AGP Executive Report

CAF WAFCON Boost: CAF has doubled the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations prize pool to $5.8m, with champions set for a record $2m and each of the 16 teams guaranteed $150,000 participation fees. Maritime Modernisation: Liberia’s National Port Authority signed an MoU with France’s HAROPA PORT to modernize four commercial seaports with smart tech, digital systems and logistics upgrades. Ebola Crisis in DR Congo: Africa CDC says the Congo outbreak has crossed 1,000 deaths and is spreading fast, with conflict, community resistance and lack of approved treatments hampering response. Sahel Water Comeback: After decades of drought, parts of the Sahel are seeing rising groundwater and recovering water bodies as rains return—bringing both floods and renewed hope for farming. Regional Rail Push: Botswana and Namibia are advancing plans for the Trans Kalahari Railway to link Botswana to Namibia’s Walvis Bay port, aiming to cut freight costs and boost trade. Football Pride & Momentum: CAF chief Patrice Motsepe praised Morocco’s World Cup quarterfinal run as a source of pride and said CAF will convene stakeholders to build on Africa’s World Cup momentum.

Ebola Crisis: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak has surpassed 1,000 deaths, with 1,031 confirmed fatalities and 2,473 cases reported as response efforts struggle amid conflict and community resistance. Mining & Governance: Zambia faces fresh scrutiny after Global Witness alleges First Quantum Minerals has influenced democratic institutions and benefited from major tax concessions, raising fresh questions on sovereignty and state capture. Health Independence: Tanzania’s Samia Suluhu Hassan urged African leaders to boost domestic investment in healthcare at an AU health summit in Accra, warning that declining external funding makes self-reliance urgent. Regional Trade: The EAC pushed member states to remove border bottlenecks at one-stop posts to unlock faster intra-regional trade and hit 50% by 2030. Nigeria–US Security: Trump praised President Tinubu in a letter for “decisive leadership” against terrorism, highlighting protection of Christian communities and deeper defence cooperation. Air Connectivity: Air Peace and Etihad signed an interline deal to sell one-ticket journeys across Nigeria and West/Central Africa via Abu Dhabi. Politics & Elections: Kaduna ADC candidate Isa Ashiru named Barrister Irmiya Kantiok as running mate for the 2027 governorship race.

Health & Security: Eastern DRC fears rising after ADF-linked attacks killed a church elder and worship leader in Mangina, North Kivu, with residents reporting burned homes and disrupted church life. Ebola Response: Africa CDC is pushing the U.S. to lift Ebola-related travel restrictions on Uganda as cases in DR Congo top 2,400. Regional Diplomacy: Nigeria urged the AU to clamp down on illicit funds that fuel terrorism, while Liberia secured two senior ECOWAS posts—an ECOWAS Court judge and a commissioner role. Energy & Trade: ECOWAS moves ahead on the $25bn Nigeria–Morocco African Atlantic Gas Pipeline, with leaders signing agreements to link multiple West African states to Europe. Economy & Finance: Nigeria’s digital banking growth is praised, but gaps remain in reliability, rural access, cybersecurity and digital literacy. Culture & Tourism: Addis Ababa is surging as a tourism and conference hub, hosting 221 international conferences in the latest fiscal year. Arts & Pop Culture: Burna Boy reclaims Africa’s top best-selling artist spot with 14.46m equivalent album units, as his global momentum keeps climbing.

