Crypto Custody & Digital Finance: Absa becomes the first African bank to offer bitcoin custody for institutional clients, signalling deeper mainstreaming of digital assets in regulated banking. Development Finance & Credit Ratings: The AfDB will launch an initiative to help countries improve sovereign credit ratings by strengthening economic data and transparency, aiming to cut borrowing costs across Africa. Mobile Money IPO Boost: The IFC commits up to $90m to Airtel Money ahead of its London IPO, supporting a key African fintech capital-market milestone. Banking Ownership Moves: Ghana’s SSNIT increases its stake in Societe Generale Ghana from 19.36% to 24.36% as Attijariwafa Bank takes majority control, reshaping pension-linked financial influence. Regional Economic Momentum: Standard Bank reports rising deposits and faster domestic and cross-border electronic payments, pointing to stronger formal-sector activity. South Africa Banking Access: Banks in South Africa are reducing ATM and branch footprints as cash usage declines, pushing customers toward digital channels. Energy & Infrastructure Procurement: South Africa updates progress on its Independent Transmission Projects Programme, reaffirming private-sector participation to expand grid capacity. Agriculture Trade Pressure: Higher fuel-driven transport costs are weighing on South Africa’s agricultural exports to neighbours, per SARB.