AGP Executive Report

Health & Ageing: A new study says Zambia’s National Health Insurance Scheme is cutting costs for older people, but funding gaps still limit what seniors can actually access. Election Integrity & Misinformation: ECZ chairperson Zalomius warns observers, media and faith groups against sharing unverified social media claims, as the August 13 vote nears. Ballot Mark Dispute: Opposition candidate Mundubile challenges ECZ guidance that tick/dash marks inside a candidate box are valid, warning it could fuel confusion and rigging fears. Peace, but Tension: CROP urges political restraint, while reports of tear gas and campaign violence shadow the final days. Democracy in the Courts: Zambia’s judiciary begins final training to resolve election disputes quickly and fairly. Campaign Violence Allegations: A former diplomat and an opposition media manager were reportedly seized in Lusaka, raising fears of a wider crackdown. Education & Tech: Edubex expands globally with AI-enabled learning and university partnerships, adding 200+ programmes. Social Protection & Pensions: CROP praises pension reforms and calls on older voters to protect gains. Lifestyle & Learning Support: Madison Life invests K100,000+ in university scholarships via HELSB. Sports & Pride: Malawi’s Scorchers stun Ghana to reach WAFCON semis and qualify for the 2027 Women’s World Cup, with star Chawinga vowing to keep the dream alive.

Women’s Football Breakthrough: Malawi’s Scorchers stunned Ghana 2-1 in the WAFCON quarterfinal to reach the semis and qualify for the 2027 Women’s World Cup for the first time, with Temwa Chawinga equalising and Rose Kadzere scoring the late winner. Zambia Election Tension: Zambia’s presidential vote is marred by tear gas and campaign violence, raising fresh questions about fairness as voters decide between incumbent Hakainde Hichilema and Brian Mundubile. Ballot Clarity: The ECZ says a ballot can be marked with a tick, cross, dash or line as long as it stays within the candidate box, dismissing misinformation that only an “X” counts and warning that multiple marks spoil votes. Faith vs Politics: Ahead of the August 12 Catholic candlelight prayers, UPND and church leaders trade accusations over whether candles and party placards could politicise worship, while police halted a planned Ndola prayer programme. Regional Trade Push: SADC moves to simplify border procedures under the Simplified Trade Regime to cut costs for small-scale traders, with Lusaka hosting implementation talks. Public Support Funding: Government released K21.1 billion in July for families, farmers, schools, food security and infrastructure. Local Court Story: A Lusaka couple’s 15-year marriage ended in divorce after allegations of alcohol abuse, infidelity and violence. Tourism & Safety: Chaminuka Luxury Lodge owner Stelios Shula Sardanis was killed in an armed home invasion. Immigration Human Story (US): Zambian nurse Debora Kapisha, detained by ICE, was released after protests by nurses and supporters.

Election Watch: With Zambia’s Aug 13 polls days away, the ECZ says a ballot can be valid with a tick, cross, or any clear mark as long as it stays in the candidate box—while voter educator Dr Sishuwa Sishuwa insists the safest option is a cross and warns ticks can spoil ballots. Church & Politics: Tension is rising around Lusaka Archbishop Alick Banda’s Aug 12 candlelight prayers: UPND says members will attend with “Zambia Forward” placards, while Catholic bishops push back, warning the candle symbol could be seen as partisan. Democracy in Action: International and domestic observers are already moving into position for the election, including EU and SADC missions plus groups running parallel voter tabulation. Health & Migration: Zambian nurse Debora Kapisha, detained by ICE at Boston’s Logan Airport, has been released after protests by nurses and supporters. Culture & Music: Sungura artist DT Bio Mudimba drops “Pakala Africa,” a Zambezi-rooted track urging Africans to preserve heritage and unity. Sports (WAFCON): Nigeria and Cameroon set for a quarter-final in Casablanca with a World Cup ticket at stake; Zambia’s Copper Queens are out after CAF tiebreak rules. Safety & Tourism: Chaminuka Luxury Lodge CEO Stelios Sardanis was killed in an armed home invasion near Lusaka.

