Election Administration: The ECZ says candidates who withdraw after July 6 will still have their names on ballot papers because printing has already started, though they will no longer be eligible to contest. Mining & Power: ZCCM-IH says it is ramping up energy investments for mining, backing Maamba’s expansion to 600MW, holding stakes in solar projects, and highlighting CEC’s Itimpi II as Zambia’s largest solar station. Renewables Investment: Solarmaax plans a 500MW solar plant in Solwezi after securing a US$600m financing package and signing a 25-year PPA with ZESCO. Infrastructure Finance: Zambia’s PPP portfolio has grown to over US$14.2bn, with 19 concession agreements signed since 2022 and major road and border projects progressing. Water & Local Development: Lusaka City Council reports 20 CDF-funded boreholes completed across multiple constituencies, improving clean water access for schools, clinics, markets and communities. Economy & Polls: Reuters frames August’s election as a test of Hichilema’s economic record, with inflation easing to 6.5% in June but cost-of-living pressure still driving voter sentiment. Tax & Compliance: ZRA says it has registered about 46,000 taxpayers on Smart Invoice and warns offshore holders of illicit funds will be exposed as it moves to use tax intelligence data. Regional Trade & Finance: Victoria Falls eyes a regional finance hub role through a new international financial centre, pitching Zambia and neighbours as potential investment base. Regional Migration Tensions: Reports from South Africa highlight Zambians returning home after xenophobic attacks, underscoring the business and livelihoods fallout from anti-migrant violence.