EU–Djibouti Connectivity: The EU pledged €37m to extend the Google-backed Blue-Raman subsea cable into East Africa, linking Djibouti with Somalia, Kenya and Tanzania to cut bandwidth costs and boost resilience for the region’s digital economy. Digital Investment Push: Kenya also secured €102m under the EU-Kenya Digital Partnership, alongside a wider package of about €139m in Brussels aimed at faster digital transformation, connectivity and business opportunities. Banking Expansion Watch: Stanbic is weighing a wholly owned entry into Ethiopia’s banking market as foreign ownership rules reshape how lenders expand. Maritime Trade Pressure: With Houthi threats to blockade Red Sea navigation and warnings around Bab al-Mandab, shipping risk remains a direct cost issue for Horn of Africa logistics. Labour Policy Shock in the Gulf: Kuwait tightened domestic worker recruitment to 10 approved source countries and banned many others, including Djibouti, Kenya and Nigeria—raising new hurdles for regional labour flows. Shipping Network Growth: CU Lines launched a Turkey office to expand its trunk-and-feeder routes connecting Europe, Africa and Asia, including Djibouti.