and Absa sign an MoU to expand DHL GoTrade across Sub-Saharan Africa, aiming to equip SMEs for cross-border trade and e-commerce. Governance & Courts: Opposition claims allege military and court interference in Zambia’s election dispute, while a historian says nationality issues involving Celestine Mukandila must be decided by court. Local Development: Lupososhi MP Shadreck Katuta pledges road upgrades, youth empowerment through mechanised farming, and improved public services aligned with Grow Zambia. Consumer Safety: Zambia-linked exports of Isuzu D-Max RG19 bakkies face a brake-pedal recall risk, with free inspections and repairs urged. Standards for Trade: ARSO pushes harmonised standards to reduce technical trade barriers and boost intra-African commerce under AfCFTA.

Mining & Local Content: Government says it is encouraging inclusive investment across the mining value chain, promising stable policy, security of tenure, faster licensing, and stronger local content linkages. Mining Safety: The Mineworkers Union of Zambia (MUZ) condemned continued deaths in mining, calling for tougher safety rules, enforcement, inspections, and accountability after incidents at Tongguan and in Milenge. Industrial Equipment for Mining: Condra is ramping up overhead crane production to meet African mining demand, including large 50-ton cranes for a Zambia mine. Agribusiness & SME Linkages: Pick n Pay signed an MoU with Skydates to strengthen market access for small-scale farmers, supported by Kansanshi Mining’s SME Accelerator. Food Processing Jobs: Opposition leader Ackim Antony Njobvu urged tomato processing to cut wastage, stop dumping, and create youth jobs. Trade & Processing Skills: Zambia’s Commerce ministry says China’s processing-trade experience is helping shape policies to move from raw exports to finished goods. Tourism & Connectivity: Deputy Tourism Minister Tongai Mnangagwa urged Air Zimbabwe to keep the Harare–Masvingo route after Sanganai/Hlanganani, arguing sustained flights boost investment and visitor flows. Consumer Safety Recall: Isuzu recalled over 2,500 D-Max bakkies in Zambia over a brake pedal pivot pin issue.

Vehicle Safety Recall: Isuzu has recalled over 2,500 D-Max 2026 bakkies in several countries, including Zambia, after reports that a brake pedal pivot pin may be loose and reduce braking performance; owners are urged to visit authorised dealers for free inspection and replacement. Mining Safety & Labour: Zambia’s Mineworkers Union (MUZ) condemned continued mining fatalities, citing a Tongguan underground accident and an illegal mining death, and called for stronger safety rules, enforcement, inspections and accountability. Copper & Corporate Moves: Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) paid a courtesy call on President Hichilema with a commemorative copper plaque, linking the company’s support to jobs, community and Zambia’s copper production ambition. Brewing Performance: Zambian Breweries reported H1 2026 operating profit up 27% to US$21.6M, driven by productivity and cost discipline, though profit after tax fell on higher finance costs and taxes. Agri-Industry & Trade: Government has started talks with a Kenyan firm to buy 10.8 million bags of maize, while a political leader urged tomato processing to cut wastage, stop dumping, and create jobs. SME Supply Chains: Pick n Pay signed an MoU with Skydates to strengthen market access for small-scale farmers, with Kansanshi Mining backing SME equipment under an accelerator programme. Energy Skills: AFREC trained about 50 professionals in Lusaka on renewable project planning and financing, targeting the gap between solar potential and bankable delivery. Regional Logistics & Trade: Suez Canal Authority discussed cooperation with SADC ambassadors, including training and maritime services, as Zambia explores wider regional connectivity.

Mining & Data Sovereignty: Congo plans to tighten state control over geological data, building a national databank to reduce exploration risk and extend Kinshasa’s influence over future discoveries. Copper Demand Signals: US imports of discounted Congolese copper hit record levels in July, with more metal finding physical buyers even though COMEX delivery brands remain limited. Zambia Environment Watch: ZEMA must explain its decision to grant Avocado Mining another chance after prior environmental violations and a cease-and-desist breach. Solar Growth: Zambia’s installed solar PV capacity reached about 841 MW by end-July 2026, with net metering and multiple utility-scale projects driving expansion. Construction & Inclusion: Kasama’s ZAPD provincial offices are over 99% complete, aiming to improve services and economic empowerment for persons with disabilities. Food Security & Planning: Central Province urged evidence-based decisions using IDVNA/IPC findings to guide budgeting, early warning and early action. SME Trade Boost: DHL Express and Absa expand the GoTrade programme across Sub-Saharan Africa to help SMEs trade beyond borders. Mining Exploration Updates: Tertiary Minerals reported new Phase 4 infill drilling results at Mushima North, extending silver-copper-zinc mineralisation and boosting confidence in grade continuity. Regional Integration: Zimbabwe is set to assume COMESA chairmanship in October, spotlighting trade and economic self-sufficiency across the bloc.

