AGP Executive Report

Ebola Emergency in Eastern Congo: Congo’s Health Ministry says the fastest-growing Ebola outbreak has surged into two more health zones—Biena and Manguredjipa in North Kivu—bringing affected areas to 60, with 5,794 confirmed cases and 2,786 deaths; officials warn the fatality rate is higher in the new zones as insecurity, displacement, a health workers’ strike and population movements keep response teams stretched. Vaccination Drive: Congo has started vaccinating frontline workers with the Ervebo vaccine, while trials continue for a licensed jab against the rare Bundibugyo virus behind the outbreak. Funding Gap: UN chief António Guterres says an extra $1.1 billion is urgently needed because the UN’s Ebola plan is only 48% funded, threatening key operations as the crisis accelerates. Regional Diplomacy: Namibia’s foreign minister says the country is pushing for the election of the UN’s first female secretary-general, including during consultations in the Republic of Congo. Tech Policy Impact: Apple is adjusting App Store pricing in the Republic of the Congo due to new tax rules, affecting developer payouts and some in-app purchases.

Ebola Emergency in Eastern Congo: Congo’s Health Ministry says the fastest-growing Ebola outbreak has surged to 60 affected health zones, after adding Biena and Manguredjipa in North Kivu. Total figures now stand at 5,794 confirmed cases and 2,786 deaths, with a 48% overall fatality rate; officials warn the new areas show higher death rates linked to delayed response. Containment under Pressure: The WHO says the outbreak remains out of control, as insecurity, displacement, a health workers’ strike, and intense population movement disrupt tracking and care. Vaccination Drive: Congo has begun vaccinating frontline workers with the Ervebo vaccine, while clinical trials continue for a licensed option against the Bundibugyo virus. Regional Diplomacy: In a separate development, Namibia used consultations in the Republic of Congo to push for the election of the UN’s first female secretary-general.

Ebola Response in Congo: Congo has begun vaccinating people against Ebola in Kisangani, prioritising frontline health and response workers with the Ervebo vaccine while clinical trials continue for a licensed option for the current outbreak. Public Health Pressure on Schools: With the outbreak centred in Ituri and infections still outpacing containment, parents and teachers are urging authorities to delay the Sept. 1 school reopening, citing the risk to children as the country reports 5,713 confirmed cases and 2,744 deaths. Tax and App Store Changes: Apple says new VAT rules will change developer proceeds in the Republic of the Congo (18% VAT) and will also adjust App Store app and in-app purchase prices starting Sept. 14. Regional Finance: CEMAC governments increased borrowing on the regional securities market in July, with outstanding debt rising to CFA10.56 trillion despite slightly higher financing costs.

Ebola Crisis in Eastern Congo: Parents and teachers in Ituri are urging authorities to delay Congo’s Sept. 1 school reopening as the Ebola outbreak keeps outpacing containment, with 5,713 confirmed cases and 2,744 deaths reported by health authorities. Regional Finance Watch: CEMAC governments increased borrowing on the regional securities market in July, with outstanding debt rising 3.34% to CFA10.56 trillion even as average borrowing costs edged up to 8.53%. Telecom & Fintech Moves: MTN Group named Ikenna Ikeme as Executive for Group Regulatory Affairs from Sept. 7, as the company pushes its Ambition 2030 strategy; it is also exploring banking licences in markets where mobile-money “floats” are large. Infrastructure Deal for Congo: Mota-Engil is set to sign a 30-year Congo rail concession to rehabilitate and manage the copper and cobalt railway along the Lobito Corridor. Security & Health Beyond Congo: WHO reported a sharp rise in Afghanistan’s infectious diseases in July, including dengue and COVID-19, highlighting worsening health pressures.

