Banking Appointments: UBA has appointed Ibrahim Puri as a non-executive director, pending CBN approval, as it prepares for its half-year reporting. Bank Leadership: AB Bank PLC named Areef Billah Adil Chowdhury as managing director, effective Aug 19, 2026. Project Finance: Absa backed a EUR 456m credit facility for Genser Energy’s next growth phase across West Africa, supporting working capital and balance-sheet strength. Digital Workforces: Jem raised $8.4m Series A to scale its WhatsApp-based platform for managing frontline employees and earned wage access across Africa. Trade & Infrastructure: The World Bank praised Tanzania’s first phase of the Dar es Salaam Maritime Gateway Project and signalled support for a second phase to add berths and parking. Policy & Subsidies: Nigeria’s Atiku unveiled a capped, tracked petroleum subsidy model that shifts support from imports to domestic refining, while fuel-subsidy debate continues ahead of 2027. Governance & Integrity: Ghana reported a sharp jump in financial irregularities in public boards and statutory institutions in 2024, underscoring weak controls. Food Security: Cameroon’s farming push is colliding with worsening hunger, with millions facing affordability and conflict-driven food crises. Investment Climate: Mauritius set a USD 375,000 minimum investment for foreigners seeking a 20-year residence permit. Regulation for Digital Commerce: Sierra Leone moved to close a seven-year legal gap to strengthen enforcement for electronic transactions and protect businesses and consumers. Regional Data: ECOWAS is running workshops in Abidjan to harmonise migration and macroeconomic statistics for better surveillance and convergence. Business Innovation: Africa’s Business Heroes semi-finalists pitched in Nairobi ahead of a December finale in Kigali. Energy & Industry: Nigeria’s NESG added Chevron’s Jim Swartz to its board as the country seeks stronger energy investment and competitiveness. Public Debate: IMANI Africa challenged Ghana’s used-vehicle age restriction, asking whether policy is targeting “danger or birthdays.”