AGP Executive Report

Migration & Rights: Burundi agreed to receive US “third-country deportees” under Trump’s hardline policy, but only those not linked to crime or terrorism, with details on numbers and timing still unclear—raising concerns about opaque deals and legal protections. Local Development & NGOs: Liberia’s youth-led, women-led BASA Development Initiatives moved its headquarters into One UN House in Monrovia, aiming for closer coordination with UN agencies and government as donors push more funding to local actors. Climate Governance & Finance: South Africa’s parliament speaker Moses Wetang’ula backed a continental model law on climate change, arguing polluters and extractors should fund adaptation and restoration, not communities. Democracy & Civic Duty: Justice Sisi Khampepe urged South Africa’s graduates to make democracy real in daily life, warning against complacency. UN Reform & Representation: The UN General Assembly endorsed a resolution promoting equal-area maps to better reflect Africa’s size, with the US the only vote against. Elections & Political Integrity: Nigeria’s Atiku Abubakar warned against financial inducement in 2027 and called for release of political prisoners. Accountability in Practice: South Africa’s Zondo said state capture commission recommendations remain unimplemented despite assurances. Energy, Industry & Social Conflict: Kenya’s Lamu faces land-rights and environmental backlash as Dangote’s $16bn refinery breaks ground; protests cite “Haki Yetu.” Tech & Skills: The UAE topped an AI-human skills index, while Africa-focused AI governance discussions emphasized privacy, accountability, and human dignity. Public Service Leadership: South Africa appointed NSFAS acting CEO Waseem Carrim as RAF CEO, citing governance and performance rebuilding.

Mining Governance: South Africa’s proposed Mining Laws Amendment Bill would sharply raise penalties for unlicensed mining—up to 30 years and R100m fines—while critics warn it may punish far beyond the syndicate crimes it cites. Regional Business & Women’s Empowerment: A China-supported program in Johannesburg trains South African women entrepreneurs, with AU leadership figures backing women’s economic participation. Energy & Local Politics: Kenya’s Thika Town MP Alice Ng’ang’a urges leaders to keep politics out of the Dangote East Africa refinery in Lamu, arguing it should be judged by jobs and lower fuel costs. Cross-border Security & Human Rights: Nigeria condemns the deaths of three Nigerians in South Africa and demands transparent investigations amid ongoing xenophobia concerns. Civil Society & Philanthropy: The Human Rights Law Society expands its Philanthropic Leadership Initiative to Miami and Dubai, building a global donor network for human-rights impact. Industrial Delivery: Dangote says the $16bn East Africa refinery in Lamu will be completed in 40 months, with local content and jobs promised for Lamu residents. Climate Accountability: UAE UNGA engagements focus on water resilience, investment, and tech/AI partnerships ahead of the 2026 UN Water Conference. Wildlife Trade Oversight: South Africa’s lion bone export policy is under scrutiny after parliamentary replies suggest no retrospective assessment of impacts on demand and wild lion risks. Elections & Rights: Nigeria’s opposition coalition condemns arrests of Borno youths over “Tinubu Must Go” political T-shirts, calling it intimidation ahead of 2027. Public Service Oversight: South Africa’s PSA demands parliamentary scrutiny after Correctional Services received a disclaimer audit, raising alarms over financial controls and procurement. Climate & Fisheries: A World Bank study warns Comoros fisheries face accelerating climate impacts, urging investment to protect coastal livelihoods.

