AGP Executive Report

STEM in Zambia: Merck and the University of Zambia’s Curiosity Cube™ brought hands-on synthetic biology lessons to 447 students across Lusaka and beyond, using Cubelets and magnetic puzzles to spark future STEM careers. Rural electrification: Zambia’s Rural Electrification Authority handed over 85 completed grid extension projects worth K463m to Zesco, targeting initial connections for 15,232 households. Health tech for TB: CIDRZ presented findings on reflex MTB/XDR testing in Zambia, showing 8.5% drug-resistant TB among confirmed cases and that many would be missed by rifampicin-only approaches. Education finance: HELSB recovered over K1.01bn in student loan repayments from former public university students (2018–2026), citing digitised processes and more flexible repayment terms. Critical minerals push: UN ECA launched a €15m SADC project in Lusaka to strengthen environmentally and socially responsible, decarbonised critical minerals value chains across the region. Digital rights in Zambia: Zambia postponed RightsCon, citing “national values” and “broader public interest,” amid claims of foreign interference. Higher education warning (Ghana, incl. Zambia-listed): Ghana’s GTEC flagged 70 unrecognised tertiary institutions operating across multiple countries, urging students to verify accreditation before enrolling.

Critical Minerals & Energy Transition: UN ECA launched a €15m, five-year project in Lusaka to strengthen environmentally and socially responsible critical minerals value chains across SADC, aiming to move countries from extraction to value addition. Rural Power Rollout: Zambia’s Rural Electrification Authority handed over 85 completed K463m grid extension projects to Zesco, targeting initial connections for 15,232 households. National AI Capacity: Zambia and Huawei signed an MoU to build a National AI Data Centre and train 5,000 ICT professionals, pushing local skills for the next wave of digital services. Student Finance: HELSB recovered over K1.01bn in student loans from former public university students (2018–2026), citing improved recovery systems and digitised applications, with plans to consider extending loans to private universities. Health Tech & Diagnostics: CIDRZ presented findings on reflex MTB/XDR testing in Zambia, highlighting faster detection of drug-resistant TB beyond rifampicin-only approaches. Humanitarian Tech & Care: A Chinese medical team donated supplies and provided free care to refugees in Lusaka via a UNHCR outreach programme. Clean Cooking Finance: AfDB announced a new clean cooking programme to support about one million households across Africa and cut millions of tonnes of CO2.

China-Africa People-to-People: A viral “Song of Chambishi” spotlights Zambian miners and the Sino-Zambian NFC Africa Mining joint venture’s jobs and infrastructure push. Humanitarian Health: A 26th Chinese medical team donated supplies and delivered free care to refugees at Lusaka’s Makeni Refugee Transit Centre with UNHCR ahead of World Refugee Day. Student Finance: HELSB says it has recovered over K1.01bn in loans from former public university students (2018–2026), with digitised applications and more flexible repayment terms. STEM Outreach: Merck’s Curiosity Cube™ brought hands-on synthetic biology lessons to Pretoria schools, aiming to spark STEM careers. Ebola Preparedness: Africa CDC warns that lack of licensed tools for the Bundibugyo strain and intense cross-border movement put Zambia and neighbours at high risk. Social Protection Policy: Zambia’s Ministry calls for resilient social protection systems across Africa to tackle poverty, shocks and public health emergencies. Energy & Power: Zambia is pushing for practical Korea-Africa cooperation beyond pledges, while ZCCM-IH backs a 600MW thermal plant to shore up baseload power. Rural Connectivity: Government begins K230m feeder roads in Rufunsa and Luangwa under a World Bank-supported project. Youth SRHR: CIDRZ trained peer educators to integrate SRHR and CBIM approaches in schools and communities.

