West Africa Conservation Funding: A call for proposals backs the creation of new Marine Protected Areas across West Africa, covering site studies, consultations and legal setup, with submissions due 15 October 2026. Energy Deal in West Africa: SOCAR has completed a 10% acquisition in Côte d’Ivoire’s Baleine offshore oil and gas project, joining a net-zero oriented development that began production in 2023. Africa’s Gas Investment Push: Mozambique will host the Africa Gas & LNG Summit in Maputo 11–13 November 2026, aiming to turn gas resources into broader economic value. Health Priorities: UNFPA says Africa accounts for about 70% of maternal deaths, urging faster action; in Nigeria, Patient Safety Africa wants a stronger patient safety structure inside the health ministry. Child Labour Focus: Nigeria pledges to eliminate child labour, linking enforcement and labour inspection with education and social protection. Political Tensions in Nigeria: Courts allow Atiku to serve Tinubu papers via APC, as legal battles over the 2027 election continue. Security and Local Industry: Burkina Faso has received its first locally manufactured armoured vehicles, part of a push to reduce reliance on imported defence equipment. Parliamentary Diplomacy: Azerbaijan’s parliament and the Pan-African Parliament/NAM Parliamentary Network sign an MoU to deepen cooperation.