Oil & Industry: Kenya broke ground on the Sh2.2tn Lamu refinery, with President Ruto and Dangote among the leaders—positioning the project as a regional fuel-processing hub. Governance & Accountability: South Africa summoned the US ambassador again over “undiplomatic conduct,” highlighting ongoing friction on land, empowerment and rights. Public Finance & Agriculture: South Africa’s Land Bank paused new blended finance applications after funding shortfalls, raising fears farmers miss planting windows. Regional Diplomacy: Ghana and Saudi Arabia discussed Saudi investment in Ghana’s railway and energy infrastructure as Ghana prepares to chair the AU. Trade & Policy: G20 trade talks in the US face deadlock under tariff pressure and forced-labour/overcapacity concerns. Security & Innovation: US-led SETAF-AF showcased robotics and AI for stability policing, linking tech trials to real operational needs. Human Rights & Safety: A mining safety report warns that despite long-term progress, 2026 has seen a fatality rise—zero harm remains the standard. Digital Services: Nigeria will launch a national digital address system on Oct 1, emulating Ghana’s 2017 model to improve planning and service delivery. Sports Governance: Ghana’s AFCON qualifier slump triggered calls for GFA president Kurt Okraku and the Black Stars management to resign.

Morocco’s Political Shift: King Mohammed VI appointed Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri as Morocco’s first female prime minister, tasking her with forming a government after PAM won the most seats in the Sept. 23 elections—an inflection point for youth, jobs, and the 2030 World Cup agenda. Ghana Digital Governance: Parliament Speaker Alban Bagbin backed President Mahama’s push for a national stakeholder dialogue on hate speech and abusive online content, arguing regulation must protect free expression while tackling harmful misinformation. East Africa Trade & Infrastructure: Afreximbank announced new financing for Djibouti’s Damerjog jetty and industrial roads, aiming to deepen East African integration and reduce logistics bottlenecks. Horn of Africa Peace Under Strain: US Senate Democrats urged Secretary of State Rubio to intervene as fighting in Ethiopia’s Tigray threatens to unravel the Pretoria peace agreement. South Sudan Elections: AU and IGAD pressed South Sudan to accelerate steps toward credible, peaceful elections set for Dec. 26. Nigeria Parliamentary Records: Nigeria’s National Assembly moved to secure and authenticate parliamentary records amid concerns about altered digital documents. West Africa Regional Oversight: ECOWAS Parliament adopted its 2027 work plan and budget, prioritising infrastructure, peace and security, and women’s participation. Credit Rating Independence: The AU countdown to launch AfCRA in Mauritius on Oct. 7 highlights efforts to cut Africa’s “risk premium” from external ratings.

Police Reform in South Africa: The ISS reports SAPS’s “Police Reset Agenda” hinges on 140 high-crime station commanders, with new oversight, resources and performance monitoring aimed at rebuilding public trust. Governance & Elections in South Africa: Ahead of 30 September mass action and 4 November local polls, March and March plans a “Men’s March” against GBV and crime, while political leaders urge turnout amid service-delivery frustration. Cameroon GBV Accountability: Cameroon’s women’s ministry says a femicide bill will be considered in parliament’s November session after rising killings and public anger over government inaction. Burkina Faso Resource Sovereignty: Burkina Faso inaugurated its first gold refinery in Ouagadougou, aiming to process more gold domestically and create jobs while tightening control over a sector plagued by smuggling and insecurity. Ethiopia Conflict Update: Fighting has resumed in Tigray after months of tension, with renewed offensives threatening the fragile Pretoria Agreement. Digital Learning Access: Helios Towers and UNICEF announced a multi-year push to connect schools and expand Learning Passport and Giga in DRC, Malawi and Tanzania. Fisheries Governance Reform (Liberia): Liberia launched a three-year initiative to improve fisheries transparency, enforcement and public oversight to curb IUU fishing. Information Integrity: The Federation of African Journalists urged governments to strengthen access to information to fight digital misinformation, especially around elections and emergencies. Ebola Response (DRC): DRC recorded 8,067 Ebola cases and 3,901 deaths, with Africa CDC warning the outbreak is not under control. Youth & Political Space (Liberia): Young Liberians called for electoral reforms ahead of 2029, including youth representation in party leadership and the elections commission.

