Climate & Food Security: Namibia warns the 2026/27 rainy season could be harsher than expected, with El Niño likely driving widespread below-normal rainfall and hotter conditions that threaten farming, livestock and water supplies. Energy/Fertiliser Shock Response: The AfDB unveiled a $5.1bn response plan to cushion Africa’s energy and fertiliser crisis, targeting countries hit by higher prices and disrupted trade routes. Smallholder Climate Finance: IFAD and Equity Group launched ARCAFIM, a $200m East Africa mechanism to help 260,000 smallholders and 500 MSMEs adapt to climate impacts through revolving lending plus technical support. Kenya Food Loss Push: Kenya is losing nearly 9m tonnes of food annually, with TechnoServe’s NutriSave programme urging better storage and stronger market links to cut waste and improve access to nutritious produce. Ghana Logistics Upgrade: Ghana plans a new Volta Lake port at Mpakadan to move containers by rail and barges, easing pressure on Tema Port and lowering freight costs. Nigeria Credit for Growth: President Tinubu urged banks to turn recapitalisation into affordable credit for businesses and MSMEs, warning that bigger balance sheets won’t help without real investment and jobs. South Africa Agriculture Signal: South Africa’s economy contracted 0.2% in Q2, but agriculture continued its run of growth while mining and manufacturing dragged overall performance. Trade & Markets: South Africa’s cherries win China export access, adding momentum for high-value fruit trade. Policy Debate: A new critique argues “legal certainty” in critical minerals must also protect communities living with mining impacts, not just investors.