AGP Executive Report

Sudan Humanitarian Crisis: Thousands in el-Obeid are running out of safe options as RSF fighters advance, with UN warnings of a possible attack on the army-controlled city. Sahel Security: The US is weighing military action in Mali against JNIM, as insurgency pressure grows and Washington debates how far to expand counterterrorism amid other global commitments. Nigeria Elections: INEC urges political parties to deepen internal democracy, warning that opaque primaries and candidate imposition fuel pre-election litigation; it also calls for earlier candidate nomination deadlines. Kenya EV Reality Check: Kenya missed its 2025 EV target, but adoption is accelerating—mainly through commercial fleets like electric motorcycles and delivery vehicles. Energy & Finance: NLNG says it has generated $149.6bn in revenue and paid $47.2bn in dividends since becoming tax compliant. Arts & Culture: Zimbabwe’s Hifa confirms its return after an eight-year break, with a full programme expected to be revealed soon. Ghana-Gabon Diplomacy: Gabon’s president begins a two-day official visit to Ghana to deepen political and economic ties.

West Africa Diplomacy: Nigeria’s envoy-designate in Ghana, Shehu Ilu Barde, presented letters to Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa as both sides pushed to cut trade barriers and deepen ECOWAS and AfCFTA-linked economic ties. Digital Finance: Luno Nigeria says stablecoin demand is driven by real-world trade and payments needs, arguing for safeguards over blanket restrictions as it shifts toward B2B products. Health & Data Accuracy: Ghanaian researchers warn that common HbA1c tests can miss diabetes in people with sickle cell trait, urging better lab methods for accurate screening. Energy & Industry: Kenya is working with regional partners on the planned East Africa oil refinery (linked to Dangote’s project), with Lamu flagged for feasibility work. Capital Markets: S&P Global plans to buy a majority stake in Agusto & Co., aiming to strengthen Africa’s domestic credit ratings market. Women’s Rights: West African women parliamentarians launched a regional movement in Accra to end violence against women and girls, calling for laws that translate into safety. Infrastructure Spotlight: Nominations opened for the African Infrastructure Elites 2026/2027, spotlighting projects across power, water, transport and finance.

Honey Trust Crisis in Kenya: Fake, adulterated honey is eroding consumer confidence and squeezing genuine beekeepers. Experts say geographical indication could protect Kenyan honey’s identity, curb adulteration through traceability, and help producers—especially women and youth—earn premium prices. Nigeria Tax Pressure Debate: An IMF push for higher domestic revenue is sparking backlash as households already face inflation and subsidy reforms, raising the question of whether government can cut its own spending first. West Africa MSME Formalisation: ECOWAS lawmakers warn that about 90% of activity remains informal, holding back jobs and growth, and call for reforms to bring MSMEs into the formal economy. DRC Ebola Response Logistics: UNICEF highlights how coordinated humanitarian logistics and psychosocial support are helping Ebola-affected children recover in conflict-hit Ituri. AfDB Climate Shock Warning: A “super” El Niño could cost Africa up to $20bn, cut growth, and trigger mass displacement. Kenya Honey GI Push: The same honey-quality plan is framed as a practical path to restore trust and unlock Kenya’s production potential. Libya Security Cooperation: US envoy Massad Boulos discusses steps to strengthen military and security cooperation between eastern and western Libya. Chad Quits ICC: Chad’s withdrawal from the Rome Statute adds to African governments aligning with Washington over sovereignty and the court’s reach.

