AGP Executive Report

Clean Industry Push in MENA: A new report says the Middle East and North Africa is becoming a clean-industry investment hub, with 84 projects worth about $642bn in potential spending, as clean fuels and metals scale up. Libya Detention Alarm: Activists in a hunger strike demand the release of Global Sumud convoy members detained in eastern Libya, warning they’ve gone 10 days without food or water. Zimbabwe Exports Surge: Zimbabwe’s export earnings have more than tripled since 2017, nearing $10bn in 2024, led by mining and agriculture. World Cup Shock in Group C: Morocco held Brazil to a 1-1 draw as Vinicius Junior equalised after Saibari’s opener, while Scotland beat Haiti 1-0. Nigeria Security Crisis: Gunmen killed at least 17 farmers in northwestern Nigeria, as violence continues to rise. HIV Prevention Under Threat: UN data warns HIV prevention is being set back by major funding cuts, with fewer people receiving key protective medicines. Cameroon Exam Leak Fallout: Cameroon postponed GCE exams after leaked papers, with officials blaming internal failures and corruption. Borno Reintegration Move: Borno State announced reintegration of repentant Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters after Quranic oaths renouncing violence.

Diplomacy & Security: Nigeria says it will use all statutes and African Union mechanisms after the first batch of 268 Nigerians was evacuated from South Africa, warning of a wider diplomatic face-off over how evacuees were handled and categorised. Forex & Economy: Nigeria marks the 3rd anniversary of the 2023 forex reform as the naira continues a recovery, with the CBN citing improved trading levels across official and parallel markets. Regional Health: The East African Community ramps up Ebola and other outbreak response with a €5m German partnership via KfW to boost labs, surveillance and emergency readiness. Human Rights & Politics: DR Congo opposition figures were injured in clashes during a rally against constitutional changes, as police dispersed protesters in Kinshasa. Migration & Rights: The US deported an Iranian pro-democracy activist to the Central African Republic, with her lawyer calling it “super dangerous” amid unclear status and housing. Governance: West Africa’s human rights network (NNHRI-WA) hands over leadership in Accra, with Dr Anthony Ojukwu taking over from Dr Joseph Whittal. Blue Economy: SADC takes a step forward on fisheries monitoring as Mozambique hands over keys to the regional MCSCC headquarters in Katembe. Sports & Identity: FIFA orders Egypt to remove seven AFCON stars from its 2026 World Cup jerseys, while Morocco’s MAR abbreviation is explained as a French-language legacy.

Ebola Response: India’s Serum Institute is fast-tracking a Bundibugyo Ebola vaccine with WHO and Africa CDC backing, as the outbreak in Central Africa grows and cross-border screening tightens. Immigration Crackdown: A US deportation flight carrying migrants including Iranians and others landed in the Central African Republic, with lawyers warning some had legal protections and could face forced returns. Security & Justice: Zimbabwe arrested a third suspect in the Kruger National Park couple murders after a cross-border operation with South Africa and Mozambique, with plans to deport him for trial. Health Targets: Nigeria set a goal to cut malaria prevalence and deaths by 50% by 2030, citing progress in recent surveys. Environment & Industry: Kenya’s revived offshore oil licensing round drew criticism for threatening coral reefs, mangroves and coastal protected areas. Politics & Protest: Nigerians marked Democracy Day with rallies in Lagos over poverty, insecurity and democratic delivery. World Cup Spotlight: Brazil open their 2026 campaign against Morocco in a Group C clash in New Jersey, with both sides managing injuries and recent turbulence.

Migration Crackdown: Pope Leo XIV in Spain’s Canary Islands urged smugglers to “stop and repent,” warning migrants face a “silent shipwreck” after reaching Europe, while the US continues “third-country” deportations, including a flight landing in the Central African Republic with migrants from Iran and other countries. Water & Development: China handed over 300 boreholes to Zimbabwe, delivering clean water to over 75,000 people across four provinces and supporting farming and disease prevention. Security & Reintegration: Nigeria marked the end of a rehabilitation programme for about 720 former jihadist fighters in Borno, with participants swearing oaths not to rejoin. Health & Aid Pressure: Three Geneva health groups plan closer work on malaria and drug-resistant infections as global aid cuts squeeze disease-fighting budgets. Housing Finance in West Africa: Togo moved into implementation of a 20,000-unit housing programme, while UEMOA’s mortgage refinancing body rebranded as AFINHAB to expand housing finance across the union. Digital Push: Kenya secured €102m from the EU for digital infrastructure and connectivity, including support for the Blue Raman submarine cable.

