AGP Executive Report

Medieval History in Morocco: Archaeologists say a stone game board carved in a Walīla hammam dates to the late 8th or early 9th century, offering a rare, precisely timed look at early Islamic North Africa’s social life. Mozambique Security: A bishop in Quelimane, Osório Citora Afonso, was shot dead at his residence, with church leaders demanding a full investigation and stronger protection for clergy. Women’s Rights Under Threat: UN experts warn of killings, abductions and forced harms targeting women and girls from Christian and other religious minority communities in Nigeria’s north and Middle Belt. Climate and Water Stress: A spotlight on how drought and water scarcity hit women and young girls hardest, forcing long, dangerous daily journeys for basic water. Somalia–EU Security Talks: AUSSOM chief met the EU ambassador in Mogadishu to push closer coordination on peace, security and support for Somali forces against Al-Shabaab. Ghana–Canada Investment Push: Ghana and Canada plan to deepen trade and investment at the 2026 Ghana-Canada Investment Forum in Toronto, with focus on exports and industrialisation. Boko Haram Hostage Release: Hundreds of captives freed after months in a Borno hideout, though details of how the release happened remain disputed. Ebola Response in East Africa: Uganda’s president urged stronger regional cooperation to contain Ebola, citing cross-border work with the DRC. World Cup Referee Denied: Somali referee Omar Artan was reportedly turned away by US immigration despite a valid visa, dealing a blow to his World Cup appointment. WAEC Crackdown: WAEC warns schools and supervisors against extorting WASSCE candidates, including illegal fees and charges for items already provided. ECOWAS Trade Talks: ECOWAS officials in Accra met over stalled trade commitments and AfCFTA delivery, targeting customs and digital trade fixes.

Ebola Response: WHO and Africa CDC have launched a $518m, six-month joint plan to contain the fast-moving Ebola outbreak in DR Congo and prevent spread to neighbors, as confirmed cases near 500 and officials warn the situation is still “catch-up.” Mining Reform Push (Ghana): Ghana’s Lands and Natural Resources Minister Emmanuel Armah Kofi-Buah says regulatory reforms are underway to speed licensing, cut delays, strengthen accountability, and boost responsible mining investment. Anti-Ethnic Profiling (Nigeria): Peter Obi condemns media framing that links crime to ethnic groups, warning it fuels division and unfairly targets communities amid insecurity. Green Wall Lessons (China): New reporting highlights how China’s Great Green Wall is working long-term thanks to predictable funding and incentives that keep restoration going. Women’s Football (Nigeria): Nigeria’s Super Falcons vow a more aggressive approach in their second friendly against Senegal as they fine-tune preparations for WAFCON in Morocco. Culture & Craft (Nigeria): Aso-oke weaving in Iseyin is drawing young learners and diaspora demand, with artisans resisting mechanisation to protect the craft’s identity. Tourism Growth (Morocco): Morocco welcomed over 7.7m tourists by end of May 2026, up 7%, as infrastructure and services keep lifting the sector.

Ebola Preparedness: Kenya and Uganda launched a joint assessment at the Busia border to plug Ebola screening and Standard Operating Procedure gaps, using WHO tools and rapid corrective steps to stop any viral spread across a key trade corridor. Public Health Funding: Africa CDC and WHO unveiled a $518m, six-month “One Response” plan for DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak, focusing on surveillance, labs, infection control, clinical care, and community engagement. Regional Health Alerts: Ghana’s health minister reassured the public there are no Ebola cases in West Africa while tightening airport screening and boosting district health coverage. Banking & Tech: UBA won the 2026 Banker Technology Award for AI-driven cross-border payments and launched an upgraded mobile app, including its Leo chatbot linked to PAPSS. Justice & History: A reparations forum in Ghana urged healing from slavery’s spiritual and psychological damage before reparations can deliver lasting change. Maritime Security: Nigeria’s marine minister said the country is ready to use the EU’s €59m ocean programme to tackle illegal fishing and strengthen blue-economy enforcement. Politics: Nigeria’s ADC condemned early campaign rallies in Enugu ahead of the 2027 election timetable. Culture & Film: Nigeria’s AI Film Festival (NAIFF) returns in September 2026, spotlighting AI’s role in filmmaking and pushing ethical storytelling.

