AGP Executive Report

Mining Pollution & Health Justice (Kabwe): On World Environment Day, coverage spotlights Kabwe’s lead and zinc legacy, where up to 200,000 people—especially children—face lead exposure, while activists say government rhetoric hasn’t translated into tough action against polluting firms. Wildlife & Land Coexistence (Zambia–Malawi): Ifaw’s “Room to Roam” initiative is working to reconnect the Kasungu–Lukusuzi ecosystems, aiming to restore wildlife corridors across the border as settlement and poaching squeeze habitats. Water Safety (Global, with African focus): A new Environmental Performance Index assessment flags unsafe drinking water as a major public health risk, with African nations dominating the lowest-ranked countries due to weak infrastructure, sanitation gaps, and climate pressure. Green Growth Policy (ZEMA): ZEMA’s approval of 103 development projects is framed as part of a push for green growth, raising attention on how environmental safeguards will be applied. Climate Adaptation in Schools (Irrigation Initiative): Government launches a Presidential Irrigation Initiative for Schools to boost food security, STEM learning, and practical water-management skills after severe drought losses. Hydropower Governance (ZRA joins IHA): ZRA’s membership in the International Hydropower Association is presented as a step toward stronger dam safety, sustainability standards, and better investor confidence for Kariba rehabilitation and Batoka development. Humanitarian Logistics (DHL Academy): DHL launches the DHL Academy of Humanitarian Logistics to strengthen locally led disaster response capacity—timely for climate-related emergencies.

World Environment Day & Mining Pollution: Zambia marked June 5 with renewed calls for justice in Kabwe, where lead and zinc pollution has left up to 200,000 people—especially children—at serious risk, and activists say government rhetoric hasn’t matched tough action against polluting firms. Green Growth Approvals: ZEMA approved 103 development projects across mining, energy, manufacturing, infrastructure, agriculture and tourism, including solar power, a Lusaka plastic manufacturing and recycling plant, and a used oil/end-of-life tyres recycling facility in Kalumbila. Climate Impacts on Wildlife & Farmers: Hungry elephants displaced by climate stress pushed into farms near Mosi-oa-Tunya, with one farmer reporting maize wiped out overnight—highlighting the pressure on human-elephant coexistence in Zambia’s conservation landscapes. Water & Power Governance: ZRA joined the International Hydropower Association, aiming to strengthen standards and safety as it rehabilitates Kariba and advances the Batoka Gorge scheme, with a focus on environmental and community impacts. Food Security via Irrigation: Government launched the Presidential Irrigation Initiative for Schools to boost drought resilience, support school feeding, and teach water management and environmental conservation through practical learning.

World Environment Day & Mining Pollution Justice: Zambia marks June 5 with renewed calls to tackle toxic legacies in Kabwe, where lead and zinc mining waste continues to expose up to 200,000 people—especially children—to dangerous contamination, despite licences and weak enforcement. Green Growth Approvals: ZEMA has approved 103 development projects across mining, energy, manufacturing, infrastructure, agriculture and tourism, including solar power, a Lusaka plastic recycling plant, and a used oil/end-of-life tyres recycling facility in Kyangozhi. Climate Impacts on Wildlife & Farmers: Hungry elephants displaced by climate pressures are raiding maize fields in Zambia’s protected-area belt, with one farmer reporting elephants eating her crop through the night. Water & Power Governance: ZRA joins the International Hydropower Association to strengthen dam safety and sustainability as it advances Kariba rehabilitation and the Batoka Gorge scheme. Circular Economy & Waste: ZEMA’s approvals also include recycling and hazardous-waste-to-fuel plans, linking waste management to cleaner industrial operations. Climate-Driven Food Security: A new global study warns food shocks hit hardest when they stack with bad harvest years—fuel and energy spikes can be as damaging as conflict. Tourism & Conservation Link: Zambia’s ZATEX push highlights tourism as a development engine, with regional cooperation framed around shared natural assets like Victoria Falls.

