Rare Earths Mining Starts: Lindian Resources has fired its first production blast at the Kangankunde rare earths project in Malawi, beginning active mining with ore haulage and run-of-mine stockpiles ahead of plant commissioning in Q4 2026. Investor Signals in Critical Minerals: Malawi’s mining ministry says it will keep a stable, predictable investment environment as it toured Sovereign Metals’ Kasiya rutile project, where a feasibility study suggests the mine could operate for over 70 years. More Rare Earths Drilling Momentum: AuKing Mining reports early drilling at Tundulu shows a larger-than-expected rare earth system, with carbonatite intersected in 20 of 21 holes and deeper drilling still planned. University Fees Shock: Public universities announced a 100% tuition hike, doubling generic undergraduate fees and raising health-related charges; CSEC, REJU and opposition leaders warn it will price out poor students and demand reversal. Education Financing Push: Ecobank Malawi and Sky Energy Africa launched Banking4Education and a green financing partnership to help schools and education businesses fund renewable energy solutions. Inflation Pressure: RBM deputy governor Kisu Simwaka says Malawi won’t reach single-digit inflation without tackling structural issues like forex shortages and climate-hit food production. Business Banking for SMEs: NBS Bank rolled out Business Banking to better serve entrepreneurs and growing firms, alongside its Kwakoma ndi ku NBS Bank promotion rewards. WASH Funding Gap: Experts at a joint WASH review say Malawi can still hit 2030 targets, but financing and coordination shortfalls must be addressed urgently. Power Reliability Plan: Malawi is moving toward grid stability with battery energy storage to reduce outages after storms damaged hydropower capacity. Student Skills Pipeline: A World Bank-funded Skills for a Vibrant Economy project is upgrading community technical colleges with workshops, ICT labs and girls’ hostels to expand vocational training.