AGP Executive Report

Climate Watch: The UN’s World Meteorological Organization warns a “supersized” El Niño is intensifying, with floods, drought and extreme heat risks likely to hit through early 2027—raising alarms for vulnerable communities across the region. Child Protection: UNICEF says over 162 million children in eastern and southern Africa live in El Niño–vulnerable areas, including Zambia, where drought, extreme heat and flooding threaten food, health, schooling and safe water. Environment & Faith: Zambia’s Catholic Bishops launched the 2026 Season of Creation under “Living Water,” urging practical action to protect water sources, cut waste, and support environmentally friendly farming. Mining Pollution Pressure: North-Western Province elders called for closer monitoring of mining activities and spillages into rivers and streams, urging ZEMA to test water and assess groundwater contamination. Wildlife & Conservation: A local veterinarian is set to join a wildlife collaring expedition in Zambia, supporting better tracking for wildlife management. Governance & Civic Space: A UN special rapporteur urged Zambia to release political detainees and stop criminalising dissent after post-election arrests.

Climate Risk for Children: UNICEF warns over 162 million children across eastern and southern Africa, including Zambia, face intensifying 2026/27 El Niño impacts—drought, extreme heat, flooding, and knock-on threats to food, health, schooling, and safe water. HIV Prevention Supply: Zambia received its first US-funded shipment of lenacapavir, a twice-yearly HIV prevention injection, with early rollout at UTH Women and Newborn Hospital for eligible high-risk groups. Mining Pollution Watch: North-Western Province elders urge tighter monitoring of mining activities and spillages into rivers and streams, calling for water and groundwater testing and faster action by ZEMA. Traditional Medicine & Wildlife Tourism: A herbal medicine retreat is set for December at Nsobe Game Camp in Zambia’s Miombo woodlands, pairing native plant learning with guided bushwalks and game drives. EU Congratulates HH: The EU congratulated President Hakainde Hichilema on re-election, calling the Zambia–EU partnership robust and pointing to Global Gateway investment priorities. Election Tensions, Rights Concerns: Zambia’s State House denies a political crisis, while a UN special rapporteur warns of deteriorating civic space and calls for an end to criminalisation of dissent.

Enhanced Rock Weathering for resilient farming: Bioversity/CIAT and MATI signed a five-year deal to run field trials of crushed basalt in smallholder systems, aiming to restore degraded soils, boost yields, and cut heat-and-drought vulnerability. El Niño food-security warning for Southern Africa: Analysts and regional forecasters say a stronger El Niño could bring below-normal rainfall, with Zambia flagged as having limited room to absorb another food-price shock—urging early preparation. Zambia’s second-term inauguration amid election turmoil: President Hakainde Hichilema was sworn in as observers cited serious irregularities in the August vote; the political climate may shape how quickly climate and environment priorities get funded and implemented. Carbon markets push in East Africa: VCMI and the Eastern Africa Alliance on Carbon Markets and Climate Finance partnered to help governments build carbon market policies, capacity, and authorities. Mining and environmental justice in court: Sino Metals and NFC Africa Mining asked Zambia’s High Court to dismiss a $50m lawsuit tied to demands for independent environmental and social impact assessment. Road safety and health access support: Transaid launched its 2026 Christmas Appeal in Zambia and other countries, backing safer transport and access to essential healthcare.

Climate Risk for Zambia: The Institute of International Finance warns El Niño is strengthening from a weaker economic position, with Zambia among countries having “least room” to absorb another food-price shock—raising the odds of drought stress and wider food insecurity. Weather Outlook: A separate Southern Africa climate outlook flags below-normal rainfall for Oct–Dec 2026, with El Niño peaking around that period, putting agriculture, energy and tourism under pressure. Election Turmoil, Democracy Under Strain: President Hakainde Hichilema was sworn in for a second term as Reuters and other reports describe a chaotic Aug 13 vote marked by irregularities, including disputed tallying and security actions; his main rival Brian Mundubile is in treason detention. EU Partnership: The EU congratulated Hichilema and pointed to deeper cooperation via its Global Gateway, including investment in energy and infrastructure tied to sustainable transformation. Carbon Markets Push (East Africa): A new partnership links the Voluntary Carbon Markets Integrity Initiative with an East Africa alliance to help governments build carbon market policies, capacity and infrastructure. Deforestation Monitoring Support: Zambia’s Ministry of Green Economy and Environment handed vehicles to the Eastern Province Jurisdictional Sustainable Landscape Programme to strengthen field monitoring aimed at cutting deforestation and emissions. Mining & Environment in Court: Sino Metals and NFC Africa Mining asked Zambia’s High Court to dismiss a $50m lawsuit seeking independent environmental and social impact assessment, challenging whether a chief has legal standing. Wildlife/Water Note: Reports also mention an “invasion of venomous fish,” a reminder that warming waters can shift risks for communities and ecosystems.