Global AI Governance: China’s Xi Jinping opened the 2026 World AI Conference in Shanghai and backed a “just and equitable” system for global AI governance, with countries signing up to WAICO, an intergovernmental AI body meant to help the Global South build AI innovation, applications and rules. Food Security: A UN report warns the Iran war could push nearly 19 million more people into chronic hunger by 2030, with Africa and Asia hit hardest. Health Systems & Ebola: Africa CDC’s Jean Kaseya urged leaders at Ghana’s Extraordinary Health Summit to turn commitments into resilient health funding and faster outbreak response as Ebola continues to threaten communities. West Africa Health Workforce: AU Health Commissioner Amma Twum-Amoah said training health workers without jobs and retention is a waste of public investment, calling for fair pay and protected career pathways. Maritime Security: Morocco hosted the African Maritime Forces Summit in Rabat, calling for collective, tech-enabled cooperation to tackle piracy, smuggling, illegal fishing and maritime terrorism. Digital Trade for SMEs (Kenya): A focus on how Kenyan small businesses can use digital payments and online systems to trade across borders with more confidence. Refugee Protection (Cameroon): Cameroon’s MINAT met UNHCR and Central African Republic officials to review barriers to safe, voluntary repatriation of Central African refugees. Culture & Heritage (Ghana/Nigeria): Ghana’s Akwete weaving gets N2bn support from Nigeria’s First Lady, while Ghana’s Upper East communities mark Emancipation Day heritage preservation.

ECOWAS & Energy Deal: West African leaders signed the intergovernmental agreement for the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline, backing the Nigeria–Morocco mega-project aimed at linking gas markets across the Sahel, Morocco and Europe. Regional Governance: ECOWAS also approved new appointments across its Commission and Court of Justice for 2026–2030, including judges and commissioners. Ghana’s Language Push: Ghana is positioning itself as a hub for global and African languages, with AI speech tools for Twi, Ewe and Dagbani (plus Hausa) and growing university and international partnerships. Justice & Rights: In The Gambia, Chief Justice Hassan B. Jallow marked his retirement with a call to protect judicial independence and uphold the Constitution. Sports & Youth: Nigeria’s Favour Ashe’s sprint win boosts hopes for Commonwealth relay gold, while Zambia’s KCM pledged ZMW93m to FAZ to expand football development. Health & Media: The Merck Foundation honoured The Point editor with a “More Than a Mother” award for GBV-focused reporting.

ECOWAS Leadership Handover: Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio ended his one-year ECOWAS chairmanship in Lungi, commissioning a conference centre and logistics depot before formally handing over to Senegal’s Bassirou Diomaye Faye, urging member states to focus on food security, climate resilience, regional trade and accountable governance. Energy Security Push: ECOWAS backed the Nigeria–Morocco African Atlantic Gas Pipeline with an intergovernmental agreement signed in Freetown, aiming to move up to 30 bcm of gas yearly across 13 countries to Morocco and onward to Europe. Regional Power Link: Portugal and Morocco agreed to build an electricity interconnection, seeking EU co-financing to strengthen renewable energy ties for both Europe and Africa. Finance & Wealth: Ecobank Cameroon launched its first commercial wealth management solution in CEMAC, offering tailored planning, investment advice and estate services to boost formal savings. Media for Peace: Journalists in Ghana were trained on conflict-sensitive reporting to reduce misinformation and help prevent violence. Somalia-US Talks: Somalia’s foreign minister met a US adviser to discuss security cooperation against terrorism and ways to expand economic ties. Sports & Africa’s Next World Cup: FIFA confirmed the 2030 World Cup will be hosted across Morocco, Portugal and Spain, with opening matches in Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay.

ECOWAS Energy Deal: ECOWAS heads of state in Freetown endorsed the Nigeria–Morocco African Atlantic Gas Pipeline, signing the intergovernmental agreement for a nearly 6,800km project that will move gas from Nigeria toward Morocco and onward to Europe, with a Casablanca project company and Abuja pipeline authority planned. Health Security: DRC’s Ebola surge is pushing neighbours to tighten border screening, train frontline workers and activate emergency plans, as the outbreak has already killed hundreds and could worsen without fast containment. Regional Connectivity: SalamAir launched direct Muscat–Kigali flights (twice weekly), boosting Rwanda–Oman travel, tourism and trade links. Skills for Jobs: Ghana’s TVET push got a spotlight as fashion entrepreneur Margaret Agordo credited TVET/NVTI training for turning practical skills into business confidence. Youth & Governance: Kenya’s Mudavadi urged youth mentorship, peacebuilding and better governance through AMECEA’s Eastern Africa plenary. Liberia Mobility: Bajaj launched a new three-wheeler model in Liberia, betting on affordable transport to support entrepreneurship and jobs.

