Livestock & Trade Controls: The Philippines has ordered a temporary ban on importing FMD-susceptible animals and related products from at least 23 countries, including Gambia, after lab-confirmed foot-and-mouth disease reports. Digital Government & Identity: Gabon is looking to Rwanda for help building a digital government ecosystem, including online public services, civil registration and identity, AI policy, and cybersecurity. Digital Economy Push in The Gambia: EFF-Gambia leader Prince Ebrahim Sanyang says broadband should be treated as an economic right, with tech hubs in every region and full digitisation of government services to cut corruption. Regional Diplomacy for Industry: President Adama Barrow concluded a visit to Guinea focused on cooperation across agriculture, trade, energy, fisheries, tourism, science and technology. ECOWAS Leadership Change: Senegal’s Birame Diop has taken over as President of the ECOWAS Commission, inheriting priorities like connectivity and the Eco single currency. Energy Costs: The Gambia approved new retail fuel pump prices, with petrol at D109.80/litre and diesel at D120/litre, citing higher international crude and refined product prices. Transport & Connectivity: Sanyang Beachside Road was inaugurated to boost coastal access and support future trade links, including the planned deep-sea port. Higher Education Financing: The Students Revolving Loan Scheme opens applications on September 15 for interest-free tuition support via an online platform. Science & Innovation Policy: MoHERST advanced a draft National Science, Technology and Innovation Policy (NSTIP 2027–2035) and an STI Bill 2026 to strengthen research, innovation, and university-industry collaboration. Markets Regulation: A bill to regulate and manage Gambia’s markets has passed first reading and is set for committee consideration in the September session. Ports & Power Integration: West Africa is expanding cross-border electricity links (4,000km+) to widen access, while ports are urged to cut waiting times through better coordination.