AGP Executive Report

Ebola Emergency Escalates: WHO says DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak is moving with “scale and speed,” reporting about 131 deaths and 513 suspected cases in Ituri, while officials warn the response could be lengthy as vaccines and treatments for this strain are still months away. Travel Crackdown: The US has introduced temporary entry restrictions tied to the outbreak, after an American tested positive following exposure in Congo. Regional Health Gains: Kenya received WHO recognition for eliminating sleeping sickness, with zero indigenous cases since 2009. Trade Push: China’s zero-tariff policy for exports from 53 African countries is set to boost Kenya’s competitiveness after an early harvest deal. Sports Spotlight: Ghana were drawn into a tough AFCON 2027 Group C with Côte d’Ivoire, Gambia and Somalia, while Egypt’s El Hadary called it the “group of death.” Media & AI: A MENA community media conference focused on fighting fake news and training broadcasters on AI’s impact on newsrooms.

Ebola Escalation: WHO has declared a new Ebola outbreak in Central Africa a global health emergency, as a rare Bundibugyo strain spreads in the DRC and Uganda and an American doctor tests positive—prompting CDC travel curbs and evacuations, while WHO warns the world is still not keeping up with pandemic risk. Kenya Transport Crisis: A massive fuel-price protest strike has paralyzed transport across Kenya, leaving commuters stranded and schools shut in Nairobi. Drug Interdiction: Portugal’s GNR seized about four tonnes of hashish off the Algarve and introduced tougher rules for high-speed vessels to hit smuggling networks. Ghana Health Policy: President John Dramani Mahama says Ghana is on track to exit Gavi vaccine funding by 2030, citing healthcare reforms and MahamaCares. Zimbabwe Politics: Parliament has received 300,000 submissions on CAB3—but it still hasn’t said how many support or oppose the constitutional changes. Media & Civic Space: Kenya and Rwanda face renewed scrutiny over freedom of expression, media freedom, and assembly as regional rights bodies press for enforcement, not just laws.

IMF Pressure on Ghana: Reports say Ghana is back in talks for an 18th IMF programme, despite earlier gains like lower inflation and stronger reserves—raising the big question of what’s still “broken” if the country can’t stand alone. Digital Governance & Media Safety: Zimbabwe’s Potraz vows AI won’t “weaken humanity” and promises action against online abuse, while a separate media conference pushes for local radio alliances and tougher responses to fake news and hate speech. Ebola & Hantavirus Alarm: Experts warn outbreaks are becoming more frequent and more damaging as Ebola spreads in Central Africa and a hantavirus cruise incident keeps health systems on edge. Uganda Sovereignty Law: President Museveni signs a “Protection of Sovereignty” bill that critics fear could criminalise broad opposition and complicate foreign-funded work. Nigeria Fuel Fight: Dangote’s refinery sues over import licences as fuel marketers push back, warning supply and competition could be hit. Kenya Stablecoin Push: Kenya’s blockchain industry urges faster stablecoin adoption to speed cross-border payments as regulators draft rules.

Ebola Emergency Escalates: WHO has declared the Congo and Uganda Ebola spread a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, warning of cross-border risk and “significant uncertainties,” with the outbreak driven by the rare Bundibugyo strain that has no approved vaccine or targeted treatment. Counter-Terror Update: U.S. and Nigerian forces killed ISIS second-in-command Abu-Bilal al-Minuki in the Lake Chad Basin, a major blow as analysts warn the group’s top leadership remains at large. Oil Sector Showdown: Nigeria’s Dangote refinery is back in court, challenging petrol import licences as depot owners and marketers push back—another round in the fight over whether Nigeria should keep importing fuel. Digital & Media Integrity: Jordan’s community media network meets in Amman to draft recommendations on independent local radio and tackle fake news and AI-driven newsroom pressures. Sports & Culture: AFCON 2027 qualification draw heads to Cairo with football legends invited, while Diageo doubles down on African creative storytelling through AMVCA sponsorship.

