Food Security: IGAD warns acute food insecurity is hitting 40.3 million people across Djibouti, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan and Uganda in 2026, with conflict, drought, economic shocks and lower aid funding driving the crisis. Elections & Governance: South Sudan President Salva Kiir dissolved the Transitional Government of National Unity and legislature, replacing them with a caretaker administration ahead of the December 22 elections, while keeping Kiir in office through the electoral period. Currency Controls: The Bank of South Sudan banned currency hoarding and speculative foreign exchange through an 18 September circular, targeting unauthorised dealing and practices that distort exchange rates and fuel inflation. Trade & Markets: Eastern African horticulture players launched the Horticulture Council of Eastern Africa to cut trade barriers, improve logistics and cold-chain access, and tackle high post-harvest losses. Regional Digital Push: EAC, IGAD and World Bank partners met in Nairobi to accelerate regional digital integration, connectivity and cross-border digital services for businesses and public institutions. Power & Data Skills: NBS, UNDP and AfDB concluded a Power BI data analysis training to strengthen economic governance and decision-making capacity. Security & Humanitarian Leadership: UN Secretary-General Guterres appointed Toily Kurbanov as UNMISS Deputy Special Representative and UN humanitarian coordinator for South Sudan. Energy Investment Link: Bank of South Sudan’s forex crackdown comes as regional energy projects gain momentum, including Dangote’s planned Kenya refinery and broader infrastructure plans.