Cocoa Price Pact: Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire agreed to harmonise cocoa farm-gate prices and align marketing calendars after global prices plunged, aiming to protect farmers and reduce smuggling pressures as both countries account for about 60% of world output. World Cup & Integrity: Côte d’Ivoire forward Elye Wahi remains at the centre of a French betting and alleged spot-fixing probe; he was initially barred from Canada but later reports say his travel authorisation changed, while French authorities confirmed he was questioned in May. Côte d’Ivoire Talent in Europe: Liverpool are pushing a renewed bid for RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande after an earlier offer was rejected, as the club looks to add another Ivory Coast star following Victor Munoz. Aviation for Trade: African ministers adopted the Lomé Declaration to speed up implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market, targeting cheaper, more connected air travel to boost intra-African trade and jobs. Digital Economy: ID4Africa 2026 in Abidjan highlighted the shift from digital identity pilots to sustainable “digital ecosystems,” stressing governance and trust as adoption scales. Gold Investment Watch: Macquarie flagged Turaco Gold’s Afema project in southeast Côte d’Ivoire after a prefeasibility study, projecting a long mine life and strong output.