AGP Executive Report

New Species Discovery (DRC): Scientists have identified a new Congo Basin monkey, Colobus congoensis (“lik­weli”), with orange lips and distinctive roars/snorts—only the fifth new African monkey species in 75 years, raising hopes more unknown primates remain in remote Lomami National Park. Digital Education (Africa): Airtel Africa, via the Airtel Africa Foundation and UNICEF, plans to connect 5,000 schools to free internet by 2027; the program has already reached 3,296 schools and zero-rated 64 learning platforms for millions of learners. Digital Banking (Gabon & region): BGFI Bank Group has renewed its partnership with SBS to deploy the SBS Digital Banking Suite across subsidiaries, starting with pilots, as part of its 2026–2030 digital push. Instant Payments (CEMAC): BEAC has joined PAPSS, enabling faster cross-border payments across Central Africa in local currencies, now linking 28 African countries. Energy Value Chain (Cape Town): NNPC and other African national oil companies will meet Oct 12 in Cape Town to push regional refining, cross-border petroleum trade, and a more integrated energy market. Health (Early menopause): A BMJ Global Health study estimates early menopause affects 1 in 14 women (30–49) in low and middle-income countries, with major long-term health risks.

Digital Banking in Gabon: BGFI Bank Group has renewed its partnership with SBS and will roll out the SBS Digital Banking Suite under BGFI 30 (2026–2030), starting with two pilot subsidiaries before expanding across its Africa and Europe network. Cross-Border Payments: BEAC has joined PAPSS, bringing instant, local-currency payments to CEMAC countries and connecting 28 African countries, with more banks and fintechs reachable via network partners. Energy & Minerals: Oil producers are ramping up critical minerals exploration and downstream investment to diversify away from crude exports, while NNPC and African oil companies plan a $5bn energy bank agenda focused on regional refining and gas development. Oil & Gas Tech: NOG Energy Week highlights FLNG as a fast-growing way to process and export offshore gas, with Africa already hosting multiple FLNG projects including Gabon. Air Connectivity: ValueJet says it will induct its first Boeing aircraft to boost passenger and cargo capacity and expand regional routes, with Boeing-facilitated maintenance training in Lagos. Circular Construction in Gabon’s Culture: The Gabonsa Pavilion at Austria’s Gabonsa Music Festival uses reversible timber construction to explore circular building and low-resource temporary public space. Space Platform: Space in Africa’s NewSpace Africa Conference Impact Report (2022–2026) says the event has grown into a major continental space policy and investment forum, with the 2026 edition held in Libreville. Health Research: A BMJ Global Health study estimates early or premature menopause affects 1 in 14 women (ages 30–49) in low and middle-income countries, with higher rates in rural areas.

Circular Construction in Gabon’s Culture Tech: Students in Austria built the Gabonsa Pavilion for the Gabonsa Music Festival using 4-meter timber beams, screw joints, and reversible connections—no adhesives—turning a temporary structure into low-resource public space while helping reactivate a former landfill site. Instant Payments for Central Africa: BEAC has joined PAPSS, extending instant, local-currency cross-border payments across CEMAC—now reaching 28 African countries and hundreds of banks/fintechs, with a BCEAO pilot planned later this year. Gabon on the Global Relay Map: CRRC’s “One Ball, One Planet” 24-hour soccer relay broadcast across multiple host cities including Gabon, pushing its “Green Mobility, Sustainable Future” message through youth-led presentations. Digital Education Push: Airtel Africa plans to connect 5,000 schools with free internet by 2027 via UNICEF, building on thousands already connected and zero-rated learning platforms. Energy & Gas Tech in Africa: NOG Energy Week highlights FLNG as a fast-growing way to process and export offshore gas from floating facilities—already operating in Cameroon, Mozambique, Congo, and Gabon. Health Research: A BMJ Global Health study finds early menopause affects 1 in 14 women (30–49) in low and middle-income countries, with higher rates in rural areas.

