Maritime Security & Food Prices: UN chief António Guterres warned that conflicts are turning global food supply into “collateral damage,” urging that maritime chokepoints like the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab never be used to coerce shipping—after slower traffic spiked oil prices and container rates. Djibouti’s Strategic Role: A new wave of analysis says Djibouti’s call for a standing security framework for Bab al-Mandab signals limits in Djibouti’s ability to secure the route alone, with Ethiopia’s port dependence making any disruption a potential shock to the whole Horn economy. Payments & Trade Rails: PAPSS is expanding across Africa as a real-time cross-border payments network in local currencies, now operating in 28 countries including Djibouti—aiming to cut the cost and delays of correspondent banking. Egypt–Djibouti Business Push: Egypt and Djibouti discussed preparations for an inaugural African business summit in Alamein, with focus on renewable energy, logistics zones, ports and maritime connectivity. Offshore Wind Logistics: Scotland’s Ardersier Port signed an MoU with China’s Dajin to explore partnerships for offshore wind supply chains, leveraging deep-water access and power connections. Piracy Returns: Reports of hijackings off Yemen and Somalia highlight renewed piracy risk along the Gulf of Aden and Horn corridor.