Neglected Tropical Diseases: The WHO has validated Kenya as free of human African trypanosomiasis (“sleeping sickness”), making it the 10th African country to eliminate the disease—another win in the fight against neglected tropical diseases. Biosafety & Biosecurity in Benin: A Benin survey of 96 biomedical and veterinary laboratories found weak compliance with biosafety and biosecurity rules, with 42% rated very high risk—calling for stronger policies and staff training. Border Security Tech: Nigeria’s federal government, states and traditional rulers agreed to strengthen border security using early warning and early response mechanisms, backed by technology-driven surveillance and intelligence sharing. Cybersecurity for West Africa: Nigeria won the $10,000 grand prize at the 4th ECOWAS Regional Cybersecurity Hackathon in Accra, with teams tackling ransomware, phishing, fraud and threats to critical infrastructure. AI in Everyday Tools: Google is expanding “Ask Gemini in Chrome” to Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa, bringing more AI-powered search and help into daily browsing. Illegal Gambling Pressure: The National Lottery Authority’s DG warned that illegal gambling is draining economies, citing losses affecting Ghana and Benin and urging stronger enforcement and tech-based anti-fraud measures. AI Ethics & Strategy: Libya launched an AI Ethics Charter and a 2026–2030 national AI strategy with targets spanning government AI use, digital identity, training and AI startups. Education Security: Edo approved reopening of schools shut over kidnap threats after security reviews and added safety measures. Exams Integrity Tech: NABTEB says it is using technology-driven monitoring to curb exam malpractice and wants tighter collaboration with anti-corruption agencies. Solar Power Shift: Nigeria’s solar push is accelerating as costs fall and mini-grid rules expand, moving solar from “backup” to real infrastructure. Digital Identity Push: Bhutan joined the 50-in-5 campaign, joining Benin and others in building privacy-preserving digital identity foundations. Environmental Pollution Link: Scientists traced a regional “invisible” pollution trail from dry-season fires across six West African countries using satellite data. Art & Creative Tech Ecosystem: Nigerian artist Omolola Coker won the inaugural Myma Art Prize, including a residency in Benin City and long-term mentorship for early-to-mid career artists. Cyber Skills Locally Built: ECOWAS says a West African firm (00SEC) designed hackathon scenarios, signaling growing regional capacity to defend digital systems.