AGP Executive Report

Period Poverty Push: Six University of Sydney medical students delivered 1,000 reusable menstrual cups to two rural schools in Chipangali, boosting attendance after a local education campaign helped ease cultural fears. Election Watch: Zambia’s August vote is being framed as a test of President Hakainde Hichilema’s economic record, with inflation easing to 6.5% in June but cost-of-living pressure still biting. Ballot Process: Political parties praised the ECZ after stakeholders visited Al Ghurair in Dubai to see ballot printing and packaging progress. Air Safety: Zambia’s VP Mutale Nalumango escaped unhurt after a helicopter accident shortly after take-off in Nakonde; authorities say investigations will follow. Sports & Travel: Copper Queens coach Nora Häuptle will join the team in Algeria for WAFCON preparations, with friendlies set for July 19 and 22 before Morocco. Regional Tourism Finance: Victoria Falls is pitching a Victoria Falls International Financial Centre to position the city as a Southern Africa gateway beyond tourism. Transport Costs: Bus fares were reduced nationwide after a July fuel price cut, with inter-city and Lusaka local routes among those affected.

Helicopter Safety Update: Zambia’s Vice President Mutale Nalumango escaped unhurt after a Zambia Air Force helicopter crash-landed shortly after take-off in Nakonde, Muchinga Province, with government confirming all passengers and crew were safe and she was later discharged. Election & Mobility: With Zambia’s August vote in focus, Reuters reports the contest is being framed around President Hakainde Hichilema’s economic record versus opposition leader Brian Mundubile, while RTSA says bus fares were cut nationwide after fuel price reductions. Tourism & Sport Prep: Zambia’s Copper Queens are set for a training camp in Algeria ahead of WAFCON in Morocco, with coach Nora Häuptle joining the team in North Africa for friendlies before the tournament. Cross-Border Culture: Malawi’s Chewa leadership says there will be “No Kulamba” travel to Mkaika, Zambia, for the annual ceremony, citing development concerns and restricting chiefs from funding the trip. Road Safety: Police report 409 road accidents during the Heroes and Unity holiday period, with 43 deaths—Lusaka and the Copperbelt leading the accident counts. Travel Rules Watch: A roundup highlights visa-free options for Pakistani travellers, plus other passport access lists circulating for 2026 travel planning.

Human-Wildlife Conflict: New research warns that southern Africa’s elephant crop-raiding problem could intensify as human populations grow and farms expand, with the high-risk conflict area projected to rise sharply by 2085. Election Integrity: Political parties praised the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) for open ballot printing and stakeholder access ahead of the 13 August vote, while commentary also cautioned against spreading unverified rigging claims. World Cup Mobility in Lusaka: As fans flood Lusaka for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Yango partner drivers and couriers are helping people reach match venues and run errands with added safety and customer comfort. Aviation Safety Update: Zambia’s Vice President Mutale Nalumango escaped unhurt after a helicopter incident in Nakonde shortly after take-off; authorities say she was checked and discharged and will continue her programme. Transport Costs: RTSA announced reduced bus fares nationwide after a fuel price cut, with inter-city, Lusaka local, and peri-urban routes all seeing lower charges. Road Safety: Police reported 409 road accidents during the 2026 Heroes and Unity Holiday period, with 43 deaths. Tourism & Stays: Hyatt is set to open a second Zimbabwe property—Grand Hyatt Victoria Falls The Kingdom—aimed at travellers seeking stays near the falls.

Aviation Safety: Zambia’s Vice President Mutale Nalumango escaped unhurt after a Zambia Air Force helicopter crash-landing shortly after take-off in Nakonde, Muchinga Province; she was taken for a routine check and later discharged, with investigations underway. Road Safety: Police report 409 road traffic accidents during the 2026 Heroes and Unity Holiday period (July 3–8), with 43 killed and 93 seriously injured—Lusaka Province recorded the highest number of crashes. Elections & Governance: As Zambia heads to an August election, Reuters frames the race as a test of President Hakainde Hichilema’s economic record, with opposition leader Brian Mundubile pushing back amid cost-of-living pressure. Transport Costs: RTSA says bus fares were reduced nationwide after fuel pump prices fell, with inter-city, Lusaka local, and peri-urban routes all seeing decreases. Travel & Tourism: Hyatt has set a late-2027 opening for a new Grand Hyatt Victoria Falls property in Zimbabwe, positioning it as a close-to-the-falls base for safaris and meetings. Conservation & Community: Researchers warn human-elephant conflict is rising across southern Africa, driven mainly by expanding human land use and population growth—an issue that also affects tourism and rural livelihoods.

