Marine Pollution Monitoring: Scientists from 21 African countries met in Accra to harmonise microplastics monitoring protocols for coastal waters, aiming for comparable data to guide stronger marine protection. Climate & Humanitarian Preparedness: IGAD’s ICPAC and Action Against Hunger launched IMPAACT, a 24-month, $4.5m initiative to strengthen early, science-based anticipatory action for nearly 250,000 people across Ethiopia, Somalia and Djibouti. Energy Connectivity: Ethiopia and Kenya signed a new electricity supply deal to boost cross-border power trade and support more reliable services, with Ethiopia already exporting electricity to Djibouti and others. Migration & Safety: IOM reported nearly 9,000 Ethiopian migrants returned from Yemen to Ethiopia via sea crossings to Djibouti, calling for safer, dignified support for irregular migration. Desertification Watch: China’s “Green Great Wall” reforestation push drew fresh warnings as researchers question how well plantations deliver long-term ecosystem resilience.