AI Policy & Digital Inclusion: COMESA has started consultations across 21 member states to shape a harmonized regional AI strategy, regulatory framework, and digital inclusion action plan, with Kenya and Zambia leading the first rounds under the World Bank-backed IDEA programme. Disaster-Ready Media: UNESCO and Kakama launched in Bujumbura a Swahili disaster preparedness and response framework for media institutions, aiming to improve accurate reporting and community resilience aligned with global disaster risk reduction goals. E-Commerce Trust: The EAC says cross-border online shopping could become safer as it wraps up a knowledge exchange mission to close legal and regulatory gaps affecting e-commerce, consumer protection, and digital trade. Agribusiness Tech: A Tanzania-based innovation is turning ripe cooking bananas into market-ready juice using a mechanised system, targeting better hygiene, quality control, and new income for farmers across the Great Lakes region. Burundi Tech & Language: Burundi’s Kiswahili push is getting a boost as KAKAMA and partners promote using AI and digital platforms to expand Swahili in education and research. Regional Science for Clean Seas: Scientists from 21 African countries, including Burundi, are meeting in Accra to harmonise microplastics monitoring protocols using nuclear and isotopic techniques. Governance & Accountability: A leaked dossier and audit findings highlight major procurement and implementation failures in Uganda’s DRDIP project, raising questions about unfinished infrastructure and idle medical equipment. Cross-Border Security: Burundi and Russia discussed cooperation across sectors and support for African peace initiatives, including Ebola testing support.