Digital Governance & Growth: A new push argues Africa’s data economy is being strangled by weak national data governance, leaving investors unable to answer basic questions about markets and trends. China & Infrastructure Narrative: A separate analysis challenges “debt trap” claims, saying many Chinese-funded ports were built after African governments demanded solutions to long-standing infrastructure gaps. Ports, Trade & Jobs: The same debate ties port upgrades to higher intra-African trade and faster growth, framing infrastructure as an economic lifeline, not a geopolitical trap. Nigeria Fiscal Accountability: Atiku Abubakar demands EFCC/ICPC probes into alleged “missing” N8.8tn off-budget spending flagged by an IMF report. Security Architecture: Nigeria’s Lake Chad Basin troop withdrawal sparks debate over whether Nigeria should deepen its own security institutions rather than rely on foreign forces. Regional Politics: Guinea-Bissau opposition accuses ECOWAS of bias after a mission allegedly met only coup authorities during a constitutional review. Sports & Hosting: CAF opens bidding for AFCON 2028, 2032 and 2036, while Ghana wins rights to host the 70th UN Tourism Commission for Africa in 2027. Migration & Human Dignity: Pope Leo XIV marks July 4 by praying at Lampedusa’s migrant cemetery, spotlighting the cost of dangerous crossings. Zimbabwe Youth Engagement: Zimbabwe’s Junior Parliament gears up for the Day of the African Child and a new session focused on youth issues like drug abuse.