Zambia–Korea Talks: Zambia is pushing South Korea to turn pledges into action, asking for financing, industrial investment and tech partnerships as Seoul expands Africa engagement, with Lusaka pointing to critical minerals and green growth opportunities. Energy Security: ZCCM-IH has agreed terms for a 600MW thermal power plant in Sinazongwe to cut Zambia’s baseload gap and reduce drought-linked hydro risk, with development in phases. Rural Connectivity: Government has started feeder roads worth K230m in Rufunsa and Luangwa under a World Bank-backed rural connectivity project, alongside community works like boreholes and bus shelters. Digital Fraud Watch: South Africa tops the region for suspected digital fraud rates, with generative AI expected to boost the scale and sophistication of scams—an urgent reminder for Zambia’s online safety push. Ebola Risk Alert: Africa CDC warns that lack of licensed vaccines for the Bundibugyo strain and heavy cross-border movement could drive wider Ebola spread, listing Zambia among high-risk countries. Health Research Funding: Zambia will benefit from a new Thanzi Programme grant to expand health systems research and policy capacity, linking universities and ministries across Southern and Eastern Africa. Education Integrity: Zambia is mentioned in a wider regional warning after Ghana’s tertiary regulator flagged 70 unrecognised institutions, urging due diligence on qualifications.

Rural Connectivity Boost: Zambia has started building 119.2km of feeder roads in Rufunsa and Luangwa worth K230m under the World Bank-backed Improved Rural Connectivity Project, with completion targeted for December 2026 and added community works like boreholes, toilets, markets and bus shelters. Energy Security Push: ZCCM-IH has agreed terms to develop a 600MW thermal power plant in Sinazongwe, investing US$54.2m for 30% equity in a project aimed at easing Zambia’s ~1,400MW baseload deficit, with phased coal capacity and a planned coal mine. Power Transition Context: Across Africa, industry leaders say solar and wind are overtaking coal and large hydropower as the fastest, cheapest way to add generation—backed by a Zambia-China energy deal that includes solar, wind and coal components. AI Skills and Infrastructure: Zambia and Huawei signed an MoU to build a national AI data centre and train 5,000 ICT professionals, pushing local capacity for the AI era. Public Health & Community Training: CIDRZ trained peer educators to strengthen SRHR and HIV prevention through the ViiV-funded ABYM project, equipping facilitators for schools and communities. Higher Ed Warning: Zambia should also watch the wider region’s education quality alerts—GTEC in Ghana warned the public about 70 unrecognised institutions, underscoring the need for due diligence on qualifications. Ebola Risk Alert: Africa CDC warned that lack of licensed vaccines for the Bundibugyo Ebola strain plus intense cross-border movement could drive regional spread, with Zambia listed among high-risk countries.

AI & Skills in Zambia: Zambia and Huawei signed an MoU to build a National AI Data Centre and train 5,000 ICT professionals by 2028, with AI planned across all 25 government ministries to improve service delivery. Renewables Push: A China–Zambia energy deal points to faster solar and wind build-outs (with some coal for baseload), reflecting Africa’s shift toward cheaper, quicker power plus battery storage. Clean Power for Rural Zambia: Simba New Materials Technology donated solar mini-grid equipment worth US$350,000 to Kaumbwe—49kW solar with 130kWh storage for nine schools and five health centres. Digital Inclusion & Climate Reporting: IHS Towers published its 2025 Sustainability Report, citing a 21% emissions cut and large-scale STEM training that included Zambia. Health Data Governance: A continent-wide debate is heating up over health-data sovereignty and governance—Zambia is cited as having raised concerns before delaying a US health agreement. Ebola Preparedness at Borders: Nakonde intensified screening and hygiene measures despite Zambia reporting no confirmed Ebola cases. Mining & Copper Outlook: Prospect Resources’ Zambia Mumbezhi project update highlights copper growth and resilience as markets watch the copper–energy nexus. Policy & Tech in Public Life: Zambia’s election-era pushback against banning songs argues digital access makes traditional restrictions ineffective.

