AGP Executive Report

Digital Governance in Zambia: Lusaka City Council’s e-Council shift onto the Government Service Bus/ZamPortal reportedly lifted revenue from about K61,000 (Jan 2026) to nearly K14 million (June), showing how digital public services can cut leakages. Copper & AI for Mining: New analysis highlights a 2026 copper structural deficit driven by AI data-centre power demand, while “Exploration 2.0” AI-native firms claim they can cut mineral discovery costs by around 40% by targeting higher-probability sites. Zambia’s Copper Price Signal: ZEITI data says copper closed the week at US$13,326/tonne, up week-on-week, supporting Zambia’s push toward 3 million tonnes annually by 2031. Connectivity Push: Airtel Africa says it will deploy 277 new sites in Zambia in three months to tackle weak network areas, using one-square-kilometre grid tracking. Digital Learning Expansion: UNICEF, Airtel Zambia and the Ministry of Education are expanding a digital learning programme to over 300 schools, with remaining schools still facing internet stability challenges. Regional Fibre Corridor: Powertel and Paratus Zimbabwe have switched on the first phase of a cross-border fibre corridor, linking Zimbabwe into a wider Southern Africa network that includes Zambia. STEM Recognition: Dr. Brian Mushimba was honoured at the UK House of Lords for engineering and education work, ahead of Zambia’s August elections.

Engineering & STEM Recognition: OPP presidential candidate Dr. Brian Mushimba was honoured at the UK House of Lords for engineering and education work, spotlighting Zambia’s push to grow technical education ahead of the 13 August elections. Copper Outlook: Copper prices edged up to about US$13,326/tonne, reinforcing optimism for Zambia’s mining plans as demand rises from power-hungry AI data centres and the energy transition. Digital Governance Gains: Lusaka City Council’s e-Council platform (via ZamPortal/GSB) reportedly lifted revenue from K61,000 in January to nearly K14 million in June, showing how digital public services can cut leakages. Election Tech in Focus: Zambia’s ballot printing briefing in Dubai turned tense when Tonse observers disrupted proceedings, with the ECZ urging stakeholders to understand processes and security features. Connectivity Push: Airtel Africa says it will deploy 277 new sites in Zambia and use one-square-kilometre grid tracking to fix weak network areas. Digital Learning Expansion: UNICEF says its Zambia digital learning programme is expanding to over 300 schools, with Airtel providing monthly internet bundles as stability challenges are flagged. Infectious Disease Skills: JICA-NMIMR training in Accra completed for lab professionals from six African countries including Zambia, strengthening infectious disease detection and response.

Digital Governance: Lusaka City Council’s shift to the Government Service Bus/ZamPortal reportedly lifted revenue from K61,000 (Jan 2026) to nearly K14 million (June), showing how digital public services can plug leakages. Connectivity & Telecom: Airtel Africa says it will deploy 277 new network sites in Zambia in three months, using one-square-kilometer grid tracking to fix weak coverage; UNICEF and Airtel also continue expanding Zambia’s digital learning, with 300 schools connected and 200 more to go. Cyber & Institutions: Zambia’s OPP says it will gazette an Office of the Engineer General to put engineering standards at the center of national procurement and development. Mining Outlook: Copper prices edged up to about US$13,326/tonne, supporting Zambia’s push toward 3 million tonnes annually by 2031. Food Security Tech: Experts warn Gulf-linked fuel and fertilizer shocks could hit Zambia’s maize-dependent food system, raising calls for irrigation and climate-smart farming. Regional Tech Finance: Citi says investors are regaining appetite for Zambia post-default, especially in mining, energy and agriculture.

