Desertification & Green Development: At UNCCD COP17 in Mongolia, China is pushing “implementation” by showcasing large-scale land restoration models via its “China Corner,” aiming to scale proven fixes for desertification that threatens livelihoods worldwide. Mauritania Telecom Shift: Mauritania saw internet subscriptions jump 21% in 2024 to 3.65m, while outgoing voice traffic fell about 9%, signaling a move from traditional calls to data and messaging. Senegal Oil Data Deal (MSGBC basin): Viridien signed a strategic multi-client partnership with Senegal’s Petrosen to improve offshore subsurface data across the MSGBC basin, aiming to boost exploration attractiveness and capacity building. Egypt–Mauritania Diplomatic Push: Foreign ministers Badr Abdelatty and Mohamed Salem Ould Merzouk discussed expanding economic cooperation in energy, mining, fisheries, agriculture and logistics, and flagged upcoming committee sessions to deepen trade and investment. Regional Migration Pressure: Afrobarometer finds 57% of West Africans have considered emigrating (Europe the main destination), with Gambia leading on frequent intent—useful context for business planning and labor mobility. FIFA Governance Fallout (Arab support): Six Arab federations, including Mauritania, reaffirm “full support” for FIFA chief Gianni Infantino amid a widening governance revolt over his World Cup private investment plan.