AGP Executive Report

Ebola Border Push: ECSA-HC has stepped up joint surveillance and emergency response across the Tanzania–Uganda, Uganda–Kenya and Tanzania–Burundi frontiers after Ebola cases surged from the DRC into Uganda, with WHO naming it a Public Health Emergency of International Concern and Africa CDC classifying it as a continental security emergency; officials say the Bundibugyo strain is spreading fast and there’s no approved vaccine or specific treatment yet. Regional Diplomacy: Uhuru Kenyatta joined AU leaders in Gabon for a peace retreat focused on ceasefires, mediation and reconciliation. EU–São Tomé Fisheries: The European Parliament approved renewed EU fisheries deals with São Tomé and Príncipe, securing access for European tuna and longliner fleets in the Gulf of Guinea in return for financial support for local marine management. AfCFTA Reality Check: A Mo Ibrahim Foundation report says intra-African commerce could hit 53% with full AfCFTA rollout, but free-movement ratification is lagging—only four countries, including São Tomé and Príncipe, have ratified the AU 2018 protocol.

Ebola Border Push: ECSA-HC says Tanzania and Uganda have stepped up joint surveillance and emergency response along shared frontiers after Ebola cases spread from the DRC into Uganda, with drills focused on high-risk crossings and a coordinated epidemiological plan as WHO flags the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. Oil & Gas Licensing: São Tomé and Príncipe has launched a fast-track licensing round for three ultra-deepwater blocks west of the islands, offering stakes up to 85% (15% for the state) with bids due by 30 June. EU Fisheries Renewal: The European Parliament approved renewed EU fisheries deals with São Tomé and Príncipe, keeping European tuna and longliner access in the Gulf of Guinea in exchange for payments tied to local marine management. Mobility Pressure: A new Mo Ibrahim Foundation report warns AfCFTA progress is being held back by slow ratification of the AU free-movement protocol, with São Tomé and Príncipe named among the few that have ratified.

AI Century Manifesto: A new Africa-focused economic blueprint argues the “AI century” will be won by citizen-driven productivity—pushing SME growth, entrepreneurship, digital competitiveness and AI literacy as national priorities. Trade Diplomacy: Tunisia is urging African countries to use global expos as real economic diplomacy, not just symbolic presence, with a push to strengthen pavilion management and post-event follow-up. LDC Pressure: Nepal has asked the UN to delay its graduation from the Least Developed Country category until 2030, warning that losing preferential trade benefits could hit growth. Peace Efforts: In Gabon, Uhuru Kenyatta backed stronger African-led mediation and ceasefire frameworks under an AU peace retreat. EU Fisheries Deal: The European Parliament approved renewed EU fisheries access with São Tomé and Príncipe, tying vessel permissions to payments aimed at sustainable local management. Local Energy Move: São Tomé and Príncipe launched a fast-track licensing round for three ultra-deepwater blocks west of the islands, with bids due by 30 June.

AI Century Economic Manifesto For Africa: Africa’s next leap, the manifesto argues, will be driven by “citizen-based economies” where productivity, SME growth, and mass entrepreneurship—supported by digital competitiveness and AI literacy—replace resource-only thinking. African Economic Diplomacy: Tunisia is pushing for stronger African participation in global expos, aiming to move beyond symbolic booths into practical tools for integration and competitiveness. São Tomé & Príncipe Energy Push: STP-ANP has launched a fast-track licensing round for ultra-deepwater blocks west of the islands, with bids due by 30 June and stakes up to 85% offered to industry. EU Fisheries Deal: The European Parliament approved renewed EU fisheries access for tuna and longliners with São Tomé and Príncipe, tying payments to sustainable local marine management. Mobility Gap in Africa: A new report warns AfCFTA gains are held back by slow free-movement action—only four countries have ratified the AU protocol, including São Tomé and Príncipe.

African Expos Push: Tunisia is urging African countries to move beyond “symbolic participation” at global expos, framing World Expo platforms as tools for economic diplomacy and integration, with a Tunis meeting bringing together senior officials from 11 countries and planners for Expo 2025 Osaka, Expo 2027 Belgrade and Expo 2030 Riyadh. São Tomé & Príncipe Fisheries: The European Parliament has approved renewed EU fisheries deals with São Tomé and Príncipe, keeping European tuna and longliner access in the Gulf of Guinea in return for payments aimed at local marine management. Oil & Gas Licensing: São Tomé & Príncipe has launched a fast-track licensing round for ultra-deepwater blocks west of the islands, offering stakes up to 85% and bids due by 30 June. Debt Pressure in the Region: Zimbabwe was flagged among Africa’s most debt-distressed economies, with São Tomé and Príncipe also named in a report linking worsening fiscal stress to broader conflict impacts. Mobility Gap: A new Africa-wide report says only four countries have ratified the AU’s free movement protocol—São Tomé and Príncipe included—highlighting how slow action keeps intra-Africa travel harder.

