Climate Outlook for Southern Africa: SADC warns most countries may see below-normal rainfall from Oct 2026 to Mar 2027, with above-average temperatures raising risks for water and farming. Animal Health Alert: African Swine Fever is confirmed in three Kohima villages, triggering movement bans and closures of pork markets within infected and surveillance zones. Agritech for Food Security: Google DeepMind’s ALU and AMED satellite models are being rolled out to six African countries to support farm credit, crop advisories and UN food security data. Water Finance Push: GWPO and partners unveiled the GIP Blended Finance Upstream De-Risking Facility to speed up country-led investment readiness for priority water projects. Cocoa Price Pressure: Cocoa prices jump as West African crop quality concerns grow, with Ghana’s 2026/27 output forecast down and disease risk linked to poor sunshine. Tanzania Banana Disease Watch: Banana bunchy top virus is suspected after wilt symptoms in Morogoro, highlighting the need for early detection to protect a key staple. Ghana Forest Protection for Cocoa: Proforest donated 22 motorbikes to boost patrols and rehabilitation in Ghana’s cocoa forest landscapes under a REDD+ programme. Botswana Investment Interest: Mo Dewji’s MeTL Group explores new Botswana opportunities, including renewable energy and financial services, under the country’s economic transformation drive.