AGP Executive Report

Water & Sanitation Policy: Vice-President Mutale Nalumango says Zambia has zero-rated tax on water treatment chemicals to cut costs for utilities and expand access to safe drinking water, while urging faster action on sanitation gaps at the 14th Zambia Water Forum and Exhibition (ZAWAFE). Workplace Safety Law: The Occupational Health and Safety Institute (OHSI) rolls out a nationwide sensitisation programme to boost compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act No. 16 of 2025, pushing safety as a productivity investment. Mining & Drilling: Shuka Minerals reports completion of its third drill hole at Kabwe’s No. 2 zinc orebody, returning 29.58% zinc over 19m, and starts a fourth hole to test extensions. Electricity & Finance: Zambia links sovereign bond buyback financing to a grid resilience programme, committing up to $275m over 15 years to modernise distribution networks. Agribusiness & Food Prices: ZACA welcomes mealie meal price reductions to around K220 in many areas, while a Livingstone couple’s cherry tomato agribusiness highlights growing peri-urban farming opportunities. Digital Economy: Airtel Zambia crosses $1bn market cap on the LuSE, signalling investor confidence as Zambia’s capital market matures. Critical Minerals Survey: Government begins a graphite research survey in Petauke to update geoscientific data and build local geologist capacity.

Bilateral Trade & Services: Zimbabwe’s Ambassador Charity Charamba urged local firms to seize new opportunities as Lusaka hosts a Zimbabwe–Zambia Services Business Mission (June 9–11), bringing agriculture, construction, engineering, tech and professional services players to Zambia. Energy & Finance: Zambia is linking sovereign debt management to power upgrades, using an AfDB-backed loan to buy back expensive bonds while committing up to US$275m over 15 years to modernise the electricity distribution network. Copper & Industrial Output: Jubilee Metals says Molefe Mine has restarted high-grade RoM deliveries to Sable refinery, targeting 6,000 tpm in June, 8,500 tpm by August and 10,000 tpm by October. Mining Policy: Zambia unveiled sweeping tax reforms for copper, moving toward a royalty regime aimed at boosting investment and supporting a 3Mt annual production target by 2031. Digital Sovereignty: Zambia signed an MoU with Huawei to build AI and national cloud infrastructure for digital government services, including a national data centre. Water & Sanitation: Government reaffirmed support for water and sanitation, including zero-rated tax on water treatment chemicals and reviews to strengthen governance and service delivery. Agribusiness Prices: Mealie meal prices reportedly fell to K220–K230 after a bumper harvest and a strengthening kwacha.

Food Prices & Supply: Mealie meal prices in Zambia have dropped to about K220–K230 nationwide after a bumper harvest, with millers citing lower maize costs, falling diesel, a stronger kwacha and supportive policy. Local Industry & Exports: Varichem Pharmaceuticals says capacity utilisation is now above 70% as it expands exports to Botswana, South Africa and Zambia, supported by over US$3m in plant and machinery upgrades. Mining & Industrialisation: Jubilee Metals has restarted run-of-mine deliveries from Molefe mine to the Sable refinery, lifting targeted throughput for June and beyond as it scales its mine-to-processing strategy. Copper Finance Watch: Vedanta’s CopperTech Metals IPO in the US faces scrutiny after auditors flagged “substantial doubt” over Konkola Copper Mines’ going-concern ability, even as Vedanta seeks to fund expansion. Digital Sovereignty: Zambia signed an MoU with Huawei to build AI and national cloud infrastructure for government services, including a national data centre to keep critical data in-country. Health Security: Zambia’s VP says the country is strengthening Ebola readiness despite no confirmed cases linked to the current DRC outbreak, citing cross-border movement and preparedness checks. Regional Trade Push: The Presidential Delivery Unit reports momentum behind Lobito Corridor investment opportunities spanning agriculture, energy, manufacturing and critical raw materials.

