Foreign-operator crackdown: Kenya’s President William Ruto ordered a Sept. 7 shutdown of foreign-owned small businesses, sparking panic among Nigerians in Kenya and raising spillover concerns for cross-border retail. Payments for MSMEs: In the Philippines, PPMI and Alipay+ enabled Alipay+ on QR Ph, letting local merchants accept global wallet payments and pushing cross-border demand for MSMEs. Rural broadband fight: South Africa’s biggest telcos are asking regulators for a rare competition waiver to share limited rollout planning for rural infrastructure—aimed at speeding connectivity where costs are high. Local business backlash: Duluth-area small businesses are leaving the Chamber of Commerce after it publicly backed a proposed Hermantown data center, with owners citing lack of input and environmental/AI concerns. Township economy spotlight: South Africa’s Competition Commission released a rural and township economy report showing most township businesses are informal and survivalist—highlighting the gap corporate players are trying to tap. Disaster help for SMBs: Hawaiʻi opened community resource centers tied to the Kona earthquake disaster declaration, with SBA and FEMA support available for eligible residents and small businesses. Cyber clinic for sole owners: UH Maui College launched a free Zoom series on building practical cybersecurity tools “on no budget” for small operators. Small-business growth funding: Durham relaunched its Fayetteville Street Bounce Back program, offering up to $10,000 for property improvements and support for Black-owned corridor businesses.