Ivory Coast Energy Transition: Abidjan opened a new 52.4MW solar plant, the Ferke Solar project, aimed at boosting renewables and supplying power to 370,000 households (about 2 million people) in Ferkessedougou, as the country targets 46% renewable electricity by 2035. Election Tensions & Civic Pushback: Thousands of Ivorians marched in Yopougon demanding transparency and justice ahead of the October 25 presidential vote, protesting the exclusion of key opposition figures and President Alassane Ouattara’s plan to seek a fourth term. Flood Crisis in Abidjan and Beyond: Torrential rains have killed at least 59 people in Côte d’Ivoire since mid-May, with fears the toll will rise as search-and-rescue continues; the worst impacts hit Abidjan suburbs like Attécoubé, while Ghana also reported deadly flooding. Nigeria-Ivory Coast Prison Death Fallout: Nigeria summoned Côte d’Ivoire’s ambassador and demanded compensation after Nigerian trader Usama Murtala died following detention at MACA prison in Abidjan; officials also called for a full probe into the circumstances of the arrests and death. EU Financial Scrutiny: Côte d’Ivoire was added to the EU’s high-risk money-laundering list, meaning EU banks must apply enhanced due diligence for transactions involving Ivorian customers and entities. China Trade Push: Abidjan hosted a China International Import Expo symposium highlighting zero-tariff access opportunities and urging Ivorian exporters to secure buyers in China.