Ebola Watch: WHO warns of “blind spots” in DR Congo’s Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak, citing weak surveillance and isolation bed shortages, as cases and deaths rise and the disease spreads into new health zones. Security & Justice: Nigeria’s Tinubu says 13,000 terrorists were neutralised in a year, while Ghana faces a high-stakes legal test in the Samreboi illegal mining trial amid claims of procedural delays. Migration Pressure: The US plans deportations to the Central African Republic under third-country deals, including an Iranian woman facing alleged torture risks, as rights groups question the opaque process. Energy & Environment: East African Crude Oil Pipeline scrutiny grows over wildlife corridors and community impacts, while West Africa’s mining sector leans harder into responsible practices and long-term environmental performance. Economy & Policy: Kenya unveils a tight 2026/27 budget with a large deficit and debt reliance, and South Africa urges investment in young engineers to fix infrastructure gaps. Health & Climate: Malaria cases are climbing in southern Africa as warmer conditions extend transmission seasons. Business & Trade: Dangote refinery fuel imports expand across West Africa, and startup funding remains concentrated in a few big deals.

Food Security Shock: UN warns the Strait of Hormuz closure is becoming a “critical failure point” for global food supplies, with about a third of fertilizer shipments previously routed there and World Bank forecasts pointing to higher fertilizer prices. Ebola Watch: WHO says Ebola risk to 2026 World Cup host countries remains low, but Central Africa’s outbreak keeps worsening, with hundreds of cases reported in the region. Migration Pressure: The US is preparing deportations of Iranian asylum-seekers and other migrants to the Central African Republic under third-country deals, despite court protections for some. East Africa Growth & Policy: Tanzania reports faster 2025 growth and unveils a 2026/27 budget with tax holidays, VAT exemptions and fuel subsidies, plus incentives for CNG and electric vehicles. Trade & Integration: ECOWAS ministers push to cut non-tariff barriers, while Ghana urges AfCFTA to work through shared regional production and value chains. Security: Nigeria’s forces arrest suspected ISWAP logistics suppliers in Borno as the region grapples with cross-border crime and instability.

Ebola Watch (DRC): The Bundibugyo outbreak in eastern Congo is worsening, with officials reporting 101 deaths and 550 confirmed cases, as insecurity and incomplete contact tracing slow containment. Counterterrorism (Nigeria): Nigeria’s Operation Hadin Kai says two senior ISWAP figures surrendered in Yobe, including a suspected VBIED specialist, with intelligence expected to help dismantle networks around Lake Chad. Food Security (World Bank): A new World Bank warning flags severe food and nutrition insecurity for 52.9 million people across West and Central Africa between June and August, driven by conflict, trade disruptions, and higher input costs. Climate & Agriculture (El Niño): The Japanese Meteorological Agency has formally declared El Niño onset, raising risks of rainfall and crop disruptions and intensifying food inflation concerns. Water & Infrastructure (Morocco): Morocco is pushing wind-powered desalination to secure water for 7.5 million people, even as long-term costs and access issues remain. Trade & Borders (EAC): East African business groups urge Tanzania and Burundi to publish clear lists of commonly traded goods under the EAC simplified trade rules to cut delays and help small traders. Digital Growth (Africa): Google expands Ask Gemini in Chrome to Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa, while ACI Worldwide and Kwik Payments go live to boost digital payments across South Africa and beyond. Cocoa (Ghana): Fairtrade Africa launches a farmer-led cocoa rehabilitation programme to restore ageing farms, protect forests, and lift productivity amid falling yields and prices. Education Safety (Edo, Nigeria): Edo State shuts three schools in Akoko-Edo over credible security threats, allowing WASSCE candidates to sit under supervision. World Cup (US/Ebola): Ahead of the 2026 tournament, the WHO reiterates it does not support Ebola travel bans, while the US continues pushing stricter entry rules.

Sahel Security: A massive JNIM/FLA assault in Mali killed Defense Minister Gen. Sadio Camara and others, with Malian and Russian forces later repelling the attack—another reminder that West Africa’s crises are deepening. Humanitarian Alarm (DRC): The IRC warns the DRC is sliding toward catastrophe as Ebola spreads in conflict-hit eastern communities already facing hunger and aid cuts. Ebola & Travel: Health authorities in Trinidad and Tobago issued Ebola travel advisories and stricter screening for visitors from high-risk African countries, as DRC cases keep rising. Ebola at the World Cup: US public health teams are scaling up surveillance and hospital readiness for host cities while trying to prevent outbreaks during mass gatherings. Road Safety (Zimbabwe): A minibus fire in Gweru killed seven schoolchildren, reigniting concerns about overcrowded, poorly regulated school transport. Nigeria Democracy: Prof. Jega, Gambari and others warn Nigeria is at a “dangerous crossroads” as insecurity, alleged electoral manipulation and weakened institutions converge. Education Security (Edo): Edo State shut three schools over an alleged student abduction plot, with exams continuing under protection. World Cup Politics & Visas: The US says it is blocking “bad actors” tied to Iran-related concerns, while a Somali referee Omar Artan was denied entry despite documents. Sports Media (MENA): beIN SPORTS unveiled a star-studded broadcast team for World Cup 2026 across the Middle East and North Africa. Health & Industry (Ghana): Expo 2026 calls for Africa to expand local pharma manufacturing as the continent still imports most medicines and devices. Weather Watch (Ghana): GMet warns of thunderstorms and possible flooding as rain systems move in from Nigeria and Benin. Ghana Football: Coach Karim Zito backs Ghana’s Black Stars to advance at the World Cup with the right attitude. UAE Tech: The UAE explores how AI can reshape higher education, pushing universities to align with future workforce needs. Sports Broadcasting (Africa): Local coaches are increasingly seen as the next push for African World Cup success.

