AGP Executive Report

Mining Technology: ZCCM-IH approved KCM’s US$498 million Nchanga tailings plant, which will use solvent extraction and electrowinning to recover copper from historic waste and produce about 70,000 tonnes of cathode annually. Connectivity: ZICTA has ordered Airtel, MTN and Zamtel to submit plans to fix weak coverage in Chilanga South after none met service standards; Zamtel also unveiled its MyZamtel Super App and two Zambia-first digital services. Climate Science: El Niño is expected to persist until at least February 2027, with record Pacific sea temperatures raising the risk of drought and other extremes across Southern Africa. Health Research: The Ministry of Health and CIDRZ trained Western Province health workers in advanced HIV screening and care, including CD4 testing and point-of-care tools. Digital Skills: Airtel Africa Foundation has expanded its Tech Fellowship to Zambia, widening access to technology training.

Mining Technology: ZCCM-IH approved KCM’s US$498 million Nchanga tailings plant, which will use leaching technology to recover copper from historic waste and is expected to produce 70,000 tonnes a year. Connectivity: ZICTA ordered Airtel, MTN and Zamtel to submit plans within 14 days to fix poor coverage in parts of Chilanga South. Digital Services: Zamtel unveiled its MyZamtel Super App and two innovations described as Zambia-first. Public Health: Health workers from all 16 districts in Western Province received training in advanced HIV disease screening and treatment, including point-of-care testing. Wildlife Science: Researchers say three endangered wild dogs travelled more than 2,500 miles through Zambia, a remarkable journey that could inform conservation efforts. Agricultural Innovation: Lusaka farmer Kanangwa Newlove is using bokashi, a fermented compost, to grow vegetables and avoid rising fertiliser costs.

Connectivity: ZICTA has ordered Airtel, MTN and Zamtel to submit plans within 14 days to fix weak coverage in Chilanga South; its assessment found all three fell short of service standards, with about one in 10 Zamtel calls failing. Mining Technology: ZCCM-IH approved KCM’s $498 million tailings plant in Chingola. Using existing waste, it is designed to produce about 70,000 tonnes of copper cathode a year without mining new ore. Wildlife Science: Researchers are tracking the remarkable journeys of African wild dogs across Zambia, including a 2,563-mile trek that could offer insights to help protect the endangered species. Farm Innovation: Near Lusaka, farmer Kanangwa Newlove uses homemade bokashi compost, reducing her reliance on costly imported fertiliser. Digital Economy: The World Bank raised its 2026 growth forecast for Sub-Saharan Africa to 4.3% and says Zambia can benefit from AI by investing in reliable power, affordable internet and digital skills.

Mining Technology: ZCCM-IH has approved a $498 million tailings-leach plant at KCM’s Nchanga mine. The facility is designed to recover copper from historic waste and produce up to 70,000 tonnes of copper cathode a year. Aviation: Stabo Air has inducted Zambia’s first locally registered Boeing 737-400 freighter, adding cargo capacity from its Lusaka base. Wildlife Science: GPS tracking revealed three African wild dogs travelled about 2,563 miles across Zambia in nine months—the longest documented land movement by an African mammal. Researchers say their journey highlights the importance of connecting wildlife populations. Digital Economy: The World Bank upgraded Zambia’s growth outlook alongside its regional forecast, and said reliable power, affordable internet, digital skills and quality data will be crucial for countries to benefit from AI. Telecoms: Zamtel has unveiled its MyZamtel Super App and two digital services it describes as Zambia-first innovations. Local Manufacturing: Multotec has opened a Chingola facility for equipment manufacturing and refurbishment, aiming to improve support for mining customers across Central Africa.

