Mangrove Protection: Vodun leaders and conservationists are using the Zangbéto deity’s authority to create sacred mangrove zones, helping preserve about 500 hectares in Benin’s Mono River region as mangroves shrink under logging, salt production, agriculture and urbanization. Power Infrastructure Security: A suspected cable thief was electrocuted at BEDC’s Etete Injection Substation in Benin City, after vandals allegedly returned to steal copper cables; BEDC says the attacker cut a neutral cable linked to a transformer. Agri-Value Chains Finance: The EIB and BIIC announced €100m (EU Global Gateway-backed) to strengthen Beninese SME and mid-cap financing through cotton/textiles, soya and cashew value chains, with support for women-led businesses. Cross-Border Trade Facilitation: Togo and Benin are tackling barriers on agricultural corridors under PRIMA, aiming to boost cross-border farm trade by 30% via better coordination, monitoring and road movement measures. Industrial Parks Momentum: Afreximbank-backed Benin’s GDIZ and Togo’s Adétikopé platform are drawing over $1bn and tens of millions respectively, creating thousands of jobs and pushing local processing. Health & Industry Risk: A multi-country study including Benin warns of rising antimicrobial resistance in UTIs, stressing stronger monitoring and treatment policy. Digital Youth & Skills: Edo State’s esports push is exploring partnerships with the Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy to expand tech-driven jobs and innovation. Energy Cost Pressure: Petrol import parity costs in Nigeria jumped about 15% to N1,135.73 per litre amid renewed Middle East tensions.