AGP Executive Report

Constitutional Court Showdown: Zambia’s Constitutional Court has set June 19 to hear a petition seeking to nullify President Hakainde Hichilema’s UPND presidential nomination, with arguments centred on whether the party held a valid convention and whether the adoption certificate was lawful. Election Security: North-Western Province Police Commissioner Brighton Siwale warned that political violence and disorder will not be tolerated, pointing to an operational electoral security plan and urging professionalism from officers and journalists. Political Violence Warning: Police also reiterated a crackdown stance on perpetrators of political violence and public disorder as nominations and campaigns intensify. State Security Case: Former Office of the President intelligence chief Xavier Chungu has been charged with 11 offences, including alleged disclosure of classified information and seditious practices, after an arrest in Lusaka tied to a podcast appearance. Copper Policy Move: Zambia extended a duty suspension on copper concentrate exports to September 30 to ease smelter bottlenecks, allowing 271,742 tons to be exported duty-free. Ngoni Mourning Politics: Tonse Alliance postponed its first Copperbelt rallies out of respect for the late Paramount Chief Mpezeni IV, with campaign launch to resume after burial. Church Neutrality: Kasama Archbishop Ignatius Chama ordered priests to stop politicians campaigning or speaking during Catholic liturgies and warned against church “gifts” tied to elections. Public Health: Isoka District launched the second round of the nOPV2 polio vaccination campaign, targeting children under five. Business & Governance: Moore Global expanded into Zambia as Moore Zambia CFS in Lusaka, offering audit, tax, payroll and advisory services.

Courtroom Update: Lusaka Magistrates’ Court set July 14, 2026 for judgment in Raphael Nakacinda’s seditious practices case over allegations that President Hakainde Hichilema ordered raids on Edgar Lungu’s home. Election Law & Rights: Former intelligence chief Xavier Chungu, Liberal Democrats presidential candidate, was charged with 11 counts and is now seeking bail, arguing detention is harming his August 13 campaign and that police have delayed taking him to court. State Security Case: Human rights campaigner Brebnar Changala demanded Chungu be taken to court instead of kept in custody, warning police cells should not become prisons. Political Realignments: Two parliamentary candidates withdrew from the August 13 race, while UPP joined the UPND alliance and NCP endorsed Hichilema, adding to a fast-shifting election landscape. Economy & Markets: Kwacha continues to appreciate, hitting about K17.9 to the dollar, as Zambia’s eurobond buyback push draws fresh commentary from PwC and other analysts. Regional Governance: SADC renewed the board of the fisheries monitoring and surveillance centre in Maputo, keeping Zambia’s Stanley Ndara as chair. Humanitarian & Diplomacy: A Chinese medical team donated supplies and provided free care to refugees in Lusaka ahead of World Refugee Day, while Italy urged Zambians to protect peace as the election approaches.

Constitutional Court Watch: Zambia’s Constitutional Court has set June 17 for a hearing on a petition challenging Socialist Party leader Fred M’membe and running mate Dolika Banda over alleged Grade 12 equivalency requirements, with the case filed by civil society and Isaac Mwanza. Higher Education & Public Services: Secretary to the Cabinet Patrick Kangwa says UNZA sanitation will not slip back, after inspecting renovated hostels and sewer systems, with maintenance models promised. Debt & Finance: PwC Zambia says the government’s Eurobond buyback of over US$1.3bn is a key step in lowering debt costs, supported by an AfDB facility and improved credit confidence. Elections & Alliances: The UPP has joined the UPND alliance, while the NCP endorsed President Hichilema for the August 13 election. Courtroom Tensions: Lusaka Magistrates’ Court set July 14 for judgment in a seditious practices case involving Raphael Nakacinda. Rights & Detention: A rights activist is demanding court access for opposition presidential candidate Xavier Chungu, arguing police have held him too long without bringing him before a judge. Regional Cooperation: Zambia calls for stronger regional disaster risk management through shared localised risk information and cross-border collaboration.

