AGP Executive Report

Ebola Update: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak has surged past 7,000 confirmed cases and 3,398 deaths, now reaching a seventh province with a new case in Ubangi del Sur far from the original epicentre. BRICS Diplomacy: China urged deeper South-South cooperation at a UN event, while India hosts the 18th BRICS Summit as leaders including Vietnam’s PM arrive in New Delhi and Xi Jinping prepares talks with Modi. Africa’s Voice on Maps: The UN General Assembly adopted “Correct the Map,” backed by the AU and Togo, pushing more accurate map projections that better reflect Africa’s true size. Family Sovereignty Push: Twenty African governments backed a charter asserting national sovereignty over family policy, rejecting pressure on abortion and other social policies via treaties and aid. Nigeria Politics & Courts: INEC objected to Atiku’s bid to amend a suit seeking Tinubu/APC disqualification for 2027, while Nigeria’s productivity drive adds a new certification push for workplace performance. Energy & Climate: Africa GreenCo secured an extra $11.5m investment to scale renewable power trading across southern Africa. Business & Industry: Dangote Petroleum Refinery’s planned IPO aims to build a domestic petrochemicals market, with capacity expansion targeting detergent ingredient production. Sports Development: Kenya’s Wafalme Stars’ libero Hudson Kipchumba heads to Tunis for the CAVB Men’s African Nations Volleyball Championship.

Blue Economy & Food Systems: A new look at fisheries argues the next transformation must create more value with less waste, protect ecosystems, and give fishing communities a real stake in the blue economy. Nigeria Politics & Courts: INEC has objected to Atiku’s bid to amend a suit seeking Tinubu/APC disqualification over an alleged forged NYSC discharge certificate, while Atiku/ADC also asked the court for permission to amend their case. Anti-Corruption & Legal Fallout: Kebbi APC challenged ADC over alleged Malami-linked properties and state finances, pointing to EFCC forfeiture proceedings. Security & Health: Eastern Congo’s Ebola outbreak has spread to seven provinces, with lab tests identifying the rare Bundibugyo virus. Trade & Investment: The EIB’s Boost Africa says it has put €108m into Nigeria and other African countries, drawing nearly €400m more and creating about 15,000 jobs. Aviation: Nigeria’s aviation minister urged EgyptAir to stop deploying ageing aircraft on Nigerian routes. Diplomacy & Counterterrorism: AU Commissioner Bankole Adeoye wrapped an Australia visit focused on strengthening AU-Australia counterterrorism cooperation. Economy & Jobs: Namibia’s green hydrogen push is hitting a skills gap, with calls for faster workforce training to reach 30,000 jobs by 2030. Weather Risk: Fairtrade warns El Niño could hit West African cocoa communities, threatening supply chains.

Procurement Reform: A new push argues Africa must design its own procurement and treat buying power as an economic engine, not just paperwork. Telecom Modernisation: West Africa’s operator is moving to a convergent billing and customer platform with Covalense Digital, aiming for a single 360-degree view across mobile and fibre services. Connectivity Resilience: Agility Beyond Space and Sonema deepen a long-term satellite capacity deal to strengthen critical connectivity across Africa. Trade Payments: Nigeria’s businesses get a boost as Fidelity Bank expands PAPSS-enabled cross-border payments across Africa. Energy Jobs: Kenya prepares to break ground on Dangote’s Sh2.2tn East Africa refinery in Lamu, targeting major job creation and a shift from fuel imports to regional processing. Climate Warning: El Niño is strengthening, raising odds of drought plus heavy rains and flooding, with early action urged to protect food systems. Security & Politics: Nigeria’s Tinubu/APC ask a court to dismiss Atiku’s NYSC certificate forgery case, while Kaduna ADC alleges security operatives attacked party members. Illicit Trade: South Africa says illicit goods are costing R200bn in unpaid taxes, squeezing consumers and jobs.

Green Hydrogen Push: South Africa is hosting the Africa Green Hydrogen Summit in Cape Town (15–16 Sept) and has opened media accreditation for the event, as Deputy Minister Nomalungelo Gina tells Japan it’s time to move from “PowerPoint to gigawatts.” AfCFTA Trade Bottleneck: Kenya’s exporters say fragmented standards, testing and certification are blocking AfCFTA market access, even as tariffs fall. Health System Upgrade: Kenya’s Health CS Aden Duale seeks World Bank backing to expand digital health and strengthen emergency preparedness under county-wide projects. Security Cooperation: The US delivered military equipment to Nigeria’s Air Force under a foreign military sales deal to support counterterrorism efforts. Climate Finance Oversight: East African MPs want a regional climate finance scorecard and annual public climate expenditure reports to tighten accountability. Energy Investment Talks: Angola and Indonesia are deepening energy ties, with Pertamina signaling interest in upstream roles in Angola. Africa’s Capital Mobilisation: AfDB and Africa’s deposit funds agree to deepen cooperation to mobilise long-term development financing. BRICS in Focus: India is pushing BRICS CBDC linking for cross-border payments ahead of the New Delhi summit, despite political and technical hurdles.

