Sports Finance: CAF has boosted WAFCON 2026 prize money to a record $5.8m, with winners taking $2m—up from $1m—plus higher payouts for runners-up, third place and participation funding for all 16 teams. Conservation & Tourism: South Africa has relocated six cheetahs to Zambia’s Luangwa ecosystem after nearly 30 years absent, with satellite tracking and a predator-proof sanctuary to support a long-term reintroduction. Food Security: Government and The Hunger Project–Zambia launched a K5.8m “Food Second Project” in Sinda, targeting 530 farmers with inputs and support over two years, building on earlier water schemes. Mining & Markets: ZCCM-IH says it is discussing gold trading markets with the Ministry of Mines to help formalise small-scale mining, improve transparency and market access for cooperatives. Investment Promotion: Zambia’s ZDA says its Zambia Investment Deal Room has attracted 202 investors and 187 projects under review, linking investors with 28 fund providers across priority sectors. Energy & Infrastructure: President Hichilema inspected progress on the Lusaka–Kabwe dual carriageway, a USD650m project aimed at cutting travel time, accidents and operating costs. Energy Sector: Hichilema also commissioned Phase II of a 100MW solar plant in Chisamba, bringing the site to 200MW and citing private investment as proof of energy reforms. Football Sponsorship: Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) signed a ZMW93m, five-year sponsorship with FAZ to support men’s and women’s football, including the KCM FAZ Cup. Policy & Politics: State House accused opposition parties of recycling existing government programmes instead of offering original policy ideas ahead of the August 13 elections. Cyber & Media: CPJ urged Zambia to release detained ZNBC journalist MacPherson Mukuka, saying the case under the Cyber Crimes Act risks criminalising journalism ahead of elections. Migration Enforcement: ZRA intercepted seven Somali nationals hidden under bags of rice in Kapiri Mposhi and detained the driver for immigration profiling and investigations.