Telecom & Awards: Viettel was named the world’s most awarded organisation at the 2026 International Business Awards, taking 28 prizes (17 gold) with most wins coming from overseas operations. Trade & Agriculture: The US Senate backs extending AGOA for two more years, a move seen as supportive for South Africa’s farm exports to the US, even as China remains a key alternative market. Refining Politics: Nigeria’s refinery revival debate heats up as Atiku faults Tinubu over trillions spent on struggling refineries, while stakeholders call for deeper technical and economic assessments before more funding. Consumer Protection: Zimbabwe warns of counterfeit Nivea lotion and Huletts sugar after seizures, highlighting risks around expiry, labelling and unsafe storage. Security & Retail: South Africa’s police seized counterfeit and illicit goods worth over R2.5m, while a viral incident shows a Checkers Sixty60 delivery rider robbed at gunpoint. Energy Access Data: Nigeria’s NBS data shows electricity access varies sharply by zone, with South East highest (74.6%) and North East lowest (29.5%). Digital Business: Nigeria’s NiRA is exploring cheaper .ng domain bundles and SME vouchers to help small firms build digital identities. Food Prices: Lagos traders report relief as tomato prices gradually drop, driven by early harvests. Counterfeit Crackdown: Nigeria’s Navy disrupted three illegal refining sites in Rivers, recovering about 85,000 litres of suspected stolen AGO. Medicines Policy: Morocco’s new medicine-pricing rules begin mandatory reviews, with pharmacists split over whether lower prices could affect supply and local production. Scams: US consumer alerts continue as BBB Scam Tracker reports show ongoing losses from online purchase and advance-fee scams in Ohio cities.