Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

NAIROBI, Kenya – 500 Global, one of the world's most active venture capital firms1, today announced the launch of their first founder programs in Nairobi, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), to support the pan-African ecosystem2.

Nairobi will serve as host for three programs run by 500 Global in partnership with UNDP this year. The programs are co-designed to support startups at every stage—from early to growth—by offering tailored acceleration programs appropriate to each startup's level of maturity. The first program, the Pre-Acceleration Academy, will support founders at the earliest stage of their journey through an in-person program running October 6 – 12th. The second program, the Sustainable Innovation Seed Accelerator, will provide support for seed-stage founders who are developing sustainable innovation solutions.

The third program, 500 Global's Bootcamp for Accelerator Managers, is designed to upskill accelerator managers and incubators within UNDP's timbuktoo initiative, who are committed to advancing innovation across Africa. The three programs aim to support continued ecosystem development while broadening opportunities to invest in African founders across the continent.

500 Global's Africa leadership aims to work with founders, investors, and institutions like UNDP, to become a more active participant within the African innovation ecosystem.

“With the launch of these programs, we are excited for 500 Global to deepen our work with African entrepreneurs and to help them adapt to this new global landscape. We are looking forward to working closely with partners like UNDP across the continent to provide the infrastructure for sustained innovation and growth. ” – Mareme Dieng, Partner, 500 Global

Together, 500 Global and UNDP hope to provide African founders the insights and expertise to navigate the evolving global landscape and capitalize on opportunities to scale, by providing support, mentorship, as well as their global network of resources.

“At UNDP, we believe that Africa's future lies in the ingenuity of its people. Through this partnership with 500 Global, we are not just investing in startups, we are investing in innovators driving Africa's sustainable transformation. By equipping entrepreneurs with the tools, networks, and mentorship they need, we are building a resilient ecosystem that will power inclusive growth and deliver on the promise of the Sustainable Development Goals”, said Ahunna Eziakonwa, Assistant UN Secretary General and Director of UNDP Regional Bureau for Africa.

Applications are open for all three programs. Founders can learn more and apply through the Pre-Acceleration Academy and Sustainable Innovation Accelerator Program pages.

About 500 Global

500 Global is a multi-stage venture capital firm with $2.1B in assets under management 3 that invests in founders building fast-growing technology companies. We focus on markets where technology, innovation, and capital can unlock long-term value and drive economic growth and development. We work closely with key stakeholders and advise governments on how best to support entrepreneurial ecosystems and economic development in emerging markets. 500 Global has backed over 5,000 founders representing more than 3,000 companies operating in 80+ countries. We have invested in more than 35+ companies valued at over $1 billion and 150+ companies valued at over $100 million (including private, public, and exited companies). Our 175+ team members are located in more than 25 countries and bring experience as entrepreneurs, investors, and operators from some of the world's leading technology companies.

500 Global made its first investment in Africa in 2011. Since then, 500 has invested in and supported 100+ portfolio companies headquartered in Africa, notably backing Chipper Cash, Smile Identity, Stitch, Money Fellows and Asaak. Beyond direct investment, 500 Global has been a partner in ecosystem development, working closely alongside governmental entities, like the Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA) and Gesellschaft fur Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), to develop education for accelerator managers, in addition to providing infrastructure and resources for an additional 150+ Egyptian founders since 2022.

About UNDP

UNDP is the leading United Nations agency fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet.

timbuktoo is a pan-African initiative, led by UNDP, with a focus on unlocking Africa's innovation potential by supporting entrepreneurship and inclusive economic growth. It helps high-potential startups in key sectors through tailored funding, expert mentorship, and access to global markets. Learn more at http://www.undp.org/africa or follow @UNDP and @UNDPAfrica on social media.

1Based on PitchBook's 2024 Global League Tables.
2The programs are supported by additional partners, such as Shell Foundation, in addition to UNDP.
3 ASSETS UNDER MANAGEMENT (AUM) CALCULATIONS ARE BASED ON INTERNAL ESTIMATES AS OF MARCH 31, 2025.

