AGP Executive Report

Critical Minerals Diplomacy: India says it has expanded critical mineral partnerships with countries including Zambia, aiming to secure reliable supplies for clean energy, semiconductors and defence. Digital Public Infrastructure: Zambia hosted IDEA 2026, where stakeholders urged standardised regional digital policies and interoperability to speed up cross-border digital services. HIV Prevention (Defence Health): CIDRZ trained senior Zambia Defence Force Medical Services leaders on lenacapavir injectable PrEP, targeting stronger rollout planning for twice-yearly HIV prevention. Conservation Tech in Zambia: Luangwa Valley conservationists fitted critically endangered white-backed vultures with solar-powered satellite transmitters to track movements and improve ecosystem protection. Election Tech & Trust: Zambia’s Electoral Commission confirmed the first ballot paper consignment arrived in Lusaka, dismissing claims of extra printing abroad and urging public verification. Mining & Value Addition: SADC Industrialisation Week in Durban pushed the case for beneficiation and regional value chains instead of exporting raw minerals. Ancient Tech Discovery: Archaeologists reported the earliest known wooden structure at Kalambo Falls in Zambia—476,000-year-old interlocking logs shaped with stone tools.

Inclusive Digitalization: Zambia hosted IDEA 2026 in Lusaka, where regional players urged standardised digital policies, interoperability frameworks, and cross-border connectivity to speed up digital transformation. Mining Data for Investment: Zimbabwe is rebuilding its geological database and modernising mining title administration to unlock exploration finance—an approach Zambia mining stakeholders will be watching closely. AI and Human Trafficking: Zambia’s Home Affairs warned that traffickers are using digital platforms and AI, calling on citizens to verify job and scholarship offers and citing strengthened laws and a new cyber security push. HIV Prevention Upgrade: CIDRZ trained senior defence health leaders on lenacapavir injectable PrEP to strengthen next-generation HIV prevention for Zambia’s military populations. Conservation Tech in Action: Solar-powered satellite tags are being fitted to critically endangered white-backed vultures in Zambia’s Luangwa Valley to map movements and improve ecosystem protection. Critical Minerals Partnerships: M2i Global signed a non-binding strategic collaboration with Evrensel Impact Group to identify and develop critical mineral projects across Africa. Election Logistics: Zambia’s Electoral Commission received the first ballot paper consignment in Lusaka and dismissed claims of extra printing abroad as misinformation. Ancient Tech Discovery: Archaeologists at Kalambo Falls reported a 476,000-year-old wooden structure shaped with tools—one of the earliest known wooden human builds.

Digital Travel Rules: South Africa is expanding its online immigration system and may introduce an R500 Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) fee, meaning some visa-exempt travellers could need pre-travel approval before entry. HIV Prevention Rollout: South Africa’s lenacapavir (LEN) twice-yearly injection is scaling fast, with 31,297 of Africa’s roughly 60,000 LEN users in the country and 98.5% of eligible people choosing the jab over daily pills. Regional Trade Tech: Mozambique awarded a 25-year PPP concession to Chinese firms to build and run a one-stop border post at Machipanda, aiming to cut delays on a key Beira corridor crossing. Zambia Connectivity Leadership: Paratus appointed Neill Nortje as Zambia Country Manager to expand enterprise connectivity, cloud services and data-centre-linked infrastructure. Youth, Democracy & Jobs: A 2026 African Youth Survey finds 73% back democracy but 56% say Western-style models don’t fit Africa—youth want jobs, accountability and stability. Climate & Health: A new study links climate change to shifting malaria risk across sub-Saharan Africa, with some hotspots easing while other regions face rising risk.

