Horn of Africa Trade & Security: A new analysis says Djibouti’s long-running port monopoly is being pressured by alternative corridors like Somaliland’s Berbera, and that this is reshaping African Union decision-making around sovereignty and integration. Energy Infrastructure: The AfDB signed key implementation contracts tied to the Desert to Power solar push, including a 225 kV Mauritania–Mali interconnection step that supports wider Sahel electrification goals reaching Djibouti. Djibouti Energy Strategy: Djibouti is turning to Morocco for a solar project with storage to cut reliance on imported electricity and strengthen industrial energy independence. Regional Transport & Insurance: COMESA delegates in Dar es Salaam backed digitising the Yellow Card cross-border motor insurance scheme, aiming to speed compensation and reduce border frictions. Food & Soil: IGAD launched a Soil Health and Fertiliser Hub in Nairobi to tackle declining fertility and boost agricultural productivity across Djibouti, Ethiopia, Somalia and neighbors. Maritime Operations in Djibouti: U.S. forces at Camp Lemonnier added HH-60W Jolly Green II rescue capability, while Italy’s minehunters remain positioned in Djibouti for potential Hormuz mine-clearing missions. Data Centers: A market outlook projects Africa data center investment growth to $8.76B by 2031, with Djibouti expected to attract part of the wave.