Aviation & Connectivity: Nigeria’s ValueJet plans to add Boeing 737 aircraft to its fleet, boosting passenger and cargo capacity and enabling longer routes across Africa, with engineers in Lagos receiving specialised Boeing 737NG maintenance training. Digital Education: Airtel Africa and UNICEF aim to connect 5,000 schools across 14 countries with free internet by 2027, building on thousands of schools already connected and zero-rated learning platforms. Gabon in the Spotlight (Space): Space in Africa says its NewSpace Africa Conference has grown into a major continental space platform, with the 2026 edition in Libreville drawing nearly 700 delegates. Energy & Gas Monetisation: At NOG Energy Week 2026, speakers highlighted FLNG as a fast-growing way to commercialise offshore gas, noting Africa hosts multiple FLNG projects including in Gabon. Public Health: A BMJ Global Health study estimates early menopause affects 1 in 14 women (ages 30–49) in low and middle-income countries, with higher rates in rural areas. Fintech: Liberia’s BanffPay secured a PSP license to launch a unified Pay-In/Pay-Out API for digital payments. Health & Science (Ibogaine): MAPS released an open-access ibogaine investigator’s brochure, making key safety and dosing information freely available for researchers and policymakers. Health Security (Ebola): Russia says it’s supporting DRC and Uganda’s Ebola response with diagnostic testing and mobile lab support.

Oil & Gas Security: Gabon’s offshore gas push stays in focus as FLNG and LNG carrier-to-FSU conversion plans expand storage and export capacity, with industry linking the shift to faster delivery and lower flaring. Digital Education: Airtel Africa says it will connect 5,000 schools across its 14 markets with free internet by 2027 via UNICEF, building on thousands of schools already zero-rated for learning content. Fintech in West Africa: Liberia’s BanffPay wins a Central Bank PSP license to launch a unified Pay-In/Pay-Out API, aiming to simplify business payments and strengthen the local digital finance ecosystem. Space for Africa: Space in Africa’s NewSpace Africa Conference impact report highlights how the event grew into a major continental space platform, with the 2026 edition held in Libreville. Public Health (Gabon-linked): A BMJ Global Health study estimates early menopause affects 1 in 14 women (30–49) in low and middle-income countries, with Gabon among the included nations. Wildlife & Conservation: Conservation groups warn vulture populations across Central Africa face rising poisoning and belief-driven demand spreading from West Africa. Health Story: A noma survivor’s journey shows how specialist care and survivor-led support can help patients rebuild lives after severe facial disease.

Digital Education: Airtel Africa says it will connect 5,000 schools across 14 countries with free internet by 2027 via UNICEF, building on 3,296 schools already connected and zero-rated learning platforms. Mobile Money & Fintech: Liberia’s BanffPay wins a Central Bank PSP license to launch the country’s first unified pay-in/pay-out payment API, aiming to simplify digital payments for businesses and consumers. Telecom Leadership: Moov Africa Togo’s CEO profile highlights network coverage claims (98% of the country), mobile money growth, and a push to meet BCEAO electronic money rules. Space for Africa: Space in Africa releases its NewSpace Africa Conference Impact Report, noting the event’s jump to nearly 700 delegates and positioning Libreville, Gabon as a key hub for African space policy and investment. Oil & Gas Tech: NOG Energy Week spotlights FLNG as a fast-growing LNG route, with Africa hosting multiple FLNG projects including Gabon. Public Health: A BMJ Global Health study estimates early menopause affects 1 in 14 women (30–49) in low and middle-income countries, with rural rates higher. Wildlife & Conservation: The documentary “Silent Forests” follows efforts to protect critically endangered Congo Basin forest elephants amid funding and corruption challenges. Ecosystem Pressure: New reporting warns vulture populations face rising poisoning and belief-driven demand spreading from West Africa into Central Africa.

