Coffee Value Chain Push: Eight African countries met in Marrakech to launch a joint initiative aimed at boosting African control of coffee processing, exports, and market access, including cooperation deals and a major pledge for Africa’s largest coffee research centre. Maritime Security Shock: Somali pirates are back in force, holding the Togo-flagged MT Eureka and demanding $10m ransom, as Gulf disruptions linked to the Hormuz situation keep shipping risk high. Ghana Police Crackdown: Ghana’s CID and police units reported major wins, including the arrest of 50 suspects in an intelligence-led Madina Market drug operation and breakthroughs against child exploitation and online predation. Togo Digital Health Move: Togo is preparing a unified digital platform to manage universal health insurance reimbursements, using a federated approach to connect hospitals, pharmacies, labs, and insurers. France Backlash at Summit: Macron faced criticism after interrupting an Africa Forward Summit panel to demand silence, reigniting debate over France’s “partnership” claims. ECOWAS Security Planning: ECOWAS is moving toward a regional counterterror force, with financing and troop structure still a key focus.