AGP Executive Report

Security Update (Nigeria): Nigerian troops rescued 33 abducted people in Zamfara after gunmen kidnapped a group traveling through Tsafe, forcing the attackers to flee. Political Tensions (Nigeria): Atiku Abubakar said President Tinubu’s “scorecard” is tainted by bloodshed, linking insecurity to fiscal indiscipline and weak implementation. Counterterror (Nigeria): Air strikes in Borno reportedly killed nine ISWAP fighters, including a senior commander tied to escorting high-value members. Public Safety (Lagos): Lagos Rapid Response Squad arrested suspected extortionists accused of harassing and extorting motorists along the Lekki–Ajah Expressway. Health (DRC): Congo authorities found no Ebola cases among over 200 quarantined riverboat passengers near Kinshasa; tests came back negative. Elections & Governance (Zambia): Zambia’s Aug 13 polls will host domestic and international observers, including EU and SADC missions. Sports (WAFCON): Morocco and Algeria booked 2027 Women’s World Cup spots after quarter-final wins, reaching the semi-finals. Education (Ghana): WAEC withheld nine BECE private candidates’ results over suspected collusion. Energy (Egypt): Egypt discussed a new investment fund for biotech, medical devices and digital health with Gold Rock Venture. Climate/Weather: Two tropical systems are being monitored in the Atlantic, with development chances rising later this week.

Women’s Rights & Leadership: Eswatini’s Inkhosikati urged collective action and prayer to confront gender-based violence, linking the fight to women’s economic leadership. Road Safety Crisis: Niger recorded another deadly transport disaster as two buses collided, killing at least 22 (17 soldiers) and injuring 37. Central Africa Tragedy: A diesel tanker overturned near Bangui in the Central African Republic, killing at least 20. North Africa Football & World Cup Push: Morocco beat South Africa 2-1 to reach WAFCON semis and qualify for the 2027 Women’s World Cup; Algeria also booked their spot after a 2-1 comeback win over Ivory Coast. Digital Development: Nigeria and Ghana highlighted joint moves in digital innovation and technology to drive industrial growth. Education Under Pressure: Nigeria’s WAEC Computer-Based Testing rollout is drawing backlash from parents and students over infrastructure and pass-rate drops. Ceuta Migration Fallout: Spain and Italy escalated border checks amid the Ceuta migrant dispute, deepening an EU political row. Energy & Jobs: Tanzania’s TPDC says it’s advancing independent oil exploration and expects to announce results soon.

Ceuta Migration Fallout: The EU’s digital chief Henna Virkkunen has criticised Meta and TikTok for spreading misinformation during the Ceuta surge, urging tighter monitoring and better early-warning systems as Spain and Italy trade escalating border checks. Humanitarian Pressure: UNICEF says Gaza’s ceasefire has failed to protect children, with at least 300 child deaths recorded since the ceasefire announcement. Energy Access Gap: Sierra Leone faces a major shortfall, with nearly 6 million people lacking electricity access in 2025, highlighting the rural divide. Regional Culture Spotlight: Togo’s Evala wrestling rite in Kara is drawing attention as a potential UNESCO heritage bid, with scars, ritual dances and initiation bouts. Aviation Growth in West Africa: Nigeria’s ValueJet takes delivery of its first Boeing 737NG, signaling a push for more seats and wider regional routes. Diplomacy Shift: Colombia recognises Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara, opening a new chapter for trade and ties. Sports & Youth: Nigeria’s NPFL boss flags the league’s sustainability challenge, while the armed forces’ youth sports championship in Abuja spotlights sport as a development tool.

Ceuta Border Fallout: Spain will temporarily restore internal border checks on travellers arriving from Italy, starting Saturday and running until Sept. 7, after Rome refused to lift controls tied to the Ceuta migrant crisis. Humanitarian Strain in North Africa: Hundreds of migrants remain stranded on Ceuta’s beaches, with many unsure how to seek asylum amid document gaps and overcrowding. Ebola Emergency in DR Congo: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak has surged past 4,000 confirmed cases, forcing a shift to village-by-village response as WHO and Africa CDC push expanded vaccination and antiviral efforts, including trials of the Ervebo vaccine. West Africa Health Supply Push: Nigeria plans local production of family planning commodities via a partnership to cut import dependence and improve access. Industrial Ambition in Nigeria: Goldman Sachs executives toured Dangote’s refinery complex, praising its scale and quality as Dangote signals new investments beyond 2030. ECOWAS Jobs Agenda: ECOWAS renewed its push to make West Africa a regional automotive manufacturing hub, urging better policy rollout and investment to raise output.

