AGP Executive Report

Diplomatic Push for Justice: Kenya’s bid for an ICC seat is framed as a high-stakes foreign policy campaign, with calls for early African Union backing and sustained lobbying to turn support into votes. Energy & Minerals Deal: A long West Africa farm-out is edging forward as Equatorial Guinea approves a China-linked exploration deal offshore, with drilling plans shifting to early 2027 pending China’s ODI nod. Ghana Investment Drive: President John Dramani Mahama tells London investors Ghana is “open for business,” pitching reforms, infrastructure, and a more predictable investment climate as he opens trading at the London Stock Exchange. Ebola Response Politics: The U.S. reassures Kenyans that a Laikipia bio-isolation facility for Ebola patients poses no risk, while Washington highlights expanded screening and testing support across the region. Digital Inclusion: Nairobi hosts the Inclusive Africa Conference, launching an accessibility standard for ICT products and services to help bring Africa’s 80 million people with disabilities into the digital economy. UN Security Council: Zimbabwe wins a 2027–28 UNSC seat, while Germany’s failed bid marks a diplomatic setback at the UN. Africa–China–Canada Minerals Talk: Analysts argue a trilateral partnership could accelerate critical minerals processing, infrastructure, and climate cooperation beyond aid.

Ghana–UK Investment Push: President John Dramani Mahama told London’s Africa Debate that Ghana is “open for business,” pointing to 18 months of macroeconomic stabilisation and a shift toward industrialisation, agro-processing and infrastructure-led growth. US–Kenya Diplomacy: Trump nominated Henry T. Wooster as the next US ambassador to Kenya, as Washington deepens trade, security and technology ties with Nairobi. Ghana Investment Summit Follow-through: Ghana’s trade minister renewed calls for foreign investment at the Ghana-UK Investment Summit, pitching Ghana as a gateway into Africa’s wider market. Ebola and Vaccines Funding: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington will “re-engage” with Gavi amid Ebola concerns, after last year’s funding pullback. Climate and Food Security: A new assessment warns climate change is becoming the biggest threat to global food security, with heat already cutting farm labour safety and yields. Ethiopia–Finland Reset: Ethiopia and Finland resumed formal political consultations after a 16-year gap, aiming to expand economic cooperation. Zimbabwe Conservation Win: Black rhinos returned to Matusadona National Park after more than 30 years, marking a major wildlife restoration milestone. Ghana Rice Plan: Ghana’s agriculture minister unveiled a 10-year roadmap to end the rice deficit, including a new import quota tied to local producer partnerships. Finance for Local Currency: Access Bank Tanzania secured a $500m IFC deal to expand local-currency financing and reduce FX risk for businesses. Angola–China Connectivity: Angola launched a new route linking Icolo e Bengo to Guangzhou to boost Africa–Asia connectivity and trade.

Ebola Response: The US says it will “re-engage” with Gavi as Ebola spreads, with Rubio telling lawmakers the State Department will push to unlock Congress-approved funding. Public Health & Protest: Kenya saw deadly protests over a planned US Ebola quarantine facility near Nanyuki, as courts move to halt construction while legal challenges play out. US Visa Shake-up: Washington plans to cut visa-processing embassies across Africa from nearly 50 to 20, with Nairobi named a regional hub—meaning more applicants will have to travel. Regional Fisheries Governance: SADC reappointed Stanley Ndara to lead the regional fisheries surveillance board, keeping focus on tackling illegal fishing and reducing donor dependence. Anti-Corruption Claims: A whistleblower alleges corruption and nepotism at Namibia’s NIPDB, including recruitment and procurement irregularities. Maritime Security: Nigeria urged African navies to coordinate more closely to protect sea lanes and trade. Trade & Industry: Kenya’s tabb launched the country’s first large-scale fuel credit line to ease cash-flow pressure for transport firms. Africa-Korea Ties: Egypt’s FM called for technology transfer and industrial cooperation with South Korea, not aid-only partnerships. Innovation Boost: Nigeria welcomed WIPO’s first Sub-Saharan Africa office in Abuja, aiming to strengthen IP-driven innovation. Food Security Risk: Analysis warns Gulf disruptions could ripple into Africa’s fertiliser supply, threatening harvests and stability.

