Climate & Food Security: A strong El Niño could worsen hunger across Africa, with WFP warning nearly 49 million more people may face serious food insecurity by end of next year, as drought and erratic rains bite. Water & Hydropower: Ethiopia is being urged to build more mega dams on the Abay (Blue Nile) after GERD’s inauguration, arguing it strengthens equitable use of shared Nile waters. Heat Extremes: Morocco is seeing record heat stress, with studies linking more frequent extreme episodes to long-term warming across North Africa and the Mediterranean. Pollution & Health: New research flags microplastics as a possible driver of bacterial resistance by helping biofilms form and boosting survival against antibiotics. Mining & Enforcement: Liberia’s environmental watchdog raid exposed an illegal Chinese-owned gold mine using a banned chemical, reigniting calls for tougher regulation. Governance & Safety: South Africa’s weather service warns of disruptive snow and damaging winds over the long weekend, raising risks for livelihoods and travel. Regional Trade & Industry: SADC’s Industrialisation Week in Durban pushed infrastructure, agriculture and critical minerals transformation, stressing political commitment to turn plans into results. Intra-Africa Integration: South Africa and Angola’s cross-border payment push was highlighted as a milestone for easier transactions and deeper trade ties.