AGP Executive Report

HIV Prevention Supply Crunch: South Africa’s rollout of lenacapavir (LEN) shows how demand can outpace limited supply, with Zambia also starting—raising the urgent question of how to scale access before stock runs out. Digital Health for Outbreaks: Zambia’s CIDRZ and partners launched ZEBRA, a digital platform to coordinate infectious disease response and reduce paper-based workflows. Election Tech & Democracy Tensions: Zambia’s Aug 13 vote ended with Hakainde Hichilema winning about 60%, but reports of violence, arrests, and claims of irregularities keep scrutiny high—now with investors watching whether stability holds. Local Content Strategy: Government consultations in Southern Province aim to refresh Zambia’s National Local Content Strategy, pushing skills, technology transfer, and value addition for local firms. Climate-Smart Farming Inputs: A regional brief warns El Niño may need different input subsidies by agro-ecological zone, with northern areas likely benefiting more than southern ones. Women Building the Tech Pipeline: CAMFED’s CAMA summit urged African women to move beyond degrees and become creators of digital solutions, not just users. Finance & Payments Tech: OlivePay secured Nigeria Revenue Service accreditation as system integrator and access point provider for e-invoicing, a sign of growing fiscal-tech infrastructure across the region.

Digital Health in Zambia: CIDRZ and ZNPHI rolled out ZEBRA, a digital coordination platform for infectious disease outbreak response, with a Kafue user testing workshop to make public health teams’ work more paperless and better organised. Local Industry Policy: Government consultations in Southern Province kick off a new National Local Content Strategy to boost use of locally made goods and services, with a stronger focus on skills, technology transfer and value addition. Mining & Copper Signals: BHP reported copper overtaking iron ore as its top earnings driver, underlining how Zambia’s copper sector remains central to regional tech and energy supply chains. Zambia Election Tech & Governance Fallout: Hichilema’s re-election is being framed as investor continuity, but the week’s coverage also highlights election credibility disputes and calls for serious scrutiny—an issue that will shape policy confidence and digital governance trust. Road Safety After Tragedy: Authorities are urged to upgrade Zambia’s Gachegache (Charara-Kanyanya) road as a safer alternative route after the Kariba ferry disaster. Regional Tech Ecosystems: UN-backed support is helping young Zambian innovators turn ideas into saleable solutions, feeding the pipeline for future STEM and product development.

Gold & Mining Tech: PC Gold reports strong Spring Hill metallurgical test results, with master composites showing gravity recoveries up to 48.9% and overall gold extraction reaching 99.4%, plus low lime/cyanide use and further work planned at coarser grind sizes. Exploration Update: Lunnon Metals says it has found a new gold mineralised structure at Benmore (Foster-Baker), including a 40m true-width intersection, with assays pending for the rest of the shear zone. Space & STEM (Youth): At the CAMA Summit, young women were urged to claim leadership in STEM and space, with a push to reject stereotypes and raise standards. Elections & Digital Governance: Zambia’s election is under intense scrutiny after claims of irregularities, “militia” arrests, and concerns about credibility—raising wider fears about how tech and process can shape outcomes. Connectivity Leap: Airtel Africa and Starlink launched a direct-to-phone satellite service in DR Congo, enabling compatible smartphones to connect without a dish. Regional Industry Push: UN ECA urged SADC to industrialise by processing minerals and agricultural resources, stressing regional value chains. Energy Transition Finance: AfDB’s $200m African energy transition fund names Zambia among priority markets for renewables and storage projects.

Zambia Election & Economy: Hakainde Hichilema has been re-elected for a second term with about 60% of valid votes, beating Brian Mundubile (about 38%), handing investors the policy continuity they wanted—but the real test now is whether a new IMF programme can turn stabilisation into lasting growth. SADC Industrial Push: At the 46th SADC summit in Durban, leaders renewed calls for regional integration and industrialisation, with UN ECA urging SADC to process minerals and farm produce into value-added goods and regional value chains. Critical Minerals & Copper Outlook: Commentary and analysis keep spotlighting the “copper crunch” risk and why downstream processing matters for jobs and technology—not just exporting raw ore. Energy Transition Funding: Morocco (along with Zambia) is named among priority markets for the AfDB’s $200m African Energy Transition Fund, targeting renewables, battery storage, grid upgrades and power-to-X projects. Tech for Connectivity: Airtel Africa launched Starlink direct-to-phone satellite service in DR Congo, a sign of how satellite-to-mobile could extend coverage where towers are costly. Food Prices: Malawi’s maize retail prices rose 8% in July, a reminder of how quickly food shocks can hit livelihoods across the region. Governance & Security Tensions: Zambia’s election period also saw claims and counterclaims over “militia activity” arrests tied to opposition figures.