World Environment Day & Mining Justice: On June 5, Kabwe residents in Zambia’s lead-polluted communities again face the gap between “Be part of the solution” slogans and weak action against polluters, with activists pointing to ongoing zinc and lead waste extraction and licensing concerns. ZEMA Green Approvals: ZEMA has approved 103 development projects under its circular economy and green growth push, including 300MW solar, Lusaka plastic recycling and tile adhesive manufacturing, and a used oil/end-of-life tyres recycling plant in Kalumbila, plus road upgrades in Eastern Province. Presidential Irrigation Initiative: Government launched the Presidential Irrigation Initiative for Schools to boost food security, STEM learning, and school feeding sustainability through hands-on water management and environmental conservation. SADC Critical Minerals Value Chains: A five-year SADC project launched in Lusaka aims to keep energy-transition minerals in the region through environmentally and socially responsible beneficiation, jobs, and skills. Tourism & Conservation Pressure: ZATEX opened with renewed calls for tourism-led diversification, while coverage also highlights how habitat shrinkage and pollution risks keep threatening wildlife corridors and community wellbeing.

ZEMA Approvals for Green Growth: Zambia’s environmental regulator, ZEMA, has approved 103 development projects across mining, energy, manufacturing, infrastructure and tourism, including 300MW of solar, a Lusaka plastic manufacturing and recycling plant, and used oil and end-of-life tyres recycling in Kyangozhi—plus upgrades to the Chipata–Chadiza road to bituminous standard, aligning with World Environment Day’s push for climate action and green growth. Power Resilience Ahead of El Niño: ZESCO has warned of possible power disruptions tied to El Niño impacts and urged households to prepare with plan-B energy options like solar and net metering, while saying load shedding may continue but supply challenges after elections will be managed. Conservation Spotlight: A rescued orphaned forest elephant in Nigeria’s Okomu National Park is being nursed back to health after being separated from its herd, with specialists flown in from Zambia—highlighting ongoing habitat loss and poaching pressures. Trade, Jobs and Climate Delivery: A SADC-led initiative launched in Lusaka aims to keep energy-transition minerals value in the region through environmentally and socially responsible, decarbonized value chains, supporting beneficiation, skills and jobs across member states including Zambia. Mining Operations Update: Jubilee Metals says its Roan concentrator in Zambia has resumed full operations after maintenance, targeting 30,000 tonnes per month and commissioning a new fine copper concentrate dewatering facility.

ZEMA Approvals & Green Growth: Zambia’s Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) has approved 103 development projects out of 106 reviewed, including 300MW of solar projects, a Lusaka plastic manufacturing and recycling plant, and used oil/end-of-life tyres recycling in Kyangozhi—aligned with World Environment Day’s push for climate action and green growth. El Niño Preparedness: Government says it is assessing a possible second wave of El Niño after regional forecasts warn of drought, reduced rainfall and higher temperatures, urging calm while the Zambia Meteorological Department finalises local analysis. Power & Climate Risk: ZESCO hints at possible power disruptions linked to El Niño impacts, urging citizens to consider solar and net metering as “plan B” resilience, while stressing load shedding management rather than elimination. Copper Processing & Exports: Zambia extended the 10% export tax waiver on copper concentrates to 30 September to ease stockpiles while smelters undergo maintenance. Wildlife Under Pressure: A new focus on Zambia’s black-cheeked lovebird highlights threats from mopane tree cutting, woodland loss, trapping, and drying water bodies—keeping the species listed as Vulnerable. Humanitarian Logistics Training: DHL launched the DHL Academy of Humanitarian Logistics (DAHL) to train local and regional responders in safer, faster aid delivery—an approach increasingly relevant as climate-related emergencies rise. Currency Watch: The kwacha strengthened into the K17 bracket as copper earnings, harvest gains and improved debt management support foreign exchange inflows.

