AGP Executive Report

El Niño Watch: Zambia is being urged to start early preparations for a projected “super El Niño” that could hit agriculture, water security and livelihoods as impacts are expected to intensify around November–December. Wildlife & Rights: Reports say Prince Harry may step down from African Parks amid growing scrutiny over conservation power and alleged human rights abuses. HIV Prevention Rollout: UNAIDS says Zambia has received the first US-funded Lenacapavir for twice-yearly injectable PrEP, aiming to prevent new HIV infections. Digital Trust for Sustainability: Zambia launched its National Public Key Infrastructure to secure digital transactions and support future digital identity and e-government services. Conservation Enforcement: A Nchelenge court sentenced a man to 60 months for unlawful possession of a protected crocodile carcass. Mining, Power & Environment: Zambia’s push for mines to invest in power generation highlights pressure on the national grid and the wider environmental stakes of electricity demand. Climate-Linked Energy Risk: While Tanzania prepares for El Niño rains by protecting power infrastructure, Zambia’s own warnings underline the region-wide need to safeguard services during extreme weather.

Power & Mining: A call for Vedanta—and all major mines—to invest in power generation for Konkola Copper Mines spotlights Zambia’s grid strain and the need to manage electricity demand beyond ZESCO. Climate Risk: New reporting warns El Niño is strengthening, with wetter spells likely in parts of East Africa and higher drought risk in Southern Africa—raising concerns for harvests, water and health. Environmental Governance: ZEMA has cut EIA approval fees and sped up processing under the 2026 EIA Regulations, aiming for faster but more responsible development. Wildlife Protection: A Nchelenge man was jailed 60 months with hard labour for possessing a protected crocodile carcass, reinforcing enforcement of the Wildlife Act. Digital Trust for Sustainability: Zambia launched its National Public Key Infrastructure to secure electronic transactions and support future digital identity and e-government—building confidence for businesses and investors. Mining Tech & Emissions: At Electra Mining Africa, AI tyre monitoring and tyre life-extension solutions were highlighted for reducing downtime and supporting lower waste and Scope 3 emissions. Tourism & Heritage: Zambia’s push toward heritage-led tourism and a growing visitor target keeps conservation and natural attractions in the spotlight.

El Niño Watch: The World Meteorological Organization says a strong El Niño is already established and is expected to intensify toward late 2026, with East Africa likely wetter and Southern Africa facing higher drought risk—raising concerns for food, water, health and livelihoods. ZEMA Reform: Zambia’s environmental regulator has cut environmental impact assessment approval fees and sped up processing under new 2026 EIA regulations, aiming for faster but responsible development. Wildlife Protection: A Nchelenge court sentenced a man to 60 months hard labour for unlawful possession of a crocodile carcass, after wildlife officers found him without authorising documents. Digital Security: Zambia launched a National Public Key Infrastructure to secure digital transactions, support trusted identities and protect government documents from manipulation. Mining & Environment Tech: At Electra Mining Africa, AI tyre monitoring solutions were highlighted for reducing mining tyre downtime by up to 20%, with plans to implement advances in Zambia. RDA Restructuring: Zambia’s Road Development Agency announced an upcoming restructuring to improve service delivery, accountability and operational efficiency. Tourism & Heritage: Zambia’s push for heritage-led tourism continues, with coverage pointing to ambitious visitor targets tied to the “Year of Zambia’s Heritage.”

Wildlife & Enforcement: A Nchelenge man, John Mukuka, was jailed for 60 months with hard labour for unlawful possession of a protected crocodile carcass after failing to produce authorising documents during patrols in Lusenga National Park. Mining & Environment: ZEMA’s decision to allow Avocado Mining Limited to resume operations is being questioned, with critics warning it could test whether environmental enforcement has improved after past violations and community impacts. Tourism & Heritage: Zambia’s tourism push is tied to President Hichilema’s “Year of Zambia’s Heritage,” with the ambition of reaching five million tourist arrivals and boosting jobs through heritage-led growth. Tourism Collaboration: Zimbabwe’s tourism chief argues Africa should market as one destination—“we are not competitors”—and highlights multi-country travel that can extend visitor stays. Mining Safety: The Mineworkers Union of Zambia condemned continued mining deaths, calling for stronger safety rules, tougher enforcement, more inspections, and accountability for operators. Climate Risk & Food Security: Southern Africa braces for a potentially severe El Niño, but debt burdens may limit countries’ ability to protect people from hunger and extreme weather. Clean Energy Growth: A report estimates Africa will add about 17GW of solar in 2026, driven by faster deployment beyond South Africa as panel costs fall.

