Ethiopia’s 7th General Election: Ethiopia wrapped up its 7th General Election with officials reporting a peaceful, orderly process, after deploying about 350,000 election staff across more than 50,000 polling stations—an event seen as a major test of democratic stability and regional influence. AU Under Pressure: The African Union Commission says budget gaps are forcing it to run on just 30% of needed staffing and about 25% of its global budget, with 2027 flagged as an austerity year. Djibouti-Ethiopia Corridor: A new look at the corridor frames it as a shared economic system: Djibouti’s port activity is heavily tied to Ethiopian transit, making smooth logistics a direct driver of jobs, revenue, and growth. Digital Silk Road: China’s Belt and Road digital push is highlighted as fiber, data centers, and satellite links that aim to build Africa’s “digital backbone,” with Djibouti repeatedly cited as part of the route. El Niño Watch: The World Meteorological Organization warns El Niño is likely to develop this June–August, raising the odds of hotter conditions and shifting rainfall—especially relevant for eastern and southern Africa. Energy & Industry: Ethiopia’s gas ambitions in the Somali region (Ogaden) are tied to long-running exploration and a renewed push around Calub and Hilala fields.