AGP Executive Report

Ngoni Culture & Accountability: The Ngoni Royal Establishment praised for reporting allegations around the death of Paramount Chief Mpezeni IV to police, stressing the chief died after illness and that claims were false and disrespectful. Traditional Leadership Succession: Luapula chiefs also mourned Mpezeni, while coverage keeps asking who becomes the next Mpezeni, explaining Ngoni patrilineal succession and the dynasty’s roots. Elections & Civic Life: The ECZ launched its “Count Me In” voter sensitization push ahead of the 2026 polls, with special focus on women, youths, PWDs and first-time voters, rolling out across all wards and districts. Public Finance & Debt: Economist Prof. Lubinda Haabazoka welcomed Zambia’s Eurobond buyback as a move to cut future debt costs and free budget space for services. SRHR & Youth Empowerment: CIDRZ trained peer educators to advance gender equality, SRHR and HIV prevention through the ABYM/CBIM approach. Court & Immigration: Former Information Minister Chishimba Kambwili changed his plea and admitted entering Zimbabwe illegally in 2024; judgement set for June 4. Sports (Women’s Football): Nigeria’s Super Falcons opened camp for Senegal friendlies in Ikenne as WAFCON preparations intensify, with Zambia in their group. Church & Politics: Anglicans warned clergy not to use the pulpit for political campaigns or partisan attacks.

Election Readiness: The ECZ has launched its 2026 General Election voter education campaign, urging citizens to vote freely and safely, while the Ministry of Defence calls on military personnel to protect peace ahead of August 13. Health & Taxes: A policy push argues Zambia’s rising non-communicable diseases and fiscal strain make “health taxation” on tobacco, alcohol and sugar-sweetened drinks a public health lifeline, not just revenue. Tobacco Fight: Eastern Province officials marked World No Tobacco Day with a call for stronger community awareness—especially to protect women and children from second-hand smoke and youth vaping. Legal Life Planning: The Attorney General urged Zambians to write wills to prevent costly family legal battles, offering free legal clinic support through the SDA Church. Traditional Leadership & Unity: Paramount Chief Mpezeni IV’s death has triggered cross-party tributes and a rare political truce, with mourners gathering at Ephendukeni Palace and the nation reflecting on Ngoni succession and culture. Sports (Youth & Women): Zambia’s Copper Princesses are two wins from the U-17 World Cup after beating DR Congo 2-0 away (7-0 on aggregate), setting up Ethiopia next; Nigeria’s Super Falcons also named a 23-player Senegal-friendly squad as WAFCON build-up continues. Politics in Court: Former Information Minister Chishimba Kambwili pleaded guilty in an immigration-related case, with sentencing expected June 4.

Ngoni Traditional Leadership: Zambia mourns Paramount Chief Mpezeni IV, who has died at 75, ending a 44-year reign and closing a major chapter for the Ngoni people; tributes poured in after President Hichilema confirmed the passing, with mourners gathering at Ephendukeni Palace and attention now turning to funeral arrangements and succession. Election Season & Civic Life: As August polls near, Zambia is pushing media literacy to help citizens spot misinformation, disinformation, hate speech and online harassment—especially as AI makes fake content easier to create. Law & Family Planning: The Attorney General urges Zambians to write wills to prevent costly family legal battles, saying many disputes persist due to low public awareness of basic legal steps. Sports (Youth Football): Zambia’s Copper Princesses are two wins from the 2026 U-17 Women’s World Cup after a 2-0 away win over DR Congo to seal a 7-0 aggregate, setting up a final qualifying round against Ethiopia. Energy & Everyday Living: The AfDB-backed clean cooking programme launched in Africa targets energy access for one million households, aiming to cut major carbon emissions while improving health and livelihoods.

Traditional Leadership & National Mourning: President Hakainde Hichilema has confirmed the death of Paramount Chief Mpezeni IV of the Ngoni people, ending a 44-year reign and prompting condolences across Zambia. Public Health & Community Safety: In DR Congo, police fired shots to disperse crowds at an Ebola treatment centre after angry families tried to reclaim bodies, as suspected cases and deaths continue to rise. Sports (Women’s Football): Zambia’s Copper Queens will play in a Four Nations tournament in Ndola (June 1–9) ahead of WAFCON, with coach Nora Häuptle naming a 29-member squad. Sports (U17 Women): Zambia’s U17 girls head to Lubumbashi for a tough second-leg qualifier against DR Congo after a 5-0 first-leg lead. Digital & Skills: Zambia and Huawei, via SMART Zambia, signed an MoU to build a National AI Data Centre and train 5,000 ICT professionals by 2028. Road Safety for Kids: Yango Zambia and the Zambia Road Safety Trust expanded the Safer Journeys to School campaign in Lusaka to 15 schools for 2026. Social Protection: Government reintegrated 6,896 children from the streets into family homes over five years, with counselling, school support and vocational training. Culture & Travel: Lake Manyara is spotlighted as a scenic wildlife “hidden gem,” including its famous tree-climbing lions. Lifestyle & Music: Malawian afropop star Onesimus’ album “Son of Grace” is gaining traction across African music charts, boosted by a collaboration with Liema Pantsi.