China–Zimbabwe Trade Boost: China’s zero-tariff access for 53 African countries kicks in May 1, with Zimbabwe women manufacturers launching the Zimbabwe Women in Manufacturing association to tap duty-free exports. Nigeria Development Finance: AfDB’s chief economist says Nigeria can mobilise growth by scaling pension and sovereign wealth funds into productive sectors through better frameworks. East Africa SME Deal: ITC and Equity Group sign an MoU to expand finance, trade expertise and market access for coffee, leather and creative businesses, starting with Kenya. Ghana Parliament Conference: Ghana’s Speaker announces a major pan-African parliamentary conference on family, sovereignty and values, aiming to defend cultural heritage. Kenya Rule-of-Law Tension: Court-ordered curfew suspension in Lamu faces continued police enforcement, raising alarms about disobedience of court orders. Ebola Response Politics: US lawmakers push Rubio to explain Iran war strategy while the US re-engages with Gavi amid Ebola outbreaks, as Kenya protests a planned quarantine centre. Defence & Security Showcase: AFRIDEX unveils outdoor static displays and live demonstrations for its Lagos exhibition in October 2026. Africa Mobility Investment: Spiro raises $215m to scale battery-swapping and EV infrastructure across African cities. Benin–Nigeria Talks: Benin’s president meets Tinubu on trade, energy and Gulf security, including ECOWAS priorities. AD Ports Expansion: AD Ports buys Brazil’s CLI agri-bulk terminals, extending its port footprint into Latin America.

Ebola Response: Africa CDC chief Jean Kaseya warns that blanket travel bans during the DRC–Uganda Ebola outbreak undermine transparency and disrupt health work, urging evidence-based, proportionate measures. Public Health Surveillance: Nigeria’s NCDC tightens Ebola monitoring for travellers, flagging sudden fever plus key symptoms within 21 days. Southern Africa Justice & Education: Zimbabwe pushes a heritage-based curriculum overhaul for innovation and global competitiveness, while Southern African justice officials stress that legal reforms must deliver real benefits for 400 million people. Ghana Mineral Sovereignty: A debate over Gold Fields’ Tarkwa lease renewal spotlights the gap between Accra’s activism and on-the-ground influence in mining communities. Trade & Diplomacy: Ghana and the UK sign a £215m growth partnership, including a major maritime ship-repair project. Korea-Africa Cooperation: South Korea and 50 African countries agree to deepen ties on maritime transit and critical minerals. Energy Governance: Nigeria’s blackout woes persist despite World Bank-backed power funding totaling about $3.653bn since 2001. Maritime Security: A report says Nigeria has logged four straight years without piracy in its territorial waters, citing the Deep Blue security push.

Ebola Response: Africa CDC chief Jean Kaseya warned that the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak is especially risky because there’s no licensed vaccine for that strain and cross-border movement is intense, with DRC and Uganda reporting hundreds of suspected cases. Public Health & Rights: In Kenya, hundreds of youths protested a planned Ebola quarantine centre for Americans at Laikipia Air Base; a court had ordered a suspension, citing constitutional concerns. Korea-Africa Diplomacy: Foreign ministers met in Seoul and issued a joint statement to deepen cooperation on shared prosperity and global challenges, with Ghana’s Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa pushing for economic transformation, jobs and technology transfer. Ghana Politics Online: IMANI’s PULSE analysis says Ghanaian online political talk is shifting toward governance and policy delivery rather than loyalty to personalities. Consumer Protection (Ghana): CDA Consult’s “Verify Before You Buy” campaign is gaining support from stakeholders to curb counterfeit and unsafe goods, pairing consumer education with traceability and regulator collaboration. Kenya Trade & Industry: Nairobi will host AUTOEXPO Kenya (June 3–5) to showcase vehicles, parts and industrial tech, positioning Kenya as a regional logistics and mobility hub. UK-Rwanda Legal Twist: Britain won a major arbitration ruling, avoiding Rwanda’s £100m+ claim over the cancelled asylum-deportation deal.

