South Africa Immigration Tech: President Cyril Ramaphosa launched an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) at OR Tambo, rejecting 6,126 fraudulent visa applications and using biometric checks to speed lawful travel while tightening border security. Elections & Political Tension (Nigeria): Atiku Abubakar warned INEC, security agencies and the Tinubu administration against militarising Osun’s governorship vote, citing risks of “mysterious glitches” and partisan use of state power. Local Governance (South Africa): The ANC admitted municipalities still struggle with ageing infrastructure, water losses, service interruptions and housing backlogs, even as it points to progress under interventions. West Africa Press Freedom: MFWA urged Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger and Guinea to end arbitrary arrests and prolonged detention of journalists and civil society actors. Health Crisis (DR Congo): Ebola deaths in the DRC have crossed 2,000 as cases surge across provinces. Regional Climate Finance: ECOWAS pushed to build a regional carbon market platform to close a $294bn climate-finance gap. Ghana FinTech Push: Communications minister Samuel Nartey George backed homegrown fintech via the MoMo FinTech Lab, urging local innovators to compete globally. Uganda Diplomacy: Ambassador Adonia Ayebare formally took over as Uganda’s foreign affairs minister, promising continuity and stronger consular and investor support. South Africa Women’s Day Moment: Ramaphosa drew viral attention after a playful “Gen Z” gesture during Women’s Day celebrations at the Union Buildings.