AGP Executive Report

WAFCON 2026 (Women’s football): Nigeria’s Super Falcons have kicked off preparations in Casablanca, with captain Rasheedat Ajibade, Asisat Oshoala and goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie among the early arrivals as coach Justine Madugu builds a 25-player squad for the title defence in Morocco. Nigeria’s Group C rivals include Zambia, Malawi and Egypt, and the tournament also doubles as the route to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Copper Queens (Zambia): Zambia’s U-17 women’s team has been drawn at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco against Japan, France and Venezuela, while Zambia’s senior Copper Queens have named a provisional 26-player squad for WAFCON, with Barbra Banda set to captain and the team heading to a pre-tournament camp in Algeria. Community support: The New Apostolic Church Relief Organisation (NACRO) has completed a K350m classroom block and under-five clinic in Mchinji, targeting overcrowding and unsafe maternity care. Elections & peace: Government says misinformation and hate speech are major threats to peaceful polls, urging citizens and political parties to keep campaigns issue-based and non-violent. Politics (debates): A push for presidential debates is back in the spotlight as Zambia’s election campaign heats up ahead of August 13.

WAFCON 2026 Football Fever: Nigeria’s Super Falcons opened camp in Casablanca with captain Rasheedat Ajibade, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie and striker Asisat Oshoala among early arrivals, as they aim to retain the title and qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup; Zambia’s Copper Queens also ramp up preparations, with a 26-player provisional squad named and the team set to leave for Algeria before heading to Morocco. Copper Queens Squad & Build-Up: Zambia’s women’s team will play two friendlies in Algeria ahead of WAFCON, with Barbra Banda named captain in the provisional list and the squad featuring players from ZESCO Ndola Girls, Green Buffaloes and overseas clubs. Youth Football Milestone: Zambia U-17 Women sealed qualification for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco after a 1-1 draw with Ethiopia, advancing 3-2 on aggregate. Health & Training Boost: Israeli doctors arrived in Choma for specialised surgeries and training, with equipment donations aimed at strengthening future paediatric heart surgery capacity. Governance & Justice Debate: Prof. Proud Moonga criticised the return of Chilufya Tayali to Zambia, alleging failures to execute bench warrants and warning of deeper rule-of-law concerns. Culture on Screen: Lusaka hosted the sold-out premiere of “77: The Festac Conspiracy” at Africa Creative Market 2026, celebrating African cinema and the legacy of FESTAC ’77. Border & Trade: The modernised Kasambabezi Border Post in Binga was opened, pitched as a new gateway for trade and tourism between Zambia and Zimbabwe.

WAFCON 2026 Build-Up: Zambia’s Copper Queens are in the final stretch for Morocco 2026, with the team arriving Algeria Monday for last preparations after a two-week Lusaka camp, plus two friendlies against Algeria on July 19 and 22 before heading to Morocco for Group C matches versus Nigeria, Malawi and Egypt. U-17 Women’s World Cup: Zambia’s Copper Princesses booked a third straight FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup spot after a 1-1 draw with Ethiopia in Addis Ababa, winning 3-2 on aggregate, with FAZ President Keith Mweemba praising the squad’s discipline and character. Football Legacy: Late Copper Queens coach Bruce Mwape was laid to rest in Chingola, with officials and FAZ leadership highlighting his role in transforming women’s football, including WAFCON bronze and Zambia’s historic World Cup appearance. Election Campaign Pulse: President Hakainde Hichilema renewed infrastructure promises in Lusaka Province, including a dual carriageway from Lusaka to Kafue Bridge, while urging voters to reject political violence ahead of the August 13 polls. Culture & Media: Nat Geo’s SharkFest-style “Hammerhead Sharks Up Close with Bertie Gregory” is making waves online, while Zambia’s own school football spotlight story keeps attention on grassroots talent. Travel & Mobility: Malaysia released a 2026 visa exemption list for 15 African countries including Zambia, easing entry for visitors for study, work and other purposes.

