AGP Executive Report

UN World Map Reform: The UN General Assembly backed Togo- and African Union-backed “Correct the Map” resolution, urging governments, schools and tech firms to use equal-area projections like Equal Earth so Africa is shown at its true relative size; the vote passed 164-1 with the US the only “no,” and six abstentions, while the Mercator map is not banned. AU Regional Integration: AU Commission Chair Mahmoud Ali Youssouf welcomed Somalia’s ratification of the AfCFTA, calling it a step toward deeper continental trade and stressing that peace and stability are key to unlocking Somalia’s economic potential. Security & Conflict Spillover: The US warned the UN Security Council that Sudan’s war could spill across borders and destabilize the region, citing concerns raised with Chad’s president amid reports of strikes inside Chadian territory. Counterterrorism Focus: As the US marks 9/11’s 25th anniversary, AFRICOM is calling Africa’s Sahel “the epicenter of global terrorism,” pointing to growing Al-Qaeda/ISIS affiliate activity. Energy Access for Health: Graced Energy Professionals for Africa supplied basic lighting and fans to rural health centres in Oyo and Ogun, linking reliable electricity to better care conditions. Governance & Accountability (South Africa): Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala court challenge continued as his legal team argued opposition claims about public disclosure are “populist slogans,” amid impeachment-related proceedings. Political Campaigning (Nigeria): ADC leaders stepped up 2027 election messaging in Zamfara and warned against re-electing Tinubu, framing the choice as a poverty-or-subsidy decision.

UN Governance & Representation: The UN General Assembly adopted the African-backed “Correct the Map” resolution, urging governments, schools and tech firms to use more accurate equal-area world maps (including Equal Earth) instead of the Mercator projection that has long made Africa look smaller; 164 countries backed it, the US voted against, and Togo led the AU campaign. AU Peace & Conflict Prevention: At the AU’s 21st Extraordinary Session in Angola, Cameroon’s PM Dion Ngute pushed for stronger early-warning systems and fully operational conflict-prevention frameworks, with focus on Sudan, the Sahel and DRC. Youth & Innovation in Nigeria: Kaduna’s Gov. Uba Sani marked International Youth Day by funding youth innovators with N3m each, including a walking aid for visually impaired people and microchip designers. Humanitarian Response to Xenophobia: Ghana evacuated 41 more citizens from South Africa amid xenophobic attacks, bringing returnees to about 1,600 since May 2026. Political Accountability & Elections (Nigeria): The ADC released governorship and deputy governorship candidates for 2027 across 28 states, while Atiku’s camp renewed calls for public scrutiny of Tinubu’s records. Public Finance Oversight (Zambia): Zambia’s PAC chairperson question resurfaced as observers weigh whether the watchdog will return to its tougher stance on public spending.

UN Governance: The UN General Assembly is set to vote on replacing the Mercator world map with “Equal Earth” and other equal-area projections, backed by Togo and all 54 African Union states under the #CorrectTheMap push. South Africa Municipal Delivery: Germany and France pledged €300m (R5.6bn) in concessional loans to help fix electricity, water, sanitation and waste services in eight failing metros through the Metro Trading Services Reform programme. Nigeria–Niger Coup Claims: Nigeria’s foreign ministry denied social-media allegations that it and ECOWAS backed a failed Niger coup, reiterating zero tolerance for unconstitutional power grabs. South Africa Xenophobia Response: Nigeria’s government said RCCG donated $265,854 to fund 500 one-way tickets to evacuate Nigerians from South Africa amid renewed xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks. Horn of Africa Security/AI: IGAD urged member states to use AI to speed development and integration, while Somalia’s defence minister warned governments not to pay ransoms to pirates. Health Systems: Africa CDC said Congo’s Ebola response is still missing key community-based surveillance and other gaps as cases spread faster than teams can track.

