LNG Shipping Upgrade: Nigeria LNG’s Bonny Gas Transport ordered three new LNG vessels from Chinese shipbuilders, boosting fleet renewal with 174,000 m³ ships due in 2029. Middle East Shock to Energy Inputs: UN warns the Iran-linked disruption is still roiling humanitarian supply chains and costs across Africa, with knock-on effects from stalled Gulf shipping routes. Food-Fertilizer Squeeze: A report links Middle East fighting to higher fertilizer prices and shortages by disrupting Gulf nitrogen and sulfur supplies, raising the risk of food insecurity. Kenya Floriculture Expo: Kenya’s flower industry opened its Nairobi trade exhibition, pushing market diversification and highlighting renewable energy and water-saving investments. Zimbabwe Manufacturing Push: Zimbabwe launched a women-led manufacturing association as China’s zero-tariff policy (from May 1) promises duty-free access to China for 53 African countries. South Africa Business Mood: RMB/BER’s confidence index fell to 39 as Middle East tensions lifted oil and fuel costs and shifted expectations toward possible rate hikes. South Africa Fiscal Signal: Treasury DG Pieterse said fiscal credibility is improving, with debt stabilising and borrowing costs easing—though energy and oil shocks remain a key stress test.