Ebola Emergency: WHO has declared an international health emergency over a fast-moving Ebola outbreak in DR Congo’s Ituri province, with reports of 88 deaths and 336 suspected cases and a confirmed case reaching Goma—while officials stress there’s no vaccine for this strain. Sports Spotlight: Nigeria’s Tobi Amusan opened the Diamond League season in Shanghai with third place in the women’s 100m hurdles, clocking 12.41s behind Masai Russell’s meeting record 12.25s. Politics Under Scrutiny: Tanzania stakeholders are criticising the Political Parties Act, 2024, saying it hands the registrar sweeping powers that could curb political freedom. Local Governance & Justice: In Nigeria, a federal court sentenced ex-power minister Saleh Mamman to 75 years for fraud and money laundering. Media & Society: A regional conference in Amman pushed for independent, professional community media to counter fake news and hate speech, including plans for alliances for local radio stations.

Sudan’s Drone Toll: Experts say foreign-supplied drones are driving a sharp rise in civilian deaths in Sudan, with UN rights chief Volker Turk warning that both sides are using drones as a “force multiplier.” Kenya Power Crunch: Microsoft’s 1GW Kenya AI data center faces a major block after President Ruto warned it would require switching off “half the country,” as the grid and even Olkaria geothermal capacity are already stretched. Digital Identity Push: At ID4Africa, officials urged faster legal and digital identity for refugees and stateless people, warning that disconnected systems leave millions uncounted. DRC Ebola Escalates: Africa CDC reports DRC’s Ebola death toll has reached 87, driven by the Bundibugyo strain with no strain-specific vaccine. Nigeria Security & Politics: Nigeria’s presidency dismissed doubts over the killing of ISWAP commander Al-Manuki, while ADC postponed presidential and governorship screenings to Monday. Energy Grid Compensation: TCN and AfDB begin phase 2 compensation for the Alaoji–Onitsha transmission line, covering affected crops and livelihoods.

Counterterrorism Clash: Nigeria and the U.S. say a joint strike in northeast Nigeria killed Abu‑Bilal al‑Minuki, described by Washington as ISIS’s global No. 2—while human rights lawyer Femi Falana warns President Tinubu against relying on Trump’s claims, saying Nigeria had already declared the commander dead in 2024. Politics & Primaries: Nigeria’s ADC postponed its presidential and governorship screening to May 18, moving affected northern aspirants to Abuja over security. Tech & Connectivity: Uganda granted Starlink a licence to operate, aiming to expand satellite internet access. AI in the Real Economy: PwC says 82% of African firms are running AI pilots, but few scale them into measurable returns—urging faster, smarter implementation. Culture & Youth: Amagugu Africa Day events are using theatre, poetry and performance to reconnect young people with African traditions. Health Watch: Africa CDC reports a new Ebola outbreak in DR Congo, with dozens of deaths and hundreds of suspected cases.

Ebola Surge in Congo: Africa CDC confirmed a new Ebola outbreak in DR Congo’s Ituri province, with 65 deaths and 246 suspected cases already recorded, and warned of cross-border spread risk as affected areas sit near Uganda and South Sudan amid insecurity and mining-linked travel. Kenya–France Sovereignty Row: Kenya ratified a defence cooperation deal with France that grants French troops legal immunity from Kenyan prosecution, reigniting debate over accountability and constitutional sovereignty. Zimbabwe Breakthrough: President Mnangagwa appointed Justice Elizabeth Gwaunza as Zimbabwe’s first female Chief Justice, with Justice Paddington Garwe named Deputy Chief Justice. Gavi Push for Local Vaccines: Gavi says it will propose AVMA+—an extra $189m—to tackle regulatory bottlenecks and guarantee demand by buying up to 70m doses from African manufacturers. Media & AI Fight Misinformation: A Jordan-hosted community media conference urged professional, independent broadcasting to counter fake news and hate speech, with workshops on AI’s impact on newsrooms.

