AGP Executive Report

Nairobi Collapse: Rescuers are searching for seven people feared trapped after a 16-storey building under construction collapsed in Eastleigh. One worker was injured; the disaster renews concern over construction safety, with a past national audit finding most inspected buildings failed standards or lacked approvals. Ebola Outbreak: Kenya has reported a second Ebola death but says there is no evidence of community spread. Nigeria has confirmed an imported case, while DR Congo has begun a major vaccine trial against the outbreak strain. Ethiopia-Kenya Border: Clashes between Oromo and Somali communities in southern Ethiopia have killed at least nine people and driven more than 2,000 across the border into Kenya, where aid groups are assisting displaced families. ECOMOG Legacy: Nigerian veterans are urging the government to establish a remembrance day for troops who died in West African peacekeeping missions; the defence minister says their sacrifices will be documented and honoured.

Ebola Alert: Nigeria has confirmed an imported case of the Bundibugyo strain as the WHO warns the outbreak is becoming more complex across Africa. Health authorities are stepping up surveillance and containment, amid concern that no vaccine is available for this strain. Kenya: A high-rise under construction collapsed in Nairobi’s Eastleigh district, with casualties feared as rescue teams searched the rubble. The disaster has renewed scrutiny of building safety amid the city’s construction boom. Regional Trade: COMESA leaders called for fewer trade barriers and stronger cross-border links at their summit in Zimbabwe, where Emmerson Mnangagwa took over as chair. Zambia also handed over land for the bloc’s new headquarters in Lusaka. Energy and Industry: Nigeria’s Lee Engineering has built compressor stations to help raise gas flows through the Escravos–Lagos pipeline, while President Bola Tinubu urged oil companies to give local firms more work. Sport: Kenyan Olympic and world marathon champion Peres Jepchirchir was provisionally suspended after an out-of-competition sample tested positive for EPO.

Ebola Alert: WHO says the outbreak has become more complex after Nigeria confirmed an imported case of the Bundibugyo strain, which has no approved vaccine or specific treatment. Health authorities are tracing contacts and urging regional vigilance. Regional Integration: The African Development Bank and ECOWAS are stepping up cooperation to speed West African integration projects and improve delivery of development plans. Energy and Trade: Aliko Dangote has bought a 25% stake in Kenya Pipeline Company for $327 million, supporting plans for a wider African fuel distribution network. Climate Risk: The UN warns El Niño could reach unprecedented strength, raising concerns about extreme weather and food security; Zambia and the World Bank are assessing preparedness. Elections: Nigeria’s INEC is exploring AI checks to catch discrepancies in election results, while the EU warns AI-generated fake news could threaten the credibility of the 2027 polls.

Ebola Alert: Nigeria has confirmed its first Ebola case in more than a decade, widening the Bundibugyo outbreak linked to the DRC, Uganda and Kenya. WHO warns that delayed detection and weak surveillance could accelerate spread; Nigeria is tracing 44 contacts, while Ghana has tightened screening. There is no specific vaccine or treatment for this strain. Regional Trade: COMESA leaders urged member states to cut border delays and other trade barriers, improve digital systems and deepen regional integration. Energy Investment: Dangote acquired a 25% stake in Kenya Pipeline for $327 million, advancing plans for a wider African fuel distribution network. Ghana, meanwhile, signed a preliminary pact for the second phase of a proposed $28 billion petroleum hub. Climate Risks: The UN warns a potentially record-strength El Niño could bring severe weather and food security pressures, including flood risks in East Africa and drier conditions in the south.

Ebola Alert: Nigeria’s first confirmed case in more than a decade has triggered regional surveillance, with Ghana tightening airport screening after cases were reported in Kenya. WAHO is coordinating with health authorities as officials seek to contain cross-border spread. East Africa Energy: Aliko Dangote has acquired nearly a 25% stake in Kenya Pipeline Company for about $327 million, strengthening his foothold in regional fuel distribution. Climate and Food Security: The WMO warns El Niño could reach unprecedented strength; the UN says about 50 million people face increased hunger, while African economies could lose $10–20 billion. Sudan War: More than 300 people were reportedly killed in military drone strikes on a funeral gathering and a fuel market, as peace talks end without progress and the humanitarian crisis deepens. Investment and Growth: Liberia is courting African investors with promises of business reforms, while IMF projections put Ghana on course to become the continent’s eighth-largest economy in 2026. West African Cooperation: ECOWAS is urging stronger climate finance ahead of COP31, while renewed talks with Sahel states raise hopes of rebuilding regional ties.

