AGP Executive Report

Zambia Election Watch: The ECZ says the presidential nomination period is closed and can’t be reopened, after clarifying that PeP remains a registered party—not a church—following social media claims. It also dismissed “malicious” PF-linked allegations that it plans to disqualify Brian Mundubile and Makebi Zulu, urging the public to rely on verified ECZ updates. Police & Politics: Police searched former spy boss Xavier Chungu’s home as part of an investigation, while separate claims about candidate withdrawals have drawn calls for ACC action. Entertainment & Culture: Bulawayo’s Ekhaya Fest went beyond music, hosting a special elderly lunch for centenarians and elders, while Life Framer’s 2026 Animal Kingdom photo competition showcased standout wildlife photography. Sports: Zimbabwe’s Mighty Warriors named a squad for Zambia’s Four Nations tournament, and Zambia’s U17 women’s team left for DR Congo amid Ebola-related monitoring. Tech & Media: Smart Zambia and Huawei signed an MoU for an AI Data Centre and training for 5,000 ICT professionals by 2028.

Football & Culture: Kenya’s Harambee Starlets coach Beldine Odemba has recalled Emily Morang’a and Vivian Shiyonzo to a provisional squad for a Four Nations tournament in Zambia as WAFCON preparations ramp up. Arts Spotlight: Zambian-born multimedia artist Wabwila Mugala opens “Quilted Existence” at the Lawrence Arts Center, using indigo textiles and an immersive, walk-through installation. Music Buzz: A viral AI-made track, “Chambishi Copper Mine,” is putting Zambia’s Copperbelt story in the spotlight online, celebrating the mine’s revival and local jobs. Tech & Media: Smart Zambia and Huawei sign an MoU for a National AI Data Centre and training for 5,000 ICT professionals by 2028. Sports Inspiration: Cyclist James Falanga completes a 34-day Lusaka-to-Cape Town journey, dedicating the ride to President Hichilema and urging youth to chase opportunities. Energy for Daily Life: NRDC’s 22MW solar plant is commissioned to strengthen power supply and support practical agricultural training.

ECZ Pushback on Mundubile/Zulu Claims: The Electoral Commission of Zambia has rejected Patriotic Front allegations that it plans to ban or disqualify presidential candidate Brian Mundubile and running mate Makebi Zulu, saying the claims are fabricated and misleading, and noting Mundubile and Zulu were duly nominated in line with the law. Media & Elections Rules: The Independent Broadcasting Authority unveiled new 2026 election coverage guidelines for broadcasters, stressing fair reporting, balanced airtime, poll transparency, and bans on hate speech and airing unverified results. Chungu Interview Controversy: IBA says reports that Millennium TV and ZedPodcast were ordered to cancel Xavier Chungu’s interview are false, as debate continues over what should be aired ahead of August polls. Qualifications Fraud Alert: ECZ says it detected 10 forged Grade 12 certificates during candidate verification and has reported cases to law enforcement. Arts & Sports Spotlight: Cyclist James Falanga dedicated his Lusaka-to-Cape Town 34-day journey to President Hichilema, while Power Dynamos Queens crowned champions on the Copperbelt. Music Moment: Onesimus’ album “Son of Grace” climbed to No. 2 on Apple Music Malawi and features cross-border collaborations, including Liema Pantsi. Health Update: St. Kitts and Nevis says there are no Ebola cases in the federation, while WHO warns conflict in eastern DRC is worsening the outbreak.

Health Surge: Chipata Central Hospital says over 6,000 people are on ART, with about 100 children, as Aids Healthcare Foundation steps up prevention support in Eastern Province. Digital Push: Vice President Mutale Nalumango opened the 2026 Zambia Mobile Congress, pitching AI and digital transformation with Huawei and calling for cheaper internet and wider broadband access. Election Media Rules: The Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) issued strict 2026 election coverage guidelines, stressing fair airtime, balanced reporting, poll transparency, and bans on hate speech and result predictions—while also denying claims it blocked an interview featuring presidential contender Xavier Chungu. Politics & Tension: The Chungu interview dispute continues to spark debate online, with accusations flying about threats and “national security” concerns. Agriculture Outlook: Government projects 4.9 million metric tonnes of maize for 2025/26, a big jump from last season. Education Reassurance: The Ministry of Education told teachers it will handle academic upgrade and salary progression matters case-by-case and transparently.