Solar Expansion: Zambia’s installed solar PV capacity hit about 841 MW by end-July 2026, with net metering now at ~30 MW and major utility projects like CEC Itimpi and ZESCO Chisamba pushing toward the 1,000 MW target. Mining & Exploration: Tertiary Minerals reported new Phase 4 infill drilling results at Mushima North, extending silver-copper-zinc mineralisation at the Discovery zone and boosting confidence in grade continuity. Copper Trade Signal: US imports of Congo copper rose to record levels in July, while only two African brands—both from Zambia—are COMEX deliverable, underlining Zambia’s role in global copper supply chains. Beverage Industry Leadership: Champion Breweries appointed Malolan Sampath as Managing Director/CEO effective Sept 1, bringing 26+ years across brewing, FMCG and agro-industrial markets. Agri-Finance Payments: Access Bank Zambia says it has disbursed over K2bn to 113,000+ farmers via a digital platform with payments reaching farmers within 24 hours. Supply Chain Networking: ASCON expands as Nigeria’s African Centre for Supply Chain joins, ahead of the 2026 ASCON conference in Livingstone, Zambia. Policy Focus: Commentary on Hichilema’s Grow Zambia agenda highlights production targets for 2031, including copper, maize, power and exports.

Agri Payments: Access Bank Zambia says it has disbursed over K2bn to more than 113,000 farmers under the 2026 crop marketing season via a digital platform with the Food Reserve Agency, with a 99.5% success rate and payments reaching farmers within 24 hours. Weather Risk Management: Solwezi’s DACO says the Meteorological Department’s El Niño-linked rainfall alert means sensitisation will intensify so farmers secure produce and avoid losses ahead of possible downpours. Food-Value Infrastructure: Zambia Fruits and Vegetables Association urges government to invest in cold-room facilities to cut spoilage, meet export standards, and grow jobs and incomes beyond maize. Power for Industry: Government says electricity generation capacity has risen from about 3,100MW (2021) to 4,576MW (2026), with solar growth highlighted to reduce reliance on hydropower. Business & Manufacturing Leadership: Champion Breweries confirms Malolan Sampath has assumed office as Managing Director/CEO from 1 September 2026, bringing 26+ years across brewing, FMCG and agro-industrial roles. Trade & Finance: US EXIM Bank reopens short-term credit and insurance for Zambia’s private sector as AGOA is extended to 2028, aiming to unlock production, technology imports and exports. Regional Mining Spotlight: Zambia closes Africa Down Under in Perth with an oversubscribed showcase and bilateral talks with major miners, signaling renewed investor interest in critical minerals. Governance & Identity: Opposition lawyer Celestine Mukandila challenges the cancellation of his NRC and passport, citing citizenship by descent under the Constitution.

RMB Push for Trade Finance: Xinhua reports China’s renminbi is expanding across Africa beyond trade settlement into payments, clearing and even financing, citing direct RMB settlement in Tanzania and wider connectivity via CIPS in Kenya and Namibia. Grow Zambia Cabinet Setup: As citizens await Hakainde Hichilema’s re-engineered “Growth Cabinet” under the Grow Zambia agenda to triple the economy, analysts and former officials say delivery will hinge on measurable targets and implementation. US Credit Boost for Zambia Firms: The US EXIM Bank has reopened short-term commercial credit lines for Zambia’s private sector, alongside AGOA extension through 2028—aimed at lowering risk for equipment and technology imports. Farm Payments Go Digital: Access Bank Zambia says it has disbursed over K2bn to 113,000+ farmers via its digital platform, with payments reaching farmers within 24 hours to support maize sales to the FRA. Power and Industry Supply: Zambia’s installed generation rose to 4,576MW in 2026, with solar climbing to about 841MW, as electricity is increasingly treated as an input for mining, manufacturing and agro-processing. Mining and Smelting Pressure: Global copper output fell 1.1% in H1 2026 while smelter treatment charges collapsed toward zero, tightening the copper value chain. Horticulture Export Drive: Government says horticulture—especially rose flower and blueberries—can lift export earnings, while stakeholders flag taxation and labour casualisation concerns. Cold Rooms for Produce: Zambia Fruits and Vegetables Association urges investment in cold-room facilities to cut post-harvest losses and meet export standards. Mining Investment Spotlight in Perth: Zambia’s Africa Down Under showcase in Perth drew oversubscribed interest and bilateral talks with major miners, signalling growing confidence in Zambia’s critical minerals pipeline.

