AGP Executive Report

Credit & Cashflow Watch: South Africa’s credit outlook improves and bond inflows lift the rand, but analysts warn the gains can reverse fast as global capital stays highly mobile. Sovereign Finance & Tax Base: Moody’s says nearly 88% of Sub-Saharan workers are in the informal economy, draining tax revenue and weighing on growth and creditworthiness. Climate Delivery Pressure: Africa’s negotiators at Bonn are pushing for a shift from climate promises to delivery, with climate finance treated as a binding commitment for adaptation and loss-and-damage. Ebola Response Scale-Up: WHO reports Ebola cases surging in Central Africa, while a $518m Africa-wide plan targets faster prevention, detection and response. Food Security Stress: Nigeria faces severe food insecurity risks, as Thailand donates rice via WFP to support conflict-hit communities. Trade & Investment Moves: Macron unveils a €23bn France-Africa investment push, while Afreximbank courts Jamaica with a $5bn financing pitch to deepen Africa-Caribbean links. Water Safety Alert: A new global assessment flags unsafe drinking water as a major health risk, with African countries dominating the lowest ranks.

Ebola Response: Africa CDC and WHO launched a $518m, six-month Ebola preparedness and response plan for the Bundibugyo strain, aiming to boost surveillance, labs, infection control and community action as cases in DR Congo and Uganda climb. Public Health Preparedness: Nigeria’s Lagos waste authority issued an Ebola preparedness advisory to health facilities and medical waste handlers, stressing hand hygiene, PPE and safe specimen handling despite no confirmed cases in Lagos. Regional Energy Connectivity: Ethiopia says it will keep strengthening cross-border power links, with renewable projects expanding and electricity exports to Djibouti, Sudan and Kenya, while studies explore selling to Tanzania. Payments & Trade: Afreximbank is pushing AfPAY and CIPS adoption to cut cross-border settlement costs and delays, citing $32bn in 2024 trade settlements and 400+ linked banks. Digital & Jobs: Ghana pitches London investors to scale outsourcing and digital services, targeting export-ready IT, business process and AI support roles. Sports & Youth: Ghana’s Filmhouse named a Skit2Screen Season 2 winner, while Liberia commissioned its first grid-connected solar plant to cut power costs.

Ebola Watch: U.S. health officials warn Central Africa’s Ebola outbreak could reach 20,000 cases or more without strong public health measures, as confirmed cases sit around 400 with 63 deaths. Public Health Policy: The UAE bars entry for travellers from DR Congo, Uganda and South Sudan amid the outbreak, with transit rules tightened. Ghana Democracy: Ghana has arrested 14 people over false news and offensive speech in under 16 months, sparking alarm over free speech under President John Mahama. Economic Recovery: Mahama says Ghana is seeing renewed growth and investor confidence, citing falling inflation, stabilised currency and improved reserves. Regional Integration: SADC justice ministers adopt legal instruments to boost cooperation, including a Tourism UniVisa and pooled pharmaceutical procurement. Energy & Industry: Eskom signs an agreement to secure LNG infrastructure for its Richards Bay gas-to-power plan, while Africa Finance Corporation raises a record $2bn syndicated loan for infrastructure. Trade & Growth: Ghana’s GEXIM pushes maritime investment and tech-enabled logistics to unlock AfCFTA trade. Innovation & Skills: Afretec signs its 10th university partner, Addis Ababa Science and Technology University, expanding Africa’s tech collaboration.

