AGP Executive Report

State-Owned Reform Push: Tanzania is looking to China for know-how on reforming state-owned enterprises, with Treasury officials meeting the Chinese ambassador to study China’s SASAC model and how it improves efficiency, accountability, and delivery of public projects. Civil Service Agenda: Nigeria’s Office of the Head of the Civil Service is set to host the 2026 International Civil Service Conference in Abuja (May 20–21) under “Reforms, Resilience and Results,” drawing policymakers across Africa and beyond. Energy Security Moves: Angola says it can boost crude oil supplies to South Korea via spot cargoes as Middle East shipping risks rise, with talks aimed at longer-term cooperation. Aid Still Matters: The Rockefeller Foundation reports $350m+ in grants in 2025, reaching 731 million people as global aid declines. Telecom Growth in Africa: Airtel Africa says it has 91m smartphone customers and $6.4bn revenue, but warns currency swings complicate reported results. Zambia Digital Finance: PAYZ has launched a mobile money agent training manual to professionalise agents and strengthen consumer protection.

Telecom Boom Meets Currency Stress: Airtel Africa says it now has 91 million smartphone customers and $6.4bn revenue, with data traffic up nearly 50% and 98% of its network 4G-ready—while investors still wrestle with the “currency headache” behind the numbers. Digital Finance Push: PAYZ has launched a Standard Mobile Money Agent Training Manual to professionalise agents and tighten consumer protection as Zambia’s mobile money ecosystem scales. AI Adoption Map: A new global view shows AI use led by the UAE (70%) and Singapore (63%), with Europe dominating many top adopters—while the US lags in everyday usage despite leading AI development. Health & Grants: Rockefeller Foundation reports $350m+ in grants reaching 731m people, and Merck Foundation highlights 2,600+ healthcare scholarships across 52 countries. Zambia Tech & Policy: PAYZ’s manual and Zambia’s digital ID ecosystem at id4Africa keep the spotlight on trust, access, and rollout quality.

Jobs Pressure: South Africa’s latest unemployment numbers are grim—youth unemployment jumped by 181,000 to 4.7 million, while employed youth fell by 258,000—fueling calls to speed up labour-intensive growth and support SMEs. Satellite Connectivity: Uganda has licensed Starlink to operate, with conditions like a local presence, a national gateway, and on-the-ground staff—joining a growing, uneven wave of African satellite internet rollouts. Policy Clarity Push: A new Africa Technology Policy Tracker is trying to make digital laws easier to find, but the takeaway is sharp: more regulations don’t automatically mean better outcomes. Zambia Health & Governance: Zambia highlighted health sector progress at WHA79, while the Attorney General launched a UNODC project to boost governance and trade facilitation along the Lobito Corridor. Digital & Energy Ideas: Zambia’s constituency solar plan is being pitched as a model for tackling energy poverty while meeting climate goals.

Fulbright Momentum: Six Santa Clara students and alumni win 2026–2027 Fulbright grants to research, study and teach across Germany, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan and Zambia. Zambia Health Spotlight: Zambia’s delegation commends WHO support at WHA79, citing gains in disease control, maternal and child health, digital health and emergency readiness. Anti-Corruption on the Lobito Corridor: Zambia’s Attorney General launches a UNODC project (Japan-funded) to boost trade facilitation and governance along the Lobito Corridor. Rail Liberalisation in South Africa: Transnet signs deals with 11 private operators to run freight trains on 41 routes, ending over a century of state dominance. ICT Disruption Theme: Huawei says ICT remains the biggest disruptive sector, pushing enterprise and government solutions including intelligent vehicle services. Politics & Tech Policy: MDC president Felix Mutati retained unopposed backs HH re-election, while Zambia’s digital and energy initiatives keep featuring in regional debates. Digital Inclusion in the Region: Tanzania unveils a Sh29bn rural towers push to connect nearly 3 million people.

