Maritime Security: The Combined Maritime Task Force Gulf of Guinea (CMTF-GoG) was formally flagged off in Lagos with six pioneer states including The Gambia, aiming for an African-led, permanent framework to protect Gulf of Guinea trade and the blue economy. Port & Trade Tech: Tianjin Port’s smart, carbon-neutral terminal was praised after a visit by a multi-country delegation, highlighting clean power, 5G/AI operations, and faster cargo handling. Cybersecurity: Nigeria won the $10,000 grand prize at ECOWAS’s 4th regional cybersecurity hackathon in Accra, with teams tackling ransomware, phishing, fraud and threats to critical infrastructure; The Gambia participated. Local Markets & Power: A fire damaged stalls at Serrekunda’s Sandika market, while newly connected rural communities in Upper River report frequent outages that are eroding the promise of grid electricity. Governance & Anti-Corruption: Gambia Participates renewed calls to operationalise the Anti-Corruption Commission after delays in swearing in commissioners. Environment & Planning: Activists warn Tanbi Wetland is under pressure from land reclamation and infrastructure plans like a proposed dry port, as climate risks to Banjul intensify. Business & Industry: GAMGO and GAGO announced major basalt shipments from Cape Verde to support The Gambia’s infrastructure drive.