AGP Executive Report

E-Mobility Policy Push: South Africa is being urged to introduce cleaner electric mobility tariffs that actually help fleet operators—an adoption lever Zambia can watch closely. Biosafety & Biotech Awareness: Zambia’s National Biosafety Authority says climate and development goals need stronger links between regulators, researchers, innovators and the public, as biotechnology grows in agriculture and health. Telecoms for Economic Growth: Government challenged Zamtel to move from “connectivity only” to digital services with real economic value, highlighting new MyZamtel Super App features and Zamtel Money upgrades. Zamtel Product Rollout: Zamtel unveiled Zambia-first innovations like Create Your Own Bundle and Kongola Malaiti (*115#) to bring affordable digital finance closer to everyday users. AI Skills in SADC: A regional push for practical AI adoption is spotlighted, with mining and minerals leading where data and payback are strongest. Health Lab Quality: CIDRZ and the Ministry of Health launched a national orientation on the QMS Minimum Package to strengthen laboratory quality systems nationwide. Digital Education Funding: Airtel Africa Foundation expands its ICT Tech Fellowship to Zambia, supporting 50 UNZA and CBU students with tuition, laptops and connectivity.

Zamtel Digital Push: Zambia’s Ministry of Technology and Science has urged Zamtel to turn connectivity into real economic value, highlighting new launches like the upgraded MyZamtel app, Create Your Own Bundle, and Zamtel Money upgrades. Local Telecom Access: Zamtel also unveiled Kongola Malaiti via *115# to bring digital financial services closer to everyday users. Biosafety & Biotech Awareness: The National Biosafety Authority used its 2026 Open Day to stress collaboration between regulators, researchers, innovators and communities as Zambia advances the Grow Zambia Agenda, with a focus on public understanding of biosafety safeguards. Health Lab Quality: CIDRZ and the Ministry of Health launched a national orientation on the QMS Minimum Package to strengthen laboratory quality systems across Zambia. UAE Investment Momentum: President Hakainde Hichilema says more deals are expected after US$2.14bn agreements in Abu Dhabi, potentially pushing totals beyond US$3bn, including healthcare, renewables, logistics, technology and biotech. Airtel Tech Fellowship: Airtel Africa Foundation expands its ICT Tech Fellowship to Zambia, supporting 50 UNZA and CBU students over five years. Zambia–UAE Local Rules: Hichilema told Gulf investors to fully comply with Zambia’s local procurement rules, after signing six non-binding UAE agreements worth US$2.14bn.

Telecoms to Digital Services: Zambia’s Ministry of Technology and Science has challenged the telecom sector to move from just connectivity to affordable, practical digital services that reach the last mile, as Zamtel rolled out an upgraded MyZamtel app plus new bundle and USSD options. Zamtel Super App Push: Zamtel unveiled the MyZamtel Super App and Zambia-first services like Create Your Own Bundle and Kongola Malaiti (*115#) to give customers more control over connectivity and digital financial services. MyZamtel Fest Launch: The Zamtel Fest launch framed the upgrades as a test of whether telecoms can deliver real economic value, not just coverage. Local Procurement for Mines: President Hichilema told Gulf investors to fully comply with Zambia’s local procurement rules for copper mines, while Zambia signed UAE agreements worth $2.14bn across healthcare, renewables, logistics and technology. More Investment Talks: Hichilema says negotiations could lift total UAE-linked deals to $3bn+ and includes plans for a Health City near KKIA. Health Lab Quality Drive: CIDRZ and the Ministry of Health launched a national orientation on the QMS Minimum Package to strengthen laboratory quality systems nationwide. Airtel Money IPO Update: Airtel Money set an offer price of £1.96 per share for its planned London IPO, valuing it around $7bn. Accessibility Upgrade: MTN Zambia launched sign language interpreter videos at service centres, with plans to roll out across the network. Tech Fellowship to Zambia: Airtel Africa Foundation expanded its Tech Fellowship to support 50 UNZA and CBU students over five years with tuition, laptops, connectivity and mentorship. Startup Conversation in Zambia: 1xStartup by 1xBet is set to host a live session on turning ideas into businesses with Zambia’s Mzenga Emmanuel Mwale. Regional Trade Signal: Dar es Salaam transit cargo rose 17% in 2025/26, with Zambia and Rwanda among key growth markets—good news for logistics and tech-enabled trade.

