AGP Executive Report

Inauguration Travel Inspiration: President Hakainde Hichilema hosted two citizens who reached Lusaka under their own power—Maggie Sapatu walked from Mwinilunga with village chicken, while Jeremiah Tembo cycled from Lusangazi—sharing a meal as a reminder that every Zambian has a role in development. Road Safety on Key Routes: A Rufunsa crash on the Great East Road killed one and injured three when a public service bus hit trees after an attempted overtaking manoeuvre; police say 26 pupils were among the passengers. Tourism & Regional Travel Watch: Zambia’s tourism growth remains in focus as the US Export-Import Bank reopens short-term support for eligible private-sector deals, potentially easing travel and business equipment procurement. Border & Travel Integrity: Zambia’s Anti-Corruption Commission has opened investigations into alleged bribery and facilitation fees at Chirundu and Livingstone border posts, warning such corruption harms Zambia’s reputation for trade and tourism. Wildlife Travel Context: Conservation groups across Southern Africa are launching coordinated wildlife censuses and a Vulture Safe Zone Alliance to protect species that draw nature travellers. Local Culture & Visitor Planning: The Bemba Royal Establishment cancelled Ukusefya pa Ng’wena 2026 due to a sombre mood, affecting cultural calendars for visitors.

Grow Zambia Politics: President Hakainde Hichilema is assembling a new “Growth Cabinet” after his August 13 win, with public focus on how the team will turn stability into faster growth and food security. Road Safety: One person died and three were injured in a Rufunsa Great East Road bus crash carrying pupils to school; police urge safer overtaking and lower speeds. SADC Watch: SADC’s Troika is set to review Zambia’s post-election crisis after observer findings, as court challenges and allegations continue. Tourism & Borders: Zambia’s Anti-Corruption Commission is investigating bribery and facilitation fee claims at Livingstone and Chirundu border posts—an issue that could affect travellers’ experience. Wildlife Conservation: Southern Africa launched a Vulture Safe Zone Alliance to protect vultures amid steep population declines. Travel Tech Warning: Tourists are being cautioned that AI travel advice can mislead—one family’s visa assumptions led to trouble at Zimbabwe’s border. Local Culture: The Bemba Royal Establishment cancelled Ukusefya pa Ng’wena 2026, citing a sombre mood in UluBemba. Travel Disruption: Zambia’s National Registration Card and passport of Tonse Alliance SG Celestine Mukandila were declared invalid over alleged fraud.

Tourism Growth: Zambia has recorded over two million international tourist arrivals in 2026 and is pushing toward a 2.5 million target by year-end, with plans to boost air access, improve road and airport facilities, and encourage private investment in hotels and conference venues. Border Integrity: Zambia’s Anti-Corruption Commission has opened investigations into alleged bribery and facilitation fees at Chirundu and Livingstone border posts, warning that corruption at ports of entry harms Zambia’s reputation with travellers and investors. Travel Disruptions & Culture: The Bemba Royal Establishment has cancelled the Ukusefya pa Ng’wena ceremony in Mungwi, citing a sombre mood not suitable for festivities—an important heads-up for visitors planning around the event. Safety on the Road: In Chinsali, police detained a 62-year-old motorist after a fatal accident on the Great North Road that killed a 10-year-old pedestrian. Legal & Political Context: Lusaka High Court has received 67 parliamentary election petitions after the presidential challenge missed the constitutional filing window, shaping the post-election travel and business climate. Security Watch: Separate reports from South Africa’s Hawks describe arrests and a R130,000 explosives seizure at a lodge—relevant for regional travellers and operators monitoring cross-border risk.

Tourism Milestone: Zambia has crossed two million international tourist arrivals in 2026 and is pushing for 2.5 million by year-end, with plans to grow tourism revenue to over US$1 billion by 2031. Anti-Corruption at Borders: The Anti-Corruption Commission has launched investigations into alleged bribery and facilitation fees at Chirundu and Livingstone border posts, warning that corruption at ports of entry hurts Zambia’s reputation for trade, investment and tourism. Grow Zambia Agenda (Jobs & Travel): Manufacturers back President Hichilema’s shift from stabilisation to growth, with the Grow Zambia targets including 5 million tourist arrivals and major investment in electricity, agriculture and exports. Local Travel Picks: A guide rounds up “places to explore in Zambia,” spotlighting the country’s waterfalls, national parks and wildlife for travellers planning trips. Safety & Infrastructure Watch: Mpika’s Kapamba Bridge has been vandalised after iron bars were stolen, raising safety concerns for motorists heading to mining areas. Road Tragedy: In Chinsali, a 10-year-old pedestrian died after being hit by a vehicle on the Great North Road; the driver has been detained. Crime Update: Zambia’s tourism image also gets a hard reminder as police report a defilement case in Chipangali, with a 38-year-old suspect arrested.

