Labour Mobility & Trade: Tanzania took over the chair of the East and Horn of Africa labour migration committee from Uganda, aiming for safer, more orderly regional movement of workers and stronger policy coordination. Cost of Living in Juba: Rising prices are squeezing families at Gudele/Kubri Haboba markets as traders say exchange-rate gaps, taxes and high transport costs keep essentials expensive even when the dollar weakens. Fuel & Logistics: Kenya’s Port of Mombasa received MT Nord Harmony with about 20,900 tonnes of V-Power petroleum products, underlining the port’s role as an East Africa energy gateway. Regional Trade Facilitation: Kenya hosted a review workshop for the Horn of Africa Initiative Trade Facilitation Roadmap 2026–2031, covering corridors, border management and digital interoperability across Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia and South Sudan. Peace & Diplomacy: President Kiir met Sudan’s Darfur governor to push renewed dialogue, while Germany accredited a new ambassador who pledged support for R-ARCSS implementation and economic/security reforms. Humanitarian Funding Pressure: UNHCR and WFP warned that funding shortfalls could cut food and nutrition for 240,000 of South Sudan’s most vulnerable refugees in September, with wider risks of malnutrition and new displacement. Business Leadership: Aleph Hospitality appointed Rob Kucera as Regional VP for East & South Africa to oversee 25+ hotels across nine countries. Security & Governance: Western Equatoria reported progress in peacebuilding but still cites insecurity, cash shortages and weak public financial management.