Digital Infrastructure Funding: WIOCC secured $300m from Africa Finance Corporation and Vision Invest to expand Africa’s open-access data centres, fibre and subsea assets. Nigeria Growth Watch: Nigeria’s real GDP grew 4.43% in Q2 2026, lifting H1 growth to 4.16% as manufacturing, agriculture and services all strengthened. Energy & Security: Egypt offered Burkina Faso counterterrorism support while also pushing a business forum to turn security ties into investment. Regional Politics: Nigeria urged ECOWAS to re-engage Alliance of Sahel States countries (Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger) to deepen dialogue for peace and integration. Housing Pressure: A report says only 31% of Lagos residents own homes as rents rise, with most living in rented accommodation. Tech for Learning: Epson is exploring solar-powered printing and projection for rural Kenyan schools to tackle unreliable electricity. Shipping & Sanctions Risk: A report says Russia’s “shadow fleet” exploits weak African shipping registries to keep exporting oil and funding the war. Food Systems: Africa Food Systems Forum opened in Rwanda, spotlighting financing, climate resilience, post-harvest losses and market access. Elections in Zambia: President Hakainde Hichilema was sworn in for a second term as opposition leader Brian Mundubile remains detained. Identity & Compliance Tech: Shufti topped G2’s Fall 2026 identity verification rankings, adding momentum for AML and onboarding tools.