AGP Executive Report

Zambia Football & WAFCON Prep: Harambee Starlets will jet to Lusaka for the Four-Nations FIFA Tournament as coach Beldine Odemba frames it as key final preparation for WAFCON in Morocco, with Zambia among the targeted opponents. Sports (Regional): A 410-swimmer field from Tanzania, Kenya and Zambia is set for the Tanzania National Junior Championship in Dar es Salaam, with clubs including Ndola Rapids and Lechwe from Zambia. Court & Politics: Lusaka Magistrates’ Court set July 14 for judgment in Raphael Nakacinda’s seditious practices case tied to social media claims about Edgar Lungu’s Chifwema home. Entertainment (Film): A new debut film, Shape of Momo, explores gender expectations through the “momo” shapes and a return to Sikkim, mixing culture and personal conflict. Sports (Zambia-linked legacy): Wawa Chongo’s family is working to keep the late Zambia and Mufulira Wanderers legend’s legacy alive beyond football. Culture & Community: Eritrean nationals in Zambia and beyond marked 35 years of independence with cultural and artistic programmes.

Football Legacy: Harrison “Wawa” Chongo’s family is keeping his Zambia and Mufulira Wanderers legend alive 15 years after his 2011 death, with his son Castro leading efforts like collecting memories and keeping the “Wawa Chongo” street name in Mufulira’s Ndeke Township. Court & Media: A Lusaka Magistrates’ Court set July 14 for judgment in Raphael Nakacinda’s seditious practices case tied to alleged social media claims about raids on Edgar Lungu’s home. Sports Spotlight: Malawi’s Temwa Chawinga hit back at critics over missing Scorchers friendlies, saying she chose honesty and could have faked an injury. Women’s Football: Nigeria’s Super Falcons opened camp in Ikenne for friendlies against Senegal ahead of WAFCON, with Gift Monday and Asisat Oshoala named in the squad. Zambia Elections Push: ECZ launched the “Count Me In” voter sensitisation campaign, targeting women, youths, first-time voters and persons with disabilities across all wards. Padel in the Region: First Capital Bank and Hashtag Fitness backed the FCB Padel Cup in Malawi, with Zambia among the participating countries.

Sports Sponsorship: First Capital Bank (FCB) has partnered with Hashtag Fitness to inject K40 million into padel development, launching the FCB Padel Cup in Blantyre (June 6–13) with regional players from Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Botswana, and a grand finale in Botswana. Football (Women’s): Zambia’s Copper Queens will face Kenya at the Four Nations Tournament in Ndola (June 6–9) at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium, with coach Nora Häuptle naming a 29-player squad including foreign-based stars. Music/Media: The Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) says it has not banned political campaign songs, but reminds broadcasters to keep election content from promoting hatred or unverified claims. Elections (Civic): The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) launched the “Count Me In” voter sensitisation campaign, targeting women, youths, PWDs and first-time voters across all wards, districts and provinces. Community/Arts: Kabula Festival’s second edition in Blantyre drew poetry, music and fashion acts, despite a late setback when a South African performer missed a flight.

ECZ Voter Push: The Electoral Commission of Zambia has launched its “Count Me In” campaign ahead of the 2026 General Elections, urging eligible citizens to vote and placing extra focus on women, youths, people with disabilities and first-time voters across all 1,858 wards. Election Rules & Media: The Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) says it has not banned political campaign songs, only issued guidance to broadcasters to keep election content responsible and non-inflammatory. Sports Spotlight: Zambia’s Copper Queens are set to face Kenya at the 4 Nations Tournament in Ndola (June 6-9), with coach Nora Häuptle naming a 29-player squad including key foreign-based stars. Football Build-Up: Nigeria’s Super Falcons opened camp in Ikenne for friendlies against Senegal as they fine-tune for WAFCON 2026. Culture in Mourning: Paramount Chief Mpezeni IV’s death has triggered tributes across Zambia, with many calling him a unifying custodian of Ngoni culture. Public Safety Online: Lusaka police arrested a 22-year-old woman over alleged viral obscene videos, with investigations ongoing.

