AGP Executive Report

Private Sector Reform Push: President Hakainde Hichilema urged Zambia’s businesses to drive reforms, not just advise them—pushing firms to help audit implementation so economic gains don’t fade. UPND Manifesto Targets: The ruling party launched its 2026–2031 blueprint, pitching a “growth manifesto” with big numbers including 5 million tourist arrivals, 10,000MW power, and major farm and export targets aimed at jobs and lower living costs. Tourism Inclusion at KKIA: Emirates expanded its Travel Rehearsal programme to Zambia, giving children on the autism spectrum a practice run of airport steps to make travel less stressful. KAZA Tourism Boost: KAZA ministers in Victoria Falls commended Zimbabwe’s First Lady for enabling 10,000 women to visit Victoria Falls, highlighting the region’s tourism momentum. Ebola Travel Warnings: Zambia’s health authorities activated precautionary Ebola measures, including screening at travel entry points and advisories against travel to affected regions. Road Financing Clarification: NAPSA defended its US$300m role in the Lusaka–Ndola dual carriageway, saying the decision was based on commercial due diligence, not government direction.

UPND Manifesto & Jobs Push: President Hakainde Hichilema launched the UPND 2026–2031 manifesto, promising lower cost of living, more jobs, and faster delivery—anchored on targets like 10 million tonnes of maize, 10,000MW electricity, and 5 million tourist arrivals. Tourism Growth in KAZA: KAZA TFCA ministers commended Zimbabwe’s First Lady for tourism drive that enabled 10,000 women to visit Victoria Falls, with Zambia’s tourism leadership attending. Road Financing Clarified: NAPSA defended its US$300m role in the Lusaka–Ndola Dual Carriageway, saying the decision followed commercial due diligence, not government direction. Inclusive Air Travel: Emirates expanded its Travel Rehearsal programme to Zambia, helping travellers with autism and accessibility needs practise airport steps in advance at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport. Ebola Travel Warnings: Health authorities issued stricter guidance and screening measures tied to the Ebola Bundibugyo outbreak, advising against travel to affected and high-risk countries. World Cup Entry Friction: The U.S. tightened entry rules are disrupting early World Cup travel plans, with referees and team staff among those affected.

Road Finance Watch: NAPSA says its US$300m role in the Lusaka–Ndola Dual Carriageway was approved after commercial due diligence, not government direction, detailing safeguards meant to protect contributors’ funds. Tourism Boost (KAZA): KAZA ministers in Victoria Falls praised Zimbabwe’s First Lady for helping 10,000 women visit the Falls, spotlighting KAZA’s cross-border tourism pull. Manifesto & Tourism Targets: President Hichilema launched the UPND 2026–2031 manifesto, pitching a plan to grow the economy and cut living costs, with headline goals including 5 million tourist arrivals annually. Inclusive Travel: Emirates rolled out its Travel Rehearsal programme in Zambia with airport simulations for children on the autism spectrum to make flying more predictable. Ebola Travel Alerts: Health advisories in the region highlight tightened screening and warnings linked to the Ebola Bundibugyo outbreak, including caution around travel to high-risk areas. Culture & Heritage: Zambia reports progress on UNESCO’s Culture 2030 indicators framework, aiming to strengthen cultural data for better policy decisions.

Tourism Policy Push: Zambia says it’s making progress on UNESCO’s Culture 2030 indicators, with culture linked to heritage, education, jobs and social inclusion as the country builds credible cultural data for better decisions. Manifesto Targets: President Hakainde Hichilema’s UPND 2026–2031 agenda promises lower living costs and growth, including a plan to attract at least five million tourists annually alongside major boosts in energy, food production and jobs. Air Travel for Everyone: Emirates brings its Travel Rehearsal programme to Lusaka, running a simulated airport journey for children on the autism spectrum to make travel steps more predictable. Regional Travel Caution: Health advisories abroad cite Ebola risk and mention Zambia among high-risk countries, with calls for extra screening and caution for travellers. Business & Lifestyle: Zambia’s tourism scene gets a boost from brand expansion news, including vida e caffè’s continued growth across the region, with Zambia among its footprint. Culture & Heritage: Southern Province festival coverage highlights how local culture is being showcased as a tourism draw. Sports Travel Angle: Zambia’s presence in regional events continues, with cross-border sports activity still shaping travel demand.

