Fuel Subsidy Showdown: Nigeria’s Tinubu rejects calls to restore petrol subsidies while Atiku unveils a targeted, capped “subsidy follows the barrel” model aimed at boosting domestic refining—sparking a fresh political and consumer-cost debate. Food Prices Watch: Kenya’s central bank warns poor rainfall could lift prices of key foods even as some staples may ease, raising near-term inflation risks for shoppers. Power for Consumers: Lagos State vows a path to 24-hour electricity supply via coordinated generation, transmission, distribution and better metering/data. Banking Upgrade: Tanzania’s NMB rolls out a new core banking system to handle higher volumes and expand digital services for customers and firms. Tanzania Power Milestone: The Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project (JNHPP) is set to be inaugurated after a Sh7.45trn investment, boosting grid supply and lowering production costs over time. Consumer Trust & Safety: South Africa’s Consumer Goods Council moves to a 2D barcode system so shoppers can verify products and spot counterfeits. Trade & Exports: China expands zero-tariff access and faster customs for qualifying African exporters, with Zambia’s coffee among the beneficiaries. Local Manufacturing Push: South Africa’s tyre industry backs Chinese investment in local plants to curb unfairly cheap replacement imports. Digital News Growth: Google News Initiative selects eight South African news creators for its Growth Lab to strengthen digital-native newsroom sustainability. Crime & Public Safety: South African police bust a major crystal meth lab near Musina, arresting foreign nationals including two Mexicans.