AGP Executive Report

Royal Spotlight: Duchess of Edinburgh Sophie continues her five-day Zambia tour in Lusaka, meeting women entrepreneurs, visiting Imvelo Studios for gender-based violence survivors, and polishing gemstones at Jewel of Africa—while turning heads in a lime-green Soler London look. Entertainment & Tech: Apple expands iCloud+ in 100+ countries by bundling Apple TV, Apple Arcade and Apple Music Select at no extra charge (with some major regions excluded). Legal & Media Buzz: Miles Sampa sues Lillian Mutambo for £2m over alleged defamatory claims linking him to the murder of Ruth Mbandu. Sports: Eswatini open their Zone VI handball campaign against Zambia in a key Group A clash in Mbabane. Health Watch: WHO says global measles cases are up 8% vs pre-pandemic 2019 levels, with Africa and Asia hit hardest. Local Culture: “Peace on Earth” peace poles expand in Timmins, with Zambia among the new cultural representations.

Royal Visit: The Duchess of Edinburgh is set for a six-day official visit to Zambia (Sept 14–19), with stops in Lusaka, Lower Zambezi and Livingstone, focusing on education, women’s enterprise, health, conservation and culture. Wildlife & Conservation: Conservation Lower Zambezi’s recovery story is in the spotlight, highlighting how anti-poaching and community work helped restore an ecosystem that once lost rhinos and major elephant numbers. Court & Social Media: Lusaka’s Principal Resident Magistrate Idah Phiri sentenced blogger Joseph Chishimba to nine months’ hard labour over a false pregnancy claim about a presidential aide, warning the public to verify information before sharing online. Sports (Women’s Football): Orlando Pride extended Zambian striker Barbra Banda’s contract through 2029, keeping the Ballon d’Or nominee at the club as she continues her strong NWSL scoring run. Public Service Mind-set: A call for a better work culture in Zambia’s public service urges staff to cut down on social media distractions during duty, especially in health settings. Health Alert: Zambia warns residents to avoid handling or eating meat from wild animals after a deadly anthrax outbreak in Muchinga Province.

Zambian Football Spotlight: Orlando Pride have locked in Zambia captain Barbra Banda with a contract extension through the 2029 NWSL season, keeping the prolific striker at Central Florida as she chases more trophies. Royal & Culture: The Duchess of Edinburgh begins a six-day official visit to Zambia (Sept 14–19), with engagements across Lusaka, Lower Zambezi and Livingstone touching education, women’s enterprise, health, conservation and culture. Sports Business & Entertainment: Lusaka hosts the Music Meets Football Summit 2026 (Oct 15–16), bringing together musicians, clubs, media and brands to spark collaborations between Zambia’s two biggest entertainment engines. Health Alert: Zambia authorities warn residents to avoid contact with meat from wild animals after an anthrax outbreak killed over 50 animals and infected 12 people in Muchinga Province. Police Clarification: Zambia Police dismiss social media claims that 1,180 people are being held on politically motivated charges, urging the public to rely on official channels.

Zambia Football: Orlando Pirates’ Gamphani Lungu is back in the Chipolopolo squad for the 2027 AFCON qualifiers against Algeria and Togo, as Clatous Chama misses out and several players are ruled out through injury. CAF Confederation Cup: Kaizer Chiefs will face Zambia’s Red Arrows in the final qualifying round after Arrows beat FC Rouge 2-0 on aggregate, with the tie set for mid-October. Women’s Football: Temwa Chawinga and Barbra Banda reignited their NWSL rivalry as KC Current and Orlando Pride played out a 2-2 draw. Sports Spotlight: Jereem “The Dream” Richards won bronze in the men’s 400m at the World Athletics Ultimate Championship in Budapest. Netball: NICO Group backs Malawi Queens ahead of the Africa Netball Cup in Nairobi, with World Cup qualification on the line. Public Debate & Rights: Civil society groups accuse the government of escalating attacks on constitutionalism, citing passport cancellations and detentions; Amnesty also condemns the passport revocations. Police Warning: Zambia Police deny claims that 1,180 people are held on political charges, urging the public to rely on official channels. Online Safety: TikTok creator “Brotherman” was apprehended over alleged hate speech, incitement and threats. Politics & Courts: Opposition figures Brian Mundubile, Makebi Zulu and 16 others sue the State over detention and alleged rights violations.