Climate & Rainfall Outlook: Southern Africa is bracing for a below-normal rainy season in Oct–Dec 2026, with El Niño expected to strengthen around that period, raising the odds of dry spells during key farming months. Carbon & Forest Protection: Zambia’s Ministry of Green Economy and Environment handed over five vehicles to the Eastern Province Jurisdictional Sustainable Landscape Programme to boost monitoring and cut deforestation and emissions across 15 districts. Agroecology Exchange: A Zambian delegation visited natural farming fields in India under a South–South cooperation programme, aiming to learn how agroecology can improve climate-resilient farming back home. Water, Food & Pollution Call: A Catholic archbishop urged governments and communities to protect water sources, improve sanitation, grow food locally, and denounce all forms of pollution during the Season of Creation. Critical Minerals Debate: A new report warns that the rush for critical minerals is already harming people and the planet, challenging the idea that mining expansion is the clean-energy solution. Tourism & Conservation Angle: Zambia is being promoted for “green season” safaris and even night wildlife viewing, with the message that rain can mean better experiences—not worse ones. Local Environment Governance: Government also disclosed funding for the Livingstone–Sesheke road EIA process, a move that can affect access to remote areas and land use as works are planned ahead of the rains.

Climate & Rainfall Outlook: Southern Africa’s rainy season is likely to come in below expectations for Oct–Dec 2026, with El Niño strengthening and drier conditions flagged across the region, raising pressure on farming and water planning. Carbon, Forests & Eastern Province: Zambia’s Ministry of Green Economy and Environment handed over five vehicles (K6.1m) to support the Eastern Province Jurisdictional Sustainable Landscape Programme, targeting lower deforestation and emissions through field monitoring and climate-smart land management. Roads & Environment Impacts: Government released over K1.7bn for the Livingstone–Sesheke road, with EIA disclosures underway and design work planned to run for six months before construction ahead of the rains. Tourism Tech & Storytelling: Secretary to the Cabinet Patrick Kangwa backed technology-led tourism storytelling during Lusaka’s drone light show celebrating Zambia–China ties, including the TAZARA corridor. Wildlife & Night Skies: Zambia ranks highly for nighttime safaris and dark-sky photography, with nocturnal species activity highlighted as a key draw for both wildlife watchers and astrophotographers. Mining, Trade & the Lobito Corridor: A new DRC–Angola rail agreement aims to improve transport for copper and cobalt exports via Lobito, potentially easing logistics bottlenecks across the mineral-rich corridor. Tobacco & Weather Risk: TBZ says it has bought 67m kg of tobacco toward an 80m kg target, while urging farmers to prepare early with drought-resistant seed and crop insurance amid changing weather patterns.

Climate & Rainfall Watch: Southern Africa, including southern Zambia, faces increased chances of drier-than-normal rains from October 2026 to March 2027, with above-normal temperatures also expected—an early warning for farming and water planning as El Niño strengthens. Biodiversity & Night Tourism: Zambia tops a “night safari” ranking for nocturnal wildlife viewing and dark skies, with leopards, civets and bushbabies highlighted—good news for wildlife lovers and astrophotographers. Lusaka Tech & Heritage: A drone light show at Lusaka’s Showgrounds used synchronized formations to celebrate Zambia-China friendship and heritage, including TAZARA, showing how tech can spotlight national identity. Youth & Farming Livelihoods: Caritas Zambia says it’s supporting young people through farming cooperatives to build higher-income, sustainable livelihoods rather than survival-only agriculture. Governance & Rights: Opposition leader Brian Mundubile was charged with treason and handed to police after hiding, raising fresh concerns about political space—an issue that can also affect how environmental and community programmes are protected.

Climate Outlook: Southern Africa, including southern Zambia, is bracing for a drier-than-normal rainy season as El Niño strengthens, with higher chances of below-normal rainfall from October 2026 to March 2027 and above-normal temperatures—raising stakes for crops, water and livestock. Water & Food Security: Zimbabwe’s forecast mirrors the region’s risk, warning of hotter, drier conditions that could hit planting and water availability, even after a temporary harvest cushion. Wildlife & Conservation Tourism: A “Quiet Score” index puts Zambia among the world’s most tranquil destinations, highlighting protected land and low tourist density—useful for eco-tourism planning. Youth & Farming Livelihoods: Caritas Zambia backs young farmers through cooperatives, aiming to shift farming from survival to sustainable, higher-income community businesses. Governance & Environment Link: Zambia’s election tensions continue as opposition leader Brian Mundubile faces treason charges, while rights groups warn political space is narrowing—an indirect risk to stable planning for environmental and public health priorities.

