ECOWAS Energy Deal: West African leaders signed an intergovernmental framework backing the $25bn Nigeria–Morocco Atlantic gas pipeline, with the project set to move up to 30 bcm of gas annually across 13 countries and feed Morocco and Europe via the existing Maghreb–Europe link. Project Next Steps (Mauritania in the mix): Morocco’s ONHYM and Nigeria’s NNPC say feasibility and FEED are done; the next milestones include creating a Casablanca-based project company and an Abuja-based Pipeline Higher Authority, with Morocco and Mauritania expected to sign separately before investors line up for the Final Investment Decision. Diplomacy & Business: Germany’s foreign minister is visiting Mauritania first, then Nigeria and South Africa, aiming to deepen security cooperation and unlock opportunities for German firms. Mauritania Tourism Finance: The IFC committed up to $15m to expand Grands Hôtels de Mauritanie’s Sheraton Nouakchott, supporting business tourism, jobs, and local supplier value chains. Inflation Watch: Mauritania’s local commodity prices rose sharply in June, lifting annual inflation on local goods to 10.2% and pushing overall consumer prices up 9.2% year-on-year. Oil & Gas Signals: Murphy Oil and Chariot have applied for offshore exploration blocks in Mauritania, as the government moves to renew upstream interest after recent exits by other operators. Connectivity Push: Via Africa, a new Europe–Africa submarine cable consortium is preparing route studies and procurement, with planned landings including Mauritania.