Energy Market Building: A new push argues West Africa must move from “energy potential” to building an integrated energy market architecture, targeting US$3trn in cumulative energy transaction value by 2035 through systems that link refineries, pipelines, power, transmission and storage. Regional Trade & Mobility: ECOWAS is sensitising border communities at the Akanu-Noepe joint post on the Free Movement protocol to boost trade, investment and tourism along the Abidjan–Lagos corridor. Oil & Gas Development: Niger’s AES/Algerian-linked Kafra project advances into a new drilling phase after exploration progress, with the wider goal of raising oil value and reducing reliance on existing infrastructure. Agribusiness & Food Security: Ghana tomato trials report standout yields (up to 78.5 tons/ha) from improved varieties, while West African onion traders sign a pact to ease cross-border disputes and keep supply moving. Skills & Jobs: Nigeria begins cooperative digital revalidation with smart registry IDs, and IOM-DHL Ubuntu Academy graduates 23 logistics-trained migrant returnees in Ghana to support reintegration. Governance & Infrastructure: ECOWAS and human rights groups spotlight road and service delivery pressure, while Edo State reshuffles commissioners to improve efficiency. Security: Nigeria reports repelling Lakurawa militants in Kebbi and rescuing hundreds of kidnapping victims in week-long operations. Benin Regional Note: The World Social Forum in Cotonou faced Beninese authority restrictions, including visa refusals and bans on parts of the programme.