Ebola Alert: Africa CDC confirms a new Ebola outbreak in eastern DR Congo’s Ituri, with at least 65 deaths and 240+ cases, concentrated around mining towns; cross-border surveillance is being coordinated with Uganda and South Sudan. Oil & Gas Watch: ReconAfrica says Kavango West 1X production testing in Namibia is moving closer, with testing expected before end-May and results due mid-to-late July. Health & Investment: Ghana commissions West Africa’s first nuclear medicine facility at Sweden Ghana Medical Centre, adding a cyclotron and PET-CT to cut outbound travel for cancer care. Energy Politics: Kenya’s EPRA fuel price hike draws pushback from Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro, who accuses the government of driving costs via taxes and margins. Trade & Sanctions: BRICS condemns unilateral economic sanctions as harmful to rights and development, even as members differ on West Asia. Corporate Clash: Dangote Petroleum files a fresh lawsuit to overturn Nigeria’s fuel import licences, reigniting the fight over who controls supply. Governance & Media: AU and UN leaders warn external interference is fueling Africa’s security crises, while a Jordan conference backs independent community media to counter fake news and hate speech.

Trade Boost: China’s expanded zero-tariff access for African goods kicks off May 1, aiming to make African exports more competitive in the world’s second-largest economy. Governance Trap: A new look at why many states struggle shows how weak institutions and mismanaged public money keep services and growth stuck. Zimbabwe Judiciary: Zimbabwe ends Luke Malaba’s tenure and installs first female Chief Justice Elizabeth Gwaunza, with a fresh push for courts to keep independence and public trust. Africa Forward Summit Fallout: Ghana’s Mahama backs an “Accra Reset” shift toward implementation, while Ghana’s athletics championship in Accra faces sharp criticism over athlete welfare and media failures. Western Sahara Diplomacy: Algeria and Angola reaffirm support for Sahrawi self-determination, as human-rights sessions in Banjul highlight restricted access and accountability gaps. Digital Security: Experts warn digital ID systems need built-in cyber defense as remote work expands Africa’s “invisible” digital battlefield.

Dangote Refinery IPO: Nigeria’s Dangote Refinery is lining up what could be Africa’s biggest public offering, with plans to let Nigerians buy shares through POS terminals and fintech platforms like OPay and Moniepoint—aiming for a valuation around $50bn. Health & Food Security: The UN warns fertiliser shipments through the Strait of Hormuz are stuck, risking a hunger shock that could push tens of millions toward starvation. Media & Civil Society: Uganda’s African Centre for Media Excellence remains suspended with no clear next steps, while Tunisia faces intensifying pressure on journalists and NGOs amid court rulings. Regional Tax Push: ECOWAS lawmakers in Abuja back regional tax reforms as WATAF and TJNA press for stronger revenue systems and action against illicit financial flows. Sports Administration: Nigeria’s Tinubu has approved bids to host the 2026 CAF Awards and CAF General Assembly. Showbiz & Culture: AMVCA buzz continues with Queen Mercy Atang’s Guinness recognition for her “cake dress” outfit.

Gaza Aid Flotilla: The Global Sumud Flotilla says its nonviolent mission to break Israel’s Gaza siege will go ahead, with 54 boats and nearly 500 participants set to depart toward Gaza after a month of maritime violence and alleged abductions and torture. Human Rights Watch: The 87th African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights opened in Banjul, with the Sahrawi Republic taking part as states and civil society review rights protections and monitoring. UN Global South Push: The UN has started building a $340m Nairobi conference complex, aiming to expand capacity sharply and deepen Africa’s role in global decision-making. Climate & Data: Flood mapping research warns a key river-related assumption is often missing, risking underestimation of real-world flooding. Digital Rights: A Pan-African digital rights group highlights growing surveillance and shutdown risks as governments race ahead on infrastructure without rights safeguards. Ghana Health Upgrade: President Mahama commissioned a PET-CT scan facility at the Sweden Ghana Medical Centre to boost cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Africa Forward Summit Fallout: Civil society groups in Nairobi welcomed the Africa Forward Summit declaration but warned that big promises won’t deliver without community-centred implementation, equity, and justice. Regional Courts & Rights: Nigeria’s detained child-rights activist Aghogho Aghogho is back in focus as the Take-It-Back movement urges the ECOWAS Court to finally rule on interim measures, alleging judicial misconduct and delays. Gaza Displacement: A new report says Palestinians were uprooted 2.8 million times in 2025, with displacement in the West Bank hitting its highest level since 1967. UN Security Council Reform: The AU again pressed for permanent African representation at the UN Security Council, arguing the body’s credibility depends on reflecting today’s world. Kenya Justice & Labour: Courts backed Safaricom in a SIM-swap fraud dismissal case, while other employment rulings show how due process and pay disputes are playing out in local tribunals. Health & Education Pressure: Coverage also flags Africa’s school dropout scale and a major HIV prevention breakthrough that must reach young women.