Climate Outlook for Southern Africa: SARCOF-33 warns a stronger El Niño could bring below-normal rainfall across much of southern Zambia and neighbouring countries from Oct 2026–Mar 2027, alongside above-normal temperatures, raising alarms for water, farming and livestock planning. Water & Food Security: The same outlook flags likely water shortages and pressure on agriculture, urging communities to seek guidance from the Zambia Meteorological Department and prepare early. Youth Farming for Livelihoods: Caritas Zambia says it is supporting young people to form farming cooperatives, aiming to turn farming from survival into higher-income, sustainable livelihoods. Critical Minerals Debate: A new report argues the global rush for critical minerals is already harming people and the planet, and that mining expansion is not automatically tied to the “green energy” transition. Zambia’s Election Integrity Watch: Transparency International Zambia puts 32 constituencies under scrutiny after monitors reported procedural irregularities, calling for transparent review—an issue that can shape environmental governance and public trust.

Climate & Water Security: Southern Africa, including Southern Zambia, is likely to see drier-than-normal rains in the 2026/27 season as El Niño strengthens, with above-normal temperatures also expected—while northern Zambia may get more normal to above-normal rainfall, raising planning pressure for farms and water supplies. Youth & Sustainable Livelihoods: Caritas Zambia says it is supporting young people through farming cooperatives, helping them pool labour, negotiate better prices, and turn harvests into higher-income businesses. Critical Minerals & Green Claims: A new report warns that the rush for critical minerals is already harming people and the planet, arguing that extraction is often not actually tied to the clean-energy transition. Copper, Power & Risk: Zambia’s copper boom is being squeezed by a power crunch linked to drought and rising mining demand, underlining how climate stress can hit jobs and investment. Regional Policy & Jobs: Zambia is among countries approved to join the Digital Cooperation Organization, a move that could expand digital skills and cross-border cooperation. Governance & Democracy: Post-election tensions continue to draw international concern, with warnings about institutional strength and due process—an issue that can also affect environmental regulation and enforcement.

Climate & Water Security: Southern Zambia is bracing for a drier-than-normal rainy season. The SARCOF-33 outlook says October 2026 to March 2027 brings higher chances of below-normal rainfall for Southern Zambia, while northern Zambia is more likely to see normal to above-normal rains. It also warns of above-normal temperatures across much of the region, linked to a strengthening El Niño and a developing Indian Ocean Dipole, urging the public to follow guidance from the Zambia Meteorological Department. Youth & Sustainable Livelihoods: Caritas Zambia says it is supporting young people to build sustainable, higher-income livelihoods through farming cooperatives—helping youth negotiate better prices and turn harvests into businesses. Regional Climate Risk: A separate SADC-focused summary echoes the same concern: water shortages and pressure on agriculture are possible if rainfall stays below normal, especially in central and southern areas including Zambia. Transport Safety on Shared Waters: While not Zambia-based, a Lake Kariba ferry disaster involving the Zambia-Zimbabwe border is driving renewed scrutiny of safety and overloading after police arrested a district official over culpable homicide.

Climate Outlook: Southern Africa is bracing for a dry, hot rainy season as El Niño is expected to bring below-normal rainfall in central and southern areas, including Zambia, with hotter conditions likely to add pressure on water and agriculture. Water & Diplomacy: A Global Ambassadors’ Forum for Water and Economic Diplomacy at World Water Week highlighted a major water-investment shortfall and pushed water cooperation as a route to finance and implementation. Mining & Environment Risks: A new report warns that the rush for “transition minerals” is linked to serious harm to people and planet, raising questions about how development banks assess environmental and human-rights risks. Wildlife & Conservation Culture: Zambia is featured in a “quietest nations” ranking, with Zambia scoring high for protected land and low tourist pressure—useful context for conservation-minded tourism. Youth & Energy Participation: A Chinese firm donated 100 fuel tankers to Zambia to boost youth involvement in the petroleum sector, aiming for jobs and sustainable income. Governance & Accountability: Zambia’s election dispute continues as opposition figures face police action and legal moves, with calls for a peaceful environment to protect citizens’ rights.

