AGP Executive Report

Tourism & Investment: Angola will host the Angola Investment Summit in Luanda (June 17–19), aiming to attract investors and push tourism-led growth through public-private partnerships. Culture & Heritage: Zimbabwe marked Culture Day at Plumtree Prison, using music, skills training and rehabilitation to support inmates’ reintegration. Diplomacy & Global South ties: Russia and Zimbabwe pledged closer UN cooperation as Zimbabwe prepares for a UNSC seat, while Venezuela and Guinea-Bissau reviewed plans to deepen South-South collaboration. Finance & Regulation: Nigeria’s CBN proposed tougher rules for financial holding companies, including limits on parent involvement in lending decisions and a minimum 51% stake in subsidiaries. Health breakthrough: Kenya’s MTRH performed the country’s first TIPS procedure for advanced liver disease, expanding specialised care. Ebola support: The UAE pledged additional backing to WHO efforts to contain Ebola in Africa. World Cup & mobility: The US revoked visas tied to birth tourism networks, while an Africa top referee was denied entry ahead of FIFA duties. Sustainable development: AAK launched its AAK Academy in Ghana to boost innovation in chocolate and shea value addition.

Nigeria Counter-Terrorism: The Nigerian Army says it killed a high-profile terrorist commander, Mohammed Khalifa, and reports the surrender of two ISWAP commanders in Borno State, with the men in custody for profiling and debriefing. Democracy Day Politics: President Bola Tinubu delivered his Democracy Day address, urging peaceful, credible elections in Ekiti and Osun and stressing that Nigeria’s democracy must be defended and strengthened. Ebola Response: The EU announced new funding to back Africa’s Ebola fight, including support for pathogen genomics, testing equipment, and wastewater surveillance as cases rise in Central Africa. Trade Integration: ECOWAS ministers of trade and industry meet in Accra to steer regional priorities on AfCFTA implementation, WTO follow-ups, and the ECOWAS common market. Water & Infrastructure: Zimbabwe receives China-aid for a 300-borehole project, with officials highlighting rapid delivery across thousands of households. Digital Credentials: Liberia’s UMU rolls out QR-code certificates to curb academic fraud and speed up verification. Energy & Industry: Egypt pitches a reform-led push toward manufacturing, renewables, and fintech to attract investment and exports.

World Cup & Human Rights: Somali referee Omar Artan was barred from entering the U.S. for the 2026 tournament despite a visa, sparking outrage and a wider debate over immigration scrutiny for sports visitors. Football Governance: FIFA later moved to keep Artan in top European fixtures, appointing him to referee the UEFA Super Cup in August. Kenya–EU Trade & Investment: President William Ruto wrapped Nordic visits urging the diaspora to back Kenya’s housing, hostels and markets push, while also seeking to fast-track the Kenya–EU Economic Partnership Agreement. Gaza Children: UNICEF warns that even with a ceasefire, Gaza’s ongoing strikes and service strain are still killing and injuring children, with urgent calls for protection and support. Maritime Security: Mombasa hosted an EU-backed conference to expand secure information sharing for safer shipping and coordinated response across the Western Indian Ocean. AfCFTA Momentum: AfCFTA chief Wamkele Mene says intra-African trade is on track for $250bn in 2026 as more countries implement protocols. Ebola Response: Africa CDC and WHO launched a unified Ebola plan and funding push, as cases rise in Central Africa. Energy & Aviation: Uganda Airlines plans to acquire 10 Boeing jets to boost regional connectivity, while Sri Lanka and the UAE eye a CEPA deal to deepen investment and trade.

Ebola Watch: DR Congo’s Bundibugyo-strain outbreak has topped 600 cases with 115 deaths, while Uganda reports 19 cases, as the EU and the US push for tighter regional preparedness. Regional Security: ECOWAS and the African Union are stepping up cooperation between their early-warning systems to improve conflict prevention across West Africa. Football & Diplomacy: Somali referee Omar Artan—denied US entry for the World Cup—has been appointed to officiate the 2026 UEFA Super Cup in Salzburg, after a backlash over his visa treatment. Policy & Rights: Niger’s military government has criminalised same-sex relations with 5–10 year jail terms, adding heavy penalties for LGBTQIA+ groups. Africa-Global Partnerships: China and Ethiopia signed an agreement to expand Chinese language education in schools, while Egypt says its 70-year ties with China are a “model” of strategic partnership. Business & Connectivity: Qatar Airways resumes daily Philadelphia flights from August, and Cape Town becomes Africa’s first Abbott World Marathon Major.

