AGP Executive Report

Rail Nostalgia: Matthew Parris is reliving the “Rhodesia Railways” magic of a 1958 wooden sleeper from Pretoria to Cape Town—old brass, carpeted corridors, and a childhood journey that still feels alive. Skate for a Cause: Uganda-to-Cape Town skateboarder Jason Vanporppal is nearing the finish line—day 103, 6,400+ km across seven countries—pushing funds for a Uganda skatepark. Ebola & Borders: An Air France flight was diverted after the US blocked a Congo passenger under tightened Ebola rules, while regional corridors say operations are “normal for now” but urge vigilance. Zambia Education Push: Government says UNZA will add 10,640 bed spaces via hostel completions and a PPP. Tourism/Transport Watch: Zambia’s travel ecosystem keeps intersecting with regional infrastructure and safety—TAZARA plans a one-week Mukuba train suspension for maintenance, and school-feeding officials tour Korea to strengthen Zambia’s home-grown meals.

University Expansion: Zambia’s University of Zambia is set to add 10,640 bed spaces—4,160 through hostel completion and 6,480 via a public-private partnership within 24 months—aimed at easing accommodation pressure as UNZA marks its 55th graduation. Regional Sports: Zimbabwe is hosting the Region 5 Table Tennis Championships at Glen City (July 10–12), with teams from across Southern Africa including Zambia already in full training mode. Cross-Border Transport: TAZARA says it will suspend Mukuba cross-border passenger train services for one week (May 26–June 1) for annual maintenance, with normal operations resuming June 2. Health & Travel: The US tightened Ebola entry rules, diverting an Air France flight to Montreal after a passenger from DR Congo was denied boarding—while Zambia and Tanzania have also strengthened border controls. Community & Faith: Fairview Baptist Church in Dam B Community will celebrate its 170th anniversary on May 31.

Connectivity Push: Tanzania unveiled a nearly US$985m Works budget for 2026/27, aiming to upgrade roads, bridges, ferries and airports to boost trade corridors and cut urban congestion. Road Funding Shift: Tanzania also plans to lean on bond financing to speed up major trunk road upgrades, including key routes linking inland hubs to Dar es Salaam. Ebola Travel Shock: An Air France flight carrying a DR Congo passenger was diverted after the US blocked entry under tightened Ebola rules—while several African countries, including Zambia, strengthened border controls. Zambia Football Focus: FAZ says Nora Häuptle will lead the Copper Queens at WAFCON, and Zambia will host a Four Nations tune-up in the June window. Tourism Under Pressure: Zimbabwe admitted Treasury limits are slowing the Bulawayo–Victoria Falls Highway rehab, raising worries for visitors and trade. Sports & Events: Zimbabwe will host the Region 5 Table Tennis Champs with teams from Southern Africa, including Zambia. Local Relief: Volunteers in Hwange delivered flood relief to 800 families. Hotel News: GHA added four new brands—Almanac, Regal, STORY, TemptingPlaces—expanding options for travellers.

Hotel Scene: Global Hotel Alliance keeps expanding, adding four new brands—Almanac Hotels, Regal Hotels International, STORY Hotels & Resorts, and TemptingPlaces Collection—bringing 22 properties into its network and boosting options across Europe, the Middle East and Asia. Flood Relief: In Hwange, volunteers supported 800 families with emergency food aid after floods ravaged communities, even as the mission was marked by the death of a senior volunteer. Fuel Pressure: Across Africa, surging fuel costs are feeding into higher food and transport prices, squeezing household budgets and raising public anger. Zambia–Zimbabwe Water Watch: Lake Kariba’s rising waters are bringing fresh hope to lakeside communities after long drought-linked lows. Rail & Roads: TAZARA will pause Mukuba cross-border passenger services for a week for maintenance (May 26–June 1), while Zambia’s travel links also get a boost as funding is allocated for safer bypass road works in Mbeya (reported from the region). Travel Planning: Qatar Airways is adding Cape Town flights from June 16, and Zambia–Madagascar officials are on a Korea study tour to strengthen home-grown school meals—good news for families and local agriculture.