HIV Prevention Breakthrough in South Africa: President Ramaphosa launched the twice-yearly Lenacapavir rollout in Mpumalanga, calling it a major turning point in cutting new infections. Ebola Preparedness & Travel Curbs: Africa CDC and WHO pushed a joint Ebola response plan as the UAE suspended visas for three African countries and tightened entry rules amid fears of spread. Governance & Institutions: Nigeria’s Peter Obi reignited debate in Europe that Africa’s biggest hurdle is poor leadership and weak governance, while a Labour Party candidate urged trust-based leadership and stronger institutions across the continent. Election Watch in Ethiopia: Ethiopia’s parliamentary vote was described as generally peaceful, though insecurity forced suspensions in parts of Amhara, Oromia and Tigray. Security Tech: U.S. AFRICOM tested CURTAIN CALL drone swarms to detect, track and defeat coordinated UAV attacks. Trade, Industry & Jobs: Ghana received heavy-duty trucks from the U.S. Embassy to boost engineering and humanitarian response; Tanzania’s Dar es Salaam port hit a new monthly container throughput record; and East Africa was flagged as a trade growth engine driven by corridors and integration. Climate Action Focus: South Africa marked World Environment Day with calls for urgent, local-level climate resilience—while experts warned the real bottleneck is education and delivery capacity, not just tech. Agriculture Under Pressure: African cocoa farmers warned market volatility is threatening sector growth and livelihoods.

Morocco-Africa Tech Push: Morocco has launched a “Digital Hub for Sustainable Development” in New York, aiming to use AI to boost health, education, climate resilience and governance across Africa and the Arab world. Public Health Shock: WHO estimates unsafe food causes 866 million illnesses and 1.5 million deaths yearly, with Africa carrying most of the burden—especially young children. Education & Rankings: Wits has been named Africa’s top university in the latest Center for World University Rankings, with UCT next. Korea-Africa Dealmaking: Nigeria urged a deeper, more transformative Korea-Africa partnership focused on green energy, health security and peacebuilding, citing major financing commitments. Women in Leadership: Bayelsa Governor Douye Diri called for more women in governance, arguing inclusion speeds Africa’s progress. Digital Sovereignty: Zimbabwe’s Shava pitched a five-point plan for African digital education sovereignty at an Accra summit. Trade & Integration: More African countries are easing travel rules for Africans—Congo Republic joins visa-free moves ahead of AfCFTA implementation. Finance for Intra-Africa Trade: AfDB will invest $125m in ATIDI, boosting risk insurance capacity to unlock investment and commerce. Energy & Skills: ExxonMobil and JA Africa launched STEM Africa 2.0 to train 4,000 more youth in STEM and AI. Ebola Funding: Australia pledged about $3.6m to support Ebola response in Central Africa via Red Cross and WHO.

Ebola Response: East African Community health ministers agreed to harmonise Ebola surveillance and protective measures at airports, ports and land borders, and set up a regional technical taskforce as the outbreak in the DRC continues to spread fears across travellers. Somalia Security: The AU and IGAD urged maximum restraint after armed clashes in Mogadishu threatened Somalia’s fragile Ebola emergency coordination and civilian safety. Healthcare Reform Watch: South Africa’s Constitutional Court struck down parts of the Certificate of Need under the NHI plan, reigniting debate over whether reform choices match intended outcomes. HIV Prevention Pushback: South African HIV activists say the lenacapavir rollout is too small and too slow, warning it risks becoming “pomp” without enough coverage for people most at risk. Regional Trade & Deals: South Africa and Kenya signed six new agreements covering sport, education, migration and transport to deepen intra-African trade. Mining & Industrial Policy: Mozambique signed a law giving the state at least 15% free-carried, non-dilutable stakes in mining ventures and pushing local processing, while Mozambique’s graphite and Zimbabwe’s gold restart underline Africa’s drive to capture more value from minerals. Rail Investment: Traxtion secured an additional R1.4bn equity raise to revitalise South Africa’s rail freight capacity.

