Critical Minerals Push: Ministers and partners meeting in Abidjan urged Africa to stop exporting raw critical minerals and instead build regional value chains, local processing and beneficiation to create jobs for youth and women. Energy & Offshore Contracting: Wison New Energies signed an EPCIC deal for the Baleine Phase 3 FPSO in Côte d’Ivoire, supporting Eni’s offshore production with long-term fabrication and commissioning scope. Cocoa Market Signals: Cocoa prices jumped on North American demand surprises, but the outlook remains fragile as heavy rains in Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana disrupt roads and farm access, threatening yields and supplies. Trade & Customs Tech: Benin and Nigeria completed a geospatial-intelligence-led Customs operation along the border corridor, boosting enforcement capacity and leading to major seizures of narcotics, fuel and consumer goods. Industrial Finance & Infrastructure: The AfDB-backed climate loan for South Africa highlights how performance-based utility funding can unlock private participation—an approach relevant to West African industrial power and water reliability. Abidjan’s China Shift: A report says Chinese firms in Côte d’Ivoire are moving beyond construction into factories, processing plants and other long-term industrial roles. Premium Consumer Growth: Ivory Coast’s Oumé chocolate brand prepares an online launch targeting premium markets, signaling more local value capture in food manufacturing.