Trade & Finance: ITFC (IsDB Group) signed a US$750m framework agreement with Djibouti (2026–2029) to expand trade finance for strategic commerce in the Horn. Digital Economy: The World Bank backs digital wallets and verifiable credentials as a user-centric identity and payments foundation—relevant for Djibouti’s push to modernize financial access. Regional Insurance: COMESA is digitising the Yellow Card Scheme to speed cross-border motor insurance, cut bottlenecks, and improve compensation for road-accident victims; Djibouti’s chairman highlighted digitalisation as key to meeting rising trade demand. Energy Security: Djibouti is partnering with Morocco on a solar project with storage to reduce reliance on imported electricity and strengthen industrial ambitions. Migration & Media: Eastern African journalist leaders in Mombasa pledged fact-based, ethical reporting on migration and labour mobility, with Djibouti among participating countries. Governance Watch: A whistleblower alleges IGAD financial misconduct and procurement fraud, urging donors to freeze funding. Maritime Risk: Oman and the IMO are coordinating plans to evacuate hundreds of ships stranded after Strait of Hormuz disruptions—an ongoing reminder of how chokepoints can hit regional trade.