Digital Learning Expansion: UNICEF, Airtel Zambia and the Ministry of Education are pushing Zambia’s digital education programme to connect 500 schools, with about 300 already online and the remaining 200 targeted before end-2026—though some learners report internet stability issues. Smart Agriculture Tools: FAO launched CropSuit, a free web app that matches crops to local soil and climate conditions, aiming to help farmers cut wasted inputs and boost resilience as fertilizer and fuel costs rise. Connectivity Upgrade: Airtel Africa says it will deploy 277 new network sites in Zambia in the next three months, using one-square-kilometre grid monitoring, as mobile money agent numbers pass 300,000. Food Security Pressure: Experts warn Zambia’s bumper harvest may be short-lived as geopolitical tensions could raise fertilizer and fuel costs, while El Niño threatens rainfall patterns. Investor Signals: Citi reports investors are regaining appetite for Zambia after default, pointing to mining, energy and agriculture as key pull factors. Games & Skills: Google Play launched an equity-free Indie Games Fund for Africa, including Zambia, backing small studios with mentorship and funding to scale locally made games. Investment Policy: Zambia–Japan’s investment agreement is set to enter into force on 30 July 2026, offering investor protections and court access.

Investment Pulse: Citi says investors are returning to Zambia as fiscal consolidation gains traction after the sovereign default, with fresh interest in mining, energy, and agriculture. Digital Learning Push: Dubai’s Digital School, backed by MBRGI, is expanding tech-driven education support to 500,000+ people across Zambia and five other African countries, including teacher capacity building and job-market preparation. Connectivity & Inclusion: Airtel Africa reaffirms its sustainability drive in Zambia, citing partnerships that connect 300 schools to the internet and equip thousands of teachers with digital learning tools. Agri-Tech for Farmers: FAO highlights how Zambia’s soils can make the same crop succeed in one area and fail in another, using its SoilFER CropSuit app to guide smarter planting and fertiliser use. Policy & Trade: Zambia-Japan’s investment agreement is set to enter into force on 30 July 2026, covering investor protections and court access. Governance Watch: A German think tank rates Zambia’s economy and rule-of-law performance below average, describing limited democratic and economic transformation.

Digital Learning Boost: MBRGI and The Digital School launch a digital education initiative targeting 500,000+ people across Zambia, Namibia, Angola, Nigeria, Lesotho and Mauritania, with support for schools, digital learning spaces, teacher capacity and youth job readiness. Agriculture Tech for Better Yields: FAO highlights how Zambia farmers can get very different harvest results from similar conditions because of soil differences, using its SoilFER CropSuit app to guide smarter crop choices when fertiliser is costly. Smart Farming Push: FAO opens its first Global Conference on Smart Farming, calling for accessible tech and practices for small-scale farmers facing climate stress and rising input costs, with Zambia among replication countries. Investment & Policy Signals: Zambia–Japan’s investment agreement is set to enter into force on 30 July 2026, covering investor protections and court access. Payments Go Digital: Absa Bank Zambia rolls out new digital payment tools like Virtual Cards and mobile/wearable pay options to support Zambia’s shift to a digital economy. Mining Interest: Citi says investors are returning to Zambia, pointing to mining, energy and agriculture as key growth areas. Telecom Leadership: MTN Eswatini confirms Jerry Soko as substantive CEO, effective July 1, after a seven-month acting stint.

Zambia Copper Exploration: Prospect Resources says a bold ~400m step-out at its Mumbezhi project in north-western Zambia hit a long lateral continuation at Nyungu Central, suggesting the copper system is bigger than the current resource shows. Smart Farming in Zambia: FAO opened its first Global Conference on Smart Farming, pushing small-scale farmers toward higher yields with fewer inputs using protected cultivation, better horticultural practices, quality inputs, market links and digital tools; Zambia is among countries replicating the approach. Digital Payments in Zambia: Absa Bank Zambia launched new digital payment options in Lusaka, including Virtual Cards and mobile/wearable payment services, aiming to make banking safer and easier for a digital economy. World Bank Leadership (Zambia link): The World Bank appointed Achim Fock as Division Director for the Caribbean; he previously served as World Bank Country Manager for Zambia. Telecom Leadership: MTN Eswatini confirmed Jerry Soko as substantive CEO effective July 1, after a seven-month acting stint focused on network and customer performance. Agriculture Tech & Food Systems: FAO’s smart farming push also highlights urgent pressure from climate variability, soil and water degradation and rising input costs.

