Mining Revenue Concentration: Zambia’s tax base remains narrow, with ZRA saying only 10 mines out of 2,000+ licence holders contributed 80% of mining revenue last year, while VAT refunds totalled K24.9bn as the regulator targets informal-sector tax gaps. Elections Integrity: ECZ dismissed claims of secret rigging training and said district election trainer sessions will start this week; it also reiterated that ballot papers are being printed in Dubai under observation. Ballot Printing Update: ECZ says presidential ballot printing in Dubai is complete, with about 8 million serialised, and work continues on Braille and other ballot materials. Energy & Reserves: Bank of Zambia Governor Denny Kalyalya said reserves are vital for emergencies and confirmed inflation is down to 6–8% while reserves recovery has been supported by IMF backing and improved mine operations. Fuel Quality Oversight: ERB launched a Mobile Fuel Testing Laboratory at the 2026 Zambia International Trade Fair in Ndola to speed up checks on ethanol and biodiesel blending and protect consumers. Power Supply Watch: Kariba’s recovery is boosting Zimbabwe’s generation and reliability, but officials warn against complacency as drought-era limits still shape planning. Telecom Sustainability: Airtel Africa reported saving 9.1 million litres of diesel by converting 390 sites to grid power, pushing lower-carbon operations across its network. Mining Market Sentiment: Gemfields shares plunged to a record low amid CEO exit fears, highlighting investor anxiety over recovery prospects in coloured-stone mining. Copper Input Risk: Congo says sulphuric acid supply disruptions from the Middle East conflict have not yet significantly affected copper and cobalt output, keeping 2026 outlook “broadly positive.”