AGP Executive Report

Ebola Response in Congo: The WHO says Congo is still “behind” after a fast-moving Ebola start, but efforts are now “catching up” as testing improves and the outbreak’s true scale is reassessed. World Cup Warm-up Disrupted: Congo’s planned friendly against Chile in Spain is still in limbo after the mayor of La Linea de la Concepcion blocked the match over Ebola health concerns. Mpox Smuggling Case: In the US, two NIH scientists from Rocky Mountain Laboratories—Vincent Munster and Claude Kwe—were charged after arriving at Detroit Metro from the Republic of Congo with 113 undeclared vials, including deactivated mpox, and allegedly lying to customs officials. US Africa Diplomacy Shift: A report says the Trump administration is reducing parts of its diplomatic footprint in Africa, including visa-processing services, citing cost cuts and tighter immigration controls. AfDB Financing Push: The AfDB warns Africa faces a $1.3tn annual development financing gap, arguing reforms could unlock enough funds to cover the SDG shortfall.

Ebola Watch in Congo: The WHO says Congo’s Ebola response is “catching up” even as it remains behind, with Tedros noting the outbreak’s early start and improved testing, while confirmed cases and deaths are still being updated. Sports Disruption: Congo’s World Cup warmup against Chile is still in limbo after a Spanish mayor blocked the match over Ebola health concerns, leaving the federation searching for alternatives. AfDB Aviation Push: The African Development Bank unveiled a $7bn aviation transformation plan to modernize fleets, upgrade airports and improve logistics across Africa, aiming to cut the continent’s heavy reliance on foreign carriers. AfDB Financing Message: AfDB President Sidi Ould Tah urged African leaders to invest more of the continent’s $4tn in domestic savings, arguing the real problem is getting money to work for industrialization. Public Health Shock Beyond Congo: In the U.S., two NIH researchers were charged with allegedly smuggling deactivated mpox vials from the Republic of Congo into Detroit and lying to federal agents. Energy and Prices: A study links the USAID shutdown to a rise in violence across Africa, while separate reporting shows India’s LPG imports shifted toward the U.S. amid regional disruption.

Ebola Update (Congo): The WHO says Congo’s Ebola outbreak “had a big head start” and the country is “still behind,” though testing is improving. Confirmed Bundibugyo-type cases have risen to 344 with 60 deaths, while suspected cases have dropped from 906 to 116. Community Response (Congo): In Bunia, volunteers are stepping up with daily meals for patients and health workers, offering comfort as the outbreak spreads across eastern provinces. Mpox/Monkeypox Case (Congo-linked): In the U.S., two NIH researchers—Vincent Munster and Claude Kwe—were charged after arriving at Detroit Metro from Brazzaville with 113 vials hidden in a case, allegedly lying to border officials; 17 vials tested positive for deactivated mpox. Public Health Watch (Region): Kurdistan in Iraq recorded a confirmed Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever case in a 47-year-old shepherd, raising concerns during livestock slaughter periods. Energy & Climate (Region): A report highlights how climate change is draining hydro-power water sources, warning of wider electricity risks across the region.

Ebola Response in Congo: Volunteers at Bunia’s Evangelical Medical Center are cooking meals for Ebola patients and health workers as the outbreak continues to spread, with WHO figures cited at 321 confirmed cases and 48 deaths in eastern provinces. Mpox Smuggling Case: Two foreign researchers linked to the NIH were charged in the U.S. after arriving from Brazzaville and allegedly carrying 113 vials of deactivated mpox in a black case through Detroit Metro, while allegedly lying to authorities. Afghan Refugee Resettlement: U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio says the Trump administration is still talking with at least five countries about accepting more than 1,000 Afghan refugees stranded in Qatar. Diplomacy Spotlight (Qatar): Qatar reiterated its commitment to mediation and preventive diplomacy at the UN, pointing to ongoing engagement connected to eastern Congo. Public Health Funding Push (Nigeria): Nigeria’s House of Representatives urged urgent funding for the NCDC to strengthen Ebola preparedness and response.