Ebola Response Pressure: The US urged Europe to tighten Ebola-related travel curbs as the outbreak in DR Congo and Uganda threatens wider spread, warning that weak measures could trigger broader US restrictions. World Cup Security Fallout: Somalia’s top referee Omar Artan was denied entry to the US over alleged links to terror groups, then returned home to a hero’s welcome—adding fresh controversy as Africa’s officials prepare for FIFA duties. Security at School: Nigeria’s Kogi State shut schools early after bandit attacks and threats of invasion, killing a vice principal and a six-year-old in Iluke, underscoring how insecurity is disrupting education. Ghana’s 24-Hour Economy: Ghana says its 24-hour export push is on track to create 1.7m jobs by 2028, with plans for modern markets and services across all districts. Ethiopia–Nigeria Legal Step: Ethiopia and Nigeria signed an agreement on exchanging sentenced persons after high-level talks, aiming to deepen cooperation across justice and other sectors. Kenya Election Risks: A new peace report warns Kenya’s poll season could face food and security shocks from regional conflicts and fuel-price pressures.

Somalia–World Cup Fallout: Omar Artan, Africa’s Referee of the Year, was barred from entering the US for the 2026 World Cup over “vetting concerns,” but returned to Mogadishu for a hero’s welcome and vowed to officiate again in 2030. Counterterrorism: US Africa Command says it killed more than 200 ISIS-linked terrorists in coordinated operations with Nigerian forces in the northeast, with no US or Nigerian personnel harmed. Ebola Preparedness: Nigeria’s Anambra state reaffirmed Ebola readiness, urging vigilance, early reporting, and coordination with national health bodies as outbreaks remain a concern across Africa. Trade & Investment: Egypt and Tanzania moved to deepen trade, investment, and livestock cooperation, including updating customs classifications and planning reciprocal missions. Finance & Development: Liberia’s Senate confirmed Jonathan K. Weedor as NEC chair, while Liberia’s drug agency seized US$19.2m cocaine at Roberts International Airport. Governance & Integrity: Tax Justice Network Africa urged stronger African-led action against illicit financial flows, warning the continent loses about US$88.6bn annually. Wildlife Tech: Rwanda is using environmental DNA to better monitor endangered species in Volcanoes National Park with less disruption to animals.

DR Congo Crisis: Human Rights Watch reports Rwanda-backed M23 and Rwandan forces carried out forced recruitment, arbitrary detention, killings and abuse in eastern Congo, calling for investigations into possible war crimes and crimes against humanity. Ebola Response: The EU pledged €16.5m more to fight Ebola in the DRC, boosting pathogen genomics, WHO surveillance and rapid testing supplies, as the outbreak continues to threaten World Cup travel. World Cup Fallout: The US denied entry to Somali referee Omar Artan despite a valid visa, forcing FIFA to remove him from officiating—sparking outrage over immigration vetting and fairness. Nigeria Power Reform: TCN says Nigeria’s transmission capacity is no longer the weakest link, urging stronger laws against vandalism, cost-reflective tariffs and sustained political will to fix the power sector. Kenya Conservation Clash: Nairobi civil society groups plan legal action to stop a proposed animal orphanage in Nairobi National Park, warning it could damage the park’s integrity and calling for transparency. Food Security: A new review maps how climate shocks, conflict and trade disruptions threaten staple crops and highlights policy and technology options to keep food supplies moving. China-Africa Trade: China’s zero-tariff push is set to boost Sino-Moroccan ties via a CAETE expo, while Ghana also secured Belarus agricultural machinery for its farm modernisation drive. Migration: Mauritania’s coastguard rescued 1,076 migrants in 10 days, signaling a renewed surge on the Atlantic route toward Europe. Maternal Health: Kenya, China and UNICEF launched a $3m program to cut maternal and newborn deaths in high-risk counties by strengthening care, training staff and improving water and sanitation.

Ebola Backlash in Kenya: Protests erupted in Nanyuki over a US-funded Ebola quarantine centre, with police firing tear gas despite court orders, as fears grow about “double standards” while the Bundibugyo outbreak spreads. World Cup Shock: Somalia’s top referee Omar Artan was denied entry to the US and ruled out of FIFA World Cup 2026, despite FIFA saying his visa issue was resolved—raising questions about how politics hits sport. Digital Security Push: Ghana’s deputy PM Samuel Nartey George urged West Africa to build its own cyber talent and protect digital sovereignty, warning ransomware and fraud are already targeting local systems. Cross-Border Payments: Payfuture and ACE Money Transfer partnered to strengthen payout services for remittances, aiming at faster, more reliable cross-border transfers. Housing Tech for Africa: Ghana-based housing advocates launched an AIHS Innovation Hub, arguing Africa must move beyond “yesterday’s solutions” to tackle the housing deficit with tech, smart construction and PropTech. Diplomacy & Trade: Tanzania and Singapore signed new agreements during a historic state visit, focusing on digital transformation, agriculture, health and skills. Energy Finance Watch: Zambia linked sovereign bond buybacks to a grid resilience programme, committing up to $275m over 15 years to modernise electricity distribution.

