Africa’s private sector recorded its strongest performance in seven months this July, with the average Purchasing Managers’ Index rising to 51.0 from 50.5 in June. This expansion was driven by increased demand, easing inflation, and improved business confidence across most tracked economies, including Nigeria, Kenya, and Uganda. However, analysts warn that the recovery remains fragile. Renewed tensions in the Middle East and the resulting surge in oil prices towards the end of the month threaten to raise transportation and shipping costs, potentially dampening growth and complicating monetary policy for central banks across the continent.