Telecom & Enterprise Growth: Paratus Zambia appoints Neill Nortje as Country Manager, aiming to expand network capacity, cloud services, data centres and enterprise connectivity, with a focus on improving local internet peering. Health Tech & Access: A large sub-Saharan Africa trial (PediCAP) finds children with severe pneumonia can safely switch from IV antibiotics to oral pills once improving, leaving hospital a day earlier without higher readmission or death risk. HIV Prevention Rollout: Lenacapavir PrEP continues scaling across Africa, with uptake rising but supply constraints emerging as countries push ambitious 2026 targets. AI for Good: The ITU launches an “AI for Good Lab” to help developing economies build responsible AI policy, skills and public AI infrastructure. Agriculture Inputs: Solidaridad Southern Africa joins the International Fertiliser Association as an affiliate member to strengthen soil health and sustainable plant nutrition partnerships. Supply Chain & Trade: Registrations open for Zambia-hosted Livingstone ASCON 2026, spotlighting industrialisation, technology innovation and AfCFTA trade opportunities. Mining & Value Addition: Zambia backs a Pan-African minerals and metals exchange idea to boost local value addition, tied to Hichilema’s broader resource reforms.

Traditional Medicine Policy: The Pan-African Parliament adopted resolutions pushing AU member states to create a “Model Law on Traditional Medicine,” covering research, licensing, quality assurance and protection of local knowledge—aiming to bring indigenous care into mainstream health systems. Telecom & AI Governance: Zambia’s Kezias Mwale was elected ATU Secretary-General (2027–2030), as African telecom leaders also urged unity and stronger participation in shaping global digital standards; meanwhile the ITU launched an “AI for Good Lab” to help developing economies build AI readiness, skills and public AI infrastructure. Zambia’s Energy Boost: ZESCO commissioned Chisamba solar II, doubling capacity to 200 MW, as Zambia targets more utility-scale solar and broader generation growth. Public Health & Training: Alcohol-reduction care using SBIRT showed durable results in a Zambia refugee settlement study, and tobacco policy advocates trained in Lagos to better monitor and counter tobacco industry interference. Tech & Business: Registrations opened for Zambia’s 2026 ASCON conference, while an ITU-backed AI initiative and a ChatBet-iSolutions partnership point to more practical, messaging-based tech adoption. Mining & Markets: First Quantum reported Q2 2026 results, and Zambia’s push for a pan-African minerals and metals exchange gained traction.

AI for Good: The ITU launched an AI for Good Lab in Geneva to help developing economies move from AI pilots to real national capacity—policy readiness, skills, and public AI infrastructure. Zambia Energy: ZESCO commissioned Chisamba II, doubling solar capacity to 200 MW and adding 1,400 jobs, as Zambia pushes toward more utility-scale solar. Mining & Trade: President Hichilema is backing a Pan-African minerals and metals exchange to boost local value addition, building on Zambia’s metals-trading links. Digital Governance: Angola is participating in COMESA’s IDEA 2026 forum in Lusaka, focusing on connectivity, e-governance, digital identity, and cybersecurity. Telecom Leadership: Zambia’s Mwale Kezias was elected ATU Secretary-General for 2027–2030, pledging to bridge the digital divide. Public Health (Zambia): A randomized trial in Mantapala refugee settlement found structured alcohol-reduction care (SBIRT) can deliver sustained cuts in alcohol use. Wildlife Tech: Satellite tracking is set to strengthen conservation for critically endangered vultures in Zambia’s Luangwa Valley. Conservation Innovation: Western Zambia leopards may be rebounding as communities shift from real skins to synthetic “Heritage Furs” for ceremonies. Business & Investment: ZDA says it recorded US$19bn in actualised investments since 2021, with ICT, mining, and manufacturing leading.

HIV Funding Shock: A KFF-UNAIDS report says donor governments cut HIV response funding by 25% from 2024 to 2025, with the U.S. driving most of the drop—fueling major service gaps as AIDS 2026 opens in Rio. PEPFAR Fallout: New studies tied to PEPFAR disruptions report 77,000 fewer children on HIV treatment and closure of 1,700 HIV service sites, with Zambia among the hardest-hit for prevention funding. Energy Resilience: ZESA says it’s preparing for El Niño impacts on Kariba by tightening water management and boosting Hwange Thermal generation. Climate Accountability: LSE’s Grantham Institute flags Zambia among first-time climate litigation filings, as climate cases rise globally and grow more complex. Digital Policy Leadership: Zambia’s Kezias Mwale was elected ATU Secretary-General, with Africa pushing affordable connectivity and AI development through new regional initiatives. Conservation Tech: Satellite tracking will monitor eight critically endangered vultures in Zambia’s Luangwa Valley to pinpoint threats like poisoning. Health Trial in Zambia: A randomized alcohol-reduction trial in Mantapala refugee settlement shows sustained reductions, using trained non-specialists under supervision. Green Industry Push: UN ECA workshop outcomes aim to help Southern Africa integrate climate action, tech transfer and renewable energy into industrial plans. Startup & Investment Signals: Zambia’s ZDA reports US$19bn in realized investments since 2021, while broader Africa startup funding shows signs of recovery.