Ebola Response in Congo: Congo’s Ebola outbreak keeps worsening, with reports saying it has reached one of its highest weekly death tolls and is on track to surpass the deadliest on record, as international health efforts scale up. Public Health Spillover: Frankfurt Airport reported two workers dead from malaria and five more ill, with authorities suspecting a mosquito brought in on an aircraft and setting up special traps for testing. Telecom & Finance in Africa: MTN is moving deeper into fintech, including exploring banking licences in selected markets where mobile-money “floats” are large, and it has also secured conditional approval to buy IHS Towers in Nigeria. Congo Basin Environment: A Yaoundé summit brought together 15 countries to push agroecological transformation and protect biodiversity across the Congo Basin amid droughts and flooding. Trade Talks: Namibia’s foreign minister urged the Republic of Congo to boost investment and trade, highlighting agro-processing and beef exports. Sports (Congo-linked): Congo native Jonathan Kuminga agreed a two-year deal with the Minnesota Timberwolves, while CAF U-23 qualifiers drew Congo among teams entering later rounds. Local Life: Durban residents face a major water shutdown for maintenance at Midmar Water Treatment Works.

Fisheries Transparency: The Republic of Congo has endorsed the Mombasa Declaration at Kenya’s Our Ocean Conference, backing tougher disclosure on vessel data—while transparency groups warn that real change will only come with verifiable, stakeholder-led implementation. Telecom-to-Banking Push: MTN says it is exploring banking licences in selected African markets where mobile-money “floats” are large, aiming to fund lending from its own balance sheet as it grows fintech. Regional Diplomacy: Namibia’s foreign minister, Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, urged the Republic of Congo to boost trade and investment, highlighting agro-processing and beef exports as quick wins. Ebola Watch (Congo): Congo’s Ebola outbreak continues to surge, with reports of record weekly deaths and the need for rapid scaling of response and vaccines. African Parks Fallout: Prince Harry has stepped down from African Parks’ board after the charity admitted ranger-linked human rights abuses in Congo-Brazzaville, though he says he remains a supporter of its mission. Sports (CAF U-23): CAF qualifiers for the 2027 U-23 AFCON are set after draws in Cairo, with Congo among teams entering later rounds via exemptions. Local Service Disruption: Durban residents face a planned 10-hour water shutdown in parts of the city as maintenance is carried out at Midmar Water Treatment Works.

Ebola Emergency in Eastern Congo: Congo’s Ebola outbreak is worsening fast, with government data saying 317 deaths were recorded in the past week as cases reached 5,514 by Saturday—health workers warn the real toll could be up to three times higher because spread began before confirmation. Health Response Boost: Congo has received more than 16,000 doses of the Ervebo vaccine, with WHO saying it will also be used in clinical trials. African Parks Governance Shock: Prince Harry has stepped down from the board of African Parks after the charity admitted ranger-linked human rights abuses in Congo-Brazzaville, including allegations of beatings, rape and torture; African Parks says the move is part of a “governance refresh.” Sports—U23 AFCON Qualifiers: CAF’s draw in Cairo set Malawi’s U-23 opener against Eswatini, while Congo is among 14 teams exempted to the second round; Zambia also enters the second round after a bye. Trade & Investment Push: Namibia’s foreign minister called for stronger Namibia–Congo trade, urging more Namibian products on Congolese shelves and more Congolese investment in Namibia.

Ebola Surge in Eastern Congo: Congo’s Ebola outbreak has recorded 5,514 cases and 2,642 deaths, with 317 deaths reported in the past week, as health workers struggle to keep up with the disease’s rapid spread; experts warn the real scale could be far larger. Prince Harry Steps Away from African Parks: The Duke of Sussex has left the board of African Parks after a decade linked to the conservation group, amid ongoing scrutiny over alleged human rights abuses by rangers in Congo-Brazzaville; his spokesman says he remains an active supporter of the charity’s mission. U-23 AFCON Qualifying Update: CAF has set the 2027 U-23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying format, with Congo named among 14 teams exempted from the first round and entering at the second-round stage after the draw in Cairo. Security and Training Links: Reports say more than 50 Congolese officers have joined the League of Graduates of Russian Universities, following a ceremony in Brazzaville.

