Bioacoustics for conservation in Gabon: A new Soundscape Baselines Project is using forest sound recordings to catch biodiversity loss that satellites and carbon accounting can miss, with Gabon logged forests showing different dawn and dusk “chorus” patterns even when canopy looks intact. Critical minerals push meets forest costs: A G7 drive to secure minerals from Africa is colliding with research showing mining-related forest clearing across sub-Saharan Africa, including major supply roles for Gabon in manganese. IMF on coups and investment: The IMF says military takeovers cut investment growth by an average 14.3 points and can shave GDP growth for years, warning of long-run damage to trade and household spending. Gabon in the spotlight for EXPO 2027: Gabon signed its contract for participation in Belgrade’s EXPO 2027, moving forward on operational steps for the May–August 2027 event. Gabon-linked corruption probe: Switzerland searched commodities trader Gunvor over suspected bribery tied to an oil contract in Gabon in 2024, with Gunvor denying wrongdoing. Gabon oil development update: Record Resources says work on the Loba discovery in Gabon is pointing to potential initial output above 5,000 barrels per day, using nearby fields as production analogues. CEMAC banking regulators meet: African banking supervisors gathered in Yaoundé to strengthen prudential cooperation as digital finance and new instruments raise risks across the region including Gabon. Gabon policy risk debate: Commentary says Gabon could re-criminalize same-sex relations, with concerns raised about potential economic fallout if the bill advances.