Critical Minerals & Environment: The UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) launched a €15m, five-year SADC project in Lusaka to support environmentally and socially responsible, decarbonised critical minerals value chains across DRC, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe—aiming for value addition, jobs, and stronger environmental protection. Biodiversity Finance: Ecobank issued a $450m “Nature Bond” on the London Stock Exchange, designed to channel capital to protect African ecosystems via farmers and sustainable agriculture and water systems, with the deal priced after strong demand. Clean Energy Debate: Zambia’s energy future is back in focus as reporting highlights a push beyond hydropower, with coal framed as a way to keep the lights on amid ongoing power shortages. Climate Adaptation Funding: A $30m initiative is set to back locally led climate adaptation in Eswatini, Zambia and Zimbabwe through community organisations and farmer groups, with implementation planned from 2027 to 2032. Fisheries Governance: SADC renewed the board of its Regional Fisheries Monitoring Control and Surveillance Coordination Centre (MCSCC) in Maputo, keeping Zambia’s Sakwimba Constance Mwanza as a finance expert and prioritising better vessel registration and illegal fishing controls. Election Safety & Voter Education: Zambia’s ECZ launched a voter education and publicity drive urging parties to share accurate information and promote peaceful participation ahead of the August general election.