Solar & Energy Transparency: A new Ember and African Tech Futures Lab analysis says Africa’s solar boom is largely “hidden” in official stats, with 3/4 of 2023–2025 panel deployment happening via distributed solar that often goes uncounted; using Chinese customs export data, the report expects 36 of 54 countries to hit record PV installs in 2026, with standout growth in places like the DRC, Zimbabwe and Egypt. Blue Economy Skills & Marine Jobs: Tanzania’s Dar es Salaam Maritime Institute is scaling up training for ship design and shipbuilding as blue economy investment grows, aiming to equip more specialised workers for expanding maritime opportunities. Blue Economy Governance (Union–Zanzibar): Tanzania’s Union and Zanzibar governments say they’re deepening cooperation on blue economy policy, including marine spatial planning, public education, and support for citizens such as women’s groups in seaweed farming and fishing. Maritime Crime & IUU Risks: Kenya reports a major methamphetamine seizure from an unregistered fishing boat, highlighting how small, unmarked vessels can fuel wider illegal trade along Indian Ocean shipping lanes, alongside IUU fishing and trafficking. Climate Outlook (Southern Africa): A SADC climate outlook warns the Oct–Dec 2026 rainy season may bring below-normal rainfall, with El Niño strengthening and the Indian Ocean Dipole neutral. World Heritage for Small Islands: UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee in Busan inscribed Comoros for the first time and announced a SIDS heritage strategy (2026–2034) with a $13m budget, underscoring heritage protection as a tool for inclusion and resilience. Women’s Finance for Coastal Businesses: AfDB and AXIAN launched a digital finance and training programme for 34,000 women-led enterprises across Madagascar, Tanzania, Senegal and Comoros, combining mobile lending, financial literacy and business support.