SME Jobs Boost (Zimbabwe): Zimbabwe says MSMEs now employ 5 million people and contribute about 60% of GDP, with government pushing better finance, equipment, markets and infrastructure to close funding gaps. Green Energy for Small Firms (Ethiopia/Kenya/Nigeria): A $1.5m grant backs 19 companies to expand solar-powered productive-use appliances (pumps, refrigeration, milling), aiming to cut upfront costs and support 3,000+ green jobs. Powering Rural Food Security (Eastern Cape, South Africa): EDF Power Solutions and LIMA are funding agriculture, enterprise development and skills around the Wesley Ciskei wind farm, targeting vulnerable and food-insecure households. SME Finance Spotlight (Namibia): FNB Namibia is named Namibia’s best SME bank, citing unsecured credit products and entrepreneur training for 1,500+ businesses. Manufacturing Momentum (Africa): Manufacturing Indaba 2026 (Johannesburg, July 14–15) spotlights “Made in Africa” scaling growth and trade under AfCFTA. Policy Pressure on Growth (Kenya): World Bank cuts Kenya’s GDP forecast to 4.3%, warning tax uncertainty and governance hurdles are weighing on recovery and jobs. Local Business Trust Signals (Nigeria): A look at how business names in Nigerian markets act as practical trust and reliability signals where enforcement and credit systems are weak. Urban Regeneration with Jobs (Ethiopia): Addis Ababa inaugurates the Entoto–Kebena River and Riverside Development Project, turning a polluted corridor into a public riverside destination. SME Skills Pipeline (KZN, South Africa): Samsung’s Enterprise Development Bootcamp (via Ocule IT) awards seed funding to help young technicians launch and grow SMMEs. Energy-Efficient Tech for SMEs (Africa): Solar cooling-box and other productive-use financing themes keep recurring as a practical route to productivity gains for small operators.