Energy Security & LNG: Zululand Energy Terminal (ZET) signed a heads of agreement with ExxonMobil South Africa LNG for South Africa’s first LNG import terminal at Richards Bay, reinforcing the push for a more diversified, reliable gas supply and Transnet’s role in critical infrastructure. Renewables & Grid Reliability: CHINT says dependable power infrastructure is the base for industrial growth across Africa, as smart grids and resilient networks become essential for renewables and industrialisation. AI Infrastructure Readiness: Schneider Electric warned that Africa’s AI ambitions hinge on solving power constraints for data centres, with global AI players already eyeing the continent. Agriculture Politics & FMD: Willie Aucamp was appointed Agriculture Minister after John Steenhuisen’s removal, as the Foot-and-Mouth Disease crisis continues; farming groups welcomed the change while the new mandate includes stabilising the outbreak response and restoring market confidence. Sugar Rescue Deal: Tongaat Hulett’s liquidation application was withdrawn after IDC and Vision reached a rescue agreement, with unions and industry bodies saying it protects jobs and the sugar value chain while tackling dumped imports. Banking for SMEs: Standard Bank targets a R250bn Africa business revenue pool, aiming to finance cross-border trade and mid-tier growth across key markets. Cybersecurity: Check Point and Illumio expanded a partnership to defend against frontier AI-driven attacks, combining perimeter protection with breach containment. Consumer & Food Costs: Premier Foods warned it may need to lift prices by up to 5% as fuel-driven cost pressures build. Media & Competition: Nigeria launched FreeTV with 100+ channels at no subscription cost, while DStv Stream cut its free offering, intensifying pay-TV pressure.