Port Sudan, 15 August – On top of an all out war, people in Sudan are now experiencing the worst cholera outbreak the country has seen in years. First declared by the Ministry of Health one year ago, there has since been 99,700 suspected cases and more than 2,470 related deaths, as of 11 August. In Darfur region alone, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) teams treated over 2,300 patients and recorded 40 deaths in the past week for cholera, at facilities run by the Ministry of Health.

Across Darfur, cholera is hitting people who already struggled with water shortages that made it impossible to follow essential hygiene measures, such as washing dishes and food. The situation is most extreme in Tawila, North Darfur state, where 380,000 people have fled to escape ongoing fighting around the city of El Fasher, according to the United Nations. By the end of July, after one month of responding, MSF teams treated over 2,300 cholera patients in collaboration with the Ministry of Health in Tawila. The cholera treatment centre at Tawila Hospital, officially equipped with 130 beds, had to accommodate 400 patients during the first week of August, overwhelming the facility and forcing staff to add extra mattresses on the floor to cope.

In Tawila, people survive with an average of just three litres of water per day, which is less than half the emergency minimum threshold of 7.5 litres needed per person per day for drinking, cooking, and hygiene, as stipulated by the WHO. As cholera cases rise and resources run out, clean water and sanitation services are urgently needed to prevent more deaths.

“In displacement and refugee camps, families often have no choice but to drink from contaminated sources and many contract cholera,” says Sylvain Penicaud, MSF project coordinator in Tawila. “Just two weeks ago, a body was found in a well inside one of the camps. It was removed, but within two days, people were forced to drink from that same water again.”

About 100 kilometres from Tawila, cholera was reported in Golo, Central Darfur state, on 13 July. MSF opened a 73-bed cholera treatment centre in Golo hospital. This centre was quickly overwhelmed, with 137 patients arriving on 3 August alone. Five oral rehydration points were set up around Golo to manage mild cases and prevent deterioration, but our teams see that the outbreak is still spreading fast. In early August, cholera reached Zalingei and Rokero in Central Darfur state, and Sortony in North Darfur state.

Heavy rains are worsening the crisis by contaminating water and damaging sewage systems. Cases are continuing to rise in South Darfur state, as well, where MSF, in coordination with the Ministry of Health, has expanded the cholera treatment centre in Nyala to 80 beds. There, the response is waiting for vaccines and facing a severe shortage of water purification tablets.

“The health centres are full,” says Samia Dahab, a resident of Otash displacement camp in Nyala. “Some areas have water, others have kiosks that are far or empty. Some water is salty, and we drink it unboiled, unsure if it’s safe.”

As people move around to flee fighting, cholera is spreading further, in Sudan and into neighbouring Chad and South Sudan. In Damazin, Blue Nile state, Sudan, MSF and the Ministry of Health expanded the Damazin hospital cholera treatment centre from 50 to 250 beds in July to cope with an influx of returnees from South Sudan. At this centre, our teams are seeing a deadly combination of cholera and malnutrition. Between 3 and 9 August, six cholera patients who died were also suffering from acute malnutrition.

“The situation is beyond urgent,” says Tuna Turkmen, MSF’s head of mission in Sudan. “The outbreak is spreading well beyond displacement camps now, into multiple localities across Darfur states and beyond.”

“The international response must have an outbreak emergency coordination mechanism able to provide healthcare, improve water and sanitation services, and begin cholera vaccination campaigns in affected areas at a pace that matches the urgency this catastrophic situation requires,” says Turkmen. “Every day of delay costs lives. MSF stands ready to collaborate with the Ministry of Health, UNICEF, and WHO to launch mass vaccination campaigns across Darfur. Survivors of war must not be left to die from a preventable disease.”

Bitcoin has surged to fresh record highs this week, trading above $123,000 and pushing further past July's peak as momentum from institutional buying, corporate treasury adoption, US policy support, and sovereign-level gains continues to build.

