Banking Leadership in Togo: Orabank Togo CEO Guy Martial Awona leads a lender serving 440,000 customers across 39 branches, with a focus on strengthening corporate and SME financing. SME Finance in Nigeria: Jaiz Bank reported 24% gross earnings growth in 2025 and shareholders approved a fresh N150bn capital raise to expand lending to businesses. Trade & Market Access: China pledged deeper trade ties with Zimbabwe, citing record 2025 trade of US$4.4bn and new zero-tariff access for African exports. Cross-Border Logistics for SMEs: FedEx highlights how customs friction and documentation delays still slow AfCFTA trade for SMEs, even as policy progress continues. Ghana Industrial Push: Government unveiled plans for an automotive research and testing laboratory at Suame Magazine to boost local manufacturing, testing and certification. Innovation Support in South Africa: TSE relocated to Ditsela Place to help start-ups and SMMEs with prototyping, low-volume manufacturing and product development. SME Payments & Fintech: Flutterwave’s SME head says Africa’s payment infrastructure is now “at par” globally, with stablecoins positioned as infrastructure for faster, safer cross-border payments. SME Growth via Digital Skills: Nigeria’s push to train 5m businesses is tied to Mastercard’s plans and Tinubu’s push for youth-ready, tech-savvy workforces. Tourism Boost in KZN: KwaZulu-Natal expects 920,320 visitors and about R1.9bn winter spend, supporting local accommodation and tour businesses. Capital Markets Buzz: Dangote’s planned IPO for its refinery business is drawing retail and wealthy investors, with banks and brokerages opening accounts and offering credit.