AGP Executive Report

Ebola Alarm: WHO’s declaration of a global health emergency as a rare Ebola strain spreads in the DRC is triggering new travel and border moves, with Australia weighing tougher screening and the US rolling out stricter airport checks and temporary visa restrictions. Tech & Industry: Dell is now positioning itself as the on-prem route for OpenAI’s Codex, pushing frontier AI into customer-controlled infrastructure. Civic Space Under Pressure: Kenya and Rwanda remain in the spotlight as the African Commission highlights shrinking civic space and digital surveillance concerns. Energy Access: Nigeria’s Adamawa and Kaduna have approved Certificates of Occupancy for mini-grid sites, clearing a key bottleneck for electrification projects. Trade & Integration: APEC’s China summit is drafting a roadmap for collective action, while the Horn Inter-Elite Dialogue in Ethiopia calls for deeper regional integration to reduce external meddling and insecurity. Local Development: Saint Paul’s Hamm’s Brewery redevelopment returns to the community table with a Ward 7 public update.

Agribusiness Finance: Ghana’s Access Bank, with IFC support, has disbursed about GH₵1bn to back cocoa production and purchases, scaling up from GH₵900m last year and targeting licensed buying companies across the value chain to lift export earnings. Housing & Finance Reform: Kenya’s President William Ruto used the World Urban Forum in Baku to push for reform of the global financial system, arguing Africa pays far more for credit while still facing an urgent affordable housing gap. Economic Reset in Ghana: Ghana’s government says it’s preparing a “New Economy” programme for 2027, backed by about $1.6bn, to shift from stability to private-sector job creation after the IMF programme. Public Sector Innovation (Zimbabwe): Zimbabwe’s PSC and University of Zimbabwe urged “knowing to doing” research, linking universities to factories, policies and service delivery. Health Sovereignty Under Strain: Ebola fears are rising again in Congo and Uganda as donor support shrinks, with experts warning the crisis is as much about funding and accountability as medicine. Regional Energy Push: Uganda backed Dangote’s proposed 17bn-USD East African refinery, aimed at regional integration and local processing.

Ebola Emergency: The WHO has declared the Congo outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern as cases spread and the Bundibugyo strain has no licensed vaccine or specific treatment—raising fears of wider geographic spread. Trade & Integration: East Africa is doubling down on rail, ports and cross-border logistics, with Tanzania’s port expansion and renewed services helping turn the region into Africa’s new trade engine. Industrial Push: Nigeria’s Tinubu used the Africa CEO Forum to argue reforms are restoring investor confidence and backing value-add industries, while Dangote says his Ethiopia investment has topped $4bn to boost fertiliser and food security. Governance & Accountability: Sierra Leone is spotlighting open contracting reforms, and Ghana’s procurement system is under fire for failing to match a “24-hour economy” reality. Security: The killing of ISIS’s West Africa shadow commander Al-Minuki signals pressure on terror networks even as the top leader remains at large. Digital Sovereignty: A new focus on who controls Africa’s data is intensifying alongside the satellite internet boom.

Politics in Motion: Nigeria’s former NAF chief Air Marshal Sadiq Abubakar quits partisan politics, calling it “painful but necessary” amid party turmoil, while pledging to keep serving through his Marshal Care Foundation. Public Health Watch: WHO has declared the Ebola outbreak in DRC and Uganda a public health emergency of international concern, prompting Hong Kong to tighten airport screening for travellers from Africa. Security & Trade Routes: The U.S. Navy tested unmanned surface vessels in Cameroon as part of Exercise Obangame Express, aiming to boost maritime security in contested coastal waters. Energy Infrastructure: Tanzania–Uganda’s EACOP pipeline is reported to be over 70% complete, with regulators checking environmental compliance and compensation progress. Digital Life & Jobs: A Ugandan woman’s “open to marriage” LinkedIn post after job-hunt failures goes viral, spotlighting youth unemployment pressures. Governance Debate: Tanzania stakeholders criticise its Political Parties Act for expanding registrar powers that could curb political freedom.