Debt & Finance: Zambia has started buying back more than US$1.3bn in Eurobonds, a move Prof. Lubinda Haabazoka says should cut future debt costs and improve fiscal sustainability. Elections & Governance: The ECZ launched its “Count Me In” voter sensitisation drive ahead of the 2026 polls, targeting women, youths, persons with disabilities and first-time voters across all wards. Public Service Delivery: Government says UNZA sanitation will not fall back to previous levels after renovations, while it also begins a K230m rural roads push in Rufunsa and Luangwa. Health & Youth: UPND says it plans to recruit over 40,000 health workers in its second term; meanwhile, Zimbabwe steps up Ebola isolation readiness, with Zambia urging regional preparedness. Land & Property Rights: The National Land Titling Programme reports 8,200 offer letters issued and 2,500 title deeds processed in Q1 2026, with more distribution planned in Kabwe. Politics & Courts: UPP leader Saviour Chishimba joins the UPND Alliance; in court matters, Chishimba Kambwili pleads guilty over an immigration charge. Security & Allegations: Police in Mazabuka report assault cases linked to Garry Nkombo, and a Socialist Party aspiring MP was arrested over a forged Grade 12 certificate.

Election Watch: The ECZ has launched its “Count Me In” voter sensitisation campaign ahead of the 2026 General Elections, urging eligible voters—especially women, youths, persons with disabilities and first-timers—to participate across all 1,858 wards. Debt & Economy: Economist Prof. Lubinda Haabazoka backs Zambia’s Eurobond buyback plan, saying repurchasing over US$1.3bn can cut long-term debt costs and free budget space. Land Reform: The National Land Titling Programme reports 8,200+ offer letters issued in Q1 2026 and 2,500 title deeds processed, with more offer letters set for Kabwe. Infrastructure: Government has started K230m feeder road works in Rufunsa and Luangwa under the World Bank-backed rural connectivity project. Education Integrity: Zambia’s election season also brings scrutiny—GTEC warns the public about 70 unrecognised tertiary institutions, urging due diligence on certificates. Traditional Leadership: Ngoni Paramount Chief Mpezeni IV’s death has sparked succession questions, but George Zulu says no disputes are expected in the next Mpezeni process. Mining & Courts: London arbitration orders ZCCM Investments Holdings to pay Trafigura $92m in a Konkola Copper Mines dispute. Public Health: Africa CDC warns Ebola could spread further as suspected cases rise and vaccine gaps persist, with cross-border movement a key risk.

Eurobond Buyback: Zambia has launched a tender to repurchase about US$1.3bn of long-term Eurobonds due in 2053, using a US$600m African Development Bank loan plus domestic resources, as government positions the move as a liability-management step to ease future debt pressure. Elections & Inflation: The Economics Association of Zambia warns inflation could rise if elections are not well managed, even as ZAMSTATS reports May inflation easing to 6.6% from 6.8%. Traditional Leadership Truce: Paramount Chief Mpezeni IV’s death has triggered rare cross-party unity, with leaders urging calm and respect for succession as the election season intensifies. PF Fragmentation: Former Health Minister Chitalu Chilufya quits PF and signals an independent run, while PF faction president Miles Sampa withdraws from the parliamentary race after a High Court ruling. Election Media Rules: The Independent Broadcasting Authority says it has not banned political campaign songs, only issued guidance to broadcasters to avoid hate and inflammatory content. Cybercrime Crackdown: Police in Lusaka arrest a 22-year-old woman over allegedly producing and circulating obscene viral videos. US-Zambia Diplomacy: The US Chargé d’Affaires says Washington will collaborate with Zambia to advance shared interests, as Cabinet Secretary Patrick Kangwa highlights deeper dialogue, trade and investment. Sports (Local Interest): Nigeria’s Super Falcons name a 23-player squad for friendlies against Senegal, with Zambia in WAFCON Group C.