HIV Prevention & Health Literacy: A Zambia-focused piece explains how lenacapavir (LEN) is a preventive injection, and why many people still misunderstand what it can and can’t do—highlighting the need for better community education alongside ARVs. Football & Youth Sports: The Copper Princesses booked their place at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Morocco 2026 after a 1-1 draw with Ethiopia (3-2 on aggregate), while Zambia’s football mourns former Copper Queens coach Bruce Mwape, laid to rest in Chingola. WAFCON Build-Up: Malawi’s Scorchers named a 23-player squad for WAFCON Morocco, and Nigeria’s Super Falcons’ Toni Payne completed her move to Inter Milan as the tournament approaches. Politics & Campaign Climate: President Hakainde Hichilema pushed a “no going back” message in Lusaka rural, while commentary pieces debate Mundubile’s campaign tactics and call for transparency at the ballot. Culture & Heritage: The Kazembe Lunda Royal Establishment ordered the Green Buffaloes Cultural Club to stop using Mwata Kazembe royal regalia without authorisation. Regional Mobility & Travel Rules: UK immigration updates keep Zambia among visa-required countries for short stays, and a separate passport-ranking report notes Pakistan’s visa-free access expansion.

Heritage & Tourism: Traditional leaders from Zimbabwe and Zambia say Victoria Falls/Mosi-oa-Tunya benefits must reach nearby communities through sustainable, heritage-based entrepreneurship—while protecting the site’s cultural identity. Student Culture & Politics: ZANASU’s Chimpoto Feast at Kapasa Makasa University drew students to rally around Hakainde Hichilema’s Free Education and economic agenda, framing it as a “new dawn” for youth. Creative Exports: Circus Zambia’s “Afronauts” is set to tour Europe, taking a Zambian story inspired by Edward Mukuka Nkoloso and the 1960s space programme to the Edinburgh Fringe and beyond. Anti-Corruption Push: The Anti-Corruption Commission says it has helped set up 270+ Integrity Committees across public and private institutions, with calls for integrity to guide how resources are managed. Unity vs Tribalism: Luapula chiefs distance themselves from alleged tribal remarks, urging national unity and warning politicians against exploiting ethnic sentiment. WAFCON Focus: Nigeria names a 25-player Super Falcons squad for WAFCON in Morocco; Zambia is in Group C, and the tournament also serves as a 2027 World Cup qualifier. Digital Learning: Airtel Africa pledges to connect 5,000 schools with free internet by 2027, aiming to ease the online learning gap for students. UN Peacekeeping: Zambia reiterates support for UN policing missions, stressing more women in leadership roles to strengthen peace and rule of law.

Period Poverty Push: Six University of Sydney medical students delivered 1,000 menstrual cups to two rural schools in Chipangali, reporting measurable gains in attendance after a local education campaign tackled fears around the products. WAFCON Focus: Nigeria’s Super Falcons named a 25-player squad for WAFCON in Morocco, with captain Rasheedat Ajibade and Asisat Oshoala included; Ashleigh Plumptre is out due to a foot surgery setback, while Zambia is in Group C. Digital Learning Boost: Airtel Africa says it will connect 5,000 schools to free internet by 2027 via UNICEF, building on thousands of schools already linked in Lusaka and across the region. Election Process Watch: Multiple parties and civil society observers visited Dubai to monitor printing of Zambia’s August 13 ballot papers, with updates saying braille materials and large portions of ballots are already completed. Cultural Heritage Alert: The Kazembe Lunda Royal Establishment ordered the Green Buffaloes Cultural Club to stop using attire resembling Mwata Kazembe’s sacred royal regalia. Women in Peacekeeping: Zambia reaffirmed support for UN policing missions, calling for more women in leadership roles within peacekeeping operations. Sports Transfer: Toni Payne has signed a two-year deal with Inter Milan after leaving Everton. Culture & Youth: A teen mental health workshop brought together young people across countries to use arts and culture for resilience and identity.