TikTok Crackdown: Zambia Police say they’ve apprehended “Brotherman” (Misheck Mulubwa) for alleged hate speech, incitement and threats, including claims he threatened to assassinate President Hakainde Hichilema and other top officials; he’s in custody after a joint operation at Kasumbalesa. Court Challenge: Opposition figures Brian Mundubile, Makebi Zulu and 16 others have sued the State over detention and alleged rights violations, including restricted access to lawyers and family. Passport Row: Government’s cancellation of passports for six critics—Emmanuel Mwamba, Emmanuel Jay Banda, Binwell Mpundu, Kaizer Zulu, Sishuwa Sishuwa and blogger Lillian Mutambo—has drawn sharp backlash, with Amnesty International calling it a move to silence dissent. Football & Women’s Soccer: Temwa Chawinga and Barbra Banda reignited their NWSL rivalry as KC Current and Orlando Pride played to a 2-2 draw. Sports Spotlight: Jereem “The Dream” Richards won bronze in the men’s 400m at the World Athletics Ultimate Championship in Budapest. Culture & Heritage: A Darlington exhibition explores the history of local buses and private operators through photos and memorabilia.

Netball Spotlight: Eswatini’s Jabulani Vilane has named a strong Africa Netball Cup 2026 squad for Nairobi (Sept 19–26), with Brandon Dlamini and Nduku Masangane leading the charge. Social Media Crackdown: Zambia police arrested TikToker “Brotherman” (Misheck Mulubwa) for alleged insults and threats against President Hakainde Hichilema, with formal charges expected. Sports Festivals Push: Labour Commissioner Givens Muntengwa urged employers to embrace workplace sports festivals for staff health and wellness. Court & Politics: Hon. Faith Munthali was arrested and charged with being armed in public and conspiracy to commit a felony, while opposition leader Brian Mundubile and Makebi Zulu face fresh sedition-related legal pressure. Passport Row: Government’s cancellation of passports for six critics sparked backlash from Amnesty International and AIPAC, with questions now turning to due process and what happens next. Music Buzz: Nigerian singer Jubet released the official video for “Hardest Truth,” climbing charts across Africa. Football Abroad: Zambia’s fans get match-day viewing guides for Premier League fixtures like Tottenham vs Everton and Chelsea vs Hull.

Passport Row & Human Rights: Zambia revoked six passports on “national security” grounds, including former diplomat Emmanuel Mwamba and opposition figures Binwell Mpundu and Kaizer Zulu, triggering backlash from Amnesty International and calls for transparency on what happens next for the affected citizens. Courtroom Drama: Opposition leader Brian Mundubile, Makebi Zulu and 16 others sued the State over detention and alleged rights violations, while police also added fresh legal pressure with sedition charges. Cyber & Defamation Case: Lusaka Magistrates’ Court convicted vlogger Joseph Chishimba over a false WhatsApp screenshot alleging Chipokota Mwanawasa was pregnant by President Hakainde Hichilema, under the Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Act. MP Faith Munthali Arrest: Police arrested and charged Mafinga South MP Faith Munthali with being armed in public and conspiracy to commit a felony, as NGOCC raised concerns about intimidation and due process. Music Spotlight: Nigerian singer Jubet dropped the official video for “Hardest Truth,” riding chart success and strong streaming momentum across Africa, including Zambia. Sports & Entertainment Crossovers: Melbet Zambia signed a $40,000 sponsorship with Atletico Lusaka to back youth development, while local football fans also get matchday viewing guides for top leagues. Tourism Talk: Zambia and Zimbabwe traded barbs over Victoria Falls ownership, with Zambia’s tourism officials insisting the larger share sits on the Zambian side.

Human-Interest Spotlight: Kondo Simfukwe, raised in Zambia’s tight-knit communities, credits that early “we survive together” spirit for his rise to global sports broadcasting. Courtroom & Rights: Brian Mundubile, Makebi Zulu and 16 others have sued the State over detention and alleged rights abuses, including restricted access to lawyers and families, as police add fresh legal pressure. Passport Row: Zambia revoked passports of six government critics—Emmanuel Mwamba, Sishuwa Sishuwa, Binwell Mpundu, Emmanuel Jay Banda, Kaizer Zulu and Lillian Mutambo—sparking Amnesty International backlash and an explainer on what happens next. Media & Defamation Case: Vlogger Joseph Chishimba was convicted for circulating a false pregnancy claim involving Chipokota Mwanawasa, with the court citing the Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Act. Music: Nigerian singer Jubet drops the official video for chart-hit “Hardest Truth.” Sports & Entertainment Crossover: Melbet Zambia signs a $40,000 sponsorship with Atletico Lusaka to back youth development. Gospel/Live Shows: Malawi’s Theresa Phondo lines up Ada Ehi and Zambia’s Pompi for her Oct 31 solo concert in Lilongwe. Weekend Watch: Zambia fans get match-day viewing guides for Premier League clashes including Tottenham vs Everton, Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest, and Chelsea vs Hull City.

