Climate & Disaster Readiness: Action Against Hunger and IGAD’s ICPAC launched IMPAACT, a two-year, ECHO-funded push to scale interoperable multi-hazard anticipatory action for 243,801 people across Ethiopia, Somalia, and Djibouti, aiming to close the gap between risk data and timely response. Marine Science: In Accra, scientists from 21 African countries— including Djibouti—are harmonising microplastics monitoring protocols using nuclear and isotopic techniques, so countries can produce comparable coastal data for stronger environmental policy. Regional Security: Somali pirate attacks off the Horn of Africa are rising again, with analysts linking the uptick to wider Gulf tensions and warning shipping operators to stay alert. Cross-border Crime Skills: Ethiopia announced a forensic science scholarship for IGAD member states, offering regional police officers training at the Ethiopian Police University to tackle cybercrime, trafficking, and other investigations. Trade & Tech Links: Türkiye’s exports to Africa jumped 12% in the first half of 2026, with business leaders pointing to deeper technology transfer and joint production partnerships. Policy Pressure on Business: Overlapping US and China sanctions are creating a compliance minefield for African firms, driving a surge in risk checks across mining, banking, telecoms, and energy. Leadership & Legacy: Qatar mourned former Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, credited with transforming Qatar’s economy and LNG rise during his 1995–2013 rule.