US-Africa Trade: The U.S. Senate approved a two-year extension of AGOA, keeping duty-free access for 32 sub-Saharan countries through December 2028, a boost for exporters and consumer prices. Capital Markets: Kenya’s regulator cleared the Wallstreet Africa Banking ETF for listing on the Nairobi Securities Exchange, aiming to deepen local investment options as banking stocks rally. Kenya Politics & Governance: INEC closed the 2027 candidate submission portal after a short extension, with major parties reporting uploads ahead of the election timetable. Nigeria Elections & Security: Opposition voices intensified scrutiny over insecurity shutting schools in about 40 local areas, questioning the N144.86bn Safe Schools plan. Osun Gubernatorial Race: At a town hall, candidates clashed over records and jobs, with critics saying promises lacked clear roadmaps. Trade & Industry: Nigeria and Botswana moved to build a trade gateway into SADC, leveraging AfCFTA tariff concessions and pushing beyond tariffs to tackle non-tariff barriers. Regional Energy Markets: Nigeria’s petroleum regulator urged West Africa to shift from price-taking to regional price discovery via infrastructure, logistics and transparent benchmarks. Africa-Global Diplomacy: Liberia’s UN-backed push urged a shift from aid dependence toward measurable results and sustainable financing.