Grassroots Football: Former Bafana Bafana player Surprise Moriri says South Africa needs a clear pathway from school and junior football to the pro game and national team, with the Kay Motsepe Schools Championship spotlighting talent but calling for stronger grassroots structures. EU Aid Scrutiny: The European Parliament urged tighter scrutiny of EU aid programmes in Africa to ensure measurable, sustainable benefits and equal partnerships as global powers compete for influence and minerals. Digital Health & AI: Nigeria’s health minister Dr Iziaq Salako told Rwanda’s Africa Healthtech Summit that Africa must build intelligent digital health infrastructure first, so AI tools plug into sustainable national systems. Africa’s AI Debate: Commentaries argue the real question isn’t whether AI will replace humans, but who benefits, who gets excluded, and how to govern AI for human development—especially through SME deployment. Lamu Refinery Push: Afreximbank and regional leaders backed Aliko Dangote’s $16bn East Africa refinery in Kenya, pitching it as a jobs and energy-security boost that cuts reliance on imported fuel. Ebola Warning (DRC): Africa CDC warned that falling reported Ebola cases in eastern DRC may reflect surveillance disruptions, not a true end to transmission. Nigeria @66 Politics: As Nigeria marks 66 years, ADC figures renewed pressure on Tinubu over promised transport fare cuts and broader governance change within a year. Cross-Border Security (ECOWAS): ECOWAS’ vice-president visited The Gambia to advance regional peace, security and development, including inspection of RSDF-backed projects.