AGP Executive Report

Marathon & Tourism: Zimbabwe’s Econet Victoria Falls Marathon is set for a star-studded showdown on Sunday, with defending champions Fortunate Chidzivo and Blessing Waison aiming to repeat their wins—good news for the Victoria Falls travel crowd. Road Travel: Zimbabwe’s Bulawayo–Victoria Falls Road upgrade is making life easier, with only two detours left on the first 100km after another 9.2km section opened, promising smoother trips for one of the region’s busiest tourism corridors. Border Travel Rules: South Africa has introduced a mandatory Online Traveller Declaration for all travellers entering or leaving, effective July 1—Zambia’s High Commission says declarations can be done via SARS portals/apps or QR codes. Fuel & Visitor Disruption: Livingstone is hit by fuel shortages, with some stations running dry and motorists/tour operators queuing for hours, threatening bookings and transport schedules around Victoria Falls and Mosi-oa-Tunya. Wildlife Tourism Boost: Zambia plans to reintroduce cheetahs to the Luangwa Valley for the first time in nearly three decades, a move expected to strengthen biodiversity and wildlife tourism. Regional Politics & Travel Context: President Hichilema continues a North-Western campaign tour across Chavuma, Zambezi, Kabompo and Kalumbila, while police in Malawi stress roadblocks are not for begging—both stories matter for travellers watching security and movement.

South Africa Travel Rules: Zambia’s High Commission in Pretoria says SARS has rolled out a mandatory Online Traveller Declaration for anyone entering or leaving South Africa from July 1, covering air, land, sea and rail, with submissions via the SARS portal, SATMS app, SARS MobiApp or QR codes at ports. Tourism Growth Watch: Zambia’s Ministry of Tourism says the country is on track for 5 million international tourists by 2030, pointing to visa liberalisation, conference tourism, ZATEX buyer hosting and better air links. Wildlife & Safari: Zambia plans to bring cheetahs back to the Luangwa Valley for the first time in nearly three decades, starting with relocation of six cheetahs from South Africa reserves under a government-led conservation programme. Regional Transport: TAZARA’s planned revitalisation is set to boost freight capacity and shift more cargo from road to rail, easing pressure on highways. Travel Industry Buzz: Africa’s Travel Indaba in Durban drew thousands of delegates and buyers, highlighting continued momentum for regional tourism deals.

Tourism Growth: Zambia’s tourism ministry says the country is on track for 5 million international arrivals by 2030, citing stronger marketing, visa liberalisation, conference tourism and better investor confidence. Wildlife & Conservation: Cheetahs are set to return to the Luangwa Valley for the first time in nearly three decades, with six cheetahs relocating from South Africa under a government-led programme backed by major conservation partners. Infrastructure & Connectivity: Western Province’s Barotseland leadership is pushing back hard against remarks opposing an international airport, arguing better air links are vital for tourism, trade and investment. Elections & Campaign Climate: Police are investigating fatal political violence in Mazabuka, where a driver linked to an independent candidate was killed at a campaign camp, while the wider campaign calendar is being flagged as a key factor for turnout and messaging. Election Logistics: Zambia’s ballot papers are being printed in Dubai, with ECZ estimating US$5 million for printing alone and raising transparency and cost concerns.

Cheetahs Return to Luangwa: Zambia says cheetahs will be reintroduced to the Luangwa Valley for the first time in nearly three decades, with six animals relocated from South Africa and delivered through a government-led conservation programme backed by major partners—good news for biodiversity and wildlife tourism. Tourism Push: Zambia’s tourism ministry reports strong international arrivals growth and says the 5 million tourists by 2030 target is achievable, pointing to visa liberalisation, conference tourism and buyer outreach like ZATEX. Western Province Airport Row: The Barotse Royal Establishment and Barotseland voices are pushing back hard against remarks linked to Tonse Alliance officials opposing an international airport, arguing it would unlock tourism, trade and connectivity for Mongu, Kalabo and the Liuwa Plains. Regional Transport Boost: TAZARA’s revival is set to increase freight capacity and shift more cargo from road to rail, easing pressure on highways and improving logistics across the corridor. Election Watch (Travel Angle): ECZ ballot printing for August 13 is underway in Dubai, with parties self-sponsoring travel—raising cost and oversight concerns.

