Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline: Algeria has started construction on its section of the $13bn Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline, a project meant to move up to 30 billion cubic metres of gas yearly from Nigeria through Niger to Algeria for European exports. Turkiye–Niger Defense Ties: Niger’s junta leader Abdourahamane Tchiani met Turkey’s President Erdoğan in Ankara, with talks focused on defense and security cooperation; Tchiani also said Erdoğan told Turkish contractors to deliver equipment and get paid later. Electricity Policy Shock: Niger’s power sector is watching fallout from Nigeria’s proposed Electricity Act Amendment Bill 2026, as state electricity regulators reject it for reversing devolution and threatening about $1bn in investment. Airtime Credit Market Crackdown: Nigeria’s presidency moved to break Optasia’s 12-year dominance in airtime credit lending/data advances, opening space for local fintech competition in a market estimated above N3tn. Humanitarian Alarm in the Sahara: At least 49 Nigeriens died of thirst after a truck broke down in northern Niger; only two survived and alerted authorities. Niger State Loan Clarification: Niger State’s assembly says it did not approve a “$14.4m loan” but only received correspondence on a bank guarantee tied to Niger Foods under Saudi EXIM financing. Electricity Access Tracking: AfDB launched Mission 300’s public progress tracker (MapAfrica) to monitor electrification projects, with Niger listed among priority countries.