Regional Trade & Logistics: Kenya renewed its push for Horn of Africa trade integration, spotlighting transport upgrades and faster logistics corridors, with Lamu Port and the LAPSSET corridor flagged as key links to Ethiopia and beyond, including Djibouti. Gold & Investment Signals: Ethiopia’s Kurmuk gold project is moving toward first industrial gold as Zijin’s C$5.5bn Allied Gold deal nears completion, underscoring how mining capital is reshaping regional industry. Maritime Security for Djibouti’s Trade Routes: The IMO says piracy and armed robbery threats are rising around the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, urging urgent action for 44 seafarers held captive and warning crews face dire shortages. Djibouti-Linked Air Cargo: ProCharter Aviation launched new weekly Nairobi cargo corridors to Djibouti plus Mogadishu, Kismayo and Juba, aiming to speed FMCG and time-sensitive shipments across East Africa. Djibouti Code of Conduct in Yemen: IMO-backed work is advancing Yemen’s National Maritime Information Sharing Centre, with plans to use the Djibouti Code of Conduct/Jeddah Amendment standards as the operating base. Investment Climate Watch: Jordan reported 2025 FDI inflows rising over 25% and improving its investment climate ranking, reflecting broader regional competition for capital.