AGP Executive Report

Election Tech & Civic Guidance: Zambians vote Thursday in a closely watched presidential race that will test whether Hichilema’s economic recovery can beat the daily squeeze of food prices, unemployment and poverty, with up to 8.7 million voters deciding between Hakainde Hichilema and Brian Mundubile. Voter Education: Dr Sishuwa Sishuwa says the only valid ballot mark is a cross (“X” or “+”); ticks or other marks risk spoiling ballots. AI & Jobs Law: A Chinese court ruled that using AI to restructure work doesn’t automatically strip an employee of labour protections, ordering extra compensation after an AI-driven role change led to an unlawful dismissal. Trade Facilitation: SADC is pushing a Simplified Trade Regime to cut border costs and ease cross-border commerce for small traders, with a Lusaka policy dialogue focused on practical border-post bottlenecks. Energy Infrastructure: Government and ZESCO are moving ahead with the $84.2m Kasama 100MW solar project to diversify Zambia’s power mix beyond hydropower. Procurement Integrity: ZPPA fined a supplier K800,000 over forged documents in a Mulungushi University student hostel tender. Mining & Risk: A new investigation raises alarm over uranium in DRC cobalt shipments to China, adding pressure to tighten mineral supply-chain controls.

Uranium in cobalt exports: A new investigation, using a previously undisclosed IAEA memo, raises alarms that uranium was present in “significant quantities” in DRC Katanga cobalt ores and was exported as a cobalt by-product—fueling fresh scrutiny of how critical minerals move from mines to global supply chains. Energy security in Zambia: Government and ZESCO move ahead with the $84.2m, 100MW Kasama solar PV project, aiming to cut pressure on generation and diversify beyond hydropower amid changing rainfall patterns. Agritech processing push: Burt Machinery highlights China-built custom maize processing plant solutions for Zambia, focusing on full production lines and power/storage realities for local grain businesses. Fertiliser blending in Lusaka: Omnia begins construction of a soil-specific fertiliser blending plant in Lusaka to produce customised blends for Zambia’s farming regions and improve yields. Procurement integrity: ZPPA fines a supplier K800,000 over forged tender documents for a Mulungushi University student hostel. Judicial tech caution: Zambia’s Supreme Court judge Abha Nayar Patel warns that innovation in justice must improve fairness and access, or it risks “digitising” inequality. Voter tech basics: Dr Sishuwa Sishuwa urges voters to mark ballots with a cross (X or +) and avoid ticks, which can spoil ballots. Election math claims: A Lusaka-based analysis says UPND’s 5-million-vote target is mathematically impossible under realistic turnout and valid-vote rates.

Energy Security in Focus: Zambia is moving to diversify power with a major Kasama 100MW solar push after government invested US$84.2m for the project, aimed at easing pressure on generation and reducing over-reliance on hydropower. Agritech & Value Addition: Burt Machinery used Zambia’s 97th Agricultural and Commercial Show to showcase custom maize processing plant solutions, pitching complete systems built around local storage, power realities, and output quality. Powering Agriculture Supply Chains: Omnia has started construction of a fertiliser blending plant in Lusaka, promising soil-specific blends to improve yields and strengthen Zambia’s fertiliser logistics. Procurement Integrity: Zambia’s ZPPA fined a supplier K800,000 over forged documents tied to a Mulungushi University student hostel tender. Tech & Fairness in Courts: Zambia Supreme Court’s first woman judge of Indian origin warned that innovation must not “digitise” inequality, stressing tech should improve fairness and access to justice. Global Minerals Race: The US announced US$3bn in critical minerals and battery investments, sharpening attention on Africa’s rare earths and the jobs-versus-extraction debate.