Aviation Safety Update (Muchinga): Zambia’s Vice President Mutale Nalumango escaped unharmed after a helicopter crash-landing near Nakonde during her Muchinga tour; government says she was taken for a routine check and later discharged, and the VP will continue her programme while authorities investigate. Tourism & Business (Victoria Falls): Victoria Falls is pushing beyond “tourism capital” status with the Victoria Falls International Financial Centre, positioning the city as a regional investment gateway. Hospitality (Zimbabwe): Hyatt has set plans to open the Grand Hyatt Victoria Falls The Kingdom in late 2027, with a major renovation and 245 rooms aimed at travellers seeking stays near the falls. Transport Costs (Zambia): RTSA says bus fares were reduced nationwide after a fuel price cut, with inter-city fares down by an average 6.2% and Lusaka/local and peri-urban routes also seeing decreases. Road Safety (Heroes & Unity): Police report 409 road accidents over the Heroes and Unity holiday period, with 43 killed. Travel Inspiration (Africa): The safari market is splitting into ultra-luxury and budget, squeezing the classic mid-tier—good news for travellers who can choose their style and budget.

Visa & Entry Updates: A new travel advisory says Nigerian passport holders can reach about 46 destinations in 2026 without a traditional visa, with ECOWAS free movement covering countries like Ghana, Benin and Senegal (while visas are still needed for places like the UK, US, Canada and most of Schengen). Transport & Cost of Living: Zambia’s RTSA says bus fares have dropped nationwide from 6 July after fuel pump prices fell—inter-city fares down about 6.2%, Lusaka local routes down K1, and peri-urban Lusaka-to-towns down K3. Road Safety: During the 2026 Heroes and Unity Holiday, Zambia recorded 409 road accidents, 43 deaths and 93 serious injuries, with Lusaka Province leading the accident count. Tourism & Travel Industry: Fastjet expands connectivity via partnerships with Euroairlines and Etihad, aiming to make it easier for international travellers to combine regional trips, including routes touching Zambia and Victoria Falls. Hotels Near Key Attractions: Hyatt has set a late-2027 opening for the Grand Hyatt Victoria Falls The Kingdom, adding more branded stays close to the falls. Elections & Travel Mood: Reuters reports Zambia’s August election is shaping up as a test of Hichilema’s economic record, with voters still feeling cost-of-living pressure—something that can affect travel planning and spending.

Debt & Power: Zambia has launched a debt-for-energy swap, using an AfDB concessional loan to buy back $1.36bn in bonds and channel interest savings into power network upgrades—aimed at boosting grid electricity and productivity. Fuel Quality Watch: The Energy Regulation Board unveiled a Mobile Fuel Testing Laboratory at the 2026 Zambia International Trade Fair in Ndola, bringing on-site checks to speed up responses and tighten oversight of ethanol and biodiesel blending. Tourism & Hospitality: Hyatt confirmed the Grand Hyatt Victoria Falls The Kingdom in Zimbabwe will open in late 2027, positioning it as a close-to-park gateway for safaris and Victoria Falls rainforest access. Safari Trend: Coverage notes Africa’s safari market is splitting into ultra-luxury and budget, squeezing the classic mid-tier—important for travellers planning Zambia and regional trips. Visa Rules (Regional): Namibia released an updated visa-on-arrival list affecting many African travellers, while Nigeria was excluded—relevant for cross-border planning. Local Travel Support: Livingstone City Council warned CDF grant beneficiaries to use funds properly, with financial literacy support before projects begin.

Conservation & Hospitality: Avani Gaborone Hotel & Casino unveiled a conservation-inspired house wine range—Rhino Rosé, Pangolin Sauvignon Blanc and Elephant Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot—linking guest tastings to wildlife protection. Safari Travel Trends: A new report says the African safari market is splitting into ultra-luxury and budget, squeezing the classic mid-tier trip—useful for Zambian travellers planning 2026 game-viewing. Kosher Safari in Zambia & region: Glatt Safaris is promoting mashgiach-supervised kosher safari travel across South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Botswana for the dry-season peak. Fuel Quality for Road Trips: Zambia’s Energy Regulation Board launched a Mobile Fuel Testing Laboratory at the 2026 Zambia International Trade Fair in Ndola to speed up checks on ethanol and biodiesel blending. Cross-border Trade Boost: Zambezi Province says cargo at Katima Mulilo and Ngoma borders hit record levels, with progress toward a One Stop Border Post. Tourism & Culture: ’77: The Festac Conspiracy’ premiered in Lusaka, positioning Zambia as a growing hub for African entertainment tourism.

