FIFA Governance Shock: UEFA confirmed it made a “departure payment” to a woman linked to Gianni Infantino during his UEFA general-secretary years, while Infantino and FIFA call the affair claims “categorically untrue,” adding the payout covered an MBA and complied with rules then later tightened—fueling fresh calls for leadership change. Municipal Reform Push: South Africa’s DA launched its Joburg manifesto promising “ordinary life” by fixing water, power, refuse and potholes, with a hard line on corruption, transparent procurement, and measures aimed at cutting red tape that hits small businesses. SME Credit Gap in Nigeria: A report highlights how big-ticket finance keeps bypassing SMEs despite reforms, with high benchmark rates and collateral-heavy lending leaving small firms unable to fund orders, exports, or basic operations. Payments for Growth: Quidax says it expanded stablecoin infrastructure to 21 countries to speed cross-border settlements and cut costs for African startups and fintechs. West Africa Industrial Drive: ECOWAS convened an automotive industry forum in Abuja to push implementation of its regional automotive policy, aiming to move from low plant output and heavy vehicle imports toward local manufacturing and jobs. Energy Pipeline Update: Uganda’s EACOP construction hit 91% completion, bringing first-oil expectations closer and supporting local contracting activity. Trade Talks: India and South Africa revived negotiations on a long-delayed PTA tied to SACU, targeting cooperation in minerals, pharma and manufacturing.