Rare Earths Mining: Lindian Resources has fired its first production blast at the Kangankunde rare earths project in Malawi, fragmenting about 13,100 tonnes and moving material to ROM stockpiles ahead of plant commissioning, marking the shift from developer to active miner. Telecom Regulation: The Consumers Association of Malawi (CAMA) has given MACRA seven days to respond to complaints over Airtel and TNM mobile data tariff hikes, calling them unlawful and insufficiently transparent amid ongoing service-quality issues. Climate Risk: Malawi’s meteorology authorities warn a Super El Niño is likely, with a 62–80% chance of conditions that could bring below-normal rainfall, raising risks for agriculture, water levels, health and disasters. Energy & Uranium: Lotus Resources says it has secured a $30m funding and marketing arrangement with Mercuria for Kayelekera uranium mine, aimed at supporting production and working capital while acid-supply disruptions linger. Governance & Business Climate: A World Bank private sector diagnostic flags corruption as the top investment constraint, with bribe payments and “gifts” for licences rising over time. Transport Infrastructure: Minister Jappie Mhango launched rehabilitation of the Matawale–Liwonde Road, a 47km project funded by the World Bank and set to run for 24 months. Finance Sector Shift: NBS Bank has replaced its SME banking model with “Business Banking,” pitching a sector-driven approach focused on business potential rather than size. Plane Crash Inquiry: Testimony in the Chilima crash parliamentary probe has challenged the official timeline on when crash-site and fatality details were known, intensifying calls for clarity on crisis communications. Prison Reform: Homeland Security Minister Peter Mukhito says Malawi plans to commercialise prison industries to turn workshops into profit-making vocational training, with reintegration agreements for amnesty beneficiaries. Migration Fallout: Malawi’s repatriation response to xenophobic violence in South Africa continues, including new government funding to bring stranded citizens home and reports of transport shortages affecting returnees.