US–Nigeria Security Boost: Trump praised President Tinubu for protecting Christians and tackling terrorism, as Washington and Abuja deepen a 2026 defense roadmap with intelligence sharing and joint operations. ICC Fallout: Chad has announced plans to withdraw from the International Criminal Court, accusing it of uneven focus on Africa and citing low custody numbers. West Africa Currency Push: ECOWAS leaders reaffirm plans for an Eco single currency in 2027, with debate over which countries can meet convergence rules and whether a “first movers” approach is needed. Libya Investment & Industry: Libya’s investment portfolio approved a joint-stock company to produce and market Misurata cement, aiming to cut imports and support exports. Ghana Curriculum Debate: Ghana’s education reforms add coding, AI and civic lessons while also sparking controversy over introducing Chinese and Arabic. Ghana Modern Slavery Figures: A report says 91,000 people are trapped in modern slavery in Ghana, with forced labour and forced marriage driving the totals. Africa Telecom & Media Links: Nigeria’s NAN seeks reciprocal news exchange with Italy’s Adnkronos, while telecom union leadership shifts and partnerships keep expanding. Energy & Power Access: Ghana’s “Big Push” initiative connected eight West Gonja communities to the national grid, targeting universal electricity by 2030. Tourism Deal: Air India and India’s Tourism Ministry signed an MoU to market “Incredible India” and expand inbound tourism. Artificial Limbs Market: A new market forecast points to steady growth in artificial limbs, driven by tech advances and rising rehabilitation needs.

Ebola Response: WHO has introduced a new Ebola diagnostic test and launched an international treatment trial as the DRC outbreak keeps expanding, with 2011 confirmed cases and 754 deaths reported by July 15. Climate Shock: The AfDB warns a “super” El Niño could cut African GDP by $10bn–$20bn and trigger mass migration, with heavily hit countries facing damage to infrastructure and loan repayment stress. Minerals Push: Nigeria and the AfDB renewed calls for African control of mineral wealth via local value addition, regional cooperation, strategic financing and mineral data ownership. Governance & Finance: Kenya’s POSB earmarked US$22.5m for farm mechanisation at about 7% over 5–20 years, while stakeholders urge the East African Development Bank to be audited and stripped of “impunity.” Business & Policy: Nigeria’s CBN and WTO chief Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala will headline the 7th Africa Emerging Markets Forum in Abuja on July 29–30, focusing on resilience amid geoeconomic uncertainty. Security Update: Nigeria’s DHQ says troops intensified nationwide offensives against terrorism and other crimes, with ISWAP finance operatives among those surrendering.

ICC Withdrawal: Venezuela has formally notified the UN it is withdrawing from the International Criminal Court, arguing the court shows “geographical bias” against the Global South, including Africa. Counter-Terrorism: Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters says troops intensified nationwide offensives against terrorism and other criminal networks, reporting arrests, recovered arms and secured key corridors. Food Security Shock: Nigeria faces fresh risk of rice and tomato scarcity in the next three months as supply tightens, with experts pointing to insecurity, rising transport costs and weak storage. Climate Risk: The AfDB warns a “super” El Niño could cut African GDP by $10bn–$20bn and trigger mass migration, threatening food and water security. DRC Peace Diplomacy: Qatar reiterated support for AU-led peace efforts in eastern DRC, citing progress on ceasefire monitoring and detainee exchange talks. Ghana Health Governance: President Mahama assured the University of Ghana Medical Centre will be transferred to the University, with a transition roadmap next. Trade & Connectivity: Etihad Airways and Africa World Airlines signed an MoU for codeshare/interline cooperation, cargo links and loyalty ties. AI for Teachers: Egypt launched a UNESCO-backed, locally tailored AI competency framework for teachers to guide responsible classroom use.

Counterterror Surrenders: Nigeria’s Operation HADIN KAI says an ISWAP chief finance operative surrendered along the Gamboru–Wulgo supply route, with about 46 fighters and family members turning themselves in. DR Congo Violence: Two ADF-linked attacks in Mambasa territory killed at least 32 civilians and triggered fresh displacement. Diplomacy & Trade: UNCTAD expects global trade growth to stay positive but more uneven, with higher prices and shipping disruptions driving much of the rise. Public Opinion: A Pew report says many countries view China more positively than the U.S., including in parts of sub-Saharan Africa. ICC Fallout: Venezuela notified the UN it will withdraw from the ICC, while the U.S. backs the move and urges other states to leave the Rome Statute. Nigeria–India Ties: Nigeria’s new High Commissioner to India, Saidu Dahiru Muhammad, took oath as both sides renew focus on bilateral cooperation. Security & Religion: The U.S. condemned the killing of a Nigerian pastor’s relatives in the Middle Belt, urging accountability and stronger protection for Christians. Zimbabwe Tourism & Youth Policy: Air Zim’s Harare–London reboot is hailed as a tourism boost for Victoria Falls, while Zimbabwe pushes to host the YouthConnekt Summit in 2027. Energy & Industry: Ghana’s Petroleum Commission and Halliburton signed a $15m deal to build upstream skills at KNUST; Nigeria’s NCDMB also praised Brentex’s $50m steel pipe facility at Onne Port.

