Energy & Logistics in the Horn: Djibouti has started construction of the Sh20.7bn (about $160m) Fuelstor multi-product fuel terminal in the Damerjog corridor, aiming to store and trade petroleum products, LPG and edible oils—an answer to volatile shipping and fuel-price shocks as East Africa debates refinery plans. Red Sea Pressure, Hormuz Uncertainty: France’s Charles de Gaulle carrier group has reached the Arabian Sea as Europe lays groundwork for a possible defensive Hormuz maritime mission, while the US rejects Iran’s 14-point peace proposal—keeping insurers and shipping risk premiums on edge. Somali Piracy Fallout: In Karachi, families of Pakistani seafarers held by Somali pirates are escalating protests as ransom demands reportedly rise, with crews describing worsening conditions. Africa’s Connectivity Race: A new Atlantic subsea cable push (Via Africa) is moving into its study phase to boost Europe–Africa bandwidth resilience. Trade Power Shift: A new look at global trade shows China overtaking the US as the top goods partner for most countries by 2025, with only a small set of African states still trading more with Washington.