Digital Government & Sovereignty: Zambia signed an MoU with Huawei to use AI infrastructure for digital government services across 25 ministries, including co-investing in a national data centre to keep critical data stored locally as the country pushes digital ID and cloud rollout. NCD Care Strengthening: CIDRZ, the Ministry of Health and stakeholders reviewed progress under the PEN Plus programme, highlighting improved access to specialised care for severe and chronic non-communicable diseases and renewed plans to scale prevention, diagnosis and treatment. Ebola Preparedness & Supplies: WHO handed Zambia $22,000 in Ebola medical supplies (PPE, lab reagents and specimen transport materials) to strengthen detection and response, while the Vice President urged vigilance given cross-border movement and the outbreak situation in DRC and Uganda. Copper Finance Risk: Vedanta’s CopperTech Metals IPO filing flagged “going concern” doubts tied to Konkola Copper Mines’ losses, even as Vedanta targets $2.7bn for expansion and processing upgrades. Mining Local Content: Government reiterated that 2025 mining local content regulations (effective 1 Jan 2026) raise local procurement shares for Zambian firms and reserve non-core services for local suppliers. Agriculture & Climate Resilience: Commentary and reporting stress protecting Zambia’s agricultural gains through climate resilience investment as weather risks intensify. Election-Season Tensions: Mazabuka independent candidate Gary Nkombo alleged police cancelled his campaign launch and listed harassment claims ahead of the August 13 polls.

Energy & Debt-to-Power Link: Zambia is using a $600m AfDB loan plus its own funds to buy back $1.36bn sovereign bonds, tying the deal to up to $275m over 15 years for a Grid Resilience Programme to modernise electricity distribution. Mining & Local Supply: New 2025 mining local content rules (effective 1 Jan 2026) push core procurement toward Zambian-owned firms (20% rising to 40%) and reserve non-core services for locals, with claims of major spend with Zambian suppliers. Copper Project Update: London-listed UMR says legal documentation for its Klein Aub copper acquisition in Namibia is nearing completion by end-June, while it tests a low-capex heap-leaching approach similar to Zambia operations. Ebola Preparedness Support: WHO delivered $22,000 in medical supplies to Zambia, including PPE and lab reagents, to strengthen detection and response as DRC and Uganda report cases. Agri-Industry & Growth: Omnia reported stronger earnings and boosted dividends, citing improved performance across agriculture and mining businesses. Trade Corridors Watch: Coverage highlights how new Afro-Asian and Indian Ocean trade routes (including Tanzania’s Bagamoyo Port plans and rail links) could reshape regional logistics for Zambia-bound trade. Energy Sustainability Concern: A study warns biomass cooking in Zambia and other countries is driving forest loss as urban demand intensifies rural extraction.

Ebola Readiness: WHO handed Zambia a $22,000 medical supplies package (PPE, lab reagents, specimen transport) to strengthen detection and testing as the DRC/ Uganda outbreak threat grows. Energy & Governance: Energia appointed Tai Oshisanya as an independent non-executive director, boosting board oversight with decades of energy and finance leadership. ICT & Connectivity: Zambia’s AI push is gaining momentum as more countries, including Zambia, roll out national AI strategies under the AU framework—aiming for ethical use, skills, and investment. Trade & Infrastructure Thinking: A new analysis highlights how alternative trade corridors could reshape regional commerce, with Tanzania’s Bagamoyo port and the Zambia–Tanzania rail revival flagged as key links. Industry & Costs: Tiger Brands warns of possible price pressure ahead as fuel, logistics and input costs squeeze manufacturers, with some categories likely to pass costs to consumers. Local Development Finance: Government released an extra K500m CDF, bringing 2026 disbursements to K2.2bn, funding thousands of projects including classrooms, health posts and boreholes.

AI–Energy Nexus: A new analysis argues AI’s boom is inseparable from mining and power build-out, spotlighting uranium and copper as the “foundations of intelligence,” as data centres drive demand for baseload energy. Fuel & Cost Pressure: Rising global fuel prices are squeezing household budgets and pushing manufacturers to consider selective price hikes as logistics and input costs stay elevated. Zambia Local Governance & Jobs: Government has released additional Constituency Development Fund support, with K500m more disbursed, bringing 2026 totals to K2.2bn and funding thousands of projects including classrooms, health posts and boreholes. Mining & Environment: World Environment Day coverage renews calls for tougher action on mining pollution in Kabwe, where lead exposure continues to endanger children and residents. ICT Exports: Malawi’s push to scale ICT services exports across Africa is highlighted, with digital firms positioning themselves to earn forex through regional demand. Humanitarian Logistics: DHL launches the DHL Academy of Humanitarian Logistics to train local responders on customs, safety and dangerous goods handling. Sports (Regional): Zimbabwe’s Mighty Warriors reach the Four Nations final after a 3-1 win over Lesotho in Ndola, with Zambia hosting the tournament.

