Gold & Mining Economics: World Gold Council reports record gold prices in Q1’26 outpacing rising costs, with global all-in sustaining costs up 16% YoY to $1,785/oz while spot prices briefly hit historic highs near $5,595/oz—boosting margins and cash flows; Fiscal Pressure in West Africa: the same WGC analysis flags royalty hikes as the main cost driver, noting sliding royalty systems in Ghana (up to 12%) and Burkina Faso (10% band in 2025), alongside rising resource-nationalism pressures; Electricity & Hydropower Operations: SONABEL says it may open Bagré Dam spillway gates as reservoir levels near normal operating range, with possible releases as early as Friday 28 Aug if water reaches 234.75m, while Kompienga remains below capacity; Energy Access: new studies project Africa on track for a record 17GW of solar installations in 2026 (+45% YoY), with solar mini-grids highlighted as key for Francophone West Africa including Burkina Faso where rural electrification can be as low as 2–10%; Agribusiness & Inputs: West Africa is pushing to speed up cross-border movement of crop seeds, aiming to make regional rules on certified seed work in practice; Textiles & Value Chains (Regional): Northshore Apparel plans a fabric mill and cotton outgrower scheme to deepen the textile chain and shift exports toward finished garments; Water Infrastructure (Burkina Faso-linked region): Denmark and partners back a Wa water project in Ghana, underscoring the wider Sahel push for safer water and WASH systems.