WAFCON Spotlight: Nigeria’s Super Falcons lock horns with Cameroon’s Indomitable Lionesses in a high-stakes Women’s Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final in Casablanca, with the winner earning an automatic 2027 World Cup ticket in Brazil; Nigeria bounced back after a shock opening loss to Malawi, edged Zambia 1-0, then thrashed Egypt 6-2 to reach the last eight, while Cameroon topped their group unbeaten before a final-day draw. Zambia Election Watch: The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) urges international observers to stay objective and impartial, while also clarifying that no legal challenge has been filed over delimitation and that candidates for parliamentary seats won’t be eligible for proportional representation nominations. Catholic Church & Politics: Catholic bishops push back on Lusaka Archbishop Alick Banda’s planned “candlelight” mass ahead of the August 13 vote, warning it could be seen as politically charged given the candle symbol’s links to a party. Campaign Culture & Peace: President Hakainde Hichilema calls for peaceful campaigning and respect for opponents as the Tonse Alliance tours Southern Province. Lifestyle/Community: Camp Tuli Bonse 2026 kicks off in Chongwe, bringing together young people living with sickle cell disease and type 1 diabetes for health education, mentorship, and empowerment.

Election Watch: President Hakainde Hichilema urged peaceful campaigning in Southern Province, telling supporters not to disrupt the Tonse Alliance as Zambia heads to the August 13 vote. Faith & Civic Life: Clergy leaders and the Vicar General in Kasama linked economic hardship to the election, while Vice President Mutale Nalumango called on churches to keep praying for unity and peaceful polls. WAFCON Spotlight: Zambia’s Copper Queens exited WAFCON after a tight Group C tie-break, with FAZ’s Colonel Priscilla Katoba urging them to learn from the setback. Women’s Football Momentum: Nigeria booked a quarter-final with Cameroon, with World Cup qualification at stake for the 2027 Brazil tournament. Culture & Community: Burundian drummers from Meheba returned to the stage after nearly four years, winning recognition during a Kaonde traditional ceremony in Zambia. Water & Daily Life: Government commissioned upgraded boreholes turned into small piped schemes in Chilanga and Kafue, targeting safer water for hundreds of households. Lifestyle & Identity: Vernon Mwaanga publicly revealed a hidden 1990s romance with Congolese music queen Tshala Muana.

Women’s Leadership Spotlight: Eswatini’s Inkhosikati LaNgangaza praised King Mswati III for recognising women’s leadership, urging African women to turn professional influence into continent-wide transformation. Humanitarian Impact: Church-led partners in Africa and Asia reported progress on a Caring for Women and Children initiative reaching 52 million women and children, with a new $65m funding commitment. WAFCON & World Cup Stakes: Nigeria booked a Women’s Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final versus Cameroon, with the winner earning a 2027 World Cup ticket; Malawi also advanced to face Ghana, while Zambia’s Copper Queens crashed out on WAFCON tiebreak rules despite beating Malawi. Lusaka Church Update: The Archdiocese of Lusaka says Candlelight Prayers for Peace on Aug 12 will go ahead, insisting the event is spiritual and non-political amid calls to cancel. Election-Season Faith & Peace: Archbishop Alick Banda urged Zambians to reject political violence, warning that wounds outlast campaigns. Zambia in the Spotlight Abroad: A Zambian nurse, Debora Kapisha, was released from ICE custody in Maine after union and community pressure. Education & Brands: Colgate-Palmolive Zambia and Shoprite launched a scholarship campaign worth 800,000 Kwacha to keep children in school. Public Safety Alert: Police in Lumezi report an 8-year-old boy died after allegedly being lured and buried alive in a pit.