Wildlife Tech for Conservation: IFAW and The Peregrine Fund say satellite tracking will help Zambia’s Luangwa Valley protect critically endangered vultures by spotting poisoning hotspots and mapping breeding and movement corridors. Investment & Industry: Zambia Development Agency reports US$19bn in actualised investments since 2021 (about 20% of US$97.07bn commitments), led by manufacturing and mining, with ICT, transport, energy and agriculture also pulling in capital. Digital Connectivity Policy: The African Telecommunications Union elected Zambia’s Kezias Mwale as Secretary-General (2027–2030) and adopted the Abuja Declaration pushing technology-neutral regulation, cheaper internet and smartphones, plus cybersecurity and digital inclusion. Mining Modernisation with AI: South Africa’s mining modernisation showcase highlights how AI can speed up discovery—citing KoBold Metals’ approach that digitised centuries of geology notes to target high-grade copper. Health Funding Shock (Zambia-linked): New AIDS 2026 findings say US PEPFAR disruptions closed 1,700 HIV service sites and cut pediatric treatment access, with Zambia among countries seeing sharp declines in prevention support. Agriculture Tech Push: Government plans to expand irrigation to 500,000 hectares by 2031, pairing it with mechanisation and e-voucher support for climate-smart inputs. Wildlife Return: Endangered Wildlife Trust says six cheetahs have been reintroduced to Zambia’s Greater Luangwa Ecosystem after 30+ years, aiming to rebuild a breeding population.

Green Industrialisation: UN ECA says Southern Africa must build stronger institutions, skills, innovation and coordinated policy to move from raw-material supply to green, inclusive industrialisation, with Zambia among countries validating climate-action-to-industry recommendations. Sanctions Evasion Tech: A report warns Iranian and Russian “shadow fleets” use fake websites mimicking African maritime registries to generate bogus documents and evade oil sanctions—urging better monitoring and cross-border information sharing. HIV Prevention Shock in Zambia: Ahead of AIDS 2026, new findings link PEPFAR disruption to 1,700 closed HIV service sites globally and 77,000 fewer children on treatment; Zambia’s health officials say prevention funding for PrEP and cabotegravir has vanished even as some treatment and lab support continues. Digital Connectivity Policy: ATU delegates adopted the 2026 Abuja Declaration to cut internet and smartphone costs via technology-neutral regulation, spectrum/fibre access, cybersecurity, and digital literacy—while Zambia’s Kezias Mwale was elected ATU Secretary-General. Irrigation + Ag Tech Push: Government plans to expand irrigation to 500,000 hectares by 2031, pairing it with mechanisation and climate-smart seeds plus scaling the e-voucher system. Postal Modernisation: Zambia is consulting on a new Postal and Courier Services Bill to replace the 2009 law and better regulate e-commerce and digital logistics, including rural access support. Conservation Tech Spotlight: Six cheetahs are reintroduced to Zambia’s Greater Luangwa after 30+ years, aiming to restart a breeding population and support community benefits.

