Lobito Corridor Financing: Angola’s Lobito Corridor railway upgrade has reached financial close with US$753m—US$553m from the U.S. DFC and US$200m from DBSA—aimed at modernising the 1,300km line from Lobito port to the DRC border, boosting trade and industrial integration. Maritime & Shipbuilding: Angola launched the first locally designed aluminum vessel, the “MV Malongo,” built in 14 months at Kianda Estaleiro Naval shipyard, to strengthen maritime security for Sonangol E&P operations. Aquaculture Push: Angola targets 80,000 tons of fish by 2030, with production rising from 2,339 tons (2022) to 35,000 tons projected for 2025, alongside plans to tackle fish-feed constraints. Critical Minerals & AI: Experts highlight how AI could speed up African mineral exploration and cut costs, while IEA warnings stress a looming $6.5T risk to global manufacturing if rare-earth supply controls tighten again. Diamonds Deal Watch: Anglo American has picked a preferred bidder for De Beers, with Botswana’s preemption rights and possible Angola/Namibia participation in the mix. Investor Climate & Agribusiness: Angola’s visa facilitation and investor measures are praised by a Portuguese consul, with credit and rural road upgrades flagged as key to scaling family farming. Forest Protection in Soyo: Environmental experts call for stronger forest protection, reforestation, and community education to curb deforestation and human-caused wildfires. Education & Finance Habits: A Luanda author launched “Don’t Waste the Leftovers,” urging Angolan families to shift from consumerism toward budgeting and savings discipline.