AI for Somalia: Somali National University launched the Somali National Artificial Intelligence Centre (SNAIC) in Mogadishu to drive AI research, education, innovation, and local software/data services for national needs. Public Health Tech & Safety: A Minnesota family returning from Somalia brought measles home after a 9-month-old missed an MMR dose; the child spent 15 days on a ventilator, highlighting how fast outbreaks can spread via travel. Regional Virology Capacity: The East African Community will launch Uganda Virus Research Institute as a regional virology center of excellence, boosting surveillance, diagnostics, lab training, and knowledge sharing across EAC states including Somalia. Digital Heritage Preservation: Somalia’s Radio Mogadishu is digitizing roughly 400,000 hours of old broadcasts before tapes degrade, aiming to unlock decades of Somali language music, culture, and history. Energy & Climate Tech: Ethiopia’s Aysha wind project advanced with AfDB financing for a 300MW wind farm, a clean-energy step that could strengthen the regional grid. Maritime Security: A Yemen-flagged tanker was hijacked by suspected Somali pirates and moved near Puntland, underscoring ongoing risks on key shipping routes. Tech-enabled Commerce: Package-forwarding firms are helping Africans shop online without bank cards or street addresses, using mobile money and GPS delivery to reach customers.