AGP Executive Report

U.S. Travel Update: The U.S. Embassy in Lusaka is set to stop processing visa applications as Washington cuts Africa visa-processing sites from nearly 50 to 20 hubs, meaning Zambians may need to travel to centres like Dar-es-Salaam, Cape Town or Johannesburg. Green Growth & Roads: Zambia’s ZEMA approved 103 development projects, including 300MW solar, Lusaka plastic and tile plants, and the Chipata–Chadiza road upgrade to bituminous standard—an early boost for World Environment Day climate action. Ebola Preparedness: Zimbabwe’s Hurungwe district activated emergency Ebola readiness after a Bundibugyo-strain outbreak in the DRC, with screening at Chirundu and an isolation centre set up at the border post. Funeral Travel: Paramount Chief Mpezeni IV’s body is expected to arrive in Chipata from Lusaka, with mourners set for a lie-in-state before burial on Tuesday. Tourism & Adventure Ideas: A travel feature highlights white-water rafting options across Africa, spotlighting Zambia’s Zambezi and the Batoka Gorge for adrenaline seekers. Regional Mobility: Zambia also facilitated the repatriation of 40 nationals from South Africa amid recent xenophobic disturbances.

Ebola Preparedness at Borders: Hurungwe District in Zimbabwe has activated emergency Ebola systems, setting up an isolation centre at Chirundu Border Post and stepping up traveller screening along the regional transport corridor that links to Zambia. US Visa Processing Shake-Up: Zambia’s U.S. Embassy in Lusaka is set to stop processing visas as the State Department cuts Africa visa hubs from nearly 50 to 20, with Zambians directed to apply via Dar-es-Salaam, Cape Town or Johannesburg. Repatriation Update: Zambia repatriated 40 nationals from South Africa via the Zambian Embassy in Pretoria after disturbances and calls for foreign nationals to leave parts of KwaZulu-Natal. Tourism Integration Push: SADC justice ministers meet in Victoria Falls with the proposed SADC Tourism UNIVISA on the agenda, aiming for a unified visa to make regional travel easier for tourists. Election & Tourism Targets: Government messaging ahead of the polls highlights measurable goals including 5 million tourist arrivals, alongside broader economic and service delivery promises.

Ebola Preparedness: Hurungwe District in Zimbabwe-bordering Zambia has activated Ebola emergency systems, citing the DRC’s Bundibugyo strain and the risk posed by major transport routes; an isolation centre is set up at Chirundu Border Post with intensified traveller screening. Regional Travel Facilitation: SADC justice ministers in Victoria Falls are set to push the Draft SADC Tourism UNIVISA, aiming for a unified visa for transit and tourism stays to boost cross-border travel and tourism. Cross-Border Travel Disruption: Zambia repatriated 40 citizens from South Africa via the Zambian Embassy in Pretoria after local anti-foreigner demonstrations raised concerns. Court Limits Travel: In South Africa, the Gauteng High Court refused a fraud co-accused’s request to relax bail to travel to Zambia for a gravely ill mother, keeping strict movement conditions in place. Tourism & Business Signals: Sarovar Hotels says its Uganda property should stabilise as domestic and intra-Africa travel helps offset Ebola-related international demand dips. Sports Tourism Angle: Namibia’s volleyball teams return to international competition in Harare (7–14 June), a reminder of the region’s growing event calendar.

Zambia Election Focus: Zambia’s election campaign is heating up around economic management, public services and jobs, with the UPND pushing results like free education, meal allowances and bursaries, while opposition parties hammer cost of living and employment. Tourism & Regional Travel: Justice ministers in Victoria Falls are set to debate the SADC Tourism UNIVISA, aiming for a unified visa for transit and tourism stays across member states—big news for smoother cross-border travel. Ebola Travel Watch: With the WHO flagging Ebola in the DRC as a public health emergency, countries are tightening border screening and travel rules, including advisories listing Zambia among higher-risk destinations. Hospitality & Travel Demand: Sarovar Hotels says its Uganda opening is expected to stabilise, banking on domestic and intra-Africa travel as international demand stays muted by health alerts. Local Culture & Heritage: Paramount Chief Mpezeni IV has died, prompting condolences across the region—an important moment for Zambia’s heritage community.

