Agribusiness & Climate Risk: CARE warns this year’s “super” El Niño will hit women hardest, framing it as a women’s health and household burden issue across the region including Malawi. Mining & Critical Minerals: Rio Tinto’s U-turn on operating rights for the Kasiya rutile project in Lilongwe forces Sovereign Metals to sharpen a US-focused offtake strategy, raising local uncertainty. Energy & Governance: AG Frank Mbeta refers disputed MAREP Phase 9 contracts to the ACB as government seeks refunds of over K1.4bn for allegedly undelivered materials; separate debate grows over why ESCOM can’t buy electricity meters directly. Water & Standards: Lilongwe Water Board wins Malawi Bureau of Standards recognition for maintaining an ISO 9001 quality system. Education & Access: Parliament scrutinises exclusion of clinician students from the student loan scheme and the doubling of public university tuition fees to MK1.3m–MK2m, with calls to protect affordability. Agriculture Markets: IFAD-backed modern agriculture market in Lilongwe is set for 24 months, aiming to improve farmer access and value addition. Mining Safety: Unregulated mercury use in artisanal gold mining is under the microscope, with health and environmental risks flagged. Regional Labour Shock: South Africa’s anti-migrant protests and deportations of over 50,000 foreigners raise fears of labour shortages that could hit construction, farms, delivery and informal trade. Business & Trade: SPARC Systems wins major ICT awards; TNM Office Park breaks ground in Blantyre; Stansfield Motors returns via Rukuru Holdings with Yamaha focus.