WAFCON squads and camp updates: Nigeria’s Super Falcons named a 25-player squad for WAFCON title defence in Morocco, with captain Rasheedat Ajibade and Asisat Oshoala included, while defender Ashleigh Plumptre misses out on fitness after foot surgery. Zambia football build-up: Zambia’s Copper Queens are set for Algeria camp before friendly matches, with coach Nora Häuptle joining in North Africa and then the team flying on to Morocco for WAFCON group action. Women in peacekeeping: Zambia reaffirmed its UN peacekeeping push at UNCOPS 2026, calling for more women in policing missions and better support for UN Police. Digital education access: Airtel Africa pledged free connectivity for 5,000 schools by 2027 via UNICEF, aiming to narrow the online learning gap affecting many learners. Culture and leadership tensions: Malawi’s Chewa reinstated chief ordered a “no Kulamba” travel ban for chiefs and subjects heading to Zambia’s ceremony, reigniting disputes over Chewa supreme leadership across borders. Elections and tribalism debate: The Baushi Royal Foundation demanded an apology over tribal remarks, warning that identity politics can destabilise peace ahead of August 13. Local sports leadership change: ZANACO Ladies confirmed the departure of head coach Florence Mwila after five years, ending a period that included promotion and major Copper Queens technical support.

Women’s Football & WAFCON: Nigeria’s Justine Madugu named a 25-player Super Falcons squad for WAFCON 2026 in Morocco, with Zambia drawn in Group C alongside Egypt and Malawi, and matches in Rabat. Local Sports & Leadership: Zambia’s FAZ mourns former Copper Queens coach Bruce Mwape, who died at 67 after a short illness; meanwhile, ZANACO Ladies confirmed the departure of head coach Florence Mwila after five years. Youth Sports: Zambia’s Under-17 women’s team has arrived in Addis Ababa for the second leg of the U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifier against Ethiopia. Education & Tech Access: Airtel Africa pledges to connect 5,000 schools across its markets to free internet by 2027 with UNICEF support, including work already underway in Lusaka. Culture & Community: Africa Creative Market 2026 wrapped up in Lusaka after six days of creative exchange, positioning Zambia as a creative and digital economy hub. Civic Life & Unity: Baushi Royal Foundation urged leaders to reject tribalism ahead of Zambia’s August 13 election, warning it threatens national unity. Safety & Rights: Police launched an internal probe into how officers handled a GBV complaint before the Makeni Villa killings in Lusaka.

STEM Education Boost: Zambia’s Ministry of Education signed a landmark MoU with the Zambian National STEM Foundation to strengthen teacher capacity, practical learning, and innovation hubs—aimed at building the skills Zambia needs for industrialisation. Women’s Football Legacy: Zambia mourns the death of former Copper Queens coach Bruce Mwape, credited with historic milestones including the team’s first FIFA Women’s World Cup appearance and Olympic qualifications. Football Focus (U-17): Zambia’s Under-17 women’s team departed for Ethiopia for the second leg of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifier, with coach Carol Kanyemba insisting the first-leg advantage won’t distract them. Sports & Culture: ZANACO Ladies FC confirmed the departure of head coach Florence Mwila after five years, ending a period that saw promotion and major progress for women’s football. Community & Rights: African ecofeminism voices in Harare renewed calls for mining companies and governments to respect community land rights, including land-for-land compensation and meaningful participation. Public Safety Probe: Zambia Police launched an internal investigation into how officers handled a GBV complaint linked to the Makeni Villa killings in Lusaka. Election Rules: ECZ says candidates cannot resign after the ballot printing process starts; resignations after the July 6 cut-off won’t remove names from ballot papers. Culture in Motion: A Doek Drive initiative celebrated cultural pride and identity through doeks and zambias, bringing communities together in a festive, values-led event.

Women’s Football: ZANACO Ladies FC confirmed the departure of head coach Florence Mwila, ending a five-year tenure that saw the club grow from formation into a Super League force, including promotion and a best-ever fourth-place finish. Sports & National Pride: The Football Association of Zambia mourned the death of former Copper Queens coach Bruce Mwape, 67, after a short illness, praising his role in historic milestones including WAFCON success, back-to-back Olympic qualifications, and Zambia’s first FIFA Women’s World Cup appearance. STEM for Youth: Zambia’s Ministry of Education signed a landmark MoU with the Zambian National STEM Foundation to boost teacher capacity, practical learning, and innovation hubs—aimed at building a stronger STEM workforce for industrialisation. Safety & Accountability: Zambia Police launched an internal probe into officers who handled a GBV complaint before the Makeni Villa killings, focusing on whether procedures and standards were followed. Faith & Community: The Little Servant Sisters of the Immaculate Conception marked 100 years since arriving in the U.S., celebrating a century of service to children and the vulnerable. Elections Watch: ECZ set a July 6 resignation cut-off for ballot changes and suspended campaign activities in Shiwang’andu’s Chimpundu Ward to allow a vice president visit. Youth Football: Zambia’s U-17 Women’s team departed for Addis Ababa for the final round qualifier against Ethiopia, chasing a third straight World Cup appearance. Regional Lifestyle Lens: A report on South Africa’s xenophobic violence describes tens of thousands fleeing or being repatriated, reopening debates on solidarity and migration across southern Africa.

