AGP Executive Report

Ebola Alarm: A fast-moving Ebola outbreak in DR Congo’s Ituri is “very worrying” as the Bundibugyo variant has no targeted vaccines or treatments, with cases jumping from under 100 to 500+ in days and MSF urging early detection, contact tracing, and safe burials. Policy Shock: The WHO has declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, but says it doesn’t meet pandemic criteria—raising pressure for cross-border coordination. Gabon Tech/Mining Pressure: At the Africa CEO Forum in Kigali, Gabon’s president told Comilog (Eramet) to start processing manganese locally by 2029 or face alternatives. Psychedelic Politics: In the US, Trump’s push to fast-track FDA review of ibogaine is fueling new debate—especially as studies link it to symptom improvements in veterans. AI Adoption Map: A 2026 snapshot shows the UAE leading AI use by working-age adults, while the US lags despite leading AI development.

Psychedelic Policy Shock (US): Trump has ordered the FDA to speed up reviews of ibogaine, a federally illegal Schedule I psychedelic, as veterans push for it to treat PTSD and traumatic brain injuries—after new brain-scan research reported symptom improvements from a single dose. Animal Rights (Spain): Spain’s “Jane Goodall Law” bans primate experiments and their use in commercial shows, with a plan to move captive great apes to sanctuaries. Health Alert (Central Africa): WHO declared the Ebola outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern as cases spread across borders, with the Bundibugyo strain lacking targeted vaccines or treatments. Women & Investment (Cameroon/Tunisia): A cross-country programme will incubate and mentor women-led businesses across several African markets. AI Adoption Map (2026): UAE leads AI usage by working-age adults, while the US lags despite leading AI development. Gabon Industry Push: Gabon’s president warned Comilog to process manganese locally by 2029 or face alternatives.

Psychedelic Policy Shock: The Trump administration is fast-tracking FDA review of ibogaine, a federally illegal Schedule I psychedelic, after veterans pushed it as a potential treatment for PTSD and traumatic brain injuries—while new brain-scan research reports symptom improvements after a single dose. AI Adoption Map: A new 2026 snapshot shows the UAE leading AI use (70% of working-age adults), Singapore close behind (63%), and the US lagging despite leading AI development. Gabon Spotlight: Gabon’s Bwiti-linked iboga tradition is getting renewed attention as the drug’s spotlight could bring investment—raising big questions about medical access and regulation. Migration Pressure: A report says US deportation deals for third-country migrants are getting more secretive and weakening checks and balances. Health Emergency Watch: WHO declared an Ebola outbreak in Central Africa a global health emergency as cases spread across borders, with no targeted vaccine for this rare strain.

Global Health Emergency: WHO has declared the escalating Ebola outbreak in the DRC and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, as cases and cross-border spread strain already overwhelmed health systems. Gender Justice & Tech Abuse: In Banjul, ACT Africa groups urged stronger action against violence against women and girls, flagging cyberstalking, tech-facilitated abuse, weak reporting channels, and climate shocks. Gabon Industrial Push: At the Africa CEO Forum in Kigali, Gabon’s president warned Comilog to start processing manganese locally by 2029 or face alternatives. France Repositioning: Macron wrapped the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi with €23bn in new investment promises, while African leaders repeated “sovereignty” and critics questioned whether it’s truly a break from Françafrique. Mining Finance Watch: Genmin says it’s drawing serious project-finance interest for Gabon’s Baniaka iron ore, including offers tied to a full $200m funding target. U.S. Visa Friction: A new study says several African countries face the steepest barriers to U.S. entry, with very high visa rejection rates.

Women’s Safety Push: Africa leaders wrapped up a Banjul workshop calling for stronger action against violence against women, with fresh alarm over cyberstalking, tech-facilitated abuse, weak justice systems, and climate shocks hitting women hardest. Ebola Emergency: The WHO declared the Central Africa Ebola outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern as cases and cross-border spread rise, with the Bundibugyo strain complicating containment and no targeted vaccine or treatment in place. Gabon Industry Pressure: In Kigali at Africa CEO Forum, Gabon’s president told Comilog to start processing manganese locally by 2029 or face alternatives—another push for industrial sovereignty. France Africa Reset: At the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, Macron announced €23bn in new investment, while leaders stressed “sovereign equality” over dependency. Oil Market Watch: UAE’s exit from OPEC is raising new uncertainty for African oil exporters and importers alike.

