AGP Executive Report

HIV & Health: Zambia recorded a slight decline in people living with HIV (1.311m in 2023 to 1.308m in 2025) while progress continues on mother-to-child transmission, and the Ministry received its first US-funded shipment of Lenacapavir, a twice-yearly HIV prevention medication for eligible groups, including women. Politics & Rights: Zambia’s government rejected a UN rights expert’s claims about treason, saying the UN release contains legal errors and prejudges court matters; meanwhile the UN Special Rapporteur Gina Romero renewed calls to release political detainees and stop the “criminalisation of dissent,” as treason cases involving opposition figures remain in custody. Climate & Children: UNICEF warned that over 162 million children across eastern and southern Africa face heightened risks from an intensifying El Niño, with threats to nutrition, health, schooling, water and safety—Zambia included. Culture & Entertainment: Africa TV’s The Bond Season 6 returned with “The Tree Is Full of Red Cherries,” spotlighting people-to-people cooperation, while Zambian star Yo Maps is set for a Zambezi Riverside Resort concert in Katima Mulilo. Sports: Kenya netball coach Tapiwa Chirenda says Zambia’s region can rise fast, and Green Eagles Women are set to appoint former Copper Queens coach Enala Phiri as head coach.

Post-election rights crackdown: A UN rights expert says Zambia’s political space is shrinking, citing intimidation, mass arrests of opposition supporters, and detainees held beyond legal timeframes—while senior opposition figures Brian Mundubile and Makebi Zulu face treason charges punishable by death. Church and international pressure: The Anglican Church of Southern Africa urges prayers and calls for access to detainees’ basic needs, as UK Parliament raises questions over Bishop Trevor Mwamba’s treason case and due process. Measles warning: WHO-linked reporting highlights a global measles surge in 2026 driven by falling vaccination coverage, with undernourished children at higher risk of severe outcomes. HIV prevention boost: Zambia received its first US-funded shipment of lenacapavir, a twice-yearly HIV prevention injection, with early rollout at UTH’s Women and Newborn Hospital. Climate stress on children: UNICEF warns 162+ million children across eastern and southern Africa face El Niño-linked drought, heat, flooding, and threats to nutrition, health, and schooling—explicitly including Zambia. Lifestyle & culture: A Zambia-based herbal medicine retreat is set for December in the Miombo woodlands, blending traditional healing, bushwalks, and local culture. Education and teachers: BETUZ launches distribution of 90,000 shirts ahead of World Teachers’ Day, while educators call for more classrooms, materials, and better teacher welfare.

El Niño warning: UNICEF says over 162 million children across eastern and southern Africa are at risk as 2026–2027 El Niño brings drought, extreme heat, flooding and threats to food, health, schooling and safe water—Zambia is named among the most exposed countries. HIV prevention boost: Zambia received its first US-funded shipment of lenacapavir, a twice-yearly HIV prevention injection, with early roll-out at UTH Women and Newborn Hospital for eligible groups including women and higher-risk populations. Second-term politics & rights: President Hakainde Hichilema was sworn in for a second term, promising growth and respect for political opponents; meanwhile, a UN special rapporteur urged an end to post-election crackdowns and release of political detainees, as treason-related detentions continue to draw international attention. Church and public debate: A Kafue West MP urged the Catholic Church to stop “church politics” and congratulate Hichilema, while church bodies and political figures trade accusations over the Mundubile–Makebi Zulu treason stand-off. Education & teachers: NUPPEZ welcomed increased education investment, while BETUZ launched distribution of 90,000 shirts ahead of World Teachers’ Day. Culture & sport: The Ga Mantse plans to confer new traditional titles on Africa Monologue Challenge finalists, and Green Eagles Women are set to appoint former Copper Queens coach Enala Phiri as head coach.