Renewable Power Push: A new Associated Press report says Africa’s next wave of power is increasingly solar, wind and battery storage—faster and cheaper than coal or big dams—highlighted by a $1.5bn China–Zambia energy deal covering 300MW solar, wind and coal projects. Zambia–Huawei AI Skills & Data: SMART Zambia and Huawei signed an MoU to build a National AI Data Centre and train 5,000 ICT professionals by 2028, with plans to roll out AI-powered services across government ministries. Solar for Rural Services: Zambia’s Ministry of Energy welcomed a Chinese donation of solar mini-grid equipment for Kaumbwe (Petauke), including PV plus battery storage to power schools and rural health centres. Ebola Readiness at Borders: In Nakonde, Muchinga, health officials intensified Ebola surveillance with stronger screening, hygiene and cross-border coordination, despite Zambia reporting no confirmed cases. Mining Tech & Energy Economics: Mining-focused analysis points to a “value disconnect” in copper projects and a growing push to power mines with new energy approaches, including small modular reactors. Policy Debate in Tech & Media: Zambia’s election song-broadcast ban is challenged as outdated in the digital age, where people can access music via phones, streaming and social media.

Renewables Push: Africa’s power pipeline is shifting fast toward solar, wind and battery storage, with Zambia named in a China–Zambia US$1.5bn energy deal covering 300MW solar, wind and coal-fired projects—aimed at faster, cheaper supply than big dams. Digital AI Skills: Zambia and Huawei signed an MoU for a National AI Data Centre and training for 5,000 ICT professionals by 2028, with AI-powered services planned across all 25 ministries. Clean Power for Rural Services: A Chinese firm donated solar mini-grid equipment worth US$350,000 to Kaumbwe (Petauke), targeting nine schools and five rural health centres with PV plus battery storage. Ebola Preparedness: Nakonde (Muchinga) intensified border screening and hygiene protocols despite Zambia reporting no confirmed Ebola cases, due to regional travel links. Tech & Policy Debate: A Zambia election-related push to ban certain songs drew criticism as outdated in the digital age, where people can access music via phones, streaming and social media. Uranium Update (Zambia): Atomic Eagle raised its Muntanga uranium resource estimate by 24% to 58.8Mlb U₃O₈ and plans a major drilling campaign. Energy Access Framing: AfDB-linked coverage argues electricity must power jobs and livelihoods, not just lightbulbs.

Zambia–Huawei AI Push: SMART Zambia and Huawei signed an MoU to build a National AI Data Centre and train 5,000 ICT professionals by 2028, with plans to roll out AI-powered services across all 25 government ministries. Ebola Readiness at the Border: In Nakonde, Muchinga, the Ministry of Health stepped up Ebola surveillance at the border, strengthening screening, monitoring, and hygiene while confirming Zambia has no lab-confirmed cases. Solar for Rural Schools and Clinics: Simba New Materials Technology donated solar mini-grid equipment worth US$350,000 to Kaumbwe (Petauke), including PV plus energy storage to power nine schools and five rural health centres. Digital Skills and Innovation Ecosystems: CIDRZ recognised staff for innovation and workforce excellence during Labour Day, reinforcing Zambia’s push to build future-ready health and research talent. Regional Tech Context: Tunisia’s generative AI adoption reached 13.5% of its working-age population, ranking 8th in Africa—Zambia sits close behind at 13.1% in the same report. Energy Access Beyond Lighting: AfDB-linked discussions at Mission 300 focus on productive use of electricity, not just household connections, as leaders push power to drive jobs and livelihoods.

