UAE–AU Security Talks: The UAE and the African Union met to reaffirm cooperation on peace, stability and sustainable development in the Sahel, with both sides stressing tighter coordination to tackle regional challenges. Digital Payments & Stablecoins: Onafriq partnered with stablecoin infrastructure provider Privy to build embedded stablecoin-enabled payment and settlement services for banks, fintechs and mobile money operators. Red Sea Shipping Risk: The Houthis say they will expand attacks into the northern Red Sea, targeting Saudi-linked shipping and raising new pressure on Suez-area trade routes. Food Security Under El Niño: WFP warns El Niño could worsen hunger for over 18 million people across East and Southern Africa, with impacts extending into 2027. Infrastructure Delivery Push: Tanzania’s Samia Suluhu Hassan urged Africa to move from infrastructure planning to faster implementation, while also pitching Tanzania as an investment and tourism gateway. West Africa Politics: Sierra Leone’s Ernest Bai Koroma met ECOWAS leadership in Abuja, underscoring regional cooperation and democratic governance. Democracy Debate in Ghana: Ghana’s Supreme Court decision orders parties to scrap the delegate system for choosing presidential and parliamentary candidates. Business & Trade: Stanbic IBTC and Anambra convened a Nigeria Business Summit tour to help South-East MSMEs expand trade and access finance.