Elections & Media Freedom: Zambia’s IBA says it has not banned political campaign songs, only issued guidance to broadcasters to keep election content responsible and non-inflammatory. Public Safety & Online Culture: Police arrested Lusaka’s Rebecca Mulenga (Metisha Mulenga) over viral obscene videos, with investigations ongoing under Zambia’s cyber laws. Traditional Leadership: Paramount Chief Mpezeni IV has died, ending a 44-year reign; President Hichilema led national tributes, with many Zambians mourning the future of Ncwala. Health Watch: Zambia cleared two suspected Ebola cases after lab tests and is stepping up screening and surveillance at entry points, as DRC reports rise. Politics & Accountability: A Zed Podcast duo was released after police questioning linked to an interview with former intelligence chief Xavier Chungu, while debate continues over constitutional fairness and election-season conduct. Sports & Entertainment Buzz: Malawian Afropop star Onesimus’ “Son of Grace” hit No. 1 on South African iTunes with “Someone to Love” featuring Liema Pantsi.

Traditional Leadership: Paramount Chief Mpezeni IV has died at 75, ending a 44-year reign; President Hakainde Hichilema confirmed the passing and described him as a unifying custodian of Ngoni culture, with mourning and tributes flooding in after hours of social media speculation. Election Season Media & Music: The Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) has denied banning political campaign songs, saying it only issues election-content guidance to broadcasters to prevent hatred and inflammatory messaging. Cybercrime & Viral Content: Lusaka police, with the Zambia Cyber Security Agency, arrested 22-year-old Rebecca Mulenga (Metisha Mulenga) over alleged production and sharing of obscene viral videos, with investigations ongoing before prosecution. Public Health Watch: Zambia says two suspected Ebola cases have tested negative as it steps up screening and surveillance at entry points, amid rising regional concern. Health & Wellness: Dr. Gabriel Pollen addressed public worry over his weight loss, insisting he is healthy and stronger, linking his approach to Zambia’s rising hypertension and obesity trends. Arts & Culture: Zambia’s music scene gets a boost as Malawi Afropop star Onesimus’ “Son of Grace” climbs African charts, with “Someone to Love” featuring Liema Pantsi hitting No. 1 on South African iTunes.

Royal & Culture: President Hakainde Hichilema has confirmed the death of Paramount Chief Mpezeni IV, ending hours of online speculation and marking the close of one of the longest Ngoni reigns in Zambia’s modern history. Music & Pop Culture: Malawian afropop star Onesimus’ new album Son of Grace (out May 25) is already making waves across the region, with the Liema Pantsi collaboration “Someone to Love” hitting No. 1 on South African iTunes. Football: FCB Nyasa Big Bullets in Malawi have shortlisted three foreign coaches and one local candidate for their head coach interviews, as they look to steady a tough start to the season. Health Watch: Zambia says two suspected Ebola cases have tested negative, while screening and surveillance are being stepped up at entry points as DRC reports rise. Digital & Media: Zambia Police and the Cyber Security Agency have arrested a Lusaka woman, Rabecca Mubanga (Metisha Mubanga), over alleged production and circulation of obscene viral videos. Election Season Tension: Xavier Chungu’s questioning and custody continue to spark debate, with calls for due process and fresh legal arguments swirling around candidate eligibility and court petitions.

Zambia–Huawei Digital Push: SMART Zambia and Huawei signed an MoU to build a National AI Data Centre and train 5,000 ICT professionals by 2028, with plans to roll out AI-powered services across all 25 government ministries. Cyber Morality Crackdown: Lusaka authorities arrested 22-year-old Rabecca Mubanga (Metisha Mubanga) after alleged production and circulation of obscene videos, with the Zambia Cyber Security Agency and Police saying she’ll face prosecution. Football Spotlight: Patson Daka broke his silence after Leicester’s relegation, apologising to supporters as he prepares for an expected summer exit. World Cup Buzz: The 2026 FIFA World Cup preview is already driving hype, with Messi’s odds and record-chasing angles dominating betting talk ahead of the tournament. Ebola Watch in Zambia: Nakonde District intensified border screening and hygiene measures as a precaution against Ebola risks linked to outbreaks in neighbouring regions, while Zambia reports no confirmed cases. Local Football Sponsorship: Red Arrows unveiled BolaBet Zambia as their 2026/27 jersey sponsor after ABSA Cup success. Election Legal Storm: Governance activist Isaac Mwanza filed court moves seeking to disqualify over 100 independent candidates, arguing they were still linked to political parties when they nominated.

