Critical Minerals & Energy Security: The IEA’s Global Critical Minerals Outlook 2026 warns that investment in mining and refining fell 9% last year, while supply chains are increasingly concentrated in China and Indonesia—raising economic security risks as export controls expand. Water Crisis & Climate Impacts: The African Water Forum opened in Chad with leaders, including Gabon’s President Brice Oligui Nguema, calling for urgent action as hundreds of millions still lack safe drinking water and climate change threatens water storage and irrigation. Wildlife Protection: Malaysia’s GOF seized 34 protected Blyth’s river frogs in Bentong, arresting a man without the required permits—highlighting ongoing illegal trade pressures on biodiversity. New Species in the Congo Basin: Scientists report a newly described orange-lipped monkey, Colobus congoensis (“likweli”), underscoring how much biodiversity remains undiscovered in the DRC rainforest. Rainforest Funding Cuts: The UK has withdrawn or cancelled tens of millions of pounds of Congo rainforest protection funding, despite earlier pledges—raising concerns for conservation and local support. Gabon-Relevant Energy Value: NNPC and other African national oil companies are set to intensify efforts to keep more value from oil and gas in Africa, with a Cape Town forum planned for October alongside African Energy Week. SDGs Momentum: A UN high-level forum concluded with renewed commitments to accelerate Sustainable Development Goals implementation through integrated policies and stronger partnerships. Education Connectivity: Airtel Africa says it will connect 5,000 schools to the internet by 2027 with UNICEF support, aiming to expand digital learning access across the continent.