Parliament & Policy: Malaysia’s Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul urged lawmakers across Africa to turn demographic realities like ageing into real laws, budgets and institutions. Education Governance: South Africa’s Basic Education Department says an independent probe found no fraud in the Foundation Phase textbook catalogue linked to Lighthouse Publishers, while another report highlights Gauteng’s school safety crisis with raids uncovering weapons and drugs. Executive Accountability: South Africa’s Phala Phala case continues as court hears claims about money allegedly hidden in a couch, with arguments focused on what counts as prohibited “paid work.” Public Services & Rights: Johannesburg’s Children’s Memorial Institute says a R44m billing dispute led to electricity disconnections affecting child-welfare NPOs and hospital laundry operations. Health & Security: Africa CDC says Congo’s Ebola response is still lagging on community surveillance as cases surge amid insecurity and displacement. Regional Governance: Somalia held its first in-country EALA public hearing on an anti-FGM bill, as Somalia’s FGM prevalence remains extremely high. Finance & Institutions: Nigeria’s Tinubu welcomed the AU’s October 7 launch of the African Credit Rating Agency, pushing for fairer risk assessments grounded in African realities. Corruption & Justice: Uganda’s SGBV coalition petitioned police and district leaders over alleged extortion and barriers to justice for survivors. Energy & Economy: Nigeria’s Niger Delta saw at least 37 deaths after people inhaled fumes during pipeline fuel theft, while West Africa’s MSGBC gas push shifts toward execution and investment. Digital Economy: Uber’s $16.9bn deal to buy Delivery Hero could reshape Africa’s delivery “last mile,” pending regulatory approvals.

Judicial Accountability: Ghana’s Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie faces pushback after comments on the previous administration’s institutional performance, with IMANI Africa’s Franklin Cudjoe defending the right to speak publicly. Health & Protection: A documented refugee died on a Durban pavement after months without shelter disrupted TB treatment, as about 250 refugees remain displaced on Che Guevara Road. Migration Politics in Europe: Spain’s Ceuta crisis sparked tens of thousands of protests nationwide, while the Spanish PM demanded Morocco stop “unacceptable” remarks and summoned its ambassador. Democratic Transition: Zambia’s Hakainde Hichilema was sworn in for a second term after tense elections, promising growth while critics cite intimidation and opposition restrictions. Trade & Governance: The US moved to extend AGOA trade preferences to end-2028, but forced-labour compliance could trigger new levies. Competition & Local Economies (South Africa): The Competition Commission will probe exclusionary mall practices affecting township and rural retailers. Energy & Municipal Services: South Africa secured €300m concessional loans for Metro Trading Services Reform to improve electricity, water, sanitation and waste in metros. Business & Finance: JPMorgan began trading on A2X ahead of Capitec’s secondary listing. Climate-Smart Agriculture: Rwanda’s Africa Food Systems Forum highlights drought-tolerant crops, but warns adoption is falling due to info gaps, counterfeits and weak distribution. Regional Diplomacy: Ethiopia plans to deploy youth to share its Green Legacy experience across Zimbabwe, Ghana and Nigeria. Sport Governance: ACG appointed former FIFA SG Fatma Samoura to its advisory board.

Parliament & Accountability: South Africa’s Phala Phala saga may bounce back to Parliament if the Western Cape High Court quashes the Section 89 panel report, with the review now underway—raising the stakes for how the ruling coalition uses its parliamentary majority. Civil Society Space: Tunisia is accused of shutting down civil society through prosecutions and long preventive detentions, with Human Rights Watch saying NGOs have been convicted and forced to stop operating. Migration & Border Governance: Spain faces mounting pressure over the Ceuta crisis after tens of thousands protested; a Spanish police report alleges Moroccan forces showed “total permissiveness,” while thousands of migrants remain stranded. Energy & Ownership: Ghana’s PM Russell Dlamini urged Africa to move from participation to ownership in energy development, backing indigenous operators and African capital. Oil & Infrastructure: Uganda named its oil “Pearl Sweet” as production ramps up, with EACOP pipeline progress central to exports. Trade & Investment: Brazil opened a permanent trade office in Addis Ababa, aiming to deepen South-South deals via BRICS. Digital & Compliance: Instarc secured funding to expand a cloud-native compliance platform in South Africa as KYC/FICA demands tighten. Local Economy: Kenya ordered a crackdown on foreign hawkers and small shops, pushing for local content rules.