Zambia Election Legal Storm: Governance activist Isaac Mwanza has petitioned the Lusaka High Court to disqualify over 100 parliamentary candidates who filed as independents, arguing they were still linked to political parties—naming Garry Nkombo, Miles Sampa, Dr. Chitalu Chilufya and Joseph Phiri. M’membe Eligibility Fight: Mwanza has also dragged Socialist Party presidential candidate Fred M’membe to the Constitutional Court over his Grade 12 requirement, with a knock-on challenge to running mate Dolika Banda and the whole ticket. Xavier Chungu Under State Security Act: Former ZSIS boss Xavier Chungu’s questioning has escalated into serious national-security charges under Zambia’s State Security Act, triggering intense political backlash and online debate. Red Arrows Jersey Deal: After ABSA Cup glory, Red Arrows unveiled BolaBet Zambia as 2026/27 official shirt sponsor, adding another commercial boost to the military-backed club. BongHive Tech Milestone: Former Technology Minister Felix Mutati praised Lusaka’s BongHive at its 15-year celebration, urging stronger AI adoption as Zambia pushes toward a regional tech hub. Wildlife Documentary Push: Filmmaker Tom Opre will return to Zambia to film “Operation Return of the Wild,” documenting the return of Cape buffalo and Puku antelope to Lower Luano Valley.

Constitutional Drama: Lusaka High Court petitions are challenging Socialist Party presidential ticket Dr Fred M’membe and running mate Dolika Banda, with claims Banda lacks a verified Grade 12 certificate, raising fresh election uncertainty. Political Tension: Former intelligence boss Xavier Chungu is being picked up by police for questioning, while the Bishops Council warns UPND against violence and harassment of independents and opposition ahead of August polls. Election Rules Watch: ECZ says candidate withdrawals won’t disrupt elections under the latest constitutional amendment, and it also dismisses social media claims it plans to disqualify Brian Mundubile and Makebi Zulu. Education Debate: Chungu’s criticism of “free education” has sparked backlash online over overcrowding and hidden costs. Arts & Culture: Life Framer’s 2026 “Animal Kingdom” photo competition spotlights Zambia-linked creative energy, and comedy tour “Jokes From Far Away” is set to bring African stand-up to Botswana after stops including Zambia. Wildlife Documentary: “Operation Return of the Wild” will film Zambia’s Lower Luano wildlife restoration, aiming to document the return of Cape buffalo and Puku antelope.

Zambia Election Watch: The ECZ says the presidential nomination period is closed and can’t be reopened, after clarifying that PeP remains a registered party—not a church—following social media claims. It also dismissed “malicious” PF-linked allegations that it plans to disqualify Brian Mundubile and Makebi Zulu, urging the public to rely on verified ECZ updates. Police & Politics: Police searched former spy boss Xavier Chungu’s home as part of an investigation, while separate claims about candidate withdrawals have drawn calls for ACC action. Entertainment & Culture: Bulawayo’s Ekhaya Fest went beyond music, hosting a special elderly lunch for centenarians and elders, while Life Framer’s 2026 Animal Kingdom photo competition showcased standout wildlife photography. Sports: Zimbabwe’s Mighty Warriors named a squad for Zambia’s Four Nations tournament, and Zambia’s U17 women’s team left for DR Congo amid Ebola-related monitoring. Tech & Media: Smart Zambia and Huawei signed an MoU for an AI Data Centre and training for 5,000 ICT professionals by 2028.

Football & Culture: Kenya’s Harambee Starlets coach Beldine Odemba has recalled Emily Morang’a and Vivian Shiyonzo to a provisional squad for a Four Nations tournament in Zambia as WAFCON preparations ramp up. Arts Spotlight: Zambian-born multimedia artist Wabwila Mugala opens “Quilted Existence” at the Lawrence Arts Center, using indigo textiles and an immersive, walk-through installation. Music Buzz: A viral AI-made track, “Chambishi Copper Mine,” is putting Zambia’s Copperbelt story in the spotlight online, celebrating the mine’s revival and local jobs. Tech & Media: Smart Zambia and Huawei sign an MoU for a National AI Data Centre and training for 5,000 ICT professionals by 2028. Sports Inspiration: Cyclist James Falanga completes a 34-day Lusaka-to-Cape Town journey, dedicating the ride to President Hichilema and urging youth to chase opportunities. Energy for Daily Life: NRDC’s 22MW solar plant is commissioned to strengthen power supply and support practical agricultural training.

