Foreign Trade Crackdown in Kenya: President William Ruto ordered foreigners running small-scale businesses (hawking and small retail) to shut down from September 7, saying the move protects local traders while Kenya stays open to investment that creates jobs and boosts production. East Africa Fuel Hub Race: Regional plans for refineries, pipelines, storage and ports are accelerating, with Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda building competing energy hubs and Rwanda signaling interest in taking a stake in the Lamu refinery talks. Lake Tanganyika Fisheries Push: Tanzania says fish stocks in Lake Tanganyika have fallen sharply since 1998 and is strengthening enforcement, protecting breeding grounds, and promoting cage fish farming, with joint research involving Burundi, DRC and Zambia. Aviation Disruption Costs: Kenya’s aviation workers strike has been called off after two days of flight paralysis, with the disruption hitting regional routes and trade-linked logistics. Tech and Startups: Africa Blockchain Festival launched its 2026 Fellowship Programme to connect blockchain/AI founders with investors and mentorship in Nairobi this October. Burundi-Linked Trade Growth: Rabobank reports African avocado exports reached 450,000 tonnes in 2025, with growing shipments from countries including Burundi as export destinations diversify. Water for Irrigation: Rwanda faces a major water-storage gap to meet irrigation demand by 2034, underscoring how water infrastructure underpins farm output and food security.