AGP Executive Report

Ethiopia–Eritrea Rift: Ethiopia closed its embassy in Eritrea and expelled diplomats after reported drone strikes and renewed northern fighting, with Eritrea retaliating in a tit-for-tat break that raises fears of a wider Horn of Africa escalation. Regional Diplomacy: The African Union urged Ethiopia, Eritrea and Egypt to exercise restraint as tensions spill across borders and diplomatic channels. Health Funding Shock: US aid cuts are blamed for a spike in deaths among HIV-positive Kenyan sex workers, with clinics shut and services for key populations disrupted. Labour Mobility: Qatar and the African Union-backed Doha Dialogue on Labour Mobility will be held in Tanzania on Oct 5–6, aiming to improve fair recruitment and frameworks between Africa and GCC+ countries. Cyber Security Push: The UAE Cyber Security Council, Microsoft and Core42 plan to strengthen government cyber defences as AI-driven risks grow. Housing Crisis Response: Uganda launched a World Habitat Day housing dialogue calling for stronger public-private partnerships to tackle its shortage. AFCON 2027 Readiness: Kenya’s Parliament backed the Raila Odinga Talanta Stadium’s progress, while Nigeria faced fresh AFCON qualifying pressure after a loss. Digital Skills Deal: Ghana’s GCTU signed an MoU with ManyTek to expand cybersecurity and AI training.

Ethiopia Crisis: Explosions shook Addis Ababa overnight as fighting between federal forces and an opposition alliance escalated, with opposition-linked claims of drone strikes on the military headquarters—while Ethiopia had banned drones over the capital. Horn of Africa Diplomacy: Eritrea severed ties with Ethiopia after Ethiopia closed its embassy in Asmara and declared 10 Eritrean diplomats persona non grata, deepening a tit-for-tat spiral. Nigeria Politics: Atiku Abubakar attacked President Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda over debt, unpaid local contractor claims, and worsening living costs ahead of Nigeria’s 66th Independence Day. Tax Justice Push: Pan-African leaders opened PAC 2026 in Dakar calling for stronger tax justice, accountability, and African ownership to curb illicit financial flows. UN Sanctions Oversight: The US urged a new independent UN multilateral body to monitor Iran sanctions after Russia and China blocked renewal of the existing panel. Ghana Media & Migration: DW and Channel One TV launched “Under the Baobab” in Ghana, focusing on migration, xenophobia, and belonging. East Africa Energy: Tanzania and Uganda advanced a refined oil infrastructure project in Tanga after handing a site to a consultant for feasibility studies.

East Africa Energy Push: Kenya has officially kicked off the US$16bn Dangote East Africa refinery in Lamu, targeting 700,000 barrels a day and up to 1,000MW of power, with completion expected in about 40 months and major jobs and investment spillovers for the LAPSSET corridor. Regional Politics & Trade: Uganda’s NRM warns border leaders in Busia to stay out of Kenya’s 2027 election politics, saying tensions could disrupt cross-border commerce and community ties. Security Cooperation: Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to deeper military cooperation with the United States, focusing on counter-terrorism around the Lake Chad Basin, intelligence sharing and training. Morocco’s Historic Leadership: Morocco appointed Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri as the country’s first woman prime minister after her party won the September election, a milestone with wider regional symbolism. Drug Trafficking Alarm: Nigeria is increasingly becoming a key base for crystal meth production and trafficking, with NDLEA reporting industrial-scale clandestine labs and arrests. Digital Payments Milestone (Liberia): Liberia’s instant payment system has surpassed 5.3m interoperable transactions since launch, highlighting growing connectivity as the next hurdle for inclusion. Education Rankings: South Africa’s UCT climbed to 147th in the THE 2027 rankings, its best position in six years.

Cholera Surge in DR Congo: UNICEF says eastern DR Congo’s South Kivu has recorded 12,700+ cholera cases and 175 deaths since January, with flooding, displacement and unsafe water driving spread. Digital Fraud Warning (Ghana): A new push argues Ghana must tackle caller-ID spoofing and payment fraud at the system level, after reports of sharp rises in electronic fraud. EU Migration Hardline: EU states plan a first deportation “return hub” in Africa for 2027, with Greece saying the site is still undisclosed and that responsibility stays with EU members. EV Battery Push (North Africa): Volkswagen and Gotion plan a €3.66bn battery and materials build spanning Europe and Morocco, aiming to feed the European EV supply chain. Tanzania’s Power for Industry: Coverage highlights Tanzania’s new hydropower capacity as a base for industrial ambitions tied to mining and refining. Ghana’s Creative Voice: Angelique Kidjo urged Africans to “create together” and take ownership of how the continent is represented. Election Integrity (Nigeria): INEC warns AI deepfakes and fake results could shape the 2027 campaign information environment. Somalia-Djibouti Talks: Somalia’s president met Djibouti’s leader to deepen security, development and regional stability cooperation.

