Trade & Market Access: China says its May 1 zero-tariff policy gives duty-free access to its market for all 53 African countries with diplomatic ties, boosting Zimbabwe’s push to grow manufacturing—especially women-led firms—after the launch of the Zimbabwe Women in Manufacturing association. Food Security & Inputs: The Iran war is disrupting energy and fertilizer supplies, pushing up costs for farmers and raising the risk of higher food prices and shortages across import-dependent countries. Climate Risk & Farming Disruptions: El Niño odds have climbed to 80% for June–August, while South Africa’s Western Cape and Nelson Mandela Bay brace for heavy rain and flooding after weather warnings were upgraded. Livestock Health: Mozambique extended its livestock vaccination drive to July 15 due to delayed imported vaccines, while South Africa continues its large FMD vaccination rollout with millions of doses procured and animals vaccinated. Grains & Exports: South Africa’s 2026 maize harvest forecast is revised up to 17.064 million tonnes, supporting renewed export activity as regional food pressures persist. Agriculture Tech & Exports: Uganda plans an online coffee traceability system to track beans from production to export, aiming to meet international requirements and lift export earnings. Policy Push: Ghana will link rice import permits to investment and procurement partnerships with local rice farms and mills to speed self-sufficiency and cut the import bill. Ports & Agribulk Logistics: AD Ports Group agreed to acquire Brazil’s CLI, strengthening agribulk export logistics links into Latin America.