AGP Executive Report

Ebola Preparedness: Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu approved a Presidential Task Force on Ebola Virus Disease Preparedness and Emerging Public Health Threats, releasing N10 billion to strengthen the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and airport and border screening as cases rise in the DRC and Uganda. Domestic Work Rules: Kuwait updated recruitment rules, allowing domestic worker hiring from 10 countries while banning recruitment from 27 others, including Rwanda, with some restrictions applying by gender. Rwanda in Finance & Trade: United Capital secured investment banking licences to operate in Ethiopia and Rwanda, while Ghana, Rwanda and Zambia launched a pilot digital trade corridor for instant cross-border payments. Rwanda Economy & IMF: Rwanda secured a $250m IMF package despite strong growth, with the report pointing to external shocks and higher costs. Skills & Jobs: MTN Rwanda partnered with the University of Rwanda and Kepler College to boost graduate employability through internships, mentorship and workplace exposure. Health & Aid Pressure: Coverage also highlights how Ebola fears and humanitarian funding gaps are straining regional health and support systems.

Critical Minerals & Trade: Aterian’s Eastinco signed a long-term supply deal with a Rwanda-based tin, tantalum and tungsten producer, aiming to boost 3T concentrate volumes and expand Rwanda’s role in the East African critical minerals chain. Finance & Capital Markets: United Capital secured investment banking licences to operate in Ethiopia and Rwanda, positioning itself as a first foreign investment bank in Ethiopia and expanding regional advisory and securities services. Ebola in the Region: Congo’s Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak surged to 515 confirmed cases and 91 deaths, with no licensed vaccine for this rare strain; health teams warn the crisis could keep dragging on and disrupt travel and mining supply chains. HIV Prevention Policy: Experts warn that integrating HIV prevention into mainstream systems could weaken access if services become underfunded or harder to reach, as Rwanda and other countries debate how to keep targeted gains. Conflict Trends: A new global study says 2025 saw a record 65 state-involved conflicts and rising civilian deaths, underscoring how fast violence is spreading across multiple fronts. Regional Security & Migration: South Africa saw renewed anti-migrant protests after Ramaphosa pledged action, as xenophobic violence and calls to “go home” intensify.

Rwanda–Aviation Talks: The Rwanda Development Board says it met Boeing to discuss financing, cargo operations and how to position Rwanda as a regional air transport and tourism hub. Health & Rights: Human Rights Watch warns US bilateral health deals—including with Rwanda—condition aid on broad access to surveillance data and pathogen samples, raising concerns over privacy and unequal access to medicines. Ebola Response Pressure: As the DRC’s Ebola outbreak worsens, the EU calls the ceasefire a health emergency and UNICEF ramps up emergency supplies to the epicentre, while diagnostics and rapid referrals remain a key gap. Vaccine Push: Institut Pasteur launches ACT-CHIK, a €15.3m EU-funded project to accelerate chikungunya vaccine clinical trials in four African countries and prepare for local manufacturing. Regional Research: Fulbright Scholar Anthony Vodacek plans a Great Lakes sensor network study focused on monitoring seven lakes across 10 countries, starting with collaboration in Uganda.

Ebola & Ceasefire Pressure: The EU says the DRC’s Ebola outbreak has turned a ceasefire into a “health emergency,” flying 100 tonnes of aid to Bunia as confirmed cases and deaths rise and WHO flags the risk of wider spread. Frontline Strain in Congo: Doctors and hospital leaders in eastern Congo report working with little pay, late notifications, and fear despite infection-control efforts—highlighting how conflict and weak protection worsen the crisis. Rwanda Readiness: Rwanda says it has activated response teams and built capacity across communication, surveillance, labs, contact tracing, and case management, stressing vigilance while protecting normal economic activity. Jobs Through Skills: Rwanda’s Prime Minister argues wage growth should follow productivity, pushing a skills-first approach to create better-paying jobs. Environment Watch: A new study warns charcoal and firewood dependence is driving forest loss and health risks, with Kigali’s demand linked to pressure on surrounding landscapes. Media & Peace: Rwanda’s genocide memory is invoked in regional calls for responsible journalism and stronger protection for journalists.

Ebola Response in DRC: The EU says the Ebola outbreak in eastern DR Congo has turned a ceasefire into a “health emergency,” flying 100 tonnes of aid to Ituri and urging humanitarian access as confirmed cases and deaths rise. Rwanda Preparedness: Rwanda’s Prime Minister and Health Minister say the country has activated response teams and built capacity across communication, surveillance, diagnostics, contact tracing and case management, with no Ebola cases reported so far. Press Freedom Push: Ghana’s Minority Leader Afenyo-Markin and Communications Minister Sam George called for stronger protection of journalists and tighter action against misinformation, warning that media can either strengthen peace or inflame division. Rwanda in the Region’s Sports: Rwanda’s Masengesho Vainquer finished second in stage one of the Cameroon International Cycling Tour, behind Kuere Rodrigue. Local Sports Leadership: Uganda’s Vipers SC parted ways with Belgian coach Ivan Minnaert after his contract expired, with the club set to represent Uganda in the CECAFA Kagame Club Cup in Rwanda next month.

Ebola Crisis in Congo: Doctors and health workers at Mongbwalu General Referral Hospital say they’re treating Ebola patients with little pay and rest, as the outbreak spreads in a mining town with crowded camps and weak access to prevention. US Sanctions in Eastern DRC: The United States sanctioned senior commanders linked to the FDLR and the Rwanda-backed M23, citing killings, abuses and attacks on civilians, as Washington pushes for stability under regional peace frameworks. EU Diplomacy Shift: The EU nominated Nicola Bellomo as its next charge d’affaires ad interim in Afghanistan, with his appointment tied to administrative steps and continued EU engagement focused on humanitarian issues and rights. Rwanda-Linked Sports & Tech: Rwanda’s Minister of Sports Nelly Mukazayire argued the Olympic system should reflect all continents, while Rwanda’s drone and AI push remains in the spotlight as the country positions itself for digital transformation. World Cup Health Worries: With major travel to US host cities, public health officials warn that cuts and weakened capacity could leave countries more exposed during outbreaks like Ebola.

Ebola Watch: U.S. CDC modelling warns Central Africa’s Ebola outbreak could reach 20,000 cases or more if infected people aren’t isolated fast enough, with experts stressing the numbers are uncertain but the risk trajectory is worrying. Regional Health Measures: Africa CDC says several countries including Rwanda are at risk, while St. Vincent and the Grenadines issued a travel advisory naming Rwanda among places where extra screening and quarantine may be triggered. Rwanda Sports & Youth: Rwanda’s Minister of Sports, Nelly Mukazayire, argued Olympic hosting should reflect all continents, not just a few regions. Islamic Finance in Rwanda: The Rwanda Stock Exchange became the first in East, Central and Southern Africa to set dedicated listing and trading rules for Islamic capital market products, aiming to attract more regional and Gulf investors. Tech & Education Links: Carnegie Mellon University Africa’s Afretec network welcomed Addis Ababa Science and Technology University as its 10th partner, expanding digital growth and youth opportunity pathways across Africa. Local Politics & Peace Memory: Rwanda’s Democratic Green Party visited the Rebero Genocide Memorial to honor politicians killed for opposing ethnic division and promoting peace.

Ebola Watch: U.S. health officials warn Central Africa’s Ebola outbreak could reach 20,000 cases or more if isolation and other public health steps lag, with CDC modelling scenarios ranging from 10,000 to over 20,000. Regional Health Response: WHO and Africa CDC unveiled a $518m, six-month plan to contain Ebola in DR Congo and Uganda, focusing on surveillance, testing, contact tracing, border screening and community engagement. Travel and Sport Disruptions: Several countries are tightening screening; St Vincent and the Grenadines issued an Ebola travel advisory naming Rwanda among higher-risk destinations, while Ebola concerns have already forced some football friendly cancellations and raised questions about league schedules. Rwanda Finance & Markets: The Rwanda Stock Exchange launched Islamic listing and trading rules for Shariah-compliant products, aiming to attract regional and Gulf capital. Tech & Development: Carnegie Mellon’s Afretec network signed its 10th university partner, Addis Ababa Science and Technology University, expanding pan-African digital collaboration. Business: Standard Bank says it wants to become the largest bank in East Africa by 2030, targeting growth across Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia, South Sudan and Malawi.

Ebola Response in the Region: WHO and Africa CDC unveiled a $518m, six-month plan to contain a fast-growing Ebola outbreak in eastern DR Congo and neighboring Uganda, citing delays that let the virus gain a head start and stressing surveillance, testing, contact tracing, border screening, and community engagement. Health Messaging Under Pressure: In Bunia, Ituri, a local radio station launched a daily program to counter rumors and misinformation as residents question the outbreak and health workers face attacks; officials report dozens of deaths and hundreds of confirmed cases. Rwanda’s Market Move: The Rwanda Stock Exchange became the first in East, Central and Southern Africa to set dedicated listing and trading rules for Islamic capital market products, aiming to attract Shariah-compliant investors and instruments like sukuk and Islamic REITs. Rwanda Tech & Healthcare: Rwanda’s drone revolution is highlighted as medical drones expand access to care and reshape healthcare delivery. Sports Disrupted by Ebola: Tanzania’s Taifa Stars cancelled friendlies with Uganda and Rwanda after Morocco suspended the matches as a precaution, while the league schedule remains under review. Regional Tourism Push: The EAC urged partner states to make Afcon 2027 a tourism and integration catalyst, promoting cross-border packages beyond football.

Ebola Response in the Region: East African Community health ministers agreed to harmonise Ebola surveillance and protective measures at airports, ports and land borders, and set up a regional technical taskforce as cases surge in eastern DR Congo and Uganda. Women and Ebola Risk: Reporting from Bunia, Congo highlights how women are often first caregivers—without adequate protective gear—making them among the most exposed during the outbreak. Rwanda Digital Push: Huawei says it is betting on AI-powered digital transformation in Rwanda after decades of support for connectivity and ICT infrastructure, with a Kigali conference focused on how banks and businesses can adopt intelligent systems. Climate Targets: Rwanda unveiled NDC 3.0, aiming to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 53% by 2035 versus business-as-usual, and estimates it needs about $12bn financing for 2025–2035. Rwanda-Linked Justice & Rights: Two journalists from Imbarutso ya Demokarasi were placed in pre-trial detention over reporting tied to Kwa Kabuga, an alleged unofficial detention site. Sports & Commemoration: Nigeria named a 14-player squad for Rwanda’s Kwibuka Women’s T20, while regional athletics events were postponed due to Ebola fears.

Ebola in eastern DRC: The WHO says Congo’s Ebola outbreak “had a big head start” and that response efforts are only now catching up, even as militant violence disrupts care. Regional health coordination: EAC health ministers agreed to harmonise Ebola surveillance and protective measures at airports, ports and land borders, and set up a regional technical taskforce. Women on the front line: In Bunia, eastern Congo, women are often the first caregivers and face the highest risk—many have little protection and fear hospital visits, especially pregnant women. Rwanda climate push: Rwanda unveiled NDC 3.0, targeting a 53% emissions cut by 2035 (up from 38% by 2030), with an estimated $12bn needed for 2025–2035. Rwanda–France memory ties: Rwanda and France inaugurated a Genocide Against the Tutsi memorial in Paris, framed as a shift from denial to dialogue and responsibility. Tech event hit: GSMA postponed MWC26 Kigali, leaving exhibitors and partners waiting for a new date. US visa processing changes: The US will slash African visa-processing centres to 20 hubs, including Kigali, raising costs for applicants in non-hub countries. MTN leadership shake-up: MTN named Mitwa Ng’ambi as Group Chief People & Culture Officer and reshuffled top roles across subsidiaries.

Ebola in eastern DR Congo: WHO says the outbreak “had a big head start” and Congo is still “behind,” even as testing improves; militant attacks by an Islamic State-linked group have also disrupted response efforts. Women on the front line: In Bunia, caregivers—often without proper protection—say they fear hospitals and keep looking after sick relatives at home, highlighting how the crisis hits women hardest. Rwanda–France genocide memory: President Kagame and Macron inaugurated a new Paris memorial, with Kagame saying it “sets the truth in stone” and Macron framing it as a step toward a renewed relationship. Rwanda tech and finance: Rwanda’s Space Agency teleport becomes the first fully certified facility in Sub-Saharan Africa, while FEDA appoints Emmanuel Assiak as CEO to scale export-focused investment. Sports and culture: Rwanda’s RSSB Tigers won the 2026 BAL title, and a viral clip from Kigali’s BAL games sparked debate about Rwandese women’s beauty and style.

Rwanda–France Genocide Memorial: President Paul Kagame and French President Emmanuel Macron inaugurated “L’Archive,” a permanent memorial on the Seine in Paris, meant to anchor the truth of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda “in stone” and shape a new Rwanda–France relationship. DR Congo Conflict & Sanctions: The US Treasury sanctioned alleged intelligence leaders of the M23 and FDLR, as fighting in eastern DR Congo threatens humanitarian conditions and critical minerals supply. Ebola Response in the Region: WHO says Congo’s rare Ebola outbreak “had a big head start” but testing is improving; suspected cases are down while recoveries offer rare hope. US Visa Processing Overhaul: The US plans to cut African visa-processing posts to 20 hubs, with Kigali listed among the centres—meaning more applicants may need to travel. Sports & Youth Momentum: Rwanda’s RSSB Tigers won the Basketball Africa League title in Kigali, while BAL plans a shift toward a franchise model. EV Investment: Spiro secured $215m equity to expand battery-swapping and EV infrastructure across multiple African markets, including Rwanda.

Rwanda-France Genocide Memory: President Paul Kagame and French President Emmanuel Macron inaugurated a new Paris memorial, “L’Archive,” marking the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi and renewing debate over France’s responsibility. EU Migration Crackdown: The EU approved a major overhaul to speed deportations and expand detention centres abroad, drawing sharp criticism from rights groups. Ebola Safety Concerns: WHO says the rare Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak is a public health emergency, with travel worries rising as cases surge in the DRC. Congo Conflict & Sanctions: The US Treasury sanctioned commanders linked to armed groups in eastern DRC, where fighting continues despite mediation efforts. East Africa Trade Finance: ITC and Equity Group signed an MoU to unlock trade finance for coffee, leather and creative industries across East Africa. Rwanda Tech & Startups: Rwanda’s Vermariq joined FasterCapital’s EquityPilot for go-to-market support. Sports—Rwanda in the Spotlight: RSSB Tigers won the 2026 Basketball Africa League title in Kigali, and the BAL plans a shift toward a franchise model.

Rwanda-France Reconciliation: President Paul Kagame and Emmanuel Macron inaugurated the “L’Archive” genocide memorial in Paris, with Macron calling it the culmination of a “quest for truth” and acknowledging France’s responsibility—while stopping short of a formal apology. Ebola Travel Alarm: WHO’s rare Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in DR Congo has pushed safety concerns for travellers, as experts warn the situation may be worse than official figures, with cases and suspected deaths rising. US Visa Access Tightened: The US plans to cut visa-processing embassies and consulates across Africa from nearly 50 to 20 “hubs,” including Kigali, reshaping where applicants can apply. Tech Event Disruption: GSMA postponed MWC26 Kigali, Africa’s major connectivity event, just weeks before it was due to open, with a new date yet to be announced. Rwanda in Sports Spotlight: Kigali’s RSSB Tigers won the 2026 Basketball Africa League title, becoming Rwanda’s first BAL champions. Regional Mobility Project: Kenya’s Rironi-Mau Summit–Malaba highway upgrade gained AIIB financing for a feasibility study, aiming to boost the Northern Corridor.

Ebola Update (DRC): Congo says confirmed Ebola cases have reached at least 282, with 264 in Ituri province, and 42 deaths reported; WHO highlights new supplies while health officials stress early detection, isolation, contact tracing, and safe burials. US Visa Shake-up: The US State Department plans to cut visa-processing missions across Africa from nearly 50 to 20 regional hubs, including Kigali, Nairobi, Lagos and Kinshasa—meaning many applicants will have to travel farther for interviews. Rwanda-UK Legal Fallout: An international tribunal rejected Rwanda’s bid for compensation over the scrapped UK-Rwanda asylum deal, ruling Britain not liable for key payments. EU Migration Push: EU institutions agreed on “return hubs” in third countries to speed deportations, with rights groups warning of detention and harsher penalties. Xenophobic Violence (Mozambique/SA): Mozambique claims five nationals were killed in South Africa’s Mossel Bay attacks, while police say two deaths are confirmed. Digital Fraud (South Africa): A report finds South Africa has the highest suspected digital fraud rate among analysed African countries, with generative AI likely boosting scams.