Renewables Investment: Nava Limited has commissioned a 100MW solar plant in Zambia through Maamba Solar Energy Limited, with power evacuation to the Zambian grid now underway under a 20-year PPA with ZESCO—another push for utility-scale clean energy and diversification. Critical Minerals Value Chains: Zambia has been selected for a new UN mechanism to help resource-rich developing countries build sustainable critical energy minerals value chains, with officials saying the focus is on local processing, industrial capacity and jobs. Mining Fiscal Contribution: Barrick says its Lumwana mine paid US$266m in taxes and royalties to Zambia in 2025, up from US$145m in 2024, as it advances the Lumwana Super Pit expansion. UNGA81 Diplomacy & Finance/Health: Zambia’s ministers are using UN General Assembly engagements to push climate resilience, faster development financing and health priorities under the Grow Zambia Agenda, while the EU reaffirmed partnership and interest in EV battery and critical-mineral value chains. Energy for Lobito Corridor: USTDA signed an agreement to fund a feasibility study for hydropower and grid upgrades in Congo’s Lualaba and Zambia’s North-Western to support mining and electrification. Workplace Standards: CIDRZ became Zambia’s first Certified PeopleFirst™ organisation, achieving Silver-level certification for employee trust and belonging. Sports Allowances Dispute (Kenya): Kenya’s sports ministry says it has cleared Harambee Stars allowances and technical bench salaries after concerns ahead of AFCON 2027 qualifiers.