Tourism Growth: Zambia has crossed the 2 million mark in international tourist arrivals in 2026 and is pushing for 2.5 million by year-end, with plans to boost air access, improve road and airport facilities (including Livingstone-Sesheke works and Kasama airport upgrades), and expand conservation efforts. Border Corruption Crackdown: Zambia’s Anti-Corruption Commission has opened investigations into alleged bribery and facilitation-fee scams at Chirundu and Livingstone border posts, warning that corruption at ports of entry harms Zambia’s reputation with travellers and investors. Travel Safety & Roads: Chinsali police have detained a 62-year-old motorist after a fatal Great North Road crash that killed a 10-year-old pedestrian; the case is awaiting postmortem and further investigations. Infrastructure Vandalism: Mpika District officials are investigating the vandalism of Kapamba Bridge after iron bars were stolen, weakening the bridge and creating safety risks for motorists heading to mining areas. Cultural Calendar: The Bemba Royal Establishment has cancelled Ukusefya pa Ng’wena (Sept 17–19) citing a sombre mood, ending preparations for the major heritage celebration. Nature Travel Spotlight: A travel feature highlights the Kazungula Quadripoint—where Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Namibia meet—plus nearby wildlife and Victoria Falls viewpoints. Identity/Travel Documents: Government has declared Tonse Alliance SG Celestine Mukandila’s NRC and passport invalid due to alleged fraud, directing holders to surrender the documents.

Travel Security & Documents: Zambia’s Home Affairs has cancelled Tonse Alliance SG Celestine Mukandila’s National Registration Card and passport, ordering banks, border posts and offices to reject the invalid documents and warn of prosecution for attempts to use them. Tourism Numbers: Zambia has crossed the 2 million mark for international tourist arrivals in 2026 and is pushing for 2.5 million by year-end, with plans to boost air access, tourism infrastructure in places like Livingstone and Kasama, and incentives for hotels and conference facilities. Border Integrity: The Anti-Corruption Commission is investigating bribery allegations at the Livingstone and Chirundu border posts, saying such payments damage Zambia’s reputation as a reliable destination. Climate Watch for Travel: WMO warns a “super El Niño” could intensify rainfall extremes, heat and drought in Zambia through early 2027—an issue that could affect safari and road travel planning. Green Season Travel Ideas: A new guide highlights quiet nature getaways, including Sweden’s East Coast Archipelago, for travellers seeking slower, low-crowd rest.

Border Integrity: The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) says it is investigating bribery claims at Livingstone and Chirundu border posts, warning that “facilitation payments” in cash or kind damage Zambia’s reputation as a reliable destination. Tourism Momentum: Zambia has crossed two million international tourist arrivals in 2026 and is pushing for 2.5 million by year-end, with plans to boost infrastructure in places like Livingstone and improve air connectivity. Climate Risk to Growth: A new warning says El Niño is set to intensify into a “very strong” event, with potential impacts on rainfall, floods, droughts and heatwaves—raising concerns for the Grow Zambia Agenda. Grow Zambia Agenda: Manufacturers’ association ZAM backs the shift from stabilisation to growth, pointing to manufacturing’s job and investment contribution and linking it to targets like electricity, maize, copper and tourism. Travel Safety & Access: A court case in Nakonde involves alleged illegal explosives transport—another reminder of the need for tighter checks on the routes travellers use.

Tourism Boom: Zambia has crossed the two-million mark in international tourist arrivals in 2026 and is pushing for 2.5 million by year-end, with the Ministry of Tourism pointing to new moves on air access, hotel and conference investment, wildlife translocation, and upgrades to road and airport facilities. Economic Shift for Travel: Manufacturers’ body ZAM backs President Hakainde Hichilema’s shift from stabilisation to growth under the “Grow Zambia Agenda,” which includes a five-million tourist target—good news for tourism jobs and visitor services. Inauguration & Stability: Hichilema was sworn in for a second term at National Heroes Stadium, pledging peace and stability while political petitions continue in courts—an important backdrop for visitor confidence. Nature & Wellness Getaways: A new African Medicine Retreat is set for December at Nsobe Game Camp, combining bush chalets, guided medicinal plant walks, and safari game drives. Quick Reads for Travellers: Zambia is also seeing more “green season” safari interest, while El Niño warnings are in the mix for planning around weather and conditions.

