Pharma & Consumer Health: Aspen Pharmacare secured rights to develop and commercialise a once-monthly HIV prevention pill for 129 low- and middle-income countries, including across Africa—aimed at improving adherence with a simpler regimen. Retail & FMCG Finance: Unilever Nigeria reported Q2 revenue of ₦119.9bn (+22%) and declared an interim dividend, while Mr Price Group said Africa retail sales rose 3.2% to R9.3bn in Q1, showing value-sector resilience. Payments & Trade: KB Kookmin Bank plans blockchain-based cross-border payments for corporate import/export customers, integrating with SWIFT rails for USD flows across 10 countries including South Africa. Energy & Home Power: South Africa’s virtual power plants could turn rooftop solar and batteries into coordinated grid support, but regulation will decide how far the model goes. Food Safety Risk: Zimbabwean broiler farmers reportedly buy ARVs on the black market and mix them into chicken feed, raising serious concerns for human health and drug resistance. Industrial Costs: Nigeria’s sugar industry body warned manufacturers face uncompetitive power, credit and logistics costs under AfCFTA, urging cost cuts to protect market share. Security & Supply Chains: Nigeria’s Navy intercepted vessels carrying suspected stolen crude and PMS in Rivers and Akwa Ibom, tightening enforcement against oil theft. Housing Protection: Nigeria’s proposed regulated escrow for off-plan homes is seen as a step forward, but experts say monitoring of fund use and construction milestones must be stronger.