Lithium Value Push: Zimbabwe’s ban on raw mineral exports is already paying off, with lithium concentrate sales hitting 816,774.35 tonnes worth about US$1.247 billion in 2026—up 413% in value year-on-year—showing the shift from “pit-to-port” to “pit-to-product.” Fuel Security Upgrade: Zimbabwe and Mozambique have broken ground on Phase II of the Beira-Feruka pipeline expansion, lifting pumping capacity from 3 million to 5 million cubic metres per year by end-2027 to build a regional fuel buffer for SADC. Mining Modernisation & Cybersecurity: Rockwell Automation is partnering with Mimosa Mine and Mine Elect to support Zimbabwe’s digital migration, focusing on secure connectivity, cybersecurity risk management and resilient operational networks. Local Beneficiation Investment: Matabeleland South’s Gwanda Lithium Mine is investing US$5 million in tantalum and niobium beneficiation, extracting multiple minerals from the same ore concentrate. Urban Enforcement: Harare City Council has started demolitions in low-density suburbs, targeting illegal businesses operating in residential areas and warning against pay-scheme construction. Skills for Industry: University of Zimbabwe’s Hodson Makurira urged a shift from theory to TVET skills at Gweru Polytechnic, arguing Zimbabwe must train technicians to industrialise. Agriculture & Climate Risk: Farmers are being urged to consider organic liquid fertilisers ahead of a potentially severe Super El Niño drought. Retail Recovery Watch: OK Zimbabwe says it is restocking and reopening branches after bank guarantees, but analysts warn the model may shift risk to banks rather than fix underlying problems.