Ethiopia–Djibouti Trade & Integration: A fresh look at Ethiopia–Djibouti ties highlights how the Port of Djibouti handles over 95% of Ethiopia’s imports and exports, with rail and road upgrades deepening a strategic partnership built on maritime access and shared security. Djibouti in Regional Finance: The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) signed a US$750m framework agreement with Djibouti (2026–2029) to finance strategic trade across the Horn. Digital Identity & Payments: The World Bank backs digital wallets and verifiable credentials, pushing countries toward modular, user-centric digital identity systems—relevant for smoother commerce and service delivery. Electricity Push (Mission 300): World Bank and AfDB report Mission 300 has connected 50m+ people to electricity across 40 countries, with Eastern Africa grid integration and faster connections supporting businesses and households. Security Pre-positioning Near Djibouti: Germany is sending two ships to Djibouti to prepare for possible mine-clearing in the Strait of Hormuz, underscoring Djibouti’s role as a logistics hub. Early Warning for the Horn: IGAD and AfDB launched SECURES-IGAD to strengthen early-warning data and crisis prevention for Djibouti, Sudan, Somalia and South Sudan. Maritime Competition in the Region: Zanzibar unveiled plans for a US$560m free port and logistics zone at Mangapwani to compete for transhipment and regional trade flows. EV Charging Corridor Link: Ethiopia commissioned a fast EV charging hub in Addis Ababa and plans a network along the Ethiopia–Djibouti trade corridor, aiming to support a growing EV fleet.