Digital Education Access: Airtel Africa says it will connect 5,000 schools across 14 countries to free internet by 2027 via the Airtel Africa Foundation and UNICEF, building on 3,296 schools already connected in Zambia and beyond. STEM Capacity Boost: Zambia’s Ministry of Education signed a landmark MoU with the Zambian National STEM Foundation to strengthen teacher training, practical learning, and innovation hubs nationwide. Plant Health Tech Expansion: FAO and partners launched the third Africa Phytosanitary Programme phase, expanding digital pest surveillance to 38 countries with tablet-based tools and geospatial training. Data Protection for Research: CIDRZ staff trained on Zambia’s Data Protection Act to improve responsible handling of personal information in health research. Embedded Finance for SMEs: Renew Capital selected 15 African startups from 500+ applicants to deliver embedded finance (loans, payments, insurance) to underserved small businesses. Human-Elephant Conflict Research: New mapping research warns that crop-raiding risk in southern Africa could double by century’s end, with Zambia included in the transboundary conflict zone. Zambia Election Watch: Reuters reports Zambia’s August election will test President Hakainde Hichilema’s economic record, with inflation easing to 6.5% in June but households still feeling the squeeze. Military Housing Delivery: Zambia’s Ministry of Defence handed over 190 furnished housing units to the Zambia Army in Chongwe, aiming to reduce the service housing deficit.