The move strengthens global financial advisory giant deVere Group's projection that Bitcoin could hit $150,000 before the end of 2025.

The world's largest cryptocurrency has now risen more than 31% since the start of the year and is up around 60% from April's market lows.

A combination of unprecedented inflows into US spot Bitcoin ETFs, balance-sheet allocations from major public companies, pro-Bitcoin policies from President Donald Trump's administration, and rising national-level profits from BTC adoption are driving the latest rally.

Nigel Green, CEO and founder of deVere Group, says: “We're seeing multiple, powerful forces converging to push Bitcoin to new highs.

“Institutional capital is pouring in through spot ETFs at record volumes. Public companies are treating Bitcoin as a strategic reserve asset. The White House is actively supporting the asset class. Nation states are already in profit on their Bitcoin positions. These aren't isolated developments; they're part of a deep, systemic shift in the global financial system.”

This week's highs were accompanied by record trading volumes for US spot Bitcoin ETFs. BlackRock's IBIT led with more than $3.7 billion traded in a single day, followed by Fidelity's FBTC with over $500 million.

Corporate holdings have also reached historic valuations. Michael Saylor's Bitcoin-focused firm Strategy announced that its BTC reserves are now worth $77.2 billion, an increase of more than $35 billion from its previous peak last year.

Meanwhile, El Salvador's government revealed that it holds unrealized Bitcoin profits of more than $468 million. The country's investment of $300.5 million is now valued at over $768 million, underscoring the potential for sovereign adoption to generate significant returns.

President Trump last week signed an executive order instructing the Labor Department to explore allowing 401(k) plans to hold cryptocurrencies and other alternative assets — a move that could dramatically increase retail exposure to Bitcoin in the US.

deVere's Nigel Green says that while price volatility is inevitable, the structural drivers for Bitcoin remain overwhelmingly positive.

“There will be periods of profit-taking. That's natural in any fast-moving market. But the underlying factors are strong and getting stronger.

“Institutions are committing long-term capital; corporate treasuries are diversifying into Bitcoin; and national adoption is delivering measurable returns. Also, Washington is shifting from resistance to integration.

“This is why we are currently maintaining our $150,000 target for year-end.”

Bitcoin's capped supply remains a central feature in its upward trajectory. With a fixed issuance rate, growing demand from institutional, corporate, and sovereign buyers exerts increasing pressure on available supply.

This dynamic, combined with accelerating inflows, is creating the conditions for further sharp moves higher.

“The scarcity factor is now being amplified by unprecedented demand from entities that buy in size and hold for the long term,” Nigel Green adds.

“This is strategic positioning in an asset that is becoming embedded in both private and public sector portfolios.”

The deVere chief also points to the broader macro environment as a tailwind, with expectations of looser monetary policy increasing the appeal of assets perceived as stores of value.

“We're entering a phase where policy, liquidity, and adoption are all aligned in Bitcoin's favour.

“Even if we see pullbacks, they will likely be short-lived, because every dip is being met with substantial buying from market participants with deep pockets and long-term conviction.”

With Bitcoin now within striking distance of $125,000, the market's attention is turning to whether the next leg higher will arrive in days or weeks.

For Nigel Green, the outlook is clear. “The trajectory remains firmly higher. The blend of institutional adoption, corporate strategy, supportive US policy, and sovereign participation is unprecedented. We believe Bitcoin will continue to climb and could reach $150,000 by year-end.

 “For the time being at least it seems the momentum is there, the fundamentals are there, and the buyers are there.”

deVere Group is one of the world's largest independent advisors of specialist global financial solutions to international, local mass affluent, and high-net-worth clients.  It has a network of offices around the world, more than 80,000 clients, and $14bn under advisement.

British & Irish Lions tour and State of Origin decider lift spending in July, with rate cuts poised to boost consumer optimism into 2026.

The CommBank Household Spending Insights (HSI) Index rose 0.8 per cent in July, driven by spending on Recreation (+1.8 per cent) and Hospitality (+1.5 per cent), which were both boosted by the visiting British & Irish Lions and State of Origin decider during the month.

