Mobile & Digital Growth: MTN says it will target R30 billion in AI-driven value over the next three to five years, starting with “AI Inside” efficiency before scaling riskier B2C and B2B offerings. Retail & Manufacturing: Spar is pushing harder into own-brand labels to lift margins, with CEO Reeza Isaacs pointing to the need for better integration of its private-label business. Fashion & Creative Industries: Eswatini’s local designers took centre stage at the MTN Bushfire Festival as a communications manager wore three curated looks to spotlight homegrown craftsmanship on a global platform. Science, Skills & Innovation: South Africa’s Blade Nzimande urged stronger SADC cooperation in science, technology and innovation, while Eswatini’s PM Russell Mmiso Dlamini reaffirmed ties with SA on higher education, research, innovation and ICT. Trade & Regional Integration: CTICC2 in Cape Town will host major SACU meetings from 18–26 June, focusing on customs and ways to strengthen intra-regional trade. Agriculture & Food Security: Rural women smallholder farmers are calling for governments to put them at the centre of food and climate policy to build resilient food systems across Southern and Eastern Africa. Energy & Infrastructure: South Africa’s electricity sector is shifting toward more flexible, cost-efficient renewable projects as market rules and private offtake deals expand. Business Services: MTN MoMo API training is encouraging developers to build new payment-enabled services, including in healthcare. Policy & Competition: Eswatini’s competition and standards bodies are being urged to help SMEs compete fairly against large firms.