ECZ Pushback on Mundubile/Zulu Claims: The Electoral Commission of Zambia has rejected Patriotic Front allegations that it plans to ban or disqualify presidential candidate Brian Mundubile and running mate Makebi Zulu, saying the claims are fabricated and misleading, and noting Mundubile and Zulu were duly nominated in line with the law. Media & Elections Rules: The Independent Broadcasting Authority unveiled new 2026 election coverage guidelines for broadcasters, stressing fair reporting, balanced airtime, poll transparency, and bans on hate speech and airing unverified results. Chungu Interview Controversy: IBA says reports that Millennium TV and ZedPodcast were ordered to cancel Xavier Chungu’s interview are false, as debate continues over what should be aired ahead of August polls. Qualifications Fraud Alert: ECZ says it detected 10 forged Grade 12 certificates during candidate verification and has reported cases to law enforcement. Arts & Sports Spotlight: Cyclist James Falanga dedicated his Lusaka-to-Cape Town 34-day journey to President Hichilema, while Power Dynamos Queens crowned champions on the Copperbelt. Music Moment: Onesimus’ album “Son of Grace” climbed to No. 2 on Apple Music Malawi and features cross-border collaborations, including Liema Pantsi. Health Update: St. Kitts and Nevis says there are no Ebola cases in the federation, while WHO warns conflict in eastern DRC is worsening the outbreak.

Health Surge: Chipata Central Hospital says over 6,000 people are on ART, with about 100 children, as Aids Healthcare Foundation steps up prevention support in Eastern Province. Digital Push: Vice President Mutale Nalumango opened the 2026 Zambia Mobile Congress, pitching AI and digital transformation with Huawei and calling for cheaper internet and wider broadband access. Election Media Rules: The Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) issued strict 2026 election coverage guidelines, stressing fair airtime, balanced reporting, poll transparency, and bans on hate speech and result predictions—while also denying claims it blocked an interview featuring presidential contender Xavier Chungu. Politics & Tension: The Chungu interview dispute continues to spark debate online, with accusations flying about threats and “national security” concerns. Agriculture Outlook: Government projects 4.9 million metric tonnes of maize for 2025/26, a big jump from last season. Education Reassurance: The Ministry of Education told teachers it will handle academic upgrade and salary progression matters case-by-case and transparently.

UNESCO Repatriation Push: Greece has secured backing from 20 countries for a permanent return of the Parthenon Sculptures from the British Museum, with Zambia among the supporters. Zambia Election Integrity: The ECZ says it detected 10 forged Grade 12 certificates during 2026 verification, and has also rolled out a campaign timetable for parties ahead of August 13. Media Rules Tighten: The IBA released election coverage guidelines—demanding fair, balanced reporting, banning hate speech, and stopping broadcasters from predicting results before official confirmation—while also denying it ordered Millennium TV to cancel Xavier Chungu’s interview. Chungu Controversy: Chungu’s camp and critics are trading accusations over whether interviews were “banned” and whether the topics are a national security threat. Courtroom Fallout: TikToker “Why Me” (Francis Kapwepwe) was sentenced to 2 years with hard labour for hate speech. Sports & Culture: India unveiled the World Yogasana Championship 2026 (June 4–8, Ahmedabad), and Zambia’s own Reynold Cheruiyot turned in a strong 3,000m run in Shanghai.

Freedom Day Honours: Zambia’s Africa Freedom Day investiture at State House saw Sikalongwe receive the President’s Insignia of Mercy for helping a pregnant woman deliver safely by the roadside in October 2024, alongside 15 other Zambians and one institution recognised for service. Football Admin Shake-up: FAZ appointed Charles Chakatazya as General Secretary and confirmed Iva Lengwe as Deputy General Secretary, following Machacha Shepande’s exit for an international role. Ebola Alarm in the Region: WHO says Ebola in DR Congo is spreading rapidly, with over 900 suspected cases and 101 confirmed, as insecurity makes contact tracing harder and neighbouring countries watch closely. Politics Gets Sharper: Ahead of August, rival voices trade hard lines—while some candidates claim safety fears and others accuse the ruling camp of shrinking democratic space. Global Markets Watch: Central banks across Africa are pausing rate cuts as an oil shock tied to the Iran conflict threatens to reignite inflation.