UNESCO Repatriation Push: Greece has secured backing from 20 countries for a permanent return of the Parthenon Sculptures from the British Museum, with Zambia among the supporters. Zambia Election Integrity: The ECZ says it detected 10 forged Grade 12 certificates during 2026 verification, and has also rolled out a campaign timetable for parties ahead of August 13. Media Rules Tighten: The IBA released election coverage guidelines—demanding fair, balanced reporting, banning hate speech, and stopping broadcasters from predicting results before official confirmation—while also denying it ordered Millennium TV to cancel Xavier Chungu’s interview. Chungu Controversy: Chungu’s camp and critics are trading accusations over whether interviews were “banned” and whether the topics are a national security threat. Courtroom Fallout: TikToker “Why Me” (Francis Kapwepwe) was sentenced to 2 years with hard labour for hate speech. Sports & Culture: India unveiled the World Yogasana Championship 2026 (June 4–8, Ahmedabad), and Zambia’s own Reynold Cheruiyot turned in a strong 3,000m run in Shanghai.

Freedom Day Honours: Zambia’s Africa Freedom Day investiture at State House saw Sikalongwe receive the President’s Insignia of Mercy for helping a pregnant woman deliver safely by the roadside in October 2024, alongside 15 other Zambians and one institution recognised for service. Football Admin Shake-up: FAZ appointed Charles Chakatazya as General Secretary and confirmed Iva Lengwe as Deputy General Secretary, following Machacha Shepande’s exit for an international role. Ebola Alarm in the Region: WHO says Ebola in DR Congo is spreading rapidly, with over 900 suspected cases and 101 confirmed, as insecurity makes contact tracing harder and neighbouring countries watch closely. Politics Gets Sharper: Ahead of August, rival voices trade hard lines—while some candidates claim safety fears and others accuse the ruling camp of shrinking democratic space. Global Markets Watch: Central banks across Africa are pausing rate cuts as an oil shock tied to the Iran conflict threatens to reignite inflation.

Political Tension Escalates: Bweengwa independent hopeful Cliff Mwiinga says he’ll temporarily leave Zambia over safety fears, urging supporters to keep campaigning peacefully. Hard-Rhetoric Politics: Enock Tonga escalated attacks on President Hakainde Hichilema, calling him a “Fake Messiah,” while Cornelius Mweetwa warns Southern Province voters about “consequences” if the ruling party loses power. Election Security Worries: Police arrested former Chavuma MP Victor Lumayi for allegedly going armed at a nomination centre, with another armed-arrest reported in Kalumbila. Democracy Debate: Opposition claims the Tonse Alliance failed to file in many races, boosting unopposed seats and shrinking contestation. Africa Day Spotlight: Hichilema marked Africa Freedom Day with wreath-laying and pardons for 1,505 inmates. Health Alert Beyond Borders: DRC Ebola fears keep growing, with WHO reporting 900+ suspected cases and warnings that more countries are at risk. Entertainment & Culture: Chicago artist Tamarrow drops uplifting single “I Am Enough,” while Zambia’s MMA celebrates Miracle Chipito and Ken Sekeletu’s big wins.

Ebola Alert Escalates: Congo’s Ebola outbreak has now passed 100 confirmed cases, with infections spreading across 11 health zones and Uganda reporting three new cases—while Africa CDC warns Zambia and nine other countries are at risk, as Congo suspends social activities in the epicentre. Election Tensions: ECZ says nomination clashes involved duplicate adoption certificates, while reports claim Tonse Alliance failed to file in many seats and UPND supporters are pushing back against “premature celebrations.” Presidential Race Drama: Independent aspirant Mudolo is seeking late entry after missing filing deadlines, and Norbert Mumba questions whether candidates who communicate from South Africa take Zambia seriously. Entertainment & Culture: Harare’s skyline got a buzz from a Private Lounge “klieg light” attraction, and Shauwn “MaMkhize” warns fans about a fake Facebook page using her name. Business/Tech: Reunert expands ammunition fuse manufacturing in Slovakia, and Zambia-linked trade logistics keep trending across Africa.

