AGP Executive Report

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.

Liberation & identity: Media personality Norah Appolus spotlights her mother, Namibia’s liberation icon Putuse Appolus (“Meekulu Putuse”), whose life of exile, nursing, and Pan-African women’s leadership ended in Zambia in 1986. Cultural heritage training: UNESCO, AUDA-NEPAD and the University of Pretoria roll out Southern Africa courses (including Zambia) to build legal and ethical skills for the return and restitution of cultural property. Food & health: A Lusaka Mtendere story contrasts traditional, preservative-free meals with instant foods, arguing Zambian heritage diets still offer stronger nutrition. Education support: Zambia’s school feeding programme is set to expand to over 13,000 schools, aiming to boost attendance and learning. Post-election justice in focus: Zambia’s courts remain closed amid security concerns as opposition and civil society push for access to election petitions; Tonse Pamodzi also urges AU intervention, while church leaders call for reconciliation. Tech for students: Google AI Plus opens free access for higher-education students across 27 African countries for 12 months. Sports (women’s football): Silver Strikers Ladies qualify for the CAF Women’s Champions League-COSAFA semis after a 5-1 win over Nsingizini Hotspurs, with Carolyn Mathyola’s hat-trick putting her in the Golden Boot race.

Zambia’s election drama: Former Law Association of Zambia president Linda Kasonde and two others have filed a 60-page petition challenging President Hakainde Hichilema’s August 13 win, citing alleged irregularities, security force deployments, and observer reports, as courts remain closed amid security concerns. Judicial access under pressure: A second day of court closures in Lusaka keeps the High Court and Constitutional Court restricted, with rights groups warning ordinary people are being shut out of justice. Hichilema swearing-in amid uncertainty: Cabinet says Hichilema will be sworn in for a second term next week, even as there’s confusion over whether a petition was received through an irregular private email route. Cybercrime crackdown: Security forces arrested 79 people in Lusaka’s Evana Estates over a suspected cybercrime network, seizing computers, phones, Starlink kits, passports and cash. HIV prevention boost: Zambia expanded long-acting injectable Lenacapavir PrEP to 106 clinics across 13 high-burden districts, aiming to cut pill fatigue and stigma. Women’s football momentum: Silver Strikers Ladies booked CAF Women’s Champions League-COSAFA qualifier semis with a 5-1 win over eSwatini’s Nsingizini Hotspurs, setting up a semi-final against Zambia’s ZESCO Ndola.

Women’s Football: Cameroon won WAFCON 2026 with a 3-0 final victory over debutants Malawi in Morocco, while Malawi’s run secured a 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup spot—prompting fresh calls for Namibia to invest harder in player development and preparation. Faith & Peace: Pastor William Kumuyi urged peace and security in Nigeria ahead of the Global Crusade with Kumuyi, framing the outreach as a push for transformation and safer communities. Church-Led Reconciliation: Zambia’s Council of Churches says it is engaging President Hakainde Hichilema and Brian Mundubile for reconciliation and dialogue before inauguration, warning against hate speech and using children to insult leaders online. Zambia Courts & Justice Access: Courts entered a second day of closure amid security concerns, with critics saying it blocks ordinary people from legal protection and remedies. Election Petition Fallout: Linda Kasonde and two others filed a 60-page presidential election petition challenging the August 13 result; commentary argues the case may struggle because CCMG’s parallel tabulation still showed Hichilema winning above the 50% threshold. Accountability Questions: Former MP Binwell Mpundu failed to appear in court, deepening concerns about due process and where he is. Cybercrime Crackdown: A Lusaka joint taskforce arrested 79 people in a suspected cybercrime network raid, seizing computers, phones, Starlink kits and passports. Lifestyle & Learning: IIED’s Make Change Happen highlights young housing activists in Zambia using videos, surveys and mapping to push for fairer urban governance. Sports (Women’s): Silver Strikers Ladies must win to reach the CAF Women’s Champions League-COSAFA qualifier semis, with Zambia’s volleyball team drawn in Pool A for the CAVB Women’s Nations Championship.

Regional Trade & Infrastructure: The African Development Bank approved US$255m in funding plus a US$10m grant to support Zambia’s participation in the Lobito Economic Corridor, linking the Copperbelt to Angola’s Lobito port and aiming to cut logistics costs while boosting agriculture, energy, urban development, and youth jobs. Media Freedom: South Africa’s Unisa lost a bid to gag ednews.africa and was hit with punitive costs after a court rejected the attempt to stop investigative reporting on workload and staff health crises. Youth & Careers: UBA’s GMAP graduated 374 young professionals across eight countries, including Zambia, reinforcing a pipeline for future leadership. Justice & Democracy in Focus: Zambia’s High Courts were closed nationwide on the deadline day for election petitions, with lawyers and civil society warning this blocks access to justice as opposition prepares challenges. Post-Election Tensions: Commentaries and calls for unity government between UPND and NRPUP Tonse Alliance continue, alongside heated debate over alleged rigging and the role of courts. Cybercrime Crackdown: A joint Lusaka operation arrested 79 people in a luxury New Kasama estate raid, seizing computers, phones, cash, and passports tied to suspected cybercrime and trafficking. Culture & Community: A Glasgow church hosted a Zambian-Scottish textiles day, blending tartan and chitenge into a shared tapestry. Everyday Hardship: At Karanda Mission Hospital, some families say even US$1 can decide between a meal and shelter while relatives seek treatment.

