VAT Court Fight in South Africa: Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana defended the power to adjust VAT as “good fiscal management” as the Constitutional Court hears the DA’s challenge over who sets the rate, after a prior VAT saga and a suspended High Court ruling. Crime and Public Safety: Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia said serious crimes fell between April and June, including murder (-5.9%) and carjacking (-18.2%), but warned violence against women and vulnerable groups, plus organised crime, remains a major concern. Regional Education Accountability: East African education leaders in Nairobi backed an implementation compact and a scorecard to turn commitments into measurable results over the next two years. Trade Pressure from China: A US official warned China’s export footprint is squeezing African manufacturers, citing state-subsidised overcapacity and import oversupply. Banking Stress in Togo: Togo’s banks posted a CFAF 20.5bn loss in 2025 after a regulator-ordered loan cleanup drove credit-risk provisions sharply higher. Health Systems Focus: eHealth Africa and Nigeria Health Watch launched the ILF 2026 report, tracking 11 public commitments to strengthen health systems through interoperability, investment and technology. SME Payments Push: Standard Bank highlighted how SMEs want end-to-end support for inventory, payroll and point-of-sale, plus smoother cash-to-digital payments and interoperability. Ghana Apparel Export Push: GEXIM-backed Northshore Apparel Hub in Ghana secured letters of intent from US and South African buyers before production began, aiming to use trade arrangements for export growth. Zimbabwe Investor Signal: Zimbabwe was delisted from the World Bank’s fragile states classification, a move officials say should boost investor confidence. AI Startup Funding (Ghana): Askya Investment Partners launched a US$200,000 equity-free accelerator for 10 AI startups in Ghana and across Africa, with a first cohort in late October.