Skateboarding Spotlight: American skateboarder Jason Vanporppal is nearing the finish of his 91-day, Kampala-to-Cape Town trek, aiming to raise funds for Uganda’s “biggest skatepark” after rolling through Rwanda, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Botswana. Election Heat in Zambia: ECZ has closed nominations for Mpulungu district, while the commission flags “double adoptions” and temporarily suspends nominations in violent areas—amid fresh claims of intimidation and candidates going into hiding in Bweengwa and Monze East. Sports Buzz: Shericka Jackson roared to a season-best 21.87 in Xiamen, and Campbell’s national record also turned heads. Ebola Watch: DR Congo’s Ebola toll has topped 200 as Uganda reports new cases, with Africa CDC warning Zambia and nine other countries are at risk. Football Preview: Nigeria’s Unity Cup title defence vs Zimbabwe is set for The Valley in London, with a semi-final spot up for grabs.

Sports Spotlight: Zambia’s Gift Leotlela turned in another strong Diamond League outing in Xiamen, finishing second in the 100m as Kenya’s Ferdinand Omanyala won in 9.94, while Zakithi Nene grabbed third in the 400m with a 44.40 season-best. Health Crisis: Ebola keeps worsening in the DRC, with the death toll now reported at 204, and the African Union warning that 10 countries—including Zambia—are at risk as mobility and insecurity fuel spread. Politics & Elections: Tensions around Zambia’s August polls are boiling over—Makebi Zulu says supporters should stop celebrating unopposed seats and wait for voters, while an “online candidate” (Willah Mudolo) is seeking a late presidential nomination after missing filing deadlines. Human Rights & Safety: A senior NGOCC figure, Beauty Katebe, is reported to have been abducted, detained and arrested—sparking condemnation from Amb. Emmanuel Mwamba.

AI & Power Struggle: New reporting warns AI is cutting the cost of authoritarian control across Africa, making it easier for states to crush reform before it even starts. Election Tensions in Zambia: ECZ moves to suspend UPND ward nominations after duplicate adoption-certificate chaos, while EU and UK officials push for fair policing, impartial courts, and violence-free voting ahead of August. Political Fallout: Nevers Mumba reportedly fell sick right after Hichilema named Mutale Nalumango as running mate, and Amutike Mongu is said to have relocated to South Africa after a setback over re-contesting. Regional Spotlight: Uganda’s locally built electric buses are scaling up, and South Africa’s xenophobia response is again under fire as migrant attacks resurface. Entertainment & Sports: Bongeziwe Mabandla kicks off a world tour in Johannesburg, and Zambia’s Copper Princesses aim to keep their Under-17 Women’s World Cup qualifier momentum against DR Congo.

SADC Diplomacy: South Africa’s Ronald Lamola opened the SADC Foreign Affairs retreat at Kruger National Park, setting a tone of shared history and regional cooperation. Conservation Boost: Zimbabwe secured a €2m KfW-backed shot for KAZA ranger housing in the Kavango Zambezi TFCA, aiming to lift frontline morale. Health Politics: A new US approach to global health is being slammed for “ransom-like” tactics—freezing vaccine funding and pushing bilateral deals over multilateral support. Zambia Election Tension: ECZ suspended UPND ward nominations after adoption-certificate chaos, with Lusaka mayoral filings thrown into confusion as TI-Z warns papers may be withheld. Sports Spotlight: Zambia’s Copper Princesses target a strong start in the U17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers vs DR Congo in Ndola. Business & Tech: IMF urges Africa to reset growth models for better jobs, while West Africa’s digifon pushes locally designed lifestyle tech. Entertainment & Culture: Bongeziwe Mabandla kicks off his tour with a new album in the works.

