Local Success Story: In Khayelitsha, Mcebisi Gugu Ndlovu went from washing pots at Doppio Zero to running his own small bakery after Covid job loss—then won multiple business competitions and even baked a cake for ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa’s January 8 celebrations. Energy Crunch: The Gambia’s NAWEC says electricity disruptions in the Greater Banjul area and West Coast are tied to reduced imports and limits in backup generation, with outages hitting businesses, schools and healthcare. SME Costs & Cash Flow: South Africa’s fuel levy relief ends after June, and analysts warn small firms will feel it fast through transport, supplier and operating costs—forcing pricing and margin trade-offs. Payments Pressure: Card fees are up sharply since 2019, and shoppers who pay with cash or non-rewards cards are effectively subsidizing rewards users—an added squeeze on small retailers and consumers. SME Finance Push (Nigeria): Fidelity Bank is launching a “Fidelity Quarterly Business Forum” to connect SME leaders, policymakers and experts, starting in Port Harcourt on June 3. SME Compliance (Zimbabwe): Bulawayo MSMEs are being urged to regularise operations, pay taxes and get licences as safer, more formal market spaces expand. Trade & Market Access: India’s India-Oman CEPA kicks in, promising duty-free access that could boost orders in textiles, leather and other SME-heavy sectors. Cyber/Tech for Small Firms: Google’s upcoming Android networking update aims to make local file sharing easier by letting apps use more standard network ports.