Ebola Response: WHO and Africa CDC have unveiled a $518m joint plan to tackle the fast-moving Ebola outbreak in DR Congo, with a “one response” approach running June to November covering surveillance, testing, infection control, clinical care and community engagement. Public Health & Sovereignty: In Kenya, a court order has paused a planned US-backed Ebola quarantine centre, with critics warning about transparency and national sovereignty. AI Governance: Kenya’s National AI Strategy 2025–2030 is highlighted as part of a wider push across Africa for an Africa-led, ethical AI governance framework—while analysts warn global standards are still being shaped by a small group of wealthy powers. Politics & Security: Uganda has welcomed 14 former LRA captives for rehabilitation after years in captivity, while Nigeria faces fresh concern after Boko Haram-linked fighters were linked to school abductions in Oyo State. Regional Mobility: Republic of Congo says all African citizens will get visa-free entry from 1 January 2027. Culture & Heritage: Ghana launches a 2026 National Heritage Photo Competition and AfroGastro Festival to spotlight youth-led cultural and culinary creativity.

Ebola Response: WHO and Africa CDC rolled out a $518m plan as DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak worsens, with US CDC warning it could reach 2014-scale levels without faster public health action. Human Rights Ruling: Tanzania was ordered by the African Court to amend its Penal Code and abolish the mandatory death penalty for murder convictions. Climate Delivery Push: Africa’s climate negotiators demanded a shift from promises to implementation ahead of Bonn talks, stressing climate finance as a binding commitment. Trade & Investment: Egypt launched Canal Trust Ship Services to link Red Sea ports with East Africa, while AfDB said Egypt is Africa’s top FDI destination, boosted by major Gulf-linked deals. Health Innovation: A Gates-funded project is building hydroponic systems to multiply clean banana planting material across Africa, and researchers unveiled a portable CRISPR assay for mpox detection. Justice & Security: Nigeria’s kidnapping crisis spread to Oyo, and Tanzania’s opposition alleged rights abuses during post-election unrest. Community & Culture: Liberia’s exports to China topped $200m in Q1, and grassroots malaria advocates urged more community-led action as donor funding declines.

Ebola Emergency: US health officials warn DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak could reach 20,000 cases or more without stronger isolation and public health action, as Africa CDC and WHO push a joint response plan. DR Congo Update: The DRC reports 452 confirmed cases and 82 deaths, with 71 new cases in a day and weak contact-tracing follow-up. Tech for Health: Starlink says it has delivered 150 internet kits to Africa CDC to help responders coordinate in remote outbreak zones. AU Austerity: The African Union says budget strain will force an austerity 2027 plan, with staffing at about 30% of required levels. Ethiopia Voting: NEBE sets June 9 for IDP and military voting in Ethiopia’s elections, after earlier observer timelines. Kenya Energy Debate: MPs scrutinise energy reforms over power gaps, nuclear plans, and uneven access, with millions still without electricity. Regional Trade: Air France marks 50 years in Angola, highlighting business and tourism links. Court Delay Nigeria: Nigeria’s Federal High Court adjourns indefinitely a suit seeking deregistration of parties including ADC and AA.

Ebola Emergency: DR Congo reports 71 new Ebola cases in 24 hours, warning of rapid community transmission as confirmed cases rise to 452 with 82 deaths, mainly in Ituri and also in North Kivu. Public Health Response: WHO and Africa CDC roll out a $518m, six-month plan (June–November) focused on surveillance, labs, infection control, clinical care and community engagement to stop further spread into Uganda and beyond. Anti-Corruption Push: African countries plan centres of excellence to fight corruption and illicit financial flows after AUABC and Global Financial Integrity warn the continent loses nearly $125bn yearly to corruption. Trade & Finance: Afreximbank launches an Africa-Caribbean roadshow in Kingston to boost trade finance and investment, while Africa Finance Corporation secures a record $2bn syndicated loan for energy, transport and industrial projects. Sports & Tourism: East Africa eyes Afcon 2027 as a tourism engine, urging cross-border packages and business-friendly policies to turn football visitors into long-term ambassadors. Legal & Politics: Nigeria’s court delays a case seeking to deregister parties, while Omoyele Sowore says his lawyers deserted him in a defamation trial.

Ebola Response: East African Community health ministers agreed on urgent regional steps to stop Ebola spreading from eastern DR Congo into Uganda, including harmonised surveillance and protection at airports, ports and land borders. Public Health Preparedness: The UK’s NHS was told to prepare for possible imported Ebola cases, with staff urged to screen recent travellers from DR Congo or Uganda and isolate suspected patients. Rights and Culture Clash: Ghana hosted talks advancing a controversial African charter on family, sovereignty and values that rights groups say undermines gender equality and rejects sex education. Security Focus: Nigeria’s federal government urged citizens to unite against terror, warning insurgents aim to weaken national unity and institutions. Digital Payments: Flutterwave partnered with Tempo to enable stablecoin settlements across Africa, targeting faster, cheaper cross-border transfers. Youth and SRHR: A youth sexual and reproductive health conference in Mombasa warned Africa’s adolescents are being failed by institutions and called for stronger financing and delivery. Food & Tradition: Stories highlighted African culinary staples and crafts, from poppy seeds and paprika use to the revival of djembe drums in modern art.

