Spaza Shop Support Fund Update (South Africa): The DSBD says compliance hurdles are slowing the R500m spaza shop rollout, with only R179.6m approved since launch and licensing requirements (valid municipal permits) blocking many applicants; officials also flagged rejected applications and promised a June awareness push to help qualifying owners. SME Partnerships & Jobs (Eastern Cape): Volkswagen and Raizcorp marked 15 years of entrepreneur support in Kariega, citing R95m invested, R733m turnover generated, 178 entrepreneurs supported, and 680 new jobs created, with some firms becoming VW suppliers. Energy & Power Ambitions (Nigeria): Peter Obi, newly adopted as NDC presidential candidate, pledged to raise Nigeria’s electricity generation and distribution by 10,000MW within four years, arguing the current ~4,000MW level is unacceptable for a country of over 200m people. Policy on Fuel Shocks (IMF): The IMF advised governments to let domestic fuel prices track international costs while protecting vulnerable households via targeted, temporary cash transfers, warning against broad subsidies and price caps that can worsen inflation. Cashless Inclusion Warning (Namibia): Windhoek’s cashless parking rollout sparked backlash over card-only payment rules, delays, extra costs, and weak consultation—highlighting the risk of digital systems outpacing financial inclusion for small businesses and everyday drivers. Digital Payments Debate (Ghana): Ghana’s mobile money boom is reigniting the question of whether value stays local, as policymakers weigh “own rails” versus foreign routing and push for stronger domestic payment infrastructure. South Africa–India SME Link (Mashatile): Deputy President Paul Mashatile visited New Delhi’s Dilli Haat to study how India supports SMEs and the digital economy, as part of broader trade and investment talks. Entrepreneurship from Frustration (South Africa): A car-care business story shows how a repair-shop experience turned into Michanic’s growth, built on transparency and a simpler customer process. Crime as a Business Threat (Zimbabwe): A Zimbabwe development commentary links rising crime to shrinking legitimate opportunities and unemployment, warning that insecurity is becoming an economic drag on families and enterprises.