AfDB Financing for EV Batteries: The African Development Bank approved a €100m loan for Gotion Power Morocco to build Africa’s first lithium iron phosphate battery gigafactory in Rabat, aiming for 10GWh first-phase output and 600+ jobs. ICC Leadership Shake-up: The ICC removed chief prosecutor Karim Khan over sexual misconduct allegations, triggering questions about the future of major Palestine-related cases and the next prosecutor. Nigeria Security Expansion: Nigeria’s president authorised the biggest military expansion in recent times—28,000 new soldiers and four new army divisions—to tackle escalating violence and insecurity. Education Funding Oversight: Nigeria’s Senate expanded its Safe Schools probe to include TETFund, NELFUND, UBEC, NSIPA and related bodies, extending the investigation by three weeks. Food Security Warning: ActionAid Nigeria says agriculture spending is too low to deliver food security, citing weak capital allocations across states. Trade & Industry Push: Ghana and Nigeria pledged to remove trade barriers to boost AfCFTA commerce, while six Nigerian governors vowed to replicate Benin’s Glo-Djigbé textile model. Digital Growth in Kano: Kano commissioned a new digital electrical market expected to generate ₦50bn revenue and 100,000 jobs. Ebola Watch: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak nears 3,000 cases with deaths topping 1,300.

Education & Policy: Kano’s literacy reforms have earned international recognition at the UK Parliament, with officials praising the state’s synthetic phonics approach and government-funded rollout. Innovation Partnerships: Israel has approved funding for iFAIR 5, a Nigeria-Israel fellowship to turn research into businesses, with the next cohort set for October 2026. Security & Society: In Minnesota, a sheriff’s Somali-gang warning sparked debate over profiling versus public safety, as community members and officials clash on how to frame gang violence. Health Systems: JICA, WHO and partners boosted lab capacity across six African countries through training at Ghana’s Noguchi institute, strengthening infectious-disease detection and response. AI & Development: A BCG report warns Africa could fall behind in the AI race without stronger local digital infrastructure, risking data export to train foreign models. Trade & Industry: Nigeria’s VP Shettima says Africa must seize control of global resources and trade, pointing to Benin’s Glo-Djigbé industrial zone as a model Nigeria plans to replicate. Humanitarian Crisis: UN aid efforts in Sudan reached about 11 million people in six months, but only 1.7 million got multi-sector help amid a major funding shortfall.

Reparatory Justice in Ghana: A London Anglican charity, USPG, pledged a £250,000 grant to a heritage “culture village and resorts” project aimed at spiritual pilgrimage, healing and reconciliation tied to Ghana’s slave-trade sites. Zimbabwe–China Ties: China reaffirmed “all-weather” support for Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 and industrialisation, while pointing to deeper military training and logistics cooperation. Ghana Football Governance: Otto Addo says the GFA never gave him a reason for sacking as Black Stars coach, describing early dismissal fears and strained federation communication. Ghana’s Creative Economy: MTN Ghana says its “MTN One TV” platform will launch in Q4 to help creators scale and monetise with local content across Africa. Zanzibar EV Push: EKA Mobility launched Zanzibar’s first electric bus fleet, with commercial operations starting Aug 1 and plans to expand to 150 buses by year-end. Erasmus+ for Ghana: The EU awarded 446 Ghanaian scholarships for 2026, including Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters and short-term exchanges. Nigeria Security Expansion: President Tinubu approved recruitment of 28,000 soldiers and creation of four new army divisions to tackle escalating violence and kidnappings. Nigeria Election Tech: INEC says it has fixed 2023 e-transmission glitches and will run a mock e-results exercise ahead of 2027. DR Congo Ebola Watch: WHO and partners report Ebola response needs as cases surge, with Africa CDC calling for major funding to contain the outbreak. Red Sea Tensions: Reuters and analysis warn Yemen’s conflict could restart as Houthis step up attacks on Saudi infrastructure and shipping, raising risks for global maritime trade.

