Roads & Connectivity: President Boakai dedicated the newly completed 81-kilometer Gbarnga–Salayea Road and signed financing deals for Salayea–Konia and Zorzor–Yeala, backed by BADEA, OPEC Fund, Saudi and Kuwait funds, to boost farm-to-market access and cross-border trade. Port Modernization: The National Port Authority says its automated gate system at the Monrovia Freeport is nearing completion to improve security and speed up compliance with international port security standards. Mining & Industry Skills: ArcelorMittal Liberia graduated 60 supervisors from a 3D/4D shop-floor leadership program, part of plans to train about 1,800 staff. Extractives Transparency: LEITI’s MSG approved Liberia’s participation in the 2026 EITI Global Conference in Belgium, aiming to spotlight governance reforms. Land & Legal Tension: A Hotel Africa land dispute escalated after Public Works Minister Giddings’ public statements drew contempt and fair-trial concerns. Digital Economy: Government plans a 24-hour digital economy, with reforms like the National Switch to help youth monetize creative work. Environment & Cocoa Supply Risk: Reporting from southeastern Liberia warns illegal cocoa expansion is accelerating deforestation, raising the stakes as the EU deforestation rules near. Public Safety Funding: Crime Watch Liberia renewed calls for duty-free privileges and direct budget support to sustain its emergency “Night Birds” operations. Regional Trade Enforcement: ECOWAS lawmakers backed sanctions for states that fail to implement trade protocols, targeting barriers that hurt MSMEs. Shipping Security: A Liberia-flagged civilian vessel in the Black Sea was reportedly hit again, underscoring risks to maritime commerce.