Cyber & AI Policy: Ethiopia will host an international conference on cybersecurity and artificial intelligence (June 24–25), organized by the Ethiopian Cybersecurity Association and UNECA, aiming to boost Africa’s cyber resilience, data sovereignty, and safe AI adoption. Forex Management: The National Bank of Ethiopia held its latest forex auction after last week’s postponement; the weighted average bid from 16 banks landed at 158 birr per US dollar for $100m, with the next auction set for June 24. Green Legacy Drive: Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed launched the 2026 Green Legacy Initiative targeting 8 billion seedlings, as Ethiopia pushes toward its longer-term 65 billion trees goal. Digital City Talks: Ethio Telecom met Hawassa’s mayor to advance smart city services, integrate Telebirr into municipal revenue collection, and expand digital public services. Ethiopia–Nigeria Prisoner Deal Fallout: Nigeria’s Peter Obi welcomed the completed prisoner transfer agreement but lamented reports that four Nigerians died during prolonged negotiations; the deal also sparked public debate over how officials should engage prisoners. Regional Food Security Finance: The African Finance Corporation pledged $600m to expand Dangote fertiliser projects in Nigeria and Ethiopia, aiming to boost urea output and reduce Africa’s dependence on imported fertiliser. South Africa Xenophobia Dispute: South Africa’s government pushed back on WHO’s account of migrant deaths, saying incidents were linked to organized crime and urging engagement to ensure “accurate and reliable” information.