AGP Executive Report

World Cup Round of 16: Colombia edged Ghana 1-0 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, with Jhon Arias scoring early after a Luis Suárez cross. Colombia controlled the match despite a late offside call on a Luis Díaz goal and Ghana goalkeeper Lawrence Ati Zigi’s seven saves. The win sends Los Cafeteros into the Round of 16 against Switzerland in Vancouver. African Cup of Hope: The tournament’s African surge narrowed after Ghana’s exit, leaving Morocco and Egypt as the continent’s remaining hopes for the quarterfinal race. Congo in the spotlight: England’s 2-1 Round of 16 win over Congo earlier in the week was driven by Harry Kane’s two goals after Congo scored first, setting up England vs Mexico at the Azteca. Economy watch: Falling oil price expectations are again squeezing African crude exporters’ budgets, with Republic of Congo named among the countries facing revenue pressure. Health and safety: A report on Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever highlights ongoing lab exposure concerns and the need for strict biosafety reporting and response.

Congo’s cobalt exports at risk: Producers warn a new administrative quota withdrawal could disrupt shipments, with estimates of up to 20,000 metric tons and $1.1bn in missed sales. World Cup spotlight on Congo: Congo coach Sébastien Desabre revealed his father’s death after the team’s 2-1 loss to England, a moment that followed Congo’s historic World Cup run. Conservation in Congo: New listening work in the Tchimpounga Nature Reserve confirms African manatees, strengthening the case for protecting the reserve’s waterways. Finance and growth in the Republic of Congo: Optasia says microfinancing is driving revenue, with expectations of strong growth including in the Republic of Congo. Regional sports culture: England fans face last-minute changes as Newcastle’s Times Square Fan Zone will not open early for the Mexico match. Global diplomacy note: Iran’s Khamenei memorial drew many regional leaders, including Congo’s foreign minister, while major powers like China, Russia and Turkey stayed away.

World Cup Round of 16 (Congo): Congo coach Sébastien Desabre said his father’s death was disclosed at a media conference right after the team’s 2-1 loss to England, a moment that visibly surprised him. World Cup Round of 32 (Congo): England advanced after a 2-1 win over Congo, with Harry Kane’s late goals sealing progression. Ebola in Congo: A WHO-backed clinical trial has started to test a Bundibugyo Ebola antibody and an antiviral, as Congo’s outbreak continues to spread across provinces; meanwhile, a rapid test race is narrowing to five manufacturers for faster field diagnosis. Regional economy (CEMAC/BEAC): The IMF is pushing BEAC to gradually end a special refinancing window meant to fund productive investment, after the facility was frozen—an issue tied to reserve protection in the monetary union. Business & energy: Eni and Mercuria unveiled a joint venture to expand energy trading, including flows linked to the Republic of Congo. Global humanitarian note: UN reports say Palestinian children are still being failed amid escalating deaths and injuries in Gaza.

Ebola Response in Congo: Researchers have started a study of two possible treatments for the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in eastern Congo, as WHO reports the crisis has surpassed 1,400 confirmed cases and 438 deaths, with no approved treatments or vaccine yet. Ebola Testing Push: A rapid antigen test race has narrowed to five potential manufacturers that could begin field trials in eastern Congo within weeks, aiming to speed up diagnosis and isolation. World Cup Spotlight (Congo): England avoided an early exit after Harry Kane scored twice late to beat Congo 2-1 and book a Round of 16 clash with Mexico in Mexico City. Local Governance & Police Accountability (U.S.): In Wilmington, elected officials and community advocates are demanding more details and police body-camera footage after the fatal shooting of 19-year-old Kadir Skinner, citing frustration over delays in releasing information. Energy Partnership: Dangote Petroleum and Congo’s SNPC have advanced talks on a strategic partnership to supply refined petroleum products to the Republic of Congo.

World Cup Drama (Congo): Harry Kane rescued England with two second-half goals in a 2-1 comeback win over Congo in the Round of 32 in Atlanta, after Brian Cipenga had put Congo ahead at halftime. England now advance to the Round of 16 to face co-host Mexico at the Azteca Stadium on Sunday. World Cup Round-Up: In Seattle, Belgium stunned Senegal 3-2 in extra time, with Youri Tielemans scoring the late winner after Romelu Lukaku pulled them level. Ebola on the Ground (Eastern Congo): AP reports on the human toll of Congo’s Ebola outbreak, describing funerals and warning that the peak may not have been reached and that treatments and vaccines are still months away. Climate Finance (Africa): Samuel Abdulai Jinapor urged African countries to move beyond traditional climate funding and adopt innovative financing to unlock nature-based solutions. Local Accountability (US): Wilmington city council members renewed calls for police reform and public access to body-camera footage after the deadly shooting of Kadir Skinner.

