Offshore Energy Deal: The Gambia has awarded Eni the offshore Block A1 petroleum exploration rights, signing a PEPLA for the 1,300 sq km Atlantic deepwater block (up to 3,300m), a major step to expand exploration capacity. Fuel Cost Relief: Government cut gasoil by D5 per litre via a D150m subsidy, while petrol (PMS) stays at D112, aiming to ease pressure on transport, farmers and manufacturers. IMF Support for Shocks: The IMF is stepping up funding for The Gambia, proposing a 20% augmentation of its existing $172m programme with a possible six-month extension and rephasing. Power Sector Update: NAWEC says recent outages are driven by maintenance and equipment rehabilitation, not debt disputes, and explains cross-border electricity payments follow reconciliation and bank guarantees. Halal Trade Push: SMIIC trained stakeholders in Banjul to strengthen The Gambia’s halal quality infrastructure, targeting internationally recognized certification and accreditation. Regional Electricity Growth: A World Bank programme reports electricity access gains for over 3 million people and thousands of km of transmission lines across West Africa. Oil & Gas Court Ruling: The High Court in Banjul ordered Oryx Energy (Gambia) to pay over D1.95m for an unlawful and unfair dismissal of an IT manager. Tax & Telecom Wins: Africell received the country’s largest taxpayer award for the 7th time, while GRA continues tax modernisation and digitalisation to boost domestic revenue.