China-Africa People-to-People Exchanges: A viral “Song of Chambishi” spotlights Zambian copper miners and the Sino-Zambian joint venture’s jobs and infrastructure push, underscoring shared cultural rhythms. Elections & Peace: Italy’s ambassador urged Zambians to protect the country’s peace and avoid violence or intimidation as the August general election nears, while highlighting more Italian investment interest. U.S. Visa Changes: The U.S. plans to cut Africa visa-processing sites from about 50 to 20 regional hubs across 19 countries, reshaping where Zambians may need to travel for interviews and biometrics. Ebola Travel Warnings: With Ebola concerns rising, countries are tightening screening and border rules; St Kitts and Nevis listed Zambia among high-risk nations and warned of possible entry denials. Tourism Integration: SADC justice ministers in Victoria Falls put the spotlight on the proposed SADC Tourism UNIVISA, aiming for easier transit and tourism stays across member states. Public Health in the Region: Bulawayo begins a four-day polio vaccination drive for children under five, synchronized with neighbouring countries. Traditional Leadership: Paramount Chief Mpezeni IV’s death closes a 44-year Ngoni reign, drawing national tributes across Zambia.

Ebola Watch: Zambia has confirmed two suspected Ebola cases tested negative, but health authorities say screening tools and protocols remain in use as the DRC outbreak (including the Bundibugyo strain) tops 1,000 suspected cases and raises cross-border risk. Regional Travel Policy: SADC justice ministers meet in Victoria Falls with the proposed SADC Tourism UNIVISA on the agenda, aiming for a unified visa for transit and tourism stays across member states. Tourism & Heritage: Pressure is mounting around Victoria Falls as a wildlife and environment painter urges Zambia and Zimbabwe to stop new commercial developments that could threaten UNESCO world heritage status. Adventure Travel Ideas: A guide highlights white-water rafting routes across Africa, spotlighting the Zambezi (including Batoka Gorge) as a top thrill destination for rafters. Luxury Travel Spotlight: Anantara marks 25 years with a campaign celebrating “unforgettable journeys,” reinforcing experiential stays as the new luxury. Local Road Safety: In North-Western Province, 31 Ikelenge pupils were injured after falling from an overloaded vehicle when the tailgate opened.

Regional Travel Policy: Justice ministers and attorneys general meet in Victoria Falls to push the proposed SADC Tourism UNIVISA, aiming for a unified visa for transit and tourism stays across member states. Ebola & Border Screening: Zambia says two suspected Ebola cases tested negative, but it’s keeping high alert and strengthening screening at entry points, including in Nakonde. Tourism & Heritage Watch: Pressure is mounting around Victoria Falls as a wildlife and environment painter urges Zambia and Zimbabwe to stop new commercial developments that could threaten UNESCO world heritage status. Road Safety for Schoolkids: Yango Zambia and the Zambia Road Safety Trust begin the second Safer Journeys to School rollout in Lusaka, expanding from 5 schools to 15 in 2026 with safer routes and school zone support. Sports Tourism & Events: Zambia’s Copper Queens and Under-17 Women’s teams are in camp ahead of FIFA windows and qualifiers, with matches drawing attention to Ndola and Lubumbashi as key travel points. Local Festival Update: Malawi’s Kabula Festival returns for its second edition in Blantyre, despite a late travel hiccup that delayed a South African act.

Ebola Watch (Zambia): Zambia says two suspected Ebola cases have tested negative, but health authorities are keeping entry-point screening and surveillance tight as the DRC reports a surge in suspected cases. Border & Travel Safety (Zambia): In Nakonde, Muchinga, teams have intensified traveler checks, symptom monitoring, and hygiene controls to reduce any risk of cross-border spread. Tourism & Heritage (Vic Falls): A wildlife and environment painter has renewed pressure on Zambia and Zimbabwe to curb new commercial developments around Victoria Falls, warning they could threaten UNESCO world heritage status. Road Safety for Families (Lusaka): Yango Zambia and the Zambia Road Safety Trust have expanded the Safer Journeys to School campaign to 15 schools in 2026, improving school-zone safety and learner road-safety clubs. Local Culture & Travel (Zambia): Paramount Chief Mpezeni IV’s death closes a 44-year chapter for the Ngoni people, with tributes highlighting his role as a national cultural custodian. Sports Tourism (Zambia): Zambia’s Copper Queens are regrouping in Ndola for the FIFA Window Four Nations Tournament (June 1–9), using friendlies to prepare for WAFCON.

