US Visa Crackdown: The US will end routine visa processing at its Abuja embassy and 24 other African missions from August 1, shifting routine work to regional hubs. Health Financing Reform: Ethiopia has joined UNECA’s Transforming Health Financing in Africa Initiative as an early adopter, aiming to boost domestic funding and sustainable health system investment. HIV & Water Stress: Research presented at AIDS 2026 links water insecurity to sharply worse HIV treatment outcomes in western Kenya, with food and partner violence compounding risk in Uganda. Digital Trade Push: Nigeria inaugurated the ADAPT forum under AfCFTA to move from digital trade policy to implementation, building interoperable digital infrastructure. Red Sea Shipping Tensions: Reuters reports Yemen’s Houthis are considering fees for ships transiting the Bab el-Mandeb, adding pressure to already disrupted maritime routes. AU Governance: The AU Executive Council wrapped up in Addis Ababa, focusing on development priorities, institutional reforms and sustainable financing. China-Mozambique Ties: Mozambique hosted a China–Portuguese-speaking countries entrepreneurs meeting in Maputo, signing 24 cooperation deals worth about $150m. Corporate Audit Market: PwC and EY lead Nigeria’s corporate audit market, each auditing 23 companies in 2025. Mining Deal Update: Zijin Gold’s planned acquisition of Allied Gold was terminated, replaced by a $295m strategic investment.