National Champions & Investment Push: Ivory Coast is leaning on “national champion” firms born from its post-crisis growth to drive the 2030 plan, with donors’ roundtable commitments reportedly topping $80bn and energy now a key focus for sustaining momentum. Abidjan Business Competition: A separate report highlights how Ivorian companies are moving into sectors like fuel distribution, fintech and cosmetics to compete with multinationals and expand regionally. Korean Culture in Abidjan: “The King’s Warden” premiered in Abidjan as part of a Korean Film Festival marking 65 years of ties, with government officials and diplomats attending. Abidjan Soft Power & Fashion: Ivorian fashion designers are breaking through internationally—boosted by social media—while staying rooted in Abidjan’s creative ecosystem. Security Watch in West Africa: Analysts warn Ghana’s relative calm could be a “pause” as JNIM pushes south, raising pressure on border security across the region. Customs Cooperation: Benin and Nigeria ran a geospatial-intelligence-led joint Customs operation, seizing narcotics, petroleum products and other illicit goods. Visa Policy Updates: Hong Kong published its 2026 visa-free list for African countries (with varying stay periods), while multiple countries updated eVisa/visa-free rules affecting regional mobility.