AGP Executive Report

FIFA Crisis: Global football fan groups have launched a petition urging Gianni Infantino to resign, accusing FIFA of selling future World Cup profits to private investors and calling for rebuilding the body with real accountability. Nigeria Fuel Politics: ADC presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar says 2027 will be his final bid and unveils a “subsidy will follow the barrel” plan that caps spending, tracks subsidised crude to refineries, and uses independent audits—while Tinubu’s critics, including Nyesom Wike, attack his consistency. Health Security: WHO and Africa CDC welcome the release of 70,000 Ervebo Ebola vaccine doses to DR Congo, including a trial for the Bundibugyo strain, as the outbreak’s fatality rate climbs and pandemic-level concerns grow. Learning Outcomes: The World Bank urges Ghana to move beyond education access to evidence-based reforms that lift reading, maths and digital skills. Women’s Football: Cameroon’s Lionesses win WAFCON, ending a long wait for major international glory. Regional Data & Migration: ECOWAS workshops in Abidjan aim to harmonise migration statistics and strengthen macroeconomic data for better convergence monitoring.

Desertification at COP17: China is pushing “implementation” at UNCCD COP17, spotlighting proven land-restoration methods like straw grids that help reverse desertification and scale up global green recovery. Tax & trade rules: Nigeria’s FEC has approved double taxation treaties with Ghana, Tanzania and Switzerland to cut double-tax friction and boost cross-border investment. Fisheries transparency: Ghana wins international recognition as a Fisheries Transparency Initiative (FiTI) implementing country, citing stronger access to fisheries information and more participatory governance. Energy & jobs for Africa’s future: Women in Mining Africa (WiM-Africa) is working with Liberia’s education ministry to build an early STEM and mining workforce pipeline. Health security: Ebola in DR Congo keeps worsening, with Africa CDC warning the crisis is now a major regional test of outbreak control amid conflict and displacement. South Africa pressure points: A new report warns “if Joburg fails, so does South Africa,” citing huge backlogs in water, electricity and outages. Politics & elections: Nigeria’s ADC warns against turning elections into do-or-die fights as 2027 credibility and violence concerns grow.

Ebola Surge in DRC: Africa CDC says confirmed Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo have climbed to 5,021, with 2,378 deaths, as WHO warns the outbreak remains far from controlled. Health Policy: In Ghana, African health leaders urged countries to plug non-communicable diseases into Universal Health Coverage reforms, including essential medicines and diagnostics. Child Migrant Crisis in Ceuta: Spain’s North African enclave is struggling with thousands of minors still on the streets after a July border surge, with NGOs warning the situation is becoming unsustainable. Elections Under Strain in Nigeria: Ahead of 2027, the ADC’s David Mark warned against intimidation and “do-or-die” politics, while campaign coverage highlights inflation and security as top voter concerns. Insurgency Pressure in Nigeria: Troops in Borno reported airstrikes killing suspected ISWAP fighters and additional surrenders that exposed an enclave structure. UHC Support for Kenya: WHO reaffirmed backing for Kenya’s UHC reforms and local manufacturing push. Sports & National Pride: Malawi’s WAFCON run ends in a historic final after the Chawinga sisters’ heroics, while Kenya’s Raila Odinga Stadium nears completion for AFCON 2027.

Zimbabwe Arts & Culture: Almasi Collaborative Arts’ Africa Voices Now! Festival returns in Harare (Oct 17–Nov 6) with three new Zimbabwean plays—30 Acres, Shards and Quixotic—developed through multiple writer retreats and workshops. Regional Trade & Integration: Zimbabwe’s upcoming COMESA chairmanship is urged to focus on practical steps—cutting trade barriers, modernising border posts and boosting intra-COMESA trade. Rehabilitation Through the Arts: A Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service inmate, Warrior Ting, wins Dreamstar Zimbabwe Season 10, spotlighting arts as a pathway to change. Nigeria 2027 Campaigns: Campaigns begin as Tinubu seeks a second term amid inflation, insecurity and a fractured opposition; the EU and Switzerland also urge Nigeria to consolidate democracy ahead of 2027 polls. Maritime Milestone: Nigeria celebrates the US Coast Guard lifting a 12-year “Condition of Entry” on Nigerian vessels, a boost for port competitiveness. Water & Sanitation Financing: AU and Rwanda officials call for sustainable funding and stronger institutions to turn water projects into reliable services across Africa. Capital Markets & Risk: Wall Street Africa warns Africa’s “information gap” is keeping global investors away, pushing for better market intelligence.