Angola–Qatar Pivot: Angola’s ambassador says ties with Qatar are “clearly positive,” with new momentum in energy, agriculture, logistics and education. South Africa Corporate Pulse: Famous Brands reports earnings lift, but Zambia and Botswana remain under pressure as consumer spending weakens. Zambia Politics & Tech: MDC president Felix Mutati was retained unopposed and backed HH’s re-election, while Zambia’s free education push is framed as a skills pipeline for digital and technical jobs. Zambia Earth Science Shock: Researchers say a new active rift is bubbling up beneath Zambia—detected through helium-rich gases from hot springs—raising the stakes for how fast the ground could change. Digital Inclusion in the Region: Tanzania is building 287 communication towers under a Sh29bn plan to connect nearly 3 million people. Health Data Sovereignty: Ghana (and others) push back on foreign access to health data, warning Africa is facing “digital extraction” through aid and partnerships.

Zambia Rift Watch: Scientists say a new tectonic boundary may be forming beneath Zambia, with researchers spotting deep mantle gas escaping through hot springs along the Kafue Rift—an unusual “tell” that the ground may still be shifting. Rural Connectivity: Tanzania is pushing a Sh29bn push of 287 communication towers to reach nearly 3 million people in underserved wards, aiming to speed up a “digital Tanzania” rollout. Digital Health & Data Control: Zambia’s Ministry of Health received e-Registry equipment to digitise records, while Ghana (and others) are resisting foreign-linked health data deals over privacy and control—raising the stakes for how African governments manage sensitive information. Energy + Climate Policy: Zambia is being cited as a climate-and-energy poverty model, with a plan for community-owned solar plants in every constituency. Tech Spotlight: Zambia’s digital push also shows up in health and connectivity upgrades, while regional education support continues—like Zimbabwe’s laptop handover for marginalised students.

Health: The Commonwealth Secretariat has launched a new compendium on cervical cancer elimination, sharing country case studies (vaccination, screening, treatment and care) from 12 Commonwealth nations as funding tightens. Digital Health: Zambia’s Ministry of Health received UNFPA e-Registry equipment to strengthen digital records management, aiming for faster, more accountable service delivery. Energy & Climate Policy: At a Nairobi parliamentary forum on methane reduction, Zambia’s “solar-by-constituency” model was highlighted as a practical way to cut energy poverty while pursuing climate goals. Tech & Data Governance: Zambia is among countries pushing back on foreign access to sensitive health data, with Ghana and Zimbabwe also rejecting similar deals over privacy and control concerns. Mining & Industry: Zambia eased sulphuric acid export curbs to the DRC after local supply improved, a move that could stabilize regional copper and cobalt processing. Science & Youth: A Zambian teen’s weather prediction model is shortlisted for the Earth Prize, spotlighting homegrown climate innovation.

India-Africa Summit Kickoff: India is hosting the 2026 India-Africa Forum Summit in New Delhi (28–31 May), aiming to turn political and economic ties into fresh deals, with a “New Delhi Declaration” expected to set the agenda. Zambia Climate Playbook: At a Nairobi climate forum, Zambia’s “solar-by-constituency” model was highlighted as a practical way to cut energy poverty while meeting climate goals—community-owned solar plants feeding the grid and funding local development. Digital Health Push: Zambia’s Ministry of Health received e-Registry equipment to strengthen digital records management, with officials linking the upgrade to faster, more accountable service delivery. Local Tech Momentum: Zimbabwe unveiled its first locally manufactured laptop, a reminder that regional governments are racing to build domestic tech capacity. Data Sovereignty Debate: Ghana rejected a US-backed health data deal over privacy and control concerns—Zambia and others have raised similar objections. Energy Policy Watch: Zambia eased sulphuric acid export curbs to the DRC after local supplies improved, a key move for copper processing.

