Skills & Apprenticeship Leadership: SASASNET reappointed Hon. Ousman Sillah as Secretary General for another three years, citing his role in building the continental skills and apprenticeship network from launch. Agri-Trade & Finance: EIB and BIIC announced €100m in EU-backed financing to strengthen Benin’s agricultural value chains (cotton/textiles, soya, cashew) and support women-led SMEs under the EU Global Gateway push. Cross-Border Trade Facilitation: Togo and Benin reviewed progress to cut barriers on key corridors under PRIMA, aiming to boost agricultural trade by 30% through road movement easing and border coordination. Industrialisation Push: Afreximbank-backed industrial zones in Benin and Togo have pulled in over $1bn in investment, with GDIZ in Benin employing 10,000+ workers and boosting exports—an approach Ghana is looking to replicate. Power & Fuel Cost Pressure (Region): Petrol import parity in Nigeria jumped about 15% to N1,135.73 per litre amid renewed Middle East tensions, raising near-term cost risks for consumers and businesses. Youth, Tech & Jobs: Edo State explored partnerships with the esports sector via the Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy to expand digital skills and youth opportunities. Public Health Note: WHO validated El Salvador’s trachoma elimination, underscoring the global push to end the disease by 2030. Edo Returnees Support: Edo Governor Okpebholo pledged N1m each (N41m total) plus soft loans for 41 evacuees returning from South Africa after xenophobic attacks, with funds promised within 24 hours.