AI Policy & Digital Inclusion: COMESA kicked off consultations across 21 member states to shape a harmonized regional AI strategy, regulatory framework, and digital inclusion action plan under the World Bank-backed IDEA programme. Disaster-Ready Media: In Bujumbura, Kakama and UNESCO launched a disaster preparedness and response framework for media institutions, pushing more accurate reporting to strengthen community resilience. Transport & Regional Trade Tech: KeNHA shared progress on the KSh 172b Rironi–Mau Summit Road PPP, split into three sections along the Northern Corridor to cut congestion and boost cross-border movement. Agritech & Value Addition: Tanzania’s UDSM says it has a mechanised system to turn ripe cooking bananas into market-ready juice, aiming to reduce imports and create jobs across the value chain. Energy & Industry: Kenya’s government says it has agreed with Dangote to move ahead with a 700,000-barrel-per-day refinery in Lamu, targeting refined supply across East and Central Africa including Burundi. Governance & Accountability: Uganda’s DRDIP project faced major scrutiny after an Auditor General report flagged unfinished infrastructure, idle medical equipment, questionable payments, and money left in accounts after closure. Local Tech & Language: Burundi hosted the 7th International Conference on Kiswahili, with calls to use AI and digital tools to expand Swahili in education, research, and platforms. Cross-Border Security: A new analysis highlights how insurgent groups in the Swahili Arc and Great Lakes region exploit weak state control, turning governance gaps into survival strategies.