Energy Crunch for SMEs: NAWEC warns of major electricity disruptions in The Gambia, with outages hitting small businesses hard as imports fall and backup generation strains. Fuel Cost Shock: South Africa’s fuel levy relief ends after June 1, pushing transport and operating costs higher and squeezing SME cash flow. Policy Fight in California: Sacramento’s appropriations deadline cleared two big bills—one that could expand antitrust liability for routine business decisions, and another that targets natural gas infrastructure—keeping uncertainty high for operators. Travel & Trade Pressure: A push to remove CBP officers from Newark Liberty Airport could strand travelers and disrupt cargo, with knock-on effects for small retailers and import-dependent businesses. SME Formalisation Push (Zimbabwe): Bulawayo urges MSMEs to regularise, pay taxes, and get licences, while a Swiss-funded market rebuild aims to improve conditions for traders. Payments Squeeze: Card swipe fees rose sharply since 2019, and shoppers paying cash or without rewards may be effectively subsidizing perks—raising costs for many small merchants. SME Banking Support (Nigeria): Fidelity Bank launches a quarterly business forum to connect SME leaders with policymakers and advisors, starting in Port Harcourt June 3. Local Growth & Skills: Kelantan’s solar adoption lags at household/SME level due to upfront costs, but leasing schemes could help. SME Success Story (South Africa): A Khayelitsha baker turned job loss into a competition-winning business, highlighting pathways from necessity to opportunity.