The past five months of steady spending growth suggest consumers are becoming more confident and willing to open their wallets, according to CBA Senior Economist Belinda Allen.

“The British & Irish Lions rugby tour and State of Origin decider helped boost spending in July as fans spent up on travel, entertainment and accommodation,” said Ms Allen.

“We have been anticipating a lift in household spending for some time, supported by rising real disposable incomes, increased household wealth, and a resilient labour market. Although the recovery has taken longer than expected to materialise, the consistent growth in recent months gives us confidence that momentum is building.

“We expect a further pickup in spending through the rest of this year and into next, helping to drive a broader economic recovery.”

Where else did people spend in July?

Ten out of the twelve categories recorded growth in July, as consumers splashed out on travel bookings, accommodation and eating and drinking out, with major sporting events a key driver. Beyond Recreation and Hospitality, other spending categories recording gains during the month included Motor Vehicles (+1.4 per cent), Insurance (+1.2 per cent) and Health (+1.1 per cent). Spending on Education was flat, and Utilities (-0.5 per cent) was the only category to see a fall during the month.

What areas have seen the biggest spending growth over the year?

The HSI Index has risen 6.4 per cent over the year, with the biggest gains occurring across Communications & Digital (+10.9 per cent), Recreation (+10.3 per cent) and Hospitality (+10.0 per cent). Education is now the weakest category over the year (-1.8 per cent) while spending on Utilities is now in positive territory as cost of living energy subsidies are gradually wound back.

“Strong growth in spending on recreation and hospitality over the year underscores that consumers are prioritising experiences and being deliberate about their spending choices. This was especially evident in July, when the British & Irish Lions tour and the State of Origin decider drove a surge in spending on these categories,” said Ms Allen.

What does this mean for interest rates?

“Following the August interest rate cut, we expect the RBA to cut the cash rate once more in November to 3.35 per cent. A lower rate environment should help fuel consumer optimism and spending in the year ahead, and into 2026,” commented Ms Allen.

Source: Flinders University

It’s survival of the fittest in nature, and an alien-looking ground mite demonstrates how the most promiscuous males fight and sometimes even cannibalise other males to ‘win’ greater access to females. 

Flinders University researchers have found that these tiny mites (Rhizoglyphus echinopus), which can breed to pest levels and damage bulb crops including onions and garlic, can regulate their aggression to target and eat rivals which are not related to them.

“We know male competition influences long-term population growth and understanding levels of aggression in populations can help to understand their strengths and weaknesses if conservation or control measures are required,” says evolutionary biologist Dr Bruno Buzatto, senior author of a new journal article about these microscopic bulb mites, barely visible at less than 0.5mm on average.

For example, separate studies have previously found some arthropods such as Colorado potato beetles, forked fungus beetles, praying mantises and wolf spiders do not exhibit kin discrimination and display equal levels of aggression regardless of relatedness.

“With these mites, we were able to examine levels of fighter aggression towards their own brothers versus unrelated males, and when females were present,” says Dr Buzatto, who leads the Behaviour and Ecology of Terrestrial Arthropods (BETA) Lab in the College of Science and Engineering.

“Male fighters can quickly kill their rivals and are more likely to do so if their rivals are unrelated genetically.

“Like some insects and spiders, this study noted less aggression towards kin and higher mortality among mites not related to fighter males – and more intensity in fighter aggression when females are present.”  

Researchers say the study helps to fully understand the impact of kinship on aggression within the context of mate competition, especially when aggression evolved as part of a reproductive tactic.

The article, 'Mate competition and relatedness among males mediate the evolution of lethal fights in bulb mites'(2025) by Incheol Shin, Sebastian Hayden and Bruno A Buzatto has been published in the journal Evolution(Oxford Academic). DOI: 10.1093/evolut/qpaf094. https://doi.org/10.1093/evolut/qpaf094

14 August 2025 – Over 100 organizations call for an end to Israel’s weaponization of aid.

Despite claims by Israeli authorities that there is no limit on humanitarian aid entering Gaza, most major international NGOs have been unable to deliver a single truck of lifesaving supplies since 2 March.

