IMF & LDC Graduation: The IMF says LDC graduation doesn’t automatically change growth paths, with Equatorial Guinea the main exception due to its oil and gas weight. CEMAC Banking Health: BEAC reports CEMAC non-performing loans fell to 15.4% of gross loans by end-June 2026, down from 17.4% a year earlier, signaling improving credit quality across Cameroon, Congo, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, Chad and CAR. Shadow Fleet Risk for Shipping Registries: A report links 45 Russia-trading shadow fleet tankers to a single Hong Kong nominee, with many vessels flagged in Sierra Leone and Equatorial Guinea—raising pressure on registries as sanctions enforcement tightens. Egypt–Africa Deal Push (includes Equatorial Guinea): Egypt signed cooperation agreements with South Africa, Equatorial Guinea and Chad covering investment, agriculture, tourism, aquaculture and pharmaceuticals, plus a joint committee and business council framework. Local Content & Skills: A business-focused reflection highlights how local content success depends on building local capacity, drawing on experience starting in Equatorial Guinea’s oil and gas sector. Energy & Trade Platforms: The Alamein Africa Forum in Egypt gathers about 1,500 participants to drive intra-African trade and investment, while AEW 2026 in Cape Town positions Africa’s energy sector for deal-making. Construction Equipment Market Moves: Hitachi reshuffles its dealer network across West and Central Africa, appointing MDA as authorised dealer including Equatorial Guinea, and expanding Movicortes’ territory. Oilfield JV in Nigeria: Mermaid Maritime formed a Nigeria subsea services JV aimed at meeting local content rules and supporting TotalEnergies and other majors, following similar JV moves in Equatorial Guinea.