Red Sea Security: A Saudi-led maritime defense coalition has moved into an operational headquarters phase, with Djibouti listed among early participants as the Bab al-Mandeb and Gulf of Aden corridor remains under pressure and shipping costs stay sensitive. Trade Integration: The AU chair congratulated Somalia on ratifying the AfCFTA, calling it a boost for regional commerce—while a Horn of Africa trade ministers’ meeting in Addis included Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya and South Sudan. Djibouti Logistics & Trade Tech: Ethiopia’s ESL launched a digital customer self-service platform for port and cargo services, including tracking, booking, demurrage management and digital payments, with Djibouti-linked rail stakeholders among attendees. Digital Infrastructure Investment: WIOCC secured $300m from Africa Finance Corporation and Vision Invest to expand open-access fibre, data centres and subsea assets across Africa. Climate Risk for the Horn: UNICEF warns El Niño could affect 162m children across eastern and southern Africa, naming Djibouti among the countries facing drought, heat and flooding impacts. Business & Travel: Macrobia Expeditions in Djibouti City says it has won Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice awards for six straight years, marketing private Lake Assal tours and wider Horn itineraries.