HealthTech Pilot: South Africa-based Bixie Technologies says its AI-driven app pilot for diagnosis and treatment support is progressing, with limited live testing (about 31 visitors, 5 active users) as it refines the product and collects early feedback. Connectivity in Africa: Airtel and SpaceX’s Starlink Mobile service has launched in the DRC, letting compatible phones connect directly to satellites for SMS and light data without a dish, with broader rollout pending approvals. Pay-TV Disruption: MultiChoice DStv Stream users in South Africa and Nigeria report live-channel outages and errors after seven channels were removed from DStv Premium, sparking complaints online. Agritech & Food Security: The ARC’s plant virology collection is highlighted as a key national resource to detect crop-threatening viruses early and prevent outbreaks. Energy Transition: A report argues South Africa is overlooking concentrating solar power as coal plants retire, despite strong direct sunlight potential. Regional Tech Diplomacy: BRICS ICT ministers meet in Pune (Aug 17–21) to discuss resilient digital connectivity, trusted tech and skills. Women’s Rights & Housing: The IRR urges faster issuing of title deeds, saying women are disproportionately affected by the backlog and administrative delays. Agriculture Research: A study on small-scale sugarcane growers points to weed pressure, weak planning, limited seedcane access and poor technical support as major productivity blockers. Finance Infrastructure: China’s yuan push in Africa is expanding via CIPS connections, with Standard Bank already linked and more institutions preparing to join.