Kenya ODM in open clash: Treasury CS John Mbadi hit back at Winnie Odinga after she accused him of politicising the National Treasury, telling her she “has no capacity to advise” him and daring her to seek an elective post. Counterterrorism: Nigeria’s DHQ confirmed the killing of ISIS/ISWAP top leader Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, while the Presidency admitted an earlier 2024 death claim was mistaken identity—an attempt to calm renewed controversy. Security in the field: An IED blast in Borno killed six ISWAP bomb makers, underscoring how insurgent cells keep trying to manufacture explosives. Digital identity push: At ID4Africa, speakers urged governments to expand trusted legal and digital identity for refugees and stateless people, warning that weak safeguards can break public trust. Ebola spotlight: Coverage renewed focus on Ebola’s long toll and the latest outbreak alerts in Congo and Uganda. Energy and trade pressure: Oil prices jumped on renewed Hormuz fears, while shipping firms rerouted via West Africa—raising logistics stakes for the region. Culture and sport: Morocco’s U17 edged Ethiopia to top its AFCON group, and Nigeria’s tourism voices urged culture-led storytelling and destination-building.

Somalia Political Shock: Turkey’s ambassador met Somalia’s outgoing president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, drawing immediate backlash from opposition figures who say Ankara’s public support risks undermining a contested transition and an electoral framework still up in the air. Counterterrorism: In a joint U.S.-Nigeria operation, ISIS’s global No. 2, Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, was killed in the Lake Chad Basin, with both governments calling it a major blow to the group’s regional operations. Digital & Finance Push: Zimbabwe launched an insurance regulatory sandbox with FSD Africa to expand coverage and spur innovation, while PwC warned that most African AI efforts are still stuck in “pilot” mode without scaling returns. Trade, Travel & Business: Nigeria began a 30-day visa exemption for Rwandan nationals, and Tanzania-Russia ties advanced with plans for direct Moscow flights later this year. Tech Infrastructure Debate: Africa CEO Forum and Askya urged governments to invest in local satellite and digital infrastructure to avoid dependence on foreign-controlled systems. Health Security: Ebola concerns continue in eastern DR Congo as Africa CDC reports suspected deaths and calls for urgent action.

Business Growth: Heirs Holdings says three portfolio firms—Heirs Life Assurance, Redtech, and Heirs General Insurance—ranked in Financial Times Africa’s Fastest-Growing Companies 2026, with Heirs Life at 7th in Africa. Peacebuilding & Youth: PressPayNG, with UNESCO support, equipped 200 Nigerian students through a peacebuilding forum that frames youth as “architects of peace,” not passive observers. Health Crisis: Africa CDC confirms an Ebola outbreak in DR Congo’s Ituri, with 246 suspected cases and 65 deaths, and warns the risk is rising due to mobility and insecurity near Uganda and South Sudan. Regional Mobility: Nigeria begins a 30-day visa-free entry for Rwandans, while Botswana suspends its Gaborone–Windhoek route over losses and pilot shortages. Governance & Rights: Zimbabwe appoints Justice Elizabeth Gwaunza as the country’s first female Chief Justice, and names Justice Paddington Garwe as Deputy Chief Justice. Trade & Industry: Gavi proposes AVMA+ with $189m more support and guaranteed demand for up to 70m doses from African vaccine makers.

Ebola Alert in Congo: Africa CDC confirms a new Ebola outbreak in Ituri province with 246 suspected cases and 65 deaths, with fears of spread heightened by poor roads, armed-group attacks, and cross-border movement near Uganda and South Sudan. France’s Africa Retreat: Macron admits France has fallen behind China, Türkiye and the US, blaming French complacency and urging a more equal, partnership-based approach. Africa Security Push: AU and UN leaders warn external interference is fueling conflicts via weapons, funding and political backing, calling for stronger AU-led mediation. Energy Shock Watch: Kenya raises retail fuel prices again as Iran-linked disruptions keep oil costs elevated across the region. Trade & Diplomacy: Morocco boosts ties with Liberia through phased cooperation on water, agriculture, maritime links and cultural diplomacy. Business Momentum: IFC says it will explore Nigeria investments in livestock, housing and energy, while Ecobank’s CEO warns the Iran war could leave lasting economic scars. Politics & Culture: Uganda swears in Museveni for another term as Rwanda’s Kagame urges leaders to stop blaming others and start building.