Ebola Disruption: The U.S.-Africa Business Summit in Mauritius has been postponed as Central Africa’s Ebola outbreak worsens, with WHO guidance citing the risk of cross-border spread. Public Safety: South Africa is reeling after gunmen killed 12 people in an overnight attack on an informal settlement near Johannesburg, with police suspecting links to illegal mining rivalries. Security & Terror: Nigeria-U.S. cooperation is said to have degraded ISWAP and other terror groups through intelligence sharing, training and logistics support, according to Defence Headquarters. Education & Fraud Watch: Nigeria’s NECO warns teachers against fake online portals recruiting SSCE supervisors, stressing it charges nothing for applications. Sports & Pressure: Coaches and players in East Africa are alarmed by a congested football calendar that leaves little recovery time ahead of continental competitions. Travel & Mobility: South African passport holders gained visa-free access to Togo, bringing visa-free destinations to 101. Energy & Industry: Tanzania’s Kabanga nickel project cleared a key milestone after talks with President Samia, moving it closer to implementation.

Ebola Watch: WHO and Africa CDC warn a widening funding gap is undermining Ebola response as cases surge in DR Congo and Uganda, with DR Congo reporting 550 cases and 101 deaths and contact follow-up still far below targets. World Cup Health & Politics: The U.S. urges Europe to impose travel restrictions over Ebola ahead of FIFA World Cup travel, while Kenya faces fresh protests over a U.S. Ebola quarantine plan in Nanyuki and officials tighten screening at Uganda’s Bunagana border. Energy Transition: Morocco says it will invest about $16bn over five years to add 16GW of renewables, pushing clean power above 45% of its energy mix. Digital Security: Ghana’s cyber minister calls for stronger West African cyber defences to protect digital sovereignty as ransomware and fraud hit hospitals and institutions. Trade & Investment: Slovakia names Kenya its gateway to East and Central Africa, signing deals to boost investment ties. Culture & Community: A rare Southern African land-art documentary, Sculpting This Earth, lands on VOD worldwide.

Ebola Tensions in Kenya: Police fired tear gas at protesters in Nanyuki over a US-linked Ebola quarantine facility, escalating a constitutional and diplomatic row as Uganda’s Ebola response gets praise from WHO chief Tedros. Trade Costs Bite East Africa: Maersk doubled peak surcharges on China–East Africa cargo to $2,000 per 40-foot container from June 15, with Dar es Salaam congestion pushing up landed costs for importers. West Africa Illegal Fishing Crackdown: Regional efforts to curb IUU fishing are expanding after losses of over $2.3bn a year, with the Dakar Declaration calling for stronger monitoring and enforcement. Ghana Jobs Pressure: A Ghana MP says the country has resources to create work, urging a sharper focus on agriculture as graduate unemployment persists. Cameroon Rail Push: Cameroon, Africa Global Logistics and CAMALCO signed up for the Edéa–Kribi–Lolabé–Campo corridor to link inland production to the deep-water Port of Kribi. Morocco Renewables Boost: Morocco plans about $16bn over five years for 16GW of renewable capacity, pushing solar and microgrid reforms. World Cup Fallout: Somalia’s referee Omar Artan was denied US entry, threatening his World Cup role.

Ebola Watch: Uganda’s President Museveni met WHO chief Tedros and urged stronger regional cooperation to contain the fast-moving Ebola outbreak, praising Uganda’s response and pushing tighter cross-border action with DR Congo. Hostage Relief: Nigeria says it rescued about 360 people abducted by Boko Haram in Borno, after months in a mountain hideout; local claims dispute the exact number and point to negotiations. Xenophobia Fallout: Nigeria postponed evacuation flights from South Africa to Wednesday as xenophobic attacks continue; Abuja plans to repatriate more than 1,000 citizens. Security Cooperation: Nigeria’s IGP Disu called for stronger West African intelligence sharing against transnational organised crime at an INTERPOL meeting in Abuja. Education Integrity: WAEC warned schools and supervisors against extorting WASSCE candidates, including illegal “cooperation” fees and charges for calculators provided free. Energy & Industry: Ghana marked a milestone with the first delivery of Jubilee crude for local refining at Sentuo Oil Refinery, aiming to cut import dependence. Environment: Satellite data suggests mangrove forests are expanding again after decades of decline, offering renewed hope for coastal protection and carbon storage.

