SME Spotlight (Togo): Cosmetics founder Gaël de Souza says Gazelle d’Afrik is proving locally made products can match imported brands on quality and presentation. Mental Health & Inclusion (Nigeria): Yambam-Kabati African Foundation urges communities to tackle stigma around psychological disabilities, pushing for early support and professional help. Animal Health & Trade Risk (Namibia): Foot-and-mouth disease detected inside an FMD-free zone triggers movement bans and import/export suspensions, with authorities weighing zone-splitting to protect unaffected areas. Chambers & Market Access (Nigeria): IkereCCIMA gains NACCIMA membership, aiming for stronger policy voice and investor connections for traders, farmers and youth entrepreneurs. Fintech Security (Jordan): Orange Money partners with ADSTRA to deploy AI-backed AML/CFT screening and sanctions-list checks. SME Finance (Ethiopia): Ethiopia’s YEIB is set to launch this year, targeting 100+ startups and MSMEs with loans and growth capital. Local Growth & Jobs (South Africa): UIF and NEF launch a R1bn enterprise fund to support small businesses and create 30,000+ jobs. Digital Payments (Kenya): Absa Kenya rolls out an all-in-one mobile app for saving, investing and borrowing, using open banking to broaden access to credit. Youth Entrepreneurship (Liberia): YEIB-MANCO targets 30,000 youth directly and 120,000 indirectly, combining financing with incubation and business support. Tourism Economy (Ghana): World Tourism Day focus highlights how destinations like Bono East still struggle to turn attractions into sustained local income.