Energy & Industrial Policy: Kenya’s President William Ruto pledged full government backing for Aliko Dangote’s planned Lamu refinery, saying land is secured and bureaucracy won’t slow the project, while Dangote offered a 1,000MW power plant with 500MW for Kenya—aimed at reliable baseload power for refining and the Lamu special economic zone. Regional Integration: Nigeria’s VP Kashim Shettima urged the new ECOWAS Commission leadership to prioritise unity, integration and private-sector delivery for the Lagos–Abidjan highway, linking ECOWAS engagement to emerging blocs like the Alliance of Sahel States. UN Diplomacy & Governance: India pushed for stronger Global South voice and urgent UN Security Council reform at the G77 foreign ministers’ meeting, as African leaders renewed calls for permanent representation and a more accountable UN system. Public Health: The Ouagadougou Partnership warned Francophone West Africa’s family planning gains are fragile amid funding uncertainty, while ALMA said a 30% malaria financing cut could trigger 146 million more cases by 2030. Security & Rights: South Africa’s ambassador to the US, Roelf Meyer, rejected claims that farm murders amount to political persecution, warning such framing could harm bilateral relations. Crime & Safety: AFP reported a growing Mexico-linked methamphetamine network across southern Africa, and South Africa’s women runners are arming themselves after a string of killings.