LDC Graduation Pressure: Nepal has asked the UN to delay its scheduled graduation from the Least Developed Country category until November 2030, warning that losing LDC trade preferences could hit growth as conflicts and supply-chain shocks squeeze remittances and stability. AU Peace Diplomacy: Former President Uhuru Kenyatta joined African leaders in Libreville, Gabon, for an AU retreat focused on ceasefires, national dialogue and reconciliation. EU–Africa Fisheries: The European Parliament approved renewed EU fisheries deals with the Cook Islands and São Tomé and Príncipe, keeping European tuna and longliner access in exchange for payments aimed at supporting local marine management. Sao Tomé Energy Move: São Tomé and Príncipe launched a fast-track licensing round for ultra-deepwater blocks west of the islands, with bids due by 30 June. Debt Stress Watch: Zimbabwe was flagged among Africa’s most debt-distressed economies, underscoring how fiscal strain and arrears keep countries locked out of concessional financing.

AU Peace Diplomacy: Former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta joined African leaders in Libreville, Gabon, for the AU’s 17th High-Level Retreat on peace and stability, pushing for stronger African-led mediation, ceasefire support, and reconciliation. EU Fisheries Renewal: The European Parliament approved renewed EU fisheries deals with the Cook Islands and São Tomé and Príncipe, keeping European tuna and longliner vessels operating in the Pacific and Gulf of Guinea in return for payments tied to sustainable local management. Olympics Broadcast Deal: The IOC signed Marketing & Media Solutions (MMS) to distribute free-to-air Olympic coverage across 44 sub-Saharan countries for Los Angeles 2028 and Brisbane 2032, starting with the Dakar Youth Olympics. Sao Tomé Energy Push: São Tomé and Príncipe launched a fast-track licensing round for ultra-deepwater blocks west of the islands, with bids due by 30 June. Regional Integration Watch: A new report flags slow progress on the AU Free Movement of Persons Protocol, noting only four countries have ratified it—São Tomé and Príncipe included—limiting intra-Africa mobility and trade.

EU Fisheries Renewal: The European Parliament has approved renewed EU fisheries deals with the Cook Islands and São Tomé and Príncipe, keeping Spanish, French and Portuguese tuna and longliner fleets operating in the Pacific and the Gulf of Guinea in return for annual payments aimed at supporting local marine management. Olympics Broadcast Push: The IOC has signed a free-to-air broadcast rights deal for the 2028 Los Angeles and 2032 Brisbane Games (plus the 2030 Winter Games) across 44 sub-Saharan countries, starting with the Dakar Youth Olympics. Local Tax and Spending: Panaji’s city corporation says there will be no house tax hike, setting aside nearly Rs 25 crore for development works while boosting revenue collection through civic events. Oil Licensing in São Tomé and Príncipe: São Tomé and Príncipe has launched a fast-track licensing round for ultra-deepwater blocks west of the islands, with bids due by 30 June. Digital Finance Watch: The Neves Licensing Authority flagged rising demand for modern licensing frameworks as fintech and cross-border online services expand.

EU Fisheries Renewal: The European Parliament has approved renewing EU fisheries deals with the Cook Islands and São Tomé and Príncipe, keeping Spanish, French and Portuguese tuna and longliner vessels operating in the Pacific and the Gulf of Guinea until 2032, with EU payments tied to sustainable local marine management. Local Budget Watch: In Panaji, the city corporation says there will be no house tax hike in its 2026-27 budget, setting aside nearly Rs 25 crore for development works while pushing revenue collection through civic events. Olympics Media Deal: The IOC has signed a sub-Saharan Africa broadcast rights agreement with Marketing & Media Solutions for free-to-air coverage of LA 2028, Brisbane 2032 and the French Alps 2030, starting with the Dakar Youth Olympics. AfCFTA Mobility Pressure: A new Mo Ibrahim Foundation report warns AfCFTA gains are being held back by slow free-movement action, noting only four countries—including São Tomé and Príncipe—have ratified the AU Free Movement of Persons Protocol. Energy Focus: São Tomé and Príncipe has launched a fast-track licensing round for ultra-deepwater blocks west of the islands, with bids due by 30 June.

Olympics Broadcast Deal: The IOC has signed a new sub-Saharan Africa free-to-air rights agreement with Marketing & Media Solutions (MMS) for LA 2028, Brisbane 2032, and the 2030 French Alps Winter Games, with coverage starting via the 2026 Dakar Youth Olympics and aiming for 200+ hours of free Olympic programming across 44 countries. Regional Integration Push: A Mo Ibrahim Foundation report says intra-African trade gains could jump to 53% if AfCFTA is fully implemented, but mobility is still blocked: only Mali, Niger, Rwanda, and São Tomé and Príncipe have ratified the AU’s 2018 Free Movement of Persons Protocol. Energy & Licensing: São Tomé and Príncipe has launched a fast-track licensing round for ultra-deepwater blocks west of the islands, offering stakes up to 85% in Blocks 7, 8, and 9, with bids due by 30 June. Debt Pressure: Zimbabwe has been classed among Africa’s most debt-distressed economies, with public debt put around