Franco-Gabon Industrial Push: Eramet and the Gabonese government signed an MoU in Paris to study local manganese processing of up to 700,000 tonnes a year by 2031, with Gabon pledging the right energy and investment conditions—part of a drive to keep more value in-country. State Visit to Ghana: President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema begins a three-day state visit to Ghana (July 28-30), with talks expected to cover trade, mining, energy, agriculture, fisheries, transport, tourism and security. Visa Processing Shift (Gabon-US): From Aug. 1, Gabonese applicants must handle most U.S. visa procedures in Yaoundé as the U.S. Embassy in Cameroon becomes the regional hub for multiple visa categories. Capital Markets Watch: Alios Finance Cameroon is seeking to raise CFA13 billion on the Central African bond market, offering 6.60% (3-year) and 7.20% (5-year) coupons. Political Risk in Focus: Reuters reports Gabon opposition leader Alain Claude Bilie By Nze has been jailed for over three months over an old private financial dispute, with lawyers alleging political motives. Regional Security Outlook: AU member states, including Cameroon and Gabon, warn Somalia’s AUSSOM peace mission cannot continue indefinitely and urge Mogadishu to prepare for a foreign troop exit. Mobile Money IPO Signal: Airtel Africa selected the London Stock Exchange for the planned 2026 IPO of Airtel Money, aiming for the second half of the year. Local Business Climate Note: A new index flags Gabon among the riskiest solo-travel destinations, citing weak healthcare access.