Ceuta Migration Crisis: Spain says it has dismantled one of the Mediterranean’s biggest smuggling networks and is monitoring online calls for another mass crossing into Ceuta on Aug 15, as Italy refuses to lift border checks despite Spain’s threats of retaliation. Border Justice in Morocco: In the first court ruling tied to the surge, seven Moroccan taxi drivers were sentenced for ferrying people to the Ceuta border. Ebola Alarm in DR Congo: Health officials warn the outbreak could be mutating as cases near 4,000 and deaths top 1,800, with calls for faster active case finding. AfCFTA Awareness Gap: A new Afrobarometer study finds only 13% of Africans know about AfCFTA, with knowledge concentrated among elites. West Africa Energy & Trade: Dangote outlines a new investment phase toward $100bn revenue by 2030, while Genser Energy completes Oppenheimer’s exit and COMESA begins drafting a regional AI and digital inclusion strategy. Gaza Humanitarian Toll: UNICEF says at least 300 children have been killed in Gaza since the Oct 2025 ceasefire announcement.

Security & Terrorism: Nigeria’s Army says Operation HADIN KAI has identified senior ISWAP/ISIS leaders in the Lake Chad region, releasing names and placing a ₦50m bounty on key information. Public Health: In DR Congo, Ebola response is being hit by health workers’ strikes over unpaid wages as confirmed cases rise and deaths surpass 1,800. Humanitarian Crisis: UNICEF says at least 300 children have been killed in Gaza since the October ceasefire, warning aid and hospital access are still failing families. Migration & Borders: Spain is moving to transfer unaccompanied minors from Ceuta to the mainland, while EU officials insist no illegal transfers to Spain’s mainland occurred after the surge. Regional Policy: South Africa pushes for Africa-wide migration talks, linking irregular movement to “push-pull” drivers and wider governance failures. Trade & Integration: AfCFTA signs a 20-year deal to digitise customs to double intra-African trade to $220bn. Governance & Digital Systems: Liberia’s e-GP model is being studied by Sierra Leone as a regional transparency blueprint. Economy & Energy: South Africa’s electricity generation fell 8.1% in June for the 13th straight year, while Reserve Bank warns El Niño and fertiliser costs could still lift food inflation. Environment & Wildlife: Kenya farmers dispute claims that cyanide from tomatoes killed 15 elephants in Amboseli, as investigations continue.

Ebola in DR Congo: Health workers in Ituri protested unpaid wages as the outbreak accelerates, with confirmed cases nearing 4,000 and deaths surpassing 1,800; authorities quarantined boat passengers after a traveller died with Ebola symptoms, raising fears in Kinshasa. Gaza child deaths: UNICEF says at least 300 children have been killed in Gaza since the “ceasefire,” warning that one child dies every day on average amid malnutrition, disease and unsafe shelter. Ceuta migration fallout: Spain’s North African enclave of Ceuta is “returning to normal” after a surge that killed dozens, but analysts say online rumours helped drive the rush and church leaders warn the humanitarian and political fallout is still unfolding. Terror fight in Nigeria: Troops in Yobe and Borno reportedly destroyed ISWAP hideouts and killed senior commanders in ambushes, while the army issued bounties for wanted leaders. Kenya trade enforcement: A Kenyan court granted vehicle dealers a 60-day extension to register imported cars, a move that could affect how quickly enforcement resumes. Ghana drugs bust: Police in Tema seized 866 parcels of suspected cocaine hidden in gari for export, arresting suspects including a Dutch national. Uganda Gaza mission: Parliament approved UPDF deployment to Gaza under a US-backed stabilisation plan, pending final agreements. Sports: Scottland FC learned their CAF Champions League preliminary opponents after the draw.

Ebola Crisis in DR Congo: WHO says the outbreak is spreading faster than previous epidemics as health workers strike over unpaid wages; cases and deaths keep climbing. Food Security Shock from El Niño: WFP warns a very strong El Niño could push nearly 49 million more people into acute hunger by end of next year, hitting Southern Africa hard. Ceuta Migration Fallout: Spain’s Ceuta says the situation is “unsustainable” for remaining children, with thousands of migrants already returned after a deadly surge from Morocco. Education Accountability in West Africa: WAEC releases Nigeria’s 2026 WASSCE results (61.54% with credits) but withholds 167,486 over malpractice and blocks indebted states’ sponsored candidates. Regional Trade & Infrastructure: Nigeria’s NPA secures $1bn for port reconstruction starting Q3 2026, while Botswana and Namibia complete feasibility work for the Trans Kalahari Railway. Aviation & Business: Emirates and South African Airways expand their codeshare to nine new cities; Nigeria Re and NICON sue NAICOM over recapitalisation. Sport: WAFCON drama continues as Malawi, Nigeria and others book quarter-finals; South Africa’s Banyana reach the next stage after beating Burkina Faso.