Digital Education: Airtel Africa says it will connect 5,000 schools across 14 countries with free internet by 2027 via UNICEF, building on 3,296 schools already connected and zero-rated learning platforms. Public Health: A BMJ Global Health study estimates early or premature menopause affects 1 in 14 women aged 30–49 in low and middle-income countries, with higher rates in rural areas and added pressure on health systems. Oil & Gas / LNG: NOG Energy Week highlights FLNG as a fast-growing way to process and export offshore gas, with Africa hosting multiple FLNG projects including Cameroon, Mozambique, Congo, and Gabon. Gabon Tech / Space: Space in Africa’s NewSpace Africa Impact Report says the 2026 conference in Libreville drew nearly 700 delegates, underscoring Gabon’s growing role in Africa’s space policy and investment scene. Gabon Energy Infrastructure: Svanehoj will supply LTD gauging systems for an LNG carrier-to-FSU conversion supporting Gabon’s offshore gas expansion and reduced flaring. Fintech: Liberia’s BanffPay wins a Central Bank PSP license to launch the country’s first unified pay-in/pay-out API for digital payments. Conservation: A documentary spotlight on “Silent Forests” follows central Africa’s fight to protect forest elephants amid corruption, funding gaps, and poaching pressure. Telecom Leadership (Gabon): Moov Africa Togo’s CEO profile points to network coverage claims and mobile money market share gains amid regulatory enforcement. Environment: Global Forest Watch reports 25.5M hectares of tree cover loss in 2025, with fires driving most loss and Congo Basin forests still under heavy pressure.

Digital Education Access: Airtel Africa says it will connect 5,000 schools across 14 countries with free internet by 2027 via UNICEF, building on earlier school connectivity and zero-rated learning platforms. Public Health Research: A BMJ Global Health study estimates early or premature menopause affects 1 in 14 women aged 30–49 in low and middle-income countries, with higher rates in rural areas and added strain on health systems. Space & Policy: Space in Africa released its NewSpace Africa Conference Impact Report (2022–2026), showing the event’s growth into a major continental space platform, with the 2026 edition held in Libreville, Gabon. Oil & Gas Infrastructure: Industry discussions at NOG Energy Week highlight FLNG as a fast-growing LNG route for offshore gas, with Africa hosting multiple FLNG projects including Cameroon, Mozambique, Congo, and Gabon. Gabon Tech & Telecom: Moov Africa Togo’s CEO profile points to network coverage claims and mobile money expansion, including the creation of Moov Money Togo under BCEAO requirements. Fintech in the Region: Liberia’s BanffPay secured a Central Bank PSP license to launch a unified Pay-In/Pay-Out API, aiming to simplify business and consumer digital payments. Conservation & Wildlife: The documentary “Silent Forests” spotlights central Africa’s fight to protect forest elephants amid poaching, funding gaps, and corruption challenges.

Digital Education: Airtel Africa says it will connect 5,000 schools across 14 countries with free internet by 2027 via UNICEF, building on 3,296 schools already connected and zero-rated learning platforms. Public Health Research: A BMJ Global Health study estimates early menopause affects 1 in 14 women aged 30–49 in low and middle-income countries, with higher rates in rural areas and added pressure on health systems. Space & Policy: Space in Africa released its NewSpace Africa Conference Impact Report (2022–2026), showing the event’s growth into a major continental platform, with the 2026 edition in Libreville drawing nearly 700 delegates. Oil & Gas Infrastructure: NOG Energy Week highlights FLNG as a fast-growing LNG solution, and Svanehoj signed a contract to supply LTD gauging systems for Gabon’s LNG carrier-to-FSU conversion. Fintech in West Africa: Liberia’s BanffPay secured a Payment Service Provider license to launch the country’s first unified pay-in/pay-out payment API. Conservation Tech & Data: Global Forest Watch reports 25.5M hectares of tree cover loss in 2025, driven mainly by fires, with Congo Basin forests still under heavy pressure. Gabon Telecom Business: Moov Africa Togo’s CEO profile spotlights network coverage claims and mobile money transformation efforts after regulatory actions.

Conservation & Wildlife: A new profile of the 2019 documentary Silent Forests spotlights central Africa’s fight to protect critically endangered forest elephants, citing major losses from poaching and the uphill battle against corruption and funding gaps. Digital Education: Airtel Africa, with UNICEF, says it will connect 5,000 schools across 14 countries with free internet by 2027, building on thousands already connected and millions reaching zero-rated learning platforms. Health Research: A BMJ Global Health study estimates early or premature menopause affects 1 in 14 women aged 30–49 in low- and middle-income countries, with higher rates in rural areas and links to serious long-term health risks. Gabon Tech & Finance: BanffPay (Liberia) wins a Central Bank PSP license to launch a unified pay-in/pay-out API, a sign of fintech infrastructure maturing across the region. Space & Policy: Space in Africa releases its NewSpace Africa Conference impact report, saying the event has grown into a major continental space platform, with the 2026 edition held in Libreville. Energy & LNG in Gabon: NOG Energy Week highlights FLNG as a fast-growing LNG option, and Svanehoj signs on for LTD gauging systems for an LNG carrier-to-FSU conversion tied to Gabon’s offshore gas buildout.

