Lusaka–Ndola Dual Carriageway: President Hakainde Hichilema inspected the US$650m upgrade, saying works are on track and will cut accidents and congestion, while also directing a lay-by for traders and promising further road upgrades. Industrial Exports: Hichilema said Zambia has started exporting electric cables and batteries from the Chisamba Multi-Facility Economic Zone to eight SADC countries, alongside plans for a market and health facility at John Chinena. ConCourt Ruling: Zambia’s Constitutional Court dismissed a challenge over the Zambia–US health aid MoU and compact, ruling negotiations had stalled and no concluded agreements required parliamentary approval. Gold Sector Formalisation: ZCCM-IH says it is discussing gold trading centres with the Ministry of Mines to help formalise small-scale mining, including training and licensing cooperatives. Mining & Governance Scrutiny: Global Witness allegations about FQM’s influence and tax concessions since 2022 drew fresh calls for Zambians to read the report and question state capture risks. Bonds & Investor Sentiment: Citigroup reports Zambia’s kwacha bonds have delivered strong returns and expects renewed foreign interest after the 13 August elections. Critical Minerals Warning: The WTO and UN warned that surging demand for minerals like lithium and rare earths is fueling conflict and poverty, risking low-value lock-in for resource-rich countries. Food Security Push: The Hunger Project–Zambia launched an additional K5.8m Food Second Project in Sinda to support 530 farmers with inputs and water-linked gains. Migration Crackdown: ZRA intercepted seven Somali nationals hidden under bags of rice near Kapiri Mposhi, handing the driver and migrants to immigration for profiling.