Traditional Leadership & National Mourning: President Hakainde Hichilema confirmed the death of Paramount Chief Mpezeni IV, ending a 44-year Ngoni reign and triggering nationwide tributes for the custodian of Ngoni culture. Cybercrime Crackdown: Lusaka police arrested 22-year-old Rebecca Mulenga (Metisha Mulenga) over viral obscene videos, with charges under Zambia’s Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Act. Elections & Media Rules: The Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) dismissed claims it banned political campaign songs, saying it only issues election-content guidance to broadcasters. Debt Management: Zambia began buying back Eurobonds worth over US$1.3bn, using cheaper financing to avoid costly interest triggers and improve fiscal planning. Energy & Climate Finance: AfDB launched a clean cooking programme in Brazzaville targeting one million households, while reports highlight Africa’s rapid shift toward solar, wind and storage. Governance & Law: Attorney General Mulilo Kabesha urged Zambians to write wills to prevent family legal battles, as a Lusaka legal clinic offered free services. Regional Migration Enforcement: South Africa intensified checks on the N1 corridor, impounding vehicles carrying undocumented migrants.

Traditional Leadership & National Unity: President Hakainde Hichilema has confirmed the death of Paramount Chief Mpezeni IV of the Ngoni, ending a 44-year reign and prompting condolences from political leaders including Tonse Pamodzi and Dr. Nevers Mumba. Elections & Security: Police have detained That Zed Podcast hosts Kalenga Chambatu (K Plus) and Elson Chigerwe over an interview involving former intelligence chief Xavier Chungu, who remains in custody; former minister Mulambo Haimbe says police acted within secrecy laws. Court & Governance: Attorney General Mulilo Kabesha says Zambia will abide by the South African Supreme Court of Appeal decision on Edgar Lungu’s repatriation and burial dispute. Public Health: Zambia cleared two suspected Ebola cases as DRC reports 1,028 suspected cases, while IGAD urges stronger regional preparedness. Economy & Debt: Zambia launched a cash tender to repurchase its $1.36bn 2053 bond, aiming to cut future servicing costs. Local Enforcement: Nine people were arrested in Mpulungu for fish trading during the Lake Tanganyika fishing ban. Diplomacy & Accountability: DEC arrested Deputy Ambassador to Ethiopia Tom Michelo over alleged swindling of Chinese investors, and government moved to remove him.

Election Courtroom Battles: A founding UPND member, Charles Longwe, has petitioned the Constitutional Court seeking President Hakainde Hichilema’s disqualification over alleged expired or unlawful party leadership and intra-party elections. Opposition Candidate Fallout: PF faction leader Miles Sampa has withdrawn from the Lima parliamentary race, saying PF will now focus on influencing the presidential contest after earlier court action disrupted its ability to field candidates. State Security vs Politics: Former intelligence boss Xavier Chungu has been issued a warn-and-caution statement by Lusaka police for allegedly disclosing classified information, and remains in custody as investigations continue. Party Registration Dispute: Patriots for Economic Progress (PeP) presidential candidate Chanda Katotobwe and running mate Sean Tembo accuse government officials of altering Registrar of Societies records to block nominations, including claims PeP was treated as a church organisation. Economy Watch: Inflation eased to 6.6% in May, while Zambia’s April trade surplus rose to K3.5 billion as imports fell and non-traditional exports grew. Energy & Environment: Zambia launched the Kafue Flats Wildlife, Habitat, Health and Livelihood project to restore ecosystems and protect livelihoods, while a Huawei-SMART Zambia MoU targets an AI data centre and training 5,000 ICT professionals.