WAFCON Shock for Zambia: The Copper Queens crashed out of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations despite beating Malawi 2-1, losing on CAF’s head-to-head tiebreak that counted only goals in matches among Zambia, Nigeria and Malawi—Malawi scored 4, Nigeria 3, Zambia 2. Next Up for Region’s Teams: Nigeria booked a quarter-final date with Cameroon in Casablanca, while Malawi set to face Ghana after topping their group on the same tiebreak logic. Election Tension, Church Pushback: Archbishop Alick Banda condemned rising politically motivated violence ahead of August 13, while UPND demanded the Catholic Church cancel candlelight prayers on 12 August, arguing candles and lamps are election symbols. Digital Rights Under Pressure: Net Rights Coalition urged Zambia to uphold digital rights as journalists face arrests and summons under cyber laws. Education & Health Lifestyle Angle: Colgate-Palmolive Zambia and Shoprite launched a scholarship drive worth 800,000 Kwacha tied to toothpaste purchases. Tourism Cooperation: Zambia and Malawi signed minutes after a joint tourism technical meeting in Lilongwe, focusing on joint marketing, cultural heritage and wildlife conservation.

WAFCON Drama: Zambia’s Copper Queens were eliminated despite beating Malawi 2-1 and finishing Group C with the best goal difference, as CAF’s three-team tie-break sent Nigeria and Malawi through on head-to-head goals. Coach Nora Hauptle called the rules “completely weird,” while Zambia’s Barbra Banda still led the tournament scoring charts with five goals. Football Spotlight: Nigeria’s Super Falcons roared past Egypt 6-2 to book a quarter-final with Cameroon, with Asisat Oshoala scoring from the spot and a $60,000 goal bonus reported for the win. Sports Meets Business: Amstel Malta celebrated the Falcons’ turnaround and Oshoala’s leadership, tying brand support to women’s football momentum. Governance & Religion: UPND opposed a candlelight prayer event on Aug 12, warning candles and lamps could be seen as political symbols ahead of the Aug 13 polls. Civic Life: ECZ urged women to seize proportional representation seats, while Lusaka Ministers Fellowship called for integrity and fair policing during the election period. Justice & Tech: Supreme Court judge Abha Nayar Patel said courtroom tech should only be used if it improves fairness and access to justice.

WAFCON Heartbreak in Morocco: Zambia’s Copper Queens exited the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations despite finishing level on six points in Group C, with Nigeria and Malawi advancing on CAF’s head-to-head tiebreak rules that excluded results vs Egypt. FAZ Promises a Post-Mortem: Football Association of Zambia President Keith Mweemba says Football House will review the campaign after the team also missed qualification for the 2027 Women’s World Cup. Infantino vs FIFA Fallout: Gianni Infantino attended the Malawi-Zambia match in Rabat as FIFA apologised for mishandling its failed World Cup investment plan, while UEFA pushed for deeper scrutiny and a possible no-confidence push. ECZ Women’s Push: The Electoral Commission urged women to actively contest new proportional representation parliamentary seats reserved for women, youths and persons with disabilities. Inclusive Governance Along Lobito Corridor: Ten CSOs signed an MoU to strengthen community-centred governance and economic partnerships under the Corridor Voices Initiative. Culture Spotlight—Zed Beats: A feature on how home studios and young producers helped reinvent Zambian pop music, blending local languages with global urban sounds. Sports Beyond Football: Zed Beats’ rise and a successful Zambezi Volleyball Association friendly tournament in Namibia both highlight growing grassroots energy across Zambia’s lifestyle scene.

WAFCON Drama: Zambia’s Copper Queens bowed out of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations despite beating Malawi 2-1, eliminated on head-to-head tiebreaks after Malawi and Nigeria also finished on six points in Group C. Quarter-Final Picture: Nigeria booked a quarter-final spot with a 6-2 thrashing of Egypt and will face Cameroon, while Malawi advanced to meet the Group D runner-up. FIFA Fallout: FIFA president Gianni Infantino received “full support” from senior directors after apologising for “errors” tied to a shelved World Cup private-investment plan, as calls for his exit continued. Zambia Politics & Safety: President Hakainde Hichilema urged peaceful, credible elections ahead of August 13 amid opposition claims of campaign disruptions and alleged violence. Health & Community: A Korean medical team carried out volunteer care in remote African communities, highlighting gaps in access to basic services. Education Uplift: The ED-UNZA Scholarship Trust brought rural students into university pathways, including future doctors and engineers. Sports Coaching Moves: Cape Verde coach Bubista resigned to take charge of Moroccan club RS Berkane, while Hervé Renard returned to Côte d’Ivoire.