Ebola Response in Eastern Congo: Volunteers with the UN food agency are cooking meals for Ebola patients and medical staff in Bunia, as Congo reports at least 282 confirmed cases and more than 1,000 suspected cases, with no approved medicine or vaccine for the outbreak. Local Health Pressure: WHO says the outbreak remains concentrated in Ituri, while recovered patients share accounts of “indescribable joy,” underscoring the human cost as containment struggles. Congo Regional Integration Move: President Denis Sassou-Nguesso announced visa-free access for all African citizens into the Republic of the Congo from January 1, 2027, drawing applause from delegates and labour groups at AfDB meetings in Brazzaville. AfDB Financing Shift: AfDB governors backed a new “New African Financial Architecture for Development” push to mobilise African savings and cut donor dependence, with ATIDI set to receive $125m to attract more private investment. Tax Systems Strengthening: ATAF’s 2025 report highlights support to 35 countries, training of 2,433 tax professionals, and $907.8m in tax assessments, with $685.8m collected.

Ebola in Congo: Congo’s health ministry says confirmed Ebola cases have reached 282, with the outbreak centered in eastern Ituri and driven by the Bundibugyo strain, as WHO reports recoveries and officials race to map the “true scale” amid conflict-hit access problems. Cross-border health pressure: With the outbreak worsening, the U.S. has imposed a 21-day entry ban on non-citizens who recently traveled from Congo, Uganda or South Sudan ahead of the World Cup, while Italy reported a suspected case in Sardinia that tested negative. Kenya quarantine row: In Kenya, hundreds of youths protested the planned U.S.-backed Ebola quarantine facility at Laikipia Air Base after a court suspended the project, citing concerns about the country’s fragile health system. AfDB funding push (Congo-hosted): At the AfDB annual meetings in Brazzaville, the bank said it will inject $125m into ATIDI, its largest shareholder move, as it calls for stronger regional financial cooperation and risk-sharing. Congo Basin climate finance: More than $3bn was pledged for Congo Basin Blue Fund projects to protect and restore the region’s “ecological lung.”

Ebola in Congo: The WHO says five patients have recovered from the rare Bundibugyo Ebola strain in eastern Congo as a new treatment centre opens in Bunia, but officials warn the outbreak is still expanding and complex, with testing and case classifications making the true scale hard to pin down. Outbreak spread: Congo’s Ebola footprint has widened to 22 affected health zones across three eastern provinces, while health workers race to trace contacts amid conflict-hit areas and weak systems. Cross-border risk: Uganda has reported confirmed cases linked to transmission from Congo, and the situation is driving tighter regional health measures. Kenya quarantine backlash: In Kenya, hundreds of youths protested plans for a U.S.-backed Ebola quarantine centre at Laikipia Air Base after a court temporarily halted the facility, with critics citing Kenya’s fragile healthcare capacity. Travel pressure: With the World Cup approaching, the U.S. has imposed a 21-day entry ban for non-U.S. citizens recently in Congo, Uganda or South Sudan, though Congo’s team is cleared to play in Houston on June 17. Congo Basin science: In Brazzaville, a Congo Basin assessment report was presented, calling for urgent investment and coordinated action to strengthen resilience and sustainability across the region.

Ebola Response in Congo: WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus says five patients have recovered from the rare Bundibugyo Ebola strain in eastern Congo, announced during the opening of a new treatment centre in Bunia, as health teams push harder on testing and isolation while the outbreak spreads across Ituri and into neighbouring areas. Ebola Testing Expanded: Congo has widened Ebola testing in eastern provinces after lab results flagged around 260 positive samples, with officials warning the real scale is still unclear as suspected cases and deaths are investigated. Cross-Border Pressure: The WHO-linked updates come as the outbreak continues to strain regional health systems and complicate coordination with neighbouring countries, including Uganda. Local Health Alert (Italy): Italy’s health ministry is investigating a suspected Ebola case in Cagliari after a patient returned from Congo and is being monitored in isolation. Regional Finance Focus (Brazzaville): At the AfDB annual meetings in Brazzaville, AfDB President Sidi Ould Tah urged Africa to mobilise its estimated $4tn in savings to close a major development funding gap, citing risk concerns and regulatory barriers.

