Kidnap Rescue in Borno: Nigeria’s military says it has freed 360 people held by Boko Haram in a Mandara mountain hideout in Borno, after an intelligence-led assault; two children reportedly died from exhaustion. Kenya Youth Credit Shift: In Machakos, Sacco-led lending is expanding as banks shun young borrowers; SHOFCO says 339 youth have accessed lower-cost loans and grants to grow small enterprises. Zimbabwe Drone Scrutiny: Zimbabwean authorities face fresh criticism over drone use for surveillance, with concerns raised about “constant drone watch” and misuse beyond traffic and crime control. Farmer-Herder Violence in Chad: A land dispute in Mayo-Kebbi East left 11 dead and dozens of homes burned after livestock damaged crops, reigniting clashes between pastoralists and farmers. Agriculture & Public Health Link: Zimbabwe’s Tongaat Hulett partnered with the health ministry to run town-level cervical cancer screening in Chiredzi, using company reach to boost Pap test uptake. Trade Push for Kenyan Exports: President William Ruto departs for Belgium, Norway and Finland to expand market access under the Kenya–EU EPA, targeting tea, coffee, cut flowers and horticulture. West Africa Rice Financing: ECOWAS and AGRA called for more investment to transform West Africa’s rice sector and cut import dependence. Wildlife Meets Farming in Nigeria: Rangers in Okomu National Park are feeding an orphaned forest elephant found near a palm oil plantation, highlighting conservation pressures around agricultural frontiers.