Budget 2026 Debate: New Zealand’s Budget drew sharp criticism for missing a chance to boost local spending and for not going far enough on targeted relief, even as it kept household support in place. Public Health & Data Security: New Zealand’s privacy watchdog found major breaches after a cyber incident exposed nearly 100,000 people’s records, with compliance notices set for both a private portal vendor and Health NZ. Regional Health Security: IGAD launched a $31.9m pandemic preparedness project to strengthen cross-border surveillance, labs, and emergency workforce training across the Horn of Africa. Food Systems & Livestock: SADC urged a united response as foot-and-mouth disease threatens the regional beef industry and warned that fragmented controls could worsen economic fallout. Politics & Courts: Thailand’s court acquitted opposition figure Thanathorn in a royal insult and cybercrime case, while Nigeria saw APC politics roiled by Ovie Omo-Agege’s resignation. Energy & Governance: Ghana’s energy minister warned ECG engineers against politicising their work, stressing reliable power over party battles. Trade & Development: Vietnam’s Resolution 68 reforms are opening pathways for private firms and brands into regional and global value chains. Culture as Economy: Zimbabwe’s Culture Month push reframes heritage as a jobs-and-investment engine, not just preservation.