Zambia Election Update: President Hakainde Hichilema is leading the presidential count with 1,056,812 votes (54.82%) from 105 of 226 constituencies, while opposition leader Brian Mundubile has 830,841 (43%). Electoral Integrity Concerns: Observers say the vote was marred by intimidation claims, ballot theft allegations and a counting pause after violence against polling staff, though SADC observers also reported most polling stations were calm. Regional Governance & Democracy Debate: A commentary claims Hichilema “stole” the election, arguing weakened safeguards and an uneven playing field undermined a peaceful transition. Mining Skills Gap: Uganda’s mining growth targets could be threatened by a shortage of metallurgists, mining engineers and mining economists, with industry urging more local training. Education Policy: Uganda’s NCDC says curricula must be continuously reviewed to stay relevant to national priorities and global changes. Currency & Trade: Zambia is highlighted for collecting taxes and royalties from Chinese mining firms in yuan, feeding into a wider push for yuan-based cross-border payments across Africa. Youth & Jobs: Zambia, Japan and the ILO launched a sustainable e-waste project aimed at green jobs and youth employment. Consumer Safety: Zimbabwe warns of counterfeit Nivea lotion and Huletts sugar flooding informal markets.