Korea-Africa Diplomacy: South Korea’s foreign minister met dozens of African counterparts in Seoul to push closer cooperation on supply-chain shocks, energy and food security, with Ghana’s FM co-chairing the talks. Ebola Response: WHO chief Tedros urged countries to rethink travel bans and border closures as DR Congo and Uganda battle Ebola, warning restrictions can slow response and reduce transparency. Security & Counter-Extremism: Nigeria and the US joint operation reportedly killed an ISWAP commander, underscoring intensifying counter-terror pressure in West Africa. Tech & Media: TikTok launched an Ethiopia election integrity hub ahead of the June 1 vote, while Ghana saw the debut of AGENTPR, an agent-driven media intelligence framework for PR and reputation management. Business & Investment: Tunisia’s FM urged South Korean firms to expand into Africa, and Ghana’s Vilacesti unveiled plans for a Korea-linked smart industrial park. Finance & Credit: Nigeria’s private sector lending slump drew fresh alarm as a report warned banks have liquidity but are not lending to SMEs. Sports as Value: Qatar Foundation told a Kigali summit that sport-for-development only works when built with communities, backing basketball’s social programmes.

Ebola Response Under Strain: Uganda says it will keep joint operations with the DRC against the ADF rebel group even as Ebola spreads, saying there’s been no call to pause fighting; WHO warns the outbreak is “very complex” amid conflict, displacement, food shortages and mistrust. Global Health Funding Gap: A separate report links the latest Ebola pressure to US foreign aid cuts, describing USAID’s dismantling and the knock-on effects for health programs and emergency support. Outbreak Numbers Rise: Africa CDC and partners report 263 confirmed Ebola cases across DR Congo and Uganda with 43 deaths, while health workers say basic supplies are still missing. Cross-Border Alarm: Brazil monitors two possible Ebola cases tied to travel from Congo and Uganda, underscoring how quickly fears travel. Clean Cooking Push: AfDB and Italy launch a clean cooking programme in Brazzaville aimed at reaching one million African households, targeting major carbon cuts. Frontier Markets Funding: AfDB and WEF argue Africa’s fragile frontier markets need a shift from aid to private investment, with a roadmap to mobilise capital. Rights and Politics: Ghana’s parliament passes a bill criminalising homosexuality and “promotion” of LGBTQ+ activities, drawing rights concerns.

Ebola Response: WHO chief Tedros Ghebreyesus visited Bunia as DRC’s outbreak response continues amid reports of Kenya’s court temporarily halting a planned Ebola quarantine centre. Human Rights & Law: In Ghana, parliament approved the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, keeping prison penalties for same-sex relations and requiring reporting, while LGBTQ+ activists and international voices push back. Commonwealth Pressure: Actor Sir Ian McKellen joined a London march urging Commonwealth countries to repeal anti-LGBTQ+ laws, highlighting death penalties in Uganda and Nigeria. Clean Transport Push (Nigeria): President Tinubu commissioned four CNG infrastructure projects across Lagos, Abuja and Owerri to expand cleaner fuel use. Trade & Connectivity: Nigeria and RwandAir extended an air cargo corridor to Kigali, Harare and Lusaka with rates under $2/kg, while Kenya and Kazakhstan explored a new Africa-Asia logistics link via Mombasa and Lamu. Economy & Industry (Ghana): Fidelity Bank founder Edward Effah proposed a National Economic Transformation Council to speed reforms and delivery. Agriculture Exports (China): China will admit eligible coffee beans from all 53 African countries from July 20 under unified phytosanitary rules.