AI & Elections: NWU’s Dr Seani Rananga developed a multilingual AI framework to detect misinformation in English, isiZulu and Sepedi—aimed at closing a major language gap in election and emergency monitoring. Connectivity Policy: African Telecommunications Union members adopted the 2026 Abuja Declaration on Meaningful Connectivity, pushing technology-neutral regulation, cheaper internet and smartphones, better spectrum/fibre access, and stronger cybersecurity plus digital literacy for women, youth and underserved groups; Zambia’s Kezias Mwale was elected ATU Secretary-General. Health Security: WHO and Africa CDC warn DRC’s Ebola response is strained by falling contact tracing (down to 56.5%), lab kit shortages, and cases spreading across borders. Zambia Digital/Logistics: Government concluded consultations on a new Postal and Courier Services Bill to modernise regulation for e-commerce and digital transformation. Agri Tech & Resilience: Zambia plans to expand irrigation to 500,000 hectares by 2031, pairing it with mechanisation and climate-smart seed support. Conservation: Six cheetahs were reintroduced to Zambia’s Greater Luangwa after 30+ years, backed by major conservation partners.

Digital Connectivity Policy: ATU member states adopted the 2026 Abuja Declaration on Meaningful Connectivity for Africa, pushing technology-neutral regulation, cheaper internet and smartphones, better spectrum/fibre access, and stronger consumer protection, cybersecurity, and digital literacy (with Zambia’s Kezias Mwale elected ATU Secretary-General). Agri Tech & Resilience: Zambia plans to expand irrigation development to 500,000 hectares by 2031, pairing it with mechanisation and climate-smart seed support via the e-voucher system. Health Tech & Access: The PACTS project reports major sickle cell care gains in Kumasi—patients can now access hydroxyurea, penicillin prophylaxis and transfusions across six facilities, with waiting times cut. Public Health Research: A PediCAP clinical trial finds children with severe community-acquired pneumonia can safely switch from injectable to oral antibiotics once improving, potentially reducing hospital stays. Conservation & Biodiversity: Six cheetahs have been reintroduced to Zambia’s Greater Luangwa Ecosystem after 30+ years, aiming to restart a breeding population. Postal & E-commerce Infrastructure: Zambia completed consultations on a new Postal and Courier Services Bill to modernise regulation for digital commerce and rural access.

Agriculture & Water Security: Government says it will expand irrigation development to 500,000 hectares by 2031, pairing the push with mechanisation and climate-smart seeds plus scaling the e-voucher system to protect farmers from worsening weather. Digital Connectivity: African states adopted the Abuja Declaration on Meaningful Connectivity, backing cheaper internet, affordable smartphones and technology-neutral rules, while Zambia’s Kezias Mwale was elected ATU Secretary-General. Health Tech & Access: The PACTS project reports major sickle cell gains in Kumasi—patients can now access hydroxyurea, penicillin prophylaxis and transfusions across six facilities, with waiting times cut sharply. Public Health Research: A large PediCAP trial finds children with severe community-acquired pneumonia can switch from injectable to oral antibiotics once improving, helping reduce hospital stays. Postal & E-commerce Infrastructure: Zambia has completed consultations for a Postal and Courier Services Bill to modernise regulation for a digital, e-commerce-driven sector. Conservation & Ecosystems: Six cheetahs have been reintroduced to Zambia’s Greater Luangwa ecosystem after more than 30 years away. Mining & Copper: Patriot Resources extends its Tonic copper discovery footprint by 5.5km and defines new drill-ready targets in Zambia’s Mumbwa-Kitumba corridor. Cyber & Data Governance: A new debate on “digital colonialism” highlights concerns that health and other aid deals may demand access to citizens’ data.

Health Security Boost: JICA, Noguchi and WHO strengthened infectious-disease lab capacity for African health professionals, including eight trainees from Zambia, through an online-to-hands-on programme at Ghana’s NMIMR labs. Child Health Research: A major PediCAP trial across hospitals in Zambia and other countries found children with severe pneumonia can switch from injectable to oral antibiotics once improving—potentially leaving hospital earlier. Postal & Courier Modernisation: Zambia’s Government concluded consultations on a new Postal and Courier Services Bill, 2026, to replace the 2009 Act and better regulate e-commerce logistics, consumer protection and rural access. Digital Tax Shift: Digitax reports e-invoicing is changing how revenue is captured in real time for large taxpayers, with Zambia included in its expansion plans. Agriculture Digitisation: Zambia is rolling out the Mulimi360 e-extension platform to modernise extension services and deliver timely farm information. Cyber & Justice Training: Eastern African prosecutors began a regional push to improve handling of crypto-related crime, including virtual asset cases and cross-border investigations. Zambia in the Spotlight (Tech/Policy): WHO is preparing a nationwide survey to assess access to neurological and mental health medicines across Zambia’s provinces.