Politics & Unity: Council of Churches in Zambia (CCZ) General Secretary Fr James Phiri says it’s “not over” for the opposition until God says so, urging them to set aside bitterness, organize, and prepare for the next contest. Presidency & Growth Agenda: President Hakainde Hichilema was sworn in for a second term, pledging to be a “servant President” for all Zambians and to push the Grow Zambia Agenda—jobs, inclusive development, and reforms in mining, farming, tourism and energy. Regional Diplomacy: Kenya’s President William Ruto told Hichilema elections should decide who governs, not who belongs, urging African leaders to prioritize economic development over partisan politics. Education & Skills: Hichilema also promised scale-up investment in education, skills development and health, pointing to earlier gains from free education reforms. Health & Community Support: CIDRZ handed over TB commodities and equipment to strengthen diagnosis and treatment on the Copperbelt. Culture & Livelihoods: Inside Zambia’s handloom movement, HATTAZ is helping rural weavers move from craft to markets through training, branding and quality support. Women & Youth Cause: Local Son Sewers is sewing purses for the Sew Powerful campaign to keep Zambian girls in school with reusable menstrual health supplies. International Relations: Israel reopened its Zambia embassy ahead of a visit by Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, signaling renewed bilateral cooperation.

Inauguration Watch: President Hakainde Hichilema was sworn in for a second term in Lusaka, pledging inclusive development and a shift from stabilising the economy to rapid growth, including a goal to triple Zambia’s economy, while extending an olive branch to political opponents. Political Tensions: The swearing-in comes as opposition leader Brian Mundubile and running mate Makebi Zulu remain in Mukobeko on treason charges, with critics alleging political persecution and pointing to a wider wave of election petitions and disputes. Unity Message from Abroad: Kenya’s William Ruto urged Hichilema to ensure elections decide who governs but never who belongs, warning against turning political competition into conflict. Local Culture & Livelihoods: A look at Zambia’s handloom movement highlights how rural women weavers are gaining market access and training through support that links craft to business. Health & Community Support: CIDRZ handed over TB equipment and a refurbished lab to strengthen diagnosis and treatment capacity on the Copperbelt. Road Safety Appeal: Transaid launched its 2026 Christmas Appeal, backing driver training and safer transport to improve access to healthcare across Zambia and the region. Creative Economy: Africa Creative Market 2026 wrapped up in Lusaka, spotlighting investment, partnerships, and cross-border collaboration in Africa’s creative industries.

Inauguration Watch: Zambia heads into President Hakainde Hichilema’s second swearing-in at National Heroes Stadium on Tuesday, with defence and security chiefs saying preparations are complete and police issuing traffic and safety advisories for Lusaka. Treason Case in the Spotlight: Opposition leader Brian Mundubile, running mate Makebi Zulu and 16 others have been transferred to Mukobeko Maximum Security Prison as their treason investigation deepens, while church mother bodies and lawyers continue to shape the handover narrative. Election Tensions & Dialogue Calls: Tonse Alliance secretary general Dr Chris Zumani Zimba has publicly defied hardliners, urging dialogue and restraint, as Bishop Emmanuel Chikoya calls for Zambia to confront electoral concerns through justice and reconciliation. Local Governance & Community Power: A growing Africa-wide push is gaining momentum in Ghana to shift development decisions to communities themselves, with Zambia-linked reporting highlighting the “reverse call for proposals” model. Women in Business: Africa.com’s 2026 definitive list spotlights women CEOs across Africa, with FirstRand’s Mary Vilakazi named top. Culture & Lifestyle: Lusaka’s Shaolin Temple is drawing attention as Africa’s first, blending Chinese cultural influence with local youth training and discipline. Sports: Zambia’s women’s volleyball campaign ends in the Round of 16 after a 3-1 loss to Ghana, while Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies win the COSAFA qualifier title, booking a CAF Women’s Champions League spot.

