Benin Health & Tech: Benin is rolling out a Korean-developed AI malaria diagnostic system, Noul’s miLab MAL, into its national malaria program after a public procurement win—starting with 20 units for severe-malaria hospitals and expanding nationwide, with reported near-perfect diagnostic performance and faster results. Regional Trade & Food Security: A new report highlights how food security is driving cross-border investment and value-chain control, pointing to a planned Nigeria–Benin agribusiness joint venture (TGI and Wilmar) spanning oil palm, rice, food manufacturing and distribution. Cross-Border Payments: PAPSS CEO Mike Ogbalu III says Nigeria has been central to the Pan-African payments push, helping businesses trade in local currencies and reducing reliance on hard currency for cross-border deals. Governance & Accountability: Nigeria’s ANEEJ is demanding transparency and a refund of over ₦14bn allegedly paid for the Benin–Asaba road corridor, questioning contract scope, certification and the claim that only about 40% was completed. Oil Sector Policy: Nigeria’s upstream regulator NUPRC says it may move to more frequent oil licensing rounds (annual or even twice-yearly) to speed investment and boost crude output. Business & Markets: BIRC 2026 registrations show Benin among top overseas rice buyer countries, as Gulf instability is reshaping travel and sourcing decisions toward direct access hubs like India.