AI & Trade in Marketing: The African Marketing Confederation (AMC) will hold its 2026 conference in Livingstone, Zambia (23–25 Sept), with sessions on how AI and AfCFTA can boost brand power, data use, and Africa’s creative and digital industries. Rural Connectivity: Huawei briefed Malawi’s MACRA on solutions for underserved areas, including a solar-powered pole-mounted telecom setup to expand digital access. Critical Minerals & Rare Earths: The US Development Finance Corporation says it is backing Malawi-linked rare-earth projects, while a Kazakhstan plan for rare-earth oxide separation ties back to Malawi’s downstream ambitions. Education Tech Push: Injini launched an $125,000 AI venture builder for early-stage EdTech teams across Southern Africa, including Malawi, targeting classroom learning, inclusion, and teacher support. Healthcare Upgrade: Anadkat donated a K1.26bn CT scanner to Blantyre Adventist Hospital to improve diagnostics. Food Prices Hit: Maize prices jumped 20% in a month, with August averages rising to K960/kg and Southern Malawi exceeding the government cap. Water & Courts: Malawi’s High Court stayed enforcement of a K2.5bn Blantyre Water Board judgment debt, while the board also faces a K1.6bn electricity payment deadline. Climate Adaptation: Rainwater harvesting advocates say Malawi can harvest over 90 billion cubic metres, urging investment as El Niño fears grow. El Niño & Farming: Tobacco stakeholders agreed on using extension and mass media to share El Niño farming guidance for the 2026–27 season. Governance & Oversight: Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee report on the Amaryllis Hotel deal is ready for tabling, despite a key witness not testifying.