Aquaculture Tech: Zimbabwean fish farmers are set for a production boost after FinFish Suppliers introduced specialised fish feed technology with Danish partner Aller Aqua, aiming to improve growth rates and productivity by tackling poor feed quality. Smart Farming: FAO opened its first Global Conference on Smart Farming, pushing tech that helps farmers produce more with fewer resources while building resilience to climate shocks. Zambia Investment Mood: Citi says investors are returning to Zambia as stability improves, pointing to growth in mining, energy and agriculture. Digital Payments in Zambia: ABSA Bank Zambia launched new digital payment tools (Virtual Cards, Absa Pay, Garmin Pay, Swatch Pay) to make transactions easier and support Zambia’s shift to a digital economy. Cross-Border Fintech: Central banks across Africa agreed interoperable payment systems are key to boosting intra-African trade and financial inclusion, with Zambia among the participants. Election Tech & Security: ECZ conducted a familiarisation tour of ballot printing facilities in Dubai ahead of Zambia’s 2026 ballot printing, with printing starting 30 June and a stated focus on security and oversight. Health & Systems: A report urges governments to better integrate private pharmacies into HIV, TB and malaria care delivery, citing potential gains in treatment initiation and case detection. Cyber Safety: ESET warns of rising cryptocurrency scams and cyber fraud across Africa, driven by increasingly sophisticated fraud tactics.

Digital Payments in Zambia: ABSA Bank Zambia has launched new digital payment tools—Virtual Cards, Absa Pay, Garmin Pay and Swatch Pay—aimed at faster, safer transactions and wider access to a more digital economy. Cross-Border Fintech: Africa’s central banks and payment infrastructure players agreed that interoperable payment systems (including ISO 20022 messaging and PAPSS for local-currency settlement) are key to boosting intra-African trade. Election Tech & Transparency: Zambia’s Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) is familiarising stakeholders with ballot printing security in Dubai, with printing starting 30 June; ECZ estimates US$5m for ballot paper printing and faces criticism over oversight costs and the choice of overseas printing. Road Safety Tech for Schools: Yango Zambia and Zambia Road Safety Trust expanded the “Safer Journeys to School” programme to 15 additional schools in 2026, reaching 24,000+ learners in Lusaka with safer crossings, signage and road markings. AI & Cybercrime Warning: ESET’s Allan Juma highlights a sharp rise in cryptocurrency scams and cyber fraud across Africa, driven by increasingly sophisticated fraud tactics. Health Systems via Private Pharmacies: A report urges governments to better integrate private pharmacies into HIV, TB and malaria care, estimating major gains in treatment initiation and case detection. Energy & Jobs Angle: Tazara’s planned revival is expected to boost freight capacity and shift cargo from road to rail, easing pressure on highways.

Election Tech & Governance: The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) says ballot printing for the 2026 General Election starts today (30 June) in Dubai, after a stakeholder familiarisation tour that highlighted security controls and advanced printing tech; ECZ also estimates it will spend about USD5m on ballot paper printing. Science & Innovation Funding: Zambia’s National Science and Technology Council reports over K53m invested in research, development and technology innovation, backing projects in areas like agriculture, health and mining value addition, plus support for start-ups via the National Technology Business Centre. STEM & Skills: Engineering in Zambia is seeing more women enter the field, with the Engineering Institution of Zambia citing growth to over 10,000 women in engineering over the past decade. Health & Community Tech: Yango Zambia and Zambia Road Safety Trust expanded the “Safer Journeys to School” programme to 15 additional Lusaka schools, reaching 24,000+ learners with road-safety education and safer school-zone infrastructure. Digital Safety: A regional fraud trends update warns that digital fraud is increasingly complex, with generative AI likely boosting the speed and sophistication of scams. Mining Accountability: A global tracker on transition minerals reports rising allegations of abuse tied to large-scale mining, including pollution and labour issues—an issue that directly affects Zambia’s copper-linked supply chains.