Ceuta Crisis: Spain says the death toll from the Ceuta migrant rush has risen to 77 after forensics recovered 79 bodies, with 2 linked to earlier dates; authorities say remaining identifications will require fingerprint data sent to Morocco. Ebola in DR Congo: WHO chief Tedros visits Kinshasa as the outbreak nears 4,000 cases and health workers strike over unpaid wages, while the U.S. nearly doubles Ebola funding to $512m total. Climate & Health: New research shows climate change is redrawing malaria’s map—worsening risk in southern and East Africa while easing it in today’s hottest hotspots—while a global study finds butterfly ranges shifting on every continent. Food Security: WFP warns a strong El Niño could push nearly 49m more people into acute hunger, with drought and erratic rains expected to hit Southern Africa hard. Education & Exams: WAEC releases 2026 WASSCE results but withholds 167,486 candidates’ results over alleged malpractice, citing phone use and organised cheating. Energy & Industry: Tullow Oil lifts Ghana output and free cash flow outlook; Olam Agri doubles wheat milling capacity in Senegal to boost local food supply.

Ceuta Death Toll: Spain says the migrant rush into its North African enclave of Ceuta has killed 77 people, after forensics and Civil Guard teams recovered 79 bodies and clarified two deaths occurred before the main surge. EU Migration Response: EU interior ministers met and backed tougher action on smuggling networks and stronger returns, while Spain insists the Schengen zone was never “compromised” and says most arrivals have been sent back to Morocco. Border Tensions: Morocco and Spain trade blame in public, with witnesses alleging reduced security on the Moroccan side and officials warning misinformation helped fuel the crossings. Ebola Vaccine Trial (DRC): Moderna has started a Phase 1 human trial of an mRNA Ebola vaccine targeting the Bundibugyo strain in Canada as the outbreak in eastern DRC grows. Cybercrime & AI: Interpol reports AI is linked to 55% of reported cybercrimes across Africa, with faster, more scalable attacks and rising losses. Food Security (Tanzania): A new mobile seed-verification push in Mwanza lets farmers authenticate seed codes by phone to fight counterfeit seeds. WAFCON Update: South Africa edged Burkina Faso 1-0 to reach the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals.

Ceuta Migrant Crisis: Spain says 70,000 of about 72,000 people who surged into its North African enclave have returned to Morocco, while EU ministers back a “united” response and push better early-warning systems after the deaths and chaos. Humanitarian Aftermath: With reception overwhelmed, Spain is still dealing with hundreds of minors left behind, including reports of children begging on streets after family separation. Border Security & Politics: The EU praises Spain’s “swift response,” but the crisis has deepened diplomatic friction and triggered calls for stronger detection and tougher border measures. ECOWAS Gender Push: ECOWAS plans to roll out a Gender Equality Seal across public institutions next year, aiming for “Gold Seal” certification with UNDP and GIZ support. Regional Connectivity: Air Peace launches Lagos–Conakry–Bamako flights, expanding West Africa links. Health & Innovation: South Africa unveils a dashboard tracking lenacapavir HIV prevention rollout and moves toward local manufacturing. Security Operations: Nigeria’s army arrests Boko Haram logistics suppliers in Borno and Yobe. Trade & Logistics: DP World backs Kenya’s Mombasa Industrial Park SEZ to boost regional trade and jobs. Cybercrime Warning: Interpol says AI is behind more than half of Africa’s cybercrime cases, with losses rising sharply.

Ceuta Crisis & EU Border Politics: Social media rumors helped trigger a mass surge of about 60,000 Moroccans into Spain’s Ceuta, with Spain and Morocco trading blame as the death toll rose to 72 and Spain insists no one has a right to stay or travel freely after irregular entry. Migration Security & Regional Response: The EU is pushing for stronger border checks and early-warning support for Morocco, while Italy floated EU-funded “migrant hubs” outside the bloc modeled on Albania. West Africa Trade & Competition: ECOWAS warned that price-fixing and anti-competitive practices are undermining West Africa’s economy and raising costs for consumers and small businesses. Nigeria Energy Finance: Nigeria’s NEC approved refinancing of NNPC’s $3.3bn Project Gazelle via “Project Gazelle 2,” unlocking extra liquidity for reserves and fiscal priorities. Kenya Water Investment: Kenya is urged to “de-risk” water and sanitation projects so private capital can fund long-term access gaps. Public Health Workforce: Jamaica and Ghana signed an agreement to let Ghanaian healthcare workers work in Jamaica, with plans for reciprocal training exchanges. DR Congo Ebola: WHO says the Congo Ebola outbreak is now the largest ever recorded in the country, with confirmed deaths nearing 1,600. Shipping & Oil Risk: Gulf shipping traffic stayed steady as US-Iran talks remain uncertain, while oil prices rebounded after a sharp drop. Air Quality Investment: Experts say Africa gets less than 1% of global clean-air investment, and the next hurdle is turning plans into implementation.

