AGP Executive Report

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.

Ebola Surge in Central Africa: WHO says nearly 500 Ebola cases are confirmed in the DRC and Uganda, with 471 cases and 84 deaths—up sharply in a day—while US CDC models warn the outbreak could rival 2014 levels without strong public health action. Public Health Funding Pressure: The UN urges governments to fix structural gaps in external HIV financing as HIV services face growing risk, even as treatment numbers hit record highs. Security in Nigeria: Boko Haram attacked a Nigerian Army base in Borno, killing at least eight soldiers and beheading them, as heavy rain and surprise assaults worsen the north-east threat. Ghana E-waste Costs: A report highlights how Ghana’s e-waste economy at Agbogbloshie leaves workers exposed to burning and toxic processing, while exporters profit and informal recyclers get shortchanged. Regional Diplomacy & Mobility: Kenya’s embassy in Kinshasa urges Kenyans in DRC, Congo, CAR and Gabon to register for better consular support. Education Disruption: Oyo State complains WAEC WASSCE materials arrived late, forcing exams into the night and disrupting students’ schedules.

Ebola Response Under Pressure: The U.S. CDC says the Central Africa Ebola outbreak could hit 20,000 cases or more unless infected people are rapidly isolated and treated, with worst-case scenarios approaching the 2014-2016 West Africa scale; officials stress the numbers are planning tools, but the message is clear: response capacity must surge fast. Business Summit Hit by Health Risk: The U.S.-Africa Business Summit 2026 was postponed by CCA and Mauritius after WHO-linked Ebola concerns, aiming to protect participants and avoid spreading risk. Regional Security and Extremism: Nigeria’s army reported an attack on a military base in Borno that killed five soldiers, with blame pointing to Boko Haram/ISWAP; meanwhile, DSS and forest guards intercepted medical supplies allegedly meant for ISWAP fighters in Borno. Migration Tensions Escalate: Nigeria plans to repatriate over 1,000 nationals from South Africa amid rising xenophobic attacks, following Ghana’s earlier repatriations. Sports Spotlight: Morocco’s World Cup squad decisions and the fallout from AFCON controversy keep the Atlas Lions in the headlines as the tournament approaches. Diplomacy and Development: Egypt’s foreign minister heads to Riga for the EBRD annual meeting to push development priorities and investment cooperation.

Ebola Alert: UKHSA tells NHS staff to brace for Ebola cases as DR Congo’s outbreak grows, with officials warning the true scale may be far higher than confirmed figures. Public Health in Congo: Doctors in Ituri say they’re treating suspected Ebola without tests and with too little protection—“We live with fear.” Desert Tragedy: At least 49 people die of thirst in Niger’s Sahara after a lorry breaks down, underscoring the deadly risks on migration routes. Climate Shock for West Africa: El Niño fears return after NASA detects a Pacific warm-water surge, raising concerns for cocoa output and prices across Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire. Mining & Development: Ghana’s Chamber of Mines says CSR alone won’t transform mining communities; value retention and local participation matter more. Regional Trade & Finance: Afreximbank appoints Olowononi as Southern Africa regional director, while Ghana posts a $2.2bn African trade surplus and pushes port expansion. Energy & Industry: Dangote begins work on a second crude processing unit to add 700,000 bpd, boosting Nigeria’s refining ambitions. Governance & Security: Burkina Faso junta cracks down on dissent, detaining an influential imam and others.

Libya Detentions: REDH is demanding the immediate release of activists from the Global Sumud Maghreb peace delegation, held since May 24 after being intercepted at a Libya checkpoint while carrying medicines and food to Gaza. Arms & Courts: South Africa faces a legal challenge over arms export permits to the US, with SALC asking the court to suspend transfers on human-rights and international-law grounds. Ebola Preparedness: Kenya’s lake-region communities warn preparedness is thin as Ebola fears rise around porous cross-border fishing routes; elsewhere, protests over a proposed US-backed Ebola quarantine facility in Laikipia continue. Migration Diplomacy: Ramaphosa says South Africa will send envoys across Africa and beyond to tackle migration, after talks with Kenya’s Ruto. Regional Integration & Safety: ECOWAS’ Brown Card scheme marks 44 years, reinforcing cross-border road insurance and safer travel across West Africa. Energy Projects: Algeria begins construction on its Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline section, linking Nigeria and Niger gas to Europe. Ghana Investment: Ghana’s 2025 FDI hits $2.61bn, a major jump driven by manufacturing, energy, agro-processing and digital projects.

Ebola Watch: DRC’s Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak is still accelerating, with WHO declaring it a Public Health Emergency of International Concern and health teams probing suspected cases in Italy and Brazil as the virus spreads beyond Africa. Public Health Funding: Liberia’s NPHIL defends a proposed US$4.2m Ebola preparedness budget, arguing prevention is cheaper than crisis response, while lawmakers face renewed pressure to back the plan. Regional Diplomacy: South Africa and Kenya kick off a state-visit push with multiple agreements covering trade, tourism and security, with leaders also flagging cooperation on health security. Security Strategy: Liberia’s president launches a National Security Strategy focused on threats ranging from cyberattacks and organised crime to climate and public health risks. Transport & Mobility: Kenya’s Bolt says a viral claim that it will exit the market is fraudulent, amid ongoing driver and regulator disputes. Water Access: First Abu Dhabi Bank partners with Water.org and WaterEquity to expand safe water and sanitation financing in emerging markets. Economy & Currency: Zambia’s kwacha breaks into the K17 range as mining inflows, harvest gains and debt management support the rebound.