Ebola Outbreak: Nigeria has confirmed its first case in more than a decade, linked to the same strain spreading from the DRC. Kenya reports nine cases, with eight patients improving and nearly all contacts traced. African health officials are urging stronger screening and urgent regional coordination as the outbreak reaches West Africa. Sahel Security: Ghana’s President John Mahama says any partner committed to fighting terrorism is welcome, including Russia, while stressing the need for a collective regional response. Energy Investment: Aliko Dangote has bought a 25% stake in Kenya Pipeline Company for about $327 million, expanding his regional energy footprint as plans advance for a major refinery in Lamu. Climate Risks: The UN warns a powerful El Niño could bring drought and floods, putting food supplies and vulnerable communities in East and Southern Africa at risk. Regional Cooperation: SADC leaders met virtually to discuss stronger institutions, integration and security, including conflict in eastern DRC and terrorism in northern Mozambique.

Ebola Alert: Nigeria confirmed its first case in the latest outbreak: a woman who travelled from Uganda is isolated in Abuja, with 44 contacts being traced. Kenya has reported nine cases linked to one cluster, while Uganda says it has no active cases. Regional Security: Militants killed at least 48 civilians in Mali, while Burkina Faso’s military government reinstated the death penalty for crimes including terrorism and treason. Minerals and Jobs: African leaders are pressing for a common minerals policy to expand local processing, manufacturing and employment instead of exporting raw materials. Trade and Investment: South Africa’s Ramaphosa urged the country to prepare for possible removal from the US AGOA trade programme; Nedbank has completed its takeover of 66% of Kenya’s NCBA. Food Risks: A projected global food shock could raise prices and strain public finances in North Africa, while deepening hardship and insecurity in the Sahel.

Ebola Response: Kenya confirmed a ninth case, all within one cluster, as Nigeria began tracing 44 contacts linked to an infected traveller from Uganda. The outbreak in the DRC has exceeded 9,500 infections and 4,600 deaths. Travel and Trade: The US urged Americans to reconsider travel to Kenya, while Uganda’s weakening shilling threatens Kenyan exports to its largest market. Energy and Investment: Kenya says it expects to begin exporting Turkana crude in December; state firms have also sold a 24.76% stake in Kenya Pipeline Company to a foreign investor. Ghana, meanwhile, reports oil output up about 30% this year as it pursues plans to become a regional energy hub. Regional Security: Nigeria’s air force says strikes in the Lake Chad region killed prominent ISWAP figures and destroyed logistical assets. African Rights: Rights groups warned the African Commission that press freedom, civic space and access to information remain under pressure across West and East Africa.

Ebola Alert: DR Congo’s outbreak has spread to an eighth province, while Kenya has confirmed eight cases, raising fears of wider regional transmission. East Africa Braces for El Niño: Heavy rains threaten urban communities, homes and food supplies as governments prepare for a potentially severe October–December rainy season. Kenya Cult Case: Paul Mackenzie was convicted of murdering 191 people, mostly children, after urging followers to starve themselves to death. Banking Shake-up: South Africa’s Nedbank completed its takeover of 66% of Kenya’s NCBA, a major shift in East Africa’s financial sector. Sahel Talks Resume: Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger have restarted dialogue with ECOWAS after an 18-month break, agreeing to form joint working groups. Security and Scams: Nigeria’s air force says it killed senior ISWAP figures in a Lake Chad strike, while a West African fraud crackdown removed 3.7 million accounts and led to 28 arrests; authorities in Ghana also rescued 117 people allegedly forced to work in scam operations. Regional Investment: Congo listed $1.55 billion in sovereign bonds in Dubai, while African leaders and investors continue pushing for major infrastructure and energy projects.

Ebola Alert: Kenya confirmed its eighth case as the outbreak in neighbouring DR Congo spread to an eighth province, intensifying regional containment efforts. Sahel Security: Human Rights Watch says Mali’s army and Russian allies killed 94 civilians in drone strikes and urged African Union action; separately, ECOWAS and Sahel states agreed to restart cooperation talks on trade and security. East African Banking: South Africa’s Nedbank completed its acquisition of a 66% stake in NCBA for about R13.9 billion, giving it control of the major regional lender while NCBA keeps its brand and Nairobi listing. West African Health: Ghana began a small clinical trial of an Oxford-developed Lassa fever vaccine, a step towards protection against the disease endemic in the region. Trade and Jobs: South African President Cyril Ramaphosa urged the country to prepare for possible removal from the US AGOA trade programme, despite its renewal by Congress through 2028. Nigeria Security: A landmine killed eight soldiers in Borno, underscoring the continuing threat from insurgents in the northeast.

Ebola Outbreak: Kenya confirmed an eighth case, while the deadly outbreak in DR Congo has spread to an eighth province, with more than 9,400 cases reported. Nigeria’s Security Crisis: A landmine killed eight soldiers in Borno, as ISWAP and Boko Haram continue attacks in the northeast. Mali Conflict: Human Rights Watch says drone strikes by Mali’s military and Russian allies killed 94 civilians from April to August—more than double the toll a year earlier. Regional Diplomacy: ECOWAS and the breakaway Sahel states agreed to joint working groups aimed at restoring trade and security ties. Minerals and Power: Africa’s push to process minerals at home is attracting investors, but high costs and unreliable electricity threaten projects. West African Links: Air Sénégal is considering Dakar–Monrovia flights from 2027, subject to regulatory approval. Southern African Remembrance: South Africa and Mozambique are marking 40 years since former Mozambican president Samora Machel died in a plane crash that remains disputed.

