Industrial Jobs & Energy: Kenya officially breaks ground on Dangote’s $16bn (Sh2.2trn) Lamu refinery, targeting 700,000 barrels/day, up to 1,000MW power co-generation, and about 60,000 direct jobs in construction, shipping, manufacturing and logistics. Political & Social Tension: Kenya’s UGM party calls the refinery a “scam,” alleging land grabs, displacement and environmental harm, and urges the project be halted or redirected to renewables. Education & Workforce Pipeline: NUST admits oversight in its 2025 medical lab science intake, with 50 students cleared for placements while others are blocked by limited practical training capacity. Local Livelihoods & Skills: South Africa’s Project R1 brings financial literacy to Phoenix Grade 10 learners, using savings boxes and budgeting lessons to help youth avoid debt traps early. Corporate Impact: VML’s Worldwide Foundation Day mobilises 26,000+ employees across 55 markets for community projects in education, health, youth and environmental conservation. Labour Rights & Safety: A South Africa whistleblower says reporting corruption at Johannesburg’s vehicle fleet cost her her job and left her struggling to find work, reigniting debate on protection for whistleblowers. Inequality Lens: Oxfam reports South Africa’s richest 1% hold 54.9% of wealth, while the bottom half face more liabilities than assets—highlighting the jobs and pay gap.