Banking Capital Raise: Abbey Mortgage Bank Plc says shareholders have approved fresh funding of up to N164.5bn, including a N64.5bn private placement and authority to raise an extra N100bn via equity and debt, positioning the lender for a next growth phase and a push toward a regional commercial licence. IMF Program Update (The Gambia): In Banjul, the IMF team reached staff-level agreement on the fifth review under the Extended Credit Facility and the second review under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility, with growth estimated at 6.0% in 2025 and inflation easing, though 2026 remains clouded by Middle East-linked commodity and risk pressures. Regional Agro-Industry & Energy Finance: Niger secured an additional $684m from Chinese firms for basic infrastructure tied to special agro-industrial processing zones, while it also moved on solar power plans and waterworks upgrades—signals of wider West African investment momentum. Energy Integration Governance: OMVG’s council session heard warnings that cash flow strains and contractual tensions could delay key energy projects like the Sambangalou Dam and the OMVG Interconnection unless member states clear contributions and stabilize budgets. Food Inflation Pressure (The Gambia): A local commentary highlights how rising food prices are squeezing households across the country, arguing The Gambia needs deeper “food sovereignty” reforms beyond short-term market fixes. Maritime & Shipping Risk: Reports on attacks involving Russia-linked “shadow fleet” tankers underscore ongoing volatility in global shipping routes that can ripple into fuel and logistics costs. Visa-Free Integration Trend: Congo announced visa-free access for all Africans from Jan 1, 2027, joining a growing list of regional moves that aim to boost trade and mobility.