Digital Education: Airtel Africa says it will connect 5,000 schools across 14 countries with free internet by 2027, building on its UNICEF partnership that has already linked 3,296 schools and zero-rated 64 learning platforms. Health Research: A BMJ Global Health study estimates early or premature menopause affects 1 in 14 women aged 30–49 in low and middle-income countries, with higher rates in rural areas and added risks for heart disease and osteoporosis. Gabon Energy & LNG: At NOG Energy Week 2026, industry leaders highlighted FLNG as a fast-growing way to process and export offshore gas, noting Africa hosts multiple FLNG projects including in Gabon. Gabon Space Sector: Space in Africa’s NewSpace Africa Conference impact report says the event has grown into the continent’s top space platform, with the 2026 edition held in Libreville, Gabon. Fintech for Businesses: Optasia says it has launched merchant lending across its footprint, including new deployments in Gabon, as MSME credit gaps push fintech toward business-focused funding. Telecom Policy: Cambodia’s AI governance dialogue in Geneva included meetings with digital ministers from African countries, including Gabon’s Mark-Alexandre Doumba, to share digital transformation and verification efforts.

UN AI Governance: Cambodia’s Post and Telecommunications Minister Chea Vandeth met UN tech envoy Amandeep Singh Gill in Geneva, highlighting digital literacy efforts and public digital infrastructure like verify.gov.kh, while also sharing lessons with African digital ministers including Gabon’s Mark-Alexandre Doumba. Oil & Gas: At NOG Energy Week 2026, industry leaders flagged FLNG as a fast-growing way to commercialise offshore gas, with Africa hosting multiple FLNG projects across Cameroon, Mozambique, Congo, and Gabon. Health Research: A BMJ Global Health study estimates early menopause affects 1 in 14 women (ages 30–49) in low- and middle-income countries, with higher rates in rural areas; Gabon appears among included countries. Open Science: MAPS released an Ibogaine Investigator’s Brochure as free, open-access research material, aiming to widen access for academics and policymakers. Ebola Support: Russia’s Rospotrebnadzor said it’s helping DRC and Uganda contain Ebola with diagnostic support and mobile lab capacity. Fintech for MSMEs: Optasia says it launched merchant lending and expanded deployments, including into Gabon, as Africa’s fintech shift targets business credit gaps. Payments in Liberia: BanffPay secured a Central Bank of Liberia PSP license to launch a unified pay-in/pay-out API for digital payments. Space Platform: Space in Africa published a NewSpace Africa Conference impact report, noting the event’s growth into a major continental space policy and investment forum, with the 2026 edition held in Libreville, Gabon.

Oil & Gas: At NOG Energy Week 2026, industry leaders highlighted Floating LNG (FLNG) as a fast-growing way to commercialise offshore gas across Africa, with projects already operating in Cameroon, Mozambique, Congo, Gabon and the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim field, and more expected. Health Research: A BMJ Global Health study estimates early menopause affects 1 in 14 women aged 30–49 in low and middle-income countries, with Gabon among the countries studied and higher rates in rural areas. Space & Policy: Space in Africa released its NewSpace Africa Conference Impact Report (2022–2026), saying the Libreville 2026 edition drew nearly 700 delegates from 73 countries and has become a major platform for space policy, investment and partnerships. Fintech in Gabon: Optasia says its merchant lending push is expanding, with new deployments including Gabon, as it shifts more toward financing MSMEs. Telecom & Digital Payments: Liberia’s BanffPay secured a Central Bank PSP license to launch a unified pay-in/pay-out API, aiming to simplify digital payments for businesses and consumers. Maritime Energy Tech: Svanehoj won a contract to supply LTD gauging systems for an LNG carrier-to-FSU conversion tied to Gabon’s offshore gas infrastructure buildout. Trade Quality in Gabon: SGS renewed Gabon’s pre-export verification of conformity (PVoC) mandate, extending a decade-long partnership with Gabonese authorities.

