Red Sea Security & Trade: Saudi Arabia is moving ahead with a 14-state maritime defense coalition aimed at protecting shipping through Bab el-Mandeb and the Gulf of Aden, with Djibouti among the signatories—an effort driven by Houthi blockade threats that are already raising shipping risk and costs. Maritime Risk for Regional Economies: A think tank (GTRI) warns that Red Sea chokepoints are becoming a lasting trade risk, citing slower, pricier routes for exporters and higher freight, insurance and working-capital burdens—routes that pass close to Djibouti and the Horn. Djibouti’s Strategic Role: Commentary highlights Djibouti’s position as a key logistics and connectivity hub, including undersea cable landings and its role in regional maritime security baselines. Horn of Africa Trade Facilitation: A Horn of Africa Initiative roadmap validation meeting in Nairobi agreed on priorities to reduce barriers to trade, with Djibouti among participating countries ahead of a ministerial push. Business & Investment (Somalia): Somalia’s public works minister met investors from Turkey, Djibouti and Sudan to discuss affordable housing and infrastructure projects, with promises of facilitation for permits and regulations. Regional Security Cooperation: Uganda urged stronger support for the Eastern Africa Standby Force, calling for Djibouti and others to fully participate as funding and coordination challenges persist.