Election Watch: Zambians voted Thursday in a high-stakes general election focused on economic hardship and whether President Hakainde Hichilema earns a second term, with voters weighing his debt restructuring and growth rebound against persistent cost-of-living pressure and concerns over shrinking space for dissent. Copper & Geopolitics: The vote is also a proxy for global competition over Zambia’s critical minerals, as China and the US both eye copper and cobalt supply chains tied to EVs and clean energy. AI Cooperation: China’s Ambassador Han Jing attended a China-Zambia Artificial Intelligence cooperation seminar, highlighting plans for digital infrastructure, industrial AI use, talent development, and AI governance via WAICO. Renewables Upgrade: Zambia commissioned its first solar-hydro hybrid plant (27MWp solar with existing Lunsemfwa hydropower) to diversify generation and improve grid reliability. Skills for Youth: Smart Zambia Institute partnered with Cisco Networking Academy to offer free beginner cybersecurity and networking training for Grade 10–12 learners and recent school leavers. Energy Storage Signal: Sungrow topped Wood Mackenzie’s global rankings for battery energy storage integrators and solar inverters based on 2025 performance. Tech & Telecom: MTN Zambia launched “My Laka Number,” giving new subscribers free calls to a chosen contact for up to 90 days with eligible bundles. Mining Fallout: A new study says a 2025 tailings dam failure linked to Sino-Metals Leach released toxic arsenic, lead and zinc into the Kafue River system, with impacts still felt by communities.