BRICS & Payments: Iran’s central bank governor says Tehran will soon join the BRICS New Development Bank, alongside talks on linking payment systems and digital currencies to speed up cross-border transfers. SADC Industrial Push: At the 46th SADC summit in Durban, leaders backed a regional tourism visa and put critical minerals, infrastructure and agriculture at the centre of a renewed industrialisation drive, with Ramaphosa taking the chair. Ghana Investment Reset: Ghana’s GIPA Act 2026 (Act 1173) is set to modernise the country’s investment framework, aiming to boost confidence with provisions on sustainable investment, technology transfer and social inclusion. Banking Performance: UBA Ghana reports strong H1 2026 results, with assets up to GH¢13.27bn, customer loans more than doubling, and a sharp fall in gross NPLs to 1.7%. FX Risk Training: WAIFEM urges WAMZ reserve managers to strengthen institutions and risk systems as shocks from geopolitics and climate intensify. Zambia Election & Growth: Hakainde Hichilema wins a second term, with investors watching continuity as Zambia leans into copper-led, IMF-aligned growth. South Africa Compliance & Care: Reports highlight strain in South Africa’s education “care system” as teachers and support services exit under pressure, while fraud warnings target fake SARS messages.