Energy & Solar: ZESCO has kicked off the $84.2M Kasama 100MW solar PV project, with President Hakainde Hichilema stressing that power must outlast election cycles. Agritech & Fertiliser: Omnia has started building a Lusaka fertiliser blending plant to produce soil-specific blends for better yields and more targeted farm inputs. Public Procurement Integrity: ZPPA fined a supplier K800,000 for forged documents in a Mulungushi University student hostel tender, flagging misuse of engineers’ credentials. Judicial Tech & Fairness: Zambia Supreme Court judge Abha Nayar Patel (keynote in India) warned that innovation should not “digitise” inequality, arguing tools must improve fairness and access. STEM & Youth Skills: A Zambia-linked STEM push highlights how hands-on science and tech events are building future-ready talent across the region. Governance & Elections: Stakeholders are split on proposed electoral reform models, with calls for evidence-led changes and broad consultation. Capital Markets: Zambia’s capital market is described as reaching an “inflection point,” with Lusaka Securities Exchange growth and rising listed-company value. Tobacco Harm: Coverage urges stronger action to stop tobacco industry tactics targeting young people, including concerns about how digital platforms normalise nicotine.

Internet Access Ahead of Elections: Access Now and the #KeepItOn coalition urged Zambia’s government and ZICTA to keep the internet and digital platforms fully available during the Aug 13, 2026 election cycle, warning against any “kill switch” moves. Agriculture Tech & Supply Chain: Omnia has started building a Lusaka fertiliser blending plant to produce soil-specific fertiliser mixes for Zambia’s regions, aiming to boost yields with more targeted, science-based products. Food Security Risk: A fertiliser supply disruption linked to global shipping and chemical input bottlenecks (including sulphur) could hit African food security, with Zambia flagged among vulnerable import-dependent countries. Digital Justice: Zambia’s Supreme Court judge Abha Nayar Patel and India’s Chief Justice Surya Kant stressed that technology should improve fairness and access in courts, not replace human judgment. STEM for Youth: Access Bank’s STEM Africa Fest is credited with reaching nearly 30,000 young people with hands-on science and tech learning—an approach Zambia’s education and innovation ecosystem can learn from. Regional Rail Legacy: Zambia marked 50 years since TAZARA entered commercial operation, with modernization plans framed as key to stronger regional trade connectivity.

Fertiliser & Food Security: Omnia has started building a Lusaka fertiliser blending plant with Government support, aiming to produce soil-specific, science-based fertiliser blends to boost crop yields and strengthen Zambia’s farm input supply chain. Digital Governance & Elections: Access Now and the #KeepItOn coalition urged Zambia’s authorities to keep the internet and digital platforms fully accessible during the Aug 13 elections, warning against any “kill switch” style disruptions. Justice Tech (Zambia): Zambia Supreme Court Judge Abha Nayar Patel said any courtroom technology must pass two tests—improving fairness and improving access for those who need it most—otherwise it risks just digitising inequality. Higher Education Partnerships: Government says it will accelerate collaboration between UNZA and Oxford University to unlock business, marketing and research opportunities for Zambia. Business & Customer Tech: ZACCI backed Puma Energy Zambia’s PRIS Loyalty Programme, calling it a sign of how digital tools can improve customer service and support the Digital Transformation Agenda. Regional Rail Legacy: Zambia marked 50 years since TAZARA entered commercial operation, with plans to revitalise the corridor to support regional trade. Youth & Skills: Econet’s Higherlife Foundation sponsored five students from Lesotho to top US universities, including engineering and health-related degrees. Startup Funding Pulse: Africa’s startup funding fell sharply in July, down 80% year-on-year, with most capital concentrated in a small number of deals.

Internet Freedom for Elections: Access Now and the #KeepItOn coalition urge Zambia’s government and ZICTA to keep the internet and digital platforms fully accessible during the 13 August 2026 polls, warning against any “kill switch” moves. Justice Tech With Guardrails: Zambia Supreme Court Judge Abha Nayar Patel says tech in courts must pass two tests—improving fairness and improving access—otherwise it’s not fit for judicial use; Chief Justice of India Surya Kant echoes that AI can support courts but must not replace human judgment. Responsible AI in Research: CIDRZ runs a transferable-skills session on using AI ethically for research excellence and better organisational efficiency. Cybersecurity Push: Interpol reports AI is powering over half of reported cybercrimes across Africa, stressing low AI readiness in law enforcement. UNZA–Oxford Collaboration: Government says it will accelerate ties with Oxford University to boost Zambia’s marketing, business engagement, and research opportunities. Food Security Risk: Fertiliser disruptions linked to global shipping and conflict could hit Zambia’s food security, with higher fertiliser prices reducing yields. Digital Business Uptake: ZACCI backs Puma Energy’s PRIS Loyalty Programme as a sign of Zambia’s growing digital transformation in customer service. Mining, Minerals, and Nuclear Concerns: New reporting claims uranium may be leaving the DRC hidden in cobalt exports to China, raising nuclear proliferation and supply-chain transparency questions.

