Red Sea Security: Djibouti, Ethiopia, Somalia and Yemen met in Nairobi to strengthen maritime law enforcement and information-sharing across the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, with UNODC, EU, INTERPOL, IMO and IGAD backing the push as piracy and trafficking risks disrupt shipping. Maritime Operations: The IMO warned that six vessels remain held by pirates/armed groups and that more than 90 seafarers are trapped, urging urgent action for their release. Regional Trade & Ports: Ethiopia proposed a National Maritime Information Centre to improve coordination and protect the corridor—an economic necessity for landlocked Ethiopia. Humanitarian Fallout: In Sana’a, officials said the 12-year Saudi blockade and Sana’a airport closure have blocked medicine deliveries, forcing diversions that spoil supplies and worsen chronic disease care. Finance & Sanctions: The US moved to cut Banque Misr UAE branches off from dollar transactions over Iran links, signaling tighter secondary sanctions that can ripple into regional banking. Energy Projects: Ethiopia’s Koysha dam needs an extra €500m to finish, even as GERD supplies 52% of power, highlighting ongoing infrastructure financing pressure. Islamic Finance: An interview highlights East Africa’s potential for interest-free banking, citing demand for Shariah-compliant products and regulatory momentum. Agribusiness Exports: Ethiopia is pushing to upgrade banana quality for global markets, including expanding beyond current destinations like Djibouti and Somalia.