Zamtel Digital Push: Zamtel has launched the MyZamtel Super App plus two Zambia-first services—Create Your Own Bundle and Kongola Malaiti via *115#—to give customers more control over connectivity and digital financial services. Connectivity for All: MTN Zambia rolled out Sign Language Interpreter Videos across its service centres to improve access for deaf and hard-of-hearing customers. Health Lab Quality: CIDRZ and the Ministry of Health started a national orientation on the QMS Minimum Package to strengthen laboratory quality management across Zambia. Tech Talent Pipeline: Airtel Africa Foundation expanded its Tech Fellowship to Zambia, funding 50 students over five years for ICT and technology degrees at UNZA and CBU. Mining & Local Rules: President Hakainde Hichilema urged Gulf investors to fully comply with Zambia’s local procurement rules, alongside signing UAE agreements worth $2.14bn. Copper Exploration Update: Prospect Resources reported new copper drill hits at its Mumbezhi project’s Nyungu Central target, including intersections above 1% copper. Entrepreneurship Live Session: 1xStartup by 1xBet goes live on Oct 2 at 15:00, featuring Zambia entrepreneur Mzenga Emmanuel Mwale on turning ideas into real businesses.

Zambia Energy & Infrastructure: ZESCO says the 0.2-second power disturbance at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium exposed a bigger issue: the floodlights can take up to 20 minutes to return to full brightness, and ZESCO will work with the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Arts to redesign for better reliability. Lusaka City Management: Lusaka City Council cleared vendors from Simon Mwewa Lane and Kalusha Bwalya Road and moved on to four more major roads, but ZIA warns informal traders (250,000–350,000) far outnumber market spaces. Telecom Accessibility: MTN Zambia launched sign language interpreter videos at its Levy Mall service centre, with plans to roll out across service centres to improve access for deaf and hard-of-hearing customers. Mining & Research: Prospect Resources reported new copper drill hits from its Mumbezhi project in Zambia, including 18m at 1.31% and 7.4m at 1.11% copper. Agriculture Tech & Defence: The Chinese Embassy donated tractors and farm equipment to the Zambia Air Force to support agricultural mechanisation and food security projects. Policy & Governance: Zambia faces international criticism over election irregularities, while separate coverage highlights government pushes for reforms and public participation.

Energy & Industry: KP Group unveiled “KP 3.0” aiming for 10 GW of IPP capacity, 10 GW of third-party EPC execution and 10 GWh integrated battery manufacturing (cells + BESS assembly) by FY32. Health Tech: A twice-yearly HIV prevention injection (lenacapavir) is hailed as a major breakthrough, but access questions grow as global HIV funding drops. Telecom Accessibility: MTN Zambia launched sign language interpreter videos at its Levy Mall service centre, with plans to roll out across service points to improve access for deaf and hard-of-hearing customers. Power Reliability: ZESCO says a 0.2-second cut at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium exposed floodlight vulnerability, with full brightness taking up to 20 minutes—prompting calls to redesign match-day lighting protection. Solar Push: Zambia is accelerating private solar and coal power to meet a 1,000 MW solar target by late 2026 amid El Niño drought risks. Mining Updates: Prospect Resources reported new copper drill hits from its Mumbezhi Nyungu Central target in Zambia, including 18m at 1.31% and 7.4m at 1.11%. ICT for Skills: MTN Zambia Foundation opened the Nachiyaba ICT Hub, adding computers and a community-access space to build digital skills. Governance & Education: Zambia’s law reform talks in Solwezi highlighted updating laws for new technological and economic realities, while GTEC listed 110 unrecognised institutions in Ghana due to quality concerns. Local Economy: Lusaka City Council cleared vendors from key roads, raising the practical question of where hundreds of thousands of informal traders will go next.