Ebola Response: Central Africa’s Ebola scare is intensifying, with the DRC reporting hundreds of confirmed cases and Uganda recording linked infections as aid groups push supplies, water and disinfectant hubs to speed up containment. Migration Policy: Namibia’s draft Migration Bill aims to modernise immigration rules, adding spousal, medical, skills transfer and investor permits while tightening screening at entry ports amid concerns over irregular migration, trafficking and xenophobia. Trade Finance: The AfDB approved a US$125m equity boost to ATIDI to expand trade, credit and political risk insurance—backing cross-border investment and intra-African trade. Politics & Courts: Nigeria’s ADC escalated its internal leadership crisis with legal action against the Federal High Court’s chief judge and another justice over alleged bias and disobedience of court orders. Digital Payments: Flutterwave teamed up with Tempo to use stablecoin settlement rails, targeting cheaper and faster cross-border transfers across Africa. Climate Governance: A report warns Mauritius’ climate adaptation needs stronger management and capacity to close funding gaps.

Ebola Alert: East Africa is facing a fast-moving Ebola outbreak after it was declared in eastern DR Congo, with spread into Uganda and WHO emergency steps underway as officials push community action and fast-track vaccine research. UN Security Council Push: The UN General Assembly elected Zimbabwe, Austria, Kyrgyzstan, Portugal and Trinidad and Tobago as non-permanent members for 2027–2028, with Kyrgyzstan winning its first-ever seat. Ghana’s Debt Comeback: Ghana says it’s targeting investment-grade status by 2029, arguing Africa’s debt is mispriced and aiming to cut borrowing costs and pull in more investors. Trade, Industry & Jobs: Ghana and South Korea plan a West Africa Hyundai automotive plant in Ghana, alongside AI, energy and critical minerals cooperation. Regional Connectivity: Kenya and Uganda railways reaffirm plans to strengthen Northern Corridor freight links between Mombasa and Malaba. Women’s Health: Kenya moves to roll out comprehensive sexuality education to curb teenage pregnancy and HIV, citing high rates in several counties. Sports Diplomacy: The Gambia and Spain’s Canary Islands sign an MoU to promote traditional wrestling for youth empowerment and cultural exchange. Culture & Heritage: Benin’s Vodún religion is highlighted as a resilient force tied to the country’s democratic journey.

Ebola & Health Security: WHO and partners report ongoing strain from the DRC outbreak, with new calls for community action and safer travel as cases keep rising. Climate & Food Risks: Experts warn a possible “Super El Niño” could intensify droughts, floods and extreme heat, threatening water, forests and food systems. Governance & Sovereignty: Ghana’s Speaker Bagbin rejects foreign aid tied to domestic law reforms, arguing it undermines sovereignty and African values. Economy & Investment: Ghana targets investment-grade status by 2029 after its debt default and restructuring, while Nigeria’s Tinubu pushes stronger ties between African economies and global financial institutions at the LSE. Tech & Connectivity: GSMA urges African governments to treat mobile networks as critical infrastructure and protect them from fuel and power disruptions. Justice & Courts: UBA and four others face a stalled arraignment over alleged N4.29bn forex fraud after defendants failed to appear. Sports & Culture: AU and IGAD election missions praise Ethiopia’s electoral progress, and World Bicycle Day sees Nigeria’s Cycling Lagos/Kano push for greener mobility.

Film & Culture: African Film Press has partnered with Locarno Open Doors for 2026, backing the AFP Critics Prize (a $500 cash award plus ongoing editorial coverage) for one selected African project during the Locarno Film Festival in August. World Cup Focus: Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy urged teammates to “fulfil potential” as the Lions of Teranga open their 2026 World Cup campaign against France on June 16. Justice: The murder trial of slain ANC politician Sindiso Magaqa returns to court in Pietermaritzburg, with the judge warning against further delays. Trade & Finance: ITC and Equity Group signed an MoU to unlock trade finance for coffee, leather and creative industries across East Africa, starting with Kenya. Security: Nigerian troops arrested a 28-year-old suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP collaborator in Borno’s Kukawa area. Health & Aid: India delivered 43 tonnes of medical aid to Uganda to support Ebola response efforts. Business & Industry: Ghana and South Korea plan a West Africa Hyundai automotive plant in Ghana, alongside deeper cooperation in AI, energy and critical minerals. Public Health: Nigeria launched its biggest integrated child vaccination drive, targeting over 109 million children and adolescents.