Road Safety & Infrastructure: Residents in Zimbabwe’s Mashonaland West are calling the Harare–Chirundu Highway a “death trap,” citing potholes, rutting, poor markings and narrow shoulders that they say are driving fatal crashes and freight delays. Women’s Football: Zambia’s Copper Queens and U17 Women’s teams press on with Four Nations preparations and a tough DR Congo return leg, with coaches stressing high morale and the need to stay sharp ahead of WAFCON. Elections & Civic Tension: Zambia’s August polls are heating up as candidate withdrawals and legal challenges over eligibility (including independents) spark fresh uncertainty, while police urge peace and warn against mob justice. Digital & Energy for Daily Life: Zambia signs a SMART–Huawei deal to build a National AI Data Centre and train 5,000 ICT professionals, while a Chinese firm donates solar mini-grid equipment to schools and rural health centres in Petauke. Social Protection: Government says it has reintegrated 6,896 children from the streets over five years, pairing rescue and counselling with family tracing and school support. Politics & Parties: PeP leaders accuse officials of blocking nominations through altered records, as the party disputes ECZ handling and insists it remains properly registered.

Street-to-home reintegration: Zambia’s Ministry of Community Development says it has reintegrated 6,896 children from the streets into family homes over five years, with psychosocial support, school re-enrolment and vocational training—while admitting shortages of transit and rehab centres. Election calm, election pressure: Police in Solwezi urged peaceful voting and warned against mob justice as August 13 nears. Legal heat in the campaign: Governance activist Isaac Mwanza has filed court moves seeking to disqualify over 100 parliamentary candidates who filed as independents, arguing they were still tied to political parties—adding fresh uncertainty to the race. Party nomination fight: PeP presidential candidate Chanda Katotobwe and running mate Sean Tembo accuse officials of altering records to block nominations, including claims PeP was wrongly treated as a church. Digital and energy upgrades: SMART Zambia and Huawei signed an MoU for a National AI Data Centre and training 5,000 ICT professionals; meanwhile a Chinese firm donated solar mini-grid equipment to power schools and rural health centres in Kaumbwe. Women’s football build-up: FAZ confirmed Zambia will host a Four Nations women’s tournament in Ndola ahead of WAFCON 2026, while the Copper Princesses prepare for their U17 return leg in Lubumbashi after a 5-0 first-leg lead. Ebola spotlight: An interview on DRC’s new Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak highlights how weakened surveillance and community response are raising risks as cases spread into Uganda.

Election Court Battles: Governance activist Isaac Mwanza has filed fresh petitions in Zambia’s High Court, seeking to disqualify over 100 parliamentary candidates who filed as independents but are alleged to still be party members, while also pushing a separate constitutional challenge against Socialist Party presidential candidate Fred M’membe over his Grade 12 requirement and the running mate ticket. Free Education Backlash: Former ZSIS boss Xavier Chungu is facing sharp public pushback after questioning the “free education” law, arguing families still pay hidden costs and that overcrowding is worsening. Political Violence Warning: The Bishops Council of Zambia has warned the UPND against tolerating intimidation and harassment of independents and opposition ahead of August elections, urging police to act. Health & Governance: Dr Nevers Mumba issued a statement clarifying his health scare during the nomination period, aiming to cut through rumours. Football Focus: Zambia’s U17 Women’s team arrived in Lubumbashi for the second leg vs DR Congo with a 5-0 advantage, while Nora Hauptle is expected to name the Copper Queens squad for the Zambia-hosted 4-Nations tournament. Sports Tourism (Regional): Zimbabwe’s Sterling International Pairs Golf Tournament organisers were urged to bid to host the World Finals in Tenerife—an idea that keeps the sports-tourism conversation alive across the region.