Passports & dissent: Amnesty International has condemned Zambia’s cancellation of passports for six government critics, saying the move “weaponizes” citizenship documents and violates freedom of movement. The Gazette orders institutions not to recognize the documents, while an explainer notes affected holders may still challenge the decision through the law. Court & online speech: Lusaka Magistrates’ Court convicted vlogger Joseph Chishimba over a false WhatsApp screenshot alleging Chipokota Mwanawasa was pregnant by President Hakainde Hichilema, with sentencing set for Monday. Treason case pressure: Mundubile, Makebi Zulu and 16 others remain detained as they sue the State over detention and rights violations, while calls grow for their release through dialogue. Local entertainment & sport: Gospel star Theresa Phondo lines up Nigerian singer Ada Ehi and Zambia’s Pompi for her October 31 concert in Lilongwe. Football business: Melbet Zambia signs a $40,000 sponsorship deal with Atletico Lusaka, backing youth development.

Music & Culture: Zambian rapper Sampa The Great announces her third album Nu Zamrock, out 30/10, inspired by her uncle George Kunda’s role in the legendary 70s band WITCH; she also drops the single “Simon Says” and the visual intro “Ukwamba: (To Start).” Sports & Events: Eswatini’s Mbabane pushes a 24-hour city vision as the October International Theatre Festival returns (Oct 1–3), while SAIMSA Games venues in Eswatini—Somhlolo National Stadium and Mavuso Sports Centre—are shortlisted for Sept 20–25. Football Spotlight: COSAFA U-20 championship preview stresses defence, undefeated runs and fast starts as Zambia, South Africa and Zimbabwe chase the crown. Zambia Business/Media: FAZ says sponsor support is key to raising football standards after receiving 120,000 kwacha worth of equipment from 1XBet. Regional Entertainment Buzz: AMC Conference 2026 heads to Livingstone (23–25 Sept) with talks on marketing leadership, brand power and data for Africa’s creative industries.

Zambian Music: Sampa The Great is back with her third album Nu Zamrock, dropping October 30, with the new single “Simon Says” already out—an ode to her family legacy and Zambia’s Zamrock spirit. Regional Arts & Culture: Eswatini’s Mbabane is launching a 24-hour city vision as the October International Theatre Festival returns (Oct 1–3). Fashion & Film Awards: Merck Foundation, with Africa’s First Ladies, has named winners of its 2025 Fashion, Song and Film Awards, spotlighting health and social-impact themes. Football & Sports: Zambia Athletics says it will investigate athlete Muzala Samukonga’s welfare complaints, while FAZ stresses sponsorship as key to raising domestic football standards. Entertainment Calendar: Stanbic Music Festival press briefing goes live from Stanbic HQ in Lusaka. Sports Drama: Tensions are brewing around rugby 7s tournaments as Gabs 7s organisers accuse Bokomo 7s arrangers of sabotage. Zambia Politics (context): Court and political updates continue to dominate headlines, including a ConCourt ruling on a chiefs’ reclassification bid and fresh claims around post-election dialogue.

Stanbic Music Festival: Stanbic Bank Zambia went live from its Lusaka HQ with festival updates and announcements, previewing what’s in store for this year’s Stanbic Music Festival. Athlete Welfare: Zambia Athletics says it will investigate concerns raised by runner Muzala Samukonga after he publicly criticised federation support and athlete funding. Football Fixtures: The Brave Warriors map out a packed 10-day run—two AFCON 2027 qualifiers vs Congo Brazzaville and Comoros, plus an international friendly against Russia on 3 October. Crime Update: A Kalumbila murder suspect, Andrew Sinyenga, has died after police say he ingested a suspected toxic substance; a postmortem is set for UTH. Creative Economy: Zambia’s cultural confidence is being framed as a growing creative asset, with local truths driving stronger brand storytelling. Craft & Arts Policy: Zambia hosted the Africa Creative Market, while Zambia and Cameroon backed the African craft economy—linking arts, fashion, music and livelihoods to policy. Sports Spotlight: Zambia’s Muzala Samukonga is listed among contenders in the “Ultimate” 400m hunt, as African volleyball leaders push a new era of global recognition. Digital Identity & Trust: Zambia launched its National Public Key Infrastructure (NPKI) to secure electronic transactions and support future digital identity services. Eswatini Comedy Festival: The Eswatini Comedy Festival returns for its third edition with a cross-border line-up of top African stand-up acts.

