Afghanistan Economy & Jobs: The ILO says women’s labour force participation in Afghanistan has dropped to just 5.1% in 2026, with employment gains benefiting men only, deepening gender gaps and weakening the labour market. Industry & Investment: Afghanistan’s Chamber of Commerce and Investment and the Chamber of Industries and Mines signed an MoU to create a joint-stock company that pools private capital to finance major projects across industry, mining (including oil), infrastructure and construction. Energy & Trade Diplomacy: Iran’s foreign ministry says it has not yet decided on formally recognizing the Islamic Emirate, but will keep expanding economic and trade engagement with Kabul. Regional Connectivity: FPCCI and ECO-CCI leaders urged practical action to unlock trade and investment across the ECO region, pushing connectivity, customs simplification, and joint production in agriculture/food processing, textiles, minerals, energy, engineering and IT. Food & Agriculture Infrastructure: A flour mill was inaugurated in Balkh province, signaling continued investment in local processing capacity. Humanitarian & Food Security: WFP warns of worsening food crisis conditions in Afghanistan, with reports that most malnourished women and children are still denied treatment. Security & Community Impact: A Kabul school blast injured 42 children, raising fresh concerns in the Hazara community about safety and protection.