UNESCO Culture 2030: Zambia says it has made progress rolling out UNESCO’s Culture 2030 Indicators, using 22 measures across environment, livelihoods, skills and inclusion to guide better policy. Africa Day & regional cooperation: Government used Africa Day in Lusaka to reaffirm commitment to African unity and Agenda 2063, spotlighting water security and sanitation as tourism-relevant development priorities. Accessible travel at KKIA: Emirates launched its Travel Rehearsal programme in Lusaka with Kenneth Kaunda International Airport and AutistismTales, letting children on the autism spectrum practise check-in, baggage drop, immigration and security. Cross-border health travel alerts (Ebola): Multiple reports highlight tightening travel advisories and border screening linked to an Ebola outbreak in parts of Central and East Africa, with Zambia named among high-risk countries. Zambia tourism & culture events: Zambia also featured in regional and cultural activity, including a Livingstone chess championship launch aimed at sports tourism. Trade & small business reality: China’s zero-tariff push for 53 African countries is welcomed, but Zambia-based small producers still cite certification, credit and logistics barriers. Travel inspiration: A safari story roundup and a “luxury in the wild” debate both point to changing traveller expectations.

Ebola Travel Alerts: Zambia is named among high-risk countries as Trinidad and Tobago activates stricter Ebola border screening, with travellers from Ebola-affected areas facing enhanced health checks and possible monitoring—another reminder that regional travel plans may need last-minute changes. Safari Memories: A fresh set of reader safari stories is making the rounds, including close wildlife encounters and conservation-linked adventures—great inspiration for anyone planning a Zambia getaway. Sports & Travel Disruption: Uganda’s rugby sevens team pulls out of a Mauritius tournament after Ebola-related entry restrictions, showing how outbreaks can ripple into regional events. Local Security at Events: Reports from Chipata describe police surrounding a hotel during a major funeral, raising concerns about how security operations affect visitors and mourners—useful context for travellers attending high-profile ceremonies. Conservation Tourism: KAZA meetings kick off in Victoria Falls, with ministers reviewing transfrontier conservation work—good news for long-haul safari and eco-tourism planning.

Ebola Travel Advisory: Zambia is named among high-risk destinations as Trinidad and Tobago’s health ministry urges nationals to avoid non-essential travel to Ebola-affected countries and warns of stricter entry screening, with the WHO calling the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. Border Screening: Saint Lucia is also tightening Ebola preparedness by reactivating risk-based traveller screening at ports of entry using APIS, plus updating national response plans and lab capacity. Sports Tourism & Travel: Uganda withdraws from the Rugby Africa Mauritius 7s after Mauritius imposed Ebola-related travel restrictions, while Zambia is listed among teams expected to compete. Local Security & Travel Disruption: Police arrested four more suspects linked to the June 5 Chawama violence, with operations also reported around a Chipata hotel—an issue that can affect movement for visitors and delegations. Heritage & Visitor Draw: Zambia bids farewell to Paramount Chief Mpezeni IV with a major Eastern Province funeral expected to draw regional delegations, reinforcing cross-border cultural travel. Sports Event Launch: The Chief Mukuni International Chess Championship is set for Livingstone (July 4–6), aiming to pull players from about eight countries and boost sports tourism.

Sports Tourism & Regional Pride: Zimbabwe’s men’s volleyball Olympic qualifier in Harare kicks off with Zambia set to face Zimbabwe, and coach Itsanangu Abubasutu says the home crowd is their “7th player,” with Zambia also featuring in the women’s matchups. Cross-Border Health & Travel: IOM’s “HIV Knows No Borders” programme is working with mobile communities around Beitbridge to shift attitudes on HIV testing and sexual health, targeting risks linked to constant movement. Local Travel Safety & Visitor Concerns: Opposition leaders Brian Mundubile and Makebi Zulu allege police surrounded a Chipata hotel during Paramount Chief Mpezeni’s funeral, raising fears for mourners and foreign visitors. Heritage & Cultural Tourism: Zambia held the official funeral and burial of Paramount Chief Mpezeni, drawing thousands and regional Ngoni delegations—an event that underlines Zambia’s cross-border cultural pull. Sports Events in Zambia: Chess Federation of Zambia launches the Chief Mukuni International Chess Championship in Livingstone (July 4–6), aiming to attract players from about eight countries. Ebola Preparedness: Zambia’s Vice President says the country is strengthening readiness for Ebola threats in DRC and Uganda, citing high cross-border movement. Conservation for Visitors: KAZA meetings begin in Victoria Falls to review transfrontier conservation progress, with member states aligning on oversight. Tourism-Linked Community Projects: Electric fencing is helping farmers and elephants coexist in Zambia’s borderlands, supporting safer wildlife movement and reduced crop damage.