Regional Currency Push: ECOWAS confirmed a phased launch of the ECO for July 2027, but key issues around exchange-rate rules, monetary governance and how it will work alongside CFA arrangements remain unresolved. Trade Tensions: G20 trade talks in Milwaukee are expected to deadlock as the US presses partners over forced labour and industrial overcapacity while China rejects claims its exports are driven by excess capacity. Security & Shipping: The EU is moving toward an observer role in a Saudi-led maritime defence effort as Houthi attacks keep disrupting the Red Sea route and threaten global logistics. Deportations: The US Supreme Court allowed the Trump administration to resume rapid “third-country” deportations while it fast-tracks a December hearing on the policy’s legality. Ghana Governance: Ghana’s Audit Service is urged to enforce surcharge and disallowance powers and modernise audits with digital/AI tools after claims of GHS100bn losses from irregularities. West Africa Sovereignty: Burkina Faso opened its first gold refinery, aiming to process and certify gold at home amid a wider regional push to add value locally. Kenya Health & Business: MEDS launched a new commercial company to supply Kenya’s private healthcare market, with plans to expand across East Africa. Mali Conflict: JNIM ambushed a convoy near Niono, killing soldiers including Russian Africa Corps personnel, highlighting the security strain in central Mali. Nigeria Creative Economy: Nigeria is gearing up for CANEX 2026 in Lagos (Nov 5–8) to connect creatives with investors and global markets.

Morocco Leadership: King Mohammed VI appointed Marrakesh mayor Fatima Ezzahra Al Mansouri as the country’s first woman prime minister after her party won last week’s parliamentary elections. Nigeria Economy & Energy: The federal government is seeking private capital and “intentional partnerships” to close Nigeria’s gas infrastructure funding gap, arguing it can’t be financed by government alone. Digital Connectivity: Nigeria’s NCC urged more public and private investment in telecom infrastructure to speed up broadband expansion and support the digital economy. Africa-Global AI Governance: At the UN, developing nations demanded a bigger say in AI rules, warning that standards set by wealthy countries could widen inequality. Wildlife Research: Camera-trap surveys in western Tanzania logged 150,000 images, including rare serval sightings and signs of dwindling lion populations. UN Leadership Race: The Security Council held another round of informal polling for the next UN secretary-general, with Rebeca Grynspan leading narrowly. Mali Rights Probe: Amnesty said joint Mali army and Wagner operations killed 34 civilians in seven incidents, calling them war crimes. Conservation Logistics: A rescued gorilla, Bili, was transported from Nigeria to Congo in a multi-country operation. US Immigration Court Ruling: The US Supreme Court let Trump resume deporting migrants to “third countries” for now, while the case continues.

Ethiopia Conflict Watch: Fighting has resumed in northern Ethiopia after the Pretoria Agreement frayed, with the TPLF and allies launching offensives and federal forces reporting gains, including the capture of Alamata. Red Sea Security: US officials warn that Yemen’s Houthis and Somalia’s Al-Shabaab are deepening cooperation, potentially boosting drone and explosives know-how and threatening shipping across the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. DRC Ebola & Misinformation: A DRC politician promoting Ebola prevention on radio was beaten to death in Butembo, underscoring how false claims are fueling violence against responders. Liberia Development: Liberia’s second MCC compact is moving toward a key milestone, with the Joint Design Phase targeted for May 2027 and possible Board approval in September 2027. Burkina Faso Mining Push: Burkina Faso opened its first gold refinery as the junta seeks to keep more value and processing profits at home. Ghana AFCON Qualifier: Ghana hosts The Gambia in a crucial 2027 AFCON Group C match, aiming to bounce back after an opening loss. Health & Food Security: FAO urges more funding for Sudan as El Niño threatens food security, focusing on staples, livestock health and animal feed.

Black Sea Grain Watch: Wheat prices slid to about $7 a bushel, the lowest since late August, as talks to reopen Black Sea shipping routes raised supply hopes and could let Russia restore much of its grain-terminal capacity. Gaza in the Spotlight: The Gaza war is spilling into sports and entertainment, with athletes and venues facing mounting pressure over public statements and activism. Ethiopia Peace Under Strain: The UN and AU urged former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo to help revive Ethiopia’s 2022 peace deal as fighting between federal forces and the TPLF intensifies. AI Governance Push: RegulatingAI and Knowledge Networks released “AI Policy 100 (2026),” naming the 100 people shaping global AI rules. Women’s Finance: AfDB’s AFAWA launched a four-day learning event with We-Fi to expand women entrepreneurs’ access to digital finance and growth. Health & Industry: Nigeria targets 70% local production of essential healthcare products by 2030, while the Nigerian Cardiac Society calls for stronger community prevention against heart disease. UN Security Council Seats: Nigeria and other African voices renewed calls for permanent UN Security Council representation with veto power.