Nigeria 2027 Election Prep: INEC says registered voters will top 100 million and is ramping up voter education ahead of the polls, calling the campaign “competitive job interviews.” Peace & Misinformation: A National Peace Accord signed by presidential candidates and parties urges issue-based campaigning while rejecting hate speech, violence and fake news—though major figures were absent. Osun Election Fallout: Osun Governor Ademola Adeleke denies any deal with the ADC after the party claimed it helped him win; the dispute adds to a wider information war around the August 15 vote. Human Rights Watch: Nigeria’s NHRC reports 354,997 rights complaints in July and flags rising child sexual violence cases. East Africa Health Push: Ethiopia hosts the East Africa Health Federations Conference in Addis Ababa to boost local medicine production and regional trade. Business & Investment: Hemas expands into Africa with a $16.2m Kenya deal, buying 75% of Twiga Stationers and Printers. Capital Markets: Dangote Refinery completes a $1bn underwriting programme ahead of its planned IPO. Connectivity Leap: Airtel Africa and Starlink move ahead with satellite-to-phone services in DR Congo.

SADC Chair Pushes Integration: President Cyril Ramaphosa took over the SADC chairmanship in Durban and urged leaders to speed up regional integration, saying intra-SADC trade is only about a fifth of total trade and commitments must turn into real projects, factories and investment. Minerals for Jobs: SADC also called for stronger beneficiation of critical minerals, arguing that exporting raw materials drains value while local processing can create jobs. Zambia Election Boosts Copper Plan: Zambia’s Hakainde Hichilema won a second term, giving investors confidence as he targets copper-led growth and a new IMF-backed programme. Agriculture Win: Zambia recorded its largest maize harvest at about 4.9 million tonnes, with surplus expected for regional markets. Ghana Investment Reset: Ghana’s new GIPA Act (2026) aims to modernise the investment framework and improve legal protection for investors. WAIFEM on Shocks: West African reserve managers were urged to strengthen institutions and risk planning as geopolitical and climate shocks intensify. Sports—Wafcon & Falcons: Cameroon won Wafcon 2026, while Nigeria’s NFF sacked the Super Falcons’ technical crew after a disappointing tournament.

SADC Summit Diplomacy: South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa says “peace without development is fragile,” urging preventative diplomacy and dialogue to keep the region stable as leaders push resilient, inclusive industrialisation. AfCFTA Customs Alarm: Nigeria’s Bergmans Security Consultants has won a $3.1bn, 20-year AfCFTA customs digitisation concession covering 50 countries, but critics question the firm’s opaque track record. BRICS Finance Move: Iran’s central bank governor says Tehran will soon join the BRICS New Development Bank, with BRICS officials also discussing payment links and digital currencies to speed cross-border trade. Immigration Tensions in South Africa: The anti-immigration group March and March has set a Sept 30, 2026 deadline for undocumented foreigners to leave, warning of mass protests and raising xenophobia fears. Osun Election Aftermath: Nigeria’s APC weighs tribunal options after Ademola Adeleke’s re-election, while party figures urge unity and policy focus. Digital Payments Leadership: Airtel Payments Bank names World Bank veteran Shabnam Sinha as chief, aiming to deepen digital financial services. Tech Connectivity in DRC: Airtel and Starlink launch Africa’s first satellite-to-phone service in the DRC, extending connectivity to remote areas.

Women’s Football: Cameroon won their first Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title, beating Malawi 3-0 in Rabat as Marie Ngah struck twice, with the final also sealing World Cup spots for the top teams. Ebola Crisis: The Democratic Republic of Congo’s Ebola outbreak has become the deadliest in the country’s history, with deaths rising to 2,325 and confirmed cases reaching 4,945. Osun Politics: Nigeria’s INEC declared Ademola Adeleke re-elected governor of Osun State, and he immediately reaffirmed support for President Tinubu ahead of 2027. Regional Sports Logistics: Niger has asked to use Accra Sports Stadium for 2027 AFCON qualifiers, adding pressure on Ghana’s pitch maintenance plans. Water & Climate Risk: South Africa’s dam levels lag last year’s figures as a strong El Niño threatens water supply and could drive restrictions and higher costs. Energy & Trade: Nigeria-Morocco’s $25bn gas pipeline plan is still stuck, with sources citing lukewarm Nigerian authorities and bureaucratic delays. Agriculture & Food Security: A push for agricultural sovereignty is gaining momentum, including efforts to protect seed independence and resist patented seed and GMO erosion.

