AfCFTA Momentum: The AfCFTA is on track to hit $250bn in intra-African trade in 2026, with Wamkele Mene urging countries to deepen a home-grown market as global shocks squeeze exports. South Africa Governance & Safety: In Johannesburg, a mass shooting at Cleveland’s Jumpers informal settlement left 12 dead and dozens injured, reviving fears of gang violence; meanwhile, in Soweto, Youth Day celebrations sit beside stubborn unemployment, with millions of young people still out of work. Social Protection Crisis: A scathing account from a SASSA office in Soweto describes elderly grant recipients facing months of non-payment, long queues, and systems failures. Climate & Conflict: Germany and Media General launched a year-long climate security dialogue in Tamale, linking erratic rains and shrinking land to farmer-herder tensions and wider livelihood stress. World Cup Fallout & Human Rights: FIFA’s 2026 build-up is shadowed by U.S. immigration crackdowns and travel warnings for fans, as Amnesty and others question how human rights commitments are playing out. Regional Development Watch: Tanzania reports stronger 2025 growth and investment, while Tazara marks 50 years with a shift from “Uhuru Railway” symbolism to a transformation agenda.