South Africa Jobs Crisis: President Cyril Ramaphosa told MPs youth unemployment is a major threat, as he backed a R1 trillion three-year push for roads, dams, schools, hospitals and energy/logistics to spur growth. Port and Trade Pressure: Transport Minister Barbara Creecy warned South Africans not to expect a “bonanza” from a ship surge, even as Transnet completed a R4bn upgrade at the Saldanha iron ore terminal to boost export capacity. Ebola Response: WHO said the DRC outbreak had a “big head-start” and that the virus is ahead, while regulators and agencies coordinate trial and countermeasure work for Bundibugyo Ebola in DRC and Uganda. Africa Investment and Finance: IFC and Standard Chartered launched a $300m risk-sharing facility to expand supply-chain finance across eight African countries, targeting faster supplier payments. Regional Politics: Senegal’s ruling coalition fractures after Ousmane Sonko’s Pastef refuses to join President Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s new government. Energy Access: The World Bank said West Africa’s power integration programme is expanding cross-border electricity trade and adding millions of new connections. Africa-China Deal Watch: A farm-out deal offshore Equatorial Guinea moved forward after approval by the mining ministry, pending China’s ODI clearance.

Ghana–UK Investment Push: President John Dramani Mahama used London’s Africa Debate to pitch Ghana as “open for business,” touting 18 months of macroeconomic stabilisation and a shift from aid to investment-led industrial growth. Education Reform in Ghana: Eduwatch urges a fairer DACF formula and more TVET funding after its 2025 monitoring report flagged persistent district inequalities. Ebola Update: WHO says the Congo outbreak had a “big head-start” but response efforts are now “catching up,” as cases and deaths rise. South Africa Early Childhood: A Children’s Amendment Bill moves to ease ECD registration barriers so under-resourced centres can comply without being shut out. Finance & Risk: ASR signs an agreement for strategic investment by Vitruvian Partners to expand developing-markets reinsurance capacity. EV Growth: Spiro raises $215m equity to scale battery-swapping infrastructure across seven African countries. Kenya Capital Markets: Kenya launches a strategic bulk transaction channel to speed privatisation and discounted block trades. Maritime Warning: Deep seaports won’t be enough without control of marine assets like fleets and logistics networks. Court Case: Nigeria’s Federal High Court adjourns an ADC leadership challenge to June 8.

Kenya Politics: President William Ruto told the opposition it has no development agenda, saying critics focus on nicknames instead of solutions. South Africa Economy: Ramaphosa urged South Africans to “tighten the belt” as Middle East conflict pushes up oil and fertiliser costs, hitting jobs and growth. Regional Fisheries: SADC reappointed Stanley Ndara to chair the MCSCC board in Maputo, with a push to cut illegal fishing and reduce donor dependence. Anti-Corruption Watch: A whistleblower complaint alleges corruption and nepotism at Namibia’s NIPDB, including recruitment and procurement irregularities. Maritime Security: Nigeria called for stronger collaboration among African navies, stressing technology-led maritime protection. Ebola & Vaccines: The US says it will re-engage with Gavi to speed Ebola vaccine access amid the outbreak. Innovation & Trade: Nigeria marked a milestone as WIPO opened its first Sub-Saharan Africa office in Abuja. Clean Transport: Spiro secured $215m to expand Africa’s electric mobility and battery-swapping network. Migration: Pope Leo XIV’s upcoming Canaries visit puts spotlight on dangerous Atlantic crossings, where over 1,000 died or went missing last year. World Cup Focus: Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz set the bar at reaching the 2026 knockout stage.

Kenya Floriculture: Nairobi hosted the 13th International Flower Trade Exhibition, with growers and buyers pushing market diversification and sustainability as global demand stays volatile. Zimbabwe–China Trade: Zimbabwe women manufacturers launched the Zimbabwe Women in Manufacturing association as China’s zero-tariff policy (from May 1) opens duty-free access to China for 53 African countries. Finance for Growth: AfDB’s chief economist says Nigeria can scale development by mobilising pension and sovereign wealth funds into productive sectors. Ghana Parliament: Speaker Alban Bagbin announced Ghana will host an African inter-parliamentary conference focused on protecting family systems, culture and sovereignty. East Africa Business Support: ITC and Equity Group signed an MoU to expand finance and trade expertise for coffee, leather and creative firms in Kenya, rolling out across the region from 2027. South Africa Fiscal Update: Treasury says the country posted a third straight primary budget surplus and expects debt to stabilise and decline. Defence Expo: Nigeria’s AFRIDEX unveiled outdoor static displays and live demonstrations for October’s Africa International Defence Exhibition in Lagos. Ebola Aid Warning: A UK minister admitted aid cuts have undermined the DRC and Uganda response.

