Red Sea & Bab el-Mandeb Risk: Iran’s threat to block Bab el-Mandeb raises the stakes for Djibouti’s maritime role, as the IMF notes Red Sea disruptions are still cutting traffic through the Yemen–Djibouti route to about half pre-crisis levels, keeping transport costs and supply-chain strain elevated. Djibouti Energy Infrastructure: Djibouti Ports and Free Zones Authority says it’s waiting for Ethiopia’s participation in the next budget year to start building the Damerjog oil depot at the new Damerjog Liquid Bulk Port, with financing discussions involving Ethiopian Investment Holdings. Shipping Connectivity (Djibouti Link): Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) added a new Emirates Shipping Line service connecting Jeddah with Mundra (India) and the Port of Djibouti, targeting improved Red Sea supply-chain efficiency. Investment Push for Fragile Economies: AfDB and the World Economic Forum launched the HRI Roadmap for Africa to mobilize private capital into frontier markets, with pilots already underway in Djibouti. Regional Cargo Rerouting: RwandAir freight points to Gulf instability driving faster contingency planning and more routing resilience, with Kigali positioned as an alternative hub for cargo moving between Europe and Asia. Oil Market Expansion (Dangote): Dangote’s CEO says the refinery is advancing new pipeline and storage plans across Southern Africa and the DRC to deepen regional fuel penetration.