AGP Executive Report

Ceuta Migration Fallout: Spain declassifies about 40 intelligence reports on the July migrant surge into its North African enclave, as EU leaders face renewed pressure over border control and Morocco’s role. Kenya Immigration Crackdown: Kenya gives foreign workers 90 days to regularise permits and licences after President Ruto’s remarks sparked panic among East African traders, with temporary amnesty steps to calm tensions. Borno Insurgency Update: Nigerian troops repelled an ISWAP attack on a military base in Pulka, with one soldier wounded and air support used to disrupt attackers. DRC Peace Talks: A new Switzerland-brokered roadmap between the government and AFC/M23 rebels raises cautious hope for eastern Congo, though critics warn key regional players are sidelined. Liberia Health Crisis: A long wait for obstetric fistula surgery leaves young women in Liberia trapped in pain and lost livelihoods, highlighting gaps in timely care. US-Iran Aviation Sanctions: The US Treasury targets Iranian-linked airlines and front firms under “Operation Economic Outcast,” tightening pressure on aviation networks tied to weapons and illicit cargo. East Africa Climate Finance: IFAD and Equity Group launch a $200m mechanism to push climate adaptation funding to East African farmers and rural businesses. Business & Trade: APM Terminals signs an MoU to develop Nigeria’s Badagry deep-seaport, while Dangote’s refinery IPO documents confirm a major expansion plan.

East Africa Migration Crackdown: Hundreds of Burundians in Kenya rushed to the Burundi embassy in Nairobi for travel documents after President William Ruto ordered closure of foreign-owned small businesses, with fears of attacks and a fast exit from the country. Southern Africa Energy Push: Namibia commissioned Siemens’ Africa-first fully integrated green hydrogen facility at Walvis Bay, pairing solar, electrolysis and battery storage to cut reliance on grid power. West Africa Industrial Finance: Nigeria’s Dangote Refinery signed IPO documents for a record-sized retail-focused share sale, targeting about 2.15tn naira and doubling capacity to 1.4m barrels/day by 2029. Governance & Elections: Ethiopia and COMESA congratulated Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema on re-election, while Nigeria’s INEC faces fresh scrutiny ahead of 2027. Education & Exams: Ghana’s WASSCE results sparked debate as WAEC and educators trade blame over English performance, placement and malpractice investigations. Security: Armed men attacked a church in northeastern Nigeria’s Adamawa, killing at least 12 and kidnapping a woman. Climate & Health: UN-linked reporting warns wildfire smoke is driving major excess deaths, while El Niño risks are reshaping farming outlooks across the region.

Climate & Health: The World Meteorological Organization warns that worsening wildfires and heat waves are set to make air-quality targets harder, with more dangerous PM2.5 and ozone threatening respiratory and cardiovascular health. Oil & Trade: Uganda appoints Vitol to market its newly branded Pearl Sweet crude as first exports are targeted for early 2027, while Uganda’s coffee shipments fell 15.1% in July to $204.1m. West Africa Diplomacy: Nigeria facilitated the safe return of Sierra Leone’s ex-president Ernest Koroma after treason charges were dropped, ending over two years of asylum in Abuja. Security & Migration: Kenya’s government warns against harassment and intimidation of foreign nationals, while ECOWAS urges members to prevent diversion of legally acquired arms for illicit use. Digital Economy: Kenya pushes for more digital investors as it launches a new data centre platform, and Mastercard partners with Flowcart to expand WhatsApp-based card payments across East Africa. Business & Industry: Nigeria’s ports report 12.3% Q2 cargo throughput growth, and Dangote’s refinery IPO is unveiled as it targets expansion to make it the world’s largest by 2028.