Ebola Alert: Congo’s outbreak has reached an eighth province, where authorities reported two cases and one death. Kenya has confirmed seven cases, including three health workers. Sahel Diplomacy: ECOWAS and Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger agreed in Dakar to form joint working groups and develop a cooperation framework, reopening dialogue after the Sahel states’ withdrawal from the bloc. Security: A landmine killed eight Nigerian soldiers in Borno as the army pledged to sustain its campaign against Boko Haram and ISWAP. In Sudan, officials say army airstrikes dealt heavy losses to RSF forces in Nyala; the RSF alleges civilians were killed in a strike on a market. Cybercrime: Authorities in Ghana and Nigeria arrested 28 suspects in a regional scam crackdown, with investigators identifying more than $11 million in funds that could be frozen. Regional Development: The East African Community is seeking stronger World Bank backing to turn integration plans into investment, jobs and expanded cross-border trade.

Ebola Outbreak: Kenya confirmed four new Bundibugyo Ebola cases, including three health workers, bringing the total to seven and the death toll to one. All four new patients were already in quarantine. Regional Ties: ECOWAS and the Sahel Alliance agreed in Dakar to form joint working groups and draft a cooperation framework, marking a step toward repairing relations with Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger. Power Investment: Burundi signed a $1.4 billion, 25-year electricity deal expected to extend or improve access for about eight million people. West African Projects: Tony Elumelu is backing a proposed $15 billion regional investment pipeline; 26 shortlisted projects are worth more than $10 billion, but the funding is not yet committed. Nigeria: The EU announced €20 million in defence support and nearly €45 million in humanitarian aid, as its envoy warned that poverty remains a major challenge. Energy Costs: South African oil majors urged faster licensing and regulatory reforms to attract investment, while the IMF warned that higher fuel, transport and farm-input costs could push up living costs across sub-Saharan Africa.

Ebola Emergency: Kenya confirmed four more Ebola cases, including three health workers, bringing its total to seven. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, the outbreak has reached an eighth province, with more than 9,000 cases reported; African regional blocs are urging joint funding, stronger surveillance and local production of medical supplies. East African Economy: Kenya has reclaimed the region’s largest economy title from Ethiopia, with a projected $24 billion lead in 2026. Currency depreciation explains much of the shift in dollar-measured GDP, while Ethiopia remains larger by purchasing power. Regional Trade: Uganda and Kenya agreed to remove remaining barriers on agricultural exports, including discriminatory levies and border delays that hurt perishable goods. Migration: At least 12 people died after a migrant boat sank off Gambia, the latest deadly crossing from West Africa. UN Leadership: Former Senegalese president Macky Sall withdrew from the race for UN secretary-general after a Security Council poll showed he lacked sufficient support.

Ebola Outbreak: Kenya confirmed a third case linked to its first patient, while the outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has spread to an eighth province, heightening pressure on regional health services. West African Unity: Nigeria is leading talks in Dakar to rebuild ties between ECOWAS and Sahel states Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso, aiming to preserve security and economic cooperation. Migration: At least 12 people died when a migrant boat capsized off Gambia. The IOM says 4,414 children have died or disappeared on migration routes worldwide since 2014, with the true toll likely higher. Regional Investment: West African leaders and business figures are backing a proposed $15 billion infrastructure investment pipeline to boost regional growth. Climate and Forests: Africa lost about 2.43 million hectares of tropical forest in 2025, with Congo Basin clearing accelerating even as deforestation slows elsewhere. Economic Outlook: The IMF expects African economies to grow 4.5% this year, but warns a 12% fall in development aid could leave countries more exposed to future shocks.

Ebola Alert: The outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has spread to an eighth province, with children among the hardest hit; Africa CDC says poor reporting leaves more than $700 million in response funding unaccounted for, while stressing this does not prove it was stolen. Kenya has confirmed a second case. West African Investment: Regional business leaders are backing a proposed $15 billion infrastructure pipeline, while Ghana is in talks with more than 10 African countries to link digital payment systems and lower cross-border costs. Security: Suspected ISWAP fighters killed at least 15 soldiers in an attack on a military base in Nigeria’s Borno State; a priest was also kidnapped in Benue State. Climate and Relief: Kenya’s Met department forecasts rain in 40 counties through October 23, warning of possible floods and landslides. Ghana has received ECOWAS’s $250,000 donation for communities hit by June’s deadly floods. Regional Trade: Landlocked South Sudan has joined a regional maritime body to improve cooperation on shipping and access to international markets.