Food Safety & Trade: The Food Safety and Quality Authority launched a National Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Committee to coordinate food safety and plant/animal health systems, aiming to strengthen WTO compliance and improve market access for Gambian farmers and processors. Consumer Testing Boost: The Confederation of Gambian Industries welcomed the inauguration of Gambia’s first Food and Drug Testing Laboratory, saying local testing and certification will cut costs and speed up approvals for manufacturers. Energy Affordability: A World Bank Public Finance Review warned that weak electricity sector performance and system losses keep tariffs among the highest globally, averaging $0.21/kWh, hurting affordability and public finances. Offshore Oil Push: Eni signed a Petroleum Exploration, Development and Production Licence Agreement for offshore Block A1, with the government and GNPC set to hold a carried interest as exploration plans restart. SME & Capital Markets (Region): LCCI and NASD held a forum urging SMEs to improve governance and audited reporting to unlock capital market funding. Diaspora Investment: Imam Ceesay urged Gambians abroad to invest in agriculture, tourism, energy and small businesses beyond remittances. Business Growth: President Barrow hailed Global Properties Limited’s new head office in Kotu as a boost for housing, infrastructure and jobs.