AGP Executive Report

Migration Crackdown: Morocco’s mass deportations of sub-Saharan migrants are intensifying, with reports of 100+ arrests a day and people reportedly beaten and pushed toward the Algerian border as the EU leans harder on its “externalization” migration deal. Ebola Alarm: In DR Congo, the WHO has declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, with cases and deaths rising fast—raising the stakes for containment across the region. Guinea Industry Push: Guinea’s bauxite-to-alumina shift gets a major boost: Chalco plans a $1bn alumina plant in Guinea (1.2m tons/year) and a specialized port, aiming to keep more value inside West Africa. Maritime Security: Nigeria says piracy is down sharply and zero incidents are recorded in territorial waters for four years, citing the Deep Blue Project and new training graduations. Agriculture Safety: A regional drive in East Africa targets reducing dependence on highly hazardous pesticides to protect smallholders and ecosystems.

Maritime Security Push: Nigeria’s Deep Blue Project keeps momentum with the graduation of 492 maritime security personnel and fresh claims of four straight years of zero piracy in territorial waters, while officials say Gulf of Guinea piracy has fallen by over 70%. Regional Trade & Ports: Port leaders warn Africa can’t grow on outdated infrastructure, as Nigeria and neighbours push upgrades and deep-sea capacity to cut costs and handle bigger ships. Mining & Processing: China’s Chalco says it will invest about $1bn to build a 1.2m-ton-per-year alumina plant in Guinea, with Guinea set to receive a 5% stake and the option to rise to 35%. Health Alert: WHO has declared the DRC–Uganda Ebola outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, reporting hundreds of suspected cases and deaths as officials urge stronger prevention. Diplomacy & Expos: Tunisia is pushing for “real” African participation in global expos, aiming to turn showcases into economic diplomacy.

Deep Blue Project Results: Nigeria’s Marine and Blue Economy Minister Adegboyega Oyetola says the Deep Blue Project has delivered zero piracy in territorial waters for four years and cut Gulf of Guinea piracy by over 70%, citing integrated air-land-sea surveillance and rapid response. Security Expansion: Defence Minister Christopher Musa also reaffirmed government focus on protecting critical energy assets, including closer NLNG security cooperation and a dedicated Gulf of Guinea maritime task force. Bauxite-to-Alumina Push (Guinea): China’s Chalco says it will invest $1bn to build a 1.2 million-ton-per-year alumina plant in Guinea tied to its Boffa bauxite operations, with Guinea set to receive a 5% stake and a path to up to 35%. Maritime Cost Pressure: With piracy down, Nigeria is pushing for war-risk delisting to lower shipping costs and boost port competitiveness. Health Watch (Region): WHO is sounding alarms over a fast-moving Ebola outbreak in DRC, with scale and speed driving emergency concern.

Maritime Security Push: Nigeria says it has logged zero piracy incidents in territorial waters for four straight years, and is now seeking delisting from the global war-risk list—an effort expected to cut shipping costs and boost investor confidence. Port Modernisation Drive: Port chiefs in West and Central Africa, including NPA’s Abubakar Dantsoho, warn that obsolete ports are blocking growth and larger-vessel trade, calling for deep-sea upgrades, tech, and sustained investment. Industrial Expansion at Sea: Dangote has begun early steps for the Olokola Deep Seaport and is engaging host communities, while Nigeria also highlights security support for NLNG as it pushes gas expansion. Health Alarm: The WHO is sounding the alarm over a rare Ebola (Bundibugyo) outbreak in eastern Congo, citing “scale and speed” concerns as suspected deaths and cases rise. Nutrition Warning: UNICEF’s Gordon Jonathan Lewis stresses that malnutrition is an economic drag, not just a food problem, linking it to lost productivity and long-term learning setbacks.

Ebola Alarm: The WHO chief has raised fresh alarm over the “scale and speed” of a rare Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in eastern DR Congo, where suspected deaths have climbed to at least 134 and suspected cases to more than 500, with the virus spreading undetected for weeks and no approved medicines or vaccines. Health Response Under Pressure: Congo says investigations are ongoing to confirm which deaths are truly linked to Ebola, as cases appear in urban areas and healthcare workers are among the victims—prompting emergency coordination and rapid-response support. Maritime Security & Trade Context: Guinea’s neighbors keep pushing port and logistics upgrades—Nigeria touts modernisation plans and security efforts in the Gulf of Guinea—while Guinea’s own Simandou momentum and climate-aware urban planning remain in the spotlight. Guinea Development Signal: Guinea’s housing/urban planning minister says climate must be built into every project, as the country continues to frame infrastructure gains around long-term resilience.