ECOWAS Leadership Shake-Up: Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has emerged as the new Chairman of ECOWAS, taking over from Sierra Leone’s Julius Maada Bio, as West African leaders meet in Lungi and push renewed focus on unity, security and integration. Regional Infrastructure & Energy: ECOWAS leaders also signed an intergovernmental framework for the Nigeria-Morocco Atlantic gas pipeline, a long Atlantic-coast project aimed at linking Nigeria’s gas to Europe’s network. Public Health Crisis: The DRC’s Ebola outbreak has surged past 2,000 confirmed cases, with hundreds of deaths and mounting concern as health workers threaten strike action over unpaid salaries. Grassroots Development: Kenya’s Laikipia School Eye Health Project has screened thousands of learners, identified hundreds needing eyewear, and distributed glasses to improve learning and participation. Aviation for Tourism: Eve Air Mobility and Moov signed an LOI for up to 30 eVTOLs to explore advanced air mobility across Cabo Verde, including tourism and medical transport. Sports Spotlight: Spain beat 10-man Argentina 1-0 after extra time to win the 2026 World Cup, while Kylian Mbappe took the Golden Boot with 10 goals.

Social Media Law Fight: Nigeria’s SERAP has urged the National Assembly to withdraw the proposed Data Protection (Amendment) Bill, warning it could become a backdoor way to control online expression by forcing platforms to set up local offices and giving regulators power to shut non-compliant operators. West Africa Regional Politics: Vice President Kashim Shettima has left Abuja for the 69th ECOWAS mid-year summit in Freetown, where leaders are expected to push security, integration and economic growth. Mali Security Update: The Tuareg Azawad Liberation Front claims it carried out an ambush in northern Mali, killing dozens of Malian soldiers and Russian mercenaries, with alleged involvement from JNIM. Agriculture Tech Deal: Mozambique says it will work with Belarus to bring agricultural mechanisation technologies into family farming, aiming to bridge the gap between hand tools and tractors. Ethiopia Conservation Spotlight: Ethiopia marks the 60th anniversary of its Wildlife Conservation Authority with a panel featuring cheetah conservation expert Dr. Laurie Marker. World Cup Finale Buzz: The 2026 World Cup final is set for July 19, with Spain facing Argentina and major live performances planned around the match.

Youth Skills & Jobs: Bayelsa youths (1,500) graduate from a two-month digital and vocational programme with Tantita and Maton, showing early signs of new work and small businesses. Health Cooperation: China’s 17th medical team in Burkina Faso donates CFA 32m in supplies to Tengandogo University Hospital to boost cardiovascular and general care. Digital Skills for Industry: Nigeria’s NCDMB and Renaissance Africa begin 12 months of oil-and-gas readiness training for 300 young Nigerians in Lagos and Port Harcourt. Agriculture Tech: Nigeria signs an MoU to use satellite- and AI-powered monitoring to give states real-time data on crops and food security risks. Politics & Economy: Nigeria’s ADC renews calls for Tinubu to quit or change “neoliberal” policies, citing World Bank poverty figures (139m) and WFP hunger (17m). Justice & Governance: Ghana’s Accra Circuit Court jails a TikToker for offensive conduct and false news, warning against misinformation online. Regional Security: Sierra Leone’s President Bio commissions an ECOWAS logistics depot in Lungi to strengthen peace and emergency response. Culture & Identity: A Sankofa Children’s Museum of African Cultures opens in Pimlico, Baltimore, aiming to teach pre-colonial African history through arts and storytelling.