Ebola Response in DRC: Africa CDC and partners warn the Bundibugyo strain is spreading in the Democratic Republic of Congo, with no approved vaccine yet for this strain and mounting pressure on health systems. HIV, Teen Pregnancy and School Violence: Zimbabwe’s education minister calls HIV infections, early/unintended pregnancies, gender-based violence and drug abuse among learners a national crisis, urging urgent action to keep students in school. Justice Reform for Southern Africa: Southern African justice officials say legal reforms must deliver real benefits for the region’s 400 million people, linking rule-of-law work to governance and integration. Education Overhaul in Zimbabwe: Curriculum reform targets skills, innovation and global competitiveness as the country shifts “from policy to practice.” Climate Finance Check: South Africa’s renewable push gets a boost from a Germany loan under the Just Energy Transition partnership, aiming to cut emissions by 2030. Mining and Sovereignty in Ghana: A debate heats up over Gold Fields’ Tarkwa lease renewal, with activists pushing non-renewal while local engagement drives calls to renew. Capital Markets Upgrade (Nigeria): Nigeria becomes Africa’s first market to move to a T+1 settlement cycle, aiming to attract global capital faster. Graphite Deal (Tanzania): Tanzania locks in a 16% state stake in the Lindi Jumbo graphite mine via a joint venture, securing long-term production and jobs.

Consumer Protection Push in Ghana: CDA CONSULT’s “Verify Before You Buy” campaign is urging manufacturers and regulators to tackle counterfeit and unsafe goods, pairing consumer education with traceability and closer work with the Food and Drugs Authority and Ghana Standards Authority. Ghana Politics Turns to Governance: IMANI Africa’s PULSE sentiment analysis of 10,000 online mentions says Ghanaians are increasingly debating policy delivery, accountability and economic credibility over loyalty to personalities. Korea–Africa Diplomatic Drive: Egypt’s foreign minister met Cameroon and Angola on the sidelines of the Korea–Africa Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, while a joint statement in Seoul points to deeper cooperation on shared prosperity and global challenges. ECOWAS Leadership at a Crossroads: As ECOWAS prepares for a July 2026 transition, analysts warn fragmentation and governance pressure are testing the bloc’s legitimacy and integration agenda. Ebola Vaccine Race: CEPI is pledging about $60m to speed three Ebola vaccine candidates, including Moderna’s programme, as outbreaks spread in central Africa. South Africa Climate Watch: A report says South Africa appears on track to meet its 2030 emissions target, supported by a Germany-backed Just Energy Transition Partnership loan. Business Financing Shift: A new Africa report says private credit is replacing equity-led growth as investors prioritise cash flow stability amid tighter venture funding.

South Korea–Africa ties: Foreign ministers from 50 African countries met in Seoul to push closer cooperation on supply-chain disruptions and shared growth, with Tunisia pitching itself as a “strategic gateway” for diversification. Smart industry in Ghana: Vilacesti’s chief says a Korea-linked smart industrial park near Accra will blend AI, manufacturing, research and startup incubation. AfCFTA and women: Business leaders urged women to lead trade under AfCFTA, arguing inclusion is key to transformation. Xenophobia fallout: Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama condemned xenophobic attacks in South Africa, stressing African unity and free movement under AfCFTA. AfDB finance reform: Governors endorsed the AfDB’s “Four Cardinal Points” push to reform Africa’s financial architecture, alongside a new clean cooking program. Health and Ebola watch: The UAE warned against travel to DR Congo, Uganda and South Sudan as Ebola concerns rise. Nigeria health upgrades: Tinubu commissioned emergency medical services and ambulances to strengthen healthcare delivery. Brand and business: Dangote was named Africa’s Most Admired Brand for an eighth straight year.