UN Security Council Reform Push: Nigeria’s VP Kashim Shettima returned from UNGA 81 reiterating calls for permanent African representation, fairer global financing and stronger climate support, while also urging more value addition in minerals. Ethiopia Crisis: Renewed fighting in northern Ethiopia’s Tigray is displacing civilians and drawing fresh concern after clashes resumed and accusations flew over attacks and sanctions lapses. East Africa Healthcare Trade: WHX in Nairobi wrapped with record attendance and deal-making, spotlighting local manufacturing, smarter procurement and scalable digital health. Clean Cooking Momentum: Kenya and Norway convened the first UNGA high-level event on clean cooking, building pressure ahead of the Nairobi summit. Maternal Health & Media: UNFPA in Congo-Brazzaville courted journalists to help tackle maternal deaths, gender-based violence and unmet family planning. Regional Diplomacy & Trade: Mozambique’s President Chapo begins a state visit to Botswana, with Techobanine port and a rail corridor to link the region’s markets. Burkina Faso Leadership: Captain Ibrahim Traoré marks four years in power, framing his rule as a harsher continuation of Sankara’s “renaissance.”

Cameroon–EU Business Push: In Yaounde, Cameroon’s SME ministry met the EU’s new ambassador to discuss finance access, digitalisation and value-chain support for local firms. Tollgate Dispute: Cameroon’s automated toll stations project faces a fresh legal fight as TOLLCAM seeks 35 billion FCFA from the government after a 2024 contract termination. Liberia Opposition Alliance: Five opposition parties in Liberia formed a joint technical committee, accusing the Boakai administration of mishandling security, corruption enforcement and the Guinea border dispute in Foya. Kenya Power Slowdown: Kenya Power says electricity sales to new customers fell by Sh1.07bn despite more connections, with analysts pointing to weaker demand and more off-grid solar take-up. Nigeria Halal QR Plan: Nigeria is developing a national Halal framework with QR-based certification to help exports trace back to factories of origin. Ghana Aviation Revival: Ghana and Boeing talks in New York focused on an 18-month path to restart the national airline, plus a proposed MRO hub to build skills and services. Regional Security Lens: A new analysis warns Israel still lacks an Africa-focused strategy for Red Sea security as piracy and missile threats persist. Eastern Mediterranean Stability: Another piece calls for rules-based maritime risk management to prevent routine incidents from escalating into major standoffs.

AI for Health Security: WHO and partners pushed a “New York Call to Action” for cross-border preparedness intelligence, backing AI-assisted risk monitoring while keeping countries in control of their data. AfDB Skills Push: The AfDB, UNDP AI Hub, Google and Apolitical launched free AI training for African public servants to improve how governments use AI in procurement and planning. UNGA Diplomacy & UN Reform: Russia backed India’s bid for a permanent UN Security Council seat, arguing reform must expand Asia, Africa and Latin America and reject more Western seats. Clean Cooking Priority: The AfDB urged clean cooking to sit at the centre of Africa’s energy transition, citing health and economic costs of charcoal and wood use. Nigeria–Cameroon Border: Nearly 24 years after an ICJ ruling, Nigeria and Cameroon are close to finishing physical demarcation, with remaining work focused on the Adamawa sector. Energy & Trade Deals: Saudi-Ghana talks in Riyadh focused on trade, investment, infrastructure and energy cooperation. Cameroon Infrastructure Concerns: A report says Chinese firms hold 66% of major road contracts in northern Cameroon, but progress is slow on several projects.

UN Leadership Race: UN chief António Guterres is set to step down on Dec 31, with the search for a successor now gathering pace amid wars, financial strain and calls for UN reform. Diplomacy at UNGA: Russian FM Sergey Lavrov backed India’s bid for a permanent UNSC seat while warning against adding more Western members; Greece also pushed maritime security and AI cooperation in UNGA sidelines. Africa’s UNSC Push: Nigeria’s Tinubu renewed calls for Africa to get permanent Security Council seats with veto power, echoing wider frustration over the 1945 power structure. Mental Health & Inclusion: Nigeria’s Yambam-Kabati African Foundation urged an end to stigma around psychological disabilities, stressing family support and community acceptance. Ethiopia Conflict Watch: UN rights chief Volker Türk warned of escalating civilian harm in Ethiopia’s Tigray, including strikes on schools and disrupted communications. Energy & Industry: AfDB launched free AI training for African public officials; Ghana’s IFC-LMI deal expands solar power for industries; Uganda seeks innovative financing to ease its housing crisis; and Kenya’s Lamu received heavy machinery for the Dangote East Africa refinery. Regional Business Links: Kenya and Mauritius moved to deepen cross-border investment and technology corridors.

