Food Safety & Border Control: South Africa’s FMD containment is being undermined by cross-border movement into Botswana via ungazetted points, with police and veterinary teams confiscating meat and products from truck drivers. Housing Affordability: In Lagos, cost-of-living pressures are pushing renters from city centres into slums, outskirts and satellite towns as rents rise faster than incomes. Consumer Energy Costs: Nigeria’s cooking gas (LPG) price is still climbing, reaching as high as ₦2,000/kg despite higher domestic supply and lower imports. Reforms vs Real Impact: Nigeria’s CPPE says Tinubu’s next test is turning macroeconomic stabilization into jobs and better living standards, while NECA warns many businesses still haven’t felt reform benefits. Brand & Industry Signals: Dangote retains “Africa’s Most Admired Brand” for an eighth straight year, reinforcing its consumer and industrial pull across the continent. Retail Pressure: South Africa’s Spar Group warns of weaker earnings after a sharp share drop, citing margin erosion and operational issues in KZN. Digital Commerce: SellQuic launches Ghana’s AI customer assistant to answer online vendor queries instantly across WhatsApp, Instagram and its website. Energy Market Watch: LNG supply looks set for a longer-term surplus as global conditions shift, even with ongoing Middle East uncertainty.