South Africa–Namibia Deal-Making: President Cyril Ramaphosa used the South Africa–Namibia Bi-National Commission to push deeper collaboration on exploration, infrastructure, skills and value chains, with the Orange Basin flagged as a future energy engine. SEZ Investment Push: Deputy President Paul Mashatile opened the Second International Special Economic Zones conference in Durban, spotlighting SEZs as a magnet for capital and jobs. Banking Jobs Under Pressure: COSATU backed Sasbo against African Bank’s proposed retrenchment of 1,200 workers and closure of 90 branches after a R624m loss, warning the cuts could worsen unemployment. Monetary Policy Watch: Ahead of the SARB repo rate decision on 21 July, economists expect a hold at 7.00% but warn inflation risks remain. Cameroon Health Financing: Nkafu Policy Institute urged stronger inter-ministerial coordination to expand private health insurance and cut Cameroon’s heavy out-of-pocket healthcare burden. Nigeria Virtual Assets Regulation: President Tinubu signed an executive order to harmonise virtual-asset oversight via a new council, aiming to curb fraud and close regulatory gaps. Kenya Rail Funding Ruling: A Kenyan court upheld a 2% import levy to fund a China-backed high-speed rail extension, clearing the way for the $5.4bn project. Africa Payments Debate: A new analysis argues stablecoins are gaining traction for real-time cross-border payments, with Africa and the Middle East showing high GDP-linked usage. Energy/Water Finance: The AfDB approved a $400m results-based loan to reform electricity and water services in Mpumalanga municipalities, tying disbursements to verified improvements.