July 2025 – What Happened Across Africa

July was a busy month for the continent. From CEOs changing seats to new grant dates, from soccer clashes to tech launches, there was a story for every interest. Below you’ll find the most talked‑about pieces that shaped the news cycle, plus a quick guide on what to keep an eye on next.

Top Stories You Can't Miss

Banking shake‑up in Nigeria – Access Holdings named Innocent Ike as its new chief executive, ending an 18‑month acting stint by Bolaji Agbede. The move follows the death of former boss Herbert Wigwe and signals a fresh direction for the country’s biggest bank.

SASSA’s grant calendar – South Africa’s social grant agency released the 2025‑26 payment schedule. All older persons, disability and children’s grants now have set dates, and the October payment gets a modest R10 rise.

Champions League showdown – Liverpool will travel to Istanbul on Sept 30 to face Galatasaray. The Turkish side hopes for its first point in the competition, while Liverpool looks to bounce back after a recent loss.

SEC warning on investment scams – Nigeria’s Securities and Exchange Commission reminded investors that CAC and EFCC certificates do not guarantee a legit scheme. The warning cites the CBEX fraud that duped more than half a million people.

Messi on Apple TV – Fans can catch Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami match against Toronto FC live on Apple TV’s MLS Season Pass. The game took place at BMO Field on Sept 27, with goalie Sean Johnson making a few key saves.

Dangote Refinery controversy – A leaked memo allegedly ordering the dismissal of 800 workers sparked a union backlash. While the refinery claims only a small group faced termination over safety, the dispute threatens fuel supply across Nigeria.

Kenya’s teacher hiring surge – The Teachers Service Commission opened applications for 24,000 new teaching posts across all counties. The drive aims to thin out overcrowded classrooms and support the rollout of the new Competency‑Based Curriculum.

What to Watch Next

If you follow sports, keep tabs on the upcoming Copa Libertadores matches. Flamengo’s referee dispute and Palmeiras’ quarter‑final clash with River Plate promise drama. In tech, Xiaomi’s 17 series is already challenging Apple’s iPhone 17 with lower prices and premium specs.

Health readers should note the Harvard‑led review linking prenatal acetaminophen use to higher autism and ADHD risk. The study covered over 100,000 participants and urges cautious, doctor‑guided dosing.

Finance watchers will want to see how Nvidia’s $4 trillion market cap reshapes the AI race, and how Microsoft’s addition of Grok AI models to Azure could affect enterprise AI adoption.

Finally, keep an eye on the political scene in Tanzania as opposition groups push for constitutional reforms ahead of the 2025 elections. The outcome could set the tone for democratic processes in the region.

That’s the quick rundown of July’s biggest stories. Bookmark this page to stay updated as new developments unfold throughout the rest of the year.

SASSA July 2025 Grant Dates: When Payments Reach Pensioners, Disabled and Children

SASSA July 2025 Grant Dates: When Payments Reach Pensioners, Disabled and Children

The South African Social Security Agency has released its July 2025 grant calendar, outlining payment dates for old‑age, disability and children’s grants. The schedule follows a June disruption that saw 210,000 beneficiaries suspended for income checks. Current pension amounts are R2,330 for those 75+ and R2,310 for ages 60‑74. Beneficiaries are urged to update their records to avoid future delays.

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