US-Trade Finance Boost: The U.S. EXIM Bank has reopened short-term commercial credit and insurance support for Zambia’s private sector, aligning with the AGOA extension through 2028—an upgrade that could help Zambian firms buy machinery and equipment on credit. Mining & Environment: ZEMA has granted Avocado Mining Limited approval for a trial run after it installed pollution abatement equipment, following earlier shutdowns over sulphur dioxide emissions and environmental compliance breaches. Power for Industry: Government and investors say Zambia’s generation capacity has risen to 4,576MW in 2026 (from 3,100MW in 2021), with solar growth a key diversification move to support mining, manufacturing and agro-processing. Cold-Chain Push: The Zambia Fruits and Vegetables Association is urging investment in cold-room facilities to cut post-harvest losses, meet export standards and grow jobs in horticulture. Horticulture Growth: A senior government official says horticulture exports crossed $1.1bn in 2025, with rose flower and blueberry expansion seen as a path to higher earnings and more employment. Regional Investment Spotlight: Zambia’s mining showcase at Africa Down Under in Perth drew oversubscribed interest and bilateral talks with major miners, signalling stronger investor confidence. Governance & Trade Integrity: A Lusaka court sentenced a freight cargo official to two years for offering a K70,000 bribe to a wildlife officer, reinforcing anti-corruption enforcement.

Electricity & Industry Push: Government and private investors are adding more generation to Zambia’s grid, lifting installed capacity from about 3,100MW (2021) to 4,576MW (2026), with solar rising from 88MW to 841MW and a target of 1,000MW by year-end—aimed at powering mining, agriculture, manufacturing and agro-processing. Cold-Chain for Exports: The Zambia Fruits and Vegetables Association is urging investment in cold-room facilities to cut post-harvest losses, meet export standards and grow jobs, especially for mangoes and pineapples. Horticulture Growth: Finance officials say horticulture can lift export earnings, pointing to rose flower and blueberry expansion and flagging concerns over taxation and labour casualisation. Mining Deal-Making: Zambia’s Africa Down Under showcase in Perth was oversubscribed, with bilateral talks involving major miners like Fortescue, Teck Resources and BHP, as ZCCM-IH shifts toward active partnership. Fintech Next Step: Zambia’s mobile money success is being challenged by the need for deeper fintech—saving, credit and rural inclusion—so access turns into real economic value. Governance & Compliance: A customs official at Mwaka Freight Cargo was jailed for two years for offering a K70,000 bribe to a wildlife officer, underscoring tougher enforcement. Public Infrastructure Risk: Mpika’s Kapamba Bridge was weakened after vandals stole iron bars, raising safety concerns for road users.

Public Finance Oversight: Zambia’s PAC chair question returns to the spotlight as observers watch whether Warren Mwambazi will resume the watchdog role after election wins. Anti-Corruption: A Mwaka Freight Cargo customs head was jailed two years for offering a K70,000 bribe to secure release of impounded timber trucks, underscoring tougher enforcement. Infrastructure Integrity: Mpika’s Kapamba Bridge suffered vandalism after two iron bars were stolen, raising safety concerns and prompting police investigations. Mining & Energy Transition: Critical minerals demand is outpacing new supply projects, with gaps in permitted capacity, processing and reliable supply chains. Regional Trade & Logistics: DHL and Absa expand the GoTrade programme across Africa to help SMEs overcome cross-border barriers, with Zambia among beneficiaries. Agriculture & Production: The Bond Season 6 continues on Africa TV with a focus on boosting kiwifruit production through improved farming practices. Business & Investment Climate: Zimbabwe signals investor-friendly moves at ADU 2026, including infrastructure, regional integration and options for miners to develop power solutions. Digital & Cybersecurity: A Global Cybersecurity Initiative launches across multiple African countries including Zambia, aiming to connect businesses and governments to reduce cybercrime losses.

Trade & Investment: Zambia is listed among 15 countries participating in Sabah International Expo 2026, with the event positioning itself as a gateway for cross-border business and investment. Energy & Finance: Sawa Energy and dfcu Bank signed a deal to expand access to affordable, reliable clean power for Ugandan SMEs via financed solar PV and battery systems—an approach Zambia’s energy market can watch closely. Water Governance: A Zambia-Finland-led push at World Water Week stresses that water cooperation depends on trust, dialogue and inclusive governance, not just formal agreements. Cybersecurity for Industry: The Global Cybersecurity Initiative launched in Windhoek to connect businesses and governments across Africa, including Zambia, aiming to cut cybercrime losses and support digital trade goals. Renewables Standards: Mozambique’s Cahora Bassa secured HSS Silver certification, highlighting growing sustainability requirements for hydropower in the region. Payments & Cross-Border Trade: DHL and Absa expanded the GoTrade programme across Sub-Saharan Africa, with Zambia among beneficiaries, focusing on SME training and access to logistics and finance. Mobile Money Use: MTN’s fintech summit warned that Africa’s mobile money growth must shift from access to real savings and investment usage—Zambia was cited as a key market. Business & Consumer Safety: Zambia’s NCC announced a recall of WBeauty Complete Clarifying Shampoo due to bacterial contamination risk, including sales/export reach into Zambia.

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.