UN Security Council reform push: India urged a bigger Global South voice at UNGA’s G77 meeting, calling for urgent UNSC overhaul so developing countries can move from “rule-takers to rule-shapers.” West Africa justice upgrade: ECOWAS Court adopted plans to create an Appeal Division and strengthen enforcement of judgments, aiming to fix long-running regional justice bottlenecks. Regional integration push: Nigeria’s VP Kashim Shettima urged new ECOWAS leadership to prioritize unity, integration and private-sector-backed infrastructure, including the Lagos–Abidjan highway. Health funding pressure: The Ouagadougou Partnership warned Francophone West Africa’s family planning gains are fragile as global funding tightens, urging stronger national leadership and accountability. Ethiopia instability: Internet and phone networks were disrupted in Tigray amid renewed clashes, threatening wider regional destabilization. Energy and industry: Kenya’s South Lokichar oil project moved closer to “first oil” as a drilling rig arrived in Mombasa; Nigeria’s Indorama fertilizer expansion also advanced with completion of TOYO’s third production line. Digital governance: Nigeria’s Data Protection Commission called for stronger African regulator cooperation to rein in Big Tech’s growing control over data, AI and markets.

Maritime Security & Women’s Leadership: Ghana hosted a West and Central Africa summit on Gulf of Guinea maritime security, pushing regional action and women’s leadership in governance. Food & Jobs: Liberia’s cassava push got a boost as an EU-funded IITA project trained certified seed producers, with cassava branded “new white gold” for commercialization. AI for Public Service: The AfDB launched free AI training for African public officials at UNGA81, partnering with UNDP’s AI Hub, Google and Apolitical. UN Security Council Reform: Nigeria’s Tinubu and other leaders renewed calls for Africa to get permanent UN Security Council seats with veto power, warning terrorists and cybercriminals exploit cross-border gaps. Digital Inclusion: GSMA and PDAA flagged Africa’s “coverage vs usage” problem, urging steps to bring the 900m+ people offline into the digital economy. Ethiopia Conflict: Internet disruptions in Tigray followed renewed clashes, with Ethiopia and TPLF blaming each other. Energy Deal: Ardova-led consortium moved to acquire Powergas, aiming to expand CNG refuelling nationwide. Politics: Nigeria’s ADC youth leader Sultan Bello resigned amid campaign council controversy.

Horn of Africa Energy: Ethiopia and Djibouti backed Dangote’s $660m Damarjog–Dewele oil terminal and 120km multiproduct pipeline, aimed at easing fuel logistics and boosting regional trade. UN Security Council Reform: Nigeria’s Tinubu, Shettima and Liberia’s Boakai pushed for Security Council restructuring with at least two permanent African seats and veto rights, arguing Africa can’t keep setting the agenda without representation. Nigeria–US Minerals Deal: Nigeria and the US signed a framework to unlock investment across solid minerals value chains, shifting focus from exporting raw materials to local processing. Somaliland Recognition Push: Somaliland officials rallied outside UN headquarters in New York, seeking international recognition as President Irro met US figures on security and trade. Migration & Rights: A US appeals court blocked deportations to third countries without migrants getting a meaningful chance to contest, affecting thousands. Tanzania Construction Boom: Tanzania’s housing and infrastructure drive is lifting demand for construction materials, with Build Expo Africa highlighting rapid growth. Sports & Culture: Tanzania’s AFCON 2027 preparations continue, while Qatar Museums’ Years of Culture deepened partnerships in South America.

UN Security Council Reform Push: Portugal’s PM Montenegro backed permanent UN Security Council seats for Africa, Brazil and India, while Pakistan and allies in the “Uniting for Consensus” group opposed new permanent seats, arguing for longer-term elected options. Ghana at UNGA: President Mahama reiterated Ghana’s two-state position on Palestine and warned against a new scramble for Africa’s resources, calling for value addition and stronger anti-corruption. Ethiopia–Djibouti Energy Corridor: Abiy Ahmed and Djibouti’s Guelleh hailed Dangote’s $660m Damarjog–Dewele pipeline and terminal as a Horn of Africa game-changer for fuel logistics, energy security and jobs. Ebola Funding Boost: Africa CDC said $2.9bn was mobilized for Ebola response across Africa as cases surge in DR Congo. Dryland Agriculture Partnership: ILRI, Lukenya University and EdSource Africa teamed up to strengthen climate-resilient dryland farming through research and policy work. West Africa Oil Pricing: S&P Global opened an Abuja office to build West Africa petroleum pricing benchmarks, citing the impact of the Dangote refinery. Youth Mobilisation Award: Nigeria’s Jim Okolo received a UN award for youth mobilisation at TAFMUN’s 10th anniversary.