Ebola Preparedness: Kenya’s court temporarily blocked a US-backed Ebola quarantine centre, as the outbreak in Uganda and DR Congo grows and World Cup host nations tighten travel rules. Public Health & Science: Nigeria’s PSN put pharmacists on high alert for Ebola while a new study links climate change to rising antibiotic resistance in Salmonella. Energy & Industry: Nigeria’s Tinubu defended fuel subsidy removal and commissioned four CNG projects to cut transport costs; Dangote Refinery is set to become the world’s biggest jet fuel exporter after a $10bn expansion. Mining & Finance: Demand is rising for structured mining finance advisory for Africa’s battery metals boom, while Zimbabwe’s gold restart story gains momentum. Politics & Rights: Ghana’s parliament passed tough anti-LGBTQ laws awaiting assent, drawing condemnation. Climate & Food Security: SADC warned of drought risk from a predicted El Niño season, and Namibia urged urgent investment in modern, identity-preserving agriculture. Regional Ties: Tanzania and Burundi deepen partnership with a $2.15bn rail corridor to boost trade and industrialisation.

Ebola Response: DR Congo is ramping up its Ebola fight as WHO chief Tedros visits Kinshasa and Bunia, with cases rising and Africa CDC warning it’s becoming a regional outbreak. Health Policy & Travel: Nigeria is weighing flight restrictions from Ebola-hit countries, while the US says Americans exposed in Africa would be sent to Kenya for care—sparking concern from Ebola experts. Immigration Misinformation: Cambodia and Ghana both dismissed a viral claim that Africans must leave Cambodia by May 31, urging people to rely on official channels. AI & Digital Economy: Kenya’s tourism ministry, via Magical Kenya, is partnering with Google on an AI-driven marketing push; Ghana also faces fresh calls for urgent AI policy action. Trade & Integration: New EAC roaming rules aim to cut cross-border mobile costs, while China’s expanded zero-tariff access for coffee from 53 African countries boosts export prospects. Ghana-US Links: A Ghana-led trade mission to the US targets agribusiness, fintech, tourism and digital innovation under AfCFTA. Business & Finance: OmniBSIC Bank and Indelible plan Ghana’s first embedded nature finance solution, routing micro-contributions to verified biodiversity projects.

Trade & Industry: China’s zero-tariff push for 53 African countries is already boosting Kenya’s avocado value chain, while Zimbabwe and China are negotiating to lock in the benefits by tackling non-tariff barriers. Diplomacy & Partnerships: Aga Khan V begins a two-day official visit to Uganda to deepen ties in healthcare, education and regional development, including plans around Aga Khan University and a new hospital. Security & Counterterrorism: A U.S. watchdog alleges collusion between parts of Nigeria’s security forces and Fulani militants, as the Pentagon says it struck an ISIS commander in Nigeria. Health & Travel: The U.S., Canada and Mexico align Ebola-related travel measures ahead of the FIFA World Cup, including Canada’s 90-day entry ban and quarantine rules for arrivals from DRC, Uganda and South Sudan. Energy & Investment: Africa’s upstream oil and gas outlook is set to grow in 2026, with rising capex and more investors looking beyond Africa—toward South America. Tech & Governance: Ghana’s AI summit plans stress ethical AI and data sovereignty as the country ramps up its AI strategy and computing ambitions. Mobility & Business: Nigeria’s imported car market is hit by inflation, FX stress and high duties, while Metro Africa Xpress expands electric mobility innovation.