Inauguration Security: Zambia Police and defence chiefs have stepped up security and traffic diversions ahead of President-elect Hakainde Hichilema’s Sept 1 swearing-in at National Heroes Stadium, urging motorists to carpool and plan extra travel time. Mukobeko Spotlight: Opposition leader Brian Mundubile and running mate Makebi Zulu have been moved to Mukobeko Maximum Security Prison, reigniting debate over conditions and the wider treason case. Electoral Tensions: Bishop Emmanuel Chikoya urges Zambia to confront electoral concerns through honest dialogue, justice and reconciliation, while critics also question court closures during the petition window. Church & Politics Clash: Church mother bodies deny any political reconciliation deal in the Mundubile–Zulu handover dispute, as allegations of political persecution continue to swirl. Aid & Power Shift: African civil society leaders (200+ gathering in Accra) say the global aid system is broken and want communities to write the “brief” for development. Culture & Tech: Lusaka hosted a drone light show celebrating Zambia–China people-to-people ties, using technology to spotlight heritage and TAZARA. Sports (Women’s Volleyball): Ghana beat Zambia 3-1 in the CAVB Women’s Nations Championship Round of 16, ending Zambia’s historic run. Football (Regional): Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies won the COSAFA qualifier, booking a CAF Women’s Champions League spot.

Gun Violence & Community Healing: South Africa’s Gun Free South Africa appoints Stanley Maphosa as CEO, driven by both professional work and the loss of his nephew in the 2020 Diepkloof tavern shooting—aiming to turn outrage into safer public action. Zambia-China Culture Tech: Lusaka’s Showgrounds hosted a drone light show celebrating Zambia-China people-to-people exchanges, with aerial scenes of heritage, landmarks and TAZARA, framed as tech-led diplomacy. Treason Case Deepens: Zambia’s treason probe widens around Bishop Trevor Mwamba and other opposition figures tied to the August 14 security operation linked to Brian Mundubile—raising fresh constitutional and due-process questions. Women in Business Spotlight: Africa.com’s 2026 Definitive List of Women CEOs ranks top women leaders across the continent’s biggest listed firms, led by Mary Vilakazi of FirstRand. Local Lifestyle & Travel Tech: A Zimbabwe border story shows how over-trusting AI travel planning can backfire—highlighting the need to verify visas and entry rules. Sports & Pride: Zambia’s ZESCO Ndola Girls’ CAF Women’s Champions League-COSAFA Qualifier run ends in heartbreak, while regional volleyball action continues to shape the continent’s women’s game. Education & Trust: Ghana’s GTEC warns the public about 100 unrecognised universities, including some linked to Zambia, urging checks before enrolling.

Election & justice in focus: Opposition leaders’ move to Mukobeko Maximum Prison and the ongoing presidential election petition keep Zambia’s constitutional test front and centre, with calls for courts to protect the right to challenge results. Church & politics: Church mother bodies say they only facilitated the safe handover of Brian Mundubile and Makebi Zulu from UN premises, while police recorded warn-and-caution statements in a treason probe. Governance pressure: Mo Ibrahim warns President Hichilema not to let post-election arrests, court closures and violence undo democratic gains. Civic transparency: Transparency International Zambia flags 32 constituencies for a transparent review after alleged procedural irregularities during the August 13 polls. Education & youth: GTEC lists 100 unrecognised universities (including some operating in Zambia), urging due diligence before enrolling. Women’s empowerment: Research highlights that negotiation training for young women in Zambia can improve outcomes long after the classes end. Culture & diplomacy: A Lusaka drone light show celebrated China-Zambia people-to-people exchanges, blending landmarks, flags and tourism storytelling. Sports (regional): Mamelodi Sundowns beat ZESCO Ndola Girls to win the CAF Women’s Champions League-COSAFA Qualifier title; Kenya’s Malkia Strikers also advance after sweeping Nigeria.