Wetland Restoration: Zambia’s Kafue Flats faces mounting pressure from droughts, floods, fires, invasive plants, declining fish stocks and poaching-linked wildlife loss, but a new $9m GEF 8 project launched end-May aims to restore the ecosystem and strengthen community resilience through a 20-year partnership. Wildlife & Film: “Operation Return of the Wild” will document the return of Cape buffalo and Puku antelope to Zambia’s Lower Luano Valley after years of poaching losses, with award-winning filmmaker Tom Opre filming the full restoration process. Education Debate: Former intelligence boss Xavier Chungu sparked backlash after questioning Zambia’s free education law, arguing families still pay for essentials and overcrowding is hurting teaching quality. Politics & Peace: The Bishops Council warned UPND against tolerating political violence ahead of August elections, urging police to act and youths to avoid being used as tools. Electoral Process Clarity: ECZ dismissed claims it planned to disqualify Brian Mundubile and Makebi Zulu, while also saying PeP’s nomination period is closed and the party remains registered as a political party. Sports (Women’s Football): Zimbabwe’s Mighty Warriors named a squad for the Four Nations tournament in Zambia, with matches set to sharpen preparations for Olympic qualifiers. Inclusive Education Funding: Scotland launched a £7.5m RISE initiative for inclusive, safe education in Zambia, Malawi and Rwanda, with a focus on girls and learners with disabilities.

ECZ Pushback on Mundubile Claims: The Electoral Commission of Zambia has dismissed as false and malicious social media allegations that it plans to disqualify Tonse-Pamodzi presidential candidate Brian Mundubile and running mate Makebi Zulu, and it also rejects claims linking the Commission to restrictions on church services, funerals and campaign activities. Inclusive Education Boost: Scotland launched a £7.5m RISE initiative to strengthen inclusive and safe education for children and young women in Zambia, Malawi and Rwanda, with a focus on girls’ completion of secondary and post-secondary education. AI Skills for Zambia: Smart Zambia and Huawei signed an MoU for a National AI Data Centre and training for 5,000 Zambian ICT professionals by 2028. Teachers Upgrades Continue: Government says over 9,200 teachers have received salary or position upgrades since 2022, with about 2,500 processed in 2026. Ebola Watch in the Region: Health officials warn the Ebola outbreak in eastern DR Congo is worsening amid violence, with travel restrictions and heightened screening measures spreading across the region. Sports—Starlets & U-17: Harambee Starlets named a provisional squad for the Four Nations tournament in Zambia, while Zambia’s U-17 women’s team heads to Congo for a qualifier amid Ebola monitoring. Culture & Lifestyle—Indigo Exhibit: A Lawrence Arts Center exhibit by Zambian-born artist Wabwila Mugala explores indigo, African diaspora and memory through an immersive installation.

Ebola Alert: WHO says the Bundibugyo strain in eastern DR Congo is spreading faster than responders can cope, with 900 suspected and 101 confirmed cases, 220+ suspected deaths, and a “very high” risk level as violence blocks access. Mining & Justice: Church leaders and activists in Botswana are pushing for stronger protections around land rights, environmental accountability, and community consent as cobalt, lithium and other critical minerals reshape Africa’s energy future. Teacher Upgrades: Zambia reports 9,200 teachers have received salary or position upgrades since 2022, with 2,500 processed in 2026, while the Ministry urges patience on remaining cases. Digital Push: Smart Zambia and Huawei sign an MoU for a National AI Data Centre and training 5,000 ICT professionals by 2028. Elections & Voter Education: ECZ rejects PF claims it plans to disqualify Mundubile and Zulu, and says it will intensify voter education in schools. Public Safety: Police investigate a defilement case in Lundazi and arrest counterfeit-note suspects in Kasama. Lifestyle Wellness: A travel trend piece highlights why waterfall trips are becoming a 2026 wellness escape. Sports & Culture: Harambee Starlets name a provisional squad for Zambia’s Four Nations tournament; Power Dynamos Queens win the Copperbelt Women’s League title.

Health Diplomacy Tension: Liberia’s civil society is warning that a US$176m health compact signed in Dec 2025 lacks transparency and could undermine maternal care and data sovereignty, echoing wider African pushback on US demands for sensitive health data. Ebola Preparedness Alarm: In western Uganda and eastern DRC, experts flag spillover risks from bat-human contact and note vaccines may not fully cover the Bundibugyo strain—while attacks on Ebola facilities and fleeing patients keep containment fragile. Zambia Elections Groundwork: The ECZ is running five-day training for Voter Education Facilitators in Lavushimanda, stressing impartiality and strict adherence to the campaign timetable ahead of Aug 13. HIV Care Snapshot: Chipata Central Hospital reports over 6,000 people on ART, including about 100 children, as preventive services are stepped up. Sports & Pride: Power Dynamos Queens and Junior Power both crowned champions on the Copperbelt, delivering a rare double for the Aba Yellow family. Editorial Pulse: A fresh political debate is heating up around “HH vs PF,” with commentators saying PF-style mobilisation is returning through new channels.

