FIFA Governance Rift: Six Arab football federations—Morocco, Qatar, Egypt, Mauritania, Lebanon and Sudan—publicly reaffirm “full support” and “confidence” for FIFA President Gianni Infantino as his leadership faces revolt after his aborted plan to sell stakes in World Cup commercial rights to private investors; the statement highlights his development funding and global outreach, even as other confederations push for him to step down. Regional Finance & Trade: A report says Africa is increasingly using China’s yuan payment rails (CIPS), with Libya preparing to join and other banks already connected, signaling a gradual shift toward more direct yuan-denominated trade and cross-border payments. Mauritania in the Spotlight: In a “price of happiness” analysis, Mauritania is placed among the lower-income thresholds globally, underscoring how purchasing power and living costs shape welfare beyond headline income. Energy Projects Watch: Nigeria-Morocco’s $25bn gas pipeline idea is still stalled amid alleged lukewarm Nigerian engagement, despite ECOWAS endorsement and a renamed African-Atlantic Gas Pipeline framework. Aquaculture Debate: Spain’s Nueva Pescanova shelved its industrial octopus farm near Las Palmas, citing “business and regulatory” reasons after years of ethical and environmental backlash.