World Cup Fallout: Somalia’s top referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan was denied entry to the U.S. at Miami airport after “additional inspection,” despite a valid visa and diplomatic passport, ending his chance to train or officiate at World Cup 2026. Ebola Response: WHO says the DRC Ebola outbreak is expanding fast, with cross-border spread to Uganda; Africa CDC and WHO launched a joint $518m continental preparedness and response plan. Libya-Turkey Talks: Libya’s High Council of State head Mohammed Takala met Turkey’s North and East Africa directorate chief to review bilateral cooperation and push for stability and a national consensus. Nigeria Power Reform: Nigeria’s grid can wheel up to 8,700MW—TCN says transmission isn’t the binding constraint—while reforms and funding for expansion projects move forward. Kenya–EU Digital Push: President Ruto secured major EU deals in Brussels, including a €102m digital partnership and funding for submarine cable expansion, plus progress toward EU data adequacy. Investment & Industry: TechnipFMC says offshore LNG and related projects are becoming more investable as firms cut cycle times and improve reliability; in Mozambique, Technip Energies landed a major Coral Norte FLNG contract.

Ebola Politics in Kenya: Protests erupted in Nairobi over a US-funded Ebola isolation ward, with critics warning of double standards after a court halted construction—while WHO chief Tedros praised Uganda’s Ebola controls and urged cross-border coordination. Ocean Conservation Push: Kenya marked World Oceans Day in Kilifi with renewed pledges to protect marine ecosystems and strengthen ports and maritime security, while a separate report highlights Africa’s ocean conservation wins as a model for delivering protections with local buy-in. Sudan Peace Diplomacy: A US-led coalition backed a Sudanese civilian-led dialogue under an AU-IGAD-LAS-EU-UN “quintet,” saying there can be no military solution and calling for a transition free from armed domination. Energy & Trade Corridors: Algeria’s SONATRACH broke ground on its Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline segment to move Nigerian gas to Europe via Niger, and The Gambia signed a landmark offshore oil exploration deal with Eni for Block A1. Security & Health: Nigeria’s army rescued 360 Boko Haram captives in Borno, and Ghana advanced a digital outsourcing strategy while Nigeria flagged massive foodborne illness burdens.

Ebola Response: DRC’s Ebola outbreak is accelerating, with lab-confirmed cases rising to 452 and deaths to 82 as health workers expand testing in the mining town believed to be the origin; WHO and Africa CDC have launched a $518m June–November 2026 continental preparedness and response plan, stressing political backing, sustained funding, and community trust. Security Pressure: Nigeria’s South-West Christian leaders are calling for a security state of emergency, warning kidnappings and violent crime are spreading and urging state police, better surveillance, and stronger cross-border action against criminal networks. Energy Finance: Heirs Energies’ $750m reserve-based lending deal with Afreximbank has won “Oil & Gas Deal of the Year,” highlighting growing capacity for indigenous African energy financing. Health Innovation: Africa CDC hailed the approval of Coartem Baby, a malaria treatment for newborns and infants under 5kg, set for rollout across multiple African countries. Digital Payments: Ghana’s payments operator GhIPSS says the country’s digital finance push is moving from inclusion to “financial health,” as it migrates instant payment rails to ISO 20022. Blue Economy: Nigeria is positioning the €59m West Africa Sustainable Ocean Programme to tackle illegal fishing and strengthen ocean governance.

Boko Haram Hostage Rescue: Nigeria’s army says it freed 360 abductees from a Boko Haram mountain hideout in Borno, with two infants dying from harsh conditions during captivity, in an intelligence-led operation that forced fighters to abandon positions. Ebola Watch in East Africa: Kenya’s Health CS Aden Duale says the country remains Ebola-free, reporting 67 negative tests and screening 88,000 travellers at borders, airports and seaports while expanding isolation capacity. US Deportations Deal: The Central African Republic has agreed to accept “third-country deportees” from the US under opaque arrangements, adding to a wider debate over bypassing legal protections. Kenya’s Investor Push: President William Ruto departs for Europe for talks in Belgium, Norway and Finland aimed at attracting investment and expanding market access, as scrutiny over his travel record continues. Maritime Security & Fishing: Nigeria seeks to use the EU’s €59m West Africa Sustainable Ocean Programme to strengthen surveillance and enforcement against illegal fishing in the Gulf of Guinea. Digital Payments Pilot: HashKey MENA and Aptos-backed Daya launch a stablecoin corridor pilot to speed cross-border B2B settlements between the Middle East and Africa. Ebola Response Funding: WHO and Africa CDC unveil a $518m plan to curb a fast-moving Ebola outbreak across affected countries.

