Red Sea Shipping Security: Saudi Arabia’s 14-nation Multinational Maritime Defense Alliance is moving toward activation, with 15 countries signing to protect navigation and energy routes around Bab al-Mandeb, the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden—Somalia is listed among signatories. Houthi Threat to Somalia: A senior Houthi official warned the group could target any Israeli military or intelligence presence in Somalia and nearby areas, as attacks on shipping keep pressure on trade routes. Maritime Risk for Trade: Egypt publicly disavowed links to a Houthi-attacked cargo ship, saying it’s managed from Dubai and owned by a Yemeni national—another reminder of how ownership and logistics disputes can complicate shipping. Somalia Housing & Construction Investment: Somalia’s Public Works minister met investors from Turkey, Djibouti and Sudan to push affordable housing and infrastructure, offering to facilitate regulations and project implementation. Commerce Leadership Change: Somalia’s deputy commerce minister resigned without citing a reason, as the government continues efforts to improve the trade and industry environment. Aviation Connectivity: Skyward Airlines launched direct Nairobi–Garissa flights four times weekly, boosting cargo and faster movement of goods between Kenya and the wider region. Food Security Pressure: Somalia’s hunger crisis is worsening as drought, conflict and falling aid overlap, with millions facing high hunger and major malnutrition risks. Agriculture Exports: Farmers are pushing to declassify miraa to unlock more export markets, citing Somalia as a major current buyer. Space & Tech Link: Türkiye says it will launch a lunar spacecraft in early 2027 and is working on an equatorial spaceport in Somalia to support satellite and spacecraft launches.