Gaza Humanitarian Crisis: In Gaza, 73 children were among 106 Palestinians buried in a mass funeral after bodies were recovered from rubble tied to an Israeli airstrike, with rights groups calling for a permanent ceasefire and access for recovery teams. DRC Ebola Response: In Congo’s Ituri, Ebola burial teams say they’re stretched to the limit as hostile communities, fatigue and restrictions on traditional rites complicate safe, dignified burials. Cape Verde Tragedy: Cape Verde declared two days of mourning after a bus carrying schoolchildren plunged about 30 metres into a ravine on Fogo, killing at least 25, mostly children and teens. Climate & Health: The UN weather agency warns that hotter conditions and more intense wildfires will worsen air quality, making global air-quality goals harder to meet. Energy & Oil: Nigeria’s Dangote upstream arm WAEP targets first sustained oil within two years while monetising gas in parallel, as the regulator also signals faster, possibly twice-yearly licensing. Business & Payments: PayTic expands into Saudi Arabia with AI-powered payments operations, while Nomba secured a $3m facility to boost cross-border payments in the DRC. Governance & Schools: Ghana’s basic schools are set to re-open Tuesday for the 2026-2027 term, with a full calendar released by the education service. Trade & Security: Kenya pushes to turn investor interest into real deals ahead of a Nairobi summit, while also racing to meet FATF grey-list conditions.

Industrial Policy Shift: Kenya’s President William Ruto says the country will stop exporting raw materials and push local processing and value addition, starting with inputs like soda ash from Lake Magadi. Cartography Diplomacy: Togo won a UN vote backing a more accurate world map that corrects Mercator distortions, urging equal-area projections for fair comparisons of Africa’s size. Sahel Security Tensions: Niger’s military accuses France of orchestrating a failed mutiny in Niamey, as fighting spread from Base 101 to the presidential palace before being contained with help from Russian forces. Humanitarian Tragedy: A bus crash on Cape Verde’s Fogo island killed at least 25 people, many schoolchildren and teenagers, after the vehicle plunged into a ravine. Regional Politics & Migration: Spain’s Ceuta crisis continues to spark protests and arrests, with local anger rising over plans for a migrant camp near a children’s nursery. Public Health: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak has surpassed 3,000 deaths as burial teams work under threats while cases keep rising. Education Watch: Ghana’s WASSCE 2026 results show English performance slipping, prompting calls for urgent remedial action.

CAF Football: Gor Mahia and Tusker kick off their continental campaigns with brutal “litmus test” fixtures—Gor host Pyramids in the Champions League prelim, while Tusker open the Confederation Cup against Al Ahli Madani in Kigali. Women’s Sport: Edo Queens win the WAFU B Women’s Champions League, edging Ghana’s Ampem Darkoa on penalties after a 2-2 draw. Mining & Migration: South Africa’s chrome boom is tied to a deadly underground economy after a wall collapse killed 14 miners near Rustenburg, highlighting exploitation of vulnerable migrants. Climate & Food Security: El Niño warnings intensify across Southern Africa, with below-normal rains expected and food insecurity risks rising sharply. Politics & Governance: A look at SADC’s party proliferation raises questions about how many parties a country can sustain—using South Africa’s election-party surge as a benchmark. Education: Ghana’s University of Ghana tells WASSCE holders to re-check admissions portal entries ahead of the Sept 8 deadline. Energy & Industry: Experts warn Africa must invest fast in digitalised, reliable power grids as demand climbs and losses remain high. Press Freedom: Kenya’s media community raises alarm after the reported abduction of Standard Group associate editor Alex Kiprotich. Business & Culture: Mr Eazi buys into Ghana’s Intravenous Infusions, while a new wave of African-language revival stories spotlights youth reconnecting through media and learning.