Instead of clearing the growing backlog of goods, Israeli authorities have rejected requests from dozens of NGOs to bring in lifesaving goods, citing that these organizations are “not authorized to deliver aid.” In July alone, over 60 requests were denied under this justification.

This obstruction has left millions of dollars’ worth of food, medicine, water, and shelter items stranded in warehouses across Jordan and Egypt, while Palestinians are being starved.

“Anera has over $7 million worth of lifesaving supplies ready to enter Gaza – including 744 tons of rice, enough for six million meals, blocked in Ashdod just kilometers away,” said Sean Carroll, President and CEO of Anera.

Many of the NGOs now told they are not “authorized” to deliver aid have worked in Gaza for decades, are trusted by communities and experienced in delivering aid safely. Their exclusion has left hospitals without basic supplies, children, people with disabilities, and older people dying from hunger and preventable illnesses, and aid workers themselves going to work hungry.

The obstruction is tied to new INGO registration rules introduced in March. Under these new rules, registration can be denied on the basis of vague and politicized criteria, such as alleged “delegitimization” of the state of Israel. INGOs warned the process was designed to control independent organizations, silence advocacy, and censor humanitarian reporting. This new bureaucratic obstruction is inconsistent with established international law as it entrenches Israel’s control and annexation of the occupied Palestinian territory.

Unless INGOs submit to the full registration requirements, including the mandatory submission of details of private donors, complete Palestinian staff lists and other sensitive information about personnel for so-called “security” vetting to Israeli authorities, many could be forced to halt operations in Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and remove all international staff within 60 days. Some organizations have even been issued a seven-day ultimatum to provide Palestinian staff lists.

NGOs have made clear that sharing such data is unlawful (including under relevant data protection laws), unsafe, and incompatible with humanitarian principles. In the deadliest context for aid workers worldwide, where 98 percent of those humanitarians killed were Palestinian, NGOs have no guarantees that handing over such information would not put staff at further risk, or be used to advance the government of Israel's stated military and political aims.

Today, INGOs’ fears have proven true: the registration system is now being used to further block aid and deny food and medicine in the midst of the worst-case scenario of famine.

“Since the full siege was imposed on 2 March, CARE has not been able to deliver any of our $1.5 million worth of pre-positioned supplies into Gaza,” said Jolien Veldwijk, Country Director of CARE. “This includes critical shipments of food parcels, medical supplies, hygiene kits, dignity kits, and maternal and infant care items. Our mandate is to save lives, but due to the registration restrictions civilians are being left without the food, medicine, and protection they urgently need.”

“Oxfam has over $2.5 million worth of goods that have been rejected from entering Gaza by Israel, especially WASH and hygiene items as well as food,” said Bushra Khalidi, Oxfam Policy Lead. “This registration process signals to INGOs that their ability to operate may come at the cost of their independence and ability to speak out.”

These restrictions are part of a broader strategy that includes the so-called “GHF” scheme – a militarized distribution mechanism promoted as a humanitarian solution. In reality, it is a deadly tool of control, with at least 859 Palestinians killed around “GHF” sites since it began operating.

“The militarized food distribution scheme has weaponized starvation and curated suffering. Distributions at GHF sites have resulted in extreme levels of violence and killings, primarily of young Palestinian men, but also of women and children, who have gone to the sites in the hope of receiving food,” according to Aitor Zabalgogeazkoa, MSF emergency coordinator in Gaza.

Both the “GHF” scheme and the INGO registration process aim to block impartial aid, exclude Palestinian actors, and replace trusted humanitarian organizations with mechanisms that serve political and military objectives. They come as the government of Israel escalates its military offensive and deepens its occupation in Gaza, making clear these measures are part of a broader strategy to entrench control and erase Palestinian presence.

