Rural Industrialisation Push: President Mnangagwa told Zanu PF leaders the Second Republic is accelerating rural industrialisation via Village Business Units and the “Dam as an economy” concept, with skills, jobs and entrepreneurship for women and youth. Energy Transition & Investment: Zimbabwe is seeking billions to modernise its energy sector and cut reliance on hydropower after droughts exposed Kariba’s weakness, leaving a reported 400MW deficit bridged by imports. Mining Value Addition: Bikita Minerals says it has poured over US$300m into expanding lithium processing and beneficiation, while Chinese investment in Zimbabwe has surpassed US$10bn with a stated shift toward local processing and industrial production. Digital Connectivity: Powertel and Paratus Zimbabwe switched on the first phase of a fibre corridor linking Plumtree to Bulawayo under a PPP, aiming to boost cross-border digital traffic. Construction Safety: South Africa’s built environment minister launched a National Built Environment and Construction Safety Framework to prevent collapses and improve accountability. Local Governance Accountability: MPs summoned Mwenezi RDC CEO after Auditor-General findings that senior council executives allegedly avoided paying rates for five years. Trade & Carbon Rules: Finance minister Mthuli Ncube warned local firms to cut carbon emissions ahead of the EU’s 2026 carbon border adjustment mechanism, or face export penalties. Border Business Boost: Beitbridge Business Expo 2026 grew with more exhibitors and wider sector participation, including agriculture, manufacturing, transport and tech.