Mining & Construction: Toubani Resources says its Kobada Gold Project in Côte d’Ivoire is in full-scale construction, with CIL tank erection underway, long-lead equipment shipped, 70%+ of costs committed, and 900+ workers on site, targeting first gold in Q3 2027. Project Engineering: Lycopodium has won engineering and procurement services for Endeavour Mining’s Assafou gold project, with early works running while the final investment decision is expected before year-end. Cocoa Supply Risk: Reuters reports Ivorian cocoa farmers fear poor rains could cut the main crop, with industry sources expecting output around 1.25m tonnes versus 1.5m last season. Digital Governance for Creators: Côte d’Ivoire moves to unlock Meta monetization for Facebook and Instagram creators, positioning the country as a Francophone African precedent in state-facilitated digital rules. Regional Trade Facilitation: ECOWAS is pushing biometric ID (ENBIC) toward region-wide border acceptance by December 2026, aiming to reduce friction for traders and travellers. Energy & Industry Inputs: The Ivorian government keeps October 2026 butane prices subsidized nationwide, with set tariffs for multiple bottle sizes and industrial bulk rates in Abidjan. Urban Housing: Côte d’Ivoire estimates urban housing needs at 827,753 units by 2030 and has launched 420 social/economic units in Yamoussoukro under a 25,000-unit emergency program. Food Systems & Research: AfricaRice and CIMMYT deepen partnerships to strengthen resilient rice production and reduce import dependence across southern Africa. STEM Pipeline Pressure: A report highlights declining science enrolment in West Africa, with Côte d’Ivoire’s elite maths-and-physics track at just 0.6% of baccalaureate candidates in 2022.