Sudan-US Rift at UNGA: Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan defied a U.S.-backed 90-day humanitarian ceasefire push after Washington withheld his visa, underscoring how the war has become a wider Red Sea influence contest. South Africa Violent-Crime Shock: A tavern shooting in Wedela left 18 dead, with residents fearing illegal miners and police moving with army support; separate Cape Town violence killed 10. Guinea-Bissau Political Reset: Ousted ex-president Umaro Sissoco Embalo says he will return and run in elections set for December 6 after the coup suspended the prior process. Nigeria Court Challenge on Power Transfer: The AAC sued President Bola Tinubu over his Europe vacation, arguing he failed to transmit required written notice to lawmakers before Vice-President Shettima could act. UN Rights Mission in South Africa: South Africa welcomed the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights’ promotion mission, with meetings across government, Parliament, civil society and UN agencies. Governance & Tech: U.S. Africa Command said it is adopting AI and unmanned tech to “do more with less,” while a new push argues Africa’s AI debate must shift from adoption to governing risks. Regional Security Signals: Djibouti urged de-escalation amid renewed Ethiopia tensions. Humanitarian Ballot Over Bullets: South Sudan told the UN General Assembly that elections must replace armed confrontation. Sports-Politics Link: Nigeria’s AFCON qualifiers face possible player absences as Ivory Coast rotates for Somalia.

UN Security Council Reform: Nigeria’s VP Kashim Shettima renewed the push for two permanent African seats with veto rights, arguing Africa can’t be asked to carry global burdens while denied equal control over peace and security decisions. Refugee Rights & Elections: South Africa faces rising tensions as an anti-immigration group’s September 30 deadline looms, with refugees reporting fear of renewed attacks and continued hardship. Justice & Accountability: South Africa’s Madlanga Commission refused to dismiss top cop Feroz Khan’s postponement bid, with prosecutors urging referral to the National Prosecuting Authority for non-attendance. Public Safety: South Africa’s mass shootings death toll rose after weekend attacks, prompting calls for stronger crime intelligence and tighter policing leadership. Regional Diplomacy: Nigeria and Mali reaffirmed cooperation on Sahel security, stressing cross-border terrorism, trafficking, arms flows and illicit finance. Food Security: Nigeria’s agriculture leaders warned Africa loses billions by importing food it can produce, urging investment in processing, storage, transport and long-term financing. Energy Market Reform: South Africa’s draft electricity pricing policy is out, but SAWEM delays persist, raising concerns about how soon competition can pressure prices. Health & Jobs: Namibia’s President Nandi-Ndaitwah told UNGA that the green transition must create jobs for today’s youth, not just future generations.

UN Security Council Reform: Nigeria’s VP Kashim Shettima renewed calls for permanent African representation, warning Africa’s exclusion undermines global governance legitimacy and fairness. UN Rights & Conflict: UN human rights chief Volker Türk urged de-escalation in Ethiopia after reports of attacks on schools in Tigray and disrupted communications, stressing protection of civilians and humanitarian access. Corruption & Capacity Building (Cameroon): Cameroon’s CONAC praised AfDB-backed support and trained investigators on detecting corruption schemes, including procurement fraud and illicit financial flows, as part of a drive toward a corruption-free 2035. Opposition Politics (Liberia): Five opposition parties in Liberia formalised a joint technical committee, alleging land losses to Guinea, selective anti-corruption enforcement, and a drift toward a police state. Cost of Living & Wages (Nigeria): Atiku Abubakar and the ADC pressed for a higher minimum wage, arguing N70,000 has been eroded by fuel, food, transport and housing costs. Regional Trade Integration (Botswana/COMESA-EAC-SADC): Botswana was commended for backing the Tripartite Free Trade Area, aiming to cut non-tariff barriers and harmonise trade policy across 29 countries. Water Access (Malawi): Hope Water launched a K271m expansion to extend piped networks and kiosks, targeting clean water for 10,000+ people. AI Governance: Austria’s UN diplomacy push warned against autonomous lethal weapons and backed a legally binding framework, while also signing a migration agreement with Uganda.

