Transport Funding Push: South Africa’s Transnet is seeking about R35bn from the National Treasury’s Infrastructure Budget Facility for projects through 2030, on top of the R13bn already received, as it tries to fix rail and port performance and unlock more freight capacity. Digital & Payments Growth: XTransfer says it has served over one million enterprise clients globally after processing $60.5bn in payment transactions in 2025, highlighting continued demand for cross-border trade finance. FX Update: Nigeria’s naira strengthened slightly after the CBN eased FX and securities restrictions and opened access to its discount window, though interbank activity fell. Media Freedom Under Pressure: Gabon’s regulator suspended Info241 indefinitely after it republished allegations from a Europe-based activist, drawing a CPJ call to reinstate the outlet. Ebola Response Disruption: DR Congo’s Ebola fight in Ituri faces renewed strain after a treatment center shut temporarily due to a strike over unpaid wages, with WHO warning the outbreak could last up to 12 months. Marketing/Brand Awards: South Africa’s Philipstown WireCar Foundation won Digital Brand of the Year at the 2026 Bookmark Awards, with Accenture Song and Ogilvy sharing Best Digital Agency. Election Watch (Osun): Nigeria’s Osun governorship race is in its final stretch with last-minute party inclusion, court battles and security concerns shaping campaign messaging. Music & Live Events: Wizkid is set to headline the opening night of Lagos’ Detty December Fest 2026, running Dec 18–30 across two stages.