Zambia–UAE Investment Push: President Hakainde Hichilema signed six agreements worth US$2.4bn in Abu Dhabi, including a US$2bn Medical City near Lusaka’s Kenneth Kaunda International Airport aimed at making Zambia a regional health tourism hub, plus deals spanning renewable energy, logistics, technology and biotechnology. Energy & Grid Reliability: ZESCO said a 0.2-second power disturbance at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium left floodlights dim for up to 20 minutes, prompting calls to redesign match-day lighting protection. Solar Expansion: Maamba Solar began injecting 100MW into the national grid as Zambia targets 1,000MW of solar by late 2026 amid El Niño drought risks. IMF Talks: Zambia has started discussions with an IMF mission on a successor Extended Credit Facility focused on growth, investment, exports, diversification and jobs. Digital Tax for Fuel Retail: Sabipay gained ZRA Smart Invoice certification and is integrating with Pesapal’s forecourt management to connect pump sales with digital tax compliance. Mining Tech & Copper Drilling: Prospect Resources reported new copper drill results from its Mumbezhi Nyungu Central target in Zambia, with multiple intersections above 1% copper. Youth & Skills: MTN Zambia Foundation launched an ICT Hub at Nachiyaba Secondary School in Chibombo with computers and community access to digital learning.

Education & Research: South Africa’s University of Cape Town climbs back into the global top 150 (joint 147th) in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2027, while 69 universities across 16 sub-Saharan countries improve overall—Nigeria leads the region with 29 institutions, and Malawi debuts with its first ranked university. Energy & Climate Resilience: Zambia pushes for more alternative power as El Niño threatens rainfall and hydropower, with private solar expansion accelerating toward a 1,000MW target. Power Reliability: ZESCO says a 0.2-second disturbance at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium still left floodlights dim for up to 20 minutes, prompting calls to redesign match-day lighting protection. Health Tech & Investment: Zambia signs six UAE agreements worth US$2.4bn, including a US$2bn Medical City in Lusaka’s Airport City aimed at regional health tourism, with paediatric cardiac and renal transplant centres plus training and advanced surgery. Digital Payments & Tax Compliance: Sabipay gets ZRA Smart Invoice certification and integrates with Pesapal’s forecourt management to connect fuel sales, invoicing, and compliance at the point of sale. Policy & Macroeconomics: Zambia begins IMF talks on a successor ECF programme focused on growth, jobs, and private-sector-led investment. Agriculture Tech: China donates tractors, planters and sprayers to the Zambia Air Force to boost mechanised farming under the Grow Zambia Agenda.

Renewables & Power: Maamba Solar has started commissioning and begun injecting 100MW into the ZESCO national grid, adding modern tracking tech to boost Zambia’s renewable capacity and energy mix. Health Tech & Investment: Zambia signed a US$2bn deal for a Medical City in Lusaka’s Airport City, aiming to cut medical travel by expanding paediatric cardiac, renal transplant and oncology services plus training and research. Digital Health: Zambia’s Ministry of Health is pushing digital health tools to improve supply chain visibility and service delivery, while a Brazilian delegation positions Zambia as a potential health innovation hub. Agri Mechanisation: China donated tractors, planters, ploughs and sprayers to the Zambia Air Force to support mechanised farming under the Grow Zambia Agenda. Energy for Copper: President Hichilema says copper output targets need about 8,000MW of power, highlighting long-term power purchase deals and new investment opportunities. Food Security: IOM and Bayer Zambia donated 30 metric tonnes of maize seed to vulnerable farmers in Southern Province. Public Health Response: Muchinga Province vaccinated 8,233 animals against anthrax as human cases and wildlife deaths continue to be reported. Policy & Competition: Zambia delayed reopening open access to the main fuel pipeline until January, extending the transition to competition. AI Infrastructure: A new Africa GPU cloud platform claims on-demand GPU access for under $1 per hour, with deployments including Zambia.

