Kwacha

Zambia is holding an election to determine if President Hakainde Hichilema will secure a second five-year term. The nation plans to triple its copper output by 2031, which could place it among top global producers of the critical mineral. However, ordinary Zambians are concerned about high food and energy costs, and opposition groups allege that the government has suppressed dissent, including seizing equipment from the Tonse Alliance.

Zambia's kwacha is nearing parity with the South African rand. The currency has appreciated 18% against the dollar this year, ranking it as the second-best performing currency tracked by Bloomberg.