Stablecoin rails for SMBs: Flutterwave says Ripple is investing in its Series E to accelerate stablecoin payments and cross-border settlement, aiming to cut frictions for African businesses. SME digital skills push (Nigeria): NITDA and TikTok launched Digital Commerce Labs to train Nigerian SMEs on online sales, content, AI tools and cross-border commerce. Cross-border fintech expansion (Kenya): WapiPay secured a Canada MSB licence, adding a regulated North America hub for FX, transfers and virtual-asset transactions. SME credit for mobility (Nigeria): CREDICORP and partners distributed 50 Nigerian-made tricycles to transport operators in Ogun to expand consumer credit and boost local manufacturing. Banking access (Nigeria): Access Bank’s Auto Fest offers up to 90% vehicle financing with digital approvals in 72 hours. Regional finance collaboration (Nigeria): Finance minister Taiwo Oyedele urged deeper IsDB partnership to unlock affordable development finance and include SMEs, especially women and youth. Debt pressure on entrepreneurs (Africa): LEAF Africa warns Africa’s debt trap is raising SME lending costs and choking venture funding, citing Ghana’s 2022 default effects. Cash dependency warning: A new report highlights Africa’s cash economy is still holding back growth, limiting formal finance for SMBs. Markets growth story (Nigeria): Marketsquare marks 10 years, detailing how the indigenous grocer scaled from one store to 41 outlets across 19 cities.