Ebola Alarm in Congo: WHO chief Tedros Ghebreyesus says he is “deeply concerned” about the “scale and speed” of a rare Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in eastern DR Congo, where reports now point to at least 134 suspected deaths and 500+ suspected cases; the virus reportedly spread undetected for weeks after early tests targeted the wrong strain, and WHO warns of urban spread, healthcare worker deaths, and population movement as Congo investigates whether cases are truly linked to the disease. Maritime Security & Ports: Nigeria’s NIMASA says it has held zero piracy attacks for four years, while Nigeria’s maritime push continues with deep-seaport approvals and regional investment momentum. Dangote Industrial Buildout: Dangote has started preliminary steps for the Olokola Deep Seaport and is engaging host communities ahead of the project’s takeoff. Bauxite Flows: China-linked demand is lifting global bauxite flows, but Guinea’s cutback could still weigh on growth as disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz reshuffle shipments toward India.

Ebola Alarm in Congo: WHO chief Tedros Ghebreyesus says he is “deeply concerned” about the “scale and speed” of a rare Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in eastern DR Congo, after deaths jumped to at least 134 and suspected cases topped 500; the virus spread undetected for weeks, there are no approved vaccines or medicines, and WHO is rushing experts and treatment centres as cases emerge in urban areas and healthcare workers die. Maritime Security Boost (Nigeria): NIMASA DG Dayo Mobereola says Nigeria has recorded zero piracy attacks for four years, citing the Deep Blue project and new training for 177 personnel to improve intelligence and rapid response in the Gulf of Guinea. Industrial Push (Dangote): Aliko Dangote says the planned listing of his refinery is meant to “democratise” wealth, while his team begins Olokola Deep Seaport groundwork and community engagement ahead of takeoff. Counter-Insurgency: US and Nigerian forces report killing 175 Islamic State fighters in a major joint operation in northeastern Nigeria.

Ebola Alarm in Congo: WHO chief Tedros Ghebreyesus says he’s “deeply concerned” about the “scale and speed” of a rare Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in eastern DR Congo, where reports now point to at least 134 suspected deaths and 500+ suspected cases. The virus reportedly spread undetected for weeks after early tests targeted the wrong strain, and WHO flags urban spread, healthcare worker deaths, and major population movement; Congo is also expecting experimental vaccine shipments while WHO convenes emergency talks. Guinea-Linked Industry Signal: In Nigeria’s wider port push that includes Guinea’s Simandou logistics, Dangote and regional officials warn West and Central Africa still faces a port shortage, with new deep-sea projects and upgrades framed as the next trade unlock. Business Spotlight: Dangote also says its planned refinery listing is meant to “democratise” industrial wealth creation across Africa.

Ebola Emergency Escalates: WHO chief Tedros says he’s “deeply concerned” about the “scale and speed” of Congo’s rare Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak, as eastern DR Congo reports at least 134 deaths and 500+ suspected cases, with spread into urban areas, health-worker deaths, and major population movement. Containment Pressure: Health officials say the virus likely circulated undetected for weeks after early tests targeted the wrong strain, and Congo is now moving to open more treatment capacity. Trigger Story Emerges: A suspected early superspreader event is linked to a large funeral gathering in Bunia area, echoing 2014-style disaster dynamics. Regional Shockwaves: WHO has declared the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern, while the US tightens travel rules and evacuations are reported. Maritime Momentum: Nigeria’s marine ministry and PMAWCA push port expansion, citing $27bn+ in regional projects and approvals for more deep-sea ports. Business Update: CMB.TECH posts Q1 2026 results with $368.8m profit and a growing contract backlog.

Ebola Response Escalates in Congo: Congo will open three new Ebola treatment centres in Ituri as the WHO classifies the outbreak as a public health emergency of international concern; officials say the rare Bundibugyo strain has killed nearly 120 and there are hundreds of suspected cases across Ituri and North Kivu, with at least one death and suspected case reported in Uganda—health teams warn numbers may rise as surveillance expands. Food Prices Bite Hard: Nigeria’s food inflation stays above 20% in 11 states, with food inflation at 16.06% versus headline 15.69%, squeezing household purchasing power again after months where headline pressures led. Ports and Trade Bottlenecks: Dangote warns West and Central Africa face a port shortage, with some cargo discharge taking up to three weeks, while Nigeria’s marine ministry says it is expanding port capacity and pushing reforms. Business Signals: CMB.TECH posts Q1 2026 results with profit of $368.8m, EBITDA $558.3m, and a growing $3.26bn contract backlog.

Ebola Emergency Escalates: WHO has declared the new Ebola outbreak in DR Congo (Ituri province, Bundibugyo strain) a public health emergency of international concern, warning it could grow beyond current counts as cases are reported across multiple health zones and a related death has been confirmed in Uganda. Health System Pressure: Africa CDC says diagnostic and treatment gaps are a major risk, with no strain-specific vaccine available for Bundibugyo. Digital Finance Push (Liberia): BnB and MTN Liberia are running a renewed street campaign to boost awareness of their cross-border money transfer service via MTN USSD, targeting countries including Guinea and Ghana. Maritime & Trade Moves (Nigeria): Marine minister Adegboyega Oyetola opened the PMAWCA mid-year board meeting, flagging port expansion and reforms to strengthen Nigeria’s logistics role. Connectivity for Guinea: MEDUSA cable landing in Conakry takes a step forward after Guinea and MEDUSA signed the construction and maintenance agreement. Premium Banking (Nigeria): FirstBank and Visa launched Visa Signature for Nigeria’s affluent segment, adding global travel and lifestyle benefits. Industry Finance (Europe): Milan’s Pillar raised €15.2m to digitise construction back-office operations.