Digital Infrastructure & Data Sovereignty: Nigeria is pitching its National Cloud Infrastructure Strategy as “policy to investable demand,” aiming to turn data-sovereignty rules into predictable markets for cloud, data centres and connectivity. Industrial Growth: DP World and GulfCap Africa have signed to develop Kenya’s 222-hectare Mombasa Industrial Park as a Special Economic Zone, with the first 40 hectares starting off near the port. Domestic Capital Push: Kenya’s Africa Capital Markets conference heard that Africa’s development agenda is held back less by money than by steering it into productive investment, urging more local pension and institutional capital. Elections & Governance: South Africa declared 4 November a public holiday for local government elections, while the IEC rolled out a code of conduct to curb disinformation. Regional Integration: The EAC is urged to remove services-trade barriers that are delaying liberalisation and limiting cross-border jobs and investment. Youth & Sports: Kenya’s Rising Stars coach named a final U-20 squad for CECAFA qualifiers, while Ghana’s Black Starlets begin U-17 AFCON qualification against Togo on Oct 10. Sports & Society: Liberia’s diaspora entrepreneur Samuel Koimene told President Boakai that investment and knowledge transfer must go beyond remittances.

BRICS@20 Summit Watch: India’s BRICS chairmanship heads into September’s summit as the bloc shifts from BRICS@15 priorities to a larger, more consequential group of 11 members, with focus now shaped by geopolitics, tech and development needs. UAE Industrial Push: ROX has started UAE production of AI-designed vehicles in Abu Dhabi’s Kezad, targeting 300,000 units a year by 2030 and positioning the plant for global supply. Energy Affordability in South Africa: Electricity minister Ramokgopa says no targeted study has measured how tariff hikes hit low-income households, while a revised pricing policy is under review. Kenya Traders Crackdown Backlash: African CSOs warn Kenya’s moves against foreign informal traders could spark discrimination and xenophobia across the EAC. Malawi Forex Relief: AfDB approves $20.5m direct budget support for Malawi to buy fuel and fertiliser amid a foreign exchange squeeze. Digital Inclusion Nigeria: NCC pledges accessible tech and digital skills for persons with disabilities to ensure inclusion in Nigeria’s digital economy. Tech Sovereignty Ethiopia: PM Abiy urges African leaders and youth to embrace technological sovereignty as AU Day is marked. Morocco Energy-Defense Signals: Synhelion’s $1bn synthetic fuel plant deal advances in Morocco, while reports say HIMARS for Morocco are on the US logistics schedule for 2027.

UN Map Push: The UN General Assembly backed a switch from Mercator to the “Equal Earth” projection, with 164 countries voting for a map that better reflects Africa’s true size; the US opposed. Health Infrastructure: Kenya signed a deal with Italy and GKSD Group to build 15 hospitals—13 Level 5 county referral sites and two Level 6 national teaching hospitals—aimed at easing bed shortages and boosting specialised care. Energy & Food Security: The AfDB approved a new USD 5.1bn response framework to cushion African countries from energy and fertiliser shocks, with targeted support for one year. Education & Inclusion: Ghana’s Eduwatch says Free SHS needs redesign to remove qualification barriers, warning the country needs about GH¢45bn more to meet SDG 4. Tech for Learning: A Kenyan start-up, ZeroBionic, is trialling robotic arms that translate teachers’ voices into sign language in real time for deaf students. Politics Watch (Nigeria): Opposition unity talks for a single 2027 ticket face resistance as Atiku, Peter Obi and Seyi Makinde reject step-down pressure. Sports: Nigeria’s Augustine Eguavoen named interim coach of the Super Falcons for Olympic qualifiers.

Regional Finance & Tax: The AU and ATAF are pushing to plug tax loopholes and strengthen domestic revenue mobilisation, using tools like mutual assistance on tax matters to curb cross-border evasion and illicit flows. West African Currency Push: ECOWAS moved to fast-track the ECO single-currency plan, calling for a meeting of the President’s Task Force to keep the July 1, 2027 rollout on track. South Africa Crime Watch: South Africa’s murder and several serious contact crimes fell in the latest police figures, but experts warn the problem isn’t solved, pointing to lingering concerns like attempted murders and alcohol-linked violence. Health & Ebola: Africa CDC welcomed new UK funding for Ebola response in the DRC, boosting regional coordination and cross-border preparedness. Nigeria Maritime & Trade: Nigeria has begun exclusive talks with APM Terminals on the Badagry deep-seaport, aiming to expand deepwater capacity and unlock private investment. Climate Finance for Farmers: IFAD and Equity Group launched a $200m climate adaptation finance mechanism for East African smallholders and rural businesses. Sports & Youth: Nigeria named Augustine Eguavoen interim coach for the Super Falcons’ 2028 Olympic qualifiers, while Guinea-Bissau’s U-17 team was disqualified from WAFU A qualifiers over age fraud allegations.