Climate Risk Watch: Government says it is assessing a possible second wave of El Niño, with Zambia Meteorological Department working to gauge likely drought, reduced rainfall and hotter conditions before any public warnings. Copper & Environment: Zambia extended the 10% export tax waiver on copper concentrates to September 30 to ease stockpiles while smelters undergo maintenance, a move that could affect how much material is processed locally. Mining Operations: Jubilee Metals reports Roan concentrator in Ndola is back at full capacity after May maintenance, with a new fine copper concentrate dewatering circuit commissioned and June throughput targeting 30,000 tonnes/month. Sustainable Minerals: UN ECA launched a €15m, five-year SADC project in Lusaka to push environmentally and socially responsible, decarbonised critical minerals value chains across the region, including Zambia. Waste & Pollution: A report highlights the “dark side” of plastic recycling, warning that exported plastic waste can end up burned or dumped where waste systems are weak, worsening air pollution and health risks. Food Systems & Resilience: SeedCo Zambia says it exported 15,000 seed units to East Africa in 2025, pointing to Zambia’s climate and hybrid seed work as a regional food-security lever.

Rural Electrification: REA has handed over 85 rural electrification projects worth K463 million to Zesco, a push meant to narrow the urban-rural gap and boost services like schools, clinics, irrigation and small businesses. STEM & Youth Science: Merck’s Curiosity Cube™ mobile lab is running in Zambia, with 447 students taking part in hands-on synthetic biology experiments alongside University of Zambia volunteers. Agriculture Exports: SeedCo Zambia says it exported 15,000 seed bags to East Africa between June and November 2025, positioning Zambia as a regional food production hub. Climate & Power: A report highlights how climate change is draining hydro-power generation, raising pressure on clean electricity systems. Plastic Pollution: Another story digs into the “dark side” of plastic recycling, warning that exported waste can end up burned in places with weak waste controls. Nature Finance: Ecobank launched a $450m Nature Bond on the London Stock Exchange to finance protection of Africa’s biodiversity, including through sustainable agriculture and water systems. Critical Minerals: UN ECA launched a €15m SADC project to support environmentally and socially responsible, decarbonised critical minerals value chains across the region, including Zambia.

Critical Minerals & Environment: The UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) launched a €15m, five-year SADC project in Lusaka to support environmentally and socially responsible, decarbonised critical minerals value chains across DRC, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe—aiming for value addition, jobs, and stronger environmental protection. Biodiversity Finance: Ecobank issued a $450m “Nature Bond” on the London Stock Exchange, designed to channel capital to protect African ecosystems via farmers and sustainable agriculture and water systems, with the deal priced after strong demand. Clean Energy Debate: Zambia’s energy future is back in focus as reporting highlights a push beyond hydropower, with coal framed as a way to keep the lights on amid ongoing power shortages. Climate Adaptation Funding: A $30m initiative is set to back locally led climate adaptation in Eswatini, Zambia and Zimbabwe through community organisations and farmer groups, with implementation planned from 2027 to 2032. Fisheries Governance: SADC renewed the board of its Regional Fisheries Monitoring Control and Surveillance Coordination Centre (MCSCC) in Maputo, keeping Zambia’s Sakwimba Constance Mwanza as a finance expert and prioritising better vessel registration and illegal fishing controls. Election Safety & Voter Education: Zambia’s ECZ launched a voter education and publicity drive urging parties to share accurate information and promote peaceful participation ahead of the August general election.

Energy & Climate Resilience: Zambia’s power crunch is back in focus as ZCCM-IH partners with China’s Wonderful Group to develop a thermal project of up to 600MW, a move framed as insurance against hydropower drought shocks and ongoing load shedding. Debt & Public Finance: Zambia begins buying back over US$1.3bn in Eurobonds to cut future debt costs and free budget space, though some 2053 bondholders are pushing back over tender terms. Food Security: Lusaka District has been assigned a FRA target of 2,800 metric tons of grade A white maize for the 2025/26 season via satellite depots, aimed at restocking strategic reserves and buffering drought emergencies. Clean Cooking: The AfDB is rolling out a Clean Cooking Program under the Rome Process/Mattei Plan Financing Facility, targeting about one million households and aiming to cut millions of tonnes of CO2. Biodiversity & Ecosystems: Malawi launches major biodiversity and ecosystem frameworks, pairing science with indigenous knowledge to tackle forest loss, overfishing, wetland decline and climate-driven disasters. Wildlife & Land: Zambia’s “Operation Return of the Wild” highlights major wildlife restoration efforts, while a separate report flags a fatal illegal mining tunnel collapse in Chingola and renewed calls for safer, compliant mining.

