Red Sea Security & Shipping: Saudi Arabia is moving toward operational activation of a 14-state maritime defense coalition to protect navigation around Bab el-Mandeb, the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, with Djibouti among the signatories—aimed at countering Houthi threats that have already raised shipping risk and costs. Horn of Africa Trade Facilitation: Kenya hosted a two-day validation workshop reviewing the Horn of Africa Initiative (HoAI) Trade Facilitation Roadmap 2026–2031, covering Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia and South Sudan, with a focus on cutting border frictions, improving digital interoperability and corridor governance. Labour Mobility Governance: Tanzania took over chairmanship of the Regional Technical Advisory Committee on Labour Mobility for East and Horn of Africa countries, signaling renewed push for safe, orderly and regular migration management. Djibouti in Regional Security: Japan deployed a Kawasaki P-1 patrol aircraft to Djibouti for anti-piracy operations off Somalia, underscoring Djibouti’s role as a key logistics and security hub. Business & Investment (Somalia): Somalia’s public works minister met investors from Turkey, Djibouti and Sudan in Mogadishu to discuss affordable housing and infrastructure projects, with the ministry offering to facilitate approvals and regulations. Procurement Professionalization: Kenya was named the regional base for CIPS East Africa, positioning Nairobi as a standards hub for procurement and supply across 13 countries.