Foreign-operator crackdown hits small retail: Kenya’s president ordered a Sept. 7 shutdown of foreign-owned small businesses, with Nigerians among those targeted, echoing similar enforcement pressure seen in Ghana—raising fears of closures, backlash, and lost livelihoods. Township economy spotlight (South Africa): A new Competition Commission report says township business activity is real but mostly survivalist and informal, while corporate players eye the mass-market—fueling debate over how value-added services should reach underserved communities. Rural broadband competition fight (South Africa): Major telcos are asking regulators for a rare waiver to share limited rollout planning info for passive infrastructure in remote areas, arguing it’s needed to avoid duplication and speed connectivity. Local business support returns (U.S.): Durham relaunched its Bounce Back program with up to $10,000 for storefront upgrades plus branding help—aimed at preserving Fayetteville Street’s Black-owned corridor. Tariff pressure on small firms (Canada): A poll finds most Canadian small businesses rely on U.S. ties, and many are already cutting spend, delaying hiring, and pausing expansion as counter-tariffs approach. Tech for SMBs: Pakistan’s JazzCash says it onboarded 1.7M merchants to Raast QR, helping businesses build a digital footprint for future credit; and ToAuto’s Smart Cutting Machine roadshow put makers’ real workflows to the test. Small-business friction from inspections (Peru): Peru’s Gamarra garment micro-entrepreneurs say repeated municipal fines are shutting down thousands of tiny shop modules, calling for proportional enforcement.