Renewables Push in Southern Africa: A new AP report says Africa’s next power build is increasingly solar, wind and battery storage, with Zambia named in a $1.5bn China-linked deal that includes 300MW solar, 300MW wind and 300MW coal—showing the continent’s push for faster, cheaper electricity while still needing stable baseload. Debt Relief for Fiscal Space: Zambia has begun buying back over US$1.3bn in Eurobonds, a move economists say should cut future debt costs and free budget room for services and infrastructure. Food Security Procurement: Lusaka District says FRA has a 2,800 metric-ton target for grade A white maize for the 2025/26 season via satellite depots, aimed at restocking strategic reserves and buffering drought shocks. Biodiversity & Ecosystem Protection: Malawi launched NBSAP III, its CBD reporting, and a National Ecosystem Assessment, pairing science with indigenous knowledge to tackle forest loss, overfishing, river siltation and wetland decline. Climate Resilience Livelihoods: Northern Province says climate resilience work includes handing calves to communities through Community Climate Solutions Zambia, linking livestock ownership to income and adaptation. Illegal Mining Safety Warning: Zambia’s government says it will stop spending public resources on rescue operations for illegal miners after a fatal Chingola tunnel collapse. Voter Education: ECZ launched the 2026 voter education campaign, while defence officials urged safe, peaceful voting.

Renewables Shift: Solar and wind are overtaking coal and large hydropower across Africa, with Zambia named in a wider trend that includes a China-backed $1.5bn energy deal featuring solar, wind and coal-fired projects—showing how grid reliability and fuel-cost pressure are pushing faster-to-deploy clean power. Debt & Fiscal Space: Zambia has launched a buyback of over US$1.3bn in Eurobonds to cut future debt costs and free budget room for services like health, education and infrastructure. Elections & Public Safety: The ECZ launched its 2026 voter education campaign, while the Ministry of Defence urged military personnel to protect voters for peaceful elections. Illegal Mining Risk: A man died after a tunnel collapse at an illegal mining site in Chingola, as government warned it will not keep spending public resources on rescue operations for illegal miners. Fisheries Enforcement: SADC reappointed Stanley Ndara to lead a regional fisheries monitoring body aimed at tackling illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing. Tobacco Control: Eastern Province officials marked World No Tobacco Day, calling for stronger action to protect young people from tobacco and nicotine harms. Urban Resilience: Switzerland funded a Bulawayo market revamp to improve safe trading conditions for informal traders.

Elections & Civic Safety: The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has launched its 2026 General Election Publicity and Voter Education Campaign, while the Ministry of Defence urges military personnel to protect voters so the August 13 polls stay peaceful and free. Illegal Mining & Environment: A man died after a tunnel collapse at the OB 13 KCM dumpsite in Chingola during alleged illegal mining, as government warns it will stop spending public resources on rescue efforts tied to illegal, unsafe, and environmentally non-compliant mining. Debt & Public Investment: Zambia has started a cash tender to buy back over US$1.3bn in Eurobonds maturing in 2053, aiming to cut future debt pressure and free space for infrastructure and electricity transmission priorities. Health & Tobacco Control: Eastern Province officials marked World No Tobacco Day, calling for stronger action against tobacco and nicotine use—especially to protect young people from addiction and preventable illness. Renewables Momentum: Coverage highlights Africa’s rapid shift toward solar, wind and battery storage as faster, cheaper power options—relevant as Zambia weighs energy security and grid reliability. Lake & Fisheries Enforcement: Mpulungu authorities arrested nine people for fish trading during the Lake Tanganyika fishing ban, seizing dry fish and motorbikes and warning the public against misinformation on any extension. Climate-Resilient Land Use: Mpika District pushed community-led climate resilience and sustainable land and natural resource management to help Zambia adapt to climate change. Mining Sector Support: The World Bank says it is expanding support to help resource-rich countries turn mineral wealth into jobs and growth, stressing governance, infrastructure and private investment.