South Africa–Zambia Court Battle: Zambia’s government and Edgar Lungu’s family face fresh arguments at the South African Supreme Court of Appeal over where the former president should be buried, with judges sharply questioning the state’s claim to authority after Lungu’s benefits were allegedly withdrawn. Election Safety Push: Zambia Police in Solwezi urged calm ahead of August 13, warning against mob justice and urging citizens to report suspicious activity. Energy Access Moves: A Chinese firm donated solar mini-grid equipment worth US$350,000 for Kaumbwe, targeting nine schools and five rural health centres. Local Economy & Mining: President Hichilema told Barrick Mining to accelerate the Lumwana Super Pit project and praised local procurement and near-total Zambian staffing. Elections in the Courts: Governance activist Isaac Mwanza escalated legal pressure by petitioning to disqualify over 100 independent parliamentary candidates, arguing they still belonged to parties. Sports & National Pride: FAZ confirmed Zambia will host the Four Nations women’s tournament in Ndola (June 1–9) as Copper Queens prepare for WAFCON. Environment & Livelihoods: Zambia launched the Kafue Flats Wildlife, Habitat, Health and Livelihood project with WWF and partners to restore degraded ecosystems and protect wildlife.

Election Court Battles: A Lusaka High Court petition seeks to disqualify Socialist Party presidential running mate Dolika Banda and Dr Fred M’membe, arguing Banda lacks a valid Grade 12 qualification and that the ticket is joint and inseparable—while a separate push targets more than 100 independent parliamentary candidates, including Garry Nkombo, Miles Sampa and Dr Chitalu Chilufya. Security & Politics: Former ZSIS boss Xavier Chungu’s police questioning has escalated into a major election-season flashpoint, with reports he has been charged under Zambia’s non-bailable State Security Act. Election Climate: The U.S. Embassy warns of possible civil unrest ahead of August 13, while the Bishops Council cautions against political violence and harassment of opposition and independent candidates. Constitutional Reform Debate: Gary Nkombo insists his support for Bill 7 does not mean a break with President Hichilema, arguing political differences shouldn’t be treated as betrayal. Health & Regional Spillover: WHO says Ebola myths and insecurity are worsening the crisis in eastern DR Congo, with suspected cases nearing 1,000 and cross-border risks rising.

Elections & Rule of Law: The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) dismissed as false and malicious claims on social media that it was plotting to disqualify presidential candidate Brian Mundubile and running mate Makebi Zulu, warning the public to rely on verified ECZ channels. Anti-Corruption: The ACC arrested three Ministry of Fisheries officials over alleged misappropriation of over K8.8m linked to the Sustainable Livestock Infrastructure Management Project, with charges including fraudulent false accounting and corrupt acquisition of public property. Public Service Ethics: Secretary to the Cabinet Patrick Kangwa ordered action against public officers who joined politics without resigning before May 15, citing violations of the Public Service Code of Ethics. Campaign Environment: Copperbelt police warned politicians against causing trouble during the campaign period, stressing that police will enforce the law regardless of “certificates and degrees.” Housing & Economy: Government launched the “Bondi Yanga” housing finance campaign with ZNBS to tackle Zambia’s housing deficit, aiming to expand access to affordable housing finance. Health Security: As Ebola in eastern DR Congo surged past 1,000 suspected cases, regional border controls and heightened surveillance intensified, with WHO calling for an immediate ceasefire to help response efforts. International: Kenya provided written approval for the US to set up a quarantine facility in Kenya for Americans exposed to Ebola in the region.

