Infrastructure Finance: NAPSA says its US$300m role in financing the Lusaka–Ndola dual carriageway was based on commercial due diligence after a concessionaire approached it, with safeguards meant to protect contributors’ funds. Court Update: Chisamba Magistrate’s Court set June 16 for its ruling in an unlawful wounding case involving a Lusaka man accused of attacking a fellow miner with a broken bottle. Transport & Trade: Restoration of the historic MV Liemba on Lake Tanganyika is 75% complete, with trial operations due in July and a return to service targeted for August, boosting regional passenger and cargo movement. Banking & SMEs: Bank of Zambia pledged K5bn for a Small Business Growth Initiative to expand affordable credit for MSMEs via guarantees, technical support and a learning platform. Agriculture Output: Central Province maize production jumped to over one million tonnes in 2025/26, credited to timely FISP input delivery and stronger extension support. Energy for Industry: Zambia Association of Manufacturers welcomed Zesco’s assurance of stable power supply, saying it helps factories plan, cut downtime and improve productivity. Public Finance Risk: Bank of Zambia warned of rising non-performing off-payroll loans among public workers, directing lenders to tighten responsible lending and debt limits. Election Economy Debate: Hichilema launched the UPND 2026 manifesto with production targets aimed at jobs and lower living costs, while opposition voices attacked the “cheap mealie-meal” messaging as election-year “illusion.”