Wildlife & Tourism: Zambia will reintroduce cheetahs to the Luangwa Valley for the first time in nearly 30 years, with six cats relocated from protected reserves in South Africa under a government-led conservation programme backed by major partners and funded by the Howard G. Buffett Foundation—aimed at restoring biodiversity and boosting wildlife tourism. Tourism Growth: Tourism Permanent Secretary Evans Muhanga says Zambia is on track toward the 5 million international tourists target by 2030, citing visa liberalisation, conference tourism, ZATEX buyer hosting, and better air connectivity. Regional Air Connectivity Debate: The Barotse Royal Establishment strongly rejects remarks opposing an international airport in Barotseland, arguing it would unlock tourism and investment across Western Province and support “One Zambia, One Nation.” Infrastructure & Trade: TAZARA’s revival is set to boost freight capacity and shift more cargo from road to rail, easing pressure on highways and improving reliability. Economy Watch: The IMF says Zambia’s reserves and inflation gains continue, but fiscal pressures intensified in 2026 due to weaker tax collection, election spending, and subsidy overruns. Elections & Travel Logistics: ECZ ballot printing for the August 13 election is underway in Dubai, with oversight travel largely self-sponsored—raising transparency and cost concerns. Safety on the Road: Yango Zambia and ZRST expanded the Safer Journeys to School initiative in Lusaka to reach over 24,000 children with road safety education and safer school crossings.

Airport & Tourism Push: Finance aide Jito Kayumba says Mongu deserves a world-class international airport to unlock Western Province’s tourism and investment potential, citing Kuomboka, Zambezi floodplains and Liuwa Plain, and arguing better air links could cut travel times and boost local entrepreneurs. Regional Trade Rail Boost: Tazara’s Golden Jubilee plans point to major rehabilitation that should raise freight capacity and reliability, shifting more cargo from road to rail to ease highway pressure and cut emissions. Tourism Growth Target: Tourism Permanent Secretary Evans Muhanga says Zambia is on track for 5 million international tourists by 2030, pointing to ZATEX buyer hosting, visa liberalisation, conference tourism and improved investor confidence. IMF Warning on Finances: The IMF reports reserves and inflation gains, but says fiscal pressures intensified in 2026 due to weaker tax collection, election spending and subsidy overruns—urging Zambia to protect progress during the election period. Road Safety for Learners: Yango Zambia and ZRST expand “Safer Journeys to School” to 15 more schools in Lusaka, reaching 24,000+ children with zebra crossings, speed humps and school zone signage. Election Logistics Abroad: ECZ ballot printing for August 13 begins in Dubai, with costs and oversight concerns raised since parties must self-sponsor travel. Western Province Airport Debate: Barotse Royal Establishment strongly objects to remarks attributed to Mutotwe Kafwaya opposing an international airport in Barotseland, stressing inclusive development and tourism connectivity.

Road Safety & School Travel: Yango Zambia and ZRST expanded the “Safer Journeys to School” programme in Lusaka, adding 15 more schools in 2026 and reaching 24,000+ learners with zebra crossings, speed humps, signage and road markings. Tourism & Regional Travel: Namibia reported a 3.2% drop in international tourist arrivals (2024–2025), blaming safety concerns and urging stronger competitiveness to attract travellers. Travel Policy & Visas: SADC UniVisa is edging closer to approval, with a plan to simplify travel across 16 member states; a smaller Kavango-Zambezi UniVisa already lets eligible travellers visit Zambia and Zimbabwe with one visa. Travel Safety Advisories: Zambia issued a South Africa travel alert, as South Africa faces heightened anti-immigrant tensions and mass departures ahead of June 30. Air Access & Tourism Potential: Western Province airport debate continues, with calls to invest in the province as a tourism and trade gateway to Angola, Namibia and Botswana. Economy Watch for Travellers: IMF flagged Zambia’s fiscal pressures and reserve-related concerns, while the kwacha dipped 1.45% to K18.18 per USD—signals that can affect travel costs and planning.

Road Safety for Schoolchildren: Yango Zambia and ZRST expanded the Safer Journeys to School programme in Lusaka, adding 15 more schools for 2026 and reaching 32,000+ learners with zebra crossings, speed humps, signage and Road Safety Champions Clubs. Tourism Infrastructure Debate: Western Province leaders and supporters pushed back hard against claims that the province “does not deserve” an international airport, arguing it’s Zambia’s gateway for regional trade and tourism via Angola, Namibia and Botswana. Mining Policy & Local Rights: Brian Mundubile vowed to end military presence at artisanal mining sites and bring mining licences closer to communities so local miners can operate legally and safely. Regional Travel Facilitation: SADC UniVisa is edging closer to approval, with a plan for a single tourist visa to simplify travel across southern Africa, building on the Kavango-Zambezi UniVisa model. Currency Watch: ZEITI reports the kwacha depreciated 1.45% to close at K18.18 per USD, citing corporate demand spikes and market corrections. Travel Cost Reality Check: A global travel-cost analysis flags Greenland as an especially pricey destination, with high daily costs for accommodation, car hire and dining.

