AGP Executive Report

Zambia Election Watch: Zambia’s 13 August vote is shaping into a two-alliance fight, with the ruling UPND-backed bloc facing newcomer Brian Mundubile’s Tonse-Pamodzi coalition, as opposition hopes to overcome late coalition-building and alleged state interference. Youth Power, Real Change: In Kampala, African youth at the B!LL!Now Now summit demanded peacebuilding, skills and real decision-making power—not performative inclusion. Data to Decisions: Ghana’s geospatial engineers marked 50 years, with a blunt message: Africa has data, but struggles with the will and systems to turn it into action. Rwanda Digital Services: Ethiopia’s MESOB showcased how integrated one-stop digital government services are expanding access, transparency and accountability. Climate Negotiations: African climate negotiators met in Accra to lock in priorities for COP31, focusing on finance, adaptation and a just transition. Hurricane Update: The Atlantic is under watch with three tropical disturbances, including one with a medium chance of development. Osun Campaign Heat (Nigeria): Atiku and ADC leaders rallied in Osogbo ahead of the 15 August governorship vote, while party figures dismissed claims of alliances. Digital Health Commitments: In Abuja, ILF 2026 secured 10 pledges to accelerate Africa’s digital health transformation with tracked progress.

West Africa Trade: Nigerian onion producers have halted exports to Ghana after a lingering dispute, urging urgent ECOWAS and government intervention to restore cross-border farm commerce. Ghana Football: The Ghana FA says it’s still in talks with other coaches as Carlos Queiroz’s future remains uncertain ahead of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers. Women’s Football: WAFCON 2026 semi-finals are set after Cameroon edged Nigeria 1-0 and Malawi upset Ghana 2-1, with both sides booking continental and 2027 World Cup places. Côte d’Ivoire Mining: Dalaroo Metals clears the way for a first drilling push at its Bondoukou Gold Ridge project, expanding RC drilling to 12,000m across three priority targets. Ebola Response (DRC): WHO and Africa CDC warn the DRC outbreak is outpacing response as deaths and confirmed cases keep climbing and contact tracing thins. Regional Security: EASF confirms UPDF readiness for Eastern Africa peace support operations after verifying Uganda’s pledged capabilities at IPSO-TC. Environment & Livelihoods (Lake Victoria): Research links Uganda’s oil build-out and pipelines to wetland degradation in the Lake Victoria catchment, raising shared-water concerns. Kenya Economy & Business: A supply chain crisis is testing firms despite improved demand signals, with inflation and operational strain still biting.

Somalia Security & UN Logistics: The UN Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) has opened a tender to sell UN-owned vehicles and equipment as uncertainty grows over future logistical support for the AU mission, with the US signaling it will end funding for UNSOS by Dec. 31, 2026. Zimbabwe Illegal Mining Crackdown: Zimbabwe’s government is setting up a task force to tackle illegal mining after reports linked it to damage to roads, land, the Mazowe River, and health harms including silicosis and TB. Nigeria Opposition Unity Push: Human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju says Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi can’t win in 2027 unless the opposition unites behind one candidate. Nigeria Security Update: Air strikes in Nigeria’s Sambisa Forest reportedly killed nine ISWAP fighters, including a key commander, while ISWAP also faces internal leadership turmoil after alleged executions of Shura Council members. Digital Infrastructure & AI: Morocco is being touted as a future African hub for data centers and AI, helped by connectivity and growing renewable energy capacity. Health Focus: A Lancet Global Health review warns hepatitis B vertical transmission remains high in the WHO African region, urging stronger birth-dose vaccination and maternal antiviral support. Migration Politics in North Africa: The US reaffirmed Spain’s sovereignty over Ceuta and Melilla, criticizing Spain’s handling of the recent migrant surge. WAFCON Build-Up: Nigeria’s Super Falcons say they’re “hungry” ahead of their WAFCON quarter-final vs Cameroon, chasing a 2027 World Cup spot.

