ECOWAS Single Currency: ECOWAS reaffirmed plans to launch the ECO single currency in 2027, rolling it out in phases for countries meeting criteria like inflation, debt and monetary stability, while key issues remain on the future central bank and decision rules. Cross-Border Trade Tension: Niger’s onion trade faces a fresh risk as Ghana detains Nigerian onion trucks at Kotoku Market, with the Regional Observatory of Onion warning of mounting losses and a potential regional trade crisis unless federal and ECOWAS channels act fast. Sahel Football Bid: Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger submitted a joint bid to host AFCON 2032, with CAF clearing the first step toward evaluation, despite ongoing security instability across the three AES states. Mobile Money IPO Watch: Airtel Money has selected the London Stock Exchange for its planned 2026 IPO, aiming to unlock value for Africa’s fintech platform after earlier postponement tied to market volatility. Governance & Oversight: Nigeria’s Senate escalated pressure on MDAs and GOEs, threatening constitutional sanctions for institutions that ignore summons, while Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago defended demanding 13% derivation linked to hydro dam impacts. Security Tech Shift: The UN warned that terrorists across Nigeria and the Sahel are increasingly using drones, sophisticated communications and cryptocurrencies, making them harder to track.