Lake Kariba Update: Water levels are rising again, bringing fresh hope to communities across Zambia and Zimbabwe after a long drought period that left the lake at just 13% of usable power storage in 2024. Rail Disruption: TAZARA will suspend Mukuba cross-border passenger train services for annual maintenance from May 26 to June 1, with normal operations resuming June 2. Home-Grown School Meals: Zambia and Madagascar are on a week-long study tour in Korea to strengthen school feeding, improve child nutrition and learning, and boost local agriculture. Tourism Pressure Point: Zimbabwe’s Bulawayo–Victoria Falls road rehab is being slowed by Treasury constraints, despite the route’s importance for tourism and regional travel. Women’s Football: FAZ says Copper Queens coach Nora Häuptle is set to lead Zambia at WAFCON after outstanding issues were resolved, and a Four Nations tournament is planned for the June FIFA window. Travel Inspiration: Victoria Falls is also drawing attention for moonbow nights—one of the rarest natural sights—visible during full-moon periods. Good News: A Zambia-linked “living hope” feature highlights faith-led community impact stories.

Road Rehab Stalled: Zambia’s tourism and transport lifeline, the Bulawayo–Victoria Falls Highway, is facing delays as Treasury constraints slow strategic rehabilitation—Senators say the poor road is already disrupting travel, including late arrivals at a UN Tourism event. Africa Day Travel Buzz: Minor Hotels is pushing multi-destination Southern Africa itineraries, spotlighting stays like Royal Livingstone Victoria Falls Zambia Hotel by Anantara. Cape Town Finish Line: A 26-year-old skateboarder’s 91-day, seven-country ride across Africa is nearing its end, with Cape Town expected next week. Air Connectivity Boost: Qatar Airways plans to lift Cape Town flights from seven to 10 weekly from 16 June as it rebuilds routes after war-related airspace limits. Child Trafficking Case: A Malawian man accused of luring a teenager to Zambia for sexual exploitation has been placed on his defence in Lusaka, with the matter set to resume later.

Child Trafficking Court Case: A Malawian man, Paul Phiri (35), accused of luring a 17-year-old from Malawi to Zambia for sexual exploitation has been placed on his defence by Lusaka Magistrates Court, with the matter set to resume on May 26; the court also sentenced pregnant 21-year-old Sarah Mwangala to three months’ simple imprisonment for obtaining money through false pretences. Air Connectivity: Qatar Airways says it will add more Cape Town flights next month, aiming to rebuild to about 80% of its pre-Iran war weekly frequencies, and will also increase services on several African routes including Lusaka–Harare. Politics & Elections: Inside the ruling UPND, adoption battles are intensifying, with Chabinga blocking independent PF adoptions and analysis pointing to a “withdrawal” style adoption machine ahead of August 2026. Sports Update: FAZ has confirmed Copper Queens coach Nora Häuptle will lead Zambia at WAFCON and that Zambia will host a Four Nations Tournament in June. Travel Inspiration: Victoria Falls is spotlighting the rare “moonbow” experience during full-moon nights.

Ebola disrupts Uganda’s biggest pilgrimage: Uganda has halted the June 3 Martyrs’ Day celebrations at Namugongo after an Ebola outbreak was announced in eastern DR Congo, with Congolese pilgrims arriving via both official and informal border crossings at Mpondwe-Lubiriha. Copper Queens update: FAZ says coach Nora Häuptle’s future is settled; she’s expected back in Zambia ahead of a June Four Nations Tournament (Zambia, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Burkina Faso) as preparations for WAFCON continue. Zambia election admin: The Electoral Commission of Zambia published the document checklist for lodging 2026 General Election nominations, including supporter requirements, verified Grade 12 equivalence, and asset declarations. Tourism boost: Proflight Zambia launches a seasonal route linking Victoria Falls and the Okavango Delta via Lusaka/Livingstone to Maun, making it easier for South Africans to combine safaris. Local travel wonder: Victoria Falls is spotlighted for the rare “moonbow” experience during full-moon nights.