Ebola Crisis in Congo: Eastern Congo’s Ebola outbreak keeps accelerating, with government data saying 5,514 cases and 2,642 deaths as of Saturday, including 317 deaths in the past week—health workers warn the real toll could be far higher as the virus spreads beyond monitored contacts. Health Response: Congo received more than 16,000 doses of the Ervebo vaccine, with WHO saying it will also be used in trials as authorities race to catch up. Conservation Accountability: Prince Harry has stepped down from the board of African Parks after the charity admitted human rights abuses by rangers in Congo-Brazzaville, including allegations involving the Baka community at Odzala-Kokoua National Park. Local Diplomacy: Namibia’s foreign minister visited Brazzaville to deepen trade, investment and economic cooperation with the Republic of Congo. Tech & Finance: MTN and Ericsson completed a cloud-native upgrade of MoMo in several African markets, with plans to extend the transformation to more countries, including discussions involving the Republic of Congo. Regional Security: A ceasefire monitoring mission began in eastern Congo under a Qatar-mediated deal, with fighting around Minembwe and fresh accusations of shelling and civilian harm.

Ebola Surge in Congo: Congo’s Ebola outbreak has reached 5,515 laboratory-confirmed cases, with 2,642 deaths and a 47.9% mortality rate, as 51 new cases were logged in the past day and health teams struggle to reach people beyond monitored contacts. Humanitarian Response Pressure: Eastern Congo has seen more than 300 deaths in the past week, with experts warning the outbreak could be far larger than official figures, while Congo received over 16,000 doses of the Ervebo vaccine to support containment efforts. Conservation Governance Shock: Prince Harry has stepped down from the board of African Parks after the charity acknowledged human rights abuses by rangers in Odzala-Kokoua National Park in the Republic of Congo, including allegations of beatings, rape and torture. Peace Effort in Eastern Congo: A ceasefire monitoring mission began in Minembwe, South Kivu, under a Qatari-mediated framework, as both sides trade accusations of violations and civilian harm. Diplomatic Ties: Namibia’s foreign minister visited Brazzaville to deepen trade and investment cooperation with the Republic of Congo.

Copper Supply Shock: Zijin warns its 2026 copper output target is under pressure after flooding and earlier disruptions at the Kamoa-Kakula complex in Congo, potentially cutting its share of output by up to 57,000 tons as global supply concerns push prices near record levels. Ebola Emergency in Congo: Congo’s Ebola outbreak is accelerating fast, with WHO and Africa CDC data saying it has not peaked and could surpass the deadliest outbreak on record, as response teams face violence, distrust, and low detection of cases. Youth Push Back Against Violence: In Beni, young people staged a bicycle caravan to boost Ebola awareness after attacks on burial teams and treatment centres, urging more support on the ground. Regional Diplomacy: Namibia and Congo signed MoUs in Brazzaville to deepen cooperation in health, culture and the arts. Local Economy & Trade: Ericsson and MTN Group Fintech completed a cloud-native migration of mobile money in several markets and say discussions include bringing the Republic of the Congo onto the same transformation path.

Ebola Emergency in Congo: The UN and Africa CDC warn Congo’s Ebola outbreak is accelerating fast, with deaths now above 2,500 and cases surpassing 5,000, spreading across multiple provinces and outpacing response capacity as insecurity and distrust hamper contact tracing. Youth Mobilisation in Beni: In Beni, young people led a bicycle caravan to boost awareness and counter attacks on Ebola response teams, after burial teams were attacked and treatment centres burned in hotspots like Mongbwalu and Rwampara. Health Aid Boost: WHO says Congo will receive 70,000 doses of Ervebo to tackle the fastest-growing outbreak on record, as officials say it may still be far from peaking. Local Diplomacy: Namibia and Congo signed MoUs in Brazzaville to deepen cooperation in health, culture and the arts. Regional Tech & Finance: Ericsson and MTN Group Fintech completed a cloud-native migration for mobile money in several African markets, with talks to include the Republic of the Congo. Public Debate on Identity: A commentary reignited discussion on how colonial-era documents are being used in modern political arguments about belonging in Congo.

