Sub-national Tech & Governance: Lagos State topped Nigeria’s 2025 State Performance Index, ranking first overall and leading on internally generated revenue, with strong scores in internet penetration and digital access—an example of how data-driven governance can translate into measurable economic performance. Public Health & Climate Risk: The World Meteorological Organization warns El Niño is likely to develop (80% chance) and may persist into late 2026, with knock-on effects for heat and rainfall patterns across Africa—raising stakes for planning in water, agriculture, and disaster response. Regional Health Systems: IGAD launched the $31.9m PREPARE project to strengthen pandemic preparedness across Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, and Uganda, focusing on cross-border early warning, lab capacity, and trained health workforces under a One Health approach. AI for Development: Ethiopia is moving toward an AI university, aiming to open in 2027 and support its Digital Ethiopia agenda—positioning AI education as a new growth and skills pipeline. Energy Policy: Ethiopia approved a draft energy policy targeting full cost recovery for state power utilities by 2028, with tariff reforms and a shift toward targeted support for vulnerable households.