Zambia’s Copper Power Push: President Hakainde Hichilema says Zambia needs about 8,000MW to produce 3 million tonnes of copper annually, pointing to energy reforms and long-term power purchase deals as openings for investors. Grid Reliability Upgrade: Maamba Solar has injected 100MW into the national grid, adding diversification as El Niño threatens hydropower. Fuel Market Competition Delayed: Zambia has postponed reopening open access to the Tazama fuel pipeline until January, extending the transition to competition. Off-Grid Solar Boom: A forecast says Sub-Saharan Africa’s off-grid solar capacity could grow 450% by 2035, driven by mining and commercial demand. Agri & Food Security Tech: China donated agriculture equipment to the Zambia Air Force to support mechanisation under the Grow Zambia Agenda, while IOM and Bayer Zambia donated 30 metric tonnes of maize seed to vulnerable farmers. Health & Data Skills: Zambia is updating its HIV consolidated guidelines and training frontline workers in Lusaka, and a Brazilian delegation is exploring investment in Zambia’s health innovation and digital health. Governance for Growth: Government urges governance and internal audit professionals to work together to strengthen accountability and trust.

Food Security Boost: IOM and Bayer Zambia donated 30 metric tonnes of maize seed to vulnerable farmers in five Southern Province districts, aiming to reach about 5,000 farmers and strengthen resilience against drought and climate variability. Climate-Smart Farming: SAFADA plans to train 50 farmers in Chisamba on climate-smart agriculture ahead of an El Niño-impacted season, plus launch an online two-month agriculture programme. HIV Care Updates: Zambia’s Ministry of Health, with CIDRZ through PROUDZ, trained 30 Lusaka-area health workers on updated Zambia Consolidated HIV Guidelines to strengthen prevention, treatment and care. Health Investment Interest: A Brazilian delegation is exploring trade and investment in Zambia’s health sector, including pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, clinical research and digital health, with a focus on strengthening primary healthcare. Energy Resilience: Maamba Solar injected 100MW into the national grid as commissioning begins, timed to buffer hydropower pressure during El Niño. AI for Local Needs: A UN-backed AI expert urged African governments to build AI around community problems first, not imported priorities. Governance & Growth Plans: Zambia’s Green Paper for 2027–2029 targets average 7% growth as policy shifts from stabilization to expansion.

Energy & Climate Resilience: Maamba Solar has injected 100MW into Zambia’s national grid, boosting power diversification as El Niño threatens hydropower. Agriculture & Food Security: SAFADA will train 50+ farmers in climate-smart agriculture in Chisamba, with an online two-month programme to help smallholders adapt to below-normal rainfall. Health Systems & Tech: Zambia is updating its HIV consolidated guidelines and training 30 Lusaka frontline participants with CIDRZ support to strengthen prevention, treatment and care. Water & Infrastructure: The African Water Facility says its 148 water and sanitation projects have improved access for 23.2 million people and sanitation for 11.3 million, with major downstream investment mobilised. Health Investment: A Brazilian delegation is exploring trade and investment in Zambia’s health sector, including digital health, biotech and clinical research. Budget Policy Shift: Cabinet approved Zambia’s 2027–2029 Green Paper, targeting ~6–7% growth while building fiscal buffers against El Niño impacts. Governance & Public Safety: Zambia urged SADC correctional leaders to use prisons for rehabilitation, skills and agriculture, including technology and economic empowerment. Local Innovation Recognition: Sparc Systems Limited won ICT Company of the Year at TICON Africa 2026, highlighting regional enterprise tech and training. Sanitation for Farmers: A Czech-UNDP-supported project in Kashitu is piloting urine-diverting dry toilets that turn human waste into fertiliser for local agriculture.

Energy & Climate Resilience: Maamba Solar has injected 100MW into Zambia’s national grid, a timely boost as El Niño is expected to squeeze hydropower. Health Security & Local Industry: President Hakainde Hichilema says Zambia is building capacity for local vaccine manufacturing and urges faster progress on WHO pathogen-sharing talks. Budget & Digital Growth: Cabinet approved Zambia’s 2027–2029 Green Paper, targeting about 6% growth and flagging ICT as a key driver, alongside agriculture, mining and construction. Disaster Preparedness: UNDP and Government handed over the CRRF project in Mambwe, funding boreholes, water kiosks and irrigation support to strengthen drought and flood resilience. Sanitation Innovation: In Kashitu, a Czech-UNDP supported pilot uses urine-diverting dry toilets to turn human waste into fertiliser, with training and community ownership. ICT Recognition: Sparc Systems Limited was crowned ICT Company of the Year at TICON Africa 2026 in Livingstone, highlighting regional enterprise tech and cybersecurity services. Governance & Policy Debate: Zambia’s UNGA messages stressed peace, investment openness and “restoring trust,” while domestic debate continues over term limits and the role of nominated MPs.

