Sovereign Finance & Markets: The South African Reserve Bank warned that oil-price shocks could keep inflation pressure high, raising the odds of tighter policy, while SPAR’s profit slid 53.9% and debt rose as trading pressures mounted. World Cup Spotlight: Mexico and South Africa open the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Mexico City on June 11, with FIFA backing Bafana Bafana’s return and Opta’s supercomputer leaning toward Mexico. Security & Violence: Gunmen killed 12 in a Johannesburg-area settlement attack, with police probing links to illegal mining; xenophobic tensions also continue to drive fresh fears and displacement. Climate & Public Health: Kenya secured $700,000 in Santiago Network loss-and-damage technical support, and Africa CDC urged stronger Ebola exit screening at airports, ports and crossings. Trade & Industry: Egypt and Tanzania moved to deepen trade and logistics ties, while Mozambique approved a tender for its first vehicle assembly plant via public-private partnership. Governance & Corruption: Nigeria and Kenya’s anti-graft bodies called for shared, evidence-based anti-corruption strategies across Africa. Business & Energy: Mozambique signed $450m in World Bank financing for social protection and resilience, and South Africa’s EV charging network expanded with off-grid solar sites.