Zambia Election Update: Hakainde Hichilema has been re-elected as Zambia’s president for a second 5-year term, with results showing about 60% of valid votes versus 38% for Brian Mundubile, after election-night violence and a campaign framed around economic recovery versus ongoing hardship. SADC Industrial Push: South African President Cyril Ramaphosa used the 46th SADC summit to urge leaders to turn integration into real outcomes—factories, jobs, energy security, digital connectivity and faster implementation—warning that the region must “transform borders into bridges.” Critical Minerals & Value Addition: Southern African leaders renewed calls to keep mineral wealth at home by processing critical minerals domestically, not exporting ore and importing batteries. Zambia–China AI Talks: Zambia and China discussed deeper AI cooperation, but Zambian officials set strict conditions on sovereignty, local skills, and Zambia-specific applications, including cautions about data quality and one-size-fits-all models. Digital Life Insights: UNICEF’s global U-Report poll on youth experiences online collected 211,300 responses across 119 countries, highlighting what young people want governments to do about life online and AI use. Environment in Lusaka: A report spotlights illegal tree cutting in Lusaka East Forest Reserve 27, warning that forest loss threatens water catchments and livelihoods. Satellite Connectivity in Africa: Airtel Africa and Starlink launched Africa’s first satellite-to-phone service in the DRC, enabling direct connection to satellites without a dish. Agriculture Evidence to Policy: A feature asks whether Zambia’s agricultural research evidence actually reaches decision-makers and shapes seed and grain policy choices.

Zambia Election Tech & Governance: Zambians vote in a tight presidential race focused on economic hardship and copper-linked reforms, with critics warning of shrinking space for dissent and rights groups alleging authoritarian practices. AI Cooperation With China: Zambia and China discuss deeper AI collaboration, but Zambian officials set hard conditions on sovereignty, local skills, and Zambia-specific applications, including caution on data quality and one-size-fits-all models. Local Environment & Tech for Resilience: Lusaka East Forest Reserve FR27 faces ongoing illegal tree cutting for charcoal, with advocates warning it’s a key water catchment and “life support” for the city. Connectivity Leap (Regional): Airtel Africa and Starlink launch Africa’s first satellite-to-phone service in the DRC, enabling compatible smartphones to connect without a dish—initially for SMS and limited data apps. Blue Economy: A new push frames Africa’s fisheries and aquaculture as major growth engines, highlighting gaps in aquatic protein supply and opportunities for climate-resilient value chains. STEM Human Capital (Zambia): A Ndola youth story spotlights civil engineering study supported through a children’s sponsorship, showing how STEM access is expanding beyond classrooms.

Zambia Election: Zambians voted in a presidential, parliamentary and local poll focused on debt, copper and everyday hardship, with President Hakainde Hichilema seeking a second term; the Electoral Commission later suspended vote counting after reports of attacks on polling officials and ballot paper theft, while police also arrested nine suspects over the alleged murder of a polling agent in Matero. Battery Supply Chain: Euro Manganese (Czech Republic) signed a non-binding term sheet with 6K Energy for high-purity electrolytic manganese metal, targeting North American battery supply chains after 6K qualified the material at its demonstration plant. Connectivity Tech: Airtel and SpaceX launched Starlink Mobile in the DRC, letting compatible smartphones connect directly to satellites for SMS and light data without a dish. Energy Infrastructure: Zambia and Zimbabwe moved Batoka Gorge toward formal procurement, with each country committing $220m in 2026 public equity to accelerate the 2,400MW dam project. STEM Skills: Illovo Sugar Malawi disbursed K71.3m scholarships to 31 young women in STEM at MUST, boosting talent pipelines for science and technology. Digital Culture: “Zed Beats” explores how Zambia’s home-studio, computer-made urban music helped young people reclaim voice and identity.

Zambia Election Security: Zambia’s electoral authority suspended the presidential vote count after reports of attacks on polling officials and ballot paper theft, with a review promised within 24 hours. Police Action: In Lusaka’s Matero, police arrested nine suspects linked to the alleged murder of a polling agent, while other incidents saw mobs block roads in Chawama, Kanyama and the central business district. STEM Education Boost: Illovo Sugar Malawi disbursed K71.3 million in scholarships to 31 young women in STEM at Malawi University of Science and Technology, backing the next generation of science talent. AI & Health Tech (Regional): A study discusses AI support for cervical cancer screening, aiming to improve consistency and access where lab capacity is limited. Connectivity Innovation (DRC): Airtel and Starlink launched Africa’s first satellite-to-phone service in the DRC, enabling compatible phones to connect directly to satellites for limited services like SMS and light data. Mining & Value Addition (SADC): UN ECA highlights the push to move SADC minerals into processing and manufacturing to create more jobs, not just raw exports.

