Smart Payments & Retail Promotions (Tanzania): Mixx says its “Every Transaction is a Winning Goal” promotion has driven more digital payments, with four Tanzanians winning all-expenses-paid trips to Mexico for a World Cup match. Power & Consumer Utility (Nigeria): President Tinubu launched “Power Force” to train 5,000 young Nigerians as meter installers/technicians under the Presidential Metering Initiative, aiming to cut estimated billing and improve electricity supply. Telecom Consumer Impact (Nigeria): A regulatory dispute has left about 40 million Nigerians temporarily unable to use airtime/data lending, with the FCCPC suspending enforcement while court action continues. AI in Grocery (South Africa): Pick n Pay rolled out “Penny,” an AI grocery assistant in its asap! app, joining Checkers Sixty60’s Pixie as retailers shift from fast delivery to personalised shopping. Fuel & Pricing (Nigeria): Dangote Refinery raised $750m via a debut Eurobond and reiterated product pricing is based on production costs/inventories, not daily crude swings. Ebola Economic Risk (DRC/Region): UNDP warns the DRC outbreak could cost Africa up to $3.6bn and threaten 300,000+ jobs. Local Trade Rules (Kenya): Kenya’s mandatory local marine cargo insurance kicks in, urging importers to review contracts to avoid paying twice. Consumer Safety (South Africa): The National Consumer Commission recalled selected Jaguar Land Rover models over an engine-related defect that could cause oil leaks and a slip hazard.