Ebola Emergency in Congo: The UN says Congo’s Ebola outbreak is spiraling out of control, spreading faster than responders can manage, with deaths now above 2,500 and cases passing 5,000 across six provinces; Africa CDC warns the outbreak has not peaked and could be far larger, citing low detection rates and heavy disruption from conflict and distrust. Health Diplomacy: Namibia and the Republic of Congo signed new MoUs in Brazzaville to deepen cooperation in health and in culture and the arts. Regional Ties: Congo and Namibia also reaffirmed plans to turn long-standing political relations into tangible economic benefits. Digital Finance Push: Ericsson and MTN Group Fintech completed a cloud-native migration of MTN MoMo in several markets and are now looking to extend the same transformation path to Cameroon and discussions for Benin, Republic of the Congo and Zambia. Security and Justice Watch (Liberia): Liberia charged former VP Jewel Howard-Taylor in a transnational narcotics probe, while separate reporting highlights mounting public pressure over alleged conflicts in a major narcotics scandal involving Liberia’s police leadership.

Ebola Emergency in Congo: The UN says Congo’s Ebola outbreak is spiraling, with deaths now topping 2,500 and cases surpassing 5,000 across six provinces, as WHO warns it hasn’t peaked and could grow far larger. Vaccine Boost: WHO and partners announced Congo will receive 70,000 doses of the Ervebo vaccine, including 20,000 for a Phase 3 trial, to support front-line protection in the fast-spreading outbreak. Regional Diplomacy: Namibia and Congo signed MoUs in Brazzaville to deepen cooperation on health and culture/arts. Health and Security Pressure: UN-linked reporting highlights how distrust, displacement from conflict, and low detection of cases are undermining response efforts. Migration and Deportations: A US deportation flight to Liberia saw five men resist and be restrained before being returned to the plane, underscoring the volatility of third-country deportation deals. Business and Connectivity: Ericsson and MTN Group Fintech completed a cloud-native migration of mobile money services in several African markets, with plans to expand to Cameroon and discussions including the Republic of Congo.

Ebola Emergency: Congo’s Ebola outbreak is accelerating fast, with UN and Africa CDC officials warning it has not peaked and could be far larger than current figures; WHO says it is on track to surpass the deadliest outbreak on record, as deaths climb past 2,500 and cases pass 5,000 amid weak contact tracing and distrust in conflict-hit areas. Vaccine Boost: WHO and partners announced Congo will receive 70,000 doses of the Ervebo vaccine, including 20,000 for a Phase 3 trial and 50,000 for frontline health workers. Regional Mobility & Security: Nigeria’s immigration authorities in Osun say they arrested 55 irregular migrants from Cameroon and Congo for repatriation after intelligence-led raids. Energy Watch: Chevron confirmed an oil and gas condensate discovery in Angola’s Block 0, a tie-back candidate to existing facilities, underscoring continued investment in the region. Digital Finance: Ericsson and MTN Group Fintech completed migration of MTN MoMo to a cloud-native platform, with plans to extend the transformation to Cameroon and discuss expansion to the Republic of the Congo.

Ebola Emergency in Congo: The UN says Congo’s Ebola outbreak is spiraling out of control, spreading faster than responders can keep up, with deaths now reported at about 2,500 in the past three months and confirmed cases above 5,000 across six provinces. Vaccine Boost: WHO and partners announced Congo will receive 70,000 doses of the Ervebo vaccine—20,000 for a Phase 3 trial and 50,000 for frontline health workers—aimed at tackling the fastest-growing outbreak in history. Outbreak Data Warning: Africa CDC officials warn the outbreak may not have peaked and could be up to three times larger than current figures, with only 30%–40% of cases estimated detected so far. Digital Finance in Congo: Ericsson and MTN Group Fintech completed a cloud-native migration of MTN MoMo in several markets and say plans include bringing Cameroon and the Republic of the Congo onto the same transformation path. Local Governance Tension (Liberia): A revenue-sharing dispute between Monrovia’s city authority and townships has escalated into a sanitation and public-health concern, with commissioners alleging funds are not being remitted as agreed.