Municipal Finance Accountability: South Africa’s CoGTA and Treasury are drafting a Cabinet proposal to withhold funding from national and provincial departments that repeatedly fail to pay municipalities, after Treasury cut equitable shares to 69 municipalities over financial governance lapses and unpaid property rates/services. Digital Inclusion Push: Malawi launched the Kalira Telecommunications Tower in Lilongwe Nyanja to expand last-mile connectivity for underserved communities, framing it as access to learning, trade and opportunity. Women in Transport: South Africa’s Transport Minister Barbara Creecy urged moving women from “back seat” roles to taxi ownership and leadership, citing very low female participation in the minibus taxi workforce and ownership. Gender Equity in Sport: South Africa’s CGE report says Banyana Banyana still face unclear payments, weak sponsorship and secrecy around finances; Sport Minister Gayton McKenzie pledged R100m for women’s sport. Constitutional Power Shift: Guinea-Bissau voters approved a new constitution expanding presidential powers ahead of December elections, reducing parliament seats and tightening residency rules for candidates. Governance & Security Tensions: Somalia’s parliament filed a no-confidence motion against Interior/Federal Affairs minister Ali Yusuf Hosh over internal security failures, clan conflict and strain on federal relations. Public Trust & Fraud Control: Visa rolled out an enhanced A2A Protect system with real-time risk insights to help banks stop account-to-account fraud before money leaves accounts.

DSS & Elections in Nigeria: A lawyer for Omoyele Sowore says the DSS move to seek an adjournment of his case until after the 2027 election looks “ill-planned and unnecessary,” raising fears prosecution is being timed to affect electoral participation. Human Rights & Due Process: The Foundation for Democracy in Africa welcomed the DSS DG’s appeal to pause the prosecution, arguing no candidate should be disadvantaged during elections. Opposition Politics: Sowore also demanded the removal of DSS DG Tosin Ajayi, alleging the agency is being used for personal revenge. Regional Governance & Unity: Zambia’s Dr Abigale Mupambi urged Zambians to unite beyond election divisions after Hichilema’s inauguration. West Africa Security Diplomacy: Nigeria urged ECOWAS to intensify engagement with the Alliance of Sahel States, stressing peace and implementation of Vision 2050. Constitutional Power Shift (Guinea-Bissau): A referendum approved a new constitution that boosts presidential powers, reduces parliament seats, and weakens power-sharing—opposed by civil society and the main opposition. Women’s Rights Accountability: Ahead of UNGA81, SHE & Rights warned that “family/values/sovereignty” narratives are being used to dilute women’s rights, calling for stronger implementation of Africa’s rights frameworks. SCO & AU Ties: Leaders adopted the Bishkek Declaration, pledging deeper cooperation and closer links with the African Union. South Africa Governance & Trust: South Africa launched a Sustainable Business Tracker to see how deeply sustainability is embedded in strategy and reporting, not just disclosure. Civic Protection (Johannesburg): The City of Johannesburg condemned tombstone theft and launched a Gravesite Watch initiative with private sector and civil society.

Conflict Prevention & Governance: Eswatini’s PM Russell Mmiso Dlamini urged the AU to close the gap between conflict warnings and action, saying “that distance is where people die,” with climate stress and migration flagged as precursors to instability. Regional Diplomacy: Belarus’ Lukashenko called for SCO to expand ties with the African Union and BRICS, arguing the bloc should avoid “closed alliances.” South Africa Local Governance & Public Finance: In Gauteng, prolonged suspensions of public servants are costing about R800m a year, spotlighting Deputy Chief of Police Julius Mkhwanazi, paid over R1.2m while facing disciplinary and criminal charges. Public Safety & Youth Protection: South Africa’s traditional circumcision season has left 43 boys dead, with authorities blaming illegal initiation schools and unqualified practitioners. Nigeria Politics & Opposition Strategy: Nigeria’s G-100 opposition bloc proposed a single four-year transition government for 2027, while ADC explained Atiku’s absence as the summit being party-focused. Kenya Appointments: President Ruto named Duncan Ojwang as chair of the Independent Policing Oversight Authority, alongside other public institution changes. DRC Fisheries Reform: The DRC replaced a 1937 fisheries law with a new framework aimed at boosting production and tackling illegal fishing. NGO/Accountability: HRW urged South Africa’s National Assembly to reject a foreign aid bill, warning it could enable government control over NGOs.

AU Peace & Security: President Brahim Ghali wraps up his Angola trip after an AU extraordinary summit focused on conflict prevention, urging leaders to activate existing mechanisms and fund them properly. Health Policy: Kenya signs a Pfizer deal via KEMSA to slash cancer medicine prices dramatically, while the government moves to integrate traditional medicine into formal care under a new TCIM policy. Human Rights & Civic Space: Human Rights Watch urges Nigeria’s National Assembly to reject a Foreign Aid bill that could let government control independent NGOs. Xenophobia Response: Nigeria’s VP Kashim Shettima, speaking after the AU summit, warns South Africa Nigeria won’t tolerate dehumanisation of Nigerians and other Africans, while insisting on dialogue. Digital Governance & Misinformation: Ghana’s civic education body flags misinformation, deepfakes and hate speech as threats to democracy and calls for stronger media partnerships. Regional Stability: Niger’s mutiny is reported crushed with normalcy returning after unrest at a key air base in Niamey. Health Security in Southern Africa: Africa CDC convenes SADC health ministers in Windhoek on advancing health security and sovereignty, including local manufacturing and health financing. HIV Conference Planning: Society for AIDS in Africa opens bids for ICASA 2029 and confirms Cotonou for ICASA+ 2027.

