Digital Infrastructure & AI: WIOCC secured a combined US$300M investment to expand Africa’s data centres, fiber and subsea connectivity—aimed at powering digital identity, digital public infrastructure and AI growth. Critical Minerals Geopolitics: A new report says China has the edge in securing critical minerals assets in Africa, while the US is ramping up investment—keeping Zambia and the region central to the race. Zambia Election & Rights: Zambia’s post-election crackdown is drawing urgent calls to release political detainees and end treason charges against opposition leaders, as observers cite intimidation and arrests. HIV Prevention Upgrade: Zambia received its first US-funded shipment of lenacapavir, a long-acting HIV prevention drug with twice-yearly injections, expanding prevention options. Mining & Finance Tech: ZCCM is pushing to formalise Zambia’s gold trade after a major gap between partner import figures and official exports—aiming to unlock about $1.8B. Agriculture Innovation: Rwanda’s minister highlights AI for farmers, while a regional research partnership backs enhanced rock weathering field trials to boost yields and soil resilience. Energy & Transport: Mozambique and Zimbabwe broke ground on a major CPMZ pipeline expansion to add 2B more litres of fuel annually into Southern Africa, supporting markets including Zambia. Tech for Payments: Kenyan e-invoicing firm DigiTax enters the UAE after pre-approval, as countries move toward structured electronic invoicing.