Zambia Science Funding: Zambia’s National Science and Technology Council says government has invested over K53m in research, development and technology innovation, backing 30 research projects and 45 students (2020–2026), while the NTBC reports about K32.5m to 22 start-ups through its Technology Business Development Fund. Road Safety Tech & Youth: Yango Zambia and Zambia Road Safety Trust expanded the Safer Journeys to School programme to 15 additional schools, reaching 32,000+ learners in Lusaka with safer crossings, signage and school zone upgrades plus Road Safety Champions Clubs. Election Printing Capacity: ECZ says it will spend about USD5m on ballot paper printing, while officials debate whether local printers can handle the advanced multi-printing and packaging needs. Engineering Careers: Engineering Institution of Zambia reports 10,000+ women have entered engineering over the past decade, with initiatives like a Young Women in Engineering innovation challenge pushing more talent into STEM. Digital Fraud Watch: A regional fraud update warns that generative AI is likely boosting the scale and sophistication of digital scams, with account login flagged as a high-risk point. Mining & Human Rights: A new report says human rights abuse allegations in the mining sector are rising, as scrutiny grows on how critical minerals are sourced.

STEM & Gender: Zambia is seeing a real shift in engineering careers, with over 10,000 women joining engineering in the past decade—up from women making up about 10% of registered engineers—highlighted during the Young Women in Engineering Innovation Challenge in Lusaka. Research Funding: Zambia’s National Science and Technology Council says government has poured more than K53 million into research, development and technology innovation, backing 30 research projects and 45 students, while the NTBC has disbursed about K32.5 million to innovators through the Technology Business Development Fund. Digital Economy: Out There Media and Pulse Africa announced a strategic partnership to build a digital advertising push across Africa, combining Out There Media’s Mobucks™ telco-linked mobile advertising tech with Pulse’s local execution, starting with Nigeria and Ghana and reaching telco partners serving Zambia and more. AI for Work: Radiant diGiLog rolled out an AI-powered workforce management and productivity platform across markets including Nigeria, the UK, South Africa, Uganda and Canada, aiming to replace manual tracking with a single digital system. Energy & Climate Resilience: Government is stepping up El Niño preparedness with a Comprehensive Agriculture and Food Security response framework, including climate-resilient farming, irrigation support, pest and disease surveillance, and stronger use of strategic food reserves. Infrastructure Update: Zambia’s Road Development Agency sent engineers to assess damage to Kankumba Bridge after a fatal crash involving two Volvo trucks; the bridge was closed temporarily and later reopened after the scene was cleared.

AI for productivity: Radiant diGiLog has rolled out its AI-powered workforce management platform across markets including Nigeria, the UK, South Africa, Uganda and Canada, aiming to replace paper logs and messy messaging with a single system for attendance, task execution and reporting. Governance & health systems: Transparency International Bangladesh launched a multi-country SRHR integrity and accountability project, running in Bangladesh, Zambia, Ecuador and Tunisia, with community monitoring at health centres and advocacy to improve service quality. Zambia infrastructure tech: The Road Development Agency says a weigh-in-motion weighbridge on the Chingola–Kasumbalesa Road is complete and awaiting software installation, promising faster truck checks without stopping and less congestion. Copperbelt digital mining: A “Konkola Playbook” story highlights KCM’s digital-first push using autonomous tech and AI-driven exploration, tied to the CopperTech Metals plan and an anticipated IPO to fund the transformation. Climate resilience for farmers: Government is rolling out an El Niño response framework focused on climate-resilient practices, irrigation, pest surveillance and better management of strategic food reserves, alongside renewed support for agriculture programmes like FISP.