Mining & Environment: ZEMA is facing fresh scrutiny after granting Avocado Mining Limited approval to resume operations, despite the company’s past violations and community environmental concerns—raising the question of whether enforcement is truly shifting from reactive to preventive. Wildlife Crime: In Nchelenge, a 50-year-old man was jailed for 60 months with hard labour for unlawful possession of a protected crocodile carcass, after wildlife officers found him without authorising documents. Cleaner Mining Practices: ISO-verified tyre life-extension solutions at Electra Mining Africa were highlighted as a way to cut waste and reduce Scope 3 emissions, with reported prevented CO2 from avoiding premature tyre replacement. Mining Safety: The Mineworkers Union of Zambia condemned ongoing deaths in mining accidents, calling for stronger safety rules, tougher enforcement, more inspections, and better protection and emergency response—especially in underground operations. Climate & Resilience: Southern Africa is bracing for a potentially devastating El Niño in 2026/27, but debt burdens may limit disaster-risk financing and early action needed to protect food security. Solar Growth: A new estimate says Africa’s solar installations could reach 17GW in 2026, with rapid growth spreading beyond South Africa.

Mining & enforcement spotlight: ZEMA has granted Avocado Mining Limited approval to restart operations on a trial run after installing pollution abatement equipment, following a prior shutdown for violating a cease-and-desist order and continuing despite environmental concerns in Kalulushi—raising fresh questions about whether regulators can move from reactive checks to stronger, preventive oversight. Climate risk & farming alerts: Zambia’s agriculture teams are sensitising farmers in Western and parts of North-western, Copperbelt and Southern after a Zambia Meteorological Department advisory points to isolated rainfall linked to El Niño-related conditions, urging better produce storage to avoid losses. Wildlife monitoring: Across the region, conservation groups are expanding wildlife censuses using camera traps and aerial/vehicle surveys to track populations under pressure from habitat loss and human activity. Regional conservation action: Southern African partners have launched the Vulture Safe Zone Alliance and guidelines to cut threats like poisoning and powerline collisions, aiming to protect declining vulture populations. Policy debate: A fresh editorial argues Zambia should not withdraw from the UN, warning that stepping back from multilateral cooperation could hurt health, education and food security support.

El Niño weather alert for Zambia’s farmers: Solwezi District officials say they will intensify sensitisation after Zambia Meteorological Department advisories pointed to isolated rainfall over Western, North-western, Copperbelt, Southern, and parts of Lusaka and Central—urging farmers to secure produce and stay updated to avoid losses. ZEMA enforcement update: Zambia’s Environmental Management Agency has granted Avocado Mining Limited approval for a trial run after installing pollution abatement equipment, following a shutdown over sulphur dioxide emissions and breaches linked to operating without required approvals in Kalulushi District. Wildlife monitoring across borders: Conservation groups are expanding wildlife censuses using aerial counts and camera traps, including lion surveys in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, to guide management as habitat loss and human activity pressure populations. Vultures get a regional lifeline: Southern African organisations launched the Vulture Safe Zone Alliance and guidelines, aiming to cut poisoning, electrocutions, collisions and habitat threats through coordinated “safe zones” inside and outside protected areas. Water and climate resilience push: A Zambezi-region research programme launch in Namibia’s Katima Mulilo urged researchers to translate findings into practical, climate-resilient rural solutions that balance conservation with livelihoods.

Weather & Farming Preparedness: Zambia’s Meteorological Department advisory says isolated rainfall is likely over Western, North-western, Copperbelt and Southern provinces, plus parts of Lusaka and Central, prompting Solwezi DACO Mutinta Zulu to intensify farmer sensitisation—especially to secure produce at home so it doesn’t go to waste ahead of possible downpours. Mining Pollution Watch: ZEMA has granted Avocado Mining Limited approval for a trial run after installing pollution abatement equipment, following earlier shutdowns and alleged breaches tied to sulphur dioxide fumes and missing environmental approvals in Kalulushi. Wildlife & Conservation Data: Conservation groups across Southern Africa are stepping up wildlife censuses using aerial counts, camera traps and tracking to better manage populations under pressure from habitat loss and human activity. Vultures Protection: The Vulture Safe Zone Alliance and guidelines were launched across six Southern African countries to reduce poisoning, collisions and electrocutions threatening vultures. Anti-Corruption & Wildlife: A customs head in Lusaka was jailed for offering a K70,000 bribe to a wildlife ranger to secure release of impounded timber-carrying trucks, underscoring enforcement against illegal wildlife-related trade. El Niño Risk Context: Regional reporting highlights how El Niño-linked dry spells are straining preparedness and food security planning across southern Africa, reinforcing the need for early action in Zambia.