AI Governance & Diplomacy: China’s Xi Jinping urged a “symphony of global collaboration” on AI as the WAIC opens in Shanghai, while Lesotho’s FM met Wang Yi to sign up for a new World AI Cooperation Organization aimed at boosting Global South capacity. Security & Justice: Nigeria’s police warned against indiscriminate celebratory gunfire by armed security personnel, stressing bullets can kill and will trigger discipline. Migration Crisis: Mauritania intensified searches for 122 missing migrants after a boat nearly sank off its coast; 37 were rescued and one body recovered. Health & Medicines: The African Medicines Agency partnered with Medicines for Africa to strengthen public communication and help regulators tackle substandard and falsified drugs. Agriculture & Food Security: Ghana pushed its first privately owned refinery plan and Dangote’s refinery secured $2.5bn ahead of a potential IPO, while Nigeria flagged off distribution of 10 million fertiliser bags with a guaranteed minimum price model for farmers. Culture & Community: Mandela Day in Pietermaritzburg saw thousands cook 27,000 meals, and Rwanda’s Akagera Park highlights conservation recovery with reintroduced lions and rhinos.

Digital Economy & Governance: Nigeria’s National Identity Management Commission is getting a boost after Tinubu-backed reforms, with the SGF praising the NIMC Act for accelerating digital identity and economic transformation. Anti-Corruption & Integrity: ICPC Chairman Musa Adamu Aliyu urged universities across Africa to build a generation rooted in honesty, accountability and patriotism as a long-term weapon against corruption. Public Health: Africa CDC commended China for emergency support to the Ebola response, including a further $2.5m contribution to strengthen frontline operations and protect health workers. Regional Security Cooperation: SADC leaders called for stronger collective action against conflict, terrorism and emerging threats, warning that peace can’t be taken for granted. Local Development & Decentralization: Togo is exploring new AU partnerships to support local development, capacity building and empowerment for women and young people as it expands municipalities. Justice & Transparency: ACILA’s Nyarko pushed for political finance reforms across Africa to force candidates to disclose campaign donations and file financial reports. Environment & Energy Debate: Greenpeace Africa is urging Kenya to pause and reassess Dangote-backed plans for a major Lamu refinery, citing fragile ecosystems and calls for an independent environmental review. Elections Watch: Nigeria’s electoral body is considering a mock presidential election and an audit of election technology ahead of 2027. Culture & Heritage: Kenya’s Nandi Kaburwo Council of Elders got a new chair, with officials stressing councils of elders as custodians of culture and social cohesion.

ICC Backlash: A fresh op-ed argues the International Criminal Court has become politically selective and calls for dismantling it, reigniting debate over global justice. Nigeria–US Security & Trade: Abuja and Washington reaffirm plans to deepen cooperation on trade, maritime security, counter-terrorism, intelligence sharing and regional peace, with the next talks set for August. West Africa Stability: France’s ambassador says the region needs a strong, united Nigeria to withstand terrorism and keep Europe-Africa ties focused on stability. Uganda Crackdown: Human Rights Watch reports military seizures of government critics and raids on independent media, warning dissent is being met with due-process violations. Mali Trafficking Alarm: A viral video from Mali shows Nigerian women and girls in black-tarp shelters, spotlighting forced labour and sexual exploitation risks. Nairobi Policing Upgrade: Kenya selects Kamukunji Police Station as the planned Nairobi Metropolitan Police Unit headquarters, with construction due to start in August. Gambia Investment Push: FirstBank convenes President Adama Barrow and Aliko Dangote to boost The Gambia’s industrial development agenda. AI Governance Race: Xi Jinping pitches open-source AI and a new global AI cooperation body, challenging US influence over AI rules. Sowore 2027 Mobilisation: Omoyele Sowore launches SoworeNOW, a mobile app for campaign updates, rallies and supporter coordination ahead of 2027. Ebola Warning (DRC): WHO says DRC Ebola cases are nearing 2,100 as community transmission persists.