Nuclear Supply Chain Watch: A new investigation backed by a Nature Communications study says 2,000–5,000 tons of uranium may have left the DRC for China hidden in routine cobalt exports, raising alarms over accounting and mine safety. Cybersecurity: Interpol reports AI is powering over 55% of Africa’s reported cybercrimes, with mobile money fraud and ransomware hotspots across the region. Digital Payments: Qubic is now live on AEON Pay across millions of merchants, aiming to let users settle with $QUBIC through local payment rails. Elections & Misinformation: With Zambia’s 13 August polls nearing, coverage highlights how digital campaigning is accelerating voter reach while misinformation risks spiralling. Transport & Trade: Work on the Kasomeno–Mwenda toll road in Luapula is over 50% complete, including a Luapula River bridge and a one-stop border post. Zambia’s Copper Comeback: Zambia’s copper output is rebounding, with production reported above 447,000 tonnes in the first half of 2026 and a push toward 1 million+ tonnes annually. Energy Access: Sub-Saharan Africa’s renewables boom is accelerating, with solar, wind and batteries projected to more than double by 2030. Mining Contract: JCHX Mining’s Zambian unit secured a $115m contract for the Chambishi Copper Mine’s West Mine for 2026–2027.

Renewable Power Push: BloombergNEF says Sub-Saharan Africa’s renewable electricity capacity could more than double by 2030, driven by cheaper solar and wind, rising demand, and growing battery storage—key for countries still struggling with reliable access. Energy & Infrastructure in Zambia: The Kasomeno–Mwenda Toll Road in Luapula has hit over 50% completion under a PPP, with a 182km link, Luapula River bridge, toll plazas and a one-stop border post aimed at boosting Zambia–DRC trade. Education for STEM Talent: ED–UNZA Scholarship Trust says its programme is sending rural students into August intakes, including future doctors, engineers and science graduates. Digital Society & AI Ethics: Pope Leo XIV urged Catholic communicators in Rwanda to use digital platforms for human dignity and truth, warning against algorithm-driven communication that replaces real human encounter. Health & Climate Science: A new study finds climate change is “moving” malaria—slightly increasing it overall, but shifting risk toward southern and East Africa while easing pressure in today’s hottest areas. Cybersecurity Alert: Interpol reports AI is accelerating cybercrime across Africa, making attacks more scalable and harder to detect, with ransomware and identity fraud rising. Data Centres Snapshot: A 2026 ranking highlights Zambia among the smaller data-centre footprint in Sub-Saharan Africa, underscoring the gap for AI-ready infrastructure. Tobacco Knowledge Gap: A large survey shows adults still lack awareness of tobacco’s cardiovascular and secondhand smoke risks, pointing to a need for stronger public health messaging.

Health & Climate: A new Nature study finds climate change is “moving” malaria across sub-Saharan Africa—slightly increasing overall risk, but reducing transmission in today’s hottest hotspots while raising risk in southern and East Africa, including areas like Angola, Zambia and parts of South Africa. Education Infrastructure: Zambia’s Ministry of Education received 17 newly built classroom blocks for nine Lusaka secondary schools under the Free Education Policy, easing congestion and boosting learning conditions through partner support. Mining & Tech/Policy: Zambia’s push to formalise artisanal and small-scale mining is gaining momentum, with formalisation framed as a way to improve traceability, curb illicit activity and attract responsible investment. Cybersecurity: Interpol reports AI is supercharging cybercrime across Africa, making attacks more scalable and harder to detect, with ransomware increasingly targeting sectors like healthcare and public services, including Zambia. Agriculture Innovation: A new chickpea variety is being piloted in southern Africa (including Zambia) to improve climate resilience and reduce reliance on nitrogen fertiliser, supporting nutrition and farmer incomes. Governance & Justice: Zambia’s Judiciary says it is ready to handle August election disputes, with training aimed at faster, independent electoral justice. Local Business/Industry: Pyrotec marks 60 years in packaging and production reliability, highlighting label printing, coding and smart factory support as key factory-floor tech. Mining Investment Signals: China’s JCHX secured a USD115m mining contract in Zambia’s Chambishi Copper Mine, pointing to continued foreign-backed activity in the Copperbelt.

