Chrome Expansion: Sibanye-Stillwater says its chrome push could lift South Africa output share, with a 75% jump in chrome volumes projected after commercial and processing synergies with Glencore Merafe. Lithium Value-Add: Zimbabwe has operationalised Africa’s first lithium sulphate processing plant in Goromonzi, a US$400m move aimed at shifting from raw exports to battery chemicals and creating 2,000+ jobs. Jobs & Skills Returns: Government has registered 15,000 skilled returnees in a databank under the Global Skills Partnership, as xenophobic unrest in South Africa drives skilled migration back home. Mining Wages: A new 2026 mining wage structure sets the lowest-paid mine worker at US$418 per month, following NEC negotiations. Industrialisation Push: The inaugural Zimbabwe Industrialisation Conference and Expo 2026 kicks off next week to tackle manufacturing bottlenecks with practical solutions. Telecoms Investment: Econet commits over US$200m to expand network capacity and resilience as mobile data demand surges. Aviation Policy: Government says it will balance aviation taxes with competitiveness to attract airlines and boost trade and tourism. Local Governance Reform: Local authorities will review archaic colonial-era by-laws that block modern services like pre-paid water meters, to improve ease of doing business. Road Progress: Harare–Masvingo–Beitbridge highway works are nearing completion, with 550.1km opened to traffic and 31.9km left. Food Sector Snapshot: A roundup of Africa’s biggest food players highlights how major retailers and processors shape regional food markets.