Zim-Zambia Business Push: Zimbabwe’s Ambassador Charity Charamba urged local firms to seize new trade and investment openings as ties were elevated under a Bi-National Commission framework, with a Lusaka services business mission running June 9–11. Cross-Border Health & HIV: IOM’s “HIV Knows No Borders” programme in Beitbridge is reshaping attitudes on HIV testing and sexual health for highly mobile communities, supported by the Dutch Government and covering Zambia and six other Southern African countries. Police vs Mourning in Chipata: Opposition figures Brian Mundubile and Makebi Zulu allege police in riot gear surrounded a Chipata hotel during Paramount Chief Mpezeni IV’s funeral, sparking claims of intimidation of mourners and foreign visitors. Energy for Tourism-Ready Power: Zambia launched a sovereign bond buyback linked to a $275m, 15-year grid resilience plan to modernise electricity distribution—aimed at boosting reliability for growth. Sports Tourism Spotlight: Chess Zambia launched the Chief Mukuni International Chess Championship in Livingstone (July 4–6), backed by Mobile City, targeting players from about eight countries. Conservation & Travel Routes: KAZA meetings opened in Victoria Falls as member states reviewed transfrontier conservation progress, with elephant and wildlife planning high on the agenda. Ebola Preparedness: Zambia’s region-wide vigilance continues as DRC and Uganda report cases, with government stressing readiness at borders and health systems.

ZATEX Tourism Push: President Hakainde Hichilema used the opening of the 2026 Zambia Travel Exposition (ZATEX) to underline tourism as a jobs and diversification engine, targeting 2.5 million visitors and $1bn in revenue, with road upgrades to parks and stronger “Visit Zambia” promotion. Regional Conservation in Focus: KAZA meetings kicked off in Victoria Falls as Zimbabwe leads the conservation agenda, with member states reviewing progress on programmes across the 520,000 sq km transfrontier landscape. Heritage & Community Travel: Southern Province’s cultural festival put traditional cuisine, dances and artifacts front and centre, while the nation prepares for Paramount Chief Mpezeni IV’s burial in Chipata, expected to draw regional delegations. Wildlife Coexistence for Visitors: In Zambia’s borderlands, electric fence systems are helping farmers and elephants share space—an approach that could support safer safari and community tourism. Ebola Preparedness: Zambia’s vice president says systems are strengthened despite no confirmed cases linked to the current DRC/ Uganda outbreak, with vigilance driven by travel and trade links. Entrepreneurship on the Move: The Entrepreneurship Train initiative is set to take selected business owners by train from Lusaka to Livingstone for mentorship, linking skills with destination opportunities.

Marathon Tourism Boost: Zambia’s marathon boom is being framed as more than sport—events are driving hotel and lodge occupancy, cash prizes for local runners, and even social impact like period-poverty support. Entrepreneurship by Train: The Ministry of SMEs has backed Zambia Governance Foundation’s “Entrepreneurship Train,” sending selected business owners by train from Lusaka to Livingstone for mentorship and market connections. ZATEX Momentum: President Hichilema used ZATEX to push tourism as a jobs and diversification engine, targeting 2.5m international visitors and $1bn revenue, while Zimbabwe’s stand earned top regional recognition and Zambia–Zimbabwe were branded “co-opetitors” for joint destination marketing. Ebola Readiness for Travellers: Zambia’s Vice President says the country is staying vigilant as DRC and Uganda report cases, and travel advisories abroad now include Zambia among higher-risk origins—watch for screening and quarantine measures. Green Growth Approvals: ZEMA cleared 103 projects, including solar, recycling plants, and road upgrades—good news for greener tourism infrastructure. Hydropower on the Global Stage: ZRA joined the International Hydropower Association to strengthen standards for Kariba rehabilitation and Batoka development.

Debt-to-power deal: Zambia is using a $600m AfDB loan to buy back $1.36bn sovereign bonds, linking debt management to up to $275m over 15 years for a Grid Resilience Programme to modernise electricity distribution. Ebola readiness: Vice President Mutale Nalumango says Zambia has no confirmed cases tied to the current DRC and Uganda outbreak, but cross-border travel means the country is strengthening surveillance, labs, infection control and border health measures. Tourism push at ZATEX: President Hakainde Hichilema urged regional cooperation to grow intra-Africa tourism, targeting 2.5m international visitors and $1bn revenue by 2026, while ZATEX highlights Zambia’s “Visit Zambia” drive and infrastructure upgrades. Green growth approvals: ZEMA has cleared 103 development projects, including 300MW solar, recycling plants, and upgrades to the Chipata–Chadiza road, aligning with green growth goals. Safari travel trend: A new wave of design-led luxury safari lodges across Africa is reshaping the experience beyond game drives, with Zambia among the spotlighted destinations.

