Banking Results: Kenya’s Equity Group reported H1 2026 profit up 32% to KSh45.5bn, with income up 25% and non-funded income now 44.5% of total—signaling stronger, tech-enabled growth across its pan-African footprint. Housing Finance Reform: Kenya’s housing push is getting smarter about affordability: lenders are being urged to assess mortgage applicants using mobile money, SACCO savings, rental and utility histories—not just payslips. Mobile Money Shake-up (Zimbabwe): Stanbic Bank Zimbabwe launched StanPay, a new wallet aimed at challenging EcoCash dominance with USSD sign-up and cash-out via Stanbic ATMs. AI Policy (Malawi): Malawi’s 2026 AI policy sets up a national AI regulator and targets AI use in agriculture, healthcare and education, alongside data protection and local capacity building. SME Exports (Zimbabwe): Women-led Mutoko farmer groups are moving into export-ready sugar snap and mangetout peas through a Netherlands-backed programme focused on skills, quality control and market readiness. Energy Transition (Nigeria): Niger Delta CSOs are demanding community control and transparency in Nigeria’s energy transition, warning that fossil-fuel dependence has not delivered sustainable development locally. Jobs & Growth (South Africa): President Ramaphosa launched phase three of the government-business partnership, targeting one million jobs and 3%+ growth by 2030 with clearer implementation and faster fixes when regulation or capacity blocks investment.