Ceuta Migration Crisis: Spain says at least 72 people died after about 60,000 migrants surged into the North African enclave from Morocco, with Morocco putting the toll at 11; most have since returned, but hundreds (including unaccompanied minors) remain amid reports of shortages and clashes. EU Border Push: EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen urged “united action” to strengthen external borders, backing vigilant monitoring and physical barriers after Spain installed a 500-metre floating/sea barrier. Digital Scams & Security: INTERPOL warns AI is now driving 55% of Africa’s cybercrime, with losses rising to $484m in 2025. East Africa Trade: The EAC and East African Business Council met in Arusha to tackle non-tariff barriers and boost private-sector participation. Tanzania Finance: NMB Bank’s IFC-backed offshore Tanzanian shilling bond lists in London, aiming to unlock long-term local-currency funding for MSMEs. Health Watch: U.S. issues dengue alerts for coastal Kenya plus Wajir and Garissa. Justice in CAR: Central African Republic resumes criminal trials after a two-year pause to ease prison overcrowding.

Ceuta Death Toll Clash: Spain says at least 72 people died in the Morocco-to-Ceuta rush, while Morocco puts the figure at 11—fueling a fresh EU border fight as most of the roughly 60,000 entrants have returned. Border Policy Fallout: Spain has fully deployed a floating sea barrier and kept troops on the ground; the U.S. also raised its Ceuta travel advisory to Level 3. Humanitarian & Identity Tensions: Reports point to misinformation, trafficking networks, and a legal dispute over pushbacks—turning a migration crisis into a wider argument over sovereignty and Europe’s “external border” rules. Public Health Shock: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak keeps worsening, with Kinshasa reporting normal life while the wider crisis grows. Regional Development: Africa trains 81 cashew experts in Mombasa to boost processing and incomes; Ghana’s TOR CDU is being revived under President Mahama’s energy reset agenda. Economy & Trade: Africa leads Belt and Road investment in H1, while Nigeria faces U.S. visa-bond reciprocity pressure over $20,000 deposits.

Ceuta Crisis: Spain says the death toll from the Morocco-to-Ceuta migrant rush has climbed to 72, with searches continuing at sea and more than 1,000 people treated since Thursday as thousands returned to Morocco and Spain installs a floating sea barrier. Migration Pressure & Smuggling: Reports say people-smuggling gangs are cutting prices for crossings to the UK as EU border controls tighten, turning the Ceuta surge into a new criminal opportunity. Trade Facilitation Lesson for East Africa: China’s Xiamen cut customs clearance time by 30% through digitised port operations and simpler procedures—an approach Kenya is watching as it expands Mombasa port, rail and customs systems. Ghana Energy Reform: President John Dramani Mahama moves to restructure Tema Oil Refinery to permanently reduce political interference and push capacity toward 100,000 barrels per day. Water Risk for Business: New analysis warns water stress is rising on corporate agendas, hitting sectors like textiles and food as extreme heat and drought intensify. West Africa Financing Gap: AfDB warns the region needs $90–$100bn yearly but struggles to mobilise and allocate capital effectively. Nigeria Regional Sports Diplomacy: Nigeria will host the 2028 ECOWAS youth and sports ministers meeting, boosting regional cooperation.

Ceuta Migration Shock: Spain says crossings into its North Africa enclave of Ceuta have fallen to “virtually zero” after a mass rush that left at least 67 dead; about 50,000 entered over days, with more than 48,000 returned to Morocco within 48 hours as EU leaders demand emergency talks and border controls. EU Border Politics: Italy, Denmark and others push to suspend Schengen-free travel with Spain, while the U.S. raises its Ceuta travel warning to level 3, citing unpredictable security risks. Mozambique Terror Escalation: Islamist militants seized Mocimboa da Praia’s port in gas-rich northern Mozambique, displacing hundreds of thousands; the EU backs WFP food aid for 360,000 displaced people. DR Congo Ebola Response: Virunga National Park in eastern DRC is stepping up health checkpoints and ranger support as Ebola cases worsen, aiming to protect communities and mountain gorillas. West Africa Rights Backlash: Campaigners warn anti-LGBTQ+ laws are spreading across west Africa, with new or tougher penalties in several countries. Nigeria Election Paperwork: INEC published Tinubu, Atiku, Obi and running mates’ particulars for the 2027 presidential race. Ghana 5G Delay: Ghana’s telecom regulator pushed back the 5G spectrum auction, tightening ownership and operational rules. Niger Security Blow: Boko Haram attacks in Niger’s Diffa region killed at least 14 soldiers.