World Cup Spotlight: France and Senegal kick off their 2026 Group I rematch at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, reviving the 2002 shock as Senegal aim to prove they’ve outgrown “underdog” status while France push for a winning start. Digital Economy & Fintech: Ripple takes an equity stake in Flutterwave’s Series E and plans to integrate RLUSD, Ripple Payments and the XRP Ledger across 34 African markets, with stablecoin settlement already live for selected merchants. Public Health: Africa CDC chief Jean Kaseya warns Ebola response in the DRC and Uganda is operating under tough constraints as cases and deaths near 200, stressing early detection, isolation and contact tracing. Migration & Xenophobia: South Africa’s anti-immigrant protests raise fears of wider unrest; Malawi says about 10,000 citizens are stranded and is appealing for help to evacuate them. Visibility & Media: Media strategist Sheeraz Hasan says Africa’s biggest hurdle is visibility, calling for stronger African-led storytelling to help global investors and partners find their way in. Climate Finance: Leaders discuss how to unlock subnational climate funding in Africa, arguing local governments need better access to finance to deliver resilience and infrastructure. Human Rights: Eritrea faces renewed UN Human Rights Council scrutiny over closed civic space, arbitrary detentions and long-term imprisonment of journalists. Culture & Sports Legacy: South Africa marks Youth Day with stories like Adelaide Moeng’s media journey, while the continent mourns jazz icon Abdullah Ibrahim, who died at 91.