Critical Minerals Strategy: Zambia says it will strengthen its critical minerals strategy to move from extraction to value addition, industrialisation and jobs, with priorities including better geological mapping and resource management. Energy & Investment: ZCCM-IH and Wonderful Group have launched a $30m joint venture to revive Ndola Lime, restoring industrial lime and later cement production in three phases. Agribusiness & Food Security: Government projects a record 4.9 million metric tonnes of maize in 2025/26, up from 3.8m last year, aiming to support a surplus for regional trade and lower food pressure. Digital Economy: Smart Zambia and Huawei sign an MoU for a National AI Data Centre and training of 5,000 ICT professionals by 2028 to speed up AI-enabled public services. Banking: Fidelity Bank (Nigeria) reports 37.9% growth in Q1 gross earnings to N434.95bn, reflecting continued market expansion. Politics & Governance: Government rejects Patriots for Economic Progress claims that its Registrar of Societies records were altered, saying the application was never processed and records stayed consistent. Public Safety: Police in Kasama arrest suspects over counterfeit Kwacha notes, recovering K33,500 in suspected counterfeit cash. Diplomacy: President Hichilema receives letters of credence from several ambassadors, stressing peace and economic stability as pillars for trade and investment cooperation.