Mobile Money Competition: Stanbic Bank Zimbabwe launches StanPay, a wallet that lets users pay, send money and withdraw cash via *247# or the Blue247 app—aiming to chip away at EcoCash dominance. MSME Finance Skills: Kenya’s accountants are urged to act as strategic partners for small businesses, helping owners keep disciplined records to unlock credit and growth. Cross-Border Payments: Uganda’s UKI Uganda Limited tests a direct payment model using Equity Bank’s regional footprint to reduce agent chains and speed up DRC customer payments. Banking Performance: Equity Group reports KSh45.5bn H1 profit (+32%), highlighting stronger deposits and non-funded income as it pushes tech-enabled regional lending. Women & Economic Empowerment: Malawi VP Jane Ansah tells women to turn faith, education and skills into income opportunities, while also urging stronger family and community outcomes. Entrepreneurship & Logistics: Zimbabwean entrepreneurship is reframed around logistics—moving goods, paperwork and “last mile” delivery efficiently to reach customers and markets. Housing Shock for Small Traders: Harare City Council plans further demolitions in St Martins and other suburbs, threatening livelihoods as families lose homes and belongings. Policy for Homebuyers: Kenya pushes lenders to assess mortgage affordability using mobile money, SACCO savings, rental and utility histories—not just payslips. Trade & Value Capture: A report warns Africa retains under 10% of fruit value in global markets, pointing to processing, tech and infrastructure gaps that keep profits offshore.