Zambia Tourism & Travel: The Energy Regulation Board (ERB) has rolled out a Mobile Fuel Testing Laboratory at the 2026 Zambia International Trade Fair in Ndola, aiming to test fuel on-site faster and crack down on poor-quality petrol and blending compliance. Safari & Travel Trends: A new report says the African safari market is splitting into ultra-luxury and budget, squeezing the classic mid-tier experience as Zambia and other destinations open more high-end camps. Regional Travel Deals: Qatar Airways is running a Privilege Club promo with double Avios (travel through Dec 15, 2026; book by July 15 using code JULYPC), though eligibility is tightly limited. Cross-border & Logistics: Namibia’s Zambezi border trade hit record levels, with Zambia-Namibia corridor activity rising and One Stop Border Post plans moving forward—good news for smoother travel and freight. Culture & Language Tourism: Kiswahili Week 2026 spotlights the language as a driver for sustainable tourism and regional integration across Eastern, Central and Southern Africa. Health & Mobility: Zydus Hospital in Ahmedabad says it runs outreach health camps that bring specialist care to patients across Eastern and Southern Africa, including Zambia.

Fuel Quality Watch: The Energy Regulation Board has rolled out a Mobile Fuel Testing Laboratory at the 2026 Zambia International Trade Fair in Ndola, aiming to test fuel on-site faster and tighten checks on ethanol and biodiesel blends. Cross-Border Trade & Travel: Namibia’s Zambezi borders at Katima Mulilo and Ngoma hit record import/export figures, with Zambia-Namibia progress on the One Stop Border Post project highlighted as a boost for smoother travel and logistics. Tourism & Culture: Zambia’s entertainment tourism gets a boost as the star-studded premiere of ’77: The FESTAC Conspiracy’ takes place at the International Conference Centre in Lusaka, tied to Africa Creative Market 2026. Community Safety & Health: Livingstone City Council warns CDF beneficiaries to use grants properly, while Bulawayo launches another round of the nOPV2 polio vaccination campaign for under-fives. Travel-Linked Human Stories: Police in Chama investigate a reported suicide linked to lack of transport money to Lusaka, underscoring how travel costs can become life-changing.

Fuel & Consumer Protection: The Energy Regulation Board (ERB) launched a Mobile Fuel Testing Laboratory at the 2026 Zambia International Trade Fair in Ndola, bringing laboratory-standard fuel checks on site to speed up responses to motorists’ complaints and tighten oversight of ethanol and biodiesel blending. Campaign Trail & Cost of Living: President Hakainde Hichilema continued his Central Province tour in Kapiri Mposhi and Kabwe, promising more fertilizer support, student hostels, and further fuel-price reductions to protect reforms ahead of August 13. Tourism & Sports Calendar: Zambia’s Under-17 Women’s team hosts Ethiopia at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola for the first leg of the 2026 U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers, with the return leg in Ethiopia next week. Regional Travel Watch: Bulawayo (Zimbabwe) kicks off a synchronized nOPV2 polio vaccination drive from 7–10 July, a reminder for families planning cross-border trips with young children. Local Infrastructure for Visitors: ZNS completed water and sewerage rehabilitation at UNZA hostels, restoring services ahead of student occupation—good news for campus visitors and future stays in Lusaka. Travel Safety Note: A Chama District teenager allegedly died after consuming maize preservative tablets following a dispute over transport money to travel to Lusaka, as police open an inquiry.

Fuel & Tourism Disruption: Livingstone’s tourist economy is taking a hit as several filling stations run out of petrol or diesel, leaving motorists stuck in long queues and tour operators cutting trips and bookings. Health & Regional Safety: Bulawayo kicks off the third round of the synchronized nOPV2 polio vaccination campaign from 7–10 July, urging parents to ensure every child under five is vaccinated. Road Travel Update: Zimbabwe’s Bulawayo–Victoria Falls Road upgrade is nearing completion, with only two detours left on the first 100 km—good news for cross-border travellers and safari routes. Border & Travel Rules: South Africa introduces a mandatory Online Traveller Declaration from 1 July for travellers entering or leaving by air, land, sea or rail, with submissions via SARS portals/apps or QR codes. Local Infrastructure for Students: ZNS completes water and sewerage rehabilitation at UNZA hostels, restoring running water and making accommodation fit for reopening. Politics & Public Mood: With August polls approaching, Zambia’s cost of living remains a top concern in markets and bus stops, while campaign messaging continues across provinces. Culture & Tourism Pull: Lusaka hosts the star-studded premiere of ’77: The FESTAC Conspiracy, positioning Zambia as a growing hub for African entertainment tourism.