Democracy & Courts: Zambia’s legal community is alarmed after courts were closed nationwide with heavily armed military presence around premises in Lusaka, raising fears over access to justice and judicial independence as election challenges loom. Unity Government Push: Political voices are calling for a Government of National Unity between UPND and NRPUP Tonse Alliance, arguing reconciliation and a “political ceasefire” should come before prolonged confrontation. Faith & Politics: Church mother bodies warn against post-election online hate and hostility, while religious leaders urge calm and accountability; some politicians and candidates say they will not petition, choosing peace and prayer. Matero & Petitions Debate: A Matero candidate says he will leave the matter to God, and commentators stress that election petitions don’t automatically cancel results but can affect constitutional timelines. Youth & Education: UBA inducted 374 young professionals across Africa, while EAA Foundation wrapped up its Namwala EVE project, supporting over 10,000 vulnerable children to stay in school. Culture & Sport: Zambia’s Lornah Kalunga Mwenda and Rwanda’s Sylvie Irakoze headline the Sterling Invitational in Arusha; locally, Silver Strikers Ladies face a must-win in CAF/COSAFA qualifiers.

Youth & Jobs: UBA has equipped and inducted 374 young professionals into its Graduate Management Accelerator Programme (GMAP), with the cohort drawn from eight African countries and led by a strong push for customer service as the bank’s key differentiator. Education & Child Protection: Education Above All (EAA) Foundation says its Empowering Vulnerable Children with Education (EVE) project in Namwala District exceeded targets, supporting 10,193 learners, re-enrolling 1,780 out-of-school children, and setting up SAFE Clubs to boost wellbeing and retention. Women’s Leadership: LEAP Africa wrapped up its Leadership Accelerator Programme for Young African Women, selecting 31 women for a Nairobi boot camp after an online phase that drew thousands across Africa, aiming to close the leadership gap. Online Safety & Hate Speech: Zambia’s Church Mother Bodies urged citizens and leaders to reject hate, misinformation and political insults online, with special concern about children being used in political hostility. Democracy & Elections: Commentaries and legal debate continue after the August 13 polls, including calls to understand how presidential election petitions work and warnings about misinformation; meanwhile, one citizen-led election petition effort has been dropped for lack of enough material to proceed. Public Safety: Zambia’s ZNS restored order at Lusaka markets after reports of trader harassment, while the Cyber Security Agency warned against reposting insulting election-era content. Tragedy Watch: The Kariba ferry disaster in Zimbabwe remains in focus, with reports detailing safety warnings and the scale of loss.

Education & Inclusion: Education Above All (EAA) Foundation, with World Vision Zambia, FAWEZA and the Ministry of Education, says its 3-year EVE project in Namwala District exceeded targets—supporting 10,193 vulnerable learners across 37 schools, with a 98% survival rate and re-enrolment of 1,780 out-of-school children through 37 SAFE Clubs. Elections & Social Media: Zambia’s Church Mother Bodies (CCZ, EFZ, ZCCB) warn against online hate, political insults and misinformation, stressing children must not be used in political hostility. Gender & Politics: NGOCC reports women representation in Parliament remains below 20% after the August 13 polls, calling for laws to push parties to field more women candidates. Post-Poll Unity: Senior Chief Muchinda urges “one Zambia” unity, fair service for all citizens, and transparent use of the Constituency Development Fund. Security & Civic Calm: ZCSA says harmful online content rose around the elections and warns citizens against reposting insulting material. Culture & Community: Bulawayo’s Doek and Zambia Drive celebrates cultural pride and women’s identity, with the First Lady drawing large crowds. Sports (Women’s Football): ZESCO Ndola Girls and Gaborone United Ladies advance in CAF Women’s Champions League-COSAFA qualifiers, setting up a key semi-final race.

Market Security: ZNS restored order at Lusaka’s Soweto and Buseko markets after reports of traders being harassed and forced to pay, arresting eight suspected cadres. Culture & Community: Bulawayo embraced First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa’s Doek and Zambia Drive with a colourful celebration of heritage and women’s dignity. Child Protection Activism: Zambian campaigner Mate Subulwa arrived in Bulawayo to continue a Pan-African walk against child abuse, urging prevention and early reporting. Education & Values: TISS held its 86th convocation for 1,377 graduates, spotlighting AI ethics, bias risks, and the need to protect indigenous wisdom. Sports Spotlight (WAFCON): CAF named Zambia’s Barbra Banda in the Women’s AFCON 2026 Team of the Tournament, while Malawi’s Temwa Chawinga also earned top honours. Public Health (Ebola Preparedness): ECSA-HC launched a six-month Ebola response across 33 border points along DRC trade and migration corridors, including Zambia. Lifestyle & Safety (Death Investigation): Lusaka police opened an inquiry into the sudden death of 25-year-old model and influencer Lisa Mutambo after a night out, saying no physical injuries were found. Elections & Peace: ZCTU urged acceptance of the August 13 outcome and lawful channels, while church leaders warned arrests and summons could stall national healing. Regional Travel Watch: A tourism investment review flags barriers like visas and infrastructure, while also questioning whether conference-heavy approaches are delivering real deals.