World Cup-ready hospitality: Vancouver venues are racing to serve match-day crowds with menu tweaks, extra staffing and big-screen setups, including halal-friendly Moroccan spots turning into viewing hubs. Football & community fundraising: Zimbabwe’s Highlanders unveiled a Bulawayo Country Club centenary charity golf classic on Aug 14, with proceeds for Bosso community initiatives. Beverage & packaging shake-up: South Africa-focused Nampak reported mixed interim results: beverage operations in South Africa and Angola helped, but diversified packaging weakness (including aerosol and bottle-cap lines) dragged earnings. Fraud risk for food businesses: South Africa’s SAPS warned Gqeberha food suppliers after fake orders were allegedly placed using the name of the Walmer police station. Trade & sourcing narrative: A feature argues Western buyers still overlook Africa’s food innovation and biodiversity, despite growing natural ingredient and wellness exports. Tax pressure on alcohol: Uganda’s High Court dismissed Nile Breweries’ bid to stop URA collecting Shs18.5bn in disputed VAT and excise duties. Food import bill: Nigeria spent $2.34bn on food imports in 2025, down from 2024, with food’s share of forex utilisation falling to 4.97%.