Ebola Response in Congo: WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus announced five recoveries from the rare Bundibugyo Ebola strain in eastern Congo, including four discharges at a new treatment center in Bunia, as health teams race to contain an outbreak that has spread into Uganda. Outbreak Scale: WHO says Congo has reported 906 suspected cases and 223 suspected deaths, with more than 130 confirmed cases and at least 18 deaths across Congo and Uganda; Uganda reports nine confirmed cases and one death. Health System Pressure: The WHO chief stressed community trust and safe burials, warning that the “true scale and severity” of the outbreak remains unclear amid faster spread than response. AfDB Financing Push: At the AfDB annual meetings in Brazzaville, bank president Sidi Ould Tah urged Africa to mobilise its estimated $4tn in domestic savings to close a roughly $400bn annual development gap, citing risk concerns and regulatory barriers.

Ebola Surge in Congo: WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus landed in Ituri as suspected cases climbed to 1,028, with health workers struggling to keep up and calls growing for faster, safer response. Border and Screening Debate: WHO said banning entry won’t stop Ebola long-term, while several countries stepped up airport screening and quarantine rules for travellers from affected areas. Funding Pressure: Africa CDC warned partner commitments for the emergency response have fallen sharply, leaving responders short as the outbreak spreads. AfDB Annual Meetings in Brazzaville: Congo hosted the AfDB governors’ talks, where leaders backed a push for new “African financial architecture,” stronger support for women, youth and SMEs, and a roadmap with the World Economic Forum to mobilise private investment for fragile economies. Visa-Free Integration: Congo’s move to scrap visa requirements for Africans from 2027 drew praise as a boost for regional integration. Debt and Finance Watch: Zambia launched a buyback tender for its $1.36bn 2053 bond, joining other African states seeking to cut future debt costs.

Ebola Surge in Congo: Congo’s health minister says suspected Ebola cases have jumped to 1,028, up from 906, with 225 confirmed, as WHO warns the outbreak can be stopped with fast sanitary measures rather than border bans. Funding Pressure: Africa CDC says partner commitments for the emergency response have fallen from nearly $500m to about $290m, drawing anger from officials as health workers struggle. WHO on Borders: WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told reporters that banning entry may only delay spread for days, not change the long run. First Recovery: Congo discharged its first Ebola patient after two negative tests. Regional Response: Uganda has moved to close its border with Congo amid the spread. AfDB Annual Meetings in Brazzaville: The AfDB and partners backed a new push to mobilise private investment, while the bank reaffirmed support for women, youth and SMEs. Aviation Financing: Nigeria’s aviation reforms were discussed with AfDB leadership under a $7bn transformation programme.

AfDB Annual Meetings in Brazzaville: The African Development Bank pledged to intensify support for women, youth and small businesses, and backed regional integration after Congo abolished visa requirements for Africans entering the country. Ebola Response in Congo: WHO chief Tedros Ghebreyesus is in Congo as aid reaches the outbreak zone in Ituri, where authorities report over 1,000 suspected cases and at least 220 deaths; insecurity and shortages are slowing containment. Kenya Court Blocks U.S. Ebola Facility: Kenya’s High Court suspended a U.S. plan to set up an Ebola quarantine facility for exposed Americans, citing public health risks and lack of public participation. Aviation Financing for Africa: Nigeria’s aviation reforms and AfDB’s $7bn Integrated Aviation Transformation Programme took centre stage, with plans for affordable long-term financing and a Nigerian aircraft leasing company. Digital Entrepreneurship for Women: ECA launched a regional project to boost women’s participation in Africa’s digital economy in Congo and three other countries. Debt Management: Angola announced results of its Eurobond tender offer, buying back $750m and issuing longer-dated debt to ease pressure.