Western Province Airport Row: Zambia’s Ambassador to Angola Rev. Dr. Elias Munshya and other voices have condemned PF adviser Mutotwe Kafwaya’s claim that Western Province “does not deserve” an international airport, arguing the province is a tourism and trade gateway to Angola, Namibia and Botswana. Tourism & Jobs Targets: Vice President Mutale Nalumango says government is pushing growth through agriculture, energy diversification and a plan to attract five million tourists annually, alongside higher copper output. Economy Watch: ZEITI reports the kwacha closed at K18.18 per USD, down 1.45% week-on-week, as corporate demand for foreign currency and market corrections hit. Food Security: Muchinga targets 65,000 metric tons of white maize for national strategic reserves, urging farmers to keep surplus for household use amid possible El Niño. Inflation Eases: ZAMSTAT puts June 2026 annual inflation at 6.5% (from 6.6%), with drops in food and non-food items including passenger air transport and accommodation. Regional Travel Facilitation: SADC UniVisa is edging closer to approval to make cross-border travel easier for tourists across member states.

Passport & Travel Rules: The U.S. State Department says some countries can refuse entry even with a valid passport if you don’t have enough blank visa/stamp pages—so travellers should count pages before booking. Zambia Campaign & Travel Disruption: As Hakainde Hichilema launches his re-election bid at Heroes Stadium, reports claim opposition candidate Brian Mundubile is “grounded” with restrictions on air travel, raising fresh concerns ahead of the Aug. 13 vote. Tourism Policy Watch: A Zambia-focused debate is heating up around tourism and development, including calls for better tourism planning and the role of transport links in unlocking regional attractions. Regional Travel Ease: SADC UniVisa is edging closer to approval, aiming to simplify cross-border travel for southern Africa visitors, building on the smaller Kavango-Zambezi UniVisa model. Infrastructure for Tourism: Luapula’s Mansa Airport upgrade (over K740m) is progressing, with a new runway and facilities expected to improve access and boost visitor numbers. Inflation & Travel Costs: Zambia’s annual inflation eased to 6.5% in June, with drops linked to food and non-food items including passenger air transport and accommodation services.

Election & Campaign Logistics: President Hakainde Hichilema is set to launch his re-election bid at Heroes Stadium, with the UPND 2026–2031 manifesto highlighting targets including 5 million tourist arrivals and major power, agriculture and production goals. Opposition Air Access Claims: Tonse Pamodzi’s Brian Mundubile says he’s being “grounded” while Hichilema campaigns with unrestricted air travel, after reports that air operators refused to sign Mundubile flight contracts. Western Province Airport Row: Tonse advisor Mutotwe Kafwaya’s remarks questioning the need for an international airport in Western Province have sparked backlash, with critics arguing airports drive investment, trade and tourism. Tourism Visas Move Forward: SADC UniVisa is edging closer to approval, aiming to simplify travel across 16 member states; Zambia’s region already has the Kavango-Zambezi UniVisa model. Luapula Air Upgrade: Mansa Airport’s K740m upgrade is progressing, with a new runway and facilities expected to boost access and tourism. Cost of Living Update: Zambia’s annual inflation eased to 6.5% in June, with lower food and some non-food items like passenger air transport and accommodation services. Unity & Culture Tourism: VP Mutale Nalumango urged Zambians to uphold unity through traditional ceremonies, including the 2026 Mutomboko set for July 25.

SADC UniVisa Push: A ministerial meeting says the SADC UniVisa project is edging closer to approval, aiming for one common tourist visa across 16 member states to make it easier for travellers to move between Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia and more. Zambia Economy & Travel Costs: ZAMSTAT reports annual inflation easing to 6.5% in June (from 6.6%), with drops in food and non-food prices including cereals, cooking oil, eggs, petrol/diesel and accommodation services—good news for holiday planning. Mansa Airport Upgrade: Luapula’s K740m Mansa Airport runway and facilities are progressing, expected to finish major works by December, with bigger aircraft access likely to boost tourism and business travel into the province. Sports Travel (Zambia vs Namibia): Zambia Rugby Union’s international fixture in Windhoek is confirmed for Sunday, 28 June 2026 at 15:00, with travel logistics delays now sorted. WAFCON Squad Update: Zambia’s provisional 2026 Women Africa Cup of Nations squad includes home-based goalkeeper Winfridah Mutale, with the team heading to camps ahead of the Morocco tournament in late July. Regional Travel Advisory: Zambia has issued a South Africa travel alert/security advisory amid ongoing unrest, urging travellers to check safety before crossing borders.

