Rwanda Inflation Watch: Rwanda’s annual inflation hit 13.6% in June, up from 12.9% in May, driven by steep health costs (+71.2%), transport (+26%) and housing/fuels (+20.5%), squeezing household budgets. Fuel Subsidy Pressure: Rwanda spent about Rwf48bn (around $32m) on fuel subsidies between March and June to cushion consumers and businesses from Middle East-linked oil price shocks, keeping diesel at Rwf2,927/litre versus an estimated Rwf3,600 without support. Regional Payments Push: The EAC is advancing instant cross-border payments, with Rwanda and Tanzania working on a pilot to link Rwanda’s RSwitch and Tanzania’s Instant Payment System for real-time, secure person-to-person transfers. Cross-Border Digital Trade: Rwanda and Tanzania also move toward deeper digital payments integration under EAC plans, aiming to cut costs and expand financial inclusion. Airtel Rwanda Deal: Airtel Rwanda and Watu are rolling out a smartphone financing initiative to make devices more accessible, boosting connectivity for households and schools. Aviation & Trade Logistics: Kenya’s proposed Strategic Goods Control Bill is sparking concern from airlines and forwarders that extra licensing could slow clearance of time-critical aircraft spare parts. Food Security Risk: The WTO warns Gulf conflict disruptions have nearly halted fertiliser shipments via the Strait of Hormuz, pushing nitrogen prices up sharply and raising food insecurity risks across Africa. Ebola Funding Gap: Africa CDC and partners warn the DRC’s fast-growing Ebola outbreak needs urgent surge funding and logistics to prevent wider regional economic and health fallout.