Renewables & Power: Nava commissioned a 100MW solar project in Zambia, marking its first utility-scale solar push and adding to a growing wave of Indian solar investment into the country. Mining Tech & Decarbonisation: First Quantum highlighted trolley-assist mine vehicles cutting diesel use by up to 90% and speeding up haul cycles, with plans to expand trolley assist across ramp cycles. Energy Infrastructure for Copperbelt: USTDA backed a feasibility study to expand hydropower and electricity distribution in DRC and Zambia to power Lobito Corridor mining and support over three million people. Climate Partnerships: Zambia’s ministers met the UK and China on climate investment, trade and technology transfer, including support for early warning systems under the Grow Zambia Agenda. Critical Minerals Value Chains: Parks Tau urged US investors to refine and manufacture locally in South Africa, while SADC calls grew for regional mineral value chains instead of exporting raw ore. AI in Public Services: WSO2Con Africa 2026 spotlighted how Zambia Revenue Authority and Uganda’s NITA are tackling data, integration and skills before deploying government AI. Health & Data Policy: The US ended funding for Zimbabwe health programs after a dispute over sharing sensitive health data—an important warning for regional health tech and data governance. People & Research Ecosystem: CIDRZ became Zambia’s first Certified PeopleFirst™ organisation, and BJAR opened peer-review applications for its second edition. Startup & Talent Pipeline: Yango Fellowship selected 24 fellows across six countries including Zambia, aiming to grow unicorn-ready talent with practical problem-solving. El Niño Risk: Studies warn super El Niño heat could drive major additional deaths across parts of Africa, with Zambia and neighbours flagged for elevated impacts.