Copper & AI Mining: Konkola Copper Mines’ “Konkola Playbook” is pushing Zambia’s Copperbelt toward “software-defined mining,” with autonomous tech and a CopperTech Metals digital funding plan tied to a 2026 IPO. Food Security & Climate Tech: Government has rolled out an El Niño preparedness framework for 2026/27, focusing on climate-resilient farming, irrigation, pest surveillance, and stronger strategic food reserves. Agriculture Transformation: Officials reaffirmed plans to boost maize output and expand farmer support programmes like FISP, SAFF, FSP and social cash transfers. Public Service Skills: Cabinet Office urged civil service secretaries to uphold professionalism after a capacity-building workshop. Smart Transport Systems: RDA completed a weigh-in-motion weighbridge on the Chingola–Kasumbalesa Road, aiming to reduce congestion and road damage by enforcing truck weight limits. Road Safety Update: Engineers are assessing damage to Kankumba Bridge after a fatal crash involving two Volvo trucks; the road has reopened. Digital Ecosystem Push: Out There Media and Pulse announced a partnership to expand telco-linked mobile advertising across Africa, including Zambia. Energy Access Talk: African Energy Week’s “Power Africa Today” conference highlights integrated approaches to end energy poverty across sub-Saharan Africa.

Autonomous Mining in Zambia’s Copperbelt: Konkola Copper Mines is rolling out a “Konkola Playbook” built on autonomous technology, AI-driven exploration, and a digital funding pivot via CopperTech Metals, with a 2026 IPO eyed to bankroll the shift to “software-defined mining.” Food Security & Climate Tech: Government has activated an El Niño preparedness framework for 2026/2027, pushing climate-resilient farming, expanded irrigation, pest and disease surveillance, and better strategic food reserves. Agriculture Transformation Push: Officials reiterated plans to boost maize output and farmer livelihoods, pointing to programmes like FISP, SAFF, and fertiliser support, alongside district targets. Public Service Professionalism: Cabinet Office urged civil service secretaries to uphold professionalism after a capacity-building workshop aimed at improving public delivery. Road Tech for Trade: RDA completed a weigh-in-motion weighbridge on the Chingola–Kasumbalesa Road, using software to enforce truck weight limits and cut congestion at a key corridor. Health Research Partnerships: CIDRZ and Mulungushi University discussed a strategic MoU to strengthen research, training, lab capacity, and data science for Zambia’s health system. Digital Rights Watch: A report says Zambia cancelled RightsCon at the last minute, reportedly under pressure tied to China’s digital rights agenda—raising questions for Zambia’s tech governance.

Energy permitting reform: A U.S. push to fix slow, costly energy approvals highlights how long permitting delays can add 24–30% to infrastructure costs—an issue Zambia can’t ignore as it scales power and mining. Sustainable farming: Andhra Pradesh’s community natural farming model won the 2026 Food Planet Prize, and the report says it’s already being replicated in Zambia—good news for climate-smart agriculture. Digital ads in Africa: Out There Media and Pulse announced a partnership to build a data-driven digital advertising push across Africa, including Zambia, using telco-linked mobile ad tech. Road tech upgrade: Zambia’s RDA completed a weigh-in-motion weighbridge on the Chingola–Kasumbalesa Road to reduce truck overloading and speed cross-border trade. Health research ties: CIDRZ and Mulungushi University discussed a strategic partnership to strengthen research, lab capacity, training, and health systems in Zambia. AI in telecoms: GSMA reports African mobile operators are moving AI from plans to real deployments like spam detection and network optimisation. Copper & energy transition: Zambia’s copper demand story keeps growing as the country targets higher production to feed the global clean-energy supply chain. Mining tech IPO: CopperTech Metals (KCM-linked) has launched an IPO application for a New York listing to fund expansion. TB diagnostics: A Global Fund-backed rollout will expand near point-of-care TB testing in multiple countries, including new rapid options relevant to regional health systems.