El Niño Heat & Health: South Africans are bracing for a very hot summer, with fresh guidance on protecting skin and staying safe as extreme temperatures loom. Human Rights & Deportations: A Nigerian lawyer says US deportation flights have returned Nigerians and other Africans “manacled and shackled,” urging a bilateral deal for dignified returns. Politics & Opposition Tensions: In Nigeria, ADC says it’s ready to take power in Niger State and rejects an ICPC interim report on the alleged fake PFIPC, while Katsina sees ADC/PDP/NNPP stakeholders defect to APC. Food Security & Industry: Zimbabwe targets full self-sufficiency in basal fertiliser by 2027 with a US$153m plan to cut imports and protect foreign exchange. Women’s Safety: Eswatini’s Inkhosikati calls for collective action and prayers against gender-based violence. Digital Skills Push: Nigeria’s AI4Africa plans to train two million Africans in AI by 2030. Tropics Watch: Weather agencies track two Atlantic tropical waves that could develop next week. Sports & Youth: Malawi and Cameroon set for WAFCON quarter-final showdowns as Nigeria launches N-SEEP to link elite sports with education.

Youth Mentorship: Ghana’s MENFYD Foundation says it has mentored about 300 girls through its “Story of Our Lives” project, mixing life stories with sexual and reproductive health, mental health and substance-abuse education. Football Governance: CAF has backed FIFA chief Gianni Infantino ahead of the 2027 election, saying governance, due process and transparency are “non-negotiable” as FIFA reviews the abandoned FIFA Forward Enterprise plan. Rights Crackdown: Senegal has charged 71 men over “unnatural acts” in a widening crackdown on homosexuality, with some related charges dropped. Politics & Corruption Claims: Nigeria’s ADC rejects an ICPC interim report on the alleged fake PFIPC, arguing it dodges key questions about how the group got office space, staff, vehicles and ₦1.3bn in the 2026 budget. Digital Work & Privacy: Ghana business leaders met in Accra on AI, data protection and employee privacy, urging responsible innovation that protects workers. Health Systems: WHO Africa backed Ghana’s disease surveillance with high-performance laptop donations loaded with IDSR tools. Climate Watch: Meteorologists are monitoring a new Atlantic tropical wave with low odds of development over the next week. Sports: Sierra Leone’s Star Sports Academy will debut in the CAF Champions League preliminary round against Gambia’s Medina United.

Education & Power Reliability: South Africa says 397 public schools suffered prolonged or complete electricity outages from April 2024 to March 2026, with Eastern Cape accounting for 324 cases—blaming everything from damaged infrastructure and transformer failures to vandalism and billing disputes. Youth Talent & Skills: Equity Group Foundation has sent 121 East African scholars (Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, DRC) to 63 universities across 16 countries on fully funded scholarships worth about $23.42m. Energy & Infrastructure: Uganda’s EACOP pipeline is at 91% completion, edging toward first oil expected by year-end. Digital Capacity Building: UNESCO-backed work in Ethiopia is assessing digital skills gaps in TVET teachers and trainees to strengthen digital teaching and workforce readiness. Solar Self-Reliance: Several African economies are pushing domestic solar manufacturing, even as analysts say China will likely keep dominating cells and key components. Politics & Elections: Nigeria’s Atiku alleges a suspicious transfer into his private account and urges Tinubu to name insiders tied to the PFIPC scandal. Migration Pressure: Hundreds of migrants remain stranded on Ceuta’s Playa del Trampolin, many unsure how to start asylum procedures.