World Cup Shock to Knockout: Congo stunned England at halftime in Atlanta, but Harry Kane struck twice after Brian Cipenga’s early goal to send England through 2-1 and set up a Round of 16 clash with Mexico. Local Sports & Community: Congo Truck Club will hold its 22nd annual Truck, Car & Bike Show on July 11, while fans gear up for matchday crowds and traffic plans around Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Energy Deal for Congo: SNPC has begun talks with Dangote Petroleum Refinery on a strategic partnership to boost Congo’s access to refined products, strengthen energy security, and deepen regional industrial cooperation. Mexico’s Breakthrough: Mexico ended a 40-year knockout-stage win drought by beating Ecuador 2-0, with celebrations in Mexico City turning deadly for at least two people. Public Health Watch: Uganda reported a confirmed Marburg case to WHO, prompting contact tracing and heightened monitoring.

Ebola Watch: Congo health authorities are tracing possible Ebola exposures in two provinces previously not hit by the outbreak, after a pregnant woman died in Ituri and her body was transported to Kisangani in Tshopo, triggering contact-tracing efforts. Regional Health Alerts: Uganda has reported a Marburg outbreak to the WHO while responding to Ebola linked to Congo, with at least one case formally notified. Energy & Industry: The Republic of Congo’s national oil company (SNPC) has begun talks with Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals on a strategic partnership to strengthen Congo’s supply of refined fuel products and boost regional energy cooperation. Football—Congo in the Spotlight: England face Congo in the World Cup Round of 32 in Atlanta, with Congo set for their first knockout appearance since 1974. World Cup—Mexico Breakthrough: Mexico beat Ecuador 2-0 to end a 40-year knockout-stage win drought and book a Round of 16 place.

Ebola Watch: Congo’s Ebola outbreak is worsening, with reports of spread to a fourth province and new cases traced to border areas, while health authorities keep raising the alarm as the death toll climbs. World Cup Focus: The Round of 32 kicks off with England vs. Congo in Atlanta on July 1, setting up a high-stakes match for Congo’s historic run. Energy Deal: SNPC and Dangote Petroleum Refinery have started talks on a strategic partnership to boost Congo’s supply of refined fuel products and deepen regional energy cooperation. Port Expansion: Congo Terminal has completed steel pile driving for the East Mole expansion quay, installing 558 piles and keeping the project on track for delivery in the first half of 2027. Sports Business: Airtel Kenya appoints Senegalese executive Djibril Tobe as managing director, replacing Ashish Malhotra as the operator pushes further in mobile, broadband and mobile money. Football Transfer: Congo-born defender Christ Makosso is reportedly close to joining Ligue 1 side Auxerre, aiming to revive his career under new management.

World Cup Knockouts Set: The Round of 32 is now underway, with England vs Congo scheduled for Wednesday in Atlanta, as the tournament’s expanded 48-team format delivers fresh matchups and high-stakes single-elimination drama. Congo’s Historic Run: Congo’s 3-1 win over Uzbekistan has put the country in the knockouts for the first time, and the team now faces a tough England test as African sides keep rewriting expectations. Ebola Alert in Congo: Health coverage highlights the outbreak’s spread, with Congo reporting 1,274 confirmed cases including 360 deaths, keeping the spotlight on urgent public health response. Sports Betting Boom: Betting operators say World Cup wagering has surged beyond expectations, with sportsbooks pointing to the U.S. audience and the knockout-stage momentum. Local Tech & Finance: Vidari Group launched VidariPay, a cross-border payments platform aimed at cutting transaction costs and speeding settlements for African businesses and freelancers. Congo Basin Research Push: Experts call for more Africa-led research to better manage Central African forests and protect the Congo Basin amid deforestation and climate pressure.

World Cup Knockouts: Congo have made history, beating Uzbekistan 3-1 to reach the Round of 32 for the first time and set up a knockout clash with England in Atlanta on Wednesday, after earlier holding Portugal 1-1; the win also helped push eight African teams into the last 32. Sports & Politics: England coach Thomas Tuchel says he’ll take “any win” as he faces Congo, while South Korea’s coach Hong Myung-bo resigned after the team’s early World Cup exit sparked sharp criticism from President Lee Jae-myung. Public Debate: In Cape Town, activists staged a counter-protest to June 30 anti-immigration marches, with online reactions split between support for immigrants and accusations of promoting open borders. Health & Environment: Scientists and policymakers called for more Africa-led research to protect the Congo Basin as deforestation, land degradation and climate change intensify. Business & Finance: Kenya and Congo Eurobonds are among top winners as oil-linked debt demand shifts with Brent crude falling.

World Cup Knockouts Set: Congo stunned Uzbekistan 3-1 to reach the Round of 32 for the first time, setting up a July 1 clash with England after Yoane Wissa and Fiston Mayele powered a dramatic second-half comeback. Bracket Talk: FIFA’s knockout matchups are now locked, with some teams facing tougher “paths” than others as the tournament enters the Round of 32. South Korea Fallout: South Korea’s coach Hong Myung-bo resigned after the team’s early World Cup exit, following a sharp rebuke from President Lee Jae Myung. Ebola Update: Congo reported 1,274 confirmed Ebola cases, including 360 deaths, as health authorities intensify response efforts. Sports Culture Note: England’s build-up also included a bizarre twist—Congo’s “living statue” superfan was barred from entering the USA, meaning he will miss the Leopards’ biggest match. Africa on the Rise: Record numbers of African teams advanced to the knockout stage, highlighting the continent’s growing strength.