Cross-Border Health & AI: At UNGA in New York, African health ministers and partners backed the “New York Call to Action” to strengthen cross-border preparedness for high-threat pathogens, using WHO’s data exchange platform with AI while keeping countries in control of their data. EU Migration Support: The EU unlocked €710m in aid for crisis-hit communities, including €380m for Sub-Saharan Africa to protect vulnerable migrants, support returns, and improve migration governance. Electoral Integrity: South Africa’s new disinformation rules for local elections on Nov 4 require parties to verify claims, correct false material quickly, avoid fake accounts, and label AI content. UN Security Council Reform: Nigeria’s VP Kashim Shettima renewed calls for permanent African seats, while Russia’s Lavrov backed UNSC expansion that includes more Asia, Africa and Latin America—without adding Western chairs. Clean Cooking Priority: AfDB urged clean cooking to sit at the centre of Africa’s energy transition, warning that lack of clean options harms health and livelihoods. Malawi Human Trafficking Probe: A report alleges a trafficking syndicate infiltrated Malawi’s political leadership, bribing officials and manipulating travel documents, but the case has stalled after a key informant turned hostile. Morocco Detentions: Mothers protested outside Morocco’s parliament demanding release of Gen Z 212 detainees held for about a year. Gauteng Social Enterprise: FasterCapital will support Easyflo in One Vhadauzwimbani to build execution milestones and investor-ready plans for jobs, community agriculture, and learner transport.

Coalition Crisis in South Africa: Freedom Front Plus leader Corné Mulder says the GNU is effectively broken, with coalition parties not meeting since late 2025 and lacking a shared policy direction. Public Integrity & Procurement Scrutiny: South Africa’s Water and Sanitation Minister disclosed that a company linked to pastor Paseka “Mboro” Motsoeneng received about R6.5m from Rand Water for venue hire, with the utility referring the matter for internal review. Xenophobia Response & Consular Action (Nigeria–South Africa): Nigeria evacuated another 105 distressed nationals from South Africa after attacks; the government says most ticket funding came from a Redeemed Christian Church of God donation. UN Leadership & Governance: UN chief António Guterres’ decade ends as the race to replace him takes shape, amid financial strain and questions over the UN’s ability to manage conflicts and climate. AI Capacity for Public Officials: The AfDB, UNDP AI Hub, Google and Apolitical launched free AI training for African public servants at UNGA81. Wealth Inequality Push: South Africa’s Ronald Lamola backed a UN resolution to create an International Panel on Inequality with Brazil, Norway and Spain. Regional Security & Human Rights (Ethiopia): UN human rights chief Volker Türk urged de-escalation as fighting intensifies in Ethiopia, citing strikes on schools and disruptions to communications. Nile Water Diplomacy: Egypt’s PM reiterated Cairo’s legal right to protect Nile water security while calling for cooperation and binding agreements.

Tourism Governance: Mpumalanga tourism leaders warn the sector can’t grow while governance, transport, and safety gaps persist, saying responsibility is wrongly pushed onto the tourism department instead of coordinated action across roads and safety agencies. Regional Integration: Nigeria’s VP Kashim Shettima urges the new ECOWAS Commission leadership to prioritise unity and integration, including private-sector delivery for the Lagos–Abidjan highway and stronger engagement with the Alliance of Sahel States. UN Security Council Reform: Multiple African leaders renew calls for permanent UN Security Council seats for Africa with veto power, arguing the 1945 power structure blocks fair global governance. Health Financing: The African Leaders Malaria Alliance warns a 30% malaria funding cut could trigger 146m more cases and major economic losses by 2030, calling for stronger domestic financing and multisector action. Human Rights & Safety: Kenya reports human rights activist Collins Otieno found alive after days missing, renewing concerns about the safety of activists and due process. Elections & Accountability: South Africa’s IEC says it will finalise audits after a court dismissed the MK Party challenge to 2024 election results. Cross-Border Peace/Conflict: Ethiopia’s Tigray conflict escalates again, with reports of internet shutdowns amid fighting that threatens the 2022 Pretoria peace deal. Border Management: Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire commission 37 new boundary pillars to complete Phase 1 of their land boundary reaffirmation, reinforcing AU “borderless Africa” goals. Institutional Appointments: Airports Company South Africa appoints Siphamandla Mthethwa as CEO from 1 November 2026.