Natural Resources & UN Diplomacy: Angola told the UN Security Council that transparent, responsible natural resource governance is key to peace, security and development, warning that illicit exploitation fuels conflict. Regional Social Policy: Namibia will host the AU’s Social Development, Labour and Employment committee meeting in Windhoek (27–31 July) focused on strengthening social protection and inclusion. Health Innovation: A Dutch team unveiled a solar-powered ambulance, “Stella Juva,” designed for remote off-road care; it plans to test in Kenya next month. Cardiac Care in Ghana: A Ghana-US mission delivered free heart procedures worth about GH¢2m for 22 patients at Korle Bu, with plans to continue training locally. Trade & Transport Security: Kenya and South Sudan agreed a framework to curb harassment of truck drivers and traders along the Juba–Nimule corridor. Ebola Preparedness: The EAC launched a regional virology centre in Uganda to boost surveillance, diagnostics and lab training as DR Congo’s Ebola crisis worsens. Nigeria–Benin Agro-Industry: Vice President Shettima visited Benin to draw lessons from its agro-industrial processing zones, including a textile park model. Oil Prices & Red Sea Tensions: Red Sea attacks linked to Iran-backed Houthi strikes pushed Brent above $100, raising fears of wider shipping disruption.

Red Sea Security Shock: Houthis threatened Saudi Aramco after striking Saudi oil tankers, while Brent crude jumped back above $100 as ships increasingly avoid the Bab el-Mandeb chokepoint. US–Nigeria Counterterror Push: Trump sent a letter praising Tinubu’s fight against terrorism and backing deeper US-Nigeria security cooperation, even as critics say it’s more PR than progress. Ebola Crisis Response: Africa CDC is seeking $1.4bn to contain DR Congo’s fast-growing Ebola outbreak, with WHO urging stronger health systems and faster action. Somalia Aid Pressure: UK aid cuts are set to hit Somalia hard as families brace for extreme October rains and flooding risk. Digital Governance: Nigeria and the ITU urged African countries to coordinate positions on global digital governance ahead of the 2026 ITU conference. Trade & Industry Deals: Ghana and the Netherlands signed a pact to boost non-traditional exports; Dangote’s refinery completed a $2.5bn equity placement; Nestlé and Platinum Equity launched plans for a 50:50 waters and premium beverages joint venture. Sports & Culture: Zambia’s Barbra Banda credits Marta as WAFCON builds toward a World Cup ticket; CAF clears Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger to proceed with a joint AFCON 2032 bid.

Sahel Diplomacy Reset: Algeria and Mali have fully reopened airspace and restored diplomatic missions after a year-plus rupture, underscoring how shared security threats can beat politics. Tanzania Procurement Gap: A new study finds SMEs still take only about 4% of Tanzania’s public procurement despite preferential policies, pointing to a need for stronger tech capabilities. East Africa Energy Push: Dangote outlined a major Tanzania pipeline—power, fertiliser, ports and transport corridors—signalling deeper regional investment. Ghana Tech Expansion: Seamless Technologies launches in Ghana with AI-driven tools aimed at reshaping work and everyday services. Niger Rights Crackdown: Human Rights Watch says three years under the junta has widened repression, dissolved parties, and tightened control over civil society. Finance & Trade: Standard Bank becomes the first African bank authorised to clear Renminbi transactions across 19 countries. Mali Security: Reports say the US is weighing strikes in Mali against a major al-Qaeda-linked group. Ebola Watch: Africa CDC seeks $1.4bn to contain DR Congo’s fast-growing Ebola outbreak. Nigeria-US Security: Trump praises Tinubu’s counterterrorism leadership in a letter, highlighting joint cooperation.

