Tobacco Earnings: Tobacco Board of Zambia reports 43.17m kg traded, bringing US$87.95m to growers and industry; flue-cured Virginia led with 36.72m kg at US$1.98/kg, while Burley sold 6.45m kg at US$2.38/kg, with the marketing season running to Sept 2. Trade & Exports: ZAMSTATS says Zambia posted a K3.5bn overall merchandise trade surplus in April 2026, with SADC-COMESA surpluses and export earnings up 1.5% to K25.4bn, while deficits persisted in Asia, the EU and some regional markets. US-Zambia Compact Update: Zambia and the US signed an amendment to the US$491m Millennium Challenge Compact, with US$458m from the US, targeting agriculture and critical minerals along the Lobito Corridor and supporting roads, electricity, irrigation, logistics and governance reforms. Banking & Markets: Airtel Zambia hit a US$1bn market capitalisation milestone on LuSE, joining Zambia’s top listed firms by value, as investors track ICT growth. Energy/Industry Tech: KoBold Metals Africa CEO will spotlight AI in mineral exploration at African Mining Week, as Zambia’s Mingomba project and other regional initiatives lean on data modelling. Public Finance & Reserves Debate: A fresh pushback article argues BoZ cannot “lie” about gross international reserves rising to US$6.47bn, citing import cover of 5.7 months. Election Administration: DVEC began monitoring voter education in Nalolo ahead of Aug 13, urging non-partisan facilitation as campaigns remain peaceful. Education Disruption: UNZA students complain mid-year exams were postponed after they returned to campus, raising calls for refunds of transport and accommodation costs. Workplace Policy: Shoprite Zambia banned “traditional cousinship” powder/meal smearing at work, saying it must stay outside working hours and premises.