Critical Minerals Push: African ministers meeting in Abidjan urged countries to stop exporting raw minerals and instead build value chains, local processing and jobs for young people and women. Climate Negotiation Skills: Experts say Africa needs more trained youth negotiators who can handle science, finance and diplomacy in global climate talks. Ebola Update (DRC/Uganda): Uganda discharged its last Ebola patient, but officials stress outbreaks end only when transmission stops; meanwhile DRC’s outbreak continues to surge past 2,000 cases. Political Finance Reform: Ghana’s Accra Declaration calls for stricter rules on financing politics to curb corruption and protect democratic integrity. Digital Access Gap: West African regulators say the next big digital win is getting broadband-covered people actually using the internet, not just expanding coverage. Ghana Trade Finance: GHIB and GEXIM are deepening cooperation to boost export finance and access to global markets. Markets & Energy: Oil is expected to stay near $80 a barrel for months as inventories cushion shocks, while El Niño odds have jumped sharply. Interfaith Military Unity (Ghana): U.S. and African military chaplains held a peace and prayer walk to strengthen interfaith resilience in service.

WAFCON Focus: Nigeria’s Super Falcons, led by Washington Spirit midfielder Deborah Abiodun, say their record 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations success won’t breed complacency as they chase another title and World Cup qualification in Morocco. Anti-Corruption Courtroom: Nigeria’s Federal High Court in Abuja orders final forfeiture of 48 properties linked to former AGF Abubakar Malami, ending a ₦212.8bn civil forfeiture fight. Democracy Under Strain (Ghana): Ghana’s Minority Leader warns of “Rambo-style” arrests after EOCO detained NPP communications chief Dennis Miracles Aboagye at Kotoka Airport, raising due-process concerns. Human Rights at the World Cup: Amnesty International highlights how US travel and immigration enforcement has disrupted World Cup participation, including the detention and deportation of a Somali referee. Environment & Justice (Senegal): A report flags Dakar port as a hotspot for illegal shark fin trade, calling it cruel and wasteful. Regional Trade (East Africa): Kenya eyes doubling exports to Tanzania after Dar removed an Industrial Development Levy. Health & Skills (Nigeria): Nigeria plans a Genomic City to boost research, precision medicine and healthcare. Infrastructure (Ghana): The Accra–Kumasi Expressway is pitched as a major corridor to cut travel time and boost trade.

Cholera Emergency: The UN has released $1m to curb cholera in the Central African Republic, targeting health response, community engagement and water, sanitation and hygiene as cases spread from rural districts to Bangui. Water Crisis Focus: African leaders and water experts opened the African Water Forum in Chad, warning that hundreds of millions still lack safe drinking water and calling for action on governance, funding and regional cooperation. National Dialogue in Ethiopia: Ethiopia kicked off a major National Dialogue Conference with 4,000 delegates, aiming to build consensus through grassroots consultations after years of political division. Ghana Environment & Governance: Ghana moved to restore Achimota Forest to full forest reserve status, with enforcement actions against illegal mining and arrests reported. Tourism Push in Ghana: The tourism ministry pledged to turn Ghana’s tourism, culture and creative arts into a stronger economic driver, stressing storytelling and innovation. Football & Youth Development: Ghana’s Daniel Opare says poor facilities are “killing” grassroots football and undermining the next generation. Gabon Football: Sebastien Migne was appointed Gabon coach for the 2027 AFCON qualifiers after leaving Haiti. Big Brother Naija: Season 11 premieres July 26 with a record ₦160m grand prize. Ghana-Russia Trade: Ghana and Russia trade rose to over $800m in 2024 as both seek deeper cooperation under AfCFTA. Kenya Expansion: Swedish firm Atlas Copco says it is expanding across East Africa with Kenya as its regional hub. Legal Ruling in Nigeria: A court ordered INEC and ADC in Taraba to recognise Umar Suleiman Madaki as the lawful constituency candidate.