Ratings & Trade Finance: S&P Global Ratings upgraded Afreximbank to ‘BBB+/A-2’ with a stable outlook, citing stronger policy relevance and a bigger role in supporting intra-African trade and AfCFTA implementation. Gold Value Chain: Afreximbank says it will invest up to $100m to build a gold refinery in Egypt, targeting production in 2027–2028 and aiming to keep more refining value on the continent. Nigeria Politics: Nigeria’s Federal High Court ordered INEC to deregister ADC and four other parties for failing constitutional vote thresholds, just as ADC names Rotimi Amaechi as Atiku Abubakar’s 2027 running mate. Food Security & Fertiliser: Africa Finance Corporation committed $600m to back Dangote’s fertiliser expansion—boosting Nigeria output and building a new Ethiopia plant—to cut dependence on imported fertiliser. Middle East Peace & Spillovers: The US-Iran MoU drew global welcome, with UN and other leaders urging full implementation, as analysts warn the wider energy and logistics shock could linger into 2027. Regional Diplomacy: Egypt and Luxembourg moved to deepen economic cooperation, including infrastructure, clean energy and banking, while Egypt also stepped up cybercrime-fighting efforts via a new Africa-focused centre. Blue Economy: Ghana’s fisheries minister called for more investment in sustainable “blue foods,” including a planned Blue Food Innovation Hub in Ghana.