AGP Executive Report

Sports & Community: Los Angeles Dodgers legend Clayton Kershaw and wife Ellen were named 2026 University Park Citizens of the Year for Kershaw’s Challenge, which supports vulnerable children including in Zambia. Politics Meets Music: Zambians are debating Yo Maps’ headline performance at President Hakainde Hichilema’s campaign launch, after earlier criticism when artists backed different parties. Health & Tech for Zambia: A modelling study backs targeted twice-yearly lenacapavir PrEP for pregnant and breastfeeding women without HIV in high-incidence districts, aiming to cut mother-to-child transmission. Football Transfer News: Power Dynamos midfielder Prince Mumba penned an emotional farewell after leaving for an Asian-based side, ending a leadership spell that included back-to-back league titles. ECZ Update: The Electoral Commission dismissed social media claims of election rigging training and said ballot printing is progressing in Dubai with party and media observers. Sustainability in the Spotlight: Airtel Africa says it saved 9.1 million litres of diesel in FY25/26 by shifting more sites to on-grid power. Local Education CSR: MECANMED launched a scholarship with UNILUS supporting three Zambian students in medicine, law and banking/finance. Zambia Athletics: Team Zambia won eight medals at the CUCSA Games in Gaborone.

Football & Community: Power Dynamos midfielder Prince Mumba has penned an emotional farewell after leaving the club to pursue an Asian-based move, ending a key spell that included back-to-back MTN Super League titles and a deputy captaincy. Politics & Rights: Government has rubbished Brian Mundubile’s claim that US$10 billion was externalised from Zambia without arrests, warning citizens against misinformation ahead of August elections. Cyber & Expression: Former justice minister Princess Kasune says the cyber law is meant to protect lawful expression, pushing back on opposition plans to repeal it, while police also arrested a Chongwe man for alleged abusive social media posts targeting senior officials. Food Security: Government assured farmers the 2026 maize floor price will be announced once grain moisture hits 12.5%, explaining delays are to prevent spoilage and protect public funds. Regional Entertainment: Zambia hosted the star-studded premiere of ’77: The FESTAC Conspiracy at the International Conference Centre in Lusaka, positioning the country as a growing African cinema hub. Auto Industry Watch: Changan says it will use South Africa as its Southern Africa hub, targeting Namibia and Zambia next, but is not committing to local assembly yet.

Migration & the arts: A new reflection argues migrants carry “interrupted dreams” and urges Africa to move from suspicion to shared humanity. Xenophobia in the spotlight: South Africa’s anti-migrant protests are framed as a betrayal of solidarity, with culture and history invoked against scapegoating. Zambia election logistics: ECZ says the presidential vote will go ahead as scheduled even after OPP running mate Andyford Banda pulled out, while ballot printing in Dubai continues with party observers. Ballot transparency debate: SACCORD commends ECZ’s transparency in the Dubai printing exercise, and Antonio Mwanza says extra ballot papers are a standard contingency practice. Campaign entertainment vs leadership: Fred M’membe warns voters not to treat August 13 like a “song and dance contest,” while M’membe urges integrity over spectacle. Women’s football boost: FAZ and KCM sign a K10.8m sponsorship deal for the FAZ Women’s Cup, backing the growth of women’s sport. Sports win story: Lusaka City Council half marathon crowns Brenda Mumbi and Weaver Simalumba with plots and cash prizes. Tech & innovation: Zanzibar pitches a digital transformation push, aiming to position itself as an African tech and innovation hub.

Marathon Spotlight: Brenda Mumbi and Weaver Simalumba turned a Lusaka City Council 21.1km Half Marathon into life-changing wins, taking home 30×30 residential plots and K10,000 each after standout performances. Football Shake-up: Tunisia’s World Cup coach Herve Renard quit after just 18 days, following a disastrous run that left the team bottom of their group with a brutal goals-conceded record. Women’s Football Boost: FAZ and KCM signed a K10.8m sponsorship deal for the FAZ Women’s Cup, backing the growth of women’s football in Zambia. Cinema in the Spotlight: ’77: The FESTAC Conspiracy premiered in Lusaka, with star power from Rita Dominic and Ramsey Nouah and a big push for Pan-African storytelling. Local Sports Focus: Zambia’s U-17 Women kick off their World Cup qualifier final-round first leg against Ethiopia at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola, aiming for a strong home result. Digital Safety Clampdown: Zambia Police arrested a Chongwe man over cyberbullying and abusive posts targeting senior officials, warning users against unlawful online harassment. Comedy Legacy: Tributes continue for Zambian comedy icon Chanda Mwale (Maximo), remembered for making the nation laugh even at his funeral.