Ebola Response Clash in Kenya: Kenya’s High Court has suspended a planned US-backed Ebola quarantine facility, after a petition warned the deal lacked transparency and could undermine sovereignty. Ebola Funding Push: WHO and Africa CDC unveiled a $518m Ebola response plan as cases continue to rise across DR Congo and Uganda. Diplomatic Win for Zimbabwe: Zimbabwe secured a UN Security Council non-permanent seat with 182 votes, with President Mnangagwa calling it a major milestone. Trade and Investment Momentum: Nigeria and the EU will convene the 10th Nigeria–EU Business Forum in Lagos to mobilise private capital and deepen value chains. China–Africa Trade Boost: Liberia reported over $200m in exports to China in Q1 2026, citing iron ore and rubber gains under China’s zero-tariff push. Health Supply Crisis in Kenya: A stranded contraceptives shipment tied to US aid disruption leaves Kenyan women waiting for implants and other family planning supplies. Climate/Blue Finance for Islands: African island states meet in Mombasa to improve sovereign credit ratings and unlock climate and blue economy funding.

Ebola Response: WHO and Africa CDC rolled out a $518m joint plan to contain a fast-spreading Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in DR Congo, warning teams are still “playing catch-up” as cases rise and 11 countries face risk from insecurity, misinformation and movement. US Aid: The US added nearly $38m to its Ebola support, bringing its direct contribution to more than $200m, while also approving $240m in humanitarian assistance that includes Nigeria. Public Health Forecast: CDC modelling warns the outbreak could exceed 20,000 cases in three months without urgent scaling of isolation and treatment. Digital Trade & Payments: Afreximbank is pushing AfPAY and CIPS-linked settlement to cut cross-border payment costs, while Flutterwave and Tempo expand stablecoin-based payments infrastructure across Africa. Elections: Ethiopia’s National Election Board says about 825 of 1,138 constituencies have declared results, citing delays in transferring counts. Africa Business: Tanzania seeks stronger trade ties with Nigeria at FAB West Africa 2026, and Ghana pitches itself as Africa’s digital outsourcing hub for global services.

Burkina Faso Security Crackdown: A military court sentenced former Damiba security chief Évrard Somda to 11 years in prison for a plot against state security and desertion, underscoring deep divisions inside the army after the 2022 coups. Ghana Economic Turnaround: President John Dramani Mahama told investors Ghana is seeing renewed growth and confidence, citing falling inflation, a stabilised cedi, stronger reserves and a shift toward industrialisation and exports. Ebola Response, Africa-Linked: Africa CDC and WHO unveiled a joint Ebola response plan for DR Congo and Uganda, while the UAE barred entry from the three affected countries as precautions. Kenya-US Ebola Quarantine Backlash: A Kenyan op-ed argues the Laikipia Airbase deal is an “offshore medical buffer” that should be rejected. Digital Finance & Partnerships: Binance appointed Sammy Mutua as General Manager for Africa, aiming to expand markets and regulator engagement. Health Infrastructure: Zimbabwe received advanced cancer treatment machines (LINACs) for Mpilo and Parirenyatwa hospitals, aiming to cut travel and costs. Diplomacy & Trade: Kenya’s Ruto heads to Brussels for EU trade talks, including tariff alignment issues. Conservation: Black rhinos were flown back into Zimbabwe’s Matusadona National Park after decades of poaching pressure.

Ebola Response: WHO and Africa CDC launched a $518m, June-to-November plan to tackle the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in eastern DRC, with 381 confirmed cases and 64 deaths, and new spread into Uganda. Health Security: The strategy targets emergency coordination, surveillance, lab testing, infection control, clinical care and community engagement. Ghana Aid Shock: Ghana’s president said USAID cuts have been hitting budgets hard, with $154m a year previously flowing into health, as Accra tries to plug gaps. Agriculture Jobs Push: Ghana rolled out the AgriConnect Compact, aiming for 2.6m jobs and lower import dependence by 2035 through value chains, irrigation, mechanisation and agro-processing. Trade & Food Systems: Wilmar and TGI are moving toward a $1.2bn West Africa food-sector joint venture to strengthen production and processing. Diplomacy: Austria, Portugal and Germany competed for UN Security Council seats; Austria and Portugal won while Germany failed. Regional Borders: Zimbabwe and Zambia plan floating buoys on Lake Kariba to reduce fishing clashes and arrests.