UN Reform & Representation: St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ PM Godwin Friday used his maiden UNGA address to demand Security Council reform, climate-finance changes and reparatory justice, including at least one permanent African seat. UNGA Security Agenda: Nigeria’s VP Kashim Shettima pressed for Africa’s permanent UN Security Council seats and warned reforms are stagnating, while President Tinubu said terrorists, criminal networks and cybercriminals exploit gaps between national responses. AI for Public Service: The AfDB launched free AI training for African public officials at UNGA81, partnering with UNDP AI Hub, Google and Apolitical. Maritime Governance & Gender: Ghana hosted a Gulf of Guinea summit on maritime security with women’s leadership at the center. Regional Politics: Morocco’s parliamentary elections showed managed pluralism and continuity, with PAM leading despite low turnout. Conflict Watch: Renewed fighting in Ethiopia’s Tigray has disrupted internet and phone services, with UN concern about civilian harm. Youth & Digital Priorities: African leaders assessed progress on the Pact for the Future, focusing on youth empowerment, digital transformation and financing. Uganda ESG Push: Uganda opened its first national ESG conference and expo, calling for an ESG framework to guide investment. Identity Systems: Seamfix marked National ID Day 2026, urging trusted digital identity to expand access to services.

UN Security Council Reform Push: Nigeria’s VP Kashim Shettima, delivering President Tinubu’s UNGA message, renewed calls for at least two permanent African UNSC seats with veto powers plus five non-permanent seats, arguing the 1945 power setup no longer fits 2026 realities. Somalia Governance & Elections: President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud told the UN Somalia is laying groundwork for universal suffrage and a multi-party democracy, while opposition figures accuse him of unresolved term-extension and constitutional-change disputes. Electoral Integrity in Southern Africa: Lesotho’s IEC ordered a three-level audit of the voters’ roll and election tech ahead of 2028 polls, covering voter data, system security, and performance. Cybersecurity Law Scrutiny: Lesotho’s Cybersecurity Bill 2026 is back under review as regulators, banks, law enforcement, and service providers meet over concerns about rights and privacy. Access to Justice: South Africa’s “living heritage” framing highlights that rights on paper don’t help without legal awareness, advice, and reachable public institutions. Conflict & External Support: Reports say Israel has provided covert intelligence and military assistance to Sudan’s UAE-backed RSF, deepening the war’s external entanglements. Environment & Local Livelihoods: On Principe, a South African entrepreneur’s “cash for nature” dividend pays residents to protect forests and beaches, drawing both praise and criticism over whether it should be paired with government-led development. Education & Work Pressure: South Africa’s teachers’ union reports 92% of educators cite workload and burnout as major workplace challenges.

UN Security Council reform push: Nigeria’s Tinubu, via VP Shettima at UNGA81, renewed demands for at least two permanent African seats with veto rights plus five non-permanent seats, arguing the 1945 power setup no longer fits 2026 realities. Digital governance at UNGA: African leaders are bringing AI and digital transformation to the UN agenda as sovereignty and development issues, with calls for co-authorship of AI rules rather than “rule-taking.” Ethiopia conflict flare-up: AFP reports Tigray rebels seized control of airports and fought federal troops in Afar, raising fears the 2020-2022 war could return and spill across the Horn. DRC regional security dispute: Prime Minister Judith Suminwa told UNGA that the FDLR can’t be used as a pretext for foreign military presence, citing repatriation of 120 people linked to the group—while Rwanda disputes the significance. Kenya NGO funding shock: Kenya’s CBK links a 27.5% drop in remittance outflows in 2025 to US NGO contract terminations, including USAID closures. Livestock health cooperation: African leaders backed a Rome Call to eradicate PPR by 2040 and strengthen foot-and-mouth disease control, with new EU funding announced. Elections and party machinery (Nigeria): Atiku’s ADC unveiled a 2027 campaign council structure, while Moghalu publicly disowned a policy-team listing over lack of consultation.