ZATEX Momentum: President Hakainde Hichilema used the official opening of the 2026 Zambia Travel Exposition (ZATEX) to push tourism as a driver of jobs, diversification and regional cooperation, targeting 2.5 million international visitors and $1bn in revenue by 2026. Green Growth Push: ZEMA approved 103 development projects across mining, energy, manufacturing, infrastructure and tourism, including 300MW solar, recycling plants in Lusaka and Kalumbila, and upgrades to the Chipata–Chadiza road. Regional Tourism Tie-Up: Zimbabwe Tourism Authority CEO Dr George Manyaya told Zambian Vice President Mutale Nalumango that Zambia and Zimbabwe are “co-opetitors,” urging joint marketing around Victoria Falls. Ebola Travel Screening: St Vincent and the Grenadines issued a strict advisory and will step up screening, quarantine and isolation for travellers arriving from Ebola-risk countries including Zambia. US Visa Processing Shake-up: Reports say the US plans to cut visa-processing embassies and consulates across Africa from nearly 50 to about 20 hubs, potentially slowing and raising costs for travellers. Safari Luxury Trend: A new wave of design-led luxury safari lodges is reshaping the experience across Africa, including Zambia-linked openings.

ZATEX Tourism Push: President Hakainde Hichilema used the official opening of Zambia’s 2026 Zambia Travel Exposition (ZATEX) to stress tourism’s role in jobs, diversification and regional cooperation, targeting 2.5m visitors and $1bn in revenue while pointing to road upgrades to key parks and the “Visit Zambia” drive. Regional Co-opetition: Zimbabwe Tourism Authority CEO Dr George Manyaya told Zambia’s VP Mutale Nalumango that the two countries are “co-opetitors,” not rivals, urging joint marketing so visitors experience both sides of Victoria Falls. Expo Recognition: Zimbabwe also grabbed 1st Runner-Up in the Best International Stand category at ZATEX 2026, highlighting its destination marketing push. Ebola Travel Alerts: St Vincent and the Grenadines issued a strict advisory urging residents to avoid non-essential travel to Ebola-risk countries, listing Zambia among targeted nations and announcing enhanced screening and possible quarantine on arrival. Green Growth Approvals: ZEMA approved 103 development projects across mining, energy, manufacturing, infrastructure and tourism, including 300MW solar, recycling plants in Lusaka and Kalumbila, and upgrades to the Chipata–Chadiza road. Hydropower Upgrade: The Zambezi River Authority joined the International Hydropower Association, aiming to strengthen technical capacity and investor confidence as it advances Kariba rehabilitation and the Batoka Gorge scheme. US Visa Processing Shake-up: Reports say the US plans to cut visa-processing missions across Africa from nearly 50 to about 20 hubs, which could mean longer, costlier travel for applicants.

ZATEX Tourism Push: President Hakainde Hichilema used the official opening of Zambia’s 2026 Zambia Travel Exposition (ZATEX) to stress tourism’s role in jobs, diversification and regional cooperation, targeting 2.5 million international visitors and $1bn in revenue by 2026. Regional Expo Spotlight: Zimbabwe earned 1st Runner-Up in the Best International Stand category at ZATEX, highlighting its heritage, culture and gastronomy, while ZTA CEO Dr George Manyaya called Zambia and Zimbabwe “co-opetitors” rather than rivals—especially around Victoria Falls. Green Growth & Roads: ZEMA approved 103 development projects across mining, energy, manufacturing, infrastructure and tourism, including 300MW solar, recycling plants in Lusaka and Kalumbila, and the Chipata–Chadiza road upgrade. Ebola Travel Advisory: St Vincent and the Grenadines issued a strict advisory urging nationals to avoid non-essential travel to Ebola-risk countries, listing Zambia among targeted destinations and promising enhanced screening and quarantine on arrival. US Visa Processing Shake-up: Reports say the US plans to cut visa-processing embassies and consulates across Africa from nearly 50 to 20 hubs, which could mean longer, costlier routes for travellers. Safari Travel Feature: A new wave of luxury safari lodges across Africa is making the experience more design-led and immersive, including Zambia-linked remote luxury camp coverage.

ZATEX 2026 Opening: President Hakainde Hichilema used the official launch of the Zambia Travel Exposition to push tourism as a jobs and diversification engine, targeting 2.5 million international visitors and $1bn in revenue by 2026, with road upgrades to parks and stronger global promotion. Regional Tourism Push: Zambia’s Vice President Mutale Nalumango’s visit to the Zimbabwe stand at ZATEX highlighted “co-opetitors” thinking—joint marketing around Victoria Falls and integrated cross-border experiences. Ebola Travel Screening: St. Vincent and the Grenadines issued a strict advisory urging nationals to avoid non-essential travel to Ebola-risk countries, with enhanced screening and possible quarantine for arrivals from places including Zambia. ZRA Goes Global: The Zambezi River Authority joined the International Hydropower Association, aiming to strengthen technical capacity and investor confidence as it advances Kariba rehabilitation and the Batoka Gorge project. Green Approvals: ZEMA cleared 103 development projects across mining, energy, manufacturing, infrastructure and tourism, including solar and recycling initiatives plus upgrades to the Chipata–Chadiza road.