Zambia Election & Diplomacy: President Hakainde Hichilema has been declared re-elected for a second term with 60.5% of the vote, beating Brian Mundubile’s 38%, as the US, China and the DRC congratulate Lusaka and pledge deeper cooperation on trade, peace and security. Political Tensions: Police have summoned Mundubile and lawyer Makebi Zulu over alleged links to “serious national security threats,” while opposition figures continue to dispute the process and call for legal redress. Trade & Markets: China is expanding market access for Zambian exports, including zero-tariff treatment for eligible African countries and faster customs clearance for qualifying agricultural and food products—good news for coffee exporters. Regional Trade Facilitation: Activity at Chirundu Border Post is picking up after Zambia’s election, with Zimbabwe and Zambia reaffirming 24-hour operations and scrapping transit duties on petroleum products to ease congestion. Energy & Infrastructure: Tanzania’s Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project (JNHPP) is set to be inaugurated after a Sh7.45 trillion investment, highlighting how reliable power underpins manufacturing and investment across the region. SADC Inclusion: SADC countries are stepping up disability inclusion, with Zambia’s disability policy framework guiding access, employment and mainstreaming efforts.