Pan-African Cinema: Zambia hosted the star-studded premiere of ’77: The FESTAC Conspiracy at ICC Lusaka, with Rita Dominic and Ramsey Nouah on the red carpet, cementing the country’s growing pull for African film tourism. Women’s Football: FAZ and Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) signed a K10.8m sponsorship deal for the FAZ Women’s Cup, backing the growth of the Copper Princesses and wider women’s sport. Sports Journalism: ABSA Cup Journalist Awards in Lusaka drew praise from Information and Media PS Thabo Kawana, who said media coverage is key to preserving Zambia’s football heritage. U-17 World Cup Qualifiers: Zambia’s Under-17 Women host Ethiopia at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola for the first leg, aiming for a strong home result before the return in Ethiopia. Entertainment & Culture: Zambian comedy fans remember pioneer Chanda Mwale (Maximo), with tributes highlighting how his humour kept the nation laughing even at his funeral. Global Watch: World Cup Round of 32 coverage continues, with free viewing options highlighted for today’s matches. Elections & Public Life: ECZ says presidential ballot printing in Dubai is progressing smoothly, with about 4.7m papers done so far.

Women’s Football Boost: The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) and Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) signed a K10.8 million sponsorship deal for the FAZ Women’s Cup, with FAZ President Keith Mweemba calling it a major milestone for growing the women’s game. Sports Media Spotlight: ABSA Cup Journalist Awards in Lusaka saw Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts PS Kangwa Chileshe and media officials back sports journalism as key to shaping Zambia’s football story. Football on TV: A guide on how to watch the World Cup 2026 Round of 32 for free highlights today’s big ties, including Australia vs Egypt and Argentina vs Cape Verde. Entertainment & Culture: Zambia remembers comedy legend Chanda Mwale (Maximo), with fans describing how his humour turned even his funeral into laughter. Local Court Drama: A Kitwe/Lusaka man dragged his wife to court over alleged hidden children and alleged sending of naked pictures, as the case heads to the Buchi Local Court. Women’s Sport Qualifier: Zambia’s U-17 Women’s team hosts Ethiopia in the first leg of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium, Ndola.

World Cup 2026 (Round of 32): Zambia fans can catch today’s knockout action for free, with matches including Australia vs Egypt and Argentina vs Cape Verde, plus Colombia vs Ghana—details on where to watch are out. Zambian Politics & Campaign Talk: Socialist Party leader Fred M’membe’s team says it has NOT joined the Tonse Alliance, while Pastor Nevers Mumba claims the Tonse camp is using Edgar Lungu’s death for campaigns. Rallies & Messaging: HH pushes the “Zambian model” in a new op-ed, arguing Zambia’s recovery is driven by domestic reform, debt swaps, and investment—while other campaign voices keep debating development, credibility, and crowd pullers like Mundubile and Makebi. Entertainment Spotlight: Remembering Chanda Mwale (Maximo), the comedy icon who made people laugh even at his funeral. Sports (Women’s Football): Copper Queens defender Martha Tembo signs for Israeli side Hapoel Raanana Women ahead of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. Sports (Football Media): ABSA Cup Journalist Awards get praise from PS Thabo Kawana for boosting football coverage and Zambia’s sporting identity. Sports (U-17 Qualifiers): Zambia U-17 Women host Ethiopia in the first leg of the 2026 qualifiers at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium. Marathon Buzz: Econet Victoria Falls Marathon set for a star-studded showdown with defending champions targeting repeat wins. Tech & Digital Learning: MBRGI launches a digital learning push for 500,000+ people across six African countries, including Zambia. Local Life & Travel: Livingstone fuel shortages spark long queues and disrupted transport as motorists hunt for petrol and diesel. Public Service Update: Government releases K450m to clear UNZA and CBU retirees’ pension and gratuity arrears.

African Creative Voice: A new op-ed urges Zambian and regional creatives to speak out against xenophobia in South Africa, warning that silence never heals and that violence can’t be justified as “immigration enforcement.” Accountability Call: Another commentary attacks Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma’s rhetoric as dangerous, calling for legal accountability. Court Update: Miles Sampa’s cybercrime case was adjourned after illness, with the matter pushed to August 25. Fuel Relief: Zambia extended petrol and diesel excise duty suspension for 90 days and kept VAT zero-rating through Sept. 30 to cushion Middle East-driven price pressure. Public University Support: Government released K450 million to settle UNZA and CBU retirees’ pension and gratuity arrears. Digital Learning Push: MBRGI and The Digital School plan to reach 500,000+ people across six African countries, including Zambia, with teacher training and job-ready skills. Women’s Football: Martha Tembo joined Israeli side Hapoel Raanana Women ahead of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. Sports Tech & Media: Power Dynamos’ video analyst Lemekani Mwanza is profiled, while Acumen Media announced AI monitoring tools for brand reputation tracking.