Post-election tensions: Mo Ibrahim tells President Hakainde Hichilema not to waste his first term, citing arbitrary arrests, a killing of an ex-MP and court closures as democracy tests beyond the ballot. Rule of law & politics: Transparency International Zambia (TIZ) puts 32 constituencies under scrutiny, calling for a transparent review of flagged results after procedural irregularities in the Aug 13 elections. Church–UN–police standoff: Eight church mother bodies clarify they did not hand Brian Mundubile and Makebi Zulu to police, saying they only facilitated a safe handover to lawyers after UN said its premises weren’t for asylum; Zambia Police recorded warn-and-caution statements over alleged treason. Public finance: Zambia’s external debt service is set to drop to about US$900m from 2026 after restructuring, freeing room for priority spending. Culture & learning: Google expands free AI Plus access for African students to 27 countries, including Zambia. Sports (women’s volleyball): Kenya’s Malkia Strikers beat Nigeria 3-0 to reach the CAVB quarters; Zambia’s teams continue regional tournament runs.

Church & Due Process in Mundubile–Zulu Stand-off: Eight church mother bodies say they had no mandate to negotiate a political deal, only to help Brian Mundubile and Makebi Zulu leave UN premises safely and be handed to their lawyers; Zambia Police also recorded warn-and-caution statements as treason allegations deepen. Politics, Law & Public Debate: Commentary and opposition voices continue to clash over whether the UN and church role amounts to betrayal or proper procedure, while calls grow for the law to run its course. External Debt Relief: Zambia’s annual external debt-service is projected to drop to about US$900m from 2026 after restructuring, easing pressure on public finances and freeing money for priority sectors. Learning & Youth Tech Access: Google expands free AI Plus access for students across 27 African countries, including Zambia, for a year. Education & Quality Assurance: Ghana’s GTEC publishes a list of 100 unrecognised universities, urging due diligence. Community Livelihoods: Caritas Zambia backs youth farming cooperatives to build higher-income, sustainable livelihoods. Sports (Regional Spotlight): Zambia’s volleyball campaign continues as teams prepare for CAVB knockout clashes, with Zambia set to face Ghana.

Treason & Due Process: Zambia’s opposition leaders Brian Mundubile and Makebi Zulu spent the night in police custody after warn-and-caution statements were recorded as a treason investigation deepened, following days at UN premises—while church mother bodies insist they handed them to their lawyers, not police, and deny any political deal. Church vs. Politics: The Catholic Archdiocese is at the centre of fresh controversy after claims that Archbishop Alick Banda used church platforms around a candlelight prayer event tied to the Mundubile–Zulu standoff. Family Grief & Missing Items: The late Mutotwe Kafwaya’s family protested after his clothes and personal effects reportedly went missing from Maina Soko Mortuary, as funeral arrangements remain contested. National Finance: Zambia’s annual external debt service is projected to drop to about US$900m from 2026 after restructuring, easing pressure on public finances and freeing room for priority spending. Culture & Media: ZNBC’s iconic late-night talk show “Smooth Talk” signs off after 24 years, marking a major moment for Zambian pop culture. Youth & Livelihoods: Caritas Zambia backs young farmers through cooperatives to build higher-income, sustainable livelihoods. Sports: Zambia’s women’s volleyball team advances to the knockout phase at the 2026 Women’s African Nations Championship, setting up a Round of 16 clash with Ghana.

Church & Politics: Eight church mother bodies say their role in the Mundubile and Makebi Zulu handover from UN premises was strictly to ensure a safe, dignified transition to lawyers—adding they did not negotiate any political deal or decide guilt. Treason Case Update: Mundubile and Zulu spent the night in police custody after warn-and-caution statements were recorded as the treason probe deepens. Funeral Fallout: Mutotwe Kafwaya’s family cancelled a planned funeral church service after alleging his clothes and personal effects went missing at Maina Soko Mortuary. Public Finance: Zambia’s annual external debt service is projected to drop to about US$900 million from 2026, freeing fiscal space for sectors like education, health, agriculture and infrastructure. Sports (Women’s Football): Silver Strikers Ladies bowed out of the CAF Women’s Champions League-COSAFA qualifier after a 2-1 loss to ZESCO Ndola Girls, with Carolyne Mathyola scoring for Silver. Culture & Media: ZNBC’s iconic talk show “Smooth Talk” signs off after 24 years, marking the end of a major late-night TV era. Lifestyle (Travel): A new wave of luxury safari travel is shifting from “just seeing” to endurance experiences—runs, trails and on-foot wildlife encounters.