Ebola Crisis in Congo: Congo’s Ebola outbreak is spiraling, with health workers struggling to contain the virus amid attacks on facilities and shortages of key tools; WHO says the response is being outpaced, while reports describe late and chaotic efforts and patients fleeing after a second treatment centre was set alight. US–Kenya Ebola Quarantine Plan: The Trump administration says Americans exposed to Ebola in Africa will be quarantined in a U.S.-run facility in Kenya, drawing backlash from former officials and diplomats who argue the U.S. should bring patients home for care. Regional Border Moves: Uganda has ordered the immediate closure of its border with Congo as cases spread across East Africa, while other countries tighten screening and isolation rules for travellers. AfDB in Brazzaville: At the AfDB annual meetings, the bank forecasts Africa’s economy to grow 4.2% in 2026 and warns trade finance gaps could widen again; Nigeria also signed a letter of intent to push a $7bn aviation transformation programme. Local Governance & Finance: BEAC maintained a CFA500 billion liquidity offer for banks in the Cemac region, underscoring ongoing pressure on refinancing demand.

Ebola Crisis in Congo: The deadly Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in eastern Congo is outpacing the response, with health workers struggling as suspected cases near 1,000 and suspected deaths top 220; Uganda has ordered a border closure with Congo and is enforcing mandatory 21-day isolation for arrivals under emergency exemptions. Public Health Pushback: Kenya’s Law Society has opposed a reported US plan to set up an Ebola treatment centre in Kenya, arguing care should be closer to the outbreak epicentre. Financing and Growth: At the AfDB annual meetings in Brazzaville, leaders urged bigger investment in energy, infrastructure, industrialisation and climate finance; the AfDB projects Africa’s growth at 4.2% in 2026 while warning that tighter global financing and debt pressures remain. Local Development: Congo Telecom has partnered with ESGAE to align training and curricula with telecom and digital sector needs, aiming to boost skills for connectivity and digital services. Regional Integration: The Republic of Congo joined the African Tax Administration Forum as its 45th member, strengthening tax cooperation and domestic resource mobilisation.

Ebola Response: Uganda ordered the immediate closure of its border with Congo as suspected Ebola cases surge, reporting seven Ebola cases including a death in Kampala, while eastern Congo nears 1,000 suspected cases; Quarantine Moves: India’s Gujarat reported its first suspected Ebola case after a 37-year-old businessman arrived from Congo, with contacts quarantined and tests still negative so far; Public Health Measures: Canada announced 21-day self-isolation for arrivals from Ebola-affected regions and suspended some immigration processing for 90 days; Regional Integration: In Brazzaville, Congo’s visa-free access for Africans from 2027 was announced at AfDB meetings, and the Republic of Congo joined the African Tax Administration Forum as its 45th member; Economy Outlook: The AfDB forecast Africa’s growth at 4.2% in 2026, with West Africa at 4.7% and Central Africa at 3.8%; Aviation Push: AfDB appointed Nigeria’s aviation minister Festus Keyamo as Africa champion for a $7bn aviation transformation programme.

Ebola Response Escalates: Uganda ordered the “immediate” closure of its border with Congo as a rare Ebola strain surges, while Europe and other countries tightened screening and travel rules; Canada also moved to 21-day self-isolation for travellers from affected regions. Health Checks in India: A woman from Uganda quarantined in Bengaluru over suspected Ebola tested negative, but India continues airport screening and surveillance. Congo’s Visa-Free Push: Republic of Congo President Denis Sassou-Nguesso announced visa-free entry for all Africans from January 1, 2027, a move celebrated during the AfDB Annual Meetings in Brazzaville. AfDB Economic Outlook: The AfDB forecast Africa’s 2026 growth at 4.2%, with Central Africa projected to grow 3.8% supported by oil revenues. AfDB Meetings in Brazzaville: Leaders used Africa Day to stress “collective agency” and financing reforms as the continent tackles a major development funding gap. Agriculture Support: IFAD approved a $30.9m Malawi grant to boost farm productivity and rural livelihoods.