Power Disruption: A fire at Kenya Power’s Musaga Substation in Kakamega triggered a widespread blackout affecting Kakamega, Bungoma, Busia, Siaya and parts of Vihiga, with restoration planned in phases via rerouted supply lines. Insurance Access: Tanzania’s Tira opened a new regional office in Pemba to boost insurance uptake, improve consumer protection and bring regulatory services closer to residents. Consumer Costs & Manufacturing: Nigeria’s leading consumer goods firms spent N1.55trn on costs to generate N2.09trn revenue in H1 2026, with energy, logistics and distribution pressures still weighing on margins. Digital Commerce Shift: Kenya’s electronics market is moving deeper online as manufacturers and retailers expand digital sales, with mobile-first discovery and payments changing how shoppers buy. Telecom Investment: MTN Nigeria said it invested N1.62trn in network infrastructure (2025–H1 2026) as H1 profit rose 71% and data revenue surged. Fuel Competition: Six private depot operators cut petrol prices in Nigeria, pressuring rates closer to Dangote Refinery’s N1,165/litre level. Health & Safety: NAFDAC warned of suspected counterfeit Ulmicort asthma medicine in Nigeria, urging caution as fake products can cause treatment failure. Wildlife Monitoring: Kenya Wildlife Service intensified surveillance in Amboseli after 16 elephants died in a month, with preliminary work pointing to possible cyanide poisoning. E-commerce & Consumer Protection Abroad: France’s new law bans unsolicited telemarketing calls without prior consent, effective Aug. 11. DRC Resource Policy: DR Congo banned exports of copper and cobalt concentrates, pushing miners toward local processing.