(MENAFN- The Rio Times) North Africa pushed energy and geopolitics-Morocco unveiled a national smart-grid platform while Beijing reiterated UN-process support on the Sahara and the UN warned on Sudan's war.

In Central Africa, the DRC's PM urged regional economic blocs to cooperate rather than compete. East Africa delivered a trade opener (Rwanda avocados to China) and a cybersecurity shock (Somalia's e-visa).

Southern Africa saw a $1 billion private-sector bet in Zimbabwe. Mozambique launched an SME credit-guarantee push, Liberia tightened project oversight, and South Africa hosted G20 leaders (day two) in Johannesburg.
North Africa
1) Morocco launches a national smart-grid platform
Morocco unveiled what it calls Africa 's first coordinated smart-grid platform to accelerate grid digitization, demand response and renewables integration.

Why it matters: Clear grid-modernization signals improve bankability for storage/renewables and lower curtailment risk for IPPs.
2) Western Sahara diplomacy: China's ambassador meets MINURSO chief in Rabat
Beijing's envoy reaffirmed support for the UN mission and referenced the latest Security Council resolution.

Why it matters: Consistent third-country backing of the UN track shapes investor risk perceptions in Morocco's southern provinces (ports, logistics, renewables).


3) Sudan war: UN calls for an arms blockade as the humanitarian crisis deepens
The UN warned of atrocities in El-Fasher and escalating violence in Kordofan, urging member states to halt weapons flows.

Why it matters: A tighter arms regime-if enforced-could shorten supply chains of conflict commodities and reduce regional spillovers.
Central Africa
4) DRC PM Suminwa: regional economic blocs must complement-not compete
At a Kinshasa conference, the prime minister pressed for harmonized policies among African blocs to advance trade and stability.

Why it matters: Convergence across blocs can cut NTBs and de-risk capital projects in the Great Lakes.
East Africa
5) Rwanda opens a new trade lane: avocado exports to China
Kigali signaled the start of shipments under new access terms, positioning horticulture for higher-margin markets.

Why it matters: Diversified agri-exports support FX inflows and upstream investment (pack-houses, cold chain).
6) Somalia flags suspected hack of the new e-visa system
Authorities and foreign missions acknowledged credible reports of a breach affecting recent applications.

Why it matters: Cyber lapses raise KYC/AML and data-privacy risk for airlines, hotels, and investors; remediation speed will be closely watched.
Southern Africa
7) Zimbabwe lands a $1 billion private-sector program from Dangote Group
The package spans cement capacity, energy inputs and regional fuel-logistics corridors.

Why it matters: Rare scale for Zimbabwe-if executed-crowds in suppliers, logistics, and finance across SADC.
Lusophone & Indian Ocean
8) Mozambique rolls out a nationwide SME credit-guarantee scheme
Maputo launched a guarantee facility to unlock bank lending to small firms.

Why it matters: Partial-risk sharing can lift credit creation and formalization without FX-mismatch risks.
West Africa
9) Liberia's House summons Public Works Minister over halted Bong Bridge project
Lawmakers demanded explanations on delays to a strategic transport link.

Why it matters: Stronger oversight can improve execution and reduce cost overruns-key for debt sustainability and contractor confidence.
Continental
10) G20 in Johannesburg: Africa on center stage for global economic governance
Day-two coverage emphasized Africa's role in shaping trade, energy transition and debt reform agendas.

Why it matters: Outcomes on climate finance, SDR recycling and supply-chain resilience will filter directly into African risk premia and project pipelines.

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