Development Finance Shock: A new report warns that global aid is shrinking fast—OECD data shows 2025 ODA fell 23.1% worldwide, with Sub-Saharan Africa hit hardest—leaving health, education and humanitarian programs short on funds. Sahel Restoration Push: Africa’s “Wall of Trees” is expanding as a living green barrier across about 8,000 km of the Sahel (from Senegal to Djibouti), aiming to restore degraded land, curb desertification, boost food security and create jobs. Green Wall Lessons: China’s Great Green Wall has planted 66 billion trees, but experts note plantations can absorb carbon quickly while natural forests are better for long-term storage and biodiversity. Water Stress Reality Check: A new global map highlights extreme water stress—Kuwait tops the list—showing how climate shifts and rising demand are intensifying freshwater pressure. Djibouti in the Air-Cargo Network: ProCharter launched four new weekly cargo corridors linking Nairobi with Mogadishu, Kismayo, Djibouti and Juba, improving trade routes for time-sensitive goods. Regional Security, Local Links: European mine-clearing planning around the Strait of Hormuz continues to rely on multinational naval support based in Djibouti.