Spiritual + economic lift in Bulawayo: Thousands packed White City Arena for AFMA’s “Mother of All Revivals,” with organisers saying over 200 people committed their lives to Christ and local vendors and transport benefited. Teachers reassured: Zambia’s Ministry of Education told teachers that academic upgrades and salary/position changes will be handled fairly, case-by-case, with a backlog being addressed progressively. Election peacekeeping: ECZ urged District Conflict Management Committees to stay impartial while mediating minor disputes ahead of August 13. Business boost for SMEs: AfDB approved a $20m trade finance guarantee for Access Bank Zambia, aiming to unlock up to $240m in trade over five years. Climate resilience push: Zambia, WFP and the UK Met Office launched a $3.6m initiative to strengthen climate monitoring and early warning for droughts and floods. Health watch: Ebola fears continue as screenings ramp up abroad and attacks on treatment centres in DR Congo disrupt care. Regional politics: HH confirmed Vice President Mutale Nalumango as running mate.

Ebola in Congo turns deadly for caregivers: In DR Congo’s east, Ebola treatment centres are being attacked and patients are fleeing as unrest erupts over bodies and rumours, with police firing shots after crowds tried to reclaim the dead at Mongwalu—echoing violence that previously hit health workers. Zambia election tension spikes at prisons: On Africa Freedom Day, Tonse/PF leaders Brian Mundubile and Makebi Zulu were denied entry to Lusaka Central Correctional Facility to visit Raphael Nakacinda, quickly becoming a flashpoint for claims of political hostility. Freedom Day messages clash: President Hichilema pushed jobs and economic “freedom” through CDF and free education, while opposition messaging stayed sharper—highlighting a deep political divide heading into August 13. Health and climate pressure builds: The African Climate Foundation warns of possible super El Niño impacts, while across Africa demand for new HIV prevention injections is outstripping supply. Sports and culture lift spirits: India launched the first World Yogasana Championship; and Ugandan-to-Cape Town skateboarder Jason Vanporppal ended his 6,000km fundraising ride with a hero’s welcome.

Kalumbila Market Reopens: Kisasa Market in Kalumbila has reopened after a two-month closure tied to a mob-justice killing, with Senior Chief Musele urging traders and residents to reject violence and protect the rule of law. Africa Freedom Day Push: President Hichilema used Africa Freedom Day to stress economic development, unity, and job creation through programmes like the CDF, while opposition leader Judith Kabemba also called for rejecting tribalism and keeping elections peaceful. ECZ Assurances: In Mpulungu, the ECZ promised impartial, transparent election processes after releasing the campaign timetable. Awards at State House: Hichilema honoured 15 individuals and Lundazi Secondary School, including cancer advocate Karen Nakawala. Immigration Crackdown: 25 undocumented Ethiopians were arrested in Matero, Lusaka, during an operation at Given Guest House. Media/Tech Spotlight: DCAA partnered with Video Rebirth to train 100 AI microdrama filmmakers. Sports Moment: Shericka Jackson bounced back with a meet-record 21.87 in Xiamen. Africa Beyond Borders: Pan-African unity themes dominated coverage as xenophobia fears in South Africa resurfaced.

Ebola Alarm: Neighbours of DR Congo are tightening border checks and rolling out “Covid-style” precautions as suspected Ebola cases surge to 900+ and the risk level is raised to “very high,” with Uganda also reporting new cases and health teams screening travellers at key crossings. Africa Day in Zambia: President Hichilema marked Africa Freedom Day with wreath-laying and released 1,505 inmates—708 freed and 797 sentence commuted—while officials urged families to welcome returnees without discrimination. Election Tensions: Political space is under pressure as unopposed seats grow, NGOCC alleges detentions during nominations, and PeP’s Sean Tembo says his party’s records were altered from party to church—now he’s asking Donald Trump to intervene. Sports & Culture: Zimbabwe teachers celebrated Africa Day through ZITSA Games, while Zambia’s wider region keeps pushing unity through sport and cultural events. Business & Health: Zambia’s commerce ministry says it’s open to investors for jobs and social services, as regional health funding and logistics remain strained.

Election Momentum: President Hakainde Hichilema has joined the presidential nomination drive, with 14 candidates now validly nominated and campaigns set to run until August 13—while UPND also racks up unopposed seats, raising fresh questions about opposition strength. Party Chaos: Patriots for Economic Progress (PeP) claims its party status was secretly changed to a church at the Registrar of Societies, blocking nominations and triggering “church politics” accusations. Women in Politics Under Pressure: NGOCC chairperson Beauty Katebe and others say they were “abducted” during Lusaka mayoral nominations, spotlighting fears that women face a hostile nomination environment. Ebola Watch: East and southern Africa are stepping up border surveillance and response as Ebola fears grow around DRC and Uganda, with attacks on Ebola facilities reported in eastern DRC. Sports & Culture: Shericka Jackson roars to 21.87 in Xiamen; Zambia’s U-17 women crush DR Congo 5-0 in World Cup qualifiers; and Zambia’s campaign trail keeps buzzing as candidates file and debate peace, unity, and development.