Election Economy Test: Zambia votes Thursday in a closely watched presidential race pitting incumbent Hakainde Hichilema against Brian Mundubile, with voters weighing debt restructuring and IMF restoration against still-high food prices, unemployment and poverty. Vote Credibility & Security: The final days are dominated by disputes over ballot-marking rules, arrests and campaign violence, including claims about ECZ pens and warnings that tensions could escalate. Campaign Math & Battlegrounds: New pre-election analysis says Hichilema has a 70–80% chance of winning in the first round, with ballot access and coverage of seats seen as a key advantage, while other reporting maps four provincial blocs that could decide State House. Cost of Living Relief: Government is foregoing about US$200m in fuel tax revenue to cushion households and businesses from global oil shocks, keeping pump prices lower than they otherwise would be. Public Spending Push: Treasury released K21.1bn in July for families, farmers, schools, debt service and capital projects. Private Sector & Skills: Madison Life invested over K100,000 in HELSB scholarships for five university students, highlighting growing business support for higher education. Nature Risk Governance: A new report warns company directors across Africa could face legal risk for ignoring biodiversity, water and land degradation risks. Regional Trade Moves: SADC is pushing a simplified trade regime to cut border costs for small traders, with Zambia among the implementing states. AI & Jobs Law: A Chinese court ruled an AI-driven workplace change doesn’t automatically strip workers of labour protections, ordering extra compensation after an unlawful dismissal.