Digital Payments & Fintech: PayPal expanded access to its PayPal USD (PYUSD) stablecoin across 70 markets, including Africa, aiming to cut cross-border transfer delays and fees for businesses and freelancers. SME Finance & Banking: Absa appointed ex-Standard Bank executive Leon Barnard as pan-African business banking CEO, signaling renewed focus on SME and entrepreneur support across the continent. Energy & Industrial Jobs: The African Energy Chamber named Aliko Dangote African Energy Person of the Year 2026, citing investments in energy security, infrastructure, and reduced import dependence. Business Climate & Costs: Ghana’s GNCCI targets lowering energy costs for businesses to about 20% of operating expenditure, arguing current power prices are pricing local manufacturers out. Local Enterprise Policy: South Africa’s Small Business Development Minister Stella Ndabeni warned spaza shop funding will be withheld from locals who hand shops to foreigners, with follow-up inspections planned. Investment & Growth Signals: Ghana reported US$2.61bn FDI inflows in 2025 across 253 projects, up sharply from 2024, with reinvested earnings driving much of the rebound. SME Scaling & Retail: Soweto wearable tech firm Khoi Tech opened its first experiential retail store with Telkom, pushing buy-local innovation into physical sales. Infrastructure & Community Impact: A R110m road project in Inadi was halted after a traditional leader ordered a stop over community grievances, including claims local businesses were excluded. Industry Structure: AfDB data highlighted Africa’s manufacturing value addition at about 10% of GDP, underscoring the continent’s ongoing raw-material export challenge.