NPL Crisis Lessons: A new analysis points to how Bangladesh’s non-performing loans surged to a record 32.78% and asks whether NPLs are “uncontrollable,” arguing other countries’ restructuring playbooks—like Thailand’s post-1997 asset divestment and restructuring agencies—offer practical models that could inform Equatorial Guinea’s own banking clean-up efforts. New Capital Stalls: Ciudad de la Paz, declared Equatorial Guinea’s new political capital months ago, is still largely a “ghost town,” with empty avenues and new public buildings but no residents, shops, or schools—raising questions for investors about execution capacity and timelines. Oil Output Snapshot: OPEC data shows Equatorial Guinea’s crude output slipped by about 8,000 bpd to 47,000 bpd in August, a small move but a reminder of how quickly production can shift. Regional Payments Push: BEAC is rolling out interoperable digital payments across CEMAC, including a CEMAC QR system routed via GIMAC/GIMACPAY—an upgrade that could lower transaction friction for cross-border trade involving Equatorial Guinea. Trade Facilitation: CEMAC cleared 120 Cameroonian products for preferential trade, with Equatorial Guinea listed among the bloc members benefiting from the regime. Deportation Fallout: Reports describe deportees being held in legal limbo in Equatorial Guinea, including allegations of police intimidation at a Malabo hotel—an issue with reputational and legal risk for the country.