Regional Energy & Trade: The World Bank says its West Africa power integration programme has expanded electricity access to over 3 million people, built 4,000+ km of transmission lines linking 15 countries, and is moving toward a regional electricity market to cut costs and improve reliability. Clean Mobility Investment: Spiro, an African EV and battery-swapping firm operating in Benin, Nigeria, Togo, Kenya, Rwanda and others, secured $215m in equity to scale its swap network, manufacturing footprint and new market entry. Cross-Border Security & Trade: Benin and Burkina Faso pledged renewed cooperation with a focus on tackling terrorism and cross-border crime, while also pushing logistics and corridor improvements tied to the Port of Cotonou. Finance & Governance: Ecobank Transnational elected Cathia Lawson-Hall to its board, adding a seasoned finance and governance profile to its leadership. Visa-Free Push: Campaigners and regional partners welcomed moves by African states to remove visa barriers for Africans, citing benefits for mobility and trade. Market Dispute in Benin: Edo State market women protested after Governor Okpebholo allegedly locked them out of the rebuilt Oba Market, disrupting trade and reigniting concerns over promises made during reconstruction. Macroeconomic Risk: S&P warns Middle East conflict could strain Africa’s energy and food systems, with Benin flagged among countries at higher risk of credit deterioration.