Mining & Exploration: EU Gold Mining says its maiden diamond drilling at the Kimoukro gold project in Côte d’Ivoire confirmed bedrock gold mineralisation, with multiple high-grade intersections and visible gold, refining the project’s geological model and supporting a next phase of work. Cement & Construction Industry: LafargeHolcim Côte d’Ivoire appointed Mohamed Kharraki as managing director effective 1 August 2026, tasking him with operational performance, safety, digitalisation and decarbonisation across its Abidjan and San Pédro plants (about 2.5Mta combined capacity). Maritime & Training Links: An OMAOC delegation visited the ASABA shipyard facilities in Malabo to showcase vessel construction/repair capabilities and explore collaboration with maritime training institutions across the region. Energy Market Push: A West Africa energy-market proposal argues the region should build integrated market architecture to unlock up to US$3tn by 2035—moving beyond isolated projects toward connected systems. Cocoa Trade Signals: Cocoa prices edged higher as traders weighed weather-driven supply expectations, with Ivory Coast shipments up and Ghana’s regulator projecting lower 2026/27 output amid disease and farm aging. Regional Trade Facilitation: ECOWAS engaged border communities along the Abidjan–Lagos corridor to sensitise users on the Free Movement protocol, aiming to ease movement of people, goods and services. Land Tenure for Investment: Côte d’Ivoire announced Abidjan Land Tenure Days (Oct. 5–7) to accelerate land tenure security reforms, digitalisation and issuance of certificates/titles to support productive investment.