Fuel & Travel Disruption: Livingstone’s tourist economy is taking a hit as fuel shortages leave motorists queuing for hours and tour operators cutting trips to save costs. Border Rules for Travellers: South Africa has introduced a mandatory online traveller declaration for anyone entering or leaving by air, land, sea or rail, with submissions via SARS portals/apps or QR codes. Tourism & Infrastructure: Zambia National Service has completed water and sewerage rehabilitation at UNZA hostels, restoring running water and making the facilities fit for student occupation—good news for campus visitors and future travel planning. Sports Tourism: Zambia’s U-17 Women’s team hosts Ethiopia at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola for the first leg of the 2026 qualifiers, with the return leg next week. Regional Travel Context: Malawi says it has repatriated over 21,000 citizens from South Africa, surpassing its initial target—an important reminder of how cross-border movement can quickly turn into travel risk. Culture & Visitor Appeal: Lusaka hosted the star-studded premiere of ’77: The FESTAC Conspiracy, reinforcing Zambia’s growing pull for African entertainment tourism.

Fuel & Tourism Disruption: Livingstone’s tourist economy is taking a hit as several filling stations run out of petrol or diesel, leaving motorists and tour operators queuing for hours and cutting trips to Victoria Falls and Mosi-oa-Tunya. Border Travel Rules: South Africa has introduced a mandatory Online Traveller Declaration for all travellers entering or leaving, with submissions via SARS portals, apps, or QR codes. Local Infrastructure for Visitors: ZNS has completed water and sewerage upgrades at UNZA hostels, restoring proper taps, showers and toilets—good news for student arrivals and campus activity. Campaign Trail (Western Province): President Hichilema wrapped up a Western Province tour, urging voters not to return PF/NRP-UP, while promising continued infrastructure, including an international airport push. Culture & Travel Buzz: Lusaka hosted the star-studded Zambian premiere of ’77: The FESTAC Conspiracy, positioning Zambia as a growing hub for African entertainment tourism. Regional Mobility: Zambia’s tourism-linked travel corridors are also in focus as Zimbabwe reports progress on the Bulawayo–Victoria Falls Road upgrade.

Western Province Campaign: President Hakainde Hichilema wraps up a two-day tour, urging voters not to return the PF, saying the party has only “rebranded” and must never return to power. Tourism & Travel Disruption: Livingstone’s tourist economy is hit by fuel shortages, with motorists and tour operators reporting long queues, delayed trips, and reduced bookings. Cross-Border Travel Rules: South Africa’s SARS introduces a mandatory Online Traveller Declaration from July 1, with options to submit via portal, apps, or QR codes at ports of entry. Student Accommodation Upgrade: ZNS completes water and sewerage rehabilitation at UNZA hostels, restoring running water and making facilities fit for student occupation. Culture & Entertainment Tourism: Lusaka hosts the sold-out Zambian premiere of ’77: The FESTAC Conspiracy, boosting Zambia’s position as a regional hub for African entertainment. Regional Sports: Zambia’s U-17 Women host Ethiopia in Ndola for the first leg of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, with a return leg next week. Road Connectivity: Work continues on the Bulawayo–Victoria Falls Road upgrade in Zimbabwe, with only two detours left on the first 100km.

Entertainment & Tourism: Zambia marked a milestone for African entertainment tourism as Lusaka hosted the sold-out World Premiere of ’77: The FESTAC Conspiracy at ICC, with Rita Dominic and Ramsey Nouah on the red carpet and the Africa Creative Market 2026 spotlighting Zambia as a growing hub. Water & Hospitality Readiness: ZNS completed water and sewerage rehabilitation at UNZA hostels, restoring clean running water and bringing student accommodation closer to reopening. Road Travel: Fuel and transport pressures hit the region, but Zambia’s travel outlook also got a boost as works on the Bulawayo–Victoria Falls Road upgrade in Zimbabwe reduced detours to just two remaining sections. Cross-Border Travel Rules: South Africa introduced a mandatory Online Traveller Declaration from July 1, with travellers urged to submit details via SARS portals or apps before travel. Tourism Disruption: Livingstone’s tourist economy is feeling the pinch as some fuel stations ran dry, causing long queues and delays for motorists, taxis, shuttles and tour operators. Regional Mobility & Safety: Police in Malawi reiterated that roadblocks are for security and traffic enforcement—not revenue collection—urging the public to report bribery. Sports & Travel: Zambia’s Under-17 Women’s team hosts Ethiopia in Ndola for the first leg of the 2026 qualifiers, with the return leg next week in Ethiopia.