Energy & Regional Power: Guinea’s energy minister and new OMVG chair Laye Sekou Camara warned that cash-flow strains and contract tensions could delay key projects like the Sambangalou Dam and the OMVG Interconnection, urging member states to clear dues and fund 2026 budgets. Tax & Fuel Sector: In The Gambia, the GRA’s 2026 Taxpayers’ Awards highlighted Jah Multi Industries/Jah Oil as “Importer of the Year,” praising steady compliance as domestic revenue rises and tax reforms modernise administration. Monetary Policy: The Central Bank of The Gambia kept the Monetary Policy Rate at 14% and maintained reserve and lending/deposit facilities, citing inflation pressures and global risks. Food Prices: A new commentary flags food inflation at 6.7% as a direct hit to ordinary Gambian households, calling for deeper food-sovereignty reforms beyond short-term market fixes. Trade Opportunities: A brief notes China’s zero-tariff access for Gambian products, but stresses the real gap is scaling local production capacity to benefit from new market openings. Maritime Security: Obangame Express OE26 wrapped up after a major West and Central Africa maritime readiness exercise that included The Gambia, targeting piracy, illegal fishing and trafficking. Agriculture Tech Link: A feature on hybrid rice cooperation highlights Guinea’s gains from Chinese support, with yields reported at up to six tonnes per hectare in demonstration parks. Entrepreneurship Spotlight: Ghana’s Enterprise Spotlight Challenge crowned Delsoy Milk Drink’s Bridget Eshun with GHȼ100,000 for plant-based, zero-waste nutrition products.