AGP Executive Report

TAZARA@50: Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority has unveiled a month-long Golden Jubilee programme themed “TAZARA@50: From Liberation to Transformation,” celebrating five decades since the 1970s build with Chinese support and promising corridor-wide public events, youth activities and media campaigns. Zambia Army & online safety: The Zambia Army has cautioned the public against misuse of social media and AI tools, warning that AI-generated videos can mislead people, stir divisions and threaten peace—urging citizens to verify before sharing. Sports—Super Falcons boost: Esther Okoronkwo has returned to training after an injury lay-off, raising hopes for Nigeria’s 2026 WAFCON preparations. Football milestone: Alex Iwobi marked his 100th Super Eagles appearance in Nigeria’s friendly loss to Portugal, joining an exclusive 100-cap club. Media business move: Greg Maloka is set to return to South Africa’s Kaya 959 as executive commercial partner, with the station also lining up DJ Fresh for a new breakfast show from July. Tech & betting—WhatsApp platform: Bola Group launched Chatbet, a WhatsApp-native betting product, with its first live market in Zambia. Entertainment—agri celebrity bursary: Clarkson’s Farm star Kaleb Cooper announced new recipients of the RAU Kaleb Cooper Agriculture Bursary at the Cereals event.

Elections & Security: Inspector General Graphel Musamba ordered swift arrests and prosecution of electoral violence perpetrators in Mazabuka, Chawama and Kabwe, after ECZ suspended campaigns in Mazabuka Central to prevent escalation. Political Tensions: Former minister Gary Nkhombo says police tried to search his Mazabuka home without a warrant, and he plans to present himself to explain what they want. Governance Debate: Reuben Lifuka argues President Hakainde Hichilema should disclose assets as a standard of ethical leadership, not only when compelled by law. Sports Spotlight: Zambia’s Jereem Richards grabbed Diamond League 400m bronze in Stockholm (44.87). Football Transfer: Ghampani Lungu has joined South Africa champions Orlando Pirates from Siwelele. Arts & Youth: Mopani praised the Zambia Open Golf Championship’s impact on Kitwe youth, while Blantyre Arts Festival announced an international exposure partnership for artists. Power Update: ZESCO says nationwide load management won’t return this year, citing improved generation and grid resilience. Media/Tech: MTN launched MTN One TV, pushing cheaper video streaming options in South Africa and Zambia.

Youth Sports & Community Impact: Mopani Copper Mines CEO Charles Sakanya says the Zambia Open Golf Championship is doing more than just grow the sport—it’s creating opportunities for young people in Kitwe and beyond. Football Transfer Buzz: Zambia striker Ghampani Lungu has joined South African champions Orlando Pirates from Siwelele, with the club confirming the move and promising details soon. Media & Streaming in Zambia: MTN is rolling out MTN One TV, a cheaper video streaming option starting from as low as R30 a month, launching first in South Africa and Zambia. Electricity Update: ZESCO says nationwide load shedding won’t return this year, citing improved generation and stronger grid resilience. International Sports Talk: Writers’ predictions for the 2026 World Cup are making rounds, with Spain and France among the favourites. Arts & Culture: Blantyre Arts Festival is partnering with Apama Arts to give selected artists from Malawi and Zimbabwe international exposure through auditions and training. Chess for Sports Tourism: Chess Federation of Zambia launches the Chief Mukuni International Chess Championship in Livingstone (July 4–6, 2026) with a new long-term sponsor partnership. Elections & Youth Peace: A Solwezi youth leader urges young people to promote peaceful elections and reject political violence. Ebola Preparedness: Zambia is listed among high-risk countries as WHO declares the Ebola outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

Election Peace Push: A youth leader in Solwezi is urging young Zambians to promote peaceful elections, reject political violence, and stop being used as tools of harm. Digital Entertainment: MTN has launched “MTN One TV,” a new video streaming service starting in South Africa and Zambia, with options from free-to-view to low-cost pay-per-watch plans. Sports & Chess: Chess Federation of Zambia and Mobile City have partnered to launch the Chief Mukuni International Chess Championship in Livingstone (July 4–6, 2026), aiming to draw players from about eight countries. Health & Borders: IOM’s “HIV Knows No Borders” initiative is working in Beitbridge to shift attitudes on HIV testing and sexual health among mobile communities. Elections Under Pressure: ECZ campaign activities have been suspended in Mazabuka Central due to unstable security, with stakeholders calling for sanity and an end to violence. Mining Update: Government, with EU support, is conducting a graphite survey in Chief Mumbi’s chiefdom in Petauke to assess Zambia’s critical mineral potential. Royal Affairs: The Ngoni Royal Establishment says Paramount Chief Mpezeni IV will be planted at Ephendukeni kraal, not the earlier-mentioned Feni site. Security Warning: Zambia Army cautions the public against abusing social media and AI to spread misleading content that could undermine state institutions during the election period.

