Maritime Security & Trade: Saudi Arabia is pushing a 14-country Multinational Maritime Defense Alliance to protect the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, with Djibouti among the signatories—aiming to restore commercial confidence after Houthi attacks have kept shipping risk high. Shipping Costs & Industry Impact: A GTRI analysis says Red Sea disruptions have already hurt exporters via higher freight, insurance and working-capital costs, and argues for stronger domestic shipping capacity, trade finance and alternative corridors. Djibouti in the Mix: Japan has deployed a P-1 patrol aircraft to Djibouti for anti-piracy operations, underscoring the port hub’s growing role in regional logistics and security. Compliance Tech for Shipping: BetterSea launched “Stylianos,” an AI agent to help shipping firms handle emissions compliance across FuelEU Maritime, EU ETS, UK ETS and Djibouti carbon taxes. Horn of Africa Trade Facilitation: A Horn of Africa Initiative roadmap validation in Nairobi brought Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia and South Sudan together to prioritize cross-border trade steps ahead of a ministerial meeting in Addis Ababa. Construction & Housing Investment: Somalia’s public works minister met investors from Turkey, Djibouti and Sudan to speed up affordable housing and infrastructure projects.