East Africa Connectivity: A new push linking the Port of Dar es Salaam, the proposed Bagamoyo Port and the revival of TAZARA is being framed as more than projects—an emerging Indian Ocean-to-inland trade system. Ghana Retail & Trade: Ghana’s “high street” economy is still shaped by a big import bill ($20.4bn in 2024 vs $16bn exports), with gold and cocoa dominating exports and China leading imports. Consumer Safety Watch (SA): South Africa’s National Consumer Commission is investigating sanitary pad and panty liner suppliers after a University of the Free State study flagged endocrine-disrupting chemicals. Fuel Pricing Pressure (Nigeria): Dangote Refinery’s switch to dollar-based fuel sales is set to ripple through Nigeria’s petrol, diesel and aviation fuel prices. Household Credit (Nigeria): CREDICORP and NCGCL sign a risk-sharing MoU to expand affordable consumer credit. FMCG Cost of Living (Nigeria): Mixed retail moves show some staples rising sharply (including dairy/cereals) while a few items like seasoning and breakfast products fall. Data & Consumer Protection (Africa): AUBC and MTN host a high-level dialogue on satellite broadband, universal access and consumer protection. Market Signals (Nigeria): Nigerian equities extend gains, adding N9.34tn in a week as buying interest returns. Car Wash Trend: Waterless car wash products keep gaining traction as water scarcity and eco-friendly preferences drive demand. Diamond Industry (SA): De Beers plans to pause production at Venetia for two years as lab-grown competition and softer demand bite. Ebola Update (DRC): Oxford’s experimental Bundibugyo Ebola vaccine moves into human trials as the outbreak deepens. Transport Disruption (Lagos): Heavy rains strand commuters and push transport fares up. SME Delivery Reality: A reminder that delivery experience is part of the product—late or unclear logistics can kill repeat sales.