AU Peace & Security: Angola’s President Lourenço urged the African Union to strengthen conflict prevention and resolution mechanisms, with clear responsibilities and monitoring, as leaders opened the AU’s 21st Extraordinary Session in Luanda. Xenophobia Response: Nigeria’s Tinubu, via VP Shettima, asked the AU to tackle recurring xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks in South Africa and to place the issue on the AU agenda for January 2027. Civil Society Space: Human Rights Watch warned Nigeria’s Foreign Aid (Regulation, Transparency and Disclosure) Bill could undermine independent NGOs by giving authorities undue influence over funding and activities. Governance Trust: Kenya’s Trust Summit (Oct 21-23) is set against falling confidence in institutions, with Afrobarometer showing sharp drops in trust in the president, parliament, courts, police and the electoral commission. Diaspora Security: Nigeria’s Defence Minister Musa assured Nigerians abroad that security is being strengthened to enable safer diaspora visits, also taking diaspora concerns at the AU summit. NGO Disaster Response: South Africa’s Gift of the Givers is coordinating search efforts for missing South Africans in Nepal-Tibet floods, pending Nepal government permission. Regional Politics: Guinea-Bissau began ballot counting after a referendum that could expand presidential powers, following a recent military coup. Trade Strategy Debate: South Africa–Brazil “strategic partnership” drew criticism from business leaders as too political and potentially worsening SA’s trade deficit.

AU Peace & Security Financing: Ghana President John Dramani Mahama urged faster, predictable, African-owned funding for the AU Peace Fund, backing the 0.2% import levy and stressing that early warning must translate into early action. AU Summit Agenda Setting: Ghana also endorsed the Luanda Action Plan and its implementation matrix, pushing for a financing architecture that is flexible and sustainable to reduce reliance on external donors. Xenophobia at the AU: Nigeria formally raised recurring xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks against Africans in South Africa at the AU in Luanda, demanding the issue be placed on the January 2027 AU agenda and calling for dialogue and preventive diplomacy. Nigeria Leadership Row: ADC candidate Atiku Abubakar attacked President Bola Tinubu’s three-week Europe vacation, saying it signals a “vacuum of political leadership” amid fuel, food and insecurity pressures. Governance & Courts: South Africa’s SIU flagged dormant NSFAS Celbux-linked funds (R320m) and wider failures in direct payment administration, while legal disputes continue over contracts. Security Designations (Somalia): South West State’s cabinet declared Laftagareen loyalists a terrorist group, citing alleged links to al-Shabab. NGO/Policy Capacity: Ghana’s CFES Africa pledged research and regulatory support to new environment and local government ministers, focusing on enforcement and community engagement.

Constitutional Power Shift (Guinea-Bissau): Voters in military-run Guinea-Bissau vote in a referendum that could strengthen the president’s powers, including appointing the prime minister and dissolving parliament, ahead of December elections—opposition urges a boycott. Treason & Political Tension (Zambia): Opposition leader Brian Mundubile and running mate Makebi Zulu have been formally charged with treason after surrendering to police, deepening a post-election standoff. Enforced Disappearance (Egypt): Rights groups warn Egypt’s enforced disappearance system is used to silence dissent, with families facing denials and incommunicado detention. Local Governance Reform (South Africa): South Africa’s “Coalitions Bill” targets instability and service delivery disruption linked to coalition politics, including repeated mayor removals in Johannesburg. Election Integrity & Civil Oversight (Nigeria): The EU backs a citizen-led nationwide election observation push for Nigeria’s 2027 polls, training thousands of observers through a central hub. Security & Mutiny Fallout (Niger): Niger says it regained control of a key airbase in Niamey after a mutiny attempt, highlighting fractures inside the armed forces. Digital Rights in Campaigning (Nigeria): Nigeria’s DSS seeks to pause a cyber-bullying case against Omoyele Sowore until after the 2027 election. Governance & Institutions (AU/Traditional Leadership): Traditional leaders and the AU-backed process in Johannesburg reaffirm indigenous governance’s role in Africa’s future. Women, Water & Health (South Sudan): In Terekeka, women report long walks for water and hygiene risks tied to climate pressure. AI Visibility in Humanitarian Crises (Ethiopia): A study finds Ethiopian sources are rarely cited in AI answers about Ethiopia’s humanitarian crises, while UN bodies dominate. Sports Governance (Sri Lanka Cricket): Sri Lanka loses the 2027 ICC Women’s Champions Trophy hosting rights amid governance disputes with the ICC.