Mali Security: The Trump administration is weighing military options in Mali to target the al-Qaeda-linked JNIM, though senior officials disagree on whether to proceed. Nigeria Tax Tech: Nigeria’s biggest taxpayers are racing to meet a July 31 deadline to adopt the National e-Invoicing and Electronic Fiscal System as the government tightens digital tax enforcement. Sahel Spillover: Germany’s foreign minister says Sahel violence is threatening coastal states and pledges 10 million euros to help reintegrate people displaced by Boko Haram and Islamic State-linked militants. US–Nigeria Security Praise: Trump commended President Tinubu for decisive leadership against terrorism, especially violence affecting Christian communities, and highlighted joint efforts like intelligence sharing. Ghana Health Summit: Ghana’s NHIA boss joined an AU Extraordinary Summit on Health in Accra focused on maternal deaths, ending AIDS, and strengthening health systems. Food Crisis: A UN report says Africa has overtaken Asia for the most hungry people, with 309 million facing hunger and most unable to afford healthy diets. Judicial Independence (Gambia): Gambia’s Law Society and Bar Association paid tribute to Chief Justice Hassan B. Jallow ahead of his retirement. Women’s Football: CAF boosted WAFCON prize money, doubling the winners’ payout to $2m and raising the total prize fund to $5.8m.

Health & Aid Shock: A new report says disruptions to the US PEPFAR HIV programme have forced clinics to shut, staff to be laid off and services to be cut across dozens of countries, threatening prevention and treatment gains. Universal Health Coverage: Ghana’s President Mahama is hosting an AU Extraordinary Summit in Accra focused on expanding universal health coverage and accelerating action on AIDS, TB, maternal health and neglected diseases. Regional Energy Deal: West African leaders signed an intergovernmental agreement backing the $25bn Nigeria–Morocco gas pipeline, aiming to move up to 30 bcm a year across 13 countries and link to Europe. Anti-Corruption Push: ECOWAS anti-graft agencies have started operationalising a regional protocol to enable cross-border investigations, intelligence sharing and asset recovery. Digital Finance Risks: Nigeria’s deposit insurers warned that misinformation is a growing threat to banking stability as fintech expands. Public Health in Focus: WHO urges Africa to scale up newborn screening, while Africa CDC calls for stronger Ebola response and more robust prevention. Environment & Health: Tunisia’s phosphate plant pollution in Gabès is linked to serious respiratory harm, especially for children. Security & Conflict: A coordinated ambush in northern Mali killed at least 50 soldiers and highlighted growing links between separatist and jihadist groups.

HIV Funding Shock: A new report says US disruptions to PEPFAR have forced HIV clinics to close, cut staff and services across dozens of countries, undermining prevention and treatment just as Africa carries the heaviest burden. Health Sovereignty Push: UNAIDS chief Winnie Byanyima calls for “radical change” after aid cuts, urging African governments to re-prioritise domestic health spending; leaders also gather in Accra for an AU summit on ending AIDS and TB and strengthening universal health coverage. Sudan Mediation: IGAD convenes special envoys to harmonise regional and international mediation efforts, aiming for better coordination to end the war and its humanitarian fallout. West Africa Payments: BCEAO plans a six-month PAPSS pilot with 80+ WAEMU banks to speed cross-border payments and reduce dependence on outside infrastructure. Digital Security Skills: Check Point launches Ghana’s first SecureAcademy with the Kingrich Foundation to train youth in prevention-first cyber security. Africa-Asia Ties: Nigeria seeks an MoU with Malaysia’s Bernama to deepen news exchange and visibility in Africa’s most populous country. Business & Finance: Stablecoins are gaining traction as firms battle currency volatility and FX shortages, while Ethiopia hosts a major connected banking summit to push digital financial systems.