Women’s Football: Copper Queens defender Martha Tembo has signed for Israeli Premier League side Hapoel Raanana Women, joining after the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. WAFCON Build-Up: Zambia’s Copper Queens continue preparations in Lusaka ahead of Algeria friendlies, with captaincy and fresh call-ups in camp as they target World Cup qualification and a WAFCON title. Sports Integrity: NOCZ president Alfred Foloko represents Zambia at an IOC–INTERPOL workshop in Harare focused on preventing manipulation of sports competitions. Digital Learning: MBRGI and The Digital School launch a digital learning initiative for 500,000+ people across six African countries including Zambia, with support for schools, teachers, and youth job readiness. Connectivity & Inclusion: Airtel Africa reiterates its sustainability push in Zambia, highlighting school internet connections through UNICEF and broader digital inclusion efforts. Power & Industry: ZESCO signs a deal to build a 470MW solar plant in Serenje, with equipment expected in August and first 100MW targeted by March 2027. Elections Watch: ECZ says 3.7 million presidential ballot papers have been printed in Dubai so far, with Dubai the only printing location and no extra ballots beyond the 9.1 million target. International Trade/Investment: Zambia-Japan investment protection agreement enters into force on 30 July 2026, setting rules for investor treatment and dispute access.

WAFCON Focus: Zambia’s Copper Queens have kicked off preparations for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, with defender Margaret Belemu saying the Algeria friendlies will be a key test ahead of the tournament, while midfielder Blessings Zulu celebrates her debut call-up after captaining the Under-20s; Zambia heads to Algeria on 13 July for two internationals. Local Sports Spotlight: Top provincial dance champions are set to battle for the Chibuku national crown, with Zimbabwe’s traditional dance festival finals scheduled for 1 August in Harare. Media & Tech: Acumen Media has launched AI monitoring and Cluster Hotspot technology to track how brands are being perceived across platforms, including what AI assistants say about them. Conservation News: After nearly three decades, cheetahs are set to be reintroduced to Zambia’s Greater Luangwa, starting with six translocated from South Africa. Election Logistics: The ECZ says all 2026 ballot papers are being printed in Dubai, following claims of extra printing elsewhere. Energy Deal: ZESCO has signed for a 470MW solar plant in Serenje, with equipment expected in August and first 100MW targeted by March 2027. Music Business: Universal Music Group East Africa has acquired Melodica’s classic catalogue, aiming to digitise and re-release East African “golden oldies” for a new generation.

WAFCON Focus: Zambia’s Copper Queens kick off WAFCON preparations in Lusaka, with captain-in-the-making Blessings Zulu celebrating her debut call-up and defender Margaret Belemu saying the Algeria friendlies are a key test as Zambia targets World Cup qualification. Campaign Heat: President Hakainde Hichilema rallies Solwezi supporters, telling the crowd “you have taken the shame away from me” as North-Western Province turns out in huge numbers. Election Tensions: Zambia’s August 13 vote countdown is marred by politically motivated violence after two deaths reported in the Copperbelt and Southern provinces, while ballot printing is said to be advanced. Sports & Talent: Zambia’s football and tennis scenes stay busy—foreign coaches arrive for Malawi’s WAFCON build-up, and Lusaka hosts junior tennis success stories including Joanivia Bezuidenhout’s doubles title. Music Business: Universal Music Group East Africa acquires Melodica’s classic catalogue, aiming to digitise and re-release golden oldies for a new generation. Public Safety: Police question a Mazabuka campaign official over alleged hate speech targeting a person with a disability.

Golf & Sports: Tongaat Hulett Zimbabwe has promised a bigger future for the Lowveld ProAm after Stuart Krog’s dominant 2026 win at Hippo Valley Estates, with Sydney Wemba and Stephen Ferreira sharing second. Music & Culture: Zimbabwe’s Chibuku Neshawari Traditional Dance Festival national finals are set for August 1 in Harare, spotlighting provincial champions and the country’s dance heritage. Entertainment & Media Careers: Jacaranda FM has appointed Bhekiwe Khumalo as its new HR Manager, effective 1 July 2026, as Dané De Klerk moves into a wider Kagiso Connect role. Zambia Politics Meets Pop Culture: DJ KANDEKE has condemned South Africa’s anti-immigrant killings and urged Zambian promoters to pause booking South African artists, while Zambia’s tourism boss says the sector is growing and targets five million international visitors by 2030. Election Watch (Zambia): ECZ says ballot printing for the August 13 polls is underway in Dubai, with parties sponsoring their own representatives—sparking transparency and cost concerns. Sports (Regional): Zimbabwe boxers won two WABA titles in Kitwe, adding to the week’s cross-border fighting headlines.

