Maritime Security & Trade: Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif used a naval academy graduation in Karachi to stress that freedom of navigation and secure sea lanes are vital for global trade and energy flows, while also calling for stronger maritime defence capabilities. Horn of Africa Ports & Competition: A new analysis argues Djibouti’s long-standing port monopoly is being pressured by alternative corridors like Somaliland’s Berbera, with knock-on effects for regional integration and AU decision-making. Shipping Costs & Decarbonisation: Wärtsilä warned that IMO delays and a fragmented regulatory path are making low-carbon bunker fuel adoption harder for shipping firms, especially without a clear carbon pricing mechanism. Djibouti in Regional Finance: COMESA’s Yellow Card Scheme is moving toward digitalisation, with Djibouti’s chairman pushing reforms to speed cross-border motor insurance and improve compensation for accident victims. Cyber & Regional Readiness: IGAD launched a regional cyber drill in Addis Ababa to strengthen collective defence against cross-border cyber threats. Energy & Infrastructure Finance: AfDB highlighted progress under its Desert to Power initiative, including Mauritania–Mali grid interconnection work that also supports broader electricity access goals reaching Djibouti. Money Transfers: Qatar Post rolled out international remittances to Djibouti, promising transfers in up to two hours via post offices.