Djibouti Growth Outlook: IMF projections put Djibouti among Africa’s faster growers, with expected 6.0% expansion in 2026, supported by its strategic shipping position and trade-driven port activity. AU Budget Pressure: The African Union Commission says it is operating at just 30% of required staffing and about 25% of its budget, warning that the 2027 AU budget will be an austerity plan unless member states increase contributions. Red Sea Trade Risk: Iran threatens to block Bab el-Mandeb, a key Djibouti-linked chokepoint for global oil and trade, raising fears of supply-chain disruption and higher energy costs. Shipping Connectivity for Djibouti: Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) added a new Jeddah–India service that also connects to the Port of Djibouti, aiming to boost container flows across Red Sea routes. US Visa Hub Shift (Djibouti in focus): The US plans to cut visa-processing missions across Africa from nearly 50 to 20 hubs, with Djibouti City included—meaning applicants may face longer travel and higher costs for interviews. Corridor Economics: A new look at the Djibouti–Ethiopia corridor reiterates how tightly both economies are linked through port tariffs and Ethiopian transit cargo.