Tourism & Trade: Zambia’s Travel Expo (ZATEX) opened with President Hakainde Hichilema urging intra-Africa tourism, better air links and joint bids for major events, targeting 2.5m visitors and $1bn in receipts by 2026. Local Governance & Infrastructure: Government released an extra K500m for the Constituency Development Fund, taking 2026 disbursements to K2.2bn, with projects across 116 local authorities including classrooms, health posts and boreholes. Energy & Water Management: Zambezi River Authority (ZRA) joined the International Hydropower Association to strengthen dam safety and standards as it advances Kariba rehabilitation and the Batoka Gorge scheme. ICT & Services Exports: Sparc Systems unveiled a blueprint to scale Malawi’s ICT services exports across Africa, citing growth from about $70m (2020) to $154m (2023). Humanitarian Logistics: DHL launched the DHL Academy of Humanitarian Logistics to train local responders in customs, dangerous goods handling, packaging and safety. Agriculture & Skills: Government launched the Presidential Irrigation Initiative for Schools to boost food security, support school feeding and strengthen STEM and practical farming skills. Mining & Environment: World Environment Day coverage spotlights mining pollution impacts in Zambia, especially in Kabwe, calling for tougher action against polluters.

Constituency Development Fund Boost: Government released an extra K500m for the CDF, taking 2026 disbursements to K2.2bn (about a third of the year’s total), with funds already sent to all 116 local authorities for approved projects—supporting classrooms, health posts, maternity annexes and boreholes. Tourism & Jobs Push: President Hichilema used ZATEX 2026 to stress tourism as a diversification engine, targeting 2.5m visitors and US$1bn revenue, with road upgrades to key parks and a drive for better air connectivity. Irrigation for Food Security & Skills: Government launched the Presidential Irrigation Initiative for Schools, linking irrigation to STEM and entrepreneurship while strengthening school feeding sustainability. Mining & Power Governance: ZRA joined the International Hydropower Association, aiming to raise technical standards as it advances Kariba rehabilitation and the Batoka Gorge project. ICT Exports & Forex: Malawi’s Sparc Systems says ICT services exports rose from US$70m (2020) to US$154m (2023), arguing for faster scaling to ease forex pressure. Humanitarian Logistics Training: DHL Academy of Humanitarian Logistics launched to train local responders in customs, dangerous goods handling, safety and packaging.

Mining & Health Justice: World Environment Day spotlighted Kabwe’s lead pollution, where children and workers face long-term harm as mining and processing licences continue to operate with limited action on polluters. Green Growth Regulation: Zambia’s ZEMA approved 103 development projects across mining, energy, manufacturing, infrastructure, agriculture and tourism, including solar power, plastic recycling, used oil and end-of-life tyres recovery, plus road upgrades. Energy for Industry: ZCCM-IH signed up to build a 600MW coal plant with Chinese firm Wonderful Group Services to ease Zambia’s power shortfall and protect mining output targets. Power & Mining Infrastructure: Koryx Copper advanced the Haib Copper Project with a NamPower grid connection MoU and plans for water supply, aiming to power operations via a hybrid of grid electricity and solar. Agri-Food Skills: Government launched the Presidential Irrigation Initiative for Schools to boost food security, STEM learning and school feeding sustainability through hands-on irrigation training. Tech & Data Centres: Smart Hands Africa became an authorised Supermicro services partner, expanding installation, support and maintenance for server and data-centre infrastructure across Zambia and other African markets. Trade & Services Push: Zimbabwean firms will visit Zambia for a services business mission in Lusaka to grow exports in agriculture services and construction-related work. Tourism & Diversification: ZATEX opened with President Hichilema urging intra-Africa tourism cooperation, targeting 2.5m visitors and $1bn revenue, while Zambia and Zimbabwe framed tourism as “co-opetition.” Public Health Delivery: CIDRZ is strengthening Zambia’s national TB response with community-based screening and mobile TB trucks in multiple provinces through September 2026.

