ECOWAS Summit in Freetown: West African leaders reaffirmed plans to launch the ECO single currency in 2027, with a phased rollout for countries meeting inflation, debt and monetary stability criteria, while key issues remain around the future central bank and how to align members still using the CFA franc. Regional Energy Deal: ECOWAS also endorsed the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline, a $25–27bn, 6,900-kilometre project aimed at moving gas across 13 coastal states to Morocco and onward to European markets—an energy and trade bet with major implications for power and investment. Sierra Leone Cybersecurity: Chief Minister David Moinina Sengeh and Information Minister Chernor Bah escalated calls to arrest WhatsApp scammers after a failed fraud attempt, urging telecoms and security agencies to track offenders and make cybercrime “costly.” Development Planning Push: Catholic Relief Services launched a digital Coordination and Visualization Platform to improve how projects are mapped, coordinated and monitored across Sierra Leone. Water Infrastructure Talks: Sierra Leone’s Water Resources ministry is exploring a partnership with Egypt’s METIPRO to modernise water systems, including options like seawater desalination and work around the Rokel River Basin. Banking & Business: Rokel Commercial Bank (RCBank) backed the Voice Achievers Award in London, highlighting its push to strengthen leadership and economic growth across Africa and the diaspora.