SADC Public Funds Law: The SADC Parliamentary Forum is consulting on a model law to strengthen how governments manage public money, aiming to help parliaments better hold officials to account. Zambia Digital Push: Government signed an MoU with Huawei to power AI-enabled digital government services across 25 ministries, including plans for a national data centre to boost local data control. Chess & Sports Tourism: The Chief Mukuni International Chess Championship was launched for Livingstone (July 4–6, 2026), backed by Mobile City, with hopes of drawing players from about eight countries. Media & Streaming: MTN launched One TV, a new video streaming platform for South Africa and Zambia, offering free, ad-supported, pay-as-you-watch and subscription options. Elections & Safety: ECZ suspended campaigns in Mazabuka Central over unstable security, while the Zambia Army warned citizens against abusing social media and AI to spread misleading content during elections. Health & Learning: NSFAF funding cuts left over 200 Namibian medical students uncertain after rejections tied to “priority” study lists. Global Sports Moment: Jereem “The Dream” Richards grabbed bronze at the Wanda Diamond League in Stockholm.

Sports Spotlight: Kenya Morans are set to chase a return to the podium at the Africa Men’s Sevens Championship in Mauritius (June 20-21), with the developmental side built to expose fringe players for Shujaa. Football & Women’s Game: Harambee Starlets will face Lesotho in the third-place play-off after a tough loss to Zambia’s Copper Queens at the FIFA Four Nations in Ndola. Athletics: Jereem “The Dream” Richards grabbed bronze in the men’s 400m at the Wanda Diamond League in Stockholm, clocking 44.87 seconds. Entertainment/Media: UK broadcaster Channel 4 announced “Jon Snow: A Last Big Story,” a feature film airing June 20 that also follows Snow’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis and an investigation into a mining disaster in Zambia. Digital & Society: Zambia is deepening digital sovereignty with a Huawei AI partnership aimed at powering AI infrastructure and a national data centre for government services. Elections & Trust: ECZ warns Zambians to verify information before sharing, refuting an AI-generated video claiming the chairperson was arrested.

Election Misinformation Push: ECZ says it has intensified voter education ahead of the August 13 polls to counter false claims—especially those about constituency delimitation and where people can vote. Mazabuka Campaign Clash: Independent MP hopeful Gary Nkombo says police disrupted and used tear gas on his Mazabuka launch; police insist it was an unauthorised venue, with warnings ignored. Candle Symbol Fight: Lusaka mayoral aspirant Simon Mulenga Mwila challenges ECZ over a proposed withdrawal of the Candle symbol, warning of legal action if it’s changed mid-campaign. Defamation Threat: Social media commentator Chellah Tukuta faces a K10 million defamation demand letter over a Facebook post alleging links to government contracts. Showbiz & Awareness: UK broadcaster Channel 4 plans “Jon Snow: A Last Big Story” on June 20, partly about his Alzheimer’s diagnosis and a Zambia mining-disaster investigation. Sports Spotlight: Zambia’s Zakithi Nene wins Diamond League 400m in Stockholm; Jereem Richards takes bronze. Ebola Preparedness: Vice President Mutale Nalumango says Zambia is on high alert with testing and response measures in place, with no confirmed cases reported.

Election Rumours: ECZ has strongly denied a viral claim that its chairperson Mwangala Zaloumis was arrested with pre-marked ballot papers, stressing no 2026 election ballot papers have been printed. Police Clarification: Zambia Police also dismissed social media reports linking the transfer of Chawama OIC Francis Mulundu to violence in the area, saying the statements attributed to the IGP are fabricated and that postings are routine. Ebola Preparedness: Government says Zambia is on high alert despite no confirmed cases linked to the current DRC/Uganda outbreak, while WHO delivered $22,000 in medical supplies to boost detection and response. Sports Spotlight: Jereem “The Dream” Richards won bronze in the Diamond League 400m in Stockholm; Zakithi Nene later took Diamond League gold in the 400m. Copper Queens Update: Zambia beat Kenya on penalties to reach the Four Nations final in Ndola, setting up a final against Zimbabwe. Culture & Theatre: Umkhathi Theatre’s “The Painted Kite” tackles bullying in schools through music, dance and audience participation. Music: Grallae is gaining attention as a rising independent Zambian artist blending Afrobeats and R&B.