CAF & FIFA Governance: CAF’s Executive Committee has unanimously reaffirmed support for FIFA president Gianni Infantino after FIFA issued an apology over the botched “FIFA Forward Enterprise” plan, even as UEFA keeps a boycott threat. South Africa Politics & Accountability: Parliament rebuild spending is back in the spotlight as National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza rejects DA claims of an unlawful R4.6bn process and calls for former ministers to explain the deal. Public Finance Win: South Africa’s Border Management Authority celebrates its first-ever unqualified audit opinion for 2025/26, a boost for reforms at the border. Nigeria Energy Diplomacy: President Tinubu welcomes Nigeria’s admission into the World Energy Council, framing it as a platform to shape global energy policy. Ebola Response in DR Congo: Africa CDC says village-centered community action is now the priority as DRC Ebola worsens, alongside free healthcare and faster vaccine research. WAFCON Knockout Focus: Ghana’s Black Queens and South Africa’s Banyana Banyana set for quarter-final action as the race for World Cup Brazil 2027 spots heats up. Skills & AI for Africa: Qatar National Library trains regional librarians for the AI era, while Nigeria launches a National Digital Training Academy to build future-ready talent.

FIFA Governance Clash: CAF has unanimously backed Gianni Infantino after FIFA’s “Forward Enterprise” plan was shelved, but the players’ union FIFPRO says the episode shows “profound abuse of power,” keeping pressure on FIFA’s leadership. South Africa Local Vote Deadline: Eligible voters have until midnight on 7 August to register or update details ahead of local government elections, with the IEC urging people not to wait. Energy Market Reform Watch: Eskom warns that moving its transmission grid into a separate entity too soon could unsettle investors and lenders, arguing for a careful sequencing of reforms. East Africa Energy Deal: Uganda and Tanzania endorsed a MoU for the Tanga Regional Energy Hub, aiming to shift from crude exports to integrated refining, storage, logistics and petrochemicals. Women’s Development Push: South Africa marks Women’s Month with a theme linking empowered women to national progress, echoing global calls for gender equality. Health & Food Science: New research suggests naturally sweet foods may have helped fuel early brain growth, while experts say early diabetes screening and lifestyle changes can cut risk. Tech & Mobility: MTN will invest R332m in Limpopo to expand and modernise networks, targeting better 5G coverage.

SADC Integration Push: South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver a public lecture at the University of KwaZulu-Natal ahead of the 46th SADC summit in Durban, as leaders try to translate Vision 2050 into action amid political and economic strain. East Africa Energy Deal: Uganda and Tanzania signed an agreement with Vitol Bahrain to develop the Tanga Regional Energy Hub, aiming to deepen fuel storage, refining and logistics as Uganda prepares for commercial oil exports. Kenya Health Tech Upgrade: Kenya’s shift to the Social Health Authority is driving multimillion-shilling hospital and digital health upgrades, with faster claims and data-linked reimbursement pushing adoption of electronic records and diagnostics. WAFCON Drama: Ghana’s Black Queens and Zambia’s Copper Queens both faced painful exits and pressure points—Ghana’s focus is mental composure ahead of Mali, while Zambia’s elimination sparked criticism of CAF tie-break rules. Football Governance Shockwaves: FIFA’s Infantino scandal is splitting African football leadership, with some federations backing him while others question the direction of the sport’s finances. Food Security Data: FAO says stronger agricultural statistics across Africa are helping countries plan better for food self-sufficiency, using surveys, censuses and food balance sheets. Nigeria Offshore Ambition: Nigeria’s regulator expects $30–$50bn in offshore oil and gas investment by 2030 as dozens of deepwater projects move toward production.

Ebola Response Boost: The US added $242m to fight Ebola in DRC and Uganda, expanding surveillance, treatment, border screening and community support. AI for Development: Zimbabwe urged to treat AI as a practical tool for faster national growth, while a separate push argues Africa’s AI data centres must balance innovation with nature. Health Workforce Gap: ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development called for investment in health professionals, warning Africa faces a looming shortage of workers by 2030. Digital Health in Ghana: WHO donated laptops to strengthen Ghana’s disease surveillance and speed up outbreak monitoring. Energy Transition Watch: Sub-Saharan Africa’s renewables are set for rapid expansion, with solar and storage expected to surge as electricity demand rises. EACOP Progress: Uganda’s judiciary and Bank of Uganda visited EACOP’s pump station ahead of first oil, linking pipeline delivery to macroeconomic projections. WAFCON Drama: Zambia beat Malawi 2-1 but were eliminated on head-to-head goals after Nigeria’s 6-2 win over Egypt; Super Falcons also advanced after thrashing Egypt. Sports Infrastructure: Kenya’s AFC Leopards training ground in Karen is set for a major facelift after government support. Football Politics: FIFA’s Infantino faces a crisis meeting in Morocco as UEFA opposes another term. Regional Trade & Cooperation: India reaffirmed Africa as a top foreign policy priority, stressing development, education and a more inclusive global order.