Copper & Power Security: ZCCM-IH has agreed a deal with Wonderful Group Services to build a 600MW coal plant in two phases (300MW first), aimed at cutting Zambia’s peak-demand shortfall and easing reliance on hydropower. Mining Policy: Zambia has extended the 10% copper concentrate export tax suspension to September 30, covering up to 271,742 tonnes to relieve smelter bottlenecks during maintenance. Energy Transition Minerals: SADC launched a five-year push to keep energy-transition minerals value in the region, targeting beneficiation, jobs and skills across DRC, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Green Industry Approvals: ZEMA approved 103 development projects, including 300MW solar, Lusaka plastic and tile plants, and recycling facilities in Kalumbila, plus upgrades to the Chipata–Chadiza road. Trade & Finance: Afreximbank appointed Peter Olowononi as Southern Africa director of regional operations, while AfDB approved a $125m equity boost to trade insurer ATIDI to expand risk insurance for cross-border commerce. Digital Connectivity: MTN Zambia and Huawei completed a multi-band 5G indoor upgrade at Mulungushi International Conference Centre, signalling wider indoor 5G scaling. Regional Business Links: Zambia’s Korea-Africa meeting push continues as officials engage Korean investors around trade, industrialisation and digital transformation. Services Exports: Zimbabwe’s ZimTrade plans a Lusaka mission (June 9–11) to grow services exports in agriculture and construction-related sectors.

Nuclear & Health Safety: Regional health regulators met in Nairobi to strengthen safe use of nuclear and radiation technologies in healthcare, with Zambia among participating countries. Mining & Capital Markets: Vedanta’s CopperTech Metals filed for a New York IPO, aiming to fund exploration and expand Konkola Copper Mines; Jubilee Metals’ Roan concentrator also resumed full operations after maintenance, targeting 30,000 tonnes/month. Copper Policy: Zambia extended the 10% export duty waiver on copper concentrates to September 30 to ease stockpiles while smelters remain under maintenance. Energy & Resilience: ZESCO hinted at possible power disruptions linked to El Niño and urged citizens to invest in backup solar and net metering. Environment & Industry Permits: ZEMA approved 103 development projects, including 300MW solar and Lusaka manufacturing and recycling plants. Agriculture & Food Security: The Office of the Vice President’s Resettlement Division began harvesting maize at Kanakantapa, targeting 700+ bags for the Food Reserve Agency. Trade Finance: AfDB backed ATIDI with a US$125m equity boost to expand trade, credit and political risk insurance across Africa. Humanitarian Logistics: DHL launched the DHL Academy of Humanitarian Logistics to train local responders in customs, safety and aid delivery efficiency. Currency Watch: The kwacha strengthened into the K17 bracket as copper earnings, harvest expectations and debt management support inflows. Agri-Industrial Investment: Serbian FPM Agromehanika plans to open a Lusaka plant to assemble agricultural machinery and export across Southern Africa.

Mining & Processing Relief: Zambia extended the 10% export duty suspension on copper concentrates to September 30, covering 271,742 tonnes as smelters stay under maintenance—giving Mopani, Lumwana, First Quantum and Chinese-linked operators time to clear stockpiles. Currency Watch: The kwacha pushed further into the K17 bracket, breaking below K18 as copper earnings, a bumper harvest outlook and improved debt management boosted forex inflows. Copper Producer Update: Jubilee Metals restarted full Roan concentrator operations in Ndola after May maintenance, commissioning a new fine concentrate dewatering circuit and targeting 30,000 tonnes/month. Agriculture Momentum: ATPSUZ hailed a projected bumper maize harvest of about 5 million tonnes for 2025/26, while SeedCo Zambia reported exporting 15,000 tonnes of seed to East Africa. Humanitarian Logistics Skills: DHL launched the DHL Academy of Humanitarian Logistics (DAHL) across Sub-Saharan Africa to train local aid responders on customs, safety and faster delivery. Mining Finance & Growth: Tertiary Minerals raised £1m to fund drilling at its Zambian silver discovery, aiming for a maiden JORC resource by end-2026. Digital Credit: Nedbank and Jumo rolled out AI-powered Quick Loans to expand access to short-term credit. Energy & Industry Skills: REA handed over 85 rural electrification projects worth K463m to Zesco, supporting wider access for schools, health and enterprise. Uranium Market Signal: Atomic Eagle upgraded to OTCQX in a bid to attract North American investors as nuclear demand narratives strengthen.