Renewable Energy Push: Africa’s power mix is shifting fast toward solar, wind and battery storage, with a China–Zambia $1.5bn deal pointing to faster, cheaper generation even as coal still appears for baseload needs. Ecosystem Restoration in Zambia: Zambia has launched the Kafue Flats Wildlife, Habitat, Health and Livelihood Project with WWF Zambia and the International Crane Foundation to restore degraded areas, protect wildlife and boost climate resilience while tackling pollution, habitat loss and human-wildlife conflict. Clean Power for Rural Services: A Chinese donation of solar mini-grid equipment worth $350,000 will power nine schools and five rural health centres in Kaumbwe, Petauke, using PV plus battery storage to improve lighting, refrigeration and ICT. Wildlife & Fisheries Enforcement: Nine people were arrested in Mpulungu for fish trading during the Lake Tanganyika fishing ban, with 75kg of dry fish seized. Climate Monitoring Support: Zambia, with WFP and the UK Met Office, launched a $3.6m initiative to strengthen climate monitoring and early warning systems. Debt & Policy Context: Zambia began buying back $1.36bn in 2053 Eurobonds, a move aimed at lowering future borrowing costs and improving fiscal sustainability. GEF Finance Debate: The GEF council opened amid calls for bigger, fairer access to environmental funding for developing countries.

Debt & Fiscal Resilience: Zambia has launched a cash tender to buy back $1.36bn in 2053 Eurobonds, aiming to cut future borrowing costs and improve debt sustainability as it weighs IMF-linked coupon step-ups. Renewables & Power Access: Solar and wind are accelerating across Africa as faster, cheaper options; Zambia also received solar mini-grid equipment worth $350,000 for schools and rural health centres in Kaumbwe, boosting clean power in underserved areas. Ecosystems & Wildlife: Zambia launched the Kafue Flats Wildlife, Habitat, Health and Livelihood Project with WWF Zambia and the International Crane Foundation to restore degraded ecosystems, protect biodiversity, and strengthen climate resilience while supporting community livelihoods. Land Use & Climate Adaptation: Mpika District pushed sustainable land and natural resource management through community-led climate resilience and forest utilisation discussions in Muchinga. Fisheries Enforcement: Nine people were arrested in Mpulungu for fish trading during the Lake Tanganyika fishing ban, with 75kg of dry fish seized. Public Health Preparedness: Nakonde intensified Ebola surveillance at the border with stricter screening and hygiene protocols despite Zambia reporting no confirmed cases.

Power & Climate Risk: Zambia’s power crunch is being blamed on Kariba’s dwindling water after the Zambezi River Authority ordered reduced generation, leaving the grid with far less than peak demand and driving rolling outages. Renewables Push: Across Africa, solar, wind and battery projects are accelerating as governments and investors look for faster, cheaper power than coal and big hydropower. Lake Tanganyika Fisheries Enforcement: Mpulungu arrested nine people for trading and transporting dry fish during the annual fishing ban, seizing 75kg of assorted dry fish and two motorbikes. Ecosystem Restoration in Zambia: Zambia launched the Kafue Flats Wildlife, Habitat, Health and Livelihood project with WWF Zambia and the International Crane Foundation to restore degraded ecosystems, protect wildlife and boost climate resilience. Clean Energy Access: A Chinese firm donated solar mini-grid equipment worth US$350,000 to Kaumbwe, targeting reliable power for schools and rural health centres. Wildlife Protection Pressure: Calls are growing to stop new commercial developments around Victoria Falls, warning they could threaten the site’s UNESCO world heritage status. Land & Resource Stewardship: Mpika District urged sustainable land use and community-led natural resource management to strengthen climate resilience. Public Health Preparedness: Nakonde intensified Ebola surveillance at the border, with screening and hygiene measures stepped up despite Zambia reporting no confirmed cases. Debt & Fiscal Space: Zambia launched a cash tender to repurchase its $1.36bn 2053 bond, aiming to cut future servicing costs as it watches IMF-linked coupon step-ups.