Transport & Jobs: Uber abruptly ends ride-hailing in Nigeria and Uganda from Sept 2, citing harsh economics, while insisting the pullout is limited to those two markets. Security in West Africa: Nigerian forces arrest a suspected ISWAP spy in Borno; separate reports also note teenage terrorists surrendering and an 11-year-old girl rescued. Terrorism Strategy Debate: Ghanaian analysts warn that fighting extremism needs root-cause fixes—poverty, unemployment, and marginalisation—not only military pressure. Education Watch: WAEC releases 2026 WASSCE core-subject performance and cancels/withholds results for thousands over irregularities. Infrastructure & Trade: Kenya’s western SGR extension finally moves into construction, but the Sh700bn price tag raises big questions on returns; Tanzania and DRC also plan to fast-track SGR and fibre links. Regional Finance: IFAD and Equity Group launch a $200m climate adaptation mechanism for East African farmers. Migration & Politics (Spain’s Ceuta): Madrid overrules local authorities to set up new migrant tent camps as protests and outrage continue. Digital Safety: UNICEF reports 27% of children in Eastern and Southern Africa face online sexual exploitation exposure. Global Map Push: UN backs a resolution to use more accurate maps of Africa, challenging Mercator.

EU-Ireland Returns Pact: Ireland is set to sign an EU-Nigeria readmission deal that would speed up returns of undocumented Nigerian migrants, tightening a returns system beyond a 2001 Ireland-Nigeria agreement. Sahel Power Play: Niger says France incited last week’s mutiny at Air Base 101, as Russia’s Africa Corps helped loyalists regain control—another sign of foreign backing shaping who stays in power. Education Watch (Ghana): WAEC reports 2026 WASSCE results show a rebound in Social Studies (78.04% A1–C6) and improvements in Maths and Integrated Science, but English Language keeps sliding to 62.40% A1–C6. Security (Nigeria): NSCDC says 15 minors were allegedly abducted and sold in Nasarawa for N30m, with a rescue operation recovering most victims. Climate Risk: The WMO warns the current El Niño could become the strongest in a thousand years, raising odds of extreme droughts and heavy rains across parts of Africa. Economy & Industry (South Africa): DBSA begins feasibility work toward South Africa’s first sovereign wealth fund, aiming for long-term development financing. Terror Rivalry (Borno): At least 23 Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters were reportedly killed in fresh clashes over Sambisa Forest territory.

Oil & Gas: Murphy Oil reports a tenfold jump in Q2 profit and a major West Africa find, striking 100 feet of net pay at Bubale-1X offshore Côte d’Ivoire and moving to appraisal. Logistics Digital Push: Ethiopia’s ESL launches a digital customer self-service platform for port and cargo services, including tracking, booking, demurrage management and AI chat support. West Africa Security: Ghana’s defence intelligence chief warns communal conflicts can be exploited by extremists as terror fatalities rise; meanwhile, Nigeria’s police say they repelled a Boko Haram attack on a Borno APC governorship candidate’s convoy. Education Pressure: Ghana’s BECE 2026 results spark placement anxiety, with WAEC citing no leaked papers and pointing to reduced malpractice. Climate & Food Risk: South Africa’s SAWS warns 2027 could be the hottest year on record as El Niño strengthens; Malawi and others are rolling out preparedness plans. Ebola Watch: Africa CDC says it’s too early to declare DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak under control, as cases keep spreading. Energy Finance: Namibia’s TotalEnergies completes entry as operator into PEL83 for the Mopane discovery. Capital Markets: Dangote Refinery’s IPO order book is set to open mid-September, with shares priced at N525. Diplomacy & Food Security: Zelenskyy thanks Egypt and partners over efforts to keep Black Sea maritime food shipments safe. Human Rights & Governance: CDD-Ghana urges Ghana’s Chief Justice to avoid partisan-sounding public remarks. Environment & Wildlife: Viral footage from Ceuta shows migrants attacking a protected baby dolphin, triggering calls for accountability.

