Power & Growth: The World Bank says Zimbabwe’s unreliable electricity is costing the economy about 6.1% of GDP each year, with firms reporting frequent outages and turning to costly backup power. Mining Revenue: The AfDB warns Zimbabwe’s mining boom is not translating into fiscal gains, with royalties and related taxes contributing only around 3% of state revenues, citing gaps in licensing, contracting, transparency and enforcement. Mining Tax & Policy: A closer look at Zimbabwe’s additional profits tax for special mining lease areas highlights how the 23rd Schedule is meant to capture upside when projects become exceptionally profitable. Minerals Value-Add Push: Kenya moves to ban exports of unprocessed gold and plans at least three refineries, joining Ghana and Zimbabwe in tightening control of raw mineral exports. Local Governance & Waste: Bulawayo’s Town Clerk recommends the city comply with a ministerial directive to engage Geo Pomona to tackle its waste management crisis, reigniting local debate over procurement and control. Business Environment: President Mnangagwa officially opens Ecobank’s US$24m Harare HQ, reiterating efforts to remove barriers for investment and trade. Food Security Watch: AGRA reports 36.3m Nigerians face crisis-level hunger, with conflict, insecurity, high prices and weather disruptions driving the worsening outlook. Critical Minerals Pipeline: A new Africa Business+/EY database shows the critical-minerals pipeline has grown fast, but production is lagging—especially in lithium.