AI Skills & Jobs Pipeline: Namibia’s NOVA Institution of Artificial Intelligence is training future-ready AI technicians through practical, project-based programmes (plus incubation to turn ideas into businesses). Digital Infrastructure Funding: Trident Digital Tech Holdings closed a US$8m private placement to fund digital infrastructure and enterprise AI work across Africa, including Ghana’s digital tax platform. ESG & Corporate Reputation: Zain Group’s MSCI ESG rating upgraded from A to AA, placing it among top telecom performers in the GCC. Trade & Employment: South Africa’s cherry exporters gained first-time access to China after a landmark protocol signing, with expectations of growth in production, exports and processing jobs. Critical Minerals for Industrial Jobs: The US proposed a Kenya minerals partnership to build factories, train workers and transfer technology around rare earth and niobium deposits. Local Business & Regulation: Cape Town’s draft animal bylaw sparked backlash over pet licensing/permits; officials say wording was poorly drafted and clarify intent. Kenya Traders & Xenophobia Risk: African CSOs warned Kenya’s measures against foreign small-scale traders could fuel discrimination and xenophobic tensions. Infrastructure Finance: Kenya’s National Infrastructure Fund targets about Sh42bn annual income from government securities to support mega projects.