Skills & Training: Zambia’s Ministry of Technology and Science says competence-based training and entrepreneurship are central to job creation, urging more practical skills via the Skills Development Fund. Education & Talent: Evelyn Hone College held its 59th graduation ceremony, reinforcing the push for market-ready skills. Accountability in Infrastructure: SANAC has challenged presidential candidate Brian Mundubile to explain alleged K1.5bn road contracts tied to firms he has interests in, demanding procurement and payment documents ahead of the Aug 13 election. Digital Agriculture: Government is rolling out the Mulimi360 e-extension platform to modernize extension services with timely farmer information, supported by partners including the EU. Health Systems & Medicines: WHO, with Zambia’s Ministry of Health, is preparing a nationwide survey to improve access to neurological and mental health medicines and services. Agriculture & Food Security: Shire Valley farmers in Malawi are looking at irrigation booms as climate shocks threaten staple production. Cyber & Justice: Eastern African prosecutors are training to tackle crypto crime, focusing on blockchain-linked investigations and court-ready virtual asset evidence. Energy & Connectivity: Zimbabwe’s Plumtree–Victoria Falls fibre upgrade is complete, while Zambia-linked regional infrastructure continues to be a major theme.

Agriculture Digital Push in Zambia: Zambia’s Ministry of Agriculture is modernising extension services with the Mulimi360 e-extension platform, aiming to give farmers timely, reliable info to boost climate resilience and food security. Health Access Survey: WHO and Zambia’s Ministry of Health are preparing a nationwide survey to map access to neurological and mental health medicines, including epilepsy and depression, across six provinces. Cybersecurity Partnership: Zambia is set to benefit from Cyber Shield 2026, strengthening cyber cooperation between North Carolina and Zambia. Education Tech via Industry: A Chinese mining firm helped build the Minsenga Secondary School in Kalulushi, giving rural learners closer access to education and a path toward engineering. AI and Data Sovereignty Debate: A major report warns “digital colonialism” is growing as the U.S. seeks access to Africans’ health data tied to aid deals, raising privacy and sovereignty concerns. Pneumonia Treatment Breakthrough: A large clinical trial finds children with severe pneumonia can safely switch from injectable to oral antibiotics as they recover, potentially reducing hospital stays in Zambia and other countries. Critical Minerals Warning: The WTO cautions that soaring demand for lithium, cobalt, nickel and rare earths could fuel conflict unless local processing and rule of law improve.

Mental Health Access Survey: WHO and Zambia’s Ministry of Health are preparing a nationwide survey to map availability, affordability and access to neurological and mental health medicines and services across six provinces, aiming to guide better procurement and policy for conditions like epilepsy, depression and bipolar disorder. Digital Agriculture: Government is rolling out the Mulimi360 e-extension platform to modernise agricultural extension, giving farmers timely information to boost climate resilience, food security and jobs. Health Tech for TB: A community-based FC‑SDS programme is deploying mobile TB screening trucks in Lusaka, Copperbelt and Southern Province, offering on-site chest X-ray screening and same-day sputum testing to speed diagnosis and treatment. Infrastructure & Transport: President Hakainde Hichilema inspected the Lusaka–Ndola dual carriageway, a major corridor expected to cut travel time, improve safety and lower transport costs. Cybersecurity Training: Zambia’s Air Force officer Col. Nkole Emmanuel Muyunda took part in Cyber Shield 2026, strengthening Zambia–North Carolina National Guard cyber cooperation. Cross-border Payments: eZi Remit and Mastercard expanded faster digital remittances to corridors including Zambia, improving access for diaspora and underserved users. Food Systems Policy: Zambia launched a National Food and Nutrition Security Policy, implementation plan and stunting reduction strategy to strengthen multi-sector action on nutrition and food security. Agriculture Irrigation Push: Shire Valley farmers in Chikwawa and Nsanje are looking to irrigation to move from rain-fed farming as floods and dry spells keep disrupting harvests.