Zambians are voting in an election that will shape the policy setting around one of the world’s most important copper producers as Chinese and US interest in African minerals grows.
Zambians are voting in a general election that will determine whether President Hakainde Hichilema receives another term to lead Africa’s second-largest copper producer.
The vote comes after several years of debt restructuring, lower inflation and renewed mining investment, but many households remain under pressure from food costs, unemployment and unreliable electricity.
Hichilema is seeking re-election on a record of restoring investor confidence and reopening major copper assets. His challengers have argued that the benefits of higher copper production have not reached enough Zambians.
The election follows a recent recovery in Zambia’s kwacha and inflation after a difficult debt crisis. The direction of mining taxes, power policy and public spending will be closely watched after the result.