Kwacha Rally: The kwacha strengthened to K17.9 per US dollar, supported by Bank of Zambia-linked foreign exchange inflows from mining and foreign financial institutions. Copper Export Relief: Zambia extended a 10% duty suspension on copper concentrate exports to 30 September 2026 to clear smelter stockpiles during maintenance, with quotas benefiting firms including Mopani and Lumwana. Mining Finance & Listings: Vedanta’s CopperTech Metals filed for a New York IPO to fund Konkola Copper Mines expansion, while Barrick weighs a London listing for Africa assets. Power for Rural Growth: REA handed over 85 rural electrification projects worth K463m to Zesco, targeting initial connections for 15,232 households. Agriculture Exports: SeedCo Zambia exported 15,000 seed units to East Africa (June–Nov 2025), reinforcing Zambia’s role in regional food supply. Regional Critical Minerals: UN ECA launched a €15m SADC project to strengthen responsible, decarbonised critical minerals value chains across member states including Zambia. Education & Compliance: GTEC flagged 70 unrecognised tertiary institutions across countries, including Zambia, warning the public to verify accreditation before enrolling. Trade Pressure: Reports say Zambia’s trade deficit widened as exports slump, raising pressure on earnings and planning.

Critical Minerals & Value Addition: UN ECA launched a €15m, five-year SADC project in Lusaka to build environmentally and socially responsible, decarbonised critical minerals value chains—moving countries from extraction to industrial production and jobs. Copper Market & Investment Pipeline: Vedanta’s CopperTech Metals (Konkola Copper Mines in Zambia) filed for a US IPO, aiming to ride rising copper demand tied to AI, data centres and electrification; meanwhile Vedanta’s Konkola Copper Mines began a 60-day Nchanga smelter maintenance shutdown, with potential supply and sulphuric acid tightness. Power & Rural Electrification: REA handed over 85 grid extension projects worth K463m to Zesco, targeting initial connections for 15,232 households. Agribusiness & Industrial Inputs: Zambia’s maize surplus outlook is being positioned for exports and for livestock, poultry and aquaculture feed—while FPM Agro Mechanic starts assembling farm equipment in Lusaka to serve Zambia and neighbouring markets. Regional Cooperation: SADC renewed the fisheries surveillance board leadership, keeping focus on tackling illegal fishing and improving vessel registers.

Energy & Industry: ZCCM-IH and Wonderful Group sealed a US$30m lime and cement push, while ZCCM-IH also backs a 600MW thermal power plan with Wonderful to ease Zambia’s power crunch and protect mining and manufacturing output. Debt & Markets: Eurobond holders are challenging Zambia’s US$1.36bn buyback, warning the tender terms could trigger a “clean-up call” and limit future upside. Copper Operations: Vedanta’s Konkola Copper Mines has started a 60-day Nchanga smelter shutdown for maintenance, with wider plant downtime raising concerns for copper and sulphuric acid supply. Agribusiness & Exports: Zambia’s maize outlook is strong at about 5m tonnes, with officials saying a surplus could be exported once reserves and industrial needs are met; Lusaka District also received a FRA purchase target for grade A white maize. Agri-Equipment Investment: FPM Agro Mechanic is setting up an assembly plant in Lusaka South Multi-Facility Economic Zone to serve local farmers and export across the region. Food & Livestock Value Chain: Poultry production stayed steady in 2026 Q1, helped by stable maize and lower soyacake prices, underscoring maize’s role as an industrial feed input. Mining Safety: Two illegal miners died after a pit collapse in Choma, as authorities renew pressure against unsafe illegal operations.