For a long time, Zambia has occupied a rare, enviable niche in African politics as a reliable laboratory for the peaceful transition of power. The Southern African nation has repeatedly defied the continent’s stereotypes, using ballots rather than bullets to unseat incumbents since the debut of its multi-party era in 1991. Zambia possesses some of Africa's most attractive long-term fundamentals, boasting of large copper reserves, a strategic position in Southern Africa, abundant renewable-energy potential and a young, and increasingly urban population that promise immense prosperity to investors.