UN Security Council Reform Push: Kenya’s William Ruto told the UN General Assembly Africa is “permanently excluded” from the Security Council and urged permanent representation, alongside calls to reform the UN’s peace-and-security and financial systems. Ethiopia Peace Deal in Jeopardy: Renewed fighting in northern Ethiopia is shattering the 2022 Pretoria peace pact, with TPLF forces seizing airports in Mekelle, Axum and Shire and the UN chief warning of wider conflict and urging AU-led de-escalation. Tigray Escalation: TPLF says it is in “full-blown war” with federal forces, reporting heavy artillery attacks in neighboring regions and raising fears the conflict could spread. AU Mediation Alarm: AU Commission Chair Mahmoud Youssouf called for immediate restraint, warned airport seizures undermine peace efforts, and urged renewed talks under the Pretoria Agreement. West Africa Farmer-Herder Lessons: Nigeria’s Senate/ECOWAS Parliament leadership urged regional lawmakers to tackle farmer-herder conflict drivers—land and water pressure, displacement and insecurity—through ranching investment, early-warning systems and better oversight. Women’s Budget Engagement: Nigeria’s SPARK project helped smallholder women farmers in Nasarawa engage state budget processes, though uptake of their demands remains partial and agriculture allocations still fall short of the Maputo/Malabo benchmark. Morocco Vote Update: Morocco’s PAM led in parliamentary election preliminary results, but turnout hit a 20-year low, setting up coalition negotiations. Digital Governance: Microsoft South Africa outlined a six-part approach to “digital sovereignty” for regulated institutions adopting AI, emphasizing layered controls and resilience. Healthcare Logistics Deal: Côte d’Ivoire approved an eight-year Zipline expansion to scale drone medical deliveries nationwide, funded through a mix of US upfront support and government-paid operations. Sports & Public Confidence: Nigeria’s Super Eagles stakeholders urged a win over Madagascar in AFCON 2027 qualifiers to restore confidence.

UN Security Council Reform Push: G4 foreign ministers (Brazil, Germany, India, Japan) backed Africa’s bid for enhanced UN Security Council representation, including permanent seats, saying the current setup lacks legitimacy and efficacy. Horn of Africa Humanitarian Crisis: The UN warns Djibouti could see a surge of Yemeni refugees after thousands fled by boat amid Houthi offensives near the Bab el-Mandeb. Ethiopia Peace Deal Shattered: Ethiopia and the TPLF traded accusations of launching offensives in Tigray, with renewed fighting raising fears of wider regional spillover. Central African Justice: The ICC convicted Mahamat Said Abdel Kani for crimes against humanity tied to Seleka abuses in the Central African Republic, a milestone for victims but not the end of accountability gaps. Elections as Peace Tools: Ghana’s National Peace Council urged election integrity across the full cycle—registration, financing, civic education, dispute resolution—to reduce violence and misinformation. Digital Skills Mobility: Kenya’s President Ruto said Africa needs trusted systems to make skills and qualifications portable across borders under the Accra Reset “Masterkey” corridor. Sports Governance: Sierra Leone’s sports ministry and UNDP discussed strengthening sports administration, policy, and institutional capacity. Wildlife Governance: Tanzania’s Ngorongoro authorities launched an investigation after ten lions were found dead, suspected poisoned amid human–predator conflict.