Debt & Education: UNESCO is urging governments and lenders to expand debt-for-education swaps, warning 113 countries now spend more on debt servicing than on schooling—an issue hitting sub-Saharan Africa hardest. Fuel Prices: A July 2026 ranking shows Niger among Africa’s cheapest petrol markets, with Niger listed at about $0.872 per litre, alongside Libya, Angola and Algeria. Power & Industry: Burkina Faso inaugurated its first state-owned gold mine and, separately, secured a $300m AFC-backed loan for a major thermal power plant—both aimed at boosting jobs, exports and energy independence. Telecom Investment: IFC approved a $150m loan to Airtel Africa for network modernization across African markets including Niger, targeting wider access and jobs. Sahel Geopolitics: Russia’s Lavrov met Niger’s president in Niamey, discussing trade, investment and preparations for the third Russia–Africa summit, while also stressing counterterrorism cooperation with the AES bloc. Security & Business Disruption: In Nigeria, rising insecurity is already hitting horse-based film production, with Nollywood actor Ibrahim Chatta saying fewer epic shoots mean fewer horse purchases. Health Alert: Niger State reported a Buruli ulcer outbreak in Munya LGA, with deaths rising to seven and an isolation centre activated.