Copper Queens Focus: FAZ has confirmed coach Nora Häuptle will lead Zambia at WAFCON after outstanding issues were resolved, with Häuptle expected back in the country ahead of the June Four Nations Tournament (Zambia, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Burkina Faso). Tourism Spotlight: Victoria Falls is pushing a rare “moonbow” experience for full-moon nights—one of the few places where travellers can catch a lunar rainbow above the gorge. Travel Connectivity: Proflight Zambia launches a seasonal air link that makes it easier to pair Victoria Falls with Botswana’s Okavango Delta, routing via Lusaka/Livingstone to Maun with through-ticket options. Trade & Business: Zambia and Saudi Arabia have formally launched a Zambia–Saudi Arabia Business Council to drive private-sector deals, missions and investment. Regional Trade Flows: Namport reports cross-border cargo volumes in 2025 were dominated by South Africa and Zambia, underlining Namibia’s role as a gateway. Local Politics: Former Lusaka Central MP Mulambo Haimbe has withdrawn from the parliamentary race, while other former ministers are also stepping aside.

WAFCON Leadership Settled: FAZ has confirmed Copper Queens coach Nora Häuptle will lead Zambia at WAFCON after outstanding issues were resolved, and Zambia will host a June Four-Nations Tournament with Kenya, Zimbabwe and Burkina Faso as preparations ramp up. Tourism Magic at Victoria Falls: A new travel feature spotlights the rare “moonbow” at Victoria Falls—one of the few places on Earth where travellers can catch a lunar rainbow in the night sky. Football Politics: Former Chipolopolo winger Clifford Mulenga opposes FAZ’s plan to expand the Super League from 18 to 20 teams, warning it could stretch struggling clubs and dilute quality. UPND Adoption Shake-up: Former Livingstone MP and tourism minister Rodney Sikumba has withdrawn from RACE, while earlier reports show senior UPND figures facing tough primary defeats. Business & Infrastructure: Zambia Sugar says its US$76m Twazabuka project is on track for commissioning in August 2027. Regional Travel Ease: Proflight Zambia launches a seasonal route linking Lusaka/Livingstone to Maun, making it easier to combine Victoria Falls with the Okavango Delta.

Victoria Falls in focus: A fresh look at the Zambia side of the “Smoke That Thunders” captures the Falls at sunset during low-water season, with the roar and mist still dominating the view. UPND adoption shake-up: Zambia’s ruling party is facing an “adoption crisis” as former ministers and MPs lose primaries—while a memo suggests the National Management Committee can still override results, leaving candidates and voters in limbo ahead of August. Twazabuka jobs and supply boost: Zambia Sugar says its US$76m Twazabuka warehousing and packaging project is on track for commissioning in August 2027, aiming for safer handling, a 12-month supply cover, and 150+ long-term jobs. Safari travel made easier: Proflight Zambia launches a seasonal route linking Victoria Falls and the Okavango Delta via Lusaka/Livingstone to Maun, cutting the old Johannesburg detour for South African travellers. Trade and tourism links: Zambia also launched a Zambia–Saudi Arabia Business Council, while Tanzania’s Karibu-Kilifair brings new international participation including Nigeria and Ghana.

Health Breakthrough: Zimbabwe’s Cure Children’s Hospital partnership is giving thousands of kids born with congenital conditions a second chance—over 5,000 children treated in five years, with the facility officially opened on 14 May 2021. Election Tension: Zambia’s political heat is rising as Vice President Mutale Nalumango urges chiefs to push love and unity ahead of polls, while internal party adoption battles keep throwing up shocks, including reports of Sylvia Masebo’s heavy defeat in Chongwe. Travel & Tourism: Proflight Zambia has launched a seasonal direct link that makes it easier to combine Victoria Falls with Botswana’s Okavango Delta—Lusaka/Livingstone to Maun, three times a week. Business & Trade: Zambia Sugar’s US$76m Twazabuka project is on track for August 2027 completion, promising new warehousing, better supply cover, and 150+ jobs. Sports: Clifford Mulenga opposes FAZ’s plan to expand the Super League from 18 to 20 teams, warning it could stretch struggling clubs.

