Fuel & forex squeeze in the region: A Malawian fuel crisis is being blamed on forex shortages, depleted supplier credit and thin strategic reserves, with critics arguing the government is recycling old “supply chain shock” excuses while neighbours like Zambia still have fuel. Food security push: President Hakainde Hichilema urged chiefs to sensitise households to keep enough maize ahead of El Niño drought fears, advising storage in granaries and warning against complacency. Lusaka sanitation vs livelihoods: Lusaka City Council and police moved to clear street vending areas amid a cholera outbreak, but the enforcement fight is raising concerns about where thousands of traders will go. Corruption crackdown: The ACC arrested a Ministry of Community Development officer and a ZANIS news editor over alleged concealment of properties worth over K5.6m suspected to be proceeds of crime. Education leadership pressure: ZANEC urged the President to urgently appoint a Minister of Education, saying the sector is central to economic growth. Industrial productivity warning: Government says over 70% of industries are unproductive, with productivity currently at 26.3%, as it pushes a 24/7 economy mindset. Telecoms & consumer focus: MTN Zambia appointed Joshua Sichinga as Chief Consumer Officer, while MTN’s IHS tower acquisition cleared key regulatory hurdles in Africa. Trade corridor momentum: Dar es Salaam transit cargo rose 17% to 14.61m tonnes, with Zambia handling 3.41m tonnes, underscoring the logistics race for Central and Southern Africa. Lobito Corridor meeting in Lusaka: Zambia will host the second Lobito Corridor coordination talks on Oct 5–6 to strengthen cross-border implementation with Angola, DRC and partners. Regulatory & governance debate: Calls are growing around Zambia’s constitutional reforms, including a push from Western Province to petition Parliament on presidential term limits.