Trade & Finance: The EBRD approved a $20m trade finance line for Bank of Africa-Benin to back import-export activity and help Beninese firms access guarantees, short-term funding and wider regional/international markets. Cross-Border Security: Ogun police stopped a planned vehicle trafficking operation, arresting two suspects over a stolen 28-seater Toyota Coaster meant for illegal disposal in Benin. Capital Markets: West Africa’s regional stock exchange (BRVM) is urging international investors to “come to Africa,” highlighting growth-linked returns across the WAEMU market that includes Benin. Governance & Integrity: NABTEB says it is stepping up technology-driven monitoring and tighter collaboration with ICPC to curb exam malpractice. Regional Integration: ECOWAS trade ministers in Accra pushed for deeper mineral value-add and industrialisation to boost intra-African trade and AfCFTA implementation. Public Safety & Health: NDLEA destroyed 73.5 tonnes of illicit drugs in Edo valued at about N2.8bn, underscoring pressure on trafficking networks. Digital & Skills: A World Bank-backed West Africa digital integration push is expanding in Mauritania to include AI infrastructure and training. Policy & Society: Ghana’s NLA says illegal gambling costs it over GH¢1bn annually, warning Benin is among markets losing revenue to unlicensed operators.