Elections & Unity Push: Vice President Mutale Nalumango urged traditional leaders to use the Lwanza platform to promote love, unity and national identity, warning that political competition must not turn communities into enemies as Zambia heads toward polls. Trade & Logistics: Russia’s FESCO says it has completed its first direct container shipment to Dar es Salaam, routing via India’s Nhava Sheva in about 45 days—another push to move goods across Africa faster. Football Governance: Former Chipolopolo winger Clifford Mulenga opposed FAZ plans to expand the Super League from 18 to 20 teams, arguing it could stretch already struggling clubs and weaken quality. Tourism Route Boost: Proflight Zambia launched a seasonal corridor linking Victoria Falls and the Okavango Delta via Lusaka–Livingstone to Maun, making multi-country safari trips easier for South Africans. Industry Update: Zambia Sugar’s US$76m Twazabuka project is on track for completion and commissioning in August 2027.

UPND Primary Shockwaves: Lands Minister Sylvia Masebo has been heavily defeated in Chongwe, with newcomer Anita Kamanga sweeping ward and district tallies—another sign of fractures inside the ruling party ahead of August 13. Election-Readiness Push: Home Affairs boss Jack Mwiimbu is urging ministry staff to stay professional to protect law and order as polls near. Tourism Made Easier: Proflight Zambia launches a seasonal corridor linking Lusaka–Livingstone to Maun, making it simpler for South Africans to combine Victoria Falls with Botswana’s Okavango Delta. Trade & Deals: Zambia formally launched the Zambia–Saudi Arabia Business Council under ZACCI to drive private investment and market access. Sport Tourism: Mamelodi Sundowns will hold a pre-season camp in Zambia, with a tournament in Lusaka starting May 25. Education Support: FAWEZA enrolled 750 learners in its GCE remedial programme, giving more students a second chance. Culture Clash: A Zambian space-race Fringe show says it’s “disappointed” after a London theatre staged a similarly titled production.

New Safari Air Link: Proflight Zambia has launched a seasonal, three-times-a-week route that makes it far easier for South African travellers to combine Victoria Falls with Botswana’s Okavango Delta—flying Johannesburg/Cape Town to Lusaka or Livingstone, then onward to Maun on a single through-ticket (Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, May–October). Trade & Business: Zambia’s PS Lillian Bwalya urged stronger Zambia–Uganda trade ties at a Lusaka forum, while Zambia also launched a Zambia–Saudi Arabia Business Council to deepen private-sector investment and market access. Tourism Push: Nigeria and Ghana will join Tanzania’s Karibu-Kilifair expo for the first time, as organisers target a wider global tourism market in Arusha (June 4–6, 2026). Water for Travel Communities: A Lake Oswego Walk4Water fundraiser returns May 30 to support clean-water projects for Zambians. Sports Tourism: Mamelodi Sundowns’ juniors and Madala’s team will camp in Zambia in May, with a tournament planned in Lusaka.

Sport & Culture Budget: Zambia’s DSAC budget vote for 2026/27 lands at R6.617bn, with R1.341bn earmarked for recreation development and sport promotion—plus a spotlight on how big events can put Zambia on the map. Clean Water Fundraiser: In Lake Oswego, the Walk4Water returns May 30 to raise donations for World Vision clean-water projects in Zambia—one $50 gift is said to support a rural person for life. Trade Push: Zambia has launched the Zambia–Saudi Arabia Business Council under ZACCI to drive private-sector deals, trade missions and investment across priority sectors. Transport & Tourism Angle: Transport Minister Frank Tayali says Zambia is building an integrated transport system—roads, rail, airports and logistics hubs—to strengthen regional trade and tourism connectivity. Education Support: FAWEZA enrolled 750 learners into a GCE remedial programme, giving failed Grade 12 candidates—especially girls—a second chance at UNZA. Football Focus: Zambia U17 girls begin preparations for a May 24 World Cup qualifier first leg vs DRC at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.