Ebola Preparedness: Nigeria says it has stepped up surveillance and border health checks after Ebola concerns across East and Central Africa, while stressing there’s no confirmed case in the country. Genocide Reckoning: France’s President Macron unveils a Rwanda genocide memorial in Paris, calling it a milestone in reconciliation after acknowledging France’s failure to act in 1994. Ethiopia Election Update: Ethiopia’s National Election Board says the 7th general election has been completed, with counting and turnout consolidation still ongoing in some regions. West Africa Food Security: Ghana’s Vice President Opoku-Agyemang urges bigger investment in West Africa’s rice value chain and regional cooperation to cut import dependence. Somalia Disaster Risk: A Swedish delegation visits Somalia’s disaster agency to strengthen early warning and risk reduction systems. Nigeria Party Court Fight: ADC petitions Nigeria’s NJC over alleged mishandling of a case involving former party chairman Nafiu Gombe. Osun Politics: AAC governorship candidate Olajide Esan unveils a wide-ranging Osun reform plan including free healthcare and tourism expansion. Culture & Heritage: Blink Films is producing a documentary on Great Zimbabwe, spotlighting African-led excavation of the “Lost City of Gold.” Sports: Tanzania’s Serengeti Boys chase a historic AFCON U-17 final win against Senegal.

Ebola Response Under Strain: Kenya saw deadly protests after a U.S.-backed Ebola quarantine plan at a military base sparked fears of Americans being held locally, while across the region health authorities warn the outbreak in DR Congo is worsening and vaccine development is being fast-tracked. U.S. Visa Access Tightens: The Trump administration is considering cutting African visa-processing sites from 50 to 20, meaning many applicants may have to travel abroad for interviews. IP and Innovation Push: Liberia won the WIPO-ARIPO Regional IP High School Club Awards in Harare, spotlighting youth creativity and the real-world impact of copyright awareness. Climate-Smart Agriculture Funding: Liberia launched a US$103.9m, five-year climate resilience project to protect livelihoods, restore ecosystems, and boost food security. Trade and Investment Moves: Ghana opened a U.S. trade mission to attract investment across agriculture, manufacturing, energy and digital innovation. Maritime Security: Nigeria’s Tinubu flagged off a combined maritime task force with partners to tackle piracy and oil theft in the Gulf of Guinea. Finance Reform: Nigeria became the first African capital market to adopt the faster T+1 settlement cycle.

Ebola Response: China says it’s ready to actively help African countries hit by Ebola, including the DRC, and will send medical expert teams and emergency humanitarian aid as cases rise and Africa CDC tracks contacts in Uganda. Public Health & Travel: Lagos is tightening Ebola prevention at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, including plans to reduce contact between arrivals from affected countries and other travellers. Regional Diplomacy: The DRC and WHO reaffirm their partnership to contain the Ituri outbreak, while the East African bloc plans emergency talks on Ebola. Governance & Elections: Ethiopia’s election opens amid heavy security and opposition complaints of shrinking political space, with Abiy Ahmed blaming “enemies” for propaganda. Tech & Youth: Nigeria’s Louis Awode Foundation targets 20,000 children with robotics, coding, AI and entrepreneurship training. Business & Finance: TheBoardroom Africa releases its 2026 Industry Trends report, pointing to private credit replacing equity-led growth and AI becoming a core operational backbone. IP & Creative Economy: Nigeria and WIPO deepen collaboration to turn intellectual property into financial assets, with WIPO opening its first sub-Saharan office in Abuja. Sports & Culture: Ghana’s 1v1 Africa football challenge crowns Odonkor Junior with GH₵100,000, while QNET and Manchester City run a youth coaching clinic in Accra.

Ebola Response: The East African Community is convening emergency health ministers’ talks to coordinate a regional push against the fast-moving Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in eastern DR Congo and Uganda, with cross-border surveillance and rapid response measures in focus. Public Health Tech: APOPO’s HeroRATs are being highlighted for speeding up tuberculosis screening by sniffing out positive samples in seconds, offering a low-cost boost to case-finding. Regional Diplomacy: South Korea and African foreign ministers are meeting in Seoul to strengthen cooperation on supply chains, energy and food security, with President Lee set to host African ministers at Cheongwadae. Aviation & Standards: Liberia has started the process to secure its first ICAO Aerodrome Operating Certificate for Roberts International Airport, a major step for aviation safety and development. Tax & Digital Governance: Ghana says its tax system is now more data-driven and enforcement-focused after rolling out the Integrated Tax Administration System, tightening audits and compliance. Culture & Community: Dunmanway in West Cork held its first Africa Day with music, African cuisine and performances, while Carnival Calabar 2026 unveiled its theme “Rethinking Our Collective Destiny.” Security: Nigeria and the US carried out another precision airstrike in Borno, reportedly killing 21 ISWAP fighters.