US–Zambia Economic Reset: President Hakainde Hichilema urged a stronger Zambia–US partnership focused on trade, investment and private-sector jobs, during a courtesy call by the new US Chargé d’Affaires. Election Integrity Push: The ECZ rejected social-media claims that it plans to disqualify Tonse Alliance presidential candidate Brian Mundubile and running mate Makebi Zulu, saying they were duly nominated; meanwhile, UPND Copperbelt youth chair Wallen Hinyama took an adoption dispute to the High Court. Court Backlog Concern: Hichilema urged newly sworn judges to dispense cases faster, fairer and across the country as the judiciary decentralises. Energy and Industry: Anzana secured a US$20m BII-backed debt facility to speed small hydropower projects, with Zambia flagged as the first site; Zambia also commissioned a 22MW NRDC solar plant under the Presidential Solar Initiative. Health Emergency Watch: Ebola in DR Congo has surged to over 1,000 suspected cases, with Africa CDC warning multiple countries at risk including Zambia, as travel and screening measures tighten regionally. Critical Minerals Strategy: Government says Zambia will strengthen its critical minerals strategy for value addition, partnerships and responsible mining.

Energy Transition & Investment: Zambia is being positioned as a key player in Africa’s shift to solar, wind and storage, with a China–Zambia $1.5bn energy deal flagged alongside a broader continent-wide move away from coal and big dams. Power on the Ground: NRDC’s 22MW solar plant has begun feeding 20MW into the national grid under the Presidential Solar Initiative, with more capacity expected to support training and irrigation. Critical Minerals Strategy: Government says Zambia will strengthen its critical minerals strategy to move from extraction to value addition, industrialisation and jobs, with emphasis on better geological mapping. Digital Push: Smart Zambia and Huawei signed an MoU for a National AI Data Centre and training for 5,000 ICT professionals by 2028. Health & Social Services: Lusaka’s University Teaching Hospital says its kidney transplant programme has reached 39 transplants since 2018, while Zambia is set to benefit from a €10m global health fund to make primary healthcare “investment-ready.” Elections & Media Rules: ECZ rejects PF claims of a plot to disqualify Mundubile and Zulu; IBA says opinion polls are allowed only if broadcasters disclose key details. Politics & Courts: Lusaka Magistrates ordered mayoral candidate Simon Mwewa Chitambala to pay K20,000 for defamation. Agriculture: Crop forecasts project about 4.9m metric tonnes of maize, boosting hopes for a bumper harvest and surplus.

Chungu Interview Fallout: Zambia’s media watchdogs and broadcasters are at the centre of a fresh political storm after ThatZedPodcast said it could not air Xavier Chungu’s interview, while IBA insists no station was ordered to block it—fueling claims of “classified” content, with historian Sishuwa Sishuwa saying the only “classified” line was “change is coming.” Election Campaign Tensions: Opposition and ruling-aligned voices trade accusations over nominations and unopposed seats, with one side alleging staged violence to secure more than 85 unopposed MPs, while others argue the real contest is consolidating into a Hichilema vs PF-style matchup around Brian Mundubile and Tonse Alliance. ECZ Integrity Push: ECZ reports 10 forged Grade 12 certificates flagged during verification and hands cases to police, alongside voter education training in Muchinga. Politics Meets Daily Life: Government forecasts maize output near 4.9 million metric tonnes, while NHP rules out backing UPND and calls for national unity and constitutional reform. Other Signals: FAZ appoints Charles Chakatazya as General Secretary as football house uncertainty ends.

Media Freedom Clash: Zambia’s Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) has denied claims that it ordered Millennium TV and ZedPodcast to cancel a planned Xavier Chungu interview, saying no broadcaster was instructed to block or suspend anything linked to the Liberal Party presidential contender. The denial follows online uproar after ZedPodcast said the episode would not air “due to circumstances beyond our control,” and after Emmanuel Mwamba alleged threats of charges including espionage, sedition and treason. Election Integrity: In the same election build-up, the ECZ says it detected 10 forged Grade 12 certificates during 2026 verification, with cases referred to law enforcement. Campaign Rules: The IBA also released election coverage guidelines for August 2026, including bans on hate speech and on predicting results before official confirmation. Government Push: Vice President Mutale Nalumango launched the 2026 Zambia Mobile Congress with Huawei, pitching AI and digital transformation. Food Outlook: Government projects 4.9 million metric tonnes of maize for 2025/26, up from 3.8 million last season.