“At this point, everyone knows what the correct, humane answer is, and it's not a floating pier, airdrops or the “GHF.” The answer, to save lives, save humanity and save yourselves from complicity in engineered mass starvation, is to open all the borders, at all hours, to the thousands of trucks, millions of meals and medical supplies, ready and waiting nearby,” said Sean Carroll of Anera.

We call on all states and donors to:

● Press Israel to end the weaponization of aid, including through bureaucratic obstruction, such as the INGO registration procedures.

● Insist that INGOs are not forced to share sensitive personal information, in violation of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), or compromise staff safety or independence as a condition for delivering aid.

● Demand the immediate and unconditional opening of all land crossings and conditions for the delivery of lifesaving humanitarian aid.

Notes 

● The occupied Palestinian territory is the deadliest setting for aid workers worldwide, with Palestinian staff accounting for 98% of aid worker fatalities: 509 out of 517 killings that took place between 2023-2025, according to the Aid Worker Security Database. 

● On 6 May, 55 organizations warned that Israel’s new INGO registration measures are a grave threat to humanitarian operations and international law. 

● On 1 July, 200+ organizations called for immediate action to end the deadly Israeli distribution scheme, including the so-called “GHF” in Gaza, revert to the existing UN-led coordination mechanisms, and lift the Israeli government’s blockade on aid and commercial supplies. 

● On 23 July, 100+ organizations warned that, as mass starvation spreads across Gaza, our colleagues and those we serve are wasting away. 

● On 29 July, the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) wrote that the worst-case scenario of famine is currently playing out in the Gaza Strip. 

● Israel has consistently denied restricting the amount of aid allowed into Gaza, including throughout the period of July 2025, when most of the denials discussed in this statement were issued. 

● On 31 July, OHCHR wrote that since 27 May, at least 1,373 Palestinians have been killed while seeking food; 859 in the vicinity of the “GHF” sites and 514 along the routes of food convoys. Most of these killings were committed by the Israeli forces. 

● On 4 August, a Palestinian nurse in Gaza was killed when an airdrop struck him. ● On 5 August, it was reported that Israeli authorities are planning for the full occupation of the Gaza Strip. 

● On 6 August, UN agencies and NGOs warned that without immediate action most international NGO partners could be de-registered by Israel in coming weeks. ● On 6 August, the Dutch Data Protection Authority (DPA) concluded that Israel’s information requests under the INGO registration process risk violating the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The DPA advised that INGOs should not comply with these requests, and that the only solution is for Israel to amend its requirements and for the relevant ministries to issue a formal protest. 

● On 7 August, MSF released a report stating food distributions in Gaza run by the so-called “GHF” are sites of “orchestrated killing and dehumanization” that must be shut down.” 

● On 10 August, Save the Children reported the deaths of 100 children due to starvation in Gaza since October 2023. 

● On 12 August, a group of UN Special Rapporteurs on human rights published a letter to the Israeli government, stating deep concern that the INGO registration measures “weaken the ability of INGOs to operate independently and impartially and to carry out their humanitarian and human rights work without interference or fear of reprisal” and that “that the obligation to report on INGO personnel, in the context of occupation, armed conflict and serious violations of international law, could raise serious protection and reprisal concerns.” 

Signatories: 

1. A New Policy 

2. ACT Alliance 

3. ActionAid Denmark 

4. ActionAid International 

5. Action Against Hunger (ACF) 

6. Action For Humanity 

7. All We Can 

8. Alliance Sud 

9. American Fri

Newly arrived refugees in South Australia will have access to sporting events as well opportunities in volunteering, education, employment and community engagement thanks to a new partnership between A League soccer club Adelaide United and settlement agency AMES Australia.

The partnership is aimed at supporting the settlement and integration of newly arrived communities across South Australia through the inclusive power of sport, youth engagement, and community-focused programs.

The collaboration will see AMES and Adelaide United work together to deliver a range of initiatives, including dedicated multicultural matchdays during Harmony Week, pre-match citizenship ceremonies, junior development clinics, youth engagement events, and volunteer opportunities, all designed to promote social inclusion and cultural understanding.