WAFCON Drama: Zambia’s Copper Queens face a must-win Malawi clash tonight to keep quarter-final hopes alive, while Nigeria and Egypt meet in a do-or-die Group C finale where permutations could still decide who advances. Super Falcons Focus: Nigeria’s coach Justin Madugu says selection is purely tactical as suspended players force midfield and defence reshuffles for the Egypt test. Malaria Watch: Zambia’s End Malaria Fund warns that increased movement of people between provinces is helping malaria spread, with plans to distribute insecticide-treated nets ahead of the rainy season. Education Boost: Government has received 17 new classroom blocks for nine Lusaka secondary schools, easing congestion under Free Education and the Competency-Based Curriculum. Arts & Culture: NAC has launched the 2026 Ngoma Awards Guidelines and call for entries, aiming to strengthen rules and recognition for Zambian artists. Politics & Peace: Civil rights activist Laura Miti says one direct call from President Hichilema to the Police IG could stop election violence, as Barotseland leaders urge peaceful campaigns. Climate & Food: A new study says climate change is redrawing malaria risk across Africa, and a chickpea variety pilot is offering farmers in Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique a more resilient, lower-input option.

WAFCON Drama (Zambia focus): The Copper Queens face Malawi in a must-win Group C clash in Rabat, with goalkeeper Hazel Nali urging the team to ignore history and focus on performance as Zambia’s quarter-final hopes hang on the result. WAFCON Group C (Nigeria angle): Defending champions Nigeria take on Egypt, needing victory to keep their last-eight chances alive after a tough start that included a Zambia win and disciplinary absences. Women’s Football Business: Malawi’s NBM CEO Harold Jiya rallied the Scorchers ahead of their Zambia match, framing the tournament as a national inspiration for girls and women in sport. Regional Football Pathways: ZESCO Ndola Girls and Zambia’s clubs learn their CAF Women’s Champions League/COSAFA qualifier routes, with tough draws ahead of the August 20–29 event in Gaborone. Health & Migration (Zambia connection abroad): In the U.S., ICE detained Zambian nurse Debora Kapisha, prompting protests and calls for her release while her asylum case is pending. Education & Welfare: HELSB begins paying UNZA off-campus accommodation top-up allowances after President Hichilema’s increase. Politics & Campaign Tension: Reports of stoning incidents involving Brian Mundubile’s campaign motorcade underline rising election heat ahead of August 13.

WAFCON Drama (Zambia Focus): Zambia’s Copper Queens face a must-win final Group C clash against Malawi in Rabat, with goalkeeper Hazel Natasha Nali urging the team to ignore past meetings and focus on what happens on the pitch. Player Release Row: Zambia has escalated a complaint to CAF and FIFA after Chinese club Beijing failed to release striker Fridah Mukoma for WAFCON, leaving the Copper Queens short-handed. Super Falcons Pressure: Nigeria’s Rasheedat Ajibade says the Super Falcons were ready to “die on the pitch” after a red-card-hit 1-0 win over Zambia, keeping their quarter-final hopes alive ahead of Egypt. Health & Climate: A new study warns climate change will redraw Africa’s malaria map—raising risk in parts of southern and eastern Africa, including areas linked to Zambia. Food Security: UN reporting shows global hunger is falling, but Africa still lags, with 2025 hunger affecting about 20% of Africans. Culture & Community: Church mother bodies in Zambia signed a National Peace Pledge ahead of the August 2026 elections, calling for peaceful participation. Sports Clubs (Regional): ZESCO Ndola Girls were drawn against defending champions Gaborone United in the CAF/COSAFA Women’s Champions League qualifiers in Botswana. Politics & Safety: Reports allege violence at a Mwembeshi East rally where musician General Kanene was attacked, underscoring election-period tensions.