Election Watch (Zambia): Ballot printing for Zambia’s August 13, 2026 election has started in Dubai, with ECZ estimating US$5 million for printing alone—while parties must self-fund their representatives, raising transparency and access concerns. Campaign Culture: Tonse Alliance’s Brian Mundubile and Makebi Zulu drew huge crowds in Chinsali, with organisers saying people are turning up voluntarily, not for “musical concerts.” Creative Industries: Zambia’s Ministry of Youth, Sports and Arts says government is working on monetising social media so creators can earn locally, alongside reforms aimed at a Film Commission and a stronger filming destination. Music & Safety: DJ KANDEKE condemned South Africa’s anti-immigrant killings and urged promoters to pause bookings of South African artists in Zambia. Sports & Talent: Team Zambia was sent off for the Commonwealth Games with a push for discipline and pride, while Namibia thrashed Zambia 71-12 in rugby. Media & Ads: IBA and ZIM warned broadcasters to ensure ads are truthful and ethical, targeting misleading or irresponsible promotions.

Creative Industries & Film: Zambia’s 2026 African Creative Industries Business Summit and Kwimbo National Arts Festival opened in Lusaka, with Youth, Sports and Arts PS Kangwa Chileshe saying government is pushing arts monetisation, including plans to modernise film and arts laws for a Film Commission and to improve Zambia as a filming destination. Media & Advertising: IBA and ZIM issued a joint directive to broadcasters to ensure ads are truthful, decent and non-misleading, with stronger internal vetting to protect consumers. Music Spotlight: EURweb exclusively premiered Hil St. Soul’s new video “With You,” filmed in Zambia, as she reconnects with home through soul/R&B. Election Process (Ballots): ECZ and stakeholders toured ballot printing facilities in Dubai ahead of printing starting June 30, while a separate report says only UPND and independent candidate Given Katuta have sent representatives to witness the process. Governance & Transparency: Zambia scored 81/100 in its third EITI validation, earning a very good rating for extractive sector transparency. Sports: Botswana Volleyball Federation says the return of its national league is helping rebuild teams after inactivity, including wins against Zambia at a recent cup. Politics & Culture: Rapper TRIPLE M urged Zambia to be “monetized” so musicians can earn, hinting at how creatives are struggling during the campaign season.

UPND Campaign Buzz: President Hakainde Hichilema’s re-election launch at Heroes Stadium turned into a full entertainment moment, with dance moves and performances stealing headlines as he promised to keep Zambia’s US$6.5bn foreign exchange reserves “locked with keys” for emergencies and pushed copper output to about one million tonnes this year. Tonse Alliance Response: Opposition leaders Brian Mundubile and Makebi Zulu said they chose respect after Hichilema’s “boys” remarks, while also keeping pressure on economic management. Police & Politics: In Mpika, police in riot gear sealed off Mpika Boys Grounds ahead of a National Rally for Peace and Progress rally, with supporters reportedly turned away. Music & Culture: Rapper TRIPLE M urged politicians to “monetize” Zambia, echoing creatives’ calls for the country to be added to Africa’s monetized platforms. Film Spotlight: Co-op’s short documentary “Exiled for Existing” shares LGBTQ+ refugee stories, including accounts from people fleeing laws that can mean life imprisonment in parts of Africa. Sports Development: FAZ urged fans to back the Zambia U17 Women’s team in their World Cup qualifier vs Ethiopia, with electronic ticketing announced. Media Safety: Zambia Police warned against misleading AI-generated content targeting senior officials ahead of the 2026 elections.

UPND Campaign Buzz: President Hakainde Hichilema officially launched his 2026 re-election bid at Lusaka’s National Heroes Stadium, drawing a massive red-clad crowd and turning the rally into a full entertainment spectacle with musicians and a viral dance moment. Cost-of-Living Message: Hichilema told supporters he will keep pushing to bring prices down and protect Zambia’s foreign exchange reserves, framing the US$6.5bn pot as “locked with keys” for emergencies. Copper Promise: He also said copper output is expected to hit about one million tonnes this year, targeting major export earnings. Debate Online: The entertainment-heavy campaign sparked online debate, while opposition voices pushed back on the reserves argument and campaign style. Sports Spotlight: Zambia’s Nkwazi FC players and staff received promotions from the Zambia Police Service High Command, boosting morale ahead of the new season. Arts & Culture: South Africa’s National Arts Festival featured “Commission Continua,” a theatre piece on “commission fatigue” and unresolved national scars.