Digital Rights & Youth Inclusion: Paradigm Initiative is pushing for youth entrepreneurs to be included in social protection programmes without being blocked by poor digital access, calling out weak policy implementation and data protection gaps. Health Data Sovereignty: Ghana’s rejection of a US-backed health data deal is reigniting a wider Africa debate: aid can become “digital extraction” when governments lose control of citizens’ records—Zambia and Zimbabwe have raised similar privacy concerns. Zambia’s Digital Health Push: The Ministry of Health received UNFPA e-Registry equipment to digitise records management, aiming to speed up document processing and improve access to information. Energy, Policy & Costs: A new Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi announced major clean-energy and infrastructure investments, while Zambia’s copperbelt sulphuric acid export curbs are being eased to stabilise regional supply. Science & Geology Watch: Unusual helium signals from Zambia’s hot springs are being linked to signs of a possible new rift forming deep beneath southern Africa. Education Momentum: President Hichilema hailed free education as a foundation for technical, vocational and digital skills.

Clean Energy Push: At the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, European and African leaders announced ~€27bn across ~30 projects, aiming for €100bn in revenue and 600,000+ jobs, with energy taking the biggest share (~€14bn). People-first Trade Debate: Civil society urged the U.S. to modernize AGOA with stronger labor, environmental and human-rights rules—warning against “trade over aid” and carve-outs for big corporate interests. Zambia Digital Health: Zambia’s Ministry of Health received e-Registry equipment to digitize records and speed up service delivery, as the tech ministry doubles down on connecting remote areas and powering clinics. Wildlife Early Warnings: In Eastern Province, community radio plus satellite alerts are helping farmers avoid dangerous wildlife encounters. Food & Climate Pressure: Coverage flags a looming food shock tied to fertilizer and oil disruptions, while scientists warn Africa may be cracking along a new rift beneath Zambia. Regional Trade: Zambia and Uganda are urged to strengthen bilateral trade links to unlock business growth.

Gemstone Skills Boost: Kagem Mining has donated cutting and polishing equipment to Ndola’s Gemstone Processing and Lapidary Training Centre, plus a two-year partnership that will send students for on-site visits to its Lufwanyama emerald mine. Critical Minerals Debate: A new look at lithium and cobalt asks who really benefits as Africa tightens control and pushes for more local value addition. Health Sector Progress: Health Minister Alex Katakwe says reforms over the past five years have reached 3,500+ facilities, expanded health workers and diagnostics, and eased costs through NHIMA membership. Water Infrastructure Push: The World Bank’s $33m North-Western Province water and sanitation programme is moving from planning to implementation, targeting improved services via commercial utilities. Election Season Guidance: ECZ is advising aspiring candidates to run peaceful campaigns and follow nomination rules ahead of August polls. Tech & Identity Spotlight: Zambia’s digital ID ecosystem is highlighted at id4Africa 2026 as a coordinated, government-wide approach. Regional Cooperation: Zambia and Paraguay are exploring partnerships in livestock development, irrigation tech, and agro-processing.

IMF Pressure on Ghana: Ghana’s recovery story is colliding with fresh reports of an 18th IMF programme—raising the hard question of what still isn’t working, even after big gains in inflation and the cedi. Ghana’s BPO Push: Communication Minister Samuel Nartey George says government will directly back Ghana to become a top Business Process Outsourcing destination, using shared infrastructure and skills alignment. Zambia Tobacco Control Win: Zambia’s Parliament adopted the Tobacco Control Bill, 2025, with TJNA and CTPD praising the move toward stronger public health and revenue protection. Girls’ Second Chance: FAWEZA is giving failing Grade 12 learners a remedial route through a GCE programme, aiming to keep girls in school. Zambia Digital ID Spotlight: Zambia’s secure, government-wide digital identity ecosystem is being showcased at id4Africa 2026 as a coordinated, ecosystem-led effort. Courtroom Tech Clash: “Why Me” cross-examined a ZICTA witness over digital material in his hate speech and cyber case. Africa Health Aid Politics: A new U.S. “America First” global health approach is being criticised as aid-by-coercion.

