Horn of Africa Trade Push: Kenya says deeper regional trade is key to stability, pointing to transport upgrades and logistics corridors like the Lamu Port–LAPSSET route, and calling for stronger partnerships with Ethiopia, Somalia, Sudan, Djibouti and Eritrea. Gold Deal Watch: Ethiopia’s first large-scale industrial gold push is getting closer as Zijin Gold’s C$5.5bn Allied Gold acquisition nears completion, with Kurmuk targeting first gold within weeks. Investment Climate Signals: Jordan reports FDI of over US$2bn in 2025, up 25%+, and ranks higher in the Dhaman investment climate index, while the wider Arab region sees weaker new project values amid geopolitics. Somalia Security Funding Shock: The U.S. move to end payments and block UN logistics for UNSOS after Dec. 31, 2026 raises the risk of major disruption to the AU fight against al-Shabaab. Maritime Risk for Djibouti’s Trade Links: IMO warns piracy is surging again in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, urging action to free 44 seafarers held by pirates, as attacks continue near the Horn. Djibouti Connectivity by Air Cargo: ProCharter launches four weekly Nairobi cargo corridors to Mogadishu, Kismayo, Djibouti and Juba, aiming to speed imports/exports for time-sensitive goods. Regional Water Stress Context: A new global snapshot shows extreme water stress in the region, with Kuwait and the UAE topping the list—an issue that matters for long-term business planning.