Critical Minerals & Mining: Lindian Resources has started mining at its Kangankunde rare earths project in Malawi, firing its first controlled production blast as the country eyes rare earth supply chains beyond China. Project Control Shift: Rio Tinto has stepped back from operating Malawi’s Kasiya rutile-graphite project, leaving Sovereign Metals with full development control while keeping an 18.2% stake. Fertilizer Industrialisation: Malawi’s government says it will license Napoleon Dzombe’s fertilizer plant only after unresolved environmental and public health issues—especially hazardous waste disposal—are clarified; Parliament also saw heated clashes over the stalled project. Energy & Infrastructure: Malawi-Mozambique’s 400kV power interconnector is set for commissioning at month-end, with tariff talks ongoing to avoid burdening consumers; government also highlighted Mpatamanga hydropower as a long-term supply boost. Macroeconomy & Finance: Finance Minister Joseph Mwanamvekha met the IMF to push for a fresh ECF programme, citing progress after the June mission. Digital Services: MACRA and UNDP discussed using Malawi’s national identity database to strengthen SIM verification and improve digital ID reforms with stronger data protection. Education Costs: Public university tuition fees were approved for a 100% increase, triggering warnings that higher education could become a privilege for the wealthy and calls for reversal. Creative Industry: MultiChoice Talent Factory graduate Asante Mbaimbai and Nana Films are set to premiere drama series “Insecurities” on July 25. Construction Sector Oversight: CIRA urged quality and sustainability in construction, linking the sector to Malawi 2063 goals.