STEM Pipeline Crisis: Ivory Coast is seeing a sharp drop in science uptake, with only 0.6% of 2022 baccalaureate candidates on the elite maths-and-physics track and 38% in broader sciences, down from 45% in 2015—mirroring declines across Mali, Burkina Faso, Guinea, Senegal and Niger. Cocoa & Climate-Smart Farming: Barry Callebaut is rolling out Assisted Natural Regeneration in Ivory Coast, pairing naturally regenerating trees with targeted planting to build more resilient cocoa landscapes amid deforestation pressures. Housing & Construction Demand: The government estimates urban housing needs at 827,753 units by 2030 and launched 420 social/economic units in Yamoussoukro under a 25,000-unit emergency program, with 13.5bn CFA funding and a 36-month delivery target. Security for the Gold Sector: Abidjan is deploying drones, 300 motorcycles and other assets to curb illegal gold mining, aiming to eradicate the practice within six months across 11 regions. Mining Output Milestone: Montage Gold says its Koné mine in Côte d’Ivoire achieved first gold pour on budget and ahead of schedule, supporting ramp-up toward projected annual production. Urban Mobility Logistics: AGL Côte d’Ivoire transported five heavy locomotives for Abidjan Metro Line 1 from the Port of Abidjan to the Abobo Sagbé receiving site, advancing the project’s build-out.