AI & Skills Push: Zambia and Huawei signed an MoU to build a National AI Data Centre and train 5,000 ICT professionals by 2028, with plans to roll out AI-powered services across all 25 government ministries. Renewable Energy in Rural Schools & Clinics: A Chinese firm donated solar mini-grid equipment worth US$350,000 to Kaumbwe (Petauke), including PV plus energy storage to power nine schools and five rural health centres. Parliament Leads by Example (Solar): Ghana’s Parliament plans to install solar panels at its enclave as part of a shift from renewable-energy awareness to practical action. Hydropower Collaboration: Zambia’s Zambezi River Authority joined the International Hydropower Association, strengthening regional cooperation on sustainable hydropower and projects like Kariba rehabilitation and Batoka Gorge preparations. Digital Regulation & Safety: ZICTA held a Mbala stakeholder meeting to warn residents about online fraud and misuse of social media, reinforcing consumer protection in Zambia’s ICT space. Uranium Update (Zambia): Atomic Eagle reported a 24% jump in uranium resources at its Muntanga project in Zambia, now standing at 58.8Mlb U3O8, alongside an expanded drilling push. Energy Access Beyond Lighting: At AfDB meetings, leaders stressed that electricity must power jobs and livelihoods, not just homes, as new productive-use energy efforts gain momentum.

Helium & Uranium in Zambia: Atomic Eagle says its Muntanga uranium resource in Zambia jumped 24% to 58.8Mlb U₃O₈, and it’s gearing up for a major 30,000m drill push; meanwhile Noble Helium outlines its Tanzania “green helium” drill plan in Rift Valley rocks, aiming for gas on logs and samples for third-party certification. Renewables & energy policy: Ghana’s Parliament plans to install solar panels to move from awareness to action on clean energy; Zambia’s Smart Zambia and Huawei signed an MoU for a National AI Data Centre and training 5,000 ICT professionals by 2028; and Parliament to install solar panels is also flagged as part of a wider renewable push. ICT regulation & consumer safety: ZICTA is stepping into Mbala to warn users about online fraud and misuse of social platforms, reinforcing its consumer protection mandate. Hydropower governance: Zambia’s Zambezi River Authority joins the International Hydropower Association to strengthen sustainable hydropower development and basin-wide collaboration. AI & chips: Huawei’s semiconductor chief promotes a new “Tau Scaling Law” approach focused on signal delay optimization, raising the question of whether Africa becomes a participant in the shifting chip landscape. Health innovation: Zambia-linked STI research highlights higher NG burden in priority groups and calls for routine point-of-care NAAT screening plus AMR surveillance integration.

Zambia’s AI push: Smart Zambia and Huawei signed an MoU to co-invest in a National AI Data Centre and train 5,000 ICT professionals by 2028, aiming to speed up AI-powered public services across all 25 ministries. Renewables on the ground: NRDC commissioned a 22MW solar plant (with 2MW for its own operations) under the Presidential Solar Initiative, boosting grid supply and practical agricultural training. Critical minerals strategy: Zambia will strengthen its critical minerals strategy (2024–2028) with more value addition, partnerships, and better geological mapping to improve investment decisions. Energy storage for bankability: AFSIA says battery storage is becoming key to making solar projects financeable across Africa, with Zambia flagged among markets where regulation is evolving. Copperbelt industry revival: ZCCM-IH and Wonderful Group will invest $30m to restart Ndola lime and cement production via a new JV, starting with a 600 t/d lime plant. Digital consumer protection: ZICTA held a Mbala stakeholders’ meeting to warn users about online fraud and misuse, reinforcing its consumer affairs mandate. Ebola alert region-wide: WHO urged an immediate ceasefire in eastern DRC as suspected Ebola cases near 1,000, while Russia tightened border health checks. Global tech policy: Africa’s biggest economies admitted heavy dependence on US Big Tech in draft AI strategies, pushing for stronger data sovereignty and better terms.