EU Trade & Environment: Global Witness says Mondelez (Toblerone owner) is lobbying Brussels to weaken the EU’s deforestation rules (EUDR), with meetings tied to a decision on simplifying the law. Financial Stability: Liberia’s Central Bank will convene a National Non-Performing Loans conference starting Sept 9 to tackle credit bottlenecks. Energy & Industry: Malawi doubles down on green industrialisation, aiming to turn the country into a producing and exporting hub. Africa’s Big IPO: Aliko Dangote opens his refinery to public investors via an IPO, letting retail buyers take part from a low minimum subscription. Mining Governance: DR Congo plans tighter state control of geological data to guide future mineral exploration. Tech & Health: Morocco’s One Med Link is building an AI-powered, interoperable clinical workflow platform. Climate Risk: NOAA warns Africa should prepare for a potentially very strong El Niño, with drought risk in the south and flooding threats in parts of the east.

Climate Finance Gap: Africa’s farmers still can’t access climate money despite adopting solutions like solar irrigation and better water management; the problem is financing models that work for both lenders and unpredictable farm revenues. Africa Food & Health: Togo’s eye-care data show a big correction gap—about 30% of tested patients need vision correction but only 21% get it—while Ghana’s tourism authority backs a medical city push to boost healthcare investment and medical tourism. Industrialisation & IPOs: Aliko Dangote’s refinery IPO is set to open with a bid for up to 10 million shareholders across Africa, priced at N525 with low minimum subscriptions, as the project targets world-scale capacity by 2028. Governance & Accountability: Namibia’s mid-term budget review faces scrutiny over whether government can track and report development progress, amid concerns about weak statistical coordination. Sports & Youth: Nigeria’s D’Tigress take a heavy World Cup loss to France, and Kenya’s perinatal teens are highlighted as needing integrated mental health support. Business & Trade: Morocco tops Africa’s investment freedom ranking, while Mombasa’s startup ecosystem climbs as Nairobi’s dominance remains hard to beat.

Malawi Mining Push: Rare-earth and critical-minerals projects could reshape Malawi’s economy, but analysts warn the usual risk is exporting raw value without stronger institutions, local participation and processing. West Africa Lithium Watch: Australasian Metals surged after securing an option over Côte d’Ivoire lithium projects, highlighting fast-moving competition for battery supply chains. Clean Cooking Finance: Carbon-credit-backed clean cookstoves are expanding as Africa still relies heavily on charcoal and firewood, with major health and forest-pressure stakes. Cyber in the AI Era: Swiss Re says AI is amplifying existing cyber risks, while the insurance “protection gap” and underinsurance remain the big hurdles. UN Map Correction: The UN General Assembly backed an Africa-right-size “Equal Earth” push, with the US the lone no vote. Health Under Strain: Congo’s Ebola burial teams say fatigue and community anger are rising as cases mount. Energy & Trade Finance: RMB settlement and clearing are growing across Africa as China-Africa trade deepens. Liberia Court Clears Labour Minister: Liberia’s Supreme Court dismissed a complaint against Labour Minister Cooper Kruah over alleged ethical breaches. Nigeria Refining Pressure: Refinery owners urge government action to secure commercially viable crude supplies and fix the naira-for-crude framework.

UN Map Vote: The UN General Assembly backed the “Correct the Map” resolution 164-1, with the AU urging equal-area maps to end centuries of distortion that make Africa look smaller. Human Trafficking Fight: Nigeria’s Next2None and NAPTIP signed an MoU for Africa’s first international fashion-for-social-impact campaign, “Threads of Resilience: Fashion for Freedom,” running to 2034 to prevent exploitation and support survivors. Waste & Jobs: Lagos recycling experts at the 5th Cycling Lagos webinar urged stronger enforcement, long-term financing and better infrastructure to turn Nigeria’s waste into economic value. Debt Pressure: Analysts warn Africa’s debt servicing is squeezing budgets and delaying the benefits of reforms, with Nigeria and Ethiopia cited as key examples. Policy & Industry: Kenya’s Ruto says the country will stop exporting raw materials and push local processing and value addition. Regional Security & Climate: ECOWAS and EAC parliamentary leaders move toward a network to coordinate positions on insecurity, migration and climate. Digital Payments: Valu officially launched its flexible payments and BNPL push in Jordan, expanding its regional fintech footprint.