Zambia Election Security: Zambia’s Electoral Commission suspended presidential vote counting after reports of attacks on polling officials and ballot paper theft, with a 24-hour review promised as police move to restore order. Matero Polling Violence: Zambia Police arrested nine suspects over the alleged murder of a polling agent in Matero, while investigating threats and weapon possession linked to election-related unrest. Zambia Tech & Skills: Smart Zambia Institute partnered with Cisco to offer free training for youth, pushing digital skills as the country’s election debate heats up. STEM Scholarships (Region): Illovo Sugar Malawi disbursed K71.3m in scholarships to 31 young women in STEM, a reminder that tech talent pipelines are still a top development lever across the region. Critical Minerals Value-Add: UN ECA says SADC can turn mineral wealth into jobs by moving into processing, manufacturing and technology—key for countries like Zambia that export raw copper. Health Tech (AI): A study outlines CerviCARE AI software using visual inspection with acetic acid to improve cervical cancer screening consistency—relevant to low-resource settings. Energy Reliability (Region): Eskom reiterated its push for a more reliable power system as outages continue to disrupt households and businesses.

Zambia Election Security: Zambia’s electoral authority suspended the presidential vote count after reports of attacks on polling officials and ballot paper theft, with a review promised within 24 hours. Police Action: In Lusaka’s Matero, police arrested nine suspects linked to the alleged murder of a polling agent, while other incidents saw mobs block roads and officers deployed to restore order. Critical Minerals & Policy: The IMF’s latest Article IV coverage across several African economies, including Zambia, pushes fiscal consolidation and subsidy reform but is criticised for focusing more on state retreat than on building local productive capacity. Mining & Environment: A new study says a 2025 tailings dam failure on Zambia’s Copperbelt released toxic arsenic, lead and zinc into the Kafue River system, with cleanup ongoing but communities still affected. STEM & Health Tech: Illovo Sugar Malawi disbursed K71.3m in scholarships to 31 young women in STEM, while a VIA + AI cervical cancer screening study highlights how tech could improve access in low-resource settings. Regional Industry Push: SADC leaders set the stage for a drive toward resilient, industrialised growth through infrastructure and critical minerals transformation.

Zambia Election Security: Zambia’s electoral authority suspended the presidential vote count after reports of attacks on polling officials and ballot paper theft, saying it will review the decision in 24 hours. Police Action: Police arrested nine suspects over the alleged murder of a polling agent in Matero, while also reporting unrest incidents in Lusaka’s Chawama, Kanyama and the central business district. STEM Education Funding: Illovo Sugar Malawi disbursed K71.3 million in scholarships to 31 young women in STEM at MUST, backing the Prof. Address Malata Endowment Fund. AI in Health: A study outlines how AI-assisted cervical cancer screening (including VIA-based approaches) could help standardise results where lab capacity is limited. Critical Minerals & Mining Impacts: A new assessment links a 2025 tailings dam failure in Zambia’s Copperbelt to toxic releases into the Kafue River system, with ongoing harm to communities. Business & Connectivity: Legend Internet’s latest nine-month results show strong gross margins alongside heavy expansion spending, hinting at a possible turnaround.

Zambia Election Security: Zambia’s electoral authority suspended the presidential vote count after reports of attacks on polling officials and alleged ballot paper theft, with a review promised within 24 hours. STEM Scholarships: Illovo Sugar Malawi disbursed the first K71.3m in scholarships for 31 young women in STEM at MUST, backing the Prof. Address Malata Endowment Fund. AI for Health: A study highlights CerviCARE AI software using visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) to improve cervical cancer screening consistency in low-resource settings. Ocean Minerals Policy: Mauritius, Mozambique and the Republic of the Congo joined a growing African push for a precautionary pause on deep-sea mining, arguing for decisions guided by science. Agriculture Tech & Trade: Malawi’s maize struggles against cheaper imports from Zambia, with experts urging “smart agriculture” using technology and data. Circular Economy Startup Call: A Southern Africa Circular Innovation Challenge offers R250,000 investment and mentorship for circular economy prototypes ready for testing at V&A Waterfront. Critical Minerals Industrialisation: UN ECA says SADC can turn minerals into development by moving into processing, manufacturing and technology—beyond raw exports. Zambia Tech & AI Cooperation: China’s ambassador attended a China–Zambia AI cooperation seminar, with plans for digital infrastructure, industrial AI and talent development. Mining Environment Watch: A Copperbelt University study links a 2025 tailings dam failure to toxic releases into the Kafue River system, with ongoing community impacts.

