LNG Push for South Africa: ExxonMobil signed heads of agreement with Zululand Energy Terminal for LNG imports at Richards Bay, backing a gas-to-power plan and aiming to strengthen SA’s energy security as coal reliance and supply risks persist. Grid & Transmission Focus: Mulilo’s CEO says transmission expansion and Southern African Power Pool interconnections are the biggest unlock for the region as Eskom reforms and demand growth reshape investment priorities. Renewables Dealmaking: A.P. Moller Capital agreed to buy Mainstream Renewable Power South Africa, targeting growth across solar, wind and battery storage with a large construction-ready pipeline. Energy Storage Partnerships: Farasis Energy teamed with WLF Energy to accelerate utility-scale and C&I energy storage using AI-enabled energy management. EV Charging Rollout: Ethiopia’s EEU commissioned a fast EV charging hub in Addis Ababa and plans a wider national network along the Ethiopia–Djibouti corridor. Fuel Cost Pressure: Namibia raised its repo rate to 6.75% as inflation climbed on higher transport costs tied to global energy prices. Policy & Market Signals: South Africa’s NOA said aggregation and renewable procurement will matter more as the power market opens, while Lesotho clarified its Petroleum Fund role amid rising fuel-driven living costs. Macro Energy Shock Watch: Analysts warn the US-Iran conflict is turning into a prolonged energy, logistics and food-and-fertilizer shock that could weigh on growth into 2027.