Zambia Digital Identity Spotlight: Zambia’s secure, government-wide digital ID push is taking centre stage at id4Africa 2026, with Smart Zambia saying the country finally moved from scattered identity efforts to a unified ecosystem backed by the World Bank. HIV Testing Gap: A new report flags that one in three young African women have never tested for HIV, underlining how testing remains the gateway to prevention and treatment. HIV Prevention Supply Strain: In Eswatini, demand for the twice-yearly HIV prevention injection (lenacapavir) is outpacing supply, leaving clinics with depleted stocks. Trade & Payments Momentum: Ghana is set to pilot a continental digital trade corridor to cut fragmented cross-border payments, while China’s expanded zero-tariff policy for African goods is already lowering costs for importers in places like Hunan. Mining & Industry Signals: Cementation Africa’s ownership transition is aimed at strengthening underground mining as investment rises, and Zambia’s Chambishi mine released a Chinese-run uplifting song that went viral.

Courtroom Drama in Lusaka: TikToker “Why Me” (Francis Kapwepwe) cross-examined a ZICTA witness while his lawyers stopped attending, challenging the authenticity of prosecution videos and asking why phones were kept for digital forensics. Africa-Forward Summit: France’s Macron announced €23bn (US$27bn) in Africa investment, while Kenya’s Ruto pushed “sovereign equality” and “win-win” ties. Food Crisis Warning: Farmers across Africa brace for higher food costs as fertilizer flows are disrupted by the Hormuz situation. Geology Watch for Zambia: New research points to an active Kafue Rift beneath Zambia, with helium signals suggesting a deeper tectonic shift could be starting. Zambia Tech & Aviation: ZACL signed an MoU with Copperbelt University to build an ERP system to modernise airport operations. Digital Fraud Alert: Canada reports elevated suspected digital fraud rates, with login-stage attacks a key risk point.

Geology Watch: New research points to an active rift forming beneath Zambia’s Kafue Rift, with helium from deep inside the Earth suggesting the fault is “awake” and could one day help split sub-Saharan Africa. Mining & AI: Atomic Eagle says drilling at its Chisebuka uranium target has expanded mineralisation outside the defined resource area, with 13 hits in the first 15 holes. Digital Transformation: Zambia Airports Corporation (ZACL) and Copperbelt University sign an MoU to build a locally driven ERP system to modernise airport operations. Energy & Power: Sungrow reports Zambia’s Itimpi Phase II (136MW) solar plant is now online, aiming to stabilise generation alongside hydropower. Tech Diplomacy: Ghana’s AI summit push adds another layer of regional “AI diplomacy,” including plans for a national AI compute centre. France-Africa Deal: Macron announces €23bn ($27bn) in Africa investments at the Nairobi Africa Forward Summit, with Ruto stressing sovereignty and win-win partnerships.

New Rift Watch: Scientists report helium and carbon isotope “signatures” from hot springs in Zambia’s Kafue Rift, pointing to mantle-linked fluids and an “awake” rift that could one day evolve into a new tectonic plate boundary. Banking: Fidelity Bank says 2025 gross earnings jumped 45% to N1.5tn as shareholders’ funds crossed the N1tn mark, alongside improved credit loss costs. Digital Transformation: ZACL and Copperbelt University sign an MoU to build and deploy an ERP system to modernise airport operations. Jobs & Skills: Labour Minister Brenda Tambatamba launches four productivity reports, citing over 1,600 jobs created but warning of skills gaps, low tech adoption, and limited access to finance. Energy Politics: Energy Minister Makozo Chikote marks his exit, crediting reforms for ending crippling load shedding. Health at Home: A Zambia-at-62 debate reignites over why patients still get evacuated abroad for specialist care. Africa–France Push: Ruto and Macron back a “sovereign equality” Africa–France partnership at the Nairobi summit. Solar Momentum: Sungrow says Zambia’s 136MW Itimpi Phase II plant came online April 30.