WAFCON 2026 (Zambia vs Malawi): Copper Queens coach Nora Häuptle says Zambia must go all out in their final Group C match against Malawi to reach the quarter-finals, after a narrow 1-0 loss to Nigeria left qualification in their hands but on a knife-edge. WAFCON 2026 (Nigeria vs Zambia): Nigeria’s Super Falcons held on 1-0 over Zambia in Morocco, with Asisat Oshoala scoring early and Zambia forced to chase the game after a red card reduced Nigeria to 10 for much of the second half. Golden Boot buzz: Barbra Banda leads early WAFCON scoring after a 6-0 Zambia win over Egypt, while Malawi’s Temwa Chawinga shocked Nigeria with a hat-trick in a 3-2 upset. Girls’ empowerment (Lusaka): A new study highlights that teaching negotiation skills to teenage girls in Lusaka helped them stay in school longer, delay sex and marriage, and shift views on gender roles. Elections & women’s participation: ECZ strengthens voter education to boost women’s electoral participation ahead of the August 13 polls, while political groups continue to trade accusations over transparency and polling preparations. US visa bond policy: The US makes its visa bond programme permanent, with some travellers from Zambia and other countries facing refundable deposits up to $20,000 for certain business and tourist visas.

US Visa Bond Shock for Africans: The US has made its visa bond programme permanent, with some B1/B2 business and tourist applicants from 50 countries (including Zambia) facing refundable deposits up to $20,000 before visas are issued. Election Watch in Zambia: The ECZ is pushing stronger voter education to boost women’s electoral participation, while Tonse-Pamodzi alleges the commission is withholding polling staff names and raising concerns about foreign nationals at voting sites. Cost of Living Politics: President Hakainde Hichilema urged Kasenengwa residents to “save” amid high prices, linking support for UPND to CDF and free education. WAFCON Focus: Nigeria’s Super Falcons resumed full training ahead of a decisive Egypt clash after beating Zambia 1-0, while Zambia’s Copper Queens face a tough recovery after their Nigeria loss. Sports & Community: ZESCO Ndola Girls learned their COSAFA Champions League qualifying path after the group draw, and Zambia’s football fans keep an eye on regional WAFCON storylines. Culture & Learning: ESAMI launched a Namibia alumni association to strengthen professional networks across sectors. Health Hope: South Africa’s TB vaccine progress continues, with trials involving Zambia and other countries.

Health & Science: Zambia is among the countries in phase three trials for the M72/ASOIE TB vaccine, with the Health Department saying preparations are ready for an expedited rollout if approved. Health Systems: Experts say sickle cell care is being pushed into Universal Health Coverage through newborn screening, early diagnosis, treatment access, and insurance coverage—Zambia’s Ministry of Health highlights expanding facilities and working with patient groups. Women’s Football (WAFCON): Nigeria’s Super Falcons revived their title defence with a 1-0 win over Zambia’s Copper Queens in Rabat, with Asisat Oshoala scoring early and Nigeria holding on despite playing with 10 women after a red card; Zambia’s focus now shifts to a must-win against Malawi. Sports (Commonwealth Games): Nigeria ended Glasgow 2026 as Africa’s top-ranked nation with 24 medals, while the wider medal table saw Australia lead and New Zealand finish sixth. Travel Policy: The US has made its visa bond programme permanent, effective 3 August 2026, with bonds up to $20,000—an approach critics say disproportionately hits African travellers. Campus Life: UNZA students thanked President Hakainde Hichilema for sanitation improvements and reinstated meal allowances, while also appealing for higher accommodation allowances.