Osun Election Fallout: Nigeria’s Osun governorship race is officially settled with Ademola Adeleke declared winner, but the APC says it will pursue legal options while Yiaga Africa flags vote-buying concerns even as results match its estimates. China-Africa Trade Push: Nigeria-China parliamentary ties highlight China’s zero-tariff expansion as a potential boost for African industrial growth—if countries build productive capacity. BRICS Finance Move: Iran’s central bank governor says Tehran will soon join the New Development Bank, alongside talks on faster, cheaper cross-border payments. Water Security in South Africa: ANC leaders say South Africa won’t run out of water, pointing to major funding for water and sanitation infrastructure ahead of municipal elections. Road Safety Alarm in Ghana: CUTS urges Ghana to treat road crashes as a public health emergency after deaths topped 2,500 last year. Central Africa Migration Governance: IOM and COMIFAC sign a pact linking climate-driven displacement with forest protection and regional migration policy. Sahel Lithium & Conflict: Reporting warns lithium mining is increasingly entangled with smuggling and armed group activity across Sahel states. Sports & Youth: Kenyan runners dominate Tanzania’s CRDB Marathon as the country builds momentum toward AFCON 2027.

BRICS Finance Move: Iran’s central bank governor says Tehran will soon join the BRICS New Development Bank, as BRICS finance ministers discuss faster cross-border payments and digital-currency links. Regional Integration Push: South Africa takes over the SADC chair as leaders meet in Durban, with migration, trade, critical minerals, industrialisation and security on the agenda. Osun Election Watch: Nigeria’s Osun governorship race stays tight but trending toward Accord’s Ademola Adeleke, who led in early and mid-stage result uploads, while APC’s Bola Oyebamiji won some LGAs—collation continues amid reports of disruptions. Ebola Alarm (DRC): WHO says the DRC outbreak is accelerating toward the deadliest on record, with health systems struggling to scale testing, tracing and isolation. Sports & Talent: Nigeria’s U18 Lionesses and Junior YellowGreens keep their continental campaigns moving, while South Africa’s Banyana Banyana debate “retirement village” claims as they plan for the 2027 World Cup play-offs. Conservation & Skills: Zimbabwe’s painted-dog protection model in Gwayi pairs wildlife safeguarding with rural digital learning to cut poaching pressure.

Osun Election Fallout: Nigeria’s Osun governorship vote is marred by allegations of intimidation, vote buying and polling disruptions, including claims that voters were blocked for refusing to back APC candidate Bola Oyebamiji and that thugs disrupted ADC voting in Ejigbo. Party Realignments: In multiple Osun polling units, high-profile figures lost or won seats in ways that underline shifting loyalties, including ADC’s win at Olagunsoye Oyinlola’s unit in Okuku while APC took other units. Legal Challenge: Atiku Abubakar has filed in Nigeria’s Federal High Court to contest Tinubu’s 2027 presidential eligibility over claims of a forged NYSC certificate. Wildlife Crisis: Nigeria’s elephant and pangolin decline is highlighted by the pan-African series “Wild Africa,” citing a collapse of elephants and Nigeria’s role as a transit hub for illegal trafficking. Regional Energy: Tanzania says new hydropower capacity will widen its electricity surplus, boosting cross-border power trade. Digital Trade Push: Kenya plans a Digital Trade Congress in Nairobi to scale AfCFTA e-commerce. Ebola on the Ground: DRC’s Mongbwalu remains on high alert as Ebola cases continue to strain mining communities. BRICS Finance: Iran’s central bank governor says Iran will soon join the BRICS New Development Bank, alongside talks on faster cross-border payments.

Courtroom Showdown: Nigeria’s Atiku Abubakar has filed a case at the Federal High Court challenging President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 eligibility over alleged NYSC certificate forgery, asking for disqualification if the claims hold. Election Tension: As Osun’s governorship race tightens into a two-horse contest, Nigeria’s police have announced a 42-hour movement restriction ahead of the vote. Digital Push: Nigeria’s SEC has admitted Blockchain into its Accelerated Regulatory Incubation Programme, a step aimed at shaping safer rules for digital assets. Energy Market Blueprint: A new push argues West Africa should build an integrated energy market architecture to unlock large-scale transaction value by 2035. Migration and Rights: South Africa’s Ramaphosa condemned violence and forced treatment of foreign nationals, warning against “exclusion in the streets” while preaching integration. Sports and Women’s Football: Ghana beat Ivory Coast 2-1 at WAFCON to keep Women’s World Cup hopes alive, while Malawi’s Scorchers reached the final. Regional Development Finance: Iran says it will soon join the BRICS New Development Bank, as BRICS finance ministers discuss payment links and digital currency options.

