Cocoa Value Addition Push: West African cocoa producers signed the Abuja Declaration to create a Cocoa Value Addition Alliance, aiming to move from exporting raw beans to local processing, factories and jobs. Digital Economy & AI: UEMOA opened a regional forum in Burkina Faso on AI-powered digital growth, with Côte d’Ivoire among countries preparing a shared AI development strategy and harmonised digital rules. Mining Investment in Côte d’Ivoire: Predictive Discovery will invest about $10m for a ~12.3% stake in Awalé Resources, backing gold exploration at the Odienné project in north-west Côte d’Ivoire. Energy Resilience in Abidjan: African Risk Capacity appointed David Maslo as CEO, as the parametric insurer expands climate and disaster risk financing and continues its relocation to Abidjan. Digital Marketing Deal: 365 Digital became an authorised Google Ads sales representative across Côte d’Ivoire, Mauritius, Seychelles and Réunion, setting up an Africa Centre of Excellence to support advertisers. Data Centres Expansion: Raxio plans a Tanzania data centre (TZ1) with 6MW capacity, adding to its existing footprint including the Ivory Coast. Maritime Trade Risk: Shipping routes face renewed pressure as conflict-linked attacks hit commercial vessels in the Black Sea, raising supply-chain and security concerns.