Digital Payments in Zambia: ABSA Bank Zambia has launched new digital payment tools—Virtual Cards, Absa Pay, Garmin Pay and Swatch Pay—aimed at faster, safer transactions and wider access to a more digital economy. Cross-Border Fintech: Africa’s central banks and payment infrastructure players agreed that interoperable payment systems (including ISO 20022 messaging and PAPSS for local-currency settlement) are key to boosting intra-African trade. Election Tech & Transparency: Zambia’s Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) is familiarising stakeholders with ballot printing security in Dubai, with printing starting 30 June; ECZ estimates US$5m for ballot paper printing and faces criticism over oversight costs and the choice of overseas printing. Road Safety Tech for Schools: Yango Zambia and Zambia Road Safety Trust expanded the “Safer Journeys to School” programme to 15 additional schools in 2026, reaching 24,000+ learners in Lusaka with safer crossings, signage and road markings. AI & Cybercrime Warning: ESET’s Allan Juma highlights a sharp rise in cryptocurrency scams and cyber fraud across Africa, driven by increasingly sophisticated fraud tactics. Health Systems via Private Pharmacies: A report urges governments to better integrate private pharmacies into HIV, TB and malaria care, estimating major gains in treatment initiation and case detection. Energy & Jobs Angle: Tazara’s planned revival is expected to boost freight capacity and shift cargo from road to rail, easing pressure on highways.