AU Peace Agenda: Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama arrives in Luanda for the AU’s 21st Extraordinary Session, where leaders will review and adopt a Decision, Action Plan and Implementation Matrix to strengthen conflict prevention and resolution, including coordination and financing across the AU’s peace and governance frameworks. Prevention Push: Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita and Ghana’s Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa both argue Africa must move beyond “normalising” conflict—prioritising prevention, root causes and a peace-security-development link, not just bigger peace funds. Somalia Peacekeeping Mandate: The AU authorises AUSSOM to join Somalia’s federal forces against Darwish militia in Baidoa, citing growing links between local militias and Al-Shabaab—an unusually direct step into a local political fight. Peace Fund Financing: Nigeria urges the AU to accelerate a $1bn Peace Fund and create new financing tools to cut reliance on external support, pointing to progress in contributions and disbursements. Governance & Rights: UN experts warn Tanzania’s Maasai face forced evictions and abusive enforcement in Ngorongoro/Loliondo, calling for halts, remedies and transparency. Illicit Finance: ITUC-Africa says corruption, tax avoidance and financial secrecy are draining money from hospitals, schools and social protection, urging stronger detection and asset recovery. Reparations Debate: A new report claims colonial powers may owe Africa ecological reparations worth hundreds of trillions, framing environmental damage as a separate reparations pillar.

Debt & Cost of Capital: Kenya urged an “united African front” to cut the continent’s debt “trust tax,” saying Africa pays about $90bn a year in debt service and that 22 countries are in distress, as Nairobi hosts talks pushing the AU’s Common Position on Debt from declaration to implementation. AU Peace & Security: South Sudan’s foreign minister will represent the country at an AU summit in Luanda on conflict prevention and continental security, with leaders reviewing crisis tools, early warning, funding for peace operations and responses to terrorism. Health Workforce Crisis: WHO warned Africa could face a shortage of nearly six million health workers by 2030 unless countries mobilize more domestic funding, tackle illicit financial flows and close health financing gaps. Governance & Courts: South Africa’s High Court rejected the MK Party’s bid to appeal an order halting public hearings in Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala impeachment inquiry, keeping the legal fight moving. Regional Security Drawdown: Uganda said it will withdraw all UPDF troops from Somalia by August 1, 2027, ending nearly two decades of operations and raising questions about the future of AUSSOM amid funding uncertainty. Education Reform (EAC): The EAC education conference in Nairobi backed reforms to harmonize systems and boost teacher training and investment, aiming to reduce learning gaps and improve mobility across borders.

AU Peace Agenda: African leaders are set to tackle worsening peace and security at an AU Extraordinary Session in Angola, focused on strengthening conflict prevention and resolution mechanisms. Regional Governance & Integration: A World Bank report urges Africa to move from “threads to hubs,” pushing interoperable customs, standards, payments, transport, energy and digital systems to turn regional deals into functioning markets. Nigeria Political Oversight: Nigeria’s NFF begins a leadership reset after Gusau’s resignation, with interim appointments meant to restore stability amid failures in women’s and youth competitions. Sahel Diplomacy: Atiku Abubakar vows to return Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso to ECOWAS and consider deploying ECOMOG to boost security if elected, while the Presidency insists borders are already open but must stay controlled. Migration Flashpoint (Europe): Spain calls for calm after Ceuta anti-migrant protests clash with police, and asks Frontex for support as thousands remain in the enclave. Public Safety & Accountability: Zimbabwe detains a senior official over the Kariba ferry disaster, citing alleged overloading and safety breaches. Health Systems: eHealth Africa and Nigeria Health Watch launch an ILF 2026 report with a commitment table to track 11 health-sector pledges. Child Protection: Sierra Leone’s First Lady plans a UN resolution to create an International Day to End Child Marriage.