Critical Minerals & Energy Markets: Africa’s race to monetise critical minerals is intensifying, but the continent still captures a small share of mineral revenues and faces low exploration levels—raising the stakes for Zambia’s copper and power-linked growth. Power & Renewables Funding: Africa GreenCo, licensed across Zambia and the region, secured an extra US$11.5m (total US$21.5m) to strengthen renewable power trading and off-take routes. Food Security Shock: Government warns 1.2 million people could face severe food shortages from Oct to Mar 2027 as El Niño risk climbs above 90%. Agriculture Trade: Kenya signed a deal to import 540,000 tonnes of maize from Zambia in six batches after production fell to a seven-year low. Mining Power Pressure: President Hichilema urged Vedanta to move faster on power generation for Konkola Copper Mines as output targets come under scrutiny. Governance & Rights: Opposition leader Brian Mundubile, Makebi Zulu and 16 others sued the State over detention and alleged rights abuses, while Amnesty condemned Zambia’s cancellation of passports of six critics. Digital Finance & Banking: Bank of Zambia called for financial-sector transformation to deliver the Grow Zambia Agenda, with data and AI flagged as key. Regional Tourism Dispute: Zambia and Zimbabwe escalated the Victoria Falls ownership row, with Zambia citing measurements and control of key attractions. Business & Sports Sponsorship: Melbet Zambia signed a US$40,000 season sponsorship with Atletico Lusaka, backing youth development.