Electoral Chaos in Lusaka: ECZ has suspended UPND ward nominations in Kalumbila and temporarily halted Lusaka mayoral filings after duplicate adoption certificates sparked a tense standoff, with Lusaka mayoral aspirant Chitambala Mwewa later pulling out to avoid violence. Public Safety Push: ZCSA’s chief has urged shoppers to buy only from trusted outlets and check labels, expiry dates and manufacturing details. Cross-Border Inspiration: Uganda-to-Cape Town skateboarder Jason Vanporppal is nearing the finish line on day 103, already covering 6,400km across seven countries to raise funds for a skatepark in Uganda. Regional Tensions: South Africa’s xenophobia response is under fresh scrutiny as anti-foreigner protests resurface across the continent. Music Spotlight: Hil St. Soul drops “Nasalifya (Thank You),” a spiritual tribute album shaped by personal loss. Tech & Transport: Uganda’s electric buses are expanding on city routes, while Zambia’s ZDA and ZPEC move ahead with a major Ndola refinery protection deal.

Electoral Violence Crackdown: Twenty suspected political cadres were arrested in Mazabuka after an attack on former MP Gary Nkombo during nomination filing, as President Hakainde Hichilema condemned the scenes and warned Zambia is governed by law, not intimidation. UPND Adoption Chaos: The Lusaka mayoral race is in turmoil after two aspirants reportedly produced adoption certificates for the same position, triggering fears of violence and even a pull-out by Chitambala Mwewa “for peace,” while ECZ suspended UPND ward nominations in Kalumbila over duplicate certificates. Church Calls for Calm: ECZ voter-education trainers were urged by government to keep faith leaders as steady voices of peace, unity and reconciliation during the electoral period. Sports & Entertainment: Bongeziwe Mabandla kicked off a world tour stop in South Africa ahead of his June album, while Zambia’s Chewe Mukuka—now a UNZA media and journalism graduate after going blind in first year—prepares for her graduation. Health Watch: A doctor warned that the “SALT SANA” phrase could be misread and push people toward excess salt as hypertension cases rise.

Ebola Travel Crackdown: An Air France flight from Paris to Detroit was diverted to Montreal after US authorities blocked a Congolese passenger under tightened Ebola entry rules, with Washington now funnelling arrivals from DR Congo, South Sudan and Uganda through Washington Dulles. Energy Deal Watch: Zambia’s ZDA and ZPEC signed a protection agreement for a $500M Ndola oil refinery, with construction already underway and completion targeted for end-2028. Election Tension in Mazabuka: Violence erupted as former minister Gary Nkombo filed nominations as an independent, prompting fresh calls for police action and President Hichilema’s warning that intimidation won’t be tolerated. Sports & Culture: Queens International Pool Tournament returns in Bulawayo (May 23–26), while Chipolopolo coach Lwandamina says Zambia can compete in the AFCON 2027 qualifiers group. Music Spotlight: Hil St. Soul drops “Nasalifya (Thank You)” and The Coral quietly tease new album “388.”

Electoral Tension: President Hichilema warned that anyone trying to block nominations through intimidation or mob action will face firm action, after viral reports of violence during nomination filings in Mazabuka. Mazabuka Violence: Former minister Gary Nkombo’s camp condemned the assault on him and called for arrests, while other voices pushed for restraint as the ECZ keeps the process moving. ECZ Moves: The commission extended the nomination period and opened a special voter’s card replacement window for candidates who lost cards. AFCON Focus: Chipolopolo interim coach George Lwandamina says Zambia can still reach the 2027 AFCON finals after being drawn with Algeria, Togo and Burundi—preparation is the key. Transport Update: TAZARA will suspend the Mukuba cross-border passenger train for one week for maintenance, resuming June 2. Global Lens: Fuel-price shocks and rising living costs continue to hit African economies, with copper demand in China still seen as supportive despite recent price swings.