Digital Sovereignty: Zambia signed an MoU with Huawei to use AI infrastructure for digital government services across 25 ministries, including co-investing in a national data centre to keep critical data in-country. Mining & Local Jobs: President Hakainde Hichilema says new 2025 mining local content rules (effective Jan 1, 2026) will lift Zambian supplier participation, with core procurement rising from 20% to 40% and non-core services reserved for locals. Copper Expansion Risk: Vedanta’s CopperTech Metals IPO filing in the US flags “going concern” doubts tied to Konkola Copper Mines’ losses, even as Vedanta targets about $2.7bn for expansion. Debt-to-Power Deal: Zambia is using an AfDB-backed $600m loan to help buy back costly sovereign bonds, linked to a Grid Resilience Programme to modernise electricity distribution. Capital Markets: FMDQ approved quotation of Sycamore Integrated Solutions’ N1.82bn and N5.07bn commercial papers under its N20bn programme to strengthen working capital and lending growth. Entrepreneurship Push: The Ministry of SMEs endorsed Zambia Governance Foundation’s “Entrepreneurship Train,” a mobile mentorship programme linking Lusaka and Livingstone to support young business owners. Wildlife Trade: KAZA states met in Victoria Falls to align on elephant conservation and elephant product trade positions, with EU funding pledged for regional conservation plans. Elections & Economy Mood: Tonse-Pamodzi’s Brian Mundubile says the August campaign feels subdued mainly because people and candidates have little money.