Ebola Watch: Suspected Ebola cases are surging in DR Congo, with Africa CDC warning that 10 countries face heightened risk as WHO raises the outbreak threat level to “very high,” while regional borders and surveillance tighten. Cross-border Health Response: Kenya has approved a U.S. quarantine facility for Americans exposed to Ebola, as Ghana prepares to send its first batch of health workers to Jamaica under a labour exchange deal. Trade & Agriculture: China will grant full quarantine access for eligible coffee beans from 53 African countries from July 20, streamlining market entry for exporters. Regional Food Security: Zimbabwe’s agriculture minister arrives for a SADC food security summit in Victoria Falls focused on climate resilience and transforming food systems. Business & Culture: Don Julio becomes the first luxury spirits headline sponsor of Nigeria’s AMVCA, while Azam TV announces FIFA World Cup 2026 broadcast rights across Africa. Tech & Industry: AfDB appoints Keyamo to lead a $7bn aviation transformation programme, as COFEM expands its UL-certified fire detection ecosystem for fast-growing infrastructure markets.

Ebola Response Clash: The US says it’s setting up a quarantine facility in Kenya for Americans exposed to Ebola, but Kenyan leaders and critics accuse Washington of “dumping” cases on the country, as the outbreak spreads in DR Congo and Uganda and more airports screen travellers. Aid Cuts and Malaria: Zimbabwe reports a deadly malaria surge after US funding cuts disrupted key malaria control programmes. Trade and Investment Links: PIDG plans to launch a fund in India in the second half of 2026 for healthcare and agriculture, while Saint Kitts and Nevis officially launched the ACTIF 2026 forum website to boost Africa–Caribbean trade and investment. Africa–China Market Access: China will grant full quarantine access for coffee beans from 53 African countries starting July 20, 2026, streamlining entry rules. Governance and Rights: Kenya’s High Court ruling challenges blanket criminalisation of consensual close-in-age adolescent sex, drawing a line between exploitation and peer relationships. Local Economy and Skills: Lagos says it has empowered 1,000 creatives through Skill Up Lagos to grow the creative economy. Energy and Industry: Ghana’s Tema Oil Refinery received about one million barrels of Bonga crude to stabilise operations and cut reliance on imported fuel.

Green Hydrogen Push: Namibia is testing a green hydrogen-powered locomotive with partners TransNamib and Africa Global Logistics, aiming to move from dialogue to implementation and create 30,000 green jobs by 2030. Renewables & Energy Finance: UNCTAD says the renewable transition needs over $1tn a year by 2030, with developing economies relying on FDI and clean-tech access. Regional Integration Leap: Congo’s president announced visa-free access for all Africans from January 2027, tying it to AfCFTA implementation. Ebola & Border Measures: St. Kitts and Nevis denied entry to about 17 Nigerians over Ebola importation risk, citing health authority advice. Mobile Money & AML: A report warns mobile money is outpacing older anti-money-laundering controls, as transaction flows keep growing. Ghana Investment Rebound: Ghana recorded $2.61bn FDI inflows in 2025, up sharply from 2024, driven by reinvested earnings. AfDB Annual Meetings: Leaders in Brazzaville urged scaled energy, infrastructure and climate finance, plus more private capital, to fund development.

Ebola Alarm: Ethiopia says it’s ramping up screening and surveillance after Ebola fears tied to rising cases in DR Congo and Uganda, stressing no suspected or confirmed cases detected at home. Competition Watch: Namibia’s competition regulator approved NASAN’s acquisition of Vivo and Engen assets—but only with strict conditions, including a five-year sourcing ban and tighter monitoring, to prevent fuel-sector coordination. Energy Power Shift: Ethiopia also moved toward the grid with the GERD inauguration, promising a major boost in electricity and renewed regional export hopes despite Egypt and Sudan’s concerns. Local Governance: Ghana’s local-government chief urged stronger, better-resourced districts to make Agenda 2063 real for citizens. Sports & Business: Nigeria’s NPFL spotlighted Afrinvest’s push for transparency as Enugu Rangers won the league again. EU Migration: The Netherlands backed “return hubs” outside the bloc, a fresh hardline step in deportation plans.