World Bank Update: Zambia is among Sub-Saharan Africa countries with upgraded growth prospects, with the World Bank lifting the region’s 2026 forecast to 4.3% (from 4.1%), citing stronger domestic demand, resilience, and investment in digital technologies—while warning growth still won’t be enough to cut extreme poverty or create jobs without reliable electricity, affordable internet, digital skills, and quality data. US-Zambia Health Deal: Zambia is set to sign a $1.5bn, five-year US health agreement after resolving US data-access concerns; the revised MoU limits data-sharing to what’s needed for monitoring and evaluation and removes a clause requiring specimen submission on request. Zamtel Digital Push: Zamtel unveiled the MyZamtel Super App plus two “Zambia-first” innovations—Create Your Own Bundle and Kongola Malaiti via *115#—aimed at giving customers more control over connectivity and digital financial services. AirQo Earthshot Finalist: Makerere’s AirQo, using low-cost air monitors and AI, was named a 2026 Earthshot Prize finalist for tackling air pollution with better local data for cities. Cybercrime Warning: Ghana’s foreign ministry warns citizens about fraudulent job offers luring people to Zambia, then coercing them into forced cybercrime, following a Lusaka police operation that arrested 79 suspects. Solar Growth Watch: Ember analysis says Africa is on track for a record 17GW of solar in 2026, with Zambia among countries seeing very high year-on-year gains.

Zambia–US Health Deal: Zambia is set to sign a $1.5bn, five-year health agreement with the United States after dropping a specimen-sharing clause and narrowing data access to what’s needed to monitor US-funded programmes. Digital Services in Zambia: Zamtel launched the MyZamtel Super App plus two Zambia-first innovations—Create Your Own Bundle and Kongola Malaiti via *115#—to give customers more control over connectivity and digital financial services. Local Manufacturing Boost: Multotec marked its 25th anniversary by opening a new Central Africa regional head office and manufacturing facility in Chingola, aiming to cut lead times and expand in-country engineering support. AI Governance Focus: A new discussion on AI in Africa highlights the need for accountable, inclusive and secure AI deployment, pointing to the AU’s AI strategy and the gap between policy and real implementation. Climate & Water Skills: A climate expert warns solar irrigation can trigger groundwater stress unless programmes include groundwater conservation education and better irrigation practices. Agriculture Seeds Push: The AU stresses indigenous, high-quality seeds for resilient food systems, while calls grow for stronger seed markets beyond policy on paper. Energy Outlook: World Bank raised Sub-Saharan Africa’s 2026 growth forecast to 4.3%, citing reforms and investment tied to energy transition and digital technologies.

Health Diplomacy: Zambia is set to sign a US$1.5bn five-year health deal with the US after negotiators removed a specimen-sharing clause, aligning on health data, IP and benefit-sharing. Digital Services: Zamtel launched the MyZamtel Super App plus two Zambia-first innovations—Create Your Own Bundle and Kongola Malaiti via *115#—to give customers more control over connectivity and digital finance. Forestry Investment Push: Government is urging forestry investment to unlock the forest economy, targeting plantation expansion and wood-processing along the Lobito and TAZARA corridors. Public Works Delivery: Lavushimanda’s ablution block under the Zambia Devolution Support Programme (ZDSP) is completed in two months and is ready for commissioning. AI Governance Debate: Google SVP James Manyika says AI capability must not outrun safety and argues for shared regulation across industry and government. Solar Growth Watch: Africa is projected to install a record 17GW of solar in 2026, with Zambia among the fastest-growing markets. Water & Soil Learning: A WASA workshop in Malawi focused on turning soil and water practices into scalable, responsible farmer solutions. Climate-Smart Caution: A climate expert warns solar irrigation can trigger groundwater stress unless education and conservation are built in. E-Voting Argument: A commentary says Africa should learn from Brazil’s fast electronic vote counting to avoid delayed results and disputes. HIV Care Capacity: CIDRZ and the Ministry of Health trained frontline workers in Western Province to strengthen advanced HIV disease screening and management.