Migration & Governance: South Africa’s Ronald Lamola backs an AU-wide conference to tackle the root causes of migration and irregular flows, arguing the issue can’t be treated as a single-country problem. Infrastructure Delivery: Tanzania-based leaders including Samia Suluhu Hassan and Kithure Kindiki urged Africa to shift from infrastructure planning to faster implementation that actually delivers results. Food Security: WFP warns El Niño could worsen hunger for over 18 million people across East and Southern Africa, with southern states hit hardest due to rain-fed farming. Digital Payments: Onafriq partners with Privy to build stablecoin-enabled payment and settlement services across Africa, aiming to modernise pan-African value transfer. Energy & Jobs: ITUC-Africa blasts Nigeria’s plan to phase out electricity subsidies by 2027, warning it will deepen hardship and inequality. Health & Climate: A study says climate change is reshaping malaria’s map—raising risk in southern and East Africa while easing it in today’s hotspots. Sports: WAFCON drama continues as Nigeria, South Africa and Ghana push for quarter-final spots, with Banyana Banyana beating Burkina Faso 1-0. Business: Tullow Oil lifts its Ghana-linked cash flow outlook on stronger output and prices.

Waste-to-Energy Push (Morocco): Morocco signed a concession for the $1.5bn Casablanca Solid Waste Treatment and Valorization Project, aiming to turn municipal trash into about 1TWh of electricity a year and cut landfill reliance. Cybersecurity (Africa): INTERPOL warns AI is driving more than half of cybercrime in Africa, with losses rising from $192m to $484m since 2024 as scams and credential theft scale. Energy Grid Reform (South Africa): NTCSA says South Africa needs about R134bn over five years to expand transmission lines, while the government moves ahead with Eskom restructuring and plans for an independent transmission system operator. Digital Markets (South Africa): The JSE is building toward a pan-African digital marketplace by 2031, including tokenisation and digital settlement capabilities. Migration Flashpoint (Ceuta): Spain’s Ceuta crisis—sparked by a surge of migrants from Morocco—has reignited EU tensions over border policy and humanitarian responsibility. WAFCON Update (Women’s football): South Africa edged Burkina Faso 1-0 to reach quarter-finals, where they face Morocco; Nigeria and Egypt also set up key Group C drama. Entrepreneurship (South Africa): A youth retail showcase highlights the bigger challenge isn’t ideas or funding, but getting customers to pay and businesses to survive.

Energy & Markets: Nigeria’s Dangote refinery is set for Africa’s biggest IPO, aiming to raise about $5bn and expand capacity, with talks involving stock exchanges across South Africa, Kenya, Egypt, Ghana and Rwanda. Power Sector Reform: South Africa’s Treasury will appoint advisers to negotiate with Eskom lenders as it moves to spin off a transmission unit into an Independent Transmission System Operator. Aviation & Infrastructure: Ethiopia’s Ethiopian Airlines is spotlighted for its Bishoftu International Airport project, a $12bn expansion targeting 110m passengers and 4m tons of cargo by 2030. Climate Policy: Kenya unveils detailed carbon market rules, capping overseas sales of carbon credits under a national carbon budget through 2030. Security: Suspected ISWAP bomb experts and a medical officer were killed in a premature explosion in Borno, while Nigeria’s army also arrested Boko Haram logistics suppliers. Sports & Identity: Ivory Coast reappoints Hervé Renard for a second spell as WAFCON heats up, with Nigeria pushing for a win over Egypt to reach the quarter-finals. Tech & Development: The World Bank warns developing countries have a narrow window to seize AI gains, urging action on power, connectivity and skills.

