Mobile Money Shift: MTN’s fintech summit in Johannesburg turned the spotlight from getting people onto mobile money to whether they actually save and invest—using Ghana’s example where transaction volumes are high but active investing is tiny, while Zambia’s focus is on reliable access and liquidity rather than just more agents. Treason Case Watch: Opposition presidential candidate Brian Mundubile and running mate Makebi Zulu remain detained at Mukobeko as their treason case proceeds after the Kabulonga raid that followed the August 14 security operation. Human Rights Pressure: Zambia’s Human Rights Commission urged police and prosecutors to charge, grant bond, or release at least 84 election-related detainees held without court appearance. Payments & Digital Identity: Paycode appointed Colin Digby as Chief Revenue Officer to scale payments and digital identity solutions across hard-to-reach markets, including Zambia. Trade Support for SMEs: DHL Express and Absa will expand the GoTrade programme across Sub-Saharan Africa, with Zambia among beneficiaries, aiming to help SMEs export through training and finance-logistics tools. Regional Fuel Security: Zimbabwe and Mozambique’s Beira-Feruka pipeline upgrade is set to raise pumping capacity to five million cubic metres by late 2027 to buffer SADC against fuel supply shocks. Grow Zambia Under Climate Threat: Analysts warn the “super El Niño” could disrupt Hichilema’s Grow Zambia targets, especially maize and power plans, as rainfall, floods and drought risks rise. Inauguration Politics: Hichilema begins a second term amid disputed election fallout, with international leaders congratulating him while opposition detention and election credibility questions continue.