SADC Food Security Push: SADC ministers meeting in Victoria Falls urged tighter regional cooperation to boost crop and livestock output, accelerate fisheries and the “blue economy”, and fast-track fertiliser reforms as 58 million face hunger and input prices keep biting. River Restoration Clampdown: Zimbabwe has started a 90-day suspension of activities on heavily degraded river systems after declaring 17 rivers a state of disaster, with strict protection and coordinated rehabilitation. Leather Value Addition Drive: Government called for stakeholders to feed into a “State of the Industry” report as Zimbabwe’s leather strategy shifts from raw hide exports to value-added, design-led manufacturing. Mining Compliance & Local Skills: Higher education is being challenged to support mineral beneficiation with local value-addition technologies, while mining regulators are urged to enforce existing rules more firmly. Beitbridge Drug Bust: Border authorities and police intercepted a truck at Beitbridge, seizing about 713,000 grams of methaqualone worth nearly R1bn; the case was postponed after valuation questions emerged. Lithium Processing Momentum: Chinese firms are leading Zimbabwe’s lithium processing push, with new plant construction and continued exports of higher-value lithium sulphate. Public Health Safety: EMA introduced regulations banning lead-based paint above set limits to protect children and align with international standards. Youth & Skills Agenda: Zimbabwe will host Africa Skills Week in October to tackle TVET gaps and youth unemployment, with a focus on linking training to labour market needs.