Maritime Security & Trade Disruption: The Comoros-flagged bulk carrier IB Atlantic IV—reportedly linked to a wider drug-trafficking probe—was finally arrested in Ivory Coast after weeks of evasive tracking that began with its departure from Bissau and “ghost ship” behavior, raising fresh questions about regional maritime monitoring and cargo checks. Regional Political Transition: Senegal has started as ECOWAS facilitator for Guinea-Bissau’s transition, meeting President Horta Inta-A and Prime Minister Ilidio Vieira Te as the country heads toward a constitutional referendum on Aug. 30 and elections on Dec. 6. VAT Reform Push: WATAF convened nearly 400 participants across 16 countries to advance digital VAT administration and strengthen domestic revenue mobilization—relevant for Guinea-Bissau’s tax modernization agenda. Food Security & Shipping Risk: Russia’s renewed Black Sea attacks continue to hit civilian vessels, including the Guinea-Bissau-flagged Mera Queen carrying wheat, underscoring how maritime instability can quickly translate into higher food costs and tighter supply. SME Finance in West Africa: EBID signed an €80m deal with Coris Holding to expand lending to SMEs/SMIs across West Africa, including Guinea-Bissau, with a focus on agribusiness and energy value chains. Migration Pressure: Afrobarometer data shows high emigration intent in Guinea-Bissau, driven mainly by economic hardship—an economic signal policymakers can’t ignore.