Maritime Security: The IMO chief urged action to secure the release of 44 seafarers held by Somali pirates, warning crews face critical shortages aboard three detained vessels. Agri-Food Trade: Russia shipped record wheat volumes to Africa in 2025-26, with Djibouti taking more than 350,000 tons—up 43%—as demand stays high. Energy Connectivity: Ethiopia and Kenya signed a new electricity supply deal to boost cross-border power trade, with Ethiopia exporting at about $0.15/kWh and expanding regional reliability. Shipping & Logistics: Kenya is pushing regional backing for the Lamu Port–South Sudan–Ethiopia Transport corridor as Dangote’s planned $17bn refinery could anchor long-term port traffic. Agro-Industry: Ethiopia targets avocado exports during Peru’s off-season, pairing orchard output with cold storage at Modjo Dry Port to cut logistics friction. Environment & Monitoring: Scientists from 21 African countries met in Accra to harmonize microplastics monitoring protocols using nuclear and isotopic methods, including Djibouti among participants. Policy & Inputs: Djibouti-relevant regional supply chains get a boost as Ethiopia approved direct seed marketing to ease hybrid maize shortages and speed delivery to farmers.