Trade Boost: China’s expanded zero-tariff access for African goods kicks in from May 1, aiming to make African exports more competitive in its market—especially farm products like coffee, cocoa and citrus. Governance Trap: A new look at Africa’s stalled development points to weak institutions and public finance leaks as the recurring drag on growth and services. Health Security: Africa is tightening cross-border surveillance after a hantavirus outbreak tied to an international cruise ship, a reminder that travel can turn local outbreaks into regional alerts fast. Africa Forward Summit Fallout: Ghana’s Mahama pushes the “Accra Reset” from promises to delivery, while leaders keep arguing over debt, implementation, and who pays for health systems. Human Rights Pressure: Parliament’s Agyemang calls for stronger human-rights education as abuses persist across conflict, expression limits, and basic service failures. Zimbabwe Watch: Zimbabwe signals gradual interest-rate cuts as it leans on gold reserves to stabilize the ZiG. Business Moves: Ecobank pledges $3bn in trade finance to speed intra-African commerce.

Dangote IPO Push: Nigeria’s Dangote Refinery is lining up what could be Africa’s biggest retail share sale, letting Nigerians buy via POS terminals and fintechs like OPay and Moniepoint ahead of a target valuation near $50bn. Digital Connectivity: Sparkle and Jordan’s Aqaba Digital Hub are extending the GreenMed submarine cable into Jordan to build a more resilient Europe–Asia digital corridor. Climate Pressure: Lake Victoria is sliding into an oxygen crisis, with low-oxygen lakebed areas cutting fish breeding and hitting livelihoods across Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi. Food & Value Addition: Sunbeth Global Concepts plans large cocoa and cashew processing plants in Nigeria, aiming to shift from exporting raw commodities to higher-value processing. Energy & Industry: Trafigura is exploring a major aluminium smelter in Egypt as the country accelerates beneficiation. Governance & Rights: Nigerian CSOs are raising alarms over a DSS-linked SERAP defamation judgment, warning about civic freedoms and judicial transparency. Business & Culture: Accor and Shoreline signed a deal to launch Nigeria’s first national hotel platform, targeting 10 hotels across eight cities by 2030.

UN Nairobi Expansion: The UN has started building a $340m, climate-resilient conference complex at its Nairobi headquarters, aiming to lift capacity from 2,000 to 9,000 delegates and turn the city into a bigger diplomatic hub for Global South priorities. Conservation & Power on Maps: A new review warns participatory mapping is growing fast but still struggles with consistent ethics and data ownership—because the real fight in conservation is often “who gets to decide what’s on the map.” Africa Forward Fallout: At the Africa Forward Summit, France and African leaders pushed for action on debt and global financial reform, while Macron’s $27bn investment pitch and the Nairobi Declaration kept the focus on energy transition, agriculture, digital and AI. Digital & Trade Push: AXIAN and Proparco signed a €300m deal for digital and energy infrastructure; Ecobank backed a $3bn trade-finance push; and East Africa launched a regional AI alliance for education and research. Health & Debt: John Mahama urged “from talk to action” on resilient health systems, warning debt servicing is strangling health spending.

France-Africa Reset: French President Macron says he’s “reinventing” ties after nine years, shifting from aid to investment and pitching a €23bn/€27bn-style push for energy, AI, agriculture and maritime growth at the Nairobi Africa Forward Summit. Clean Energy Deals: A CEO forum alongside the summit announced major renewable commitments, including Kenya Airways and Rubis Energy moving toward Africa’s first sustainable aviation fuel facility in Kenya. Nairobi Tensions: Protesters and civil society groups are pushing back—some accuse the summit of neo-colonialism, while others warn declarations won’t deliver unless communities, equity and justice come first. Debt & Trade Pressure: Tinubu used the summit to argue global borrowing costs are strangling African industry, and the World Bank urged Ghana to leverage AfCFTA amid trade fragmentation. Digital Sovereignty: Ghana’s Fidelity Bank and others are calling for Africa-led digital rails and payment systems to retain value. Health Workforce: In Accra, leaders adopted the Accra Declaration to tackle shortages, migration and poor conditions for health workers.