Ebola Watch (Zambia): Zambia says two suspected Ebola cases have tested negative, but health authorities are keeping high alert and intensifying screening and surveillance at entry points, including strengthened checks in Nakonde. Cross-Border Health (DRC): In the Democratic Republic of Congo, suspected Ebola cases have surged past 1,000, with reports of community unrest at treatment centres as neighbouring countries consider stricter travel measures. Tourism & Heritage (Vic Falls): Wildlife and environment painter Larry Benjamin Norton is pushing Zimbabwean and Zambian authorities to stop new commercial developments around Victoria Falls, warning they could threaten UNESCO world heritage status. Road Safety for Schools (Lusaka): Yango Zambia and the Zambia Road Safety Trust expand the Safer Journeys to School campaign to 15 schools in 2026, adding workshops, safer school zones and road safety clubs. Local Culture & Leadership (Zambia): The death of Paramount Chief Mpezeni IV ends a 44-year reign, drawing tributes for his role in Ngoni culture and national unity. Tourism Business (Expo): Bulawayo SMEs say they’ll help more businesses exhibit at Sanganai/Hlanganani next year after strong interest from exhibitors and buyers.

Ebola Watch (Zambia): Zambia says two suspected Ebola cases tested negative, but health teams are keeping screening and surveillance tight at entry points, including in Nakonde, as DR Congo’s outbreak surges. Ebola Watch (DR Congo): Suspected cases in eastern provinces have passed 1,000 (1,077), with 121 confirmed and 17 deaths, and Congo has suspended social activities in Ituri while neighbours tighten controls. Border & Travel Disruption: Rwanda and Uganda have moved to restrict movement linked to the outbreak, with knock-on effects for traders and travellers at crossings like Grande Barriere in Goma. Road Safety for School Travel: Yango Zambia and the Zambia Road Safety Trust launched the next Safer Journeys to School rollout in Lusaka, expanding from 5 schools (2025) to 15 schools (2026). Local Incident: Thirty-one Ikelenge pupils were injured after a vehicle tailgate opened while travelling to a sports event. Tourism & Conservation: Victoria Falls preservation remains under pressure as a court case and a joint technical push aim to protect UNESCO world heritage status. Tourism Policy: A Livingstone candidate calls for a fairer 50/50 tourism playing field with Zimbabwe and better worker rights in hospitality.

Ebola Watch for Travellers: Zambia’s Ministry of Health in Nakonde has intensified border screening and surveillance as the DRC reports a fast-rising Ebola situation, with suspected cases now above 1,000 and WHO raising the alert to “very high,” while Uganda temporarily closed its border with Congo and several countries including Zambia are flagged as at risk. Conservation & Tourism at Victoria Falls: Wildlife and environment painter Larry Benjamin Norton renewed pressure on Zimbabwean and Zambian authorities to stop new commercial developments inside Victoria Falls precincts, warning they could threaten the UNESCO world heritage status. Safer Journeys to School (Lusaka): Yango Zambia and the Zambia Road Safety Trust launched the second Safer Journeys to School rollout, expanding from 5 schools in 2025 to 15 schools in 2026 with safer school-zone work and road-safety clubs. Tourism Jobs & Industry Signals: An AfDB report highlights weak manufacturing employment trends in the region, with Zambia’s manufacturing employment rate cited at 5.7% in 2024—useful context for tourism-linked jobs and investment. Sports Tourism in the Spotlight: Zambia’s Copper Queens and Copper Princesses squads are in camp ahead of FIFA windows and qualifiers, with matches in Ndola and Lubumbashi drawing attention to travel demand around women’s football. Luxury Travel Trend: A feature on specialist, experience-led travel highlights how travellers are seeking more authentic, guided journeys—plus tips on wildlife photography from Zambia’s Luangwa photo-hide options.

Ebola & Travel Safety: DR Congo’s new Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak has surged past 1,000 suspected cases (1,077) with 121 confirmed and 17 deaths, prompting “very high” WHO alerts, border closures and stricter screening across the region; Uganda has temporarily closed its border with Congo, and Africa CDC warns Zambia and nine other countries face heightened risk. Road Safety for School Trips: Yango Zambia and the Zambia Road Safety Trust kick off the 2026 Safer Journeys to School rollout in Lusaka, expanding from 5 schools (2025) to 15 schools, with safer school zones and road-safety clubs. Women’s Football (Local Travel): Zambia’s Copper Queens players Rachel Kundananji, Evarine Susan Katongo and Ochumba Oseke Lubanji return ahead of the FIFA Window Four Nations Tournament in Ndola (June 1–9), with local players camping in Ndola as foreign-based teammates arrive from June 1. Tourism & Sports: Zambia’s Livingstone tourism politics heats up as a candidate calls for a 50/50 level playing field with Zimbabwean tour operators, while Zambia’s sports tourism push also shows in the return of Häuptle names for the Four Nations Tournament in Ndola. Wildlife & Photo Travel: A safari photography guide highlights Zambia’s South Luangwa photo-hide options and tips for capturing wildlife with phones and cameras. ZamStats Misinformation Alert: ZamStats refutes false social-media claims about presidential polling, urging the public to verify before sharing.

