Smart Farming Push: FAO opened its first Global Conference on Smart Farming, urging faster adoption of tech that helps farmers produce more with fewer resources amid climate stress, soil and water loss, and rising input costs. Cybersecurity for the Horn: IGAD’s Regional Cyber Drill 2026 wrapped up with Somalia among participants, calling for stronger cross-border cooperation and plans for a regional Information Sharing and Analysis Center to share threat data and improve incident response. Somalia’s Independence Week Projects: In Mogadishu, the prime minister inaugurated a paved road, new government facilities, and a modern Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources headquarters, alongside calls for better enforcement of road rules and city cleanliness. China Trade & Industrial Zones: Somalia’s embassy in Beijing hosted a forum on industrial zones and investment, pitching fish processing, agriculture, livestock, and energy under China’s zero-tariff policy to boost export-led growth. Digital Banking for SMEs: Salaam Somali Bank promoted a new digital payments push for SMEs, highlighting faster transfers, supplier payments, payroll processing, and reduced reliance on cash. Games Funding for Africa: Google launched a Ksh129.5m equity-free fund for independent game studios across 32 African countries, including Kenya, offering mentorship and technical support to scale for global markets. Somalia–Al-Shabaab Stalemate: Analysis says Somalia’s fight against Al-Shabaab remains at an impasse, with calls to improve military training, involve federal member states, and expand humanitarian access while pursuing dialogue.