Judicial Reform: South Africa’s judiciary conference approved steps toward a single, independent judicial system, including shifting magistrate’s courts administration to the Office of the Chief Justice. Social Protection & Fraud: SASSA fired four Limpopo officials over a R33m social grants fraud scheme, reinforcing zero tolerance for internal corruption. Youth, Skills & Jobs: ECA urged African countries to harmonise education and expand youth access to finance to move young people from informal work into sustainable livelihoods. Investment & Employment: Nigeria’s Tinubu ended a 30-year Abuja Technology Village stalemate by launching the Abuja City Walk sales and experience centre, while HBM Nigeria said it expects to add 4.5m tonnes capacity by Jan 2027 and recruit for expansion. Industrial Policy: South Africa is betting on Special Economic Zones to drive new investment and jobs, with government citing SEZ results and plans to designate more zones. Skills Systems: Nigeria’s ITF and NBTE agreed a clearer split of mandates to strengthen skills development and reduce reliance on imported artisans. Banking Restructuring: African Bank began consultations over restructuring that could cut 1,200 jobs and close 90 branches. Regional Human Capital Budgets: Togo is integrating demographic dividend-responsive budgeting into its 2027 budget to prioritise education, health, employment and entrepreneurship. Cocoa & Dairy Value Addition: BOI will channel about 70% of an €85m EIB facility into Nigeria’s cocoa and dairy sectors to deepen processing and create jobs. Workplace Integrity: A South African labour-focused piece warned about fraudulent sick notes and what proper medical certificates should include.