World Cup Knockouts: Congo stunned Uzbekistan 3-1 in Atlanta to reach the Round of 32 for the first time, with Yoane Wissa scoring twice and Fiston Mayele adding the decisive strike, setting up a knockout clash with England. African Football Milestone: The feat helped push a record 10 African teams into the 2026 World Cup knockout stage, with Morocco, South Africa, Senegal, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Cape Verde, Egypt, Congo and Algeria all advancing. Bracket Set: The Round of 32 schedule is now confirmed, with England set to host Congo in Atlanta on July 1 as the tournament’s knockout phase begins. South Korea Fallout: South Korea’s early exit sparked sharp criticism from President Lee Jae Myung and reports that coach Hong Myung-bo quit, with Congo’s win over Uzbekistan ending their hopes. Health Watch: Separately, Congo’s Ebola situation remains in focus as health agencies escalate response efforts amid rising cases in the region.

World Cup Shock for Congo: Congo made history in Atlanta, rallying from a first-half goal down to beat Uzbekistan 3-1 and reach the round of 32 for the first time in 52 years. Match Turning Points: Yoane Wissa levelled from the spot in the 68th minute, then Fiston Mayele put Congo ahead, with Wissa sealing it late. Next Up in Brazzaville’s Spotlight: Congo’s knockout clash is set against England after England beat Panama 2-0 to top its group. Group Drama Elsewhere: Austria and Algeria’s 3-3 draw eliminated Iran, while Congo and Cape Verde joined Africa’s growing list of surprise qualifiers. Fan Mood: Thousands celebrated at Atlanta’s Fan Fest as Congo’s young squad turned a long wait into a breakthrough.

Ebola Update: The WHO says Congo’s Ebola outbreak is still far from over as cases rise, with the CDC moving its response to the highest level after more than 1,200 confirmed cases across Congo and Uganda since May and at least 250 deaths. World Cup Stakes for Congo: With group play ending, Congo’s match vs Uzbekistan is pivotal for qualification to the Round of 32, while the knockout field is set to be finalized on Saturday after the last group games. Congo vs Rwanda at the ICJ: Congo has filed a case against Rwanda at the International Court of Justice, accusing it of legal responsibility for decades of violence in eastern Congo, including massacres, torture and sexual violence. Oil & Gas Watch: UK-based Trident Energy is sounding out contractors for a mid-size FLNG vessel for offshore Congo-Brazzaville, aiming to use its N’Kossa and N’Soko II licences to tap untapped gas resources. Leadership & Industry: Aliko Dangote urged the Olusegun Obasanjo Leadership Institute to train African presidents, prime ministers, governors and senior policymakers to close governance and development gaps.

ICJ Case: Congo has filed a case at the International Court of Justice against Rwanda, accusing it of legal responsibility for more than three decades of violence in eastern Congo, including massacres, torture, sexual violence and forced displacement. Ebola Escalation: The CDC has raised its Ebola response to its highest level as cases rise across Congo and Uganda, with officials warning the outbreak’s spread is accelerating and no immediate threat to the U.S. is expected. World Cup Focus: Congo’s return to the World Cup after 52 years is still alive as the team faces Uzbekistan on June 27, with a win potentially sending Congo into the knockout stage. Sports & Culture: A Congolese rumba documentary screening is set for Springfield Town Library, highlighting the music’s history and cultural impact. Local Business: GCB Bank was named West Africa’s Regional Bank of the Year at awards held in Brazzaville, underscoring regional finance momentum.

Ebola Response in Congo: Africa CDC says funding to tackle Congo’s Ebola outbreak now needs $1.4 billion—three times an earlier estimate—warning that only 13% of pledged money has been released and that worsening humanitarian conditions in Ituri are slowing access to displacement camps. Travel Curbs After Ebola in France: Congo has imposed restrictions on travel abroad after France confirmed its first Ebola case linked to a doctor returning from Congo, requiring people from affected provinces to spend three weeks outside the outbreak area before traveling. World Cup Knockout Race (Congo spotlight): Colombia edged Congo 1-0 with a Daniel Muñoz goal to reach the knockout stage, while Congo’s earlier 1-1 draw with Portugal keeps its story alive as the group bracket tightens. NBA Draft—African Talent Surge: AJ Dybantsa, with family roots in the Republic of the Congo, went first overall to the Washington Wizards, underscoring Africa’s growing presence in the NBA. Finance in the Region: GCB Bank was named West Africa’s Regional Bank of the Year at awards held in Brazzaville.