Ebola Watch: A rare Bundibugyo Ebola strain is spreading across parts of the DRC and Uganda, prompting WHO to declare a public health emergency of international concern as experts warn official numbers may be undercounted and cross-border risk is rising. Ghana–Russia Trade Push: Ghana’s President Mahama has confirmed he will attend the October 28–29 Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow, with Accra eyeing deals in agribusiness, energy, pharmaceuticals and digital tech. AI for Growth: Ghana is preparing to host eLearning Africa 2026 and a Pan-African AI & Innovation Summit, with calls for urgent AI policy and investment in computing capacity to turn innovation into real productivity. Regional Integration & Trade: ECOWAS is moving to operationalise its Dangote-led Business Council to deepen private-sector participation and intra-West Africa trade. South Sudan Hunger Crisis: The UN warns more than 7 million people in conflict-hit South Sudan need urgent food aid as violence and displacement worsen. SME Support Bottleneck: South Africa’s Spaza Shop Support Fund has approved about R179.6m, but licensing delays and verification issues are still holding many owners back. Nigeria Pharma Independence: Nigeria’s pharma push for higher local production is framed as a national healthcare security priority amid import vulnerability. Global Economy Headwinds: The WEF says global growth is set to weaken further as Middle East conflict and shipping disruption risks feed inflation fears.