Municipal Turnaround in SA: The Democratic Alliance launched its local government manifesto in Johannesburg, promising to ring-fence water and electricity revenues and bring in private firms to repair infrastructure, while targeting billing errors, law-enforcement gaps, and red tape that hits small businesses. Women’s Enterprise Push: South Africa retailer Clicks is spotlighting women-owned SMMEs ahead of Women’s Day, pledging R4.5bn over three years to grow black and women suppliers and help them meet procurement requirements. Skills for Women in Oil Projects: Uganda/Tanzania’s EACOP is training women alongside men for welding and other certified trades, using a national content approach to widen access to high-value jobs. SME Finance via Housing Proof: A South African report highlights how township and rural home improvements can’t easily unlock credit because banks can’t verify legal title—pushing for better ways to make these assets financeable. Trade for MSMEs at BRICS: BRICS trade ministers in Jaipur backed stronger trade links and MSME financing, including work on invoice discounting mechanisms. Malawi Repatriation Ends: Malawi’s voluntary repatriation of stranded citizens from South Africa concludes, with consular help continuing but travel costs shifting to individuals. FIFA Governance Storm: FIFA warned of a “concerted and ongoing effort” to undermine Infantino as allegations over UEFA payments deepen the leadership crisis.