Elections Tech & Governance: South Sudan President Salva Kiir has fired National Elections Commission chair Abednego Akok Kacuol and named NEC secretary-general Gabriel Bol Deng Majok, just three months before the Dec. 22 polls—raising fresh worries about voter registration and the tight electoral timetable. Digital Connectivity: MTN South Sudan says it boosted broadband population coverage to 85% after modernizing 500+ sites, and it opened an ICT hub in Rumbek to train young people in digital skills. Health & Education Infrastructure: In Leer County, new World Bank-funded hospital wards and school classrooms were handed over under the ECRP project, with authorities warning against selling construction materials. Food Security & Research: An Egypt-backed vocational academy in Juba is pushing a first agricultural research center and seed bank, aiming to use modern tech for climate-resilient farming. Logistics & Tracking: Traders welcomed Kenya Revenue Authority’s move to open its electronic cargo monitoring system to private vendors, promising faster transit along the Northern Corridor. Finance & Inclusion: AI fintech Optasia reported revenue up 58% and launched microfinancing in South Sudan, extending credit to underserved customers. Energy & Industry (Regional): Kenya is in talks with Dangote for an 800-km crude pipeline to Lamu, supporting a major refinery plan that could reshape regional supply chains.