Energy & Investment: Africa Finance Corporation has reached financial close on a $300m corporate loan for Turkish Aksa Enerji to build a 119MW thermal power plant in Burkina Faso, with the first $60m already disbursed; the project is set to start operations in 2027 and aims to cut Burkina Faso’s heavy electricity import dependence by more than 50%, boosting reliability for mines, industries and households. Regional Diplomacy & Security: Russia’s Lavrov met Niger’s President Abdourahamane Tchiani in Niamey and discussed preparations for the third Russia–Africa summit, with emphasis on trade, investment, and economic cooperation alongside counterterrorism priorities. Sahel Military Cooperation: Burkina Faso and Russia agreed to convene the inaugural session of their intergovernmental commission, covering security, energy, mining, trade and investment, after talks in Niamey. Finance & Digital Connectivity: IFC secured a $150m loan for Airtel Africa to modernize and expand mobile networks across its footprint, supporting digital inclusion and jobs, including in Niger. Trade & Payments: Niger’s electricity bill is part of a wider West African arrears picture: Nigeria’s regulator says Togo, Benin and Niger owe $12.66m for Q1 2026 power, with low remittance performance for international customers. Governance & Security Funding: Northern Nigeria’s Security Trust Fund board of trustees was inaugurated in Kaduna, appointing Gen. Martin Luther Agwai and Alhaji Mahmud Yayale Ahmed as co-chairmen to drive a regional security intervention. Migration Enforcement: The US DHS published an updated “Worst of the Worst” deportation list of 374 West Africans, including 8 from Niger, with names and photos released. Sports & Integrity: Nigeria’s Horse Racing Federation plans nationwide expansion and tighter anti-doping controls, partnering with NDLEA and sports regulators to curb horse abuse.