Copper Theft Crackdown: Police have charged and arrested six people, including former Copperbelt police boss Yuyi Mwala and a magistrate, over alleged theft of 436 copper cathodes worth about US$448,596, after a truck consignment was diverted into Zambia and later recovered in Mokambo, Mufulira. Air Cargo Expansion: TAAG Angola Airlines launched inaugural freighter services to Lusaka, first from Amsterdam and also via Luanda, with weekly operations starting at 12.8 tonnes and plans to scale demand—boosting Zambia’s freight links across Africa. Energy & Power Outlook: Government says reforms are moving Zambia from power deficit toward surplus, adding about 1,476MW of new capacity and targeting over 1,000MW of solar by end-2026, already surpassing 800MW installed. SME Push: At the Zambia Agriculture and Commercial Show, government reiterated support for MSMEs through market access, skills and infrastructure, including industrial yards in eight districts to feed AfCFTA export opportunities. Mining Formalisation: Zambia launched the ASM Strategy 2025–2029 to formalise artisanal mining, backed by a new directorate and progress on airborne geophysical surveys to unlock investment. HIV Funding Shift: Across Africa, governments are accelerating domestic financing and integrating HIV services after PEPFAR cuts, with renewed focus on local manufacturing and sustainable health systems. Diplomacy: Zambia’s Ambassador to China, Ivan Zyuulu, has died after illness, with funeral arrangements underway. Elections & Youth: ECZ held a youth conference in Ndola to boost young voter participation ahead of the August 13 general election.