Zambia Election Watch: Vote counting is underway after Thursday’s presidential, parliamentary and local elections, with President Hakainde Hichilema seeking a second term on the back of debt restructuring and economic recovery, but facing voter anger over food prices, unemployment and unreliable electricity; results are expected Monday and the race is widely seen as a two-horse contest with Brian Mundubile as the main challenger. Democracy & Process: The campaign has been shadowed by disputes over ballot papers and allegations of restrictions on opposition campaigning, while EU observers are monitoring fairness, transparency and inclusiveness. Copper, Jobs & Geopolitics: Analysts say the outcome will shape investor confidence in mining licences, taxes and power supply, as Zambia’s copper and critical minerals keep drawing China and the US into a wider competition. Mining & Environment: A new study links a 2025 tailings dam failure at Sino-Metals Leach to toxic releases into the Kafue River system, with communities still living with contamination. Mining Growth: Shuka Minerals reports a new near-surface zinc orebody at its Kabwe mine after completing the ninth drill hole, adding to its exploration targets. Tech & Industry: Zambia and China discussed AI cooperation, including digital infrastructure, industrial applications and talent development.