Municipal Accountability Crisis: South Africans are questioning what’s behind crumbling roads, failing wastewater and stalled projects as the Auditor-General flags governance and control failures in North West municipalities. Banking Policy: Finance Minister Godongwana rejects a new state-owned commercial bank, citing existing state lenders and limited fiscal space. AfCFTA Push: Namibia’s President Nandi-Ndaitwah urges full AfCFTA implementation to lift intra-African trade, currently around 16%, and reduce dependence on external markets. Rail Investment: Traxtion completes an $86m (R1.4bn) equity raise to back further rail investments as private operators prepare to run routes opened under Transnet reforms. Trade Finance for SMEs: ITC and Equity Group sign an MoU to unlock trade finance for coffee, leather and creative industries across East Africa, starting with Kenya. Ebola Vaccine Race: CEPI fast-tracks three experimental Ebola vaccines as cases rise in Central Africa, with WHO warning of urgency. Cyber Compliance: Nigeria’s Smartcomply joins the PCI Security Standards Council to strengthen payment security standards across Africa. Fuel Volatility Hits SMEs: South Africa’s mixed petrol/diesel adjustment shows how currency-linked fuel swings ripple through cross-border business costs. Durumi Demolition Fallout: An ADC candidate calls for dialogue after Abuja demolitions, warning urban renewal must protect dignity and livelihoods. Women in Industry: SEIFSA launches a six-month Women of Steel mentoring pilot to move more women into leadership roles in metals and engineering. Ghana–Korea Industrial Deal: Ghana and South Korea plan a West Africa Hyundai plant plus AI, energy and critical minerals cooperation.