Zambia Telecom & Digital Services: Zambia’s Ministry of Technology and Science has challenged Zamtel to move from “connectivity only” to practical digital value—pushing reliable rural coverage, stronger digital financial services, and 24-hour economy support alongside upgrades to the MyZamtel app and Zamtel Money. AI & Data Skills: Zambia’s National Biosafety Authority says biotech and science advances need better public understanding and stronger links between regulators, researchers, innovators, industry and communities as the Grow Zambia Agenda accelerates. Health Tech Investment: Government welcomed a K918m expansion by Dr Agarwal’s Eye Hospital, including new branches and a second eye-care mobile clinic—boosting specialised care and tech-enabled outreach. Mobile Internet Affordability (Regional): A GSMA/PDAA study shows Kenya’s biggest barrier to mobile internet is the cost of internet-enabled phones, while data prices limit existing users—highlighting the digital divide Zambia can’t ignore. Mobile Infrastructure Deal (Regional): MTN says it has secured key regulatory permissions to acquire IHS, aiming to expand service revenue and margins after conditions in South Africa and Nigeria. Women’s Football Development: A call for more coaching investment argues Zambia’s women’s game needs a sustainable technical pathway, not just talent. Education Policy: Citizens First leader Harry Kalaba announced plans for a committee to craft a comprehensive teacher policy tackling pay, housing, workload, materials and promotions.

Telecom & Digital Services: Zamtel has unveiled its MyZamtel Super App plus “Create Your Own Bundle” and “Kongola Malaiti” (*115#) to push homegrown connectivity and digital finance under the Grow Zambia Agenda. Mobile Infrastructure Deal: MTN says it has cleared key regulatory hurdles to acquire IHS, with approvals in South Africa and conditional go-aheads in Nigeria—aiming to expand service revenue and margins. Biosafety & Biotechnology: Zambia’s National Biosafety Authority held an open day urging stronger links between regulators, researchers, innovators and the public as biotechnology grows in agriculture and food systems. Health Systems & Labs: CIDRZ and the Ministry of Health launched a national orientation on the Quality Management System Minimum Package to strengthen laboratory quality across Zambia. ICT Education: Airtel Africa Foundation is expanding its Tech Fellowship to Zambia, funding 50 students over five years for ICT/tech degrees at UNZA and CBU. Local Tech Policy: The Ministry of Technology and Science challenged Zamtel to move from “connectivity” to practical digital services that drive economic value. Investment Push: President Hichilema says more deals are expected after US$2.14bn UAE agreements, with negotiations targeting US$3bn+ across healthcare, renewables, logistics, technology and biotech.

Zambia Telecom & Digital Services: Zamtel launched the MyZamtel Super App plus “Create Your Own Bundle” and Kongola Malaiti (*115#) to turn connectivity into practical digital financial services, with the Ministry of Technology and Science urging the sector to deliver economic value beyond coverage. Biosafety & Biotechnology: The National Biosafety Authority held an Open Day stressing collaboration between regulators, researchers, innovators and communities as Zambia pushes the Grow Zambia Agenda, highlighting the need for public-friendly biotech information and safeguards. Healthcare Tech Investment: Government welcomed Dr Agarwal’s Eye Hospital expansion (K918m), including new branches and a second Eyecare Mobile Clinic, as Zambia leans into technology and innovation to improve access to specialised care. Local Tech Talent Pipeline: Airtel Africa Foundation expanded its Tech Fellowship to Zambia, backing 50 students over five years at UNZA and Copperbelt University with tuition, laptops, connectivity and mentorship. Cybercrime Cooperation: China is deepening law-enforcement ties with African partners through a new alliance targeting cross-border telecoms fraud, SIM swapping and online scams—aimed at better training and coordinated action. Culture & Community Development: President Hichilema reaffirmed support for traditional ceremonies like Lukwakwa, linking cultural preservation with development projects in chiefdoms. Tourism & Security: Malawi’s Kuti Wildlife Reserve in Salima was torched after alleged poaching clashes, raising concerns about enforcement and accountability.

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.