Copperbelt Engagements: President Hakainde Hichilema wrapped Day 2 of Copperbelt visits in Chililabombwe and Chingola, pushing urgent fixes to water supply, citing mining revival (Konkola, Lubambe, Mingomba), and stressing local content to grow jobs and support Zambian businesses. Football Legacy: Zambia mourns former Copper Queens coach Bruce Mwape, credited with taking the team to the FIFA Women’s World Cup, multiple WAFCONs, and the historic Olympic qualification. Election Campaign Moves: ECZ suspended campaign activities in Chimpundu Ward, Shiwang’andu (8–10 July) to pave the way for a Veeps visit; meanwhile, Tonse PF-Pamodzi’s Brian Mundubile pledged to “change the culture” of government by depoliticising the civil service and warned partisan civil servants they could be dismissed. Youth, Peace & GBV: Vice-President Mutale Nalumango urged voters to re-elect UPND for better outcomes; separate reports highlight youth-led calls for peace and a father-and-son GBV awareness rally in South Africa. Community & Faith: Solwezi Diocese launched “A Million Children Praying the Rosary” to promote peace and unity through children’s prayers. Sports Build-up: Zambia’s women’s football scene stays in focus with WAFCON countdown coverage and regional fundraising momentum.

Gender & Inclusion: Sonke Gender Justice is training women with disabilities and youth advocates in Lilongwe to strengthen feminist leadership and push for fair representation in regional and global decision-making. Debt & Energy: Zambia’s debt-for-energy swap is being framed as a growth move, using copper-linked savings to fund power network upgrades and tackle the electricity gap. AI & Language: Tanzanian developers are working to bring Swahili into the global AI ecosystem, aiming to expand access to education, health, and digital services in local languages. Elections & Peace: Political violence flared in Chongwe West as rival party supporters clashed, while Zambia’s campaign trail keeps stressing unity and “no intimidation” ahead of 13 August. Local Governance & Safety: Zambezi Governor Dorothy Kabula-Simushi says the region has just one police officer for every 201 residents, straining responses to cross-border and stock theft. Women’s Football: WAFCON 2026 in Morocco is nearing kickoff, with Kenya’s coach insisting they’ll compete, and Malawi targeting K1bn for the Scorchers’ preparations. Sustainability in Lifestyle: Airtel Africa reports cutting diesel use by 9.1m litres by converting sites to grid power, linking everyday connectivity to greener living. Culture & Faith: A “100 years of faithfulness” church anniversary story is circulating, highlighting how immigrant congregations grew into lasting community institutions.

AI & Youth Outlook: A new 2026 survey across Africa and South Asia finds young adults (18–35) in lower- and middle-income countries are more optimistic about AI’s benefits than many peers in the West, with nearly 80% expecting better education and learning. Election Campaign Tensions: Political violence is flaring as the August 13 race heats up, including clashes in Chongwe West that left people injured and property damaged, with calls for calm ahead of voting. Public Service & Cost of Living Promises: Tonse Alliance presidential candidate Brian Mundubile pledges to “change the culture” of government by depoliticising the civil service and warning against partisan conduct, while Makebi Zulu’s rallies push zero tolerance on violence and faster cost-of-living relief within 100 days. Community Support & Child Protection: Zambia’s First Lady backed vulnerable Lusaka Central families with clothing and mobility aid, and government efforts are stepping up to protect children from violence and online threats. Sports & Women’s Football: WAFCON 2026 is nearing with Zambia among the 16 teams, while KCM’s K10.8m annual support to FAZ highlights momentum for women’s football and broader development. Energy & Sustainability: Airtel Africa says it cut diesel use by 9.1 million litres by converting sites to grid power, pushing a greener connectivity push. Governance & Funding: Government released K49.1 billion in June for wages, debt servicing, social protection, election preparations, and infrastructure.

