Benin’s New Government Priorities: Benin’s first cabinet under President Romuald Wadagni set a seven-year action agenda, including modernizing public payroll systems, improving pension coordination, and using AI and geospatial data to boost farm decisions. ECOWAS Integration Push: Wadagni also signaled a renewed diplomatic posture, meeting the ECOWAS Commission chief to prioritize trade links, security cooperation, and regional economic resilience. Digital Transformation Partnership: Benin’s NITDA/ASIN teams deepened ties with Nigeria’s NITDA on digital public infrastructure and innovation-driven governance frameworks. Solar Finance Deal: JBIC signed a loan agreement with Benin for up to €24m to fund battery installations at solar power facilities, supported under a 2025 credit line. Regional Visa Liberalization: Congo announced visa-free entry for all Africans from 1 Jan 2027, joining Benin and other regional movers to ease intra-Africa travel and trade. Fuel Price Pressure in Togo: Togo raised retail fuel prices (gasoline to 725 CFA/litre) citing higher global oil costs and reduced subsidy room. Nigeria Security Snapshot: Nigeria’s Defence Minister Christopher Musa put Tinubu’s security performance at 65–70%, noting progress on terrorism but rising kidnapping. Hospitality Investment in Nigeria: Accor partnered with Shoreline to build Nigeria’s first national hotel platform, targeting up to 10 branded hotels by 2030. Ghana E-Visa Boost: Ghana launched an e-visa system and waived fees for African passport holders to speed up travel and support AfCFTA trade. Drug Seizure in Edo: NDLEA recovered 498kg of cannabis allegedly abandoned in an Edo shrine, with a key suspect still at large. Edo Political Dispute: APC senatorial aspirant Osagie Ize-Iyamu denied cloning a Vanguard front page and threatened legal action over the alleged publication. Food/Trade Shock Spillover: India cancelled soybean meal export contracts after domestic price spikes, redirecting trade flows toward African suppliers.