Rare Earths Trade: Lindian Resources is setting up a Singapore regional office to run direct sales, marketing and logistics for Kangankunde rare earths, after ending a third-party trading deal—aiming for tighter control over monazite concentrate and mixed rare earth carbonate (MREC) off-take and better links to global refiners and OEMs. Mining Expansion: Chilwa Minerals has expanded its Mpyupyu West heavy mineral sands target in Malawi from about 5 sq km to over 17 sq km, extending reconnaissance sampling and preparing for further drilling. Cost of Living Pressure: A new Malawi survey shows most households are “hand-to-mouth,” with only 3.6% able to save and 75.8% describing themselves as poor or very poor—highlighting weak buffers against shocks. Finance & Credit: A World Bank diagnostic says local businesses are starved of credit, with up to 90% of registered firms unable to access it, weighing on investment and jobs. Energy & Industry: ESCOM says power cuts have eased after a recovery push, while communities helped stop transformer vandalism in Thyolo—protecting grid reliability for households and businesses. Agri Innovation: MUST is scaling an organic urine-based fertilizer after trials in Thyolo showed performance comparable to inorganic options, targeting affordability for smallholders. Policy Watch: RBM has issued new foreign exchange bureau guidelines, tightening licensing, minimum capital and compliance to improve stability in Malawi’s forex market. Public Health: A TB report highlights drug stock-outs delaying treatment initiation, raising concerns for Malawi’s health system readiness.