Horn of Africa Trade & Logistics: Kenya is pushing deeper regional support for the Lamu Port–South Sudan–Ethiopia Transport Corridor (LAPSSET), pitching it as the backbone for trade, smoother borders, and stronger value chains across Ethiopia, Somalia, Sudan, Djibouti and Eritrea. Maritime Security: The IMO is urging urgent action to secure the release of 44 seafarers held by Somali pirates/armed robbers in the Gulf of Aden and off Somalia, warning of critical shortages of food and water as attacks rise. Djibouti Code of Conduct in Action: The IMO’s Red Sea Project is helping Yemen set up a National Maritime Information Sharing Centre and a Regional hub, with Yemen told to adopt the Djibouti Code of Conduct/Jeddah Amendment information-sharing standards. Regional Power Integration: Ethiopia says it will keep advancing Eastern Africa Power Pool plans for an integrated regional electricity market. Marine Environment & Industry: GAEC is hosting scientists from 21 African countries to harmonise microplastics monitoring protocols using nuclear and isotopic techniques, including Djibouti. Air Cargo Connectivity: ProCharter Aviation launched new weekly Nairobi cargo corridors to Mogadishu, Kismayo, Djibouti and Juba to speed East Africa trade.