Cooperative Digital IDs: Nigeria has started a six-month revalidation of cooperative societies, moving verified groups and members onto a national smart registry with a Cooperative Verification Number (CVN) and member CoopID credentials—aimed at unlocking easier access to public programmes, loans, contracts and partnerships. Entrepreneurship Pipeline: Africa’s Business Heroes named 20 entrepreneurs for its 2026 semi-final in Nairobi after screening 24,000+ applications across Africa, with a strong focus on leadership, impact and commercial strength. Swiss-Benin-Togo Diplomacy: Switzerland appointed Dr Thomas Oertle as Ambassador-designate to Ghana, Benin and Togo, highlighting plans to deepen partnerships with government, business and civil society. Benin Youth & Health Insurance: Benin City youth leaders praised Edo State Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa for backing NHIA’s GIFSHIP health insurance for 4,000 residents in Ovia Federal Constituency. Security & Transport Risk: Edo State flagged rising okada-linked robberies and said a taskforce will be set up to regulate operations and improve passenger safety. Cross-border Trade: Nigeria and West African onion stakeholders signed an MoA to reduce disputes and improve market access for traders across borders. Skills for Reintegration: Ghana’s migrant returnees graduated from a logistics training programme with IOM-DHL Ubuntu Academy, aiming to support reintegration and sustainable livelihoods.