Cybersecurity & AI: Interpol warns AI is turbocharging cybercrime across Africa, enabling faster, more scalable attacks and deepfakes; ransomware and identity fraud are rising, with Zambia named among affected countries. Mobile Money Fraud Control: Zambia’s ZICTA deactivated 43,500 SIM cards linked to mobile money scams and secured K19.8m, urging users to report fraud via *707#. Health Tech & Climate: New research in Nature says climate change will shift malaria risk—cases may rise in cooler southern and eastern areas including Zambia, even as some hotter regions see declines. Energy Access: A BloombergNEF outlook projects Sub-Saharan Africa’s solar, wind and battery capacity could more than double by 2030, driven by higher grid tariffs and growing corporate power deals. Mining & Skills: Engineering Institution of Zambia (EIZ) says Zambia’s provisional signatory status to the Washington Accord could boost investment readiness in mining, transport, energy, agriculture and water. Governance & Elections: Zambia’s Chief Justice says the Judiciary is ready to handle August election disputes independently and within legal timelines. Local Tech/Innovation: Zambia’s agriculture show highlights value-added products and modern farming tech, reinforcing trade and investment momentum.

Malaria Mapping: A new Nature study says climate change will shift malaria risk across Africa—down in hotter West African areas (about 5% fewer cases in places like Nigeria, Burkina Faso and Mali) but up in cooler southern and eastern regions, including Angola, Zambia and parts of South Africa, with coastal southern Africa potentially seeing up to a 20% rise by 2100. Cybersecurity: Interpol reports AI is driving a surge in African cybercrime, enabling faster, more scalable attacks and making fraud and extortion harder to detect; ransomware targeting healthcare, utilities and public portals is highlighted, including Zambia. Mobile Money Fraud Control (Zambia): ZICTA deactivated 43,500 SIM cards linked to mobile money scams between January and June 2026, securing K19.8m, after consumers reported scammers via *707#. Mining & Policy (Zambia): Zambia’s Speaker Sameer Suleman ordered a suspension of operations at Kangankunde Rare Earths Mine in Balaka after concerns it may be operating under the wrong licence category. Agritech & Youth: Eswatini’s youth agripreneur helped shape Africa’s first Youth in Agrifood Systems Performance Index (YAPI), measuring real access to land, finance, markets, tech and climate resilience. Tech & Industry (Zambia region): China’s first domestically built immersion DUV lithography tools are in mass production—an important self-reliance milestone, though performance still trails ASML.

Zambia Tech & Business: The Zambia Agricultural and Commercial Show wrapped up with strong praise for science, technology and innovation on display, with organisers citing 1,100+ exhibitors and 260,000+ attendees pushing ideas that turn farming and trade into income. Digital & Skills: A Lusaka-based study found that teaching teenage girls negotiation skills helped them stay in school longer and delay sex and marriage, showing how practical education can deliver long-term economic gains. Health Tech: South Africa’s TB vaccine push is advancing: the M72/AS01E vaccine is in Phase 3 trials in South Africa, Kenya, Zambia, Malawi and Indonesia, with plans for early access if approved. ICT Expansion: Dubai Chamber-backed Techies Infotech is expanding into South Africa, setting up Johannesburg operations and a Cape Town delivery centre for AI, digital transformation and e-commerce services. Policy & Governance: Zambia’s ZICTA and Bank of Zambia shut down a fundraising short code tied to a “Vote Protection” campaign, raising questions about how tech-enabled political donations are regulated. STEM in the spotlight: Zambia’s Luangwa Valley is set to use satellite tracking to boost vulture conservation, linking tech to biodiversity protection.

