SADC Leather Push: Malawi is among six SADC members aligning national leather plans with a regional value-chain framework, ahead of the SADC Regional Leather Forum in Durban on July 23–24. Investment Diplomacy: President Peter Mutharika met former UK PM Tony Blair at Kamuzu Palace, pitching Malawi’s “Four Fs” and urging mining and energy investors via the Tony Blair Institute. Food Security Procurement: Malawi’s NFRA awarded a US$20.2m maize supply contract to India’s Global Agri Services amid forex strain, at US$505 per tonne. Industrial Jobs & Exports: Mining minister Thoko Tembo toured Portland Cement Malawi’s Balaka plant, citing K200bn investment, K35bn annual tax and K1bn mining royalties, plus US$15m foreign exchange from exports. Rare Earth Momentum: Lindian Resources says Kangankunde rare earth project blasting is complete and first production is on track for Q4. Regulator Court Ruling: MACRA lost a case at the Industrial Relations Court after a former deputy finance director was ruled unfairly dismissed over procurement letters. Health Funding Shock: A study says US-backed paediatric HIV treatment fell by about 14% year-on-year after aid cuts. Fertiliser Pressure: Fertiliser prices are surging ahead of the 2026/27 season, while stakeholders warn budget cuts could derail FISP. Youth & Women Loans: MEDF received K1.2bn from Government for CDF-linked youth and women enterprise loans. Power Grid Upgrade: ESCOM will commission a K33bn battery energy storage system to boost grid stability. Building Safety Alarm: MPs renewed calls for building safety reforms after a Blantyre wall collapse killed three people, with court delays blamed. Road Finance Deal: FDH Bank and National Bank set aside K100bn each to finance Golomoti–Monkey Bay Road works.