Ebola Watch: Africa CDC says the DRC’s 17th Ebola outbreak has reached 1,077 suspected cases and 246 probable deaths, with 11 more countries now at high risk. Global Health Funding: A separate report links the crisis to global health gaps after US aid cuts and the dismantling of USAID, leaving responders short of support. Energy Access & Industry: South Africa’s NERSA approved electricity pricing relief for major smelters, while AfDB and Italy launched a clean cooking programme in Brazzaville for 1 million households. Investment for Frontier Markets: AfDB and WEF argue private capital is the only real fix for Africa’s fragile frontier economies, pushing a shift from aid to investment. Climate Finance Push: African leaders at an Addis summit urged “climate investment” over “climate aid,” calling for fairer financing for adaptation and renewables. Regional Development: Kenya’s Ruto began a three-day northern projects tour, commissioning a hybrid power plant for thousands of households. Youth & Startups: Liberia’s PYAC urged young Africans to move beyond remittances into sustainable investments.

Left-Wing Push in South Africa: The SACP is convening a three-day “conference of the Left” in Boksburg to unite parties, unions and civil society around jobs, land reform and public ownership—while the ANC’s absence sparks fresh political heat. Industrial Shift: Morocco has overtaken South Africa as Africa’s leading industrial economy, according to the AfDB’s African Industrialisation Index, citing deeper export diversification and long-running industrial policy. ANCWL Decision: South Africa’s ANC Women’s League backs the Integrity Commission’s call for Sisisi Tolashe to step down after undeclared vehicle donations and related scandals. Child Protection Week: South Africa marks Child Protection Week (May 29–June 5) with community walks and campaigns focused on ending abuse, neglect and violence against children. Border Security Results: South Africa says a R1bn methaqualone precursor seizure at Beitbridge shows intelligence-led border reforms are working, including plans to expand biometric checks. Ebola Preparedness: IGAD urges urgent regional readiness as Ebola spreads across Central Africa, stressing cross-border surveillance and coordinated response. Debt and Markets: Zambia launches a tender to repurchase its $1.36bn 2053 bond, aiming to cut future costs as copper prices strengthen its external position. Ghana e-Visa Boost: Ghana rolls out an e-Visa platform and waives visa fees for African passport holders, betting on easier mobility to lift tourism and trade. AfDB Trade Finance: The AfDB reports resilient trade finance post-Covid, but warns geopolitical tensions could widen the trade finance gap.

Ebola Watch: Kenya’s court temporarily blocked a planned US-run Ebola quarantine centre as Central Africa’s outbreak worsens, with Uganda and the DRC reporting more cases. Regional Trade Push: ECOWAS moved to operationalise the ECOWAS Business Council, with Aliko Dangote’s team in talks aimed at boosting investment and cross-border business. Clean Transport Drive: Nigeria’s Tinubu commissioned four CNG projects across Lagos, Abuja and Owerri to expand domestic gas use and cut transport costs. Mining & Jobs Debate: South Africa’s Minerals Council backed transformation but warned employment equity laws can’t replace growth, as it urged skills pipelines. Lottery Legal Battle: South Africa’s new national lottery operator, Sizekhaya, is set to take over unless Ithuba wins its licence challenge in court. Township Retail Momentum: Investors are increasingly targeting township retail as a capital magnet, citing strong local cash flows and rising trading densities. Health Preparedness: Nigeria’s pharmacists’ body issued emergency Ebola surveillance and infection-prevention guidelines despite no confirmed cases. Development Financing Results: The AfDB reported strong 2025 outcomes, including millions reached via electricity, transport and climate-resilient farming support. Youth & Skills: UNDP Tanzania signed university MoUs to boost graduate employability, skills and innovation.