Zambia Election Countdown: With polling set for 13 August, the race is tightening into a contest between the ruling UPND and the Tonse-Pamodzi Alliance led by Brian Mundubile, as students rally for HH, international observers step up, and disputes over ballot instructions flare—Mundubile says ECZ guidance on using a “tick” could confuse voters. First-Round Odds: PARI-Africa analysis gives Hakainde Hichilema a 70–80% chance of winning outright, pointing to UPND’s deep local presence, while warning opposition fragmentation could still shape outcomes. Campaign Finance & Promises: A debate is growing over what past PF and UPND budgets prioritised, alongside fresh claims from HH that Constituency Development Fund allocations have risen to K40m per constituency. Copperbelt Vote Battle: Tonse-Pamodzi is pushing gold-site access into the Copperbelt vote, linking it to remarks about “foreigners” in mining areas. Currency Watch: The kwacha is holding steady but under pressure as investors adopt election caution ahead of the vote. Infrastructure & Jobs: RDA reports 11% progress on the Nchelenge–Chienge road (K1.9bn), while Zesco unveils a Kasama solar project worth $84.2m. Health Insurance Study: National health insurance is said to cut costs for older people, but funding gaps still limit impact. Regional Trade & Policy: Zambia joins discussions on AfCFTA implementation, with experts flagging non-tariff barriers and weak trade infrastructure.