Aid & Diplomacy: Ireland and Spain were the only EU countries to increase overseas development aid last year, as Ireland warned US-led cuts are “devastating” for lives and programmes. Tourism Push: Tianjin’s 2026 culture and tourism expo is pitching wetlands, rural experiences and crafts to attract more international visitors, including debuts from Côte d’Ivoire. West Africa Politics: Nigeria rejected claims it backed Niger’s failed coup, saying the reports are false and that it won’t support unconstitutional power grabs. Gold & Industry: Aurum Resources reported high-grade gold hits at Côte d’Ivoire’s Boundiali project, including 5.63m at 31.79g/t. Economy & Jobs: Kenya led Africa’s M&A by deal value in H1 2026, driven by a few big transactions. Transport Shock: Uber is winding down ride-hailing in Nigeria, sparking fears for drivers’ earnings and passenger costs. Health & Security: Congo’s Ebola response is shifting to village-led tracking as cases rise past 6,000, with Africa CDC warning it’s too early to declare control. Climate Pressure: El Niño fears are driving calls for food stockpiling in the UK and warnings of hotter, stormier conditions across regions.

Canary Islands Migration Tragedy: Spanish rescue teams found 44 survivors and five bodies from a boat drifting off Gran Canaria; an NGO says up to 83 people, including a baby and women, may have died after leaving The Gambia about 27 days ago. Ceuta Border Fallout: Spain’s PM Pedro Sánchez faced renewed scrutiny and mass protests over the July migrant surge, with conflicting claims about whether Morocco helped and how many people died. Ebola in DR Congo: WHO-backed teams are using anonymized mobile-phone data to map movement and target surveillance as the Bundibugyo outbreak passes 3,000 deaths. Ghana Education: Basic schools in Ghana reopen Sept 8 for the 2026/27 year, with BECE set for May 5–12, 2027. Kenya Customs Shake-up: President Ruto cut the minimum customs charge for consolidated cargo back to Sh2m, putting fresh pressure on the Kenya Revenue Authority. Qatar Legal & Living Standards: Qatar’s International Court marks 15 years, while the country ranks high in the Legatum Prosperity Index. Ghana Ports Profit: GPHA net profit rose 17.18% to GH¢2.82bn in 2025.

Ebola Crisis in DR Congo: The WHO says DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak has killed over 3,000 people, with 6,186 confirmed cases and 3,007 deaths, as officials warn of hidden transmission chains and urge a faster, bigger response. Uganda Oil Push: President Museveni names Uganda’s crude “Pearl Sweet” ahead of first production, saying the sulphur-light blend could spur industrial growth beyond exports. Kenya Pharma Safety: A fake Postinor-2 batch has exposed weaknesses in Kenya’s medicine supply chain, with experts calling for stronger checks before drugs reach patients. Mobility Shake-up: Bolt vows to stay and expand in Nigeria as Uber exits Nigeria and Uganda from Sept 2, reshaping ride-hailing competition across West and East Africa. Climate Pressure on Food: South Africa braces for stronger El Niño conditions, with forecasts pointing to heat stress and lower rainfall that could hit crops and livestock. Ceuta Migration Fallout: Spain faces fresh protests over the Ceuta migrant crisis, with tensions spilling into wider political scrutiny of Madrid’s handling. East Africa Health Tech: Aga Khan Hospital in Nairobi performs the region’s first robotic gallbladder surgery, signaling a push for advanced minimally invasive care.

IMF Deal for Senegal: The IMF has agreed a new $2.2bn, 36-month loan programme with Senegal after a prior package was paused over unreported debt, with reforms for 2026–2029 and a waiver request tied to past data misreporting. Ebola Crisis in DR Congo: WHO chief Tedros says Congo’s Ebola response must be scaled up as deaths pass 3,000, warning that transmission chains still aren’t fully found and broken. Uganda Oil Milestone: Uganda officially named its crude blend “Pearl Sweet,” citing low sulphur and aiming for first commercial production by year-end, as the EACOP pipeline readies exports. Zambia’s Second Term Under Pressure: President Hakainde Hichilema begins a second term amid election controversy, with EU observers flagging uneven conditions and deteriorating tabulation transparency, while opposition figures face treason charges. Niger Junta Rally After Mutiny: Thousands rallied in Niamey supporting General Abdourahamane Tchiani after a thwarted mutiny, with reports pointing to Russian mercenaries’ role in suppressing the uprising. Ceuta Migration Tensions: Residents in Spain’s North African enclave appealed for calm ahead of protests tied to the recent migrant surge, as locals demand firmer action and far-right groups face scrutiny. Business & Trade Moves: Etu Energias plans to buy Chevron stakes in Angola’s deepwater Cabinda blocks; Nigeria’s ports reported a 12.3% cargo rise in Q2; and Uber exits Nigeria and Uganda from Sept. 2.