At the heart of this partnership is a shared commitment to empowering individuals and communities through sport.

A key focus will be placed on the development of female-focused football programs, fostering participation, leadership, and confidence among girls and young women from diverse backgrounds.

These programs will also incorporate AMES’ “Sport for Respect” initiative, using football as a platform to promote respect, prevent domestic and gender-based violence, and champion positive role models in the community.

AMES CEO, Catherine Scarth welcomes the partnership, highlighting its potential to support long-term settlement outcomes for migrants and refugees.

“Football is the world game, and it has the power to bring diverse communities and people together. We value our partnership with Adelaide United because of the opportunities it presents for our clients and the communities we work with in terms of access to sport, community engagement, education and employment,” Ms Scarth said.

SA Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing Emily Bourke said the partnership is a key step towards inclusive community development.

“Our Government is proud to support initiatives that increase participation and create a more inclusive environment through sport. This partnership sets out to provide opportunities for girls and women to achieve their goals on and off the pitch, which we continue to build through programs like The Power of Her.”

Nathan Kosmina, CEO of Adelaide United, said the partnership closely aligns with the Club’s core values of inclusion and community connection.

“Our purpose ext

CommBank and OpenAI team up to explore cutting edge generative AI-enabled banking services for customers

CommBank today announced a multi-year partnership with OpenAI to bring advanced AI to customers and employees, becoming OpenAI’s strategic banking partner in Australia.

CommBank and OpenAI engineers will work together to explore advanced generative AI solutions that aim to strengthen scam and fraud detection and deliver more personalised services for CommBank customers.

The Commonwealth Bank has responded to the Reserve Bank of Australia’s cash rate decision, reducing rates on eligible variable-rate business loans.

Following the Reserve Bank of Australia’s (RBA) decision to decrease the official cash rate by 0.25% per annum (p.a.), CBA will decrease rates by 0.25% p.a. on eligible variable-rate business lending products.

The rate reduction will apply to CBA Business Bank’s Variable Base Rate, Residential Equity Rate, and Overdraft Reference Rate, flowing through to eligible variable-rate business lending products including BetterBusiness Loans and Business Overdrafts.

These changes will be effective 22 August 2025.

Support for business customers

We offer a wide range of tools and programs to support business customers at every stage of their business journey. These include:

• Free comprehensive cash flow tracking capabilities via a Business Cash Flow tool in the CommBank app.
• Bill Sense to help customers predict future bills and CommBank’s business insights tool called Daily IQ.
• CommBank has partnered with University of NSW to offer a free Cash Flow Management course for any Australian small business.
• Eligible business customers can also benefit from discounts and special offers available via CommBank Yello for Business, the bank’s customer rewards and recognition program.
• A range of financial support options are available for business customers experiencing difficulty, including deferred business loan repayments or debt restructuring.

More information is available on our website and businesses seeking support can speak to their Relationship Manager or call CBA’s dedicated Business Financial Assistance team, available 24/7, on 13 26 07.

The Commonwealth Bank is reducing variable home loan rates following the Reserve Bank of Australia’s cash rate decision.

Following the Reserve Bank of Australia’s (RBA) decision to decrease the official cash rate by 0.25% per annum (p.a.), CBA will decrease home loan variable interest rates by 0.25% p.a.

All home loan variable rate changes announced today will be effective 22 August 2025.

Speaking of the change Angus Sullivan, CBA’s Retail Group Executive, said “With now three rate cuts this year, Australian borrowers are getting some breathing room back in their budgets. It will be very welcome for those with a home loan.”

“We can see people are responding to lower interest rates in different ways – some are covering everyday costs a little more comfortably, others are getting ahead on their home loans.”

“We want to make it as easy as possible for our customers to take advantage of the cut in the way that makes sense for them. Tools like our Mortgage Repayment Calculator show you the difference an extra repayment can make. They’re easily accessible in the CommBank app and NetBank.”