Ebola Alarm: The WHO has declared the new Ebola outbreak in eastern DR Congo a public health emergency of international concern, warning it’s “of international concern” but not a pandemic emergency—while Africa CDC chief Jean Kaseya says he’s in “panic mode” over deaths and lack of medicines or vaccines; the outbreak is centered on Ituri’s mining towns (Mongwalu and Rwampara) with suspected cases and at least one imported death reported in Uganda. Maritime Security: In the Strait of Hormuz, a UK maritime monitoring office says emergency calls have surged as ships face attacks, with a “black phone” now acting as a key crisis line. Insurance Pressure: Nigerian insurers are scrambling to raise about N132bn before a July 31 recapitalisation deadline. Digital Connectivity: Guinea moved closer to its MEDUSA submarine cable landing in Conakry after signing a construction and maintenance agreement. Mining & Policy: Ghana’s mining lobby warns investors are shifting to neighbors as tax and royalty burdens rise.

Ebola Emergency: The WHO has declared the new Ebola outbreak in eastern DR Congo a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, warning it’s not a “pandemic emergency” and urging countries not to close borders, as hundreds of suspected cases and dozens of deaths are reported and the Bundibugyo strain—without a vaccine—drives fresh fear of regional spread into Uganda. Guinea Connectivity: Guinea took a concrete step toward stronger digital resilience after signing the Construction and Maintenance Agreement for the MEDUSA submarine cable landing in Conakry, setting marine surveys in motion and extending the country’s international bandwidth options beyond a single route. Maritime Security: The U.S. Navy showcased faster, unmanned maritime protection during Exercise Obangame Express in Cameroon, highlighting growing interest in autonomous systems for coastal threat detection across Africa. Investment & Trade Signals: Guinea’s leadership also met Nigeria’s Tinubu to deepen minerals-and-metals cooperation, while regional infrastructure momentum continues with new subsea cable plans linking Europe and West Africa.

Ebola Alarm in DR Congo: Health officials say a fresh Ebola outbreak in Ituri province has already reached 336 suspected cases and 87 deaths, with fears rising after one case was reported in Uganda; the strain is reported to have no vaccine, and response is complicated by mining-town movement and insecurity. Guinea-Region Connectivity: Guinea moved a step closer to stronger internet links as MEDUSA Submarine Cable’s Construction and Maintenance Agreement was signed in Conakry, kicking off marine surveys and setting up 25 years of local cable operations. Inflation Pressure in Nigeria: Nigeria’s headline inflation climbed to 15.69% in April as food, transport, hospitality and healthcare costs pushed prices up, even as month-on-month growth slowed. Oil & Trade Watch: Sao Tome & Principe launched a fast-track offshore licensing round, while shipping markets keep tracking geopolitical shocks that are reshaping routes and earnings. Guinea-Nigeria Diplomacy: Nigeria’s Tinubu extended a state-visit invitation to Guinea’s President Mamadi Doumbouya, with talks pointing to minerals and metals cooperation.

Ebola Alarm: Fear is spreading in DR Congo’s Ituri as health officials warn of a new Ebola outbreak, with at least 80 reported dead and 246 suspected cases; Africa CDC says the risk of regional spread is high, especially given cross-border movement and insecurity, while Uganda confirms one imported death in Kampala linked to the Bundibugyo strain. Inflation Pressure: Nigeria’s headline inflation climbed to 15.69% in April as food, transport, hospitality and healthcare costs rose, even as month-to-month price growth slowed; food inflation also eased to 16.06% y/y. Connectivity Push: Guinea moved closer to stronger digital resilience after signing the MEDUSA cable Construction and Maintenance Agreement in Conakry, setting marine surveys and landing preparations in motion. Trade & Security Watch: A new Atlantic high-capacity subsea cable plan is taking shape, while West Africa’s opioid crisis deepens as reports say high-strength tapentadol from India continues to flow into markets despite crackdowns.

Guinea Connectivity Push: Guinea just moved a major step closer to a second submarine cable: MEDUSA and the Republic of Guinea signed the Construction and Maintenance Agreement in Conakry, triggering marine surveys and 25 years of local management by GUILAB—another route to cut reliance on a single link. Atlantic Digital Race: At the same time, a new high-capacity Atlantic subsea cable plan (Via Africa) is taking shape, with landings across West Africa including Guinea, aiming to boost resilience and bandwidth diversity. Nigeria Inflation Watch: Nigeria’s inflation ticked up to 15.69% in April, while food inflation eased to 16.06%—a relief that analysts warn could be fragile. Ebola Alarm in Congo: DR Congo confirmed a new Ebola outbreak in Ituri, with Africa CDC linking 65 deaths and warning of cross-border spread risk. Regional Politics & Deals: Tinubu returned to Lagos after a France-Kenya-Rwanda trip tied to investment talks, and he extended a state-visit invitation to Guinea’s President Doumbouya.