Digital Economy Boost: President William Ruto announced €102m (Sh15.37bn) in new EU-backed funding for Kenya’s digital transformation, plus €37m (Sh5.58bn) to extend the Blue Raman submarine cable that links Djibouti, Somalia, Kenya and Tanzania—aimed at cheaper connectivity and stronger regional digital trade. Regional Connectivity & Policy: A separate Brussels update put the total EU commitments at about Sh20.7bn, with officials also focusing on data governance and services trade, underscoring Djibouti’s role as a key landing gateway. Djibouti Telecom Oversight: Djibouti Telecom hosted ICT minister Mohamed Abdoulkader Moussa Helem at the Haramous Cable Landing Station, where he met technical staff and reviewed operations tied to Africa–Middle East–Europe–Asia links. Red Sea Risk Escalates: Iran-backed Houthis vowed to blockade “enemy ships” and declared a complete ban on Israeli maritime navigation in the Red Sea, raising pressure on Bab al-Mandab and the Gulf of Aden—routes that directly affect Djibouti’s maritime corridor. Visa Processing Shockwaves: Reports say the US plans to cut African visa-processing posts from nearly 50 to 20 hubs, with potential knock-on effects for applicants across the region, including those with ties to Djibouti. Horn of Africa Finance Gap (OpEd): A regional analysis argues the Horn’s biggest drag is weak banking and lending systems that block youth job creation and entrepreneurship.