Cultural Exchange: Zambia’s Lusaka area is home to Africa’s first Shaolin Temple, a $6m Chinese-backed centre where local youths train in Buddhist martial arts—an eye-catching symbol of China’s cultural footprint beyond mines and roads. Youth & Opportunity: Japan-funded “Empower Africa” is opening applications for young Africans (18–35) across 11 countries, including Zambia, with training in entrepreneurship, AI, leadership and investment readiness. Sports (Zambia in focus): The Zambia U20 men’s team begins preparations for the CAF U20 AFCON/COSAFA qualifier in Mauritius with a provisional 32-man squad that blends local and foreign-based talent. Football (regional): Silver Strikers Ladies’ CAF Women’s Champions League-COSAFA qualifier run ends after a tight loss to ZESCO Ndola Girls, despite a late comeback goal from Carolyn Mathyola. Politics & Rights: Zambia’s legal system faces fresh pressure after a three-day court shutdown, while the UN agreed to hand over opposition leaders Brian Mundubile and Makebi Zulu to Zambia Police—church mother bodies urge humane treatment and due process. Public Safety: Police investigate the theft of over 26 tonnes of fish worth K1.3m in transit from Namibia to Kasumbalesa. Lifestyle & Community: A family cancels the funeral programme for slain ex-minister Mutotwe Kafwaya after alleging his remains were returned without clothes.

Youth & Entrepreneurship: Japan-funded “Empower Africa” is bringing 18–35-year-olds from 11 Anglophone countries, including Zambia, into phased training on entrepreneurship, AI, leadership, and investment readiness. Sports & Culture: ANOCA Zone VI SGs meet in Eswatini this weekend, with delegates expected to stay for the Reed Dance Ceremony—an easy blend of governance and heritage. Football (U20): Zambia’s U20 coach Perry Mutapa names a provisional 32-man squad for a COSAFA qualifier camp, mixing local talent with foreign-based prospects. Justice & Courts: The Law Association of Zambia says court reopenings after a three-day shutdown still leave urgent questions unanswered, especially for people facing bail, protection orders, and filing deadlines. Politics & Human Rights: Church mother bodies urge humane treatment and full due process for opposition leaders Brian Mundubile and Makebi Zulu as the UN agrees to hand them to Zambia Police. Regional Trade & Heritage: TAZARA marks 50 years of commercial operation, highlighting its role as a trade corridor and a training platform for local talent. Food & Daily Life: A look at how traditional Zambian foods still nourish communities—contrasting home-cooked staples with faster, packaged options. Sports (Volleyball): Zambia’s women’s team faces tough continental tests as Kenya starts strong in the CAVB Nations Championship, with Zambia seeking lessons and momentum.

Tragedy and Accountability: Zimbabwe police have charged a district official with culpable homicide over the Lake Kariba ferry disaster that killed at least 97 people, including 30 children, as the overloaded vessel capsized on Aug 11. Zambia’s Post-Election Tension: Zambia’s courts remain closed amid security concerns while the opposition pushes for AU intervention to halt Hichilema’s Sept 1 inauguration, arguing judicial scrutiny is being blocked. Food & Culture at Home: A Lusaka community spotlight contrasts traditional Zambian meals—like nshima and ifisashi—with instant foods, framing it as a health and heritage conversation. Education & Social Support: The school feeding programme is set to expand to over 13,000 schools from the current 9,000-plus, aiming to boost attendance and learning. Sports & Pride: Kenya’s Malkia Strikers began their CAVB Women’s Nations Volleyball title defence by sweeping Zambia 3-0, while Zambia’s Silver Strikers Ladies chase CAF Women’s Champions League-COSAFA semis after Mathyola’s hat-trick. Business & Travel: ASCON moved its 2026 conference to Avani Victoria Falls Resort in Livingstone (Sept 23–25), and Hilton signed to enter Zimbabwe with a Harare Hilton Garden Inn opening in 2029.