Eurobond buyback and investor reaction: PwC Zambia says the government’s planned US$1.3bn+ Eurobond buyback is a key debt-recovery step that could lower future servicing costs, backed by an AfDB facility—though bondholders are pushing back, arguing the tender terms are harmful. Debt and markets: Zambia’s 2053 dollar bond reportedly rose as buyback talks continued, while creditor holders signalled opposition to the process. Mining and power supply: Vedanta’s Konkola Copper Mines has started a 60-day maintenance shutdown of its Nchanga smelter, raising short-term supply concerns for copper and sulphuric acid amid broader industry outages. Energy policy: ZCCM-IH and Wonderful Group move to develop a 600MW coal power project, framing it as a response to Zambia’s electricity deficit and ongoing load-shedding pressures. Agribusiness investment: FPM Agro Mechanic begins setting up an agricultural equipment plant in Lusaka’s economic zone, aiming to assemble for local use and export across the region. Food security: Lusaka District has been assigned a FRA maize purchase target of 2,800 metric tons of grade A white maize for strategic reserves. Social protection and jobs: Government calls for stronger, resilient social protection systems across Africa, while UPND youth leaders pitch a second-term focus on wealth creation and labour reforms. Elections and politics: UPP joins the UPND alliance ahead of August polls, while pension reform and worker protection pledges continue to feature in campaign messaging. Regional cooperation: Zambia urges stronger cross-border collaboration on disaster risk management, stressing shared data and early warning systems.