Zambia Election Tech & Economy: Zambians voted in a general election focused on whether President Hakainde Hichilema can turn economic recovery into everyday relief, with cost of living still biting and international attention tied to copper and critical minerals. Critical Minerals & Geopolitics: Multiple reports frame the vote as a China–US contest over Zambia’s copper windfall and battery-linked minerals, raising the stakes for investors and policy. Energy Transition: Zambia commissioned its first solar-hydro hybrid plant (27MWp solar paired with Lunsemfwa hydropower) to boost grid reliability and better use renewables. AI Cooperation: Zambia’s SMART Zambia Institute and Cisco-backed training expands youth digital skills, while a China–Zambia AI cooperation seminar highlighted plans for AI capacity building and digital infrastructure. Mining Environment: A new study revisits the 2025 Copperbelt tailings dam failure, linking toxic releases to ongoing impacts on the Kafue River system and nearby communities. Skills for Youth: Free cybersecurity and networking training is open to Grade 10–12 learners and recent school leavers via online study and digital badges.

Election Watch: Zambians voted Thursday in a high-stakes general election focused on economic hardship and whether President Hakainde Hichilema earns a second term, with voters weighing his debt restructuring and growth rebound against persistent cost-of-living pressure and concerns over shrinking space for dissent. Copper & Geopolitics: The vote is also a proxy for global competition over Zambia’s critical minerals, as China and the US both eye copper and cobalt supply chains tied to EVs and clean energy. AI Cooperation: China’s Ambassador Han Jing attended a China-Zambia Artificial Intelligence cooperation seminar, highlighting plans for digital infrastructure, industrial AI use, talent development, and AI governance via WAICO. Renewables Upgrade: Zambia commissioned its first solar-hydro hybrid plant (27MWp solar with existing Lunsemfwa hydropower) to diversify generation and improve grid reliability. Skills for Youth: Smart Zambia Institute partnered with Cisco Networking Academy to offer free beginner cybersecurity and networking training for Grade 10–12 learners and recent school leavers. Energy Storage Signal: Sungrow topped Wood Mackenzie’s global rankings for battery energy storage integrators and solar inverters based on 2025 performance. Tech & Telecom: MTN Zambia launched “My Laka Number,” giving new subscribers free calls to a chosen contact for up to 90 days with eligible bundles. Mining Fallout: A new study says a 2025 tailings dam failure linked to Sino-Metals Leach released toxic arsenic, lead and zinc into the Kafue River system, with impacts still felt by communities.

Zambia Election Watch: Zambians vote today in a general election expected to favour President Hakainde Hichilema, with 8.7m registered voters weighing his economic recovery against rising cost of living; the main challenger is Brian Mundubile, backed by a broader opposition coalition. Renewables Power: Zambia has commissioned its first solar-hydro hybrid plant (27MWp solar paired with Lunsemfwa hydropower) to boost reliability and better use renewable resources. Youth Tech Training: Smart Zambia Institute partners with Cisco Networking Academy to offer free beginner cybersecurity and networking training for Grade 10–12 learners and recent school leavers, with digital badges. Mobile Incentives: MTN Zambia launches “My Laka Number,” giving new subscribers free calls to a chosen contact for up to 90 days when they buy eligible bundles. Agriculture Innovation: A fungus-based discovery offers hope to halt African armyworm outbreaks, aiming to reduce reliance on chemicals for farmers. Public Health Research: CIDRZ is bringing TB screening closer to high-risk communities in Lusaka, including screening at alcohol-serving venues to detect cases earlier.

Renewable Power: Zambia has commissioned its first solar-hydro hybrid plant, pairing a 27MWp solar PV site with Lunsemfwa hydropower to diversify generation and improve grid reliability. Youth Digital Skills: Smart Zambia Institute, with Cisco Networking Academy, is rolling out free beginner-friendly cybersecurity and networking training for Grade 10–12 learners and recent school leavers, with online self-paced study and digital badges. Agriculture & Bio-control: A fungus-linked discovery is helping explain how the African armyworm can be halted naturally, offering hope for farmers where chemical controls have struggled. Mobile Incentives: MTN Zambia launched “My Laka Number,” giving new subscribers free calls to a preferred contact for up to 90 days when they buy eligible bundles. Public Health: Zambia’s health ministry is pushing stronger cross-border cooperation to prevent infectious disease outbreaks as people and goods move across borders. Election Tech & Access: CPJ and partners are urging Zambia to keep the internet open during the August 13 elections, citing the 2021 shutdown. Election Focus: With voting set for Thursday, Zambia’s campaign is dominated by economic recovery, governance reforms, and a major parliamentary map change—while voters weigh whether reforms are improving daily life.