WAFCON Squad Update: Zambia’s provisional 2026 Women Africa Cup of Nations squad is taking shape, with goalkeeper Winfridah Mutale calling her senior call-up a “gigantic honour” as Copper Queens prepare for local camp before travelling to Algeria for friendlies. Tourism Investment Push (Malawi): Industry leaders say Malawi must move from “polite underperformance” to aggressive tourism growth, as Umodzi Holdings plans a Likoma Island casino, hotels and a Lake Malawi cruise. Zambia Inflation Watch: Zambia’s annual inflation eased to 6.5% in June (from 6.6% in May), with food and non-food prices cooling—good news for travellers watching costs. Airport & Access: Work on the K740m Mansa Airport upgrade is progressing, with a new runway and fire station planned to boost Luapula’s tourism access. Cross-Border Travel Safety (South Africa): Zambia issues updated travel advisory for nationals in South Africa, urging caution, proper documents, and avoiding unrest areas. Regional Mobility (Botswana): Botswana expands ID-based border entry for nearby communities, including Zambia, to ease movement across the region. Road Upgrade: Lusaka–Ndola Dual Carriageway works hit 78% completion, with travel time between Lusaka and Kabwe reportedly down to about 1 hour 30 minutes.

South Africa Travel Advisory: Zambia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs warns Zambians in or travelling to South Africa after attacks on foreign nationals, urging registration with the High Commission, carrying valid IDs, avoiding crowds and unrest, using reputable transport, and reporting incidents to police. Cross-Border Travel Ease: Botswana expands a regional model that lets citizens from nearby countries enter and exit using national identity cards, building on the Namibia arrangement to ease movement for people within 100km of borders. Tourism & Jobs (Malawi): The World Bank says Malawi could unlock 100,000+ jobs by fixing tourism concession rules and licensing gaps, noting most tourism revenue still comes from domestic visitors. Infrastructure for Tourism (Zambia): Mansa Airport upgrade (K740m) is progressing, with a new 4km runway and fire station planned, expected to boost access for investors and visitors. Economy Watch (Zambia): Inflation eased to 6.5% in June and GDP grew 7.7% in Q1—good news for travel spending and business planning. Luxury Safari Route: A new trans-border safari and birding push across Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe aims to make wildlife tourism more community-focused and lower-emission.

Economy & Travel Costs: Zambia’s inflation eased to 6.5% in June 2026 (from 6.6% in May), with food inflation down to 6.7% and non-food to 6.0%, easing pressure on everyday essentials and travel-related costs like accommodation and transport. Growth Push: Vice President Mutale Nalumango says government has stabilised the economy and is now focused on growth, jobs and productivity, pointing to energy diversification after drought exposed hydropower dependence. Energy Outlook: A new study flags that Africa’s electricity expansion will intensify water use and emissions, with fossil fuels still dominating the continent’s power plans. Tourism Infrastructure: The K740 million Mansa Airport upgrade is progressing, with a 4km runway and fire station planned, expected to boost access for larger aircraft and unlock underused Luapula tourism sites. Cross-Border Safety: Zambia issued a South Africa travel advisory amid escalating attacks on foreign nationals, urging Zambians to carry valid IDs, avoid high-risk areas and register with the High Commission. Regional Mobility: Botswana is expanding a national-ID cross-border model (learned from Namibia) to ease movement for people within 100km of borders, including Zambia. Sports & Travel Plans: Zambia’s rugby international in Windhoek was confirmed for Sunday, 28 June 2026 at 15:00 after logistical delays were resolved. Road Travel Upgrade: Lusaka–Ndola dual carriageway works have reached 78% completion, with travel time between Lusaka and Kabwe reportedly down to about 1 hour 30 minutes. Wildlife & Luxury Travel: A new trans-border birding and safari push across the Okavango and Zambezi region highlights community-oriented, low-emission tourism routes spanning Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Aviation & Tourism Infrastructure: Work on the K740 million Mansa Airport upgrade is progressing, with the new runway groundwork done and major structures expected to be finished by December—aimed at bringing bigger aircraft and unlocking Luapula’s underused tourism sites. Economy & Travel Costs: Zambia’s inflation eased to 6.5% in June (lowest since early 2018) as food and non-food price growth softened, while GDP growth hit 7.7% in Q1—good news for travellers watching prices for essentials, fuel and accommodation. Cross-Border Safety for Travellers: Zambia has issued a South Africa travel security advisory amid attacks on foreign nationals, urging citizens to register with the High Commission, carry valid IDs, avoid crowds and unrest, and use reputable transport. Rugby & Visitor Movement: Zambia’s national rugby team will play the Welwitschia Invitational XV in Windhoek on Sunday at 15:00, after revised logistics and funding arrangements. Land Dispute (Regional Travel Watch): The Kaphwiti family camps at Malawi’s Tichitenji Estate as their long-running legal battle enters another chapter, with the dispute drawing attention to cross-border visitor planning in the region. Health & Rail Heritage: Chinese doctors provided free medical services to TAZARA workers and passengers in Dar es Salaam to mark the railway’s 50th anniversary—another reminder of how rail links keep communities connected.