Export & MSME Finance: Zambia Development Agency urged businesses to use export financing under the Zambia Export Development Fund (ZEDF), stressing export readiness like production capacity, credible markets and sound financial management. TB Vaccine Watch: South Africa’s Department of Health says progress on the M72/AS01E TB vaccine is moving into Phase 3 trials across South Africa, Kenya, Zambia, Malawi and Indonesia, with plans to ensure early access if approved. Health Systems & Sickle Cell: African countries, including Zambia, are pushing to integrate sickle cell disease services into Universal Health Coverage, focusing on screening, diagnosis, treatment and sustainable financing. Tech & Regional Expansion: Dubai Chamber backed Techies Infotech’s expansion into South Africa, including an AI, digital transformation and e-commerce delivery base in Johannesburg and Cape Town. Zambia Agriculture & Innovation: The 98th Zambia Agricultural and Commercial Show closes today, with organisers highlighting science, technology and innovation to help farmers and entrepreneurs turn ideas into income. Engineering Regulation: Zambia’s Engineering Institution of Zambia approved Professional Service Fees Regulations (S.I. No. 34 of 2026) to curb undercutting and align engineering pricing. Youth & Jobs Pressure: A 2026 African Youth Survey reports record optimism since the pandemic, but says young people still demand jobs, accountability and cleaner government.

TB Vaccine Watch: Zambia’s Health Department says the M72/ASO1E TB vaccine is in phase three trials in South Africa, Kenya, Zambia, Malawi and Indonesia, with plans for an expedited rollout if approved. Sickle Cell Care in UHC: Zambia and other African countries are pushing sickle cell services into Universal Health Coverage, focusing on newborn screening, diagnosis, blood transfusions, referral systems and insurance coverage. Cancer Treatment Upgrade: President Hichilema commissioned a US$31m radiotherapy and imaging upgrade at Lusaka’s Cancer Diseases Hospital, aiming to cut the need for patients to travel abroad. Engineering Sector Regulation: Zambia’s Engineering Institution of Zambia (Professional Service Fees) Regulations, 2026 (S.I. No. 34 of 2026) introduce fee guidelines to curb undercutting and protect consumers. Health Tech & Training: An Israeli team helped train Zambia’s first generation of pediatric cardiac surgeons, supporting open-heart surgeries and mentoring local staff. Agritech Showcase: The 98th Zambia Agricultural and Commercial Show in Lusaka ends today, with organisers highlighting science, technology and digital tools for farmers and entrepreneurs. Visa Policy Shock: The US makes its visa bond programme permanent, potentially requiring up to $20,000 for B1/B2 applicants from 50 countries, including many in Africa. Sports Tech Angle: WAFCON updates include suspensions affecting Nigeria’s Super Falcons ahead of Egypt clash.

Cancer Care Upgrade: President Hakainde Hichilema commissioned a US$31m refurbished radiotherapy and imaging unit at Lusaka’s Cancer Diseases Hospital, aiming to cut the need for patients to travel abroad and paving the way for more cancer facilities in Ndola and Livingstone. Engineering Fees Regulation: Zambia approved Engineering Institution of Zambia (Professional Service Fees) Regulations, 2026 (S.I. No. 34 of 2026), setting clearer fee guidelines to curb undercutting and protect service quality. Health Tech & Skills Transfer: An Israeli team supported Zambia’s first generation of pediatric cardiac surgeons, including mentoring and a new LivaNova S-5 heart-lung machine for surgeries. Water & Climate Risk: Reports warn water stress is rising for businesses, with drought already hitting food forecasts and supply chains like textiles—an issue Zambia’s water-dependent economy can’t ignore. AI Governance: China says it will use the UN platform to coordinate global AI governance, following Shanghai’s World AI Conference and push for open-source cooperation. HIV Prevention Science: New AIDS 2026 findings highlight long-acting HIV prevention options like twice-yearly injectable lenacapavir, while Zambia’s infectious disease director flags funding cuts as a risk to new infections. Mining Formalisation: Government launched the Zambia Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining Strategy 2025–2029, including airborne geophysical surveys and steps to formalise ASM.