Africa Forward Summit Fallout: In Nairobi, France and Kenya wrapped a two-day Africa–France summit with Macron pitching €23bn–€27bn in new investment, while Ruto and other leaders pushed “sovereign equality” and warned against dependency. Global Finance Pressure: Nigeria’s Tinubu used the platform to demand reform of the international financial system, arguing Africa’s share of global manufacturing value-added stays below 2% and that high capital costs keep industries starved. Libya–Tunisia Integration: Presidential Council leader Mohamed Menfi called for deeper economic integration between Libya and Tunisia, positioning it as a way to tackle regional obstacles. Digital Finance Rules: Ghana’s Bank of Ghana unveiled plans for a fintech sandbox, an innovation hub, and a dedicated fintech law as mobile money drives inclusion to 81%. Consumer Protection Warning: At Accra’s 3i Africa Summit, a fintech CEO warned that “inclusion without protection is a trap” as digital lending expands. Aviation Reality Check: Airbus data highlights Libya’s fleet renewal gap, while the Iran-linked jet fuel shock is testing West Africa’s aviation ambitions. Women’s Property Rights: Ghana’s women lawyers urged reforms to stop courts from using irrelevant, stereotype-based reasoning in spousal property disputes.

France–Africa Reset: At the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, Emmanuel Macron announced €23bn in investments aimed at energy transition, digitalisation and agriculture, pitching “co-investment” over aid—while the optics took a hit when he publicly scolded a noisy youth forum, a viral moment that undercut the “partnership” message. Regional Integration: Sierra Leone’s Agenda 2063 push stressed aligning national budgets with continental priorities and building unified markets to speed delivery. Nigeria Security Politics: ADC hopeful Mohammed Hayatu-Deen vowed to set up a terrorism court and overhaul intelligence coordination if elected, arguing insecurity and poverty feed each other. South Africa Governance: South Africa’s ANC Youth League said convicted politicians can’t demand Ramaphosa resign after the Phala Phala-related court ruling. Energy & Industry: Zambia’s Itimpi Phase II (136MW) solar plant went live, and Kenya Airways signed an MoU for Africa’s first SAF refinery. Digital Rights: AU officials urged ratification of the Malabo cybersecurity and data protection framework.

Africa-France Summit in Nairobi: France is pushing a “partnership of equals” at the Africa Forward Summit, with Macron seeking deals and allies beyond its traditional Francophone comfort zone—while the event is already drawing heat after Macron abruptly scolded a noisy youth session as “a total lack of respect.” Sahel Security: Pope Leo XIV urged peace after fresh jihadist attacks in Chad and Mali, as the region absorbs more deadly strikes. Trade & Tariffs: China’s zero-tariff policy for 53 African countries is being pitched as a boost for Ghana’s exports, while Pakistan’s Gwadar Port cut transit and port charges by up to 40% to attract more shipping. Climate/Carbon Markets: Ghana and Malawi are in dialogue on carbon markets, waste and single-use plastics. Health & People-Centred Policy: Civil society groups at the summit are demanding stronger health systems and “people-first” partnerships. Politics in Nigeria: Rivers State ADC says eight aspirants have signaled interest for the 2027 governorship race.

Africa-France Summit: Nairobi is hosting the Africa Forward Summit (May 11–12), with French President Emmanuel Macron and about 30 African leaders, pushing “innovation, growth, business cooperation, partnership and security” as France tries to reset its ties after setbacks in the Sahel. Cultural Repatriation: Macron also renewed his “unstoppable” line on returning looted African artworks, after France passed a law to speed restitution. Debt & Governance: UN chief António Guterres used the summit to call the global financial system “unfair,” saying Africa pays far more for loans and still lacks permanent Security Council seats. Risk Pricing: Kenya’s Musalia Mudavadi said leaders will tackle how credit risk is priced to unlock investment, including support from lenders like the AfDB and EBRD. Health Alert: Spain evacuated passengers from a hantavirus-hit cruise ship near the Canary Islands; one American tested positive and a French traveler developed symptoms. Monetary Moves: Zimbabwe’s central bank reserves rose as President Mnangagwa inspected gold vaults, with ZiG-backed reserves highlighted. Trade & Ports: Kenya’s Lamu Port received the largest vessel ever to dock in East and Central Africa, underscoring the region’s logistics push.