Zambia Inauguration & Unity: President Hakainde Hichilema was sworn in for a second term at National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka, urging rivals to accept election outcomes and back national unity, while launching the Grow Zambia Agenda with targets including 5 million annual tourist arrivals and major boosts for maize, power, copper, soy and beef. Regional Diplomacy: Kenya’s William Ruto attended and called for elections to settle who governs without turning politics into conflict; Zimbabwe’s Mnangagwa pledged deeper cooperation with Zambia, while SADC chair Ramaphosa was reported absent. Tourism & Investment Push: Hichilema also positioned Zambia as an “investor-friendly” destination and a tourism choice, tying growth to reforms in mining, farming, tourism and energy. Climate Warning: Restoration for Community Justice urged Zambians to prepare for a drier-than-normal 2026/27 rainy season as El Niño strengthens, warning agriculture, energy and tourism are at risk. Culture & People-to-People: The World Peoples Assembly opened a Zambia representative office at the Lusaka National Museum, planning a 2027 public diplomacy contest and wider cultural and arts cooperation.

Zambia Inauguration & Growth Plan: President Hakainde Hichilema was sworn in for a second term at National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka, urging unity and warning that political power must never come at the expense of peace and stability. He launched the Grow Zambia Agenda with targets including 10 million tonnes of maize, 10,000MW electricity, and 5 million annual tourist arrivals, alongside copper, soya, wheat, sugar and beef export goals. Regional Diplomacy: Zimbabwe’s Mnangagwa pledged deeper cooperation with Zambia after the inauguration, while SADC chair Ramaphosa skipped the ceremony amid election fallout. Tourism & Culture Moves: The World Peoples Assembly opened a Zambia representative office at the Lusaka National Museum, with plans for culture, research and a 2027 public diplomacy contest. Nature & Travel Experiences: A December 2026 African Medicine Retreat is set for Nsobe Game Camp in Zambia’s Miombo woodlands, combining herbal training, bushwalks, village visits and game drives. Travel Safety/Climate Watch: Zambians are being urged to prepare for a potentially drier 2026/27 rainy season as El Niño strengthens, with impacts flagged for farming, energy and tourism.

Zambia Inauguration Buzz: President Hakainde Hichilema was sworn in for a second term at National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka, urging unity across party lines and launching the Grow Zambia Agenda with targets including 10m tonnes of maize, 10,000MW power, and 5m annual tourist visits—plus a push to reform mining, farming, tourism and energy. Security & Travel Disruptions: Zambia Police rolled out security and traffic advisories for the inauguration, with road closures and diversions around the stadium and calls for motorists to plan ahead. Regional Diplomacy: Kenya’s William Ruto attended the ceremony, while other regional leaders and international representatives were present; some notable SADC leaders were reported absent. Tourism Deals: GHA Discovery and Minor Hotels extended a promotion that includes Zambia’s Anantara Tented Camp Kafue River for double Discovery Dollars on eligible stays. Climate Watch: Southern Africa, including Zambia, faces warnings of a strengthening El Niño that could bring drier-than-normal conditions—raising stakes for climate-sensitive sectors like agriculture and tourism. Health & Travel Link: CIDRZ handed over TB equipment and a refurbished lab on the Copperbelt, supporting diagnosis and treatment capacity.

Grow Zambia Agenda: President Hakainde Hichilema unveiled the Grow Zambia Agenda, aiming to shift Zambia from stabilisation to faster growth with the 10-10-5-3-3-1-1-1 targets—10m tonnes maize by 2031, 10,000MW power, and 5m tourist arrivals annually, alongside big production goals for copper, soya, wheat, beef and sugar. Inauguration tourism & logistics: Lusaka is in full swing for Hichilema’s second-term swearing-in at National Heroes Stadium on Sept 1, with a public holiday declared, heavy security checks, and police traffic advisories urging carpooling and extra travel time. Climate watch for travellers and operators: Restoration for Community Justice warned of a drier-than-normal 2026/27 rainy season linked to El Niño, urging early preparation since agriculture, energy and tourism are climate-sensitive. Tourism sector push: Government says technology and innovation should help Zambia tell its story better and improve visitor experiences, highlighted during a Zambia–China drone light show. Health & travel-friendly stability: CIDRZ handed over TB equipment and a refurbished lab on the Copperbelt, supporting diagnosis and treatment capacity. Regional arrivals: Namibia’s Ndaitwah, Eswatini and Tanzania’s leaders, and other dignitaries are already in Lusaka for the inauguration.