EU Migration Tensions: Spain’s Ceuta crisis is back in the spotlight as EU leaders trade barbs over Pedro Sánchez’s approach, with criticism tied to the handling of a deadly surge and wider fears of disunity. Ghana Football Focus: Mohammed Polo says Ghana’s football woes are technical, not administrative—calling for stronger coaching education and a deliberate effort to protect the country’s playing identity. Youth Sports Setback: Ghana’s Black Satellites exit the WAFU B U-20 Championship, but coach Maxwell Konadu frames it as motivation ahead of the 2027 CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations. Health After Xenophobia: Zimbabwe urges returnees from South Africa to get immediate medical checks after xenophobic attacks, warning injuries and trauma can be missed. Kenya STEM Scholarships: MMUST opens 18 ADF-funded STEM scholarships for Kenyan students, with applications closing Aug 18. Clean Air Push: The Africa Clean Air Forum highlights how Africa’s clean-air investment gap must be closed to turn research into cleaner cities. West Africa Border Security: Ghana launches a EU-funded SHIFT project to strengthen and harmonise border management to curb extremism and organised crime. Nigeria Trade & Industry: WTO chief Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala urges Delta State to build industrial capacity via special zones, digital infrastructure and value-added sectors. Fuel Relief, Mixed Costs: South Africa’s petrol drops while diesel rises, offering partial relief but keeping pressure on household budgets.

Nigeria Politics & Economy: Atiku Abubakar hits back at President Tinubu, saying Nigeria’s woes come from wasteful spending and weak fiscal management, not borrowing, while also accusing the government of mortgaging future oil earnings through opaque crude-backed deals. Industrial Growth: Tinubu also marked Abdul Samad Rabiu’s 66th birthday, praising his long-term investments that boosted manufacturing, jobs and food security. Women’s Leadership: Rwanda launched an African Academy for Women in Political Leadership in Kigali, with an inaugural cohort of 40 leaders backed by UNDP and the AU. Energy & Power Integration: Ghana’s VRA CEO urged African utilities to collaborate on a single electricity market and called for nuclear as a complement to renewables. Digital & Youth Skills: Tanzania rolled out its National Development Vision 2050 implementation framework with the private sector driving most delivery; Ghana’s MobileMoney Fintech trained students for future-ready skills. Cybersecurity: INTERPOL warns AI now powers 55% of African cybercrime, with losses topping $480m. Sports & Infrastructure: ICC chief Jay Shah inaugurated Tanzania’s first ICC-approved cricket arena in Dar es Salaam. Markets: South Africa’s new-car sales rose to a 12-year high in July, helped by lower fuel prices and strong rental demand.

AfCFTA Push in Cape Town: Cape Town’s economic leadership says the trade deal must move beyond paperwork so local firms can actually reach customers across Africa. Migration Shock in Schools: Anti-migrant protests in Gauteng have driven hundreds of foreign pupils out of classrooms, with families leaving after tense scenes. South Africa Elections Prep: The IEC will brief media after the final voter registration weekend, citing a data-free portal glitch as the main issue. Culture Support for Ella Andall: Trinidad and Tobago’s culture ministry says it’s working to support veteran singer Ella Andall and protect her family’s privacy. Somalia Mission Funding Talks: African leaders in Kampala urged steadier financing for AUSSOM as external backers hesitate. US Visa Bond Fallout: Nigerian experts call for reciprocal action after the US moves to require up to $20,000 visa bonds for many African travellers. Energy and Jobs: Africa trains 81 cashew experts in Mombasa to boost production and value addition, while EV sales surge across the continent. Sports Spotlight: Team Nigeria ends Glasgow 2026 as Africa’s top nation on medals, and Malawi’s medal hopes at the Games fade.