BRICS Finance Move: Iran’s central bank chief says Tehran will soon join the BRICS New Development Bank, as BRICS talks also focus on faster, cheaper cross-border payments. Women’s Football Shock: Malawi’s Wafcon run keeps rolling after beating Nigeria, with Justin Madugu later accepting responsibility as Super Falcons miss the 2027 Women’s World Cup. Nigeria Politics in Court: Atiku Abubakar files to challenge Tinubu’s 2027 eligibility, escalating a constitutional fight over alleged forged certificates. Digital Sovereignty Push: Namibia faces rising pressure to build its own digital infrastructure as Nigeria advances a sovereign cloud plan to cut costs and jobs. Creative Economy Mapping: Namibia’s Creative Industry Institute launches a mapping and registration drive to put creatives on a shared digital directory. Education in Conflict Zones: CSEA and partners call for stronger government ownership, innovative financing and cross-country collaboration to tackle the education crisis in fragile areas. Trade & Connectivity: Nigeria secures zero-tariff seafood access to China, while Airtel Africa and Starlink launch satellite-to-mobile service commercially in DR Congo. Sports Funding: Ghana’s NSA inaugurates a resource mobilisation committee to shift from emergency fundraising to long-term investment.

BRICS & Payments: Iran’s central bank governor says Tehran will soon join the BRICS New Development Bank, alongside talks on linking payment systems and digital currencies to speed cross-border transfers. Migration & Borders: South Africa’s new Electronic Travel Authorisation has rejected 6,126 suspicious applications as it cracks down on fraud, while experts warn SADC migration can’t be managed by South Africa alone. Education Funding: NSFAS missing-middle loans are stuck: only 3,102 of 53,575 applicants were deemed eligible in 2026, with officials admitting delays from eligibility to actual disbursement. Trade & Jobs: The US Senate extends AGOA duty-free access for eligible exports to Dec 31, 2028, a boost for Kenya’s apparel sector. Women’s Football: Ghana and South Africa win play-offs to keep 2027 Women’s World Cup hopes alive. Energy & Food Security: Libya’s oil windfall tops $15.2bn in six months, but IMF warns it could deepen Libya’s crisis; elsewhere, fertilizer shocks tied to shipping disruptions threaten African food prices. Sports & Culture: Wizkid headlines Lagos’ Detty December Fest opening night; Malawi’s Scorchers coach Fazili’s contract decision awaits after WAFCON.

BRICS & Finance: Iran’s central bank governor says Tehran will soon join the BRICS New Development Bank, aiming to deepen ties and move beyond dollar-based channels. Public Health Crisis: Congo’s Ebola outbreak has surged into a sixth province, with WHO warning it could become the deadliest ever as cases and deaths climb fast. Digital Readiness: A Ghana-focused analysis argues Africa’s digital economy isn’t held back by ambition, but by “readiness” gaps like weak domain control and unreliable hosting. Energy & Climate Infrastructure: Ghana’s CIPA Holdings Group won clean-energy and sustainable infrastructure awards, highlighting climate-resilient project financing. Football Governance: CAF boss Patrice Motsepe says Gianni Infantino’s FIFA future should be decided by elections, urging stakeholders to “follow the process.” Elections & Security: Nigeria’s Osun poll faces scrutiny over security, BVAS failures and vote-buying ahead of Saturday’s vote. Youth & Money: International Youth Day coverage stresses financial literacy alongside access to digital payments and tools.

BRICS & Digital Finance: Iran’s central bank governor says Tehran will soon join the BRICS New Development Bank, as BRICS finance chiefs discuss linking payment systems and digital currencies to speed cross-border transfers. West Africa Climate Push: ECOWAS moves to set up a regional carbon market platform to help close a $294bn climate-finance gap. Deep-Sea Mining Moratorium: Three more African states back a precautionary pause, bringing support to six as environmental and governance gaps remain. Energy & Clean Cooking: Tanzania bets on domestic natural gas to expand clean cooking and cut reliance on charcoal and firewood. Trade & Growth: South Africa’s economy shows modest July recovery, but confidence stays fragile. Digital Commerce Boost: IFC invests $25m in Jumia to expand e-commerce infrastructure and jobs across Africa. Football WAFCON: Cameroon and Malawi set for the WAFCON final after Cameroon beat Morocco on penalties. Women’s World Cup Route: Nigeria’s Super Falcons begin a redemption mission against South Africa in the play-off for a 2027 World Cup spot. Politics in Nigeria (Osun): ADC calls Osun a do-or-die election for APC, warning of a militarised political environment.