Track & Field: Zambia’s Zakithi Nene clinched his second Diamond League 400m win in Stockholm, while Sinesipho Dambile grabbed silver in the men’s 200m as the Copper Queens’ momentum continues across sport. Women’s Football: The Copper Queens reached the Four Nations final in Ndola after beating Kenya 4-1 on penalties following a 1-1 draw, setting up a title clash with Zimbabwe. Health & Public Safety: WHO delivered a $22,000 Ebola preparedness package to Zambia, including PPE and lab reagents, to strengthen detection and response as the outbreak spreads in the region. Theatre & Youth: Umkhathi Theatre’s “The Painted Kite” uses music, dance and audience participation to tackle bullying in schools, with a healing message for children aged 9–13. Sports Venue Readiness: Zambia’s National Sports Stadium is said to be poised for CAF clearance ahead of major qualifiers. Global Media: Veteran broadcaster Jon Snow opened up about living with Alzheimer’s, sharing his diagnosis to raise awareness.

Women’s Football Spotlight: Zambia’s Copper Queens edged Kenya on penalties (4-1 after a 1-1 draw) to reach the Four Nations final in Ndola, where they’ll face Zimbabwe after the Zimbabwe side beat Lesotho 3-1. Music & Pop Culture: Rising Zambian talent Grallae is turning heads by blending Afrobeats, R&B and contemporary local sounds, building momentum through his independent releases and fan community, the Avians. Global Entertainment Buzz: UK broadcaster Jon Snow revealed he has been living with Alzheimer’s for four years, saying he wants to raise awareness ahead of a Channel 4 film airing 20 June. Sports Preview: Argentina take on Honduras in a World Cup warm-up friendly in Texas, with Messi’s side aiming to keep their strong run going. Zambia Politics Meets Media: ECZ told the Constitutional Court that Dolika Banda’s qualification lacks English, a key issue in the M’membe running mate nomination challenge.

Women’s Football: Zambia’s Copper Queens kicked off the FIFA Window Four Nations Tournament in Ndola with a Kenya clash at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium, then battled to the final after a tense 1-1 draw that went to penalties, winning 4-1; Final Setup: Zambia will now face Zimbabwe in the Tuesday final after Zimbabwe beat Lesotho 3-1, with both sides using the tournament as WAFCON warm-up; Music Spotlight: Rising Lusaka talent Grallae is being tipped as the future of Zambian music, blending Afrobeats and R&B while building his “Avian” fan community; Entertainment & Health: UK broadcaster Jon Snow revealed he has been living with Alzheimer’s for four years, with his story set to air on Channel 4 on 20 June in “Jon Snow: A Last Big Story.”

National Unity & Culture: A Bemba-people representative in Kanchibiya urged Zambians to stay united and peaceful as they mourn Paramount Chief Mpezeni, calling him a “uniting factor” beyond ethnic lines. Media & Labour Recognition: Zambia’s Ministry of Information says it hit major milestones over the past year, including the Access to Information Act, media industry strengthening, and pension reforms—handing out 10 Labour Day awards to staff and ZANIS. Cost of Living Pressure: Tiger Brands warned consumers may face higher prices as fuel, logistics and key input costs keep squeezing manufacturers, with some cost increases likely to be passed on in sensitive categories like mayonnaise. World Environment Day (Kabwe): Activists renewed calls for justice over mining pollution in Kabwe, where lead exposure continues to endanger children and residents despite government commemoration. Entertainment/Media Awareness: UK broadcaster Jon Snow revealed he has Alzheimer’s, with his Channel 4 documentary “Jon Snow: A Last Big Story” set for 20 June. Election Media Oversight: Zambia’s IBA dismissed claims it banned a Mundubile/Makebi campaign song, saying it only advised broadcasters on election coverage to avoid hate and misinformation.

