Digital Divide & Energy Minerals: A new report spotlights how South Africa’s platinum group metals boom powers the digital economy while many mining-town young people still lack reliable internet access, widening inequality between data centres and communities. Manufacturing Slowdown: Stats SA says manufacturing output fell 1.7% year-on-year in June, with food and beverages down and publishing/printing sliding 8.9%, adding pressure to GDP growth. Graphite Push in Tanzania: InVert Graphite outlines a maiden Kumba graphite resource of 32.2Mt at 8% total graphitic carbon, with drilling set to restart in September to upgrade and collect testwork samples. Nigeria’s Orange Economy & Security: AANI calls for a secure environment to unlock entrepreneurship and investment in Nigeria’s creative and digital sectors, framing security as a primary enabler of growth. Fuel Pricing Benchmarking: Nigeria’s midstream/downstream regulator argues West Africa needs its own refined fuel price benchmark rather than letting Europe and Mediterranean crises automatically set prices. Lake Kariba Ferry Disaster: Zimbabwean rescue efforts report 77 rescued and 15 confirmed dead after a capsized passenger ferry, with 27 still unaccounted for. Creative Sector Funding Gap: Stakeholders at Nigeria’s QEDNG summit urge stronger investment and coordination to turn Nigeria’s creative industries into a properly structured economic engine. Kenya Acid Attack Case: A third suspect in the Mary Clare acid attack is arrested and arraigned, with prosecutors alleging a planning role and phone-based payments. Indie Publishing Spotlight: A roundup highlights the importance of independent photo book publishers and new releases, including Damiani’s “Family Cats.”