UN Map Vote: The UN General Assembly backed an African-led push to move from the Mercator projection toward Equal Earth, with 164 countries voting in favour and the US the lone dissenter—expected to influence classrooms, textbooks and digital mapping. Power & Industry: Energy experts warn Africa must urgently invest in efficient, digitalised electricity grids as demand surges and losses stay high. Kenya’s Wealth Plan: Kenya’s Sovereign Wealth Fund Act 2026 lays groundwork for investing natural-resource and strategic assets for future generations. Kenya Migration Strategy: New analysis argues most East Africa-to-Europe migration is legal, shifting debate toward skills and structured mobility. Corporate Climate Push (Nigeria): NGX’s N-Zero baseline assessments aim to help firms move from pledges to emissions measurement and green-capital readiness. Sports Development (Nigeria): Ogun seeks Tunisia-style football systems for grassroots and club structures; AFEDEV unveils an inclusive American football pathway for para-athletes. Aviation Growth: Boeing forecasts Africa will need about 1,165 new aircraft by 2045 as intra-African and Middle East traffic expands.

Cartography & Identity: The UN General Assembly backed a resolution to correct Africa’s size on world maps, endorsing the Equal Earth projection over Mercator; Togo says it will update school geography books by end-2026, and the African Union calls for schools and digital platforms to follow. Debt, Reparations & Sovereignty: At a youth forum in Accra, Kwesi Pratt Jnr and Pan-African Progressive Front leaders urged young Africans to push for debt cancellation and reparations as justice—linking the debt crisis to slavery, colonialism and neocolonial control. Trade & Jobs: Nigeria launched ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS) sensitisation for businesses in Bauchi, urging firms to use the scheme to expand exports across 15 ECOWAS states and create jobs. Climate Finance for Farmers: IFAD and Equity Group unveiled a $200m East Africa climate adaptation finance mechanism (ARCAFIM) to reach smallholders and rural businesses, with a focus on women and youth. Sahel Security: Reports say Russia’s Africa Corps helped Niger loyalists repel a mutiny at Air Base 101, highlighting how foreign military backing can entrench junta rule. Economy Watch: South Africa braces for Q2 GDP data, with economists expecting a contraction. Digital Sovereignty: Nigeria’s NITDA urged a risk-based approach to digital sovereignty, not a one-size-fits-all rule about where data is stored. Business Disruption: Uber abruptly exited Nigeria and Uganda, ending operations after more than a decade in Nigeria and about ten years in Uganda.

UN Map Vote: The UN General Assembly backed the AU-led “Correct the Map” resolution, voting 164-1 (with 6 abstentions) to encourage use of the Equal Earth projection instead of Mercator, after African states argued Mercator “shrinks” Africa in public perception. Climate Finance for Farmers: Uganda is set to receive about Shs755bn (US$200m) under IFAD and Equity Group’s 12-year ARCAFIM scheme, targeting 260,000 smallholders and 500 rural MSMEs across Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda, with women at least half of beneficiaries. Women’s Health Funding Debate (South Africa): A rights-focused piece argues South Africa must move sexual and reproductive health and rights from rhetoric to budget priorities, stressing financing and delivery gaps. Security in Nigeria: Fresh clashes in Borno’s Sambisa Forest between Boko Haram and ISWAP reportedly killed at least 23 fighters, while Boko Haram also attacked an APC governorship candidate’s convoy. Aviation Growth (Nigeria): Nigeria added 322,800 scheduled airline seats in September to reach 1.19m, the second-biggest capacity jump in Africa. Education Watch (Ghana): WAEC reports WASSCE 2026 English results fell to 62.4% in A1–C6, while Social Studies rebounded to 78.04%.

Local Governance: Tshwane’s mayor Nasiphi Moya admits cracks in the ANC-led coalition, pointing to the lack of a coalition agreement as a key oversight while insisting services have held up and future coalitions remain possible. Peace & Diplomacy: At the AU’s 21st extraordinary session in Angola, Cameroon’s PM envoy Dion Ngute pushed dialogue as the route to resolving conflicts, with focus on early warning, counter-terrorism and sustainable funding for African-led peace. Global Representation: The UN General Assembly backed “Correct the Map,” voting to replace the Mercator projection after African states said it has long minimized Africa’s perceived size. Agriculture & Food Systems: Rwanda’s IFAD and Bank of Kigali signed a $12m financing deal to expand farmers’ access to credit, targeting smallholders and women/youth. Energy Security: Tanzania says it wants more investment and local participation in energy as African countries seek joint solutions to reliability challenges. Politics & Youth: Nigeria’s Atiku defends his record on street begging and education, while child-marriage advocates warn progress is still too slow. Security: Nigeria’s police say they repelled a terrorist attack on a Borno APC governorship candidate’s convoy, with no casualties reported. Business & Industry: Dangote Refinery’s planned IPO is nearing, with reports of billions of shares and a potential landmark listing for retail investors.