UEMOA Procurement Reform: Finance ministers in Dakar adopted a directive to speed up public procurement across the eight UEMOA states, including Benin, with implementation requiring national transposition. Benin Digital Pensions: Benin’s Ministry of Economy and Finance says registered pensioners can now verify their “life status” via smartphone biometric checks using NPI and booklet numbers, cutting the need to travel. Benin Media Regulation: REPROMED-Benin calls for a consultation on the economic survival of online media after HAAC signed agreements with 89 operators, urging talks on advertising, financing, training and public support. Cotonou Commercial Justice: Benin’s Commercial Court in Cotonou set up a Chamber for International Commercial Disputes, with electronic filing and monthly hearing schedules for cross-border cases. Benin Infrastructure & Accountability: Edo Governor Monday Okpebholo threatened to arrest a contractor over alleged abandonment of the Benin-Abraka Road despite prior payment, as the project’s progress becomes a political flashpoint. Regional Energy & Investment: Algeria’s Sonelgaz is expanding into Senegal via MoUs with Senelec, reigniting debate on West Africa’s energy competition and sovereignty. ECOWAS Youth Observers: ECOWAS plans youth-only election observers for Nigeria’s 2027 vote, citing successful pilots in Benin and Côte d’Ivoire. Security Shock in Nigeria: Kidnappers demanded ₦950m to release 19 NYSC members abducted on the Owerri-Onitsha road, pushing families into panic.