Public Health: A BMJ Global Health pooled study estimates early menopause affects 1 in 14 women aged 30–49 in low and middle-income countries, with higher rates in rural areas; researchers warn it can raise risks like cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis, and note education and delayed childbearing may reduce risk—Gabon is among the countries included. Digital Development: Cambodia is pushing digital literacy and infrastructure through AI governance talks, community tech centres, school computer labs, and its verify.gov.kh verification platform, while meeting African digital ministers including Gabon’s. Space for Africa: Space in Africa released its NewSpace Africa Conference Impact Report (2022–2026), showing the event’s growth into a major continental space policy and investment platform, with the 2026 conference held in Libreville, Gabon. Fintech in West Africa: Liberia’s BanffPay secured a Central Bank PSP license to launch a unified Pay-In/Pay-Out payments API, aiming to simplify digital payments for businesses and consumers. Gabon Energy Tech: Svanehoj won LNG conversion work tied to Gabon’s offshore gas expansion, supplying LTD gauging systems for an LNG carrier-to-FSU project. Open Science: MAPS published an ibogaine Investigator’s Brochure as a free, open-access resource for researchers and policymakers.

Space & Innovation: Space in Africa released its first-ever NewSpace Africa Conference Impact Report (2022–2026), showing how the Nairobi-launched forum grew from 100 delegates to nearly 700 in Libreville (2026), shaping Africa’s space policy, investment and partnerships. Telecom Leadership (Gabon/Togo): Moov Africa Togo’s CEO Younes El Bedraoui says the operator holds 43% of mobile telecom and 42% of mobile money market share, pushing a Moov Money Togo S.A. setup to meet BCEAO electronic money rules while expanding service quality. Health Research (Gabon in the mix): A BMJ Global Health pooled study finds early menopause affects about 1 in 14 women aged 30–49 in low- and middle-income countries, with rural areas hit harder; Gabon is among the countries analyzed. Open Science (Ibogaine): MAPS published a free, open-access Ibogaine Investigator’s Brochure, making key preclinical and safety/regulatory data publicly available for researchers and policymakers. Ebola Response (DRC/Uganda): Russia says it’s supporting Ebola containment in DRC and Uganda via Rospotrebnadzor specialists and Russian-developed diagnostic tests, including mobile lab support. Fintech (Gabon-linked): Optasia’s AI-led fintech growth update points to expanding merchant lending, with new deployments including Gabon. Energy Infrastructure (Gabon): Svanehoj signed LNG conversion work tied to Gabon’s offshore gas buildout, supplying LTD gauging systems for an LNG carrier-to-FSU conversion. Payments (Liberia): BanffPay secured a Central Bank of Liberia PSP license to launch Liberia’s first unified Pay-In/Pay-Out payment API for digital wallets and business integrations. Trade Quality (Gabon): SGS renewed Gabon’s pre-export verification of conformity (PVoC) mandate, extending a decade-long partnership with Gabonese authorities. Climate & Forests: New findings on Congo Basin forests suggest managed logging concessions can boost net carbon removal, sparking debate over the best way to protect Central Africa’s rainforests.

Health & Policy: A new BMJ Global Health pooled analysis finds early menopause affects about 1 in 14 women aged 30–49 in low- and middle-income countries, with rural women hit harder; Gabon is listed among the countries with relatively high prevalence near 3%. Open Science: MAPS has released an Ibogaine Investigator’s Brochure as a free, open-access resource, aiming to make key preclinical and safety data easier for researchers and regulators to use. Ebola Response: Russia says it will support DRC and Uganda’s Ebola containment, including sending specialists and using Russian-developed diagnostic tests, building on earlier mobile lab support. Fintech in the Region: Liberia’s BanffPay secured a Central Bank PSP license to launch a unified Pay-In/Pay-Out API, while Gabon-linked Optasia growth and merchant lending expansion highlight how digital finance is shifting toward MSME credit. Gabon Tech & Industry: SGS renewed Gabon’s pre-export verification of conformity mandate for another decade, and marine firm Svanehoj won LNG conversion work tied to Gabon’s offshore gas buildout. Environment & Conservation: Research flags rising vulture threats across Central Africa as belief-driven demand spreads from West Africa.