SME Lending & Finance: South Africa’s Bridgement secured $20m in backing from RMB and Standard Bank to speed up AI-powered business loans for SMEs that can’t meet traditional credit checks. IPO Watch: India’s Liqvd Digital filed a DRHP for an INR 37 crore SME IPO, aiming to fund an AI-focused VCP hub and complete its stake buyout. Banking Stress: EswatiniBank’s loan impairments jumped to E45.6m, with credit impairments rising to 8.6% as late supplier payments and sector shocks hit SME-linked borrowers. Policy & Trade: Indonesia is shifting export strategy toward high-value-added products and digital services, explicitly including MSMEs. Cross-Border Friction: AfCFTA progress is being slowed by inconsistent customs rules and border delays that still raise costs for SMEs. Tech for Small Business: Hong Kong expanded AI support for SMEs in the trade sector, while Dubai launched a one-stop platform to connect small firms with finance, growth, tech, and certification services. Local Business Climate: In Nigeria, MTN restored airtime/data borrowing via *303# after a regulatory dispute—an emergency lifeline for millions. Cybersecurity: Malaysia businesses face rising AI-and-password cybersecurity risks, as attackers disguise malware as popular AI services. Retail Rules: South Korea’s discount-store regulations are under renewed pressure as critics say they’re outdated and hurt offline small retailers. Community Markets: Helper, Utah is launching a weekly flea market to help local vendors and cottage businesses sell every Saturday through October.