Africa-France Reset: At the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, Emmanuel Macron wrapped up with a €23bn ($27bn) investment pledge, while William Ruto pushed “sovereign equality” over aid—setting the tone for a tougher, more partnership-led relationship. Nigeria Football: Nigeria secured the right to host the CAF Awards and the CAF Ordinary General Assembly—its first return to the events since 2017. Ghana Digital Finance: Ghana’s central bank says it will launch a continental fintech sandbox, a national innovation hub, and a dedicated fintech law to speed cross-border integration. Rights & Courts: Ghana’s women lawyers are demanding reforms to spousal property rules after judges’ reasoning drew criticism; in Nigeria, a rights group warns the Cybercrimes Act is being used to shrink civic space. Security & Politics: Nigeria’s opposition is again attacking Tinubu’s security strategy after the death of abducted ex-lawmaker Abba Adamu; lawmakers also complain about disarray inside opposition parties. Environment & Industry: Ghana’s Jospong and Belgium’s VYNCKE signed a waste-to-energy partnership, while customs chiefs in Sierra Leone ended a West/Central Africa push to curb revenue leakage and cross-border crime.

Uganda’s Power Transition: Yoweri Museveni was sworn in for a seventh term in Kampala, extending a 40-year rule as oil production looms and succession talk keeps circling his son, Muhoozi Kainerugaba. Nigeria Security Push: ADC presidential hopeful Mohammed Hayatu-Deen says he’ll set up a terrorism court and overhaul intelligence coordination, arguing insecurity and poverty feed each other. South Africa Politics: Parliament’s Phala Phala impeachment process is back on track after court guidance, while ANC Youth League leader Collen Malatji rejects calls for Ramaphosa to resign. France-Africa Reset Backlash: At Kenya’s Africa Forward summit, Macron’s public scolding of a noisy youth forum went viral, undercutting his “partnership” message. Regional Peace Agenda: ECOWAS says it remains focused on peace and stability through deeper cooperation and youth programmes. Business & Tech: Vodafone signals a “new chapter” after restructuring moves; Nigeria’s manufacturing contribution to VAT hit N1.17tn in 2025. Sports & Culture: Ghana opened the 2026 African Senior Athletics Championships with a major ceremony; Tanzania’s women’s U-20 team qualified for the World Cup.

Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi: French President Emmanuel Macron is trying to reset France-Africa ties with a “partnership of equals,” but the event is already drawing heat—he abruptly interrupted a youth session to demand silence, sparking backlash. Energy, jobs, and money: Macron announced a $27bn (23bn euros) investment push across clean energy, digital/AI, maritime and agriculture, aiming to create 250,000 jobs in France and Africa. UN spotlight on Africa’s role: UN chief António Guterres hailed Nairobi as a “green centre of gravity” as the UN expands its Gigiri complex with net-zero plans. Food security shock: As the Strait of Hormuz remains tense, a UN task force warns fertiliser delays could push tens of millions toward hunger. Climate carbon talks: Ghana and Malawi held a high-level dialogue on climate action and carbon markets, including waste and single-use plastics regulation. Uganda succession drama: President Museveni is sworn in for another term as his son, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, emerges as the de facto heir.