Digital Infrastructure Investment: WIOCC Group secured a combined $300m from Africa Finance Corporation and Vision Invest to expand open-access fibre, data centres and subsea assets across Africa, citing that only 35.7% of Africans used the internet in 2025. Climate & Food Security: UNICEF warns 162m+ children in eastern and southern Africa face escalating El Niño risks—drought, heat and flooding—calling out Djibouti among the most vulnerable, with Somalia flooding potentially affecting up to 2.5m people. Horn of Africa Trade & Supply: Ethiopia says it reached wheat self-sufficiency, replacing imports previously routed largely through the Port of Djibouti, though it still relies on imports to meet demand and faces price concerns from millers. Maritime Security & Djibouti Link: A PLA Navy anti-piracy drill off Somalia included a Type 071 landing ship, with analysis suggesting possible movement toward the Djibouti support base. Blue Economy Cooperation: Tanzania’s Zanzibar and the Union government in the region are deepening Blue Economy ties via financing, skills and marine resource management, including marine spatial planning and support for seaweed and fishing groups.