Banking Ambition: Standard Bank says it wants to reach Kenya’s top spot by 2030, banking on major infrastructure finance and possible acquisitions as it challenges incumbents. ECOWAS at 51: ECOWAS marked its 51st anniversary in Grand-Bassam with events on peace, regional integration, and early warning tools. Cocoa and Livelihoods: A new report warns cocoa farmers in Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire still face poverty wages, even as sustainability programmes expand; meanwhile, Côte d’Ivoire’s cocoa surplus and higher-than-expected unsold stocks are weighing on global prices. Press Freedom & Election Rights: Civil society and rights groups urge Côte d’Ivoire to protect election freedoms as opposition leaders face exclusion and protests are met with arrests. Gender-Based Violence: Côte d’Ivoire launched a national commitment to curb gender-based violence, citing a sharp rise in reported cases and pushing zero tolerance. Urban Governance Shock: Abidjan residents denounce the June 3 demolition of the Campement area, alleging an unlawful order and leaving families homeless. Digital Push: Côte d’Ivoire plans to launch 5G in July and begin Starlink trials, expanding coverage beyond major cities. Environment: Officials say Côte d’Ivoire loses about 200,000 hectares of forest yearly, while foundations plant 1,200 indigenous trees to restore biodiversity. Regional Finance: NAB Consulting completed a €250m structured finance facility for Niger via Afreximbank, targeting recovery priorities. BRVM Investor Drive: The Abidjan-based BRVM chief urges global investors to increase exposure to West Africa’s fast-growing markets.