AI & Digital Transformation: Smart Zambia and Huawei signed an MoU to co-invest in a National AI Data Centre and train 5,000 ICT professionals by 2028, with plans to roll out AI-powered public services across all 25 government ministries. Energy Transition: Zambia is set to strengthen its renewables push as a 22MW solar plant at NRDC (commissioned March 24) feeds the grid and supports agriculture training, labs and irrigation under the Presidential Solar Initiative. Critical Minerals Strategy: Government says Zambia will update its critical minerals strategy (2024–2028) to boost value addition, partnerships and responsible mining, including stronger geological mapping to improve investment decisions. Mining Industry Revival: ZCCM-IH and Wonderful Group will invest $30m to restart Ndola lime and cement production through a new JV, starting with a 600t/day lime plant in phases. Agriculture Tech & Food Security: Zambia projects 4.9 million metric tonnes of maize for 2025/26, aiming for a 10 million mt national target by 2031, with surplus expected for regional trade. Health Innovation: Zambia is among countries expected to attend HIFest 2026 in Accra (June 4–6), focused on youth-led health tech and scaling prototypes with investors and mentors. Cyber & Consumer Protection: ZICTA’s consumer affairs push in Mbala urged the public to be careful on social media as online fraud and misuse keep rising. Uranium Spotlight: Atomic Eagle’s Muntanga uranium project in Zambia is in focus after releasing a feasibility study with a maiden ore reserve and mine-life estimates.

AI & ICT Skills: Smart Zambia and Huawei signed an MoU to back a National AI Data Centre and train 5,000 ICT professionals by 2028, aiming to speed up AI-powered public services across Zambia’s ministries. Critical Minerals Strategy: Zambia will strengthen its critical minerals strategy to move from extraction to value addition, with priorities including better geological mapping and responsible mining partnerships. Renewable Power Push: NRDC commissioned a 22MW solar plant (20MW to the grid, 2MW for college operations) under the Presidential Solar Initiative, boosting training, research and irrigation capacity. Energy Transition Context: A wider Africa-wide report highlights a shift toward solar, wind and battery storage, including a China–Zambia $1.5bn deal with solar, wind and coal components. Industrial Revival: ZCCM-IH and Wonderful Group will invest $30m to revive Ndola lime production via a new integrated lime and cement JV. Food Tech & Planning: Zambia projects 4.9m metric tonnes of maize for 2025/26, supporting a push toward a 10m target by 2031. Ebola Watch: Russia says it has tightened border health checks amid Africa’s Ebola outbreak, while risks of spread are assessed as low.

Health Data & Privacy Clash: Liberia’s civil society is raising alarms over a $176m US–Liberia health compact signed in Dec 2025, saying it lacks transparency and sidelines key maternal health services, while critics point to data-sharing demands that other African states—including Ghana and Zambia—rejected. Ebola Spillover Watch: Western Uganda’s outbreak risk is being linked to human–bat contact near the DRC border, with experts warning current vaccines and treatments may not fully cover the Bundibugyo strain. Energy Shift in Africa: A new wave of power deals is pushing solar, wind and battery storage to the front, with a China–Zambia package (announced early May) mixing solar, wind and coal for faster, cheaper supply. Ukraine–Africa Push: Ukraine says it will open an embassy in Zambia and a consulate in Cape Town as it seeks to boost trade beyond the pre-war $6.7bn mark. Zambia Tech & Politics: NHP rules out backing UPND, while Zambia launches the 2026 Zambia Mobile Congress with Huawei to accelerate AI and digital transformation.

Digital Push: Zambia’s Vice President Mutale Nalumango has launched the 2026 Zambia Mobile Congress with Huawei, betting on AI, cloud, 5G and better broadband so the “farmer in Lundazi” and “nurse in Mansa” can benefit from the digital economy. Food Security: Government projects a 2025/2026 maize harvest of 4.9 million metric tonnes grain (up from 3.8m last season), with seed allocation also outlined after the crop forecasting survey. Diplomacy & Tech Links: Ukraine says President Zelenskyy is open to meetings with African leaders and dialogue with the African Union, and it’s planning an embassy in Zambia plus a consulate in Cape Town—part of a wider push to expand trade and missions. Health Tech in Practice: CIDRZ presented clinical validation of a disposable, centrifuge-free plasma separator for HIV viral load testing in Zambia, designed for decentralised testing. Regional Health Alarm: Africa CDC says Ebola risk is rising, listing 10 countries at risk including Zambia, as DR Congo’s outbreak worsens. Industry & Connectivity: IHS Towers published its 2025 sustainability report, while Starlink licensing and satellite connectivity partnerships keep expanding across the region.