Zambia Digital Identity: Zambia has launched its first National Public Key Infrastructure (NPKI), a state-backed “trust layer” meant to secure electronic transactions and pave the way for digital identity, e-signatures and e-government services. Global Tech & Kids Online Safety: Ireland opened an investigation into X’s age assurance and parental controls under its Online Safety Code, while the UK is set to legislate device-level child protections as deadlines near. Sports—Zambia on the continental stage: Power Dynamos and Al Merrikh ramp up for the CAF Champions League return leg in Ndola after a 1-0 first-leg lead for the Sudanese side. Football—African spotlight: Barbra Banda and other African stars headline the 2026 Ballon d’Or buzz, with major names like Ronaldo and Raphinha reportedly left out. Local sports—athlete welfare: Commonwealth Games gold medallist Muzala Samukonga blasts Zambia Athletics for forcing athletes to pay for national duties, calling for proper support and welfare. Arts & culture—festival watch: Dublin Fringe Festival coverage highlights “Afronauts,” a theatre-circus show inspired by Zambian space pioneer Edward Mukuka Nkoloso. Food safety crackdown: Lusaka police seized suspected counterfeit and unhygienically made goods, including chilli sauce, peanut butter and sugar repackaging.

Election Fallout & Courts: Opposition Tonse Pamozi Alliance spokesperson Emmanuel Mwamba alleges President Hakainde Hichilema used the military, “closed the courts” and influenced the electoral commission to secure re-election, with the claims aired widely internationally but not independently verified. CAF Football: Power Dynamos host Al Merrikh in a high-stakes CAF Champions League return leg in Ndola after a 1-0 first-leg deficit, with both sides stepping up training ahead of the weekend. Road to Bulawayo: Zimbabwean adventurer Nkosilathi Mathe arrives in South Africa after a 24,000km drive from the UK, with about 3,000km left and SOS Children’s Villages fundraising in the final stretch. Vehicle Safety Recall: Isuzu South Africa recalls about 2,500 RG19 D-Max bakkies across multiple countries including Zambia due to a possible loose brake pedal pivot pin; inspections and repairs are free. Local Politics & Development: New Lupososhi MP Shadreck Katuta pledges to tackle poor roads, youth empowerment and upgrades to schools, health and water services under the Grow Zambia agenda. Digital Identity Push: Altron Security marks a major Zambia milestone by completing the national public key infrastructure for secure digital identity and e-signatures. Arts & Heritage: A curator-led Nguni exhibition at Yale University spotlights Nguni art through cultural and geographic lenses, bringing regional history and creativity to a global gallery audience.

Zambia Film Festival: The 13th Zambia Short Film Festival wrapped in Lusaka with local titles taking major wins, including “Ntambi’s Choice” (Best Film, Best Director) and Abigail Nyirenda (Best Actress), while “Paradox” grabbed Best DOP, Best Editor and Best Actor. Miss World Spotlight: Adah Mushibi made history at Miss World 2026 by reaching the Top 12 and winning the Multimedia Challenge, sparking a “Buy Her a Benz” fundraising drive. Ballon d’Or Buzz: Football fans are counting down as the 2026 Ballon d’Or nominees were released, with the ceremony set for Oct. 26 in London and stars like Lionel Messi, Harry Kane and Lamine Yamal among the men’s shortlist. Media & Business Pressure: Zambia Daily Mail Limited managers were urged to strengthen risk management, while a separate opinion piece argues it’s “too expensive to run a business” in Zambia—especially for broadcasters. Health Awareness: Ndola Teaching Hospital joined a community campaign offering free screenings for hypertension, diabetes, HIV and prostate cancer. Education Concern: International PISA results point to a long-term drop in reading and maths performance, with Zambia listed among countries below the wider average.

Education & Youth: Zambia’s ECZ says OECD will release the 2025 PISA results on Sept 8, with the global study pointing to a sharp drop in reading and maths skills—raising fresh pressure on literacy-focused learning. Public Health & Inclusion: Kasama Municipal Council reports ZAPD provincial offices are over 99% complete, set to boost services and outreach for persons with disabilities in Northern Province. Sports (Zambia & Africa): Champions League 2026/27 Matchday 1 viewing guide is out, while CAF Champions League first-leg results include Power Dynamos (Zambia) losing 1-0 to Al Merriekh. Church & Politics (Zambia): PAOGZ defends Presiding Bishop Joshua H.K. Banda over claims tied to UN-related opposition leaders’ handling, insisting the church was assigned by church mother bodies. Road Safety (Lusaka): Police confirm one pedestrian died and another was seriously injured in two separate Lusaka accidents, including a hit-and-run. Security & Governance: Zambia Army warns against dragging the military into partisan politics, urging restraint and accuracy in public talk. Mental Health: Kafue District Commissioner says government is strengthening mental health services at primary healthcare level.