Local Vaccine Manufacturing: President Hakainde Hichilema told UNGA81 that Zambia is building capacity for local vaccine manufacturing to strengthen health security, citing higher health budget allocations and a push for better access to technology and faster WHO Pandemic Agreement talks. Private Sector & Tourism Push: Government is urging more private investment in Northern Province to unlock tourism growth, with calls to use digital tech and AI for destination marketing and visitor services. Budget Green Paper Shift: Cabinet approved Zambia’s 2027–2029 Medium Term Budget Plan Green Paper, targeting average 7% growth (with risks from El Niño), and highlighting ICT, mining, agriculture and digital NRC rollout for revenue mobilisation. Energy Resilience: Maamba Solar injected 100MW into the national grid as El Niño threatens hydropower, boosting grid diversification and energy security. Green Minerals Reality Check: A new report warns Africa’s mineral wealth won’t automatically translate into prosperity without processing, refining and component-making for green technologies. ICT Recognition: Sparc Systems Limited won ICT Company of the Year at TICON Africa 2026 in Livingstone, reflecting growing enterprise tech and cybersecurity services across the region. Sanitation Innovation: A Czech-UNDP supported project in Kashitu is turning human waste into fertiliser using urine-diverting dry toilets and composting, with training and community ownership.

Zambia Budget Roadmap: Cabinet has approved Zambia’s Green Paper for the 2027–2029 Medium Term Budget Plan, setting the fiscal direction for next year’s budget and projecting growth averaging around 6%, while flagging El Niño drought risks and the need for stronger fiscal buffers. Digital & ICT Recognition: Sparc Systems Limited won ICT Company of the Year at the TICON Africa 2026 Excellence Awards in Livingstone, highlighting its enterprise tech, cloud, cybersecurity and data centre managed services across several countries including Zambia. Renewables in Focus: Nava commissioned a 100MW solar project in Zambia, marking its entry into utility-scale solar and reinforcing the push for diversified, future-ready energy portfolios. Sanitation to Fertiliser: A Czech-UNDP supported project in Kashitu, Zambia is piloting urine-diverting dry toilets that turn human waste into fertiliser, backed by training and community ownership through local sanitation clubs. Construction Skills Push: Government is calling for a more competitive Zambian construction industry to grow local firms, create jobs and adopt innovation and technology to boost productivity. Climate Resilience Funding: UNDP and Government handed over CRRF investments in Mambwe, including boreholes and water kiosks, aimed at strengthening community preparedness for droughts and floods. Global Tech Access: Udu Technologies is expanding an Africa GPU hub to make AI computing cheaper for developers and governments, including deployments that cover Zambia. Critical Minerals & Power Links: USTDA-backed plans for electricity upgrades along the Lobito Corridor aim to support copper and cobalt mining operations and improve power supply for millions in Zambia and the DRC.

ICT Awards: Sparc Systems Limited was crowned ICT Company of the Year at the TICON Africa 2026 Excellence Awards in Livingstone, with the firm also seeing its leadership shortlisted for ICT Professional of the Year. Zambia Budget Watch: Cabinet approved Zambia’s Green Paper for the 2027–2029 Medium Term Budget Plan, setting the fiscal direction ahead of the 2027 National Budget and flagging El Niño drought risks to the Grow Zambia Agenda. Sanitation Tech for Farms: A Czech-UNDP-supported project in Kashitu is piloting urine-diverting dry toilets that turn human waste into fertiliser, backed by training and demonstration plots for farmers. Climate Resilience: Government and UNDP handed over the CRRF project in Mambwe, including boreholes, water kiosks and irrigation support to strengthen community preparedness for droughts and floods. Energy & Industry: Nava commissioned a 100MW solar project in Zambia as it moves into utility-scale renewables, while Zambia also pushed for a more competitive construction industry that embraces innovation and technology. AI Access: A Nigerian startup, Udu Technologies, is pitching cheaper GPU cloud access for African AI developers, including deployments across Zambia.