Horn of Africa Trade & Logistics: Djibouti remains the main maritime gateway for Ethiopia, moving 96.71% of its seaborne cargo in 2025/26 despite Red Sea disruption, with coffee leading outbound volumes and corridor pressure still a top headache. Red Sea Costs: Traders say Ethiopian exporters are paying for the war they didn’t start as Cape diversions can double transit times, stacking higher freight, port delays, and insurance surcharges that hit landlocked importers hard. Energy Integration: A World Bank report says Ethiopia’s power exports helped halve Djibouti’s production costs, with Ethiopia earning $118.1m in 2024/25 and Djibouti taking $30.9m—pointing to a wider regional electricity market still held back by power and grid gaps. Regional Security Posture: President Ismail Omar Guelleh warned Djibouti will not tolerate foreign interference in internal affairs as Horn and Red Sea competition intensifies. New Business Links: Pakistan’s Pakistan-Africa Economic Council (PAEC) is set to launch this Friday, targeting East Africa first with Rwanda, Ethiopia, Uganda and Djibouti, aiming to connect investors and project opportunities. Entrepreneurship & Distribution: Ondo State’s AG praised an AMAN Tequila deal giving Imperial Barrel Limited exclusive distribution rights across East Africa including Djibouti. Maritime Oversight: Yemen’s coast guard intercepted a tanker unloading unauthorized cargo at a Houthi-controlled port, highlighting the role of UNVIM inspections based in Djibouti.