AGP Executive Report

Agriculture & Youth Support: Clarkson’s Farm star Kaleb Cooper has backed a total of six students through the RAU Kaleb Cooper Agriculture Bursary, with Zambia-based Robyn Sherriff and Isaac Covington each receiving £3,000 to boost their farming futures. Viral Animal Moment: A young boy stunned social media after calmly holding and playing with a “harmless” brown house snake, insisting it posed no danger as it coiled around him. Sports (Volleyball): Zimbabwe’s women’s team treated today’s Zambia clash in the CAVB Africa Qualifier as a dress rehearsal ahead of the final and LA28 qualification push. Sports (Rugby): Botswana is set for a milestone with its first-ever women’s 15-a-side exhibition match, signalling growth beyond the 7s format across the region. Showbiz (Music): A Lubumbashi rapper’s “Lion” has surged past 26,000 plays, sparked by a French word “tapoter” driving debate across DRC social media. Local Court/Media: Lusaka has seen charges involving Kazadi and influencer Mwaka Halwindi over alleged obscene content, with more accused in the same case. Entertainment & Culture (Festivals): Chibuku Neshamwari Mash East groups are gearing up for provincial finals, celebrating traditional dance and culture ahead of national stages.

Sports (Volleyball): Zimbabwe’s women treat today’s CAVB Africa Qualifier dress rehearsal against Zambia as a systems test ahead of the LA28 qualification final, after both sides booked their final berths with 3-0 wins. Sports (Rugby): Botswana is set for a milestone with the first-ever women’s 15-a-side exhibition as BDF Cheetahs take on Jwaneng in Livingstone. Culture (Dance): Ten traditional groups from Mashonaland East will battle at the Chibuku Neshamwari provincial finals in Chinhoyi on Saturday, with five already qualified for the national finals. Entertainment/Media (Court): Lusaka Magistrates’ Court charges filmmaker David Kazadi and influencer Mwaka Halwindi over obscene content allegations. Sports (Football): Zesco United faces fresh debate as reports link George “Chicken” Lwandamina to a possible return as head coach. Sports (Commonwealth): Team Zambia for Glasgow 2026 is unveiled with 22 athletes across athletics, boxing, judo, swimming and bowling. Business/Brand: Zimbabwe’s Millenium Footwear wins another business award, adding to its growing regional footprint.

Court Case: Lusaka film producer David Kazadi and influencer Mwaka Halwindi are in court over charges tied to producing, possessing and circulating obscene content, with another person, Ruby Muzandu, also charged. Music Buzz: A Lubumbashi rapper’s track “Lion” is topping streams in the DRC, with a single French word (“tapoter”) sparking TikTok debate and viral attention. Sports—Football: Esther Okoronkwo has returned to training after injury setbacks, boosting Nigeria’s Super Falcons ahead of WAFCON preparations. Sports—Rugby: Nigeria’s Stallions have been drawn against South Africa and Zambia in Pool A for the 2026 Rugby Africa Sevens Championship in Mauritius. Sports—Local Football: George “Chicken” Lwandamina is reportedly set to return to Zesco United for another spell, with the club yet to confirm. Culture & Heritage: Zambia says it’s making progress on UNESCO’s Culture 2030 indicators, aiming to strengthen culture-linked policy with better data. Tech & Media: Google is expanding Chrome’s Ask Gemini feature to Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa, while Zambia’s audience also gets a WhatsApp betting platform launch starting with Zambia. Public Safety: Zambia Army warns against misuse of social media and AI-generated content during elections.

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.