Wildlife Monitoring: Conservation groups across Southern Africa are scaling up wildlife censuses using aerial counts, camera traps and tracking devices, including a new lion census in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park to estimate population size, distribution and sex balance. Vulture Protection: Six countries launched the Vulture Safe Zone Alliance and guidelines, aiming to cut poisoning, collisions and habitat loss by creating “safe zones” across protected and community-managed landscapes. Climate Risk: UN chief António Guterres warned the world is entering a “danger zone” as a powerful El Niño strengthens, raising odds of floods, droughts and extreme heat across 2026. Mining & Pollution Oversight: ZEMA granted Avocado Mining Limited a trial run after installing pollution abatement equipment, following earlier shutdowns and breaches tied to sulphur dioxide emissions and missing environmental approvals. Water & Resilience: A Malawi preparedness update says it needs K488.5bn for possible El Niño dry spells in 2026/27 but has only mobilised K163.7bn, leaving a K324.8bn gap affecting food, water, health and energy systems. Biodiversity Science: A new study finds chimpanzees develop “dialects” as they age, comparing vocal differences between eastern chimp groups in Zambia and Tanzania.

Mining & Pollution Control: ZEMA has approved Avocado Mining Limited to restart only on a trial run after it installed pollution abatement equipment, following a shutdown over sulphur dioxide emissions and alleged breaches of environmental rules in Kalulushi District. Climate Risk Watch: The UN warns El Niño is moving into a “danger zone” for extreme weather, with higher odds of floods, droughts and heat across many regions—an urgent reminder for Zambia’s preparedness planning. Wildlife & Corruption: A customs head, Mukanta Shapi, was jailed for two years after offering a K70,000 bribe to a wildlife officer to secure release of impounded timber-carrying trucks, underlining pressure on enforcement and illegal trade. Biodiversity Science: A new study suggests chimpanzees may develop “dialects” in calls that become more distinct as they grow, with findings comparing Zambia’s Chimfunshi and Tanzania’s Gombe populations. Water Cooperation: Finland and Zambia co-led discussions on building water cooperation through trust, dialogue and inclusive governance ahead of the UN Water Conference. Clean Energy Finance (Regional): Sawa Energy and dfcu Bank announced a partnership to expand affordable solar power access for businesses via long-term pay-for-consumption or lease deals.

Climate Risk Watch: UN chief António Guterres says the planet is entering a “danger zone” as a powerful El Niño strengthens, raising odds of extreme heat, floods and droughts across 2026–2027. Wildlife & Conservation: A Lusaka court jailed a customs head for offering a K70,000 bribe to a wildlife officer to free impounded timber trucks—another reminder that wildlife and natural resources enforcement is tightening. Biodiversity Science: New research finds young eastern chimpanzees develop distinct “dialects” as they grow, with vocal differences between Zambia and Tanzania populations becoming clearer over time. Water & Cooperation: Finland and Zambia co-chaired discussions on practical ways to strengthen water cooperation, stressing trust, inclusivity and conflict-sensitive governance. Clean Energy & Sustainability: Mozambique’s Cahora Bassa hydropower project earned Hydropower Sustainability Standard (HSS) Silver certification, citing climate resilience steps and biodiversity planning. Green Economy & Food Systems: Zambia’s horticulture push highlights export growth potential (including blueberries and roses), while regional reporting flags drought-resistant seed innovation as climate pressure mounts. Governance & Rights: UN calls for release of Zambia’s political detainees continue, with government disputing the approach of UN representatives. Business Leadership: Champion Breweries confirmed Malolan Sampath as its new MD/CEO, a local corporate update with indirect links to jobs and economic activity.