Ebola Watch: WHO chief Tedros visited Uganda as the DRC outbreak spreads from neighbouring cases, with Uganda reporting 19 confirmed cases (14 linked to arrivals from DRC) and two deaths; WHO says border screening and surveillance are key as CDC modelling warns Central Africa could reach 20,000+ cases if isolation fails. Migration Crisis: Italy’s coast guard recovered 10 bodies after a migrant boat capsized near Malta while rescuing 48; meanwhile NIDCOM says over 20,000 Nigerians have been evacuated from Libya in 10 years, but detainees reportedly face N1.2m bail demands. Border Management: Zambia and Zimbabwe agreed to make Lake Kariba’s boundary visible with floating buoys to curb long-running fishing clashes. Aviation & Trade Links: Etihad and Romania’s TAROM signed a codeshare connecting Bucharest and Eastern Europe to Abu Dhabi, with new service starting Dec 17, 2026. Energy Deal: Lesotho signed a $6.2bn hydropower and AI data centre pact aiming to turn it into a renewable power exporter. Sports & Identity: Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly says the minimum World Cup target is the quarterfinals.

Ebola Surge in Central Africa: WHO says the outbreak is nearing 500 cases, with DRC and Uganda reporting rapid daily increases and no approved tools yet for the rare Bundibugyo strain—prompting heightened monitoring and emergency planning. Ebola Spillover Fears: DR Congo’s World Cup warm-up vs Chile is moved and played behind closed doors over outbreak concerns, while Israel readies hospitals for a possible case. Migration Crackdown in Southern Africa: South Africa’s Ramaphosa announces tougher measures—stronger border controls, faster deportation processes, and penalties for employers—while warning against xenophobia and blaming migrants for all problems. Boko Haram Hostage Rescue: Nigeria’s army says it freed 360 abductees in Borno’s Mandara mountains; two infants died, and survivors were evacuated for care. Press Freedom & Misinformation: US Embassy in Ghana urges action against falsehoods without censorship, as arrests over speech raise alarms. Trade & Logistics: Maersk launches a Northern Europe–Egypt shipping service to cut transit times; Egypt inaugurates a Coca-Cola HBC production line. Sports & Culture: beIN unveils trilingual World Cup 2026 coverage plans; Ghana’s Ananse-themed World Cup jersey sparks debate. Maritime Tragedy: Rescuers recover 10 bodies after a migrant boat capsizes off Malta, with 48 saved.

Ebola Watch: WHO says Central Africa’s Ebola outbreak is nearing 500 confirmed cases, with DRC and Uganda driving the rise and warnings it could rival the 2014 scale without strong action; Public Health Response: Lagos’ LAWMA issued an Ebola preparedness advisory to health facilities and waste handlers, stressing infection control despite no confirmed cases in Nigeria; Regional Security: Nigeria’s military says it rescued 360 hostages from Boko Haram-linked kidnappers in Borno after an intelligence-led operation, with two children reportedly dying in captivity; Infrastructure & Trade: Kenya Ports Authority is building Berth 19B at Mombasa Port (Sh19bn), adding 240m of quay and boosting capacity to cut congestion; Sports & National Pride: Kenya’s Harambee Stars play Lesotho in a second friendly after a 1-1 draw, while Zimbabwe’s Mighty Warriors reach the Four Nations final after beating Lesotho 3-1.

Ebola Emergency: WHO says Central Africa’s Ebola outbreak has climbed to nearly 500 confirmed cases (452 in DR Congo, plus 19 in Uganda) with 84 deaths, and US CDC modelling warns it could reach 20,000+ without faster isolation and treatment. Public Health Response: A US doctor who caught Ebola in DR Congo has been discharged from Berlin’s Charité after recovery, while WHO’s $518m plan targets faster prevention, detection and response. Libya Heritage & Migration Tensions: Libya’s ambassador to Italy confirms plans to return the 7,000-year-old “Takarkori Mummy” to Tripoli, as Tripoli protests against “settlement” projects reflect deeper fears over sovereignty, borders and demographic change. Regional Politics & Rights: Kenya faces rising street anger as taxes and trust in government diverge, and Tanzania’s opposition alleges deadly security force abuses after the 2025 election. Southern Africa Governance: Namibia’s home affairs ministry warns against citizenship misinformation, stressing strict legal requirements. Economy & Trade: Ghana secures financing progress for a new Takoradi floating dock, boosting West Africa’s ship repair capacity. Sports: Pope Leo XIV urges Spain to cool polarization during his visit, while Belgium thrashes Tunisia 5-0 in a World Cup warm-up.