Health & Media: Legendary Channel 4 newsreader Jon Snow, 79, has gone public with his Alzheimer’s diagnosis, saying he hid it due to stigma and that the condition has changed his life; his journey will be featured in the Channel 4 documentary Jon Snow: A Last Big Story airing 20 June. Zambia Politics & Media Regulation: The Evangelical Fellowship of Zambia is calling for stronger media regulation to protect children, citing a rise in “immoral, explicit, and indecent” entertainment content, while the Independent Broadcasting Authority insists it did not ban the Mundubile/Makebi campaign song—saying it only advised broadcasters on responsible election coverage. Electoral Process Watch: ECZ chairperson Mwangala Zaloumis urged parties and stakeholders to study the Electoral Process Amendment Act No. 12 of 2026, which introduces mixed-member proportional representation and extends PR to local councils. Courtroom Drama: ECZ told the Constitutional Court it received concerns about Socialist Party running mate Dolika Banda’s Grade 12 qualifications after nomination validation was already completed—prompting fresh questions over who cleared her. Royal & National Mourning: President Hichilema granted Paramount Chief Mpezeni IV an official funeral and declared 9 June a national day of mourning, with public entertainment suspended and flags at half-mast. Sports Spotlight: Arena Sports Show featured Zambia’s Kalusha Bwalya and Thabang Monare reflecting on the UEFA Champions League final, while Zambia’s Mighty Warriors gear up for the Four-Nations Tournament ahead of Olympic qualifiers.

Sports & Wellness: PM Narendra Modi declared open the 1st World Yogasana Championship 2026 in Ahmedabad, calling it a new chapter for yoga and a growing ecosystem for athletes, trainers and event managers. Football (Women’s): USA Women preview ahead of friendlies vs Brazil Women in São Paulo as both sides fine-tune squads for next year’s World Cup. Culture & Film: Ketchikan’s Filipino community story gets a spotlight in the 24-minute documentary “Bridging Our Stories,” tracing one woman’s work to keep Indigenous dance traditions alive. Zambia Sports (Women’s): Temwa Chawinga says she is “honest” about excusing herself from national duty, after reports she was unhappy with how FAM handled her request ahead of WAfCON preparations. Zambia Governance & Media: ZRA rubbishes claims it impounded Tonse Pamodzi Alliance campaign goods, saying investigations found the allegations false. Traditional Leadership: Paramount Chief Mpezeni IV’s body is expected to arrive in Chipata as mourners pay tribute ahead of burial. Education & Pensions: President Hichilema assents to five bills, including Free Education becoming law and pension reforms aimed at improving benefits for workers and retirees. Sports (Regional): Zimbabwe unveils squads for CAVB Zone VI qualifiers in Harare, with Zambia among the teams.

Ngoni Royal Farewell: Paramount Chief Mpezeni IV’s remains touched down at Chipata Airport as mourners gather ahead of a final farewell and burial scheduled for Tuesday, with officials urging the public to ignore misleading social media claims. Sports & Women’s Football: Temwa Chawinga says she is “honest” about excusing herself from national duty, pushing back on how FAM handled her request ahead of WAfCON preparations. Politics & Integrity: Zambia’s ZRA has dismissed social media claims it impounded Tonse Pamodzi Alliance trucks, saying investigations found the allegations false. Education Law: President Hichilema is set to sign the Free Education Bill into law, locking in free education as a permanent policy and coinciding with his 64th birthday. Election Readiness: ECZ launched an early warning conflict handling system to map hate speech, rumours and violence, alongside voter verification devices for August 13. STEM for Youth: Curiosity Cube™ brought hands-on synthetic biology lessons to Zambian students, linking them with Merck scientists and University of Zambia volunteers. Music Spotlight: Lusaka musician Dalisoul Mwana Wamu Komboni was fined K800 for driving without a valid licence.

Sports & Gender: ZOC is hosting the ANOCA Zone VI Gender Equality and Diversity Forum in Victoria Falls, bringing together 10 Southern African National Olympic Committees to push safer sport, women’s leadership, coaching roles, financing, and digital safety. STEM for Youth: Curiosity Cube™ is in Zambia again, running hands-on synthetic biology experiments with Merck staff and University of Zambia volunteers to spark STEM careers. Football Admin: FAZ General Secretary Charles Chakatazya says Football House will focus on professionalism, teamwork, and transparent governance. Combat Sports: MMA Zambia’s Mixed Martial Arts team returned from Luanda with 16 medals—gold for Alex Bwalya, silver for Justin Mweene, and bronze for Zinaida Nanyinza. Rugby Update: The Cheetahs are set for the Rugby Africa Cup Sevens in Mauritius (June 20–21), with Zambia in their pool. Election Tech: ECZ launched an early warning conflict handling system with online accreditation and voter verification devices ahead of August 13. Education & Safety: Police in Sinda are investigating an alleged child sexual abuse case involving a 15-year-old girl. Music/Events: KUTX is set to host W.I.T.C.H. (We Intend to Cause Havoc), a re-formed Zamrock psychedelic act, in Lusaka.