First Lady & Disability Support: First Lady Mutinta Hichilema donated 76 bales of second-hand clothing, 10 wheelchairs, crutches and 600 pieces of chitenge to vulnerable families in Kangwanda, Lusaka Central, with organisers stressing it’s a long-running humanitarian programme. Public Finance & Social Protection: Government released K49.1 billion for June programmes, including K5.5bn for the public service wage bill, K34.9bn for debt service and arrears (including Bond B buyback), plus support for social cash transfers, CDF projects and food security packs. Election Integrity Watch: Transparency International Zambia praised ECZ voter education efforts under “Countmein” and said it will keep monitoring the electoral environment, campaign schedules and incidents ahead of August polls. Copperbelt Campaign Push: President Hakainde Hichilema wrapped day one of his Copperbelt tour with rallies in Masaiti, Mpongwe and a major Kitwe gathering, urging unity and protection of gains in education, health and infrastructure. Privacy & Surveillance Concerns: A new report flags Chinese surveillance tech risks, naming Zambia among countries where such systems have been deployed, raising alarms about digital authoritarianism. Peacekeeping Upgrade: Zambia’s Kenneth Kaunda Peace Training Centre received new infrastructure support worth millions, including training facilities and renewable energy upgrades. Football Spotlight: KCM pledged K10.8m annually to FAZ, with women’s football among the expected beneficiaries. Health & Safety Reminder: LMUTH reported a 7-year-old’s recovery after emergency surgery following a self-circumcision attempt, urging parents to have age-appropriate health conversations.

Elections & Governance: President Hakainde Hichilema urged Central Province voters to choose peace over “being beaten,” while campaigning in Kapiri Mposhi and Kabwe with promises on fertilizer support, lower diesel costs, and more student hostels. Debt & Public Service: In Livingstone, the City Council warned CDF grant beneficiaries to use funds responsibly, with financial literacy support for over 145 recipients; meanwhile, opposition candidate Brian Mundubile pledged a debt-swap plan for teachers and civil servants after a Kabwe teacher’s reported suicide linked to debt. Sports & National Pride: Zambia’s neighbours’ WAFCON build-up is heating up—Nigeria’s Super Falcons open a Morocco camp on July 15 and face Zambia in Group C on Aug 1, with the tournament also serving as 2027 World Cup qualification. Culture & Language: Kiswahili Week 2026 celebrates the language’s UNESCO-backed global role, highlighting its power for tourism, integration, and cultural diplomacy. Business & Sustainability: Airtel Africa says it cut diesel use by 9.1 million litres by converting 390 sites to grid power, pushing cleaner telecom growth. Regional Lifestyle & Travel: Angola’s Moxico province will host the Okavango Raid tourism event in September, aiming to spotlight the Okavango-Zambezi region.

Campaign Trail & Food Security: President Hakainde Hichilema kept his re-election push in Central Province, rallying in Kapiri Mposhi and Kabwe, promising more fertilizer support, hostel construction for students, and further fuel-price relief as Zambia targets 10 million tonnes of maize and 3 million tonnes of soya. Local Governance & Development Messaging: In Serenje, he linked progress since 2021 to expanded CDF and restored peace, urging voters to protect “freedom” ahead of 13 August. Election Logistics: ECZ says printing of presidential ballot papers is complete in Dubai, with serialisation and secure dispatch now underway. Public Safety & Workplace Conduct: A Zambian editorial condemns the mob assault of a Chinese supervisor at AVIC International Camp Site in Mufulira, noting police have arrested a suspect. Education & Mental Health Shock: A Kabwe teacher, Lucy Konkola, reportedly took her own life over debt and threats of being “made viral” as a scammer. Energy & Lifestyle Tech: Airtel Africa says it cut diesel use by 9.1 million litres by converting 390 sites to grid power, boosting cleaner connectivity. Sports (Women’s Football): Nigeria’s Super Falcons set a WAFCON 2026 camp in Mohammedia, with Group C fixtures including Zambia. Health & Policy Debate: A modelling study backs targeted twice-yearly lenacapavir PrEP for pregnant and breastfeeding women without HIV in high-risk districts, as a cost-saving complement to existing programmes.