Human Rights Under Pressure: Tunisia’s civil society crackdown is widening, with Human Rights Watch documenting arrests, long preventive detention, financial probes and mass suspensions that activists say are shutting civic space. Climate Displacement: Drought-driven Angolans fleeing to Namibia are facing fear of arrest, detention and deportation, as Amnesty warns forced returns lack rights safeguards. Regional Security: US lawmakers heard calls for Washington to back Yemen’s internationally recognised government and regional allies to counter Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping. Health & Safety: DR Congo’s Ebola response is struggling as the outbreak keeps surging, prompting renewed calls for faster action and more funding. Economy & Integration: Uganda backs pension reforms toward regular “replacement income” and pushes East African capital market integration; Togo meanwhile sells CFAF 40bn in bonds and reports 68.4% reform implementation. Energy & Trade: Nigeria’s Seplat targets 500,000 bpd and $1bn dividends, while Kenya’s two-day aviation disruption is estimated to have cost close to Sh800m in airfreight exports. Infrastructure: Mozambique and Zimbabwe move ahead with a major fuel pipeline expansion to boost SADC fuel supply.

Zambia Election Fallout: AI-made images and recycled clips muddied public debate after a disputed vote; officials say Hakainde Hichilema was reelected and vote tallying disruptions followed claims of intimidation and stolen ballots. DR Congo Ebola Disrupts Schooling: Schools reopened in Ituri despite fears as cases top 6,000 and deaths near 3,000; UNICEF backs prevention measures but attendance stays low. Nigeria Education Fees Cut: JAMB and WAEC end repeated O’Level verification charges, setting a one-time N4,000 fee via a single platform for admission seekers. Spain–Ceuta Migration Tensions: Madrid approved €309m in aid for Ceuta as residents burned shelters; Spain’s PM blames Russia and Israel-linked disinformation while Morocco responsibility is rejected. Kenya Digital Health & AI Training: Kenya’s digital health push is moving from pilots to rollout, while Intel expands free AI courses through public libraries. Kenya Airways Shake-up: KQ removes acting CEO George Kamal and names Habil Waswani as acting leader ahead of CEO recruitment. South Africa Crime at Airports: Authorities warn airports are increasingly targeted for drug trafficking after major cocaine and meth lab seizures. ECOWAS Peace Learning: ECOWAS launches strategic publications to turn past peacekeeping lessons into better regional security responses.

Sahel Security: Gunfire and explosions rocked Niamey near Diori Hamani airport and a nearby airbase, underscoring Niger’s fragile security under the military government after earlier incidents this year. ECOWAS Reset: New ECOWAS Commission President Birame Diop pledged renewed engagement with breakaway Sahel states, saying geography and shared threats make separation impossible. Kenya Aviation: Kenya’s aviation workers called off a strike that disrupted flights at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, with officials urging a return to normal operations. DR Congo Ebola: Congo reported Ebola cases crossing 6,000 with deaths nearing 3,000, as the outbreak remains the largest in the country’s history and vaccine rollout begins. Tech & Business: OpenAI says ChatGPT Ads hit a $1 billion annualised revenue run rate in under 200 days, expanding self-serve buying to India and other regions including North Africa. AI Investment in Cameroon: Cybastion plans a $75m AI data centre and power plant in Cameroon, aiming to boost digital infrastructure and attract U.S. tech investment. Ghana Science Agenda: Ghana’s new MEST minister, Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, vowed to turn research and innovation into jobs and industrial growth while tackling climate and illegal mining.