Zambia Election Forecast: A PARI-Africa pre-election briefing says President Hakainde Hichilema is favoured to win an outright first-round victory in the 13 August vote, with UPND at 70–80% and a run-off at 15–25%, pointing to stronger ballot access and mobilisation. Voter Education Watch: Ahead of polling, Dr Sishuwa Sishuwa urges voters to mark ballots with a cross (X or +) and warns that ticks or other marks could spoil papers. Judiciary Prep: Zambia’s courts have started final training for election dispute resolution, with support from the Commonwealth Secretariat and Chandler Institute for Justice, focusing on electoral law and new petition rules. Health Insurance Study: A new analysis on Zambia’s National Health Insurance Scheme says it can cut costs for older people, but funding gaps limit impact. AI in Education: Edubex is expanding globally with AI-enabled learning, international university partnerships and 200+ programmes. AI Governance in Africa: Kenya joins China-led WAICO to coordinate AI development and regulation, with Zambia among the founding signatories. Energy & Power: Government and Zesco-backed work on the 100MW Kasama solar project moves ahead as Zambia pushes energy diversification. Rural Power Push: REA reports investing over K167m in Northern Province (2023–2026) across grids, solar mini-grids, biodigesters and solar-for-health. Trade & Integration: SADC is pushing simplified border procedures under the STR to cut costs for small traders, with Zambia among participants. Conservation Spotlight: World Lion Day highlights shrinking lion habitat and ongoing threats from wildlife trade and conflict.