Cross-border Security: NACOC DG Major-General Maxwell Obuba Mantey urged stronger, practical neighbour-to-neighbour cooperation across Africa to tackle synthetic drugs, cocaine trafficking and transnational organised crime, calling for intelligence sharing, joint patrols and coordinated border management. Competition & Consumer Protection: The Gambia hosted an ECOWAS Regional Competition Authority conference, while MPs advanced a new Competition and Consumer Protection Bill to curb unfair business practices and modernise consumer rights, including rules on unfair contracts and distance selling. Investment Climate: The Gambia Investment and Export Promotion Agency (GIEPA) Amendment Bill would raise the foreign investment incentive threshold for new enterprises to US$500,000 and expand GIEPA’s role in facilitating cross-border trade. Education Costs: A GCCPC-focused commentary warns parents and schools to address transparency on fees, hidden charges, compulsory purchases and refund policies to reduce financial pressure on families. Tourism Links: The Gambia’s tourism minister pushed for deeper business partnerships with Nigeria to grow arrivals, urging Nigerian operators to build commercial ties beyond “goodwill.” Protest Crackdown: The Gambia banned unauthorised protests after electricity blackout unrest, with police using tear gas as the December election approaches. Student Finance: The government launched its Students Revolving Loan Scheme, with interest-free loans starting for tuition at four public universities. Infrastructure Accountability: UDP leader Ousainu Darboe challenged the government to provide proof on who secured key URR road and bridge projects. Transport Claims: GTSC sought D857,484.80 compensation in court over alleged damage to a bus shelter from a truck accident.