Kenya has signed a significant artificial intelligence partnership with U.S. company Anthropic to explore AI applications in key sectors. The agreement aims to leverage AI for advancements in education, public services, health, and AI research and skills development within Kenya.

• The partnership focuses on exploring real-world AI applications in education and health, as well as developing responsible uses in the public sector.
• Key signatories include Kenya's Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei and Anthropic’s Head of Beneficial Deployments, Elizabeth Kelly.
• This collaboration is part of Kenya’s broader technology diplomacy agenda and aligns with its Kenya AI Strategy 2025-2030.

Travel to parts of Ethiopia is disrupted following a renewed conflict and a travel advisory from the United States. The U.S. Embassy in Addis Ababa issued a security alert warning foreigners to avoid the Tigray and Afar regions due to escalating tensions.

• Ethiopian Airlines has suspended flights to and from airports in Mekelle, Axum, and Shire after the Tigray Defence Forces reportedly took control of them.
• The conflict is a renewed power struggle between Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's administration and the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF).
• U.S. Ambassador to Ethiopia Ervin Massinga expressed disappointment with the TPLF's decision to launch a large-scale offensive instead of pursuing dialogue.