Sports Tourism Push: Zimbabwe’s Tourism minister Barbara Rwodzi urged Sterling International Pairs Golf Tournament organisers to bid to host the World Finals in Tenerife, with qualifiers feeding a national final in Harare and Hotel Barcelo as headquarters. Ebola Travel Shockwaves: DR Congo’s suspected Ebola cases have surged past 1,000 (1,077 suspected; 121 confirmed), prompting border closures and “very high” risk alerts, with Africa CDC warning that countries including Zambia face heightened importation risk—sparking travel advisories across the region. Zambia Tourism Sector Politics: A Livingstone parliamentary hopeful called for a “level playing field” with Zimbabwean tour operators, citing alleged restrictions on Zambian vehicles entering hotels, lodges and parks across the border. Wildlife & Photo Travel Tips: A guide to wildlife photography highlights Zambia’s photo-hide options in South Luangwa, plus phone-friendly shooting ideas for safari moments. Road Safety: Kafue’s Great North Road crash near Mhango Curve has killed two, with police citing improper overtaking on curves.

Conservation & Community Resilience: Zambia’s Kafue Flats gets renewed hope as a five-year $9m GEF 8 project is launched to restore the wetland and protect livelihoods amid droughts, floods, fires, invasive plants and declining fish stocks. Ebola & Travel Safety: Ebola fears keep escalating in DR Congo, with suspected cases surpassing 1,000 and WHO warning neighbours to act fast; several countries are tightening entry rules, and Zambia is listed among those at heightened risk—expect more screening and travel caution. Tourism Policy & Jobs: A Livingstone tourism candidate calls for a “level playing field” with Zimbabwe, saying tour operators and workers face unfair restrictions, and promises to push for bilateral tourism agreements and better training access. Wildlife & Safari Planning: A new wave of safari demand is shifting toward slower, conservation-led trips and photo-focused experiences, including photo hides and guide-led vehicle positioning. Culture & Faith Tourism: Pope Leo XIV’s Africa tour is sparking interest in Christian pilgrimage routes, with countries developing heritage church and missionary trails for travellers. Sports & Wellness Travel: India unveils the first-ever World Yogasana Championship 2026 (June 4–8, Ahmedabad), with delegations from 60+ nations including Zambia.

Ebola Travel Alerts: The Ebola situation in DR Congo is escalating fast, with suspected cases in the country now reported above 1,000 and WHO urging neighbours to act immediately; several governments are tightening travel, including St Kitts and Nevis issuing advisories and warning nationals to avoid or reconsider non-essential travel to high-risk countries that include DR Congo, Uganda and Zambia. Border Closures Hit Trade: In eastern DR Congo, closures of key crossings with Rwanda are disrupting daily commerce in places like Goma, with traders warning shortages and falling sales as movement slows. Zambia Tourism Angle: A Zambia-linked risk list is now being circulated in regional advisories, while local tourism operators are also pushing for fairer cross-border rules—Livingstone’s aspiring MP says Zambia and Zimbabwe should get a “level playing field” for tour operations. Road Safety for Travellers: Zambia Police report the Kafue Great North Road crash death toll has risen to two, with multiple injured passengers still receiving treatment. Safari & Rail Trends: US luxury safari bookings are up as travellers shift toward slower, conservation-led experiences, and luxury train travel is gaining fans as a “unconventional accommodation” choice. Wellness Travel: Waterfall trips are trending as wellness escapes, with destinations like Victoria Falls highlighted for stress-relief benefits.

Ebola & Travel Safety: WHO says the DR Congo outbreak is worsening fast, with 900+ suspected and 101 confirmed cases, and raises the risk inside DR Congo to “very high” as neighbours are urged to act immediately; Border Measures: several countries are rolling out Ebola screening and temporary travel restrictions, including “no cases” assurances with enhanced port checks in St. Kitts and Nevis, plus US airport screening plans for travellers arriving from affected countries; Zambia in the Mix: WHO warnings list Zambia among higher-risk countries for possible importation due to regional movement; Road & Tourism Disruption: a Kafue Great North Road crash has killed two and left six hospitalised, a reminder to travellers to avoid risky overtaking on curves; Wellness Travel Trend: waterfalls are emerging as a top wellness escape, with experts pointing to calming effects from negative ions and the sound of flowing water; Adventure & Youth Travel: Lusaka-to-Cape Town cyclist James Falanga’s 34-day journey is being used to push tourism and visa-free access across Africa; Sports Tourism: India unveils the first World Yogasana Championship (June 4–8, Ahmedabad), with expected participation including Zambia.