El Niño Climate Warning: UN chief António Guterres says the planet is entering a “danger zone” as a powerful El Niño intensifies, raising risks of floods, droughts and extreme heat across 2026–2027. Wildlife & Conservation: Zambia’s wildlife enforcement gets a boost as a customs official, Mukanta Shapi, is jailed two years for offering a K70,000 bribe to secure release of impounded trucks carrying timber. Biodiversity Science: A new study finds chimp “dialects” can develop with age, comparing vocal patterns between eastern chimp groups in Zambia and Tanzania. Tourism & Nature: Travel writers highlight the Kazungula Quadripoint—where Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Namibia meet—inside the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area, with Victoria Falls as a key draw. Clean Energy & Water Cooperation: Zambia-linked clean energy and water cooperation themes appear in regional updates, including efforts to expand affordable solar power and strengthen trust-based transboundary water governance. Governance & Rights: Zambia’s post-election political detainee debate continues as UN calls for releases clash with government pushback over how the UN assesses the situation.

El Niño Alarm for Zambia’s Economy and Environment: UN chief António Guterres warned the planet is entering a “danger zone” as a very strong El Niño nears, raising risks of floods, droughts and extreme heat—exact impacts will vary by location, but the warning is clear for climate-sensitive plans like Zambia’s Grow Zambia agenda. Water Cooperation in Practice: At World Water Week 2026, Finland and Zambia-backed discussions stressed that transboundary water cooperation depends on trust, inclusive governance and science-to-policy links, not just formal agreements. Wildlife Science from Zambia: A study using chimp vocalisations from Chimfunshi (Zambia) and Gombe (Tanzania) suggests young chimps develop distinct “dialects,” adding new detail to how animal communication adapts to social and ecological settings. Conservation Spotlight: A local veterinarian is set to join a wildlife collaring expedition in Zambia, while separate reporting highlights how orphaned elephants can survive with expert care—both point to ongoing wildlife protection work. Tourism and Nature: Zambia has passed two million international tourist arrivals in 2026 and is pushing toward 2.5 million, with plans to boost air links, park conservation and wildlife translocation. Clean Energy Push: Sawa Energy and dfcu Bank plan to expand access to affordable solar power for businesses via long-term pay-for-consumption or lease deals, aiming to cut reliance on unstable and costly power.

El Niño Alert for Zambia’s Economy and Food: The WMO says a “very strong” El Niño is set to intensify through late 2026 into 2027, raising risks of floods, drought, heatwaves and higher temperatures—threatening Zambia’s Grow Zambia Agenda, including maize and power targets. Childhood Impacts: UNICEF warns over 162 million children across Eastern and Southern Africa, including Zambia, face worsening nutrition, health, water and schooling risks as extreme weather disrupts services. Climate-Smart Farming Push: Stakeholders and analysts highlight the need for climate-smart agriculture—drought-tolerant crops, water conservation, soil health and sustainable land management—to protect production during El Niño shocks. Tourism Growth with Wildlife Moves: Zambia reports over two million international tourist arrivals in 2026, aiming for 2.5 million by year-end, with plans to improve air connectivity, tourism infrastructure and wildlife translocation. Human Rights Pressure: UN Special Rapporteur Gina Romero urges Zambia to release political detainees and stop the “criminalisation of political dissent,” after concerns over treason charges and post-election crackdowns. Domestic Revenue Consultations: Zambia launches public consultations on the 2027–2031 Medium-Term Revenue Strategy, stressing fairer, more predictable domestic resource mobilisation to fund development without returning to debt distress.

El Niño Alert: UNICEF warns over 162 million children across eastern and southern Africa, including Zambia, face rising drought, heat, floods and knock-on risks to food, health, water and schooling as El Niño strengthens. Human-Wildlife Care: A rescued orphan elephant in Zambia’s conservation work highlights the fight against bushmeat poachers and the fragile early days of orphaned wildlife. Tourism Push: Zambia has passed two million international tourist arrivals in 2026 and is aiming for 2.5 million, with plans to boost air links, park conservation and tourism infrastructure. Agriculture & Climate Smart Farming: Agric stakeholders back Hichilema’s diversification push, but stress climate-smart agriculture, water conservation, soil health and sustainable land management. Biodiversity & Coexistence: A global conservation piece argues coexistence is now central to protecting recovering wildlife—using locally led livestock protection, early warning and community governance. Governance & Civic Space: UN experts urge Zambia to release political detainees and stop criminalising dissent after post-election arrests and treason charges, while Zambia’s foreign ministry disputes parts of the UN characterisation. Domestic Revenue Plan: Zambia launches public consultations on the 2027–2031 Medium-Term Revenue Strategy, aiming for fairer, more predictable domestic resource mobilisation without simply raising taxes. Tourism, Wildlife & Water: Zambia’s Catholic bishops call for turning ecological responsibility into daily action under the Season of Creation theme “Living Water,” including protecting water sources and reducing waste.

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.