Climate Outlook: Southern Africa braces for a dry, hot rainy season as SARCOF-33 warns El Niño could bring below-normal rainfall across much of SADC (including Zambia) from Oct 2026–Mar 2027, with above-average rain more likely in northern pockets. Food Security: Zambia’s record maize harvest may not fully protect households, as El Niño-linked drought risks could still push some districts toward worse IPC outcomes through impacts on water, livestock, power generation and prices. Water & Safety: Zimbabwe arrests a district official over the Lake Kariba ferry disaster that killed at least 97 people, spotlighting overloaded vessels, bad weather and safety failures on the Zambia–Zimbabwe lake route. Mining & Power: Zambia’s copper push faces a looming electricity crunch, with hydropower vulnerability to drought and rising mine demand threatening output targets. Critical Minerals Debate: A new report argues the rush for “transition minerals” is often tied to serious environmental and human-rights harm, challenging claims it’s mainly for green energy. Wildlife & Conservation: Researchers document “fashion-like” grass-copying behavior among chimps at a Zambia sanctuary, adding to growing evidence of culture in wildlife.

Youth & Entrepreneurship: Japan-funded “Empower Africa” is opening applications for 18–35s across 11 Anglophone countries, including Zambia, with training in sustainable development, AI, and investment readiness. Critical Minerals & the Green Claim: A new report warns the rush for critical minerals is driving “devastating” land and water damage, arguing it’s not as tightly linked to green energy as governments claim. Zambia’s Power Crunch for Copper: Zambia’s copper expansion push faces a growing electricity gap, with hydropower vulnerability and drought risks threatening mine growth. Food Security Under El Niño: Zambia’s record maize harvest is being weighed against El Niño risks that could still push drought-prone areas toward worse conditions, affecting water, livestock, and prices. Water & Diplomacy: GWPO and partners launched a Global Ambassadors’ Forum linking water investment with economic diplomacy, highlighting a major funding shortfall for water and sanitation. Transport Safety (Lake Kariba): Zimbabwe police arrested a district official over the Lake Kariba ferry disaster that killed at least 97, underscoring safety and overloading concerns across the Zambia–Zimbabwe border. Wildlife & Conservation Culture: A Zambia chimp sanctuary study highlights “fashion-like” copying of grass-wearing behavior, showing how wildlife social learning spreads.

Lake Kariba tragedy: Zimbabwe police arrested a district coordinator over a ferry capsize on Lake Kariba that killed at least 97 people on Aug 11, with the overloaded vessel reportedly carrying far more than its 90-passenger limit in bad weather. Zambia power squeeze: A report warns Zambia’s copper push is colliding with a power crunch, as hydropower dependence and drought-linked drops in dam output strain the grid and threaten faster mine expansion. El Niño food-security nerves: Zambia’s record maize harvest may not stop rising risk, with an upcoming IPC assessment expected to flag drought impacts in vulnerable areas as El Niño conditions build. Transition minerals scrutiny: A new report says development-bank-backed transition minerals projects often carry serious environmental and human-rights risks, with many African projects showing potential harm to communities. Youth in petroleum: A Chinese firm donated 100 fuel tankers to Zambia’s youth empowerment programme to boost young participation in the petroleum sector, targeting about 12,000 beneficiaries. Wildlife & conservation: A separate story highlights how communities are being pushed to cooperate across borders to tackle wildlife and timber trafficking linked to environmental crime.

IMF Debt Watch: Egypt tops Africa’s IMF credit outstanding list for Aug 1–20, 2026 (SDR 7.86bn), followed by Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana and Kenya—highlighting that “IMF debt” is different from total public debt and matters for how easily countries can access financing. Fertiliser Shock and Farming Resilience: Fertiliser prices surged after the Strait of Hormuz closure, exposing how subsidy-heavy support can protect farmers’ cash flow without fixing soil degradation and nutrient loss—pushing the debate toward smarter investment in farm systems. Zambia Courts Disrupted: Zambia’s High Court and other courts were closed and barricaded as “crime scenes” on the presidential petition deadline day, raising fresh concerns about access to justice and due process. El Niño Extreme Weather Alert: Eastern and Southern Africa is bracing for a potentially record-strong El Niño, with Kenya warning of heavy rains, flash floods, mudslides and large numbers at risk—urging early preparation. Wildlife and Trade Corridor Push: Congo’s Lobito Corridor deal is set to strengthen cross-border trade while also expanding cooperation to tackle wildlife and natural resource crimes. Urban Heat and Transport Pressure: Heatwaves are stressing public transport systems, with calls for upgrades to protect commuters and drivers as extreme temperatures become more common.