Inauguration Security & Logistics: Zambia is gearing up for President Hakainde Hichilema’s second-term swearing-in on Tuesday, Sept 1, at National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka, with the day declared a public holiday and police issuing traffic diversions, road closures and safety advice for motorists and families. Diplomatic Presence: The US Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Frank Garcia Jr., arrives in Lusaka ahead of the ceremony, while China’s envoy Xian Hui is also expected to attend, underscoring the event’s international pull. Tourism & Tech Storytelling: Lusaka’s drone light show celebrated Zambia–China people-to-people exchanges, and Cabinet Secretary Patrick Kangwa linked technology to better tourism storytelling under the “Zambia Moves You” brand. Road & Regional Travel: Government has released K1.7 billion for reconstruction of the Livingstone–Sesheke road, with planning and design underway to start works before the rainy season. Travel Deals for Zambians: GHA Discovery and Minor Hotels extended a promotion for stays at select new hotels, including Anantara Tented Camp Kafue River in Zambia, offering double DISCOVERY Dollars for bookings registered and consumed by Nov 30, 2026. Green Season Safari Sales: Safari advisors are being urged to sell Africa’s “green season” properly—highlighting calving season, storm-lit landscapes and quieter game viewing instead of treating rains as a deal-breaker.

Inauguration Security & Logistics: Zambia is gearing up for President Hakainde Hichilema’s second-term swearing-in on Tuesday, Sept 1, at National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka, with defence and security chiefs saying preparations are complete and police issuing traffic diversions and road closures; guests are urged to carpool due to limited parking. Government Revenue Push: The Ministry of Finance says it’s launching public consultations for a 2027–2031 Medium-Term Revenue Strategy aimed at boosting domestic revenue, improving tax compliance, and reducing reliance on borrowing. Road & Jobs Update: Government has released over K1.7 billion for reconstruction of the Livingstone–Sesheke road, with planning underway for construction before the rainy season and the project expected to create hundreds of jobs. Tourism Tech Spotlight: Lusaka hosted a Zambia–China drone light show, where officials highlighted how technology can boost tourism storytelling and support the Brand Zambia initiative. Green Season Safari Tip: Safari advisors are urging travellers to rethink “rainy season” as “green season,” pointing to better wildlife moments like calving and quieter game-viewing in parts of Zambia and across Africa. Humanitarian Migration Support: Zimbabwe’s Red Cross says it has assisted 10,000 returnees from South Africa with transport, phone connectivity and plans for non-food items amid the migration crisis. Sports & Culture: Zambia’s Shaolin Temple near Lusaka continues to draw attention as a cultural attraction, while golf news notes Zambian Dominic Musonda’s Uganda Open amateur title win.

Inauguration Logistics: Zambia has declared Tuesday, September 1, 2026 a public holiday for the swearing-in of President-elect Hakainde Hichilema and Vice-President-elect Mutale Nalumango at National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka, with invitees urged to carpool due to limited parking. China-Zambia Tourism Tech: Lusaka’s Showgrounds hosted a drone light show celebrating Zambia-China people-to-people exchanges, highlighting landmarks like TAZARA and Zambia’s tourism attractions. Safari Sales Insight: Safari Guru is pushing “green season” safaris, urging travel advisors to sell wet-season wildlife experiences as a feature, not a discount. Luxury Travel Market Watch: A Tesla/SpaceX early investor has put Tanzania’s Lupita Island (Lake Tanganyika) up for sale for $7.9 million, with the resort offering cottages, spa, and water activities—though key ownership and licensing details remain unclear. Cross-border Travel Caution: A Zimbabwe border case shows how relying on AI for visa details can go wrong at remote checkpoints. Road Safety: Fatal crashes in Rufunsa and Mchinji have killed multiple people, underscoring ongoing travel risks on Zambia’s roads.

China–Zambia Tourism Storytelling: Hundreds of synchronized drones lit up Lusaka to celebrate China–Zambia people-to-people exchanges, showcasing projects like the Tanzania–Zambia Railway and Zambia’s tourism attractions. Hospitality Investment: African Sun says it’s moving to take full management control of the Victoria Falls Hotel by September 2026, with a planned handover of Holiday Inns in Zimbabwe from January 1, 2027, alongside an $11m refurbishment plan. Inauguration Focus: Zambia is gearing up for President Hakainde Hichilema’s second-term inauguration on 1 September 2026, with targets that include 5 million annual tourist arrivals and major electricity and agriculture goals. Heritage & Travel Events: King Mzilikazi Day preparations are underway for 5 September near Bulawayo, but organisers warn of funding gaps affecting food, transport and event infrastructure. Courts & Travel Disruption Watch: Zambia’s presidential election petition is set against a tight constitutional process as courts close around the petition window, raising practical uncertainty for anyone planning travel tied to court activity. Road Safety Alert: A Rufunsa Great East Road crash killed four and injured 36, underlining ongoing travel risks on Zambia’s highways. Quiet Nature Pull: A new “Noise-Free Nations” index ranks Zambia among the world’s quietest countries, a fresh angle for travellers seeking calmer destinations.