Ethiopia’s June 1 vote: Ethiopia has entered the mandatory electoral silence ahead of its 7th general election, with preparations largely complete and more than 50 million registered voters expected to cast ballots—an institutional test amid security worries and a fragmented opposition. AI for education: Ethiopia plans an AI university starting in 2026 with an opening targeted for 2027, aiming to train students and position Africa to contribute to the age of artificial intelligence. Energy reform: Ethiopia approved a new energy policy targeting full cost recovery for state power utilities by 2028, with tariff reforms and a shift from broad subsidies toward targeted support. Regional health security: IGAD launched a $31.9m pandemic preparedness project (PREPARE) to strengthen cross-border surveillance, lab capacity, and trained health workforces across Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, and more. Medical tourism push: Ethiopia is upgrading tertiary care and using AI-driven diagnostics to attract patients from the Horn, including Djibouti and northern Kenya. Snakebite risk: A WHO-led study warns climate change may increase venomous snake encounters as habitats shift, raising bite risks in the tropics. China-Africa ties: Coverage marks 70 years of China-Africa relations and highlights Beijing’s “Global South” framing alongside trade and cooperation narratives. Nuclear science in Rwanda: Rwanda signed a nuclear cooperation deal with Russia focused on nuclear medicine, training, and early feasibility work for a research reactor and science center.