AI & Retail Trust: Visa’s study says 77% of South Africans have used AI tools to shop, but the big question is trust when AI moves from helping you choose to helping you pay. Telecom Pricing Reform: Nigeria’s NCC, with KPMG, has started a major review of telecom interconnection pricing to make rates more cost-reflective after years of market change. Fintech Expansion: Flutterwave secured a strategic investment from Ripple, lifting its valuation to $3.3bn as it pushes deeper into enterprise payments and microfinance. Energy Infrastructure: South Africa’s Zululand Energy Terminal signed a Heads of Agreement with ExxonMobil to advance an LNG import terminal at Richards Bay, tied to Eskom’s gas-to-power plans. Consumer Pressure & Credit: Old Mutual reports South Africa’s youth credit is mostly short-term consumption, with many borrowers already defaulting amid unemployment and rising living costs. Local Food & Manufacturing: The EU reaffirmed support for Nigeria’s local nutrition production at Kano’s NutriK facility to tackle child malnutrition and cut reliance on imports. Transport & Urban Life: Tanzania’s Latra ordered daladalas to relocate into the BRT terminal, sparking mixed commuter reactions. Agribusiness & Trade: Canada’s ASF zoning agreement with Japan boosts confidence for Manitoba pork exporters. Payments Access: NBC launched Nigeria’s “Big Picture” and “Free TV” digital broadcasting platform to widen access to trusted information and content.