Global Health Emergency: WHO has declared the Ebola outbreak in DR Congo and neighbouring Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, as deaths rise in Ituri and cases spread across borders—yet the virus strain (Bundibugyo) is rare and there’s still no targeted vaccine or treatment, making containment harder. Gabon Industry Push: At the Africa CEO Forum in Kigali, Gabon’s President Brice Oligui Nguema warned Comilog (Eramet) to start processing manganese locally by 2029 or face competitors—another sign of Gabon tightening control over how it turns raw minerals into value. France-Africa Money Talks: In Nairobi, Macron wrapped the Africa Forward Summit with €23bn in new investment pledges, while Kenya’s Ruto repeated “sovereignty” and pushed back against dependency. Mining Finance Watch: Genmin says it’s drawing strong project-finance interest for its Baniaka iron ore plan in Gabon, including offers that could fund the full ~$200m. Tech Angle: Not much fresh tech-specific news this week beyond Macron’s push for Africa-Europe tech and AI capacity-building.

Global Health Emergency: WHO has declared the Central Africa Ebola outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern as cases surge across borders, with health systems under strain and the need for faster coordinated action now front and center. Education Spotlight: Nigeria’s NECO marks 25 years since 1999, with pass rates rising sharply in recent years as it expands exam access across multiple countries. France-Africa Reset: At the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, Emmanuel Macron announced €23bn in Africa investments, while Kenya’s William Ruto pushed “sovereign equality” over dependency—amid fresh debate over France’s legacy influence. Gabon Industry Pressure: Gabon’s president warned Comilog to start processing manganese locally by 2029 or face alternatives. Mining Finance Watch: Genmin says it’s drawing strong international project-finance interest for its $200m Baniaka iron ore plan in Gabon. Tech & Money: BEAC backs a “digital CFA franc” pegged to the CFA to block dollar-backed stablecoins from taking over payments in CEMAC.

Global Health Emergency: The WHO has declared the Ebola outbreak in Central Africa a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, warning of rapid cross-border spread and overwhelmed health systems, with confirmed cases now reported across three neighboring countries and 487 cases/292 deaths as of May 16. Gabon & Mining: In Kigali at the Africa CEO Forum, Gabon’s president told French miner Comilog: process manganese locally by 2029 or face alternatives. France-Africa Tech Push: At the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, Macron announced €23bn for Africa across energy, AI and agriculture, while calling for an Africa-Europe tech partnership and more digital training. Energy Markets Watch: The UAE’s move to exit OPEC is raising fears of more price volatility for oil-dependent African economies. CEMAC Payments: BEAC backs a “digital CFA franc” pegged to the CFA to block dollar-backed stablecoins and protect monetary sovereignty.

Nigeria Oil Reality Check: A new report says decades of oil and gas output haven’t cut poverty or sparked broad growth, arguing the sector was built for export returns—not resilient local economies—while countries export crude and still import costly fuel. Gabon Mining Ultimatum: At the Africa CEO Forum in Kigali, Gabon’s president told French miner Comilog to start processing manganese locally by 2029 or face rivals, pushing for industrial sovereignty beyond raw ore exports. France-Africa Reset: At the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, Macron announced €23bn in Africa investment and talked “sovereign equality,” as Kenya’s Ruto repeated sovereignty and the debate over France’s legacy and influence stays loud. Digital Money Fight: BEAC is backing a “digital CFA franc” pegged to the CFA to block dollar-backed stablecoins from spreading in CEMAC. Film & Culture: Cannes 2026 will spotlight three African films in Un Certain Regard, signaling growing global appetite for African stories.

Gabon’s manganese ultimatum: President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema told French miner Comilog (Eramet) to start processing Gabon’s manganese locally by 2029—or risk losing out to others—at the Africa CEO Forum in Kigali, putting industrial sovereignty front and center. Gabon iron ore financing push: Genmin says it’s drawing serious project-finance interest for its Baniaka iron ore plan, including a Middle East consortium offer for the full $200m via a new JV, plus Chinese stake talks and trader prepayment/bridge options. France-Africa reset in Nairobi: At the Africa Forward Summit, Emmanuel Macron announced €23bn for energy, AI and agriculture, while Kenya’s William Ruto repeated “sovereignty” and framed ties as investment, not dependency—against a backdrop of ongoing Françafrique fallout. CEMAC digital money move: BEAC is backing a sovereign “digital CFA franc” pegged 1:1 to the CFA to block dollar-backed stablecoins from taking over payments. Ocean access gap: A fresh op-ed argues marine conservation fails when the ocean is structurally out of reach for disabled people, older adults, and marginalized communities.

Gabon Local Processing Push: President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema told French miner Comilog to start processing manganese in Gabon by 2029 or face rivals—turning a raw-export business into a domestic industry test. Project Finance Watch: Genmin says international investors are circling its Baniaka iron ore plan, including a Middle East consortium offer for the full $200m via a JV and other bids for stakes and prepayment funding. France-Africa Reset: At the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, Emmanuel Macron announced €23bn for energy, AI and agriculture, while Kenya’s William Ruto repeated “sovereignty” and pushed back against dependency. Digital Money Rule: BEAC is backing a “digital CFA franc” pegged to the CFA to block dollar-backed stablecoins from taking over CEMAC payments. Conservation Access Gap: A new op-ed argues ocean protection fails when the sea is structurally out of reach for disabled, older and marginalized communities.

Cannes Spotlight: The 2026 Cannes Film Festival is putting more African stories on the global map, with three African films in Un Certain Regard and fresh demand signals that African cinema is outpacing supply worldwide. Gabon Mining Push: Genmin says international investors and traders are circling its Baniaka iron ore project, with proposals for the full $200m funding package, including a Middle East consortium JV offer and Chinese interest for a 51% stake. Africa CEO Forum Momentum: Kigali’s Africa CEO Forum is drawing 2,800 leaders to tackle investment bottlenecks and push a new “Africa-first” agenda as global trade shifts. France-Africa Reset: At the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, Macron announced €23bn for energy, AI and agriculture, while Kenya’s Ruto repeated “sovereignty” as the debate over dependency vs partnership heats up. CEMAC Digital Money: BEAC is backing a sovereign “digital CFA franc” to block dollar-backed stablecoins from eroding monetary control. Gabon Psychedelic Attention: A new spotlight on iboga and ibogaine continues to build after a US regulatory review push, raising expectations of new interest in Gabon’s traditional medicine sector.

Mining Finance: Genmin says international investors and traders are circling its Gabon Baniaka iron ore project, with proposals to raise the full $200mn ahead of a final investment decision—ranging from a Middle East consortium’s JV offer, to a Chinese entity seeking 51%+ plus construction and technical support, plus offtake prepayment and bridge financing options. Africa Deal-Making: The Africa CEO Forum in Kigali is positioning itself as the place where presidents and business leaders tackle the bottlenecks that keep investment flowing, with conversations spreading across major hubs. France-Africa Money Push: At the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, Macron announced €23bn ($27bn) for energy, AI and agriculture, while Kenya’s Ruto repeated “sovereignty” as the theme of new partnerships. CEMAC Digital Currency: BEAC is backing a digital CFA franc pegged to the CFA to block dollar-backed stablecoins from eroding monetary control. Gabon Watch: Separate reporting highlights ongoing pressure on Gabon-linked infrastructure timelines, with delays and low on-site progress still dogging a border road project.

Africa-France Tech Push: Macron’s Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi just wrapped with a €23B (US$27B) investment pledge, targeting energy, AI and agriculture, while Kenya’s Ruto hammered “sovereignty” and “win-win” terms—an attempt to reset the relationship after years of Françafrique backlash. Gabon Spotlight (Health + Resources): In Gabon, iboga treatment culture is back in the global spotlight as regulators move to review ibogaine, and Vaalco says its Gabon Phase Three drilling is underway. Conservation Data Fight: A new review says participatory mapping is growing fast in Africa, but standards on ethics and data ownership still lag—highlighting cases like Gabon where community maps challenge “empty forest” claims. Digital Money Watch: BEAC is pushing a digital CFA franc pegged to the CFA to block dollar-backed stablecoins from taking over CEMAC payments. Oil Market Shock: UAE’s exit from OPEC adds fresh uncertainty for oil-dependent African economies, with risks of more price volatility.

France-Africa Reset: Macron wrapped the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi with a €23bn (US$27bn) investment push across energy, AI and agriculture, framing it as “sovereign equality” rather than aid—while Ruto repeated “sovereignty” eight times and the fallout from France’s West Africa troubles still hangs over the talks. Tech & Skills: Macron also pushed a Europe-Africa tech alliance, linking AI progress to energy buildout and pitching Orange Digital Centers to train 1 million young Africans by 2030. Energy Watch: UAE’s exit from OPEC raises fresh uncertainty for oil-dependent African economies, with exporters bracing for revenue pressure and importers eyeing cheaper fuel. CEMAC Payments: BEAC is backing a digital CFA franc pegged to the CFA to block “digital dollarization” from stablecoins. Gabon Business: ReconAfrica says Namibia’s Kavango West 1X production test is nearing, while Gabon’s Genmin reports strong project-finance interest for Baniaka iron.

Africa-France Reset: Macron wrapped the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi by pitching a $27B package for energy, AI and agriculture, with Ruto repeating “sovereignty” and pushing “win-win” partnerships over dependency. Digital Money Fight: In CEMAC, BEAC is backing a “digital CFA franc” pegged 1:1 to block dollar-backed stablecoins and protect monetary control. Oil Shock Watch: The UAE’s exit from OPEC is set to reshape price dynamics—good for some importers, risky for oil exporters like Nigeria and Angola. Gabon Tech/Industry Signals: Gabon-linked energy investment continues as Vaalco reports progress on its Etame wells and the Gabon Phase Three drilling push. Regional Infrastructure Pressure: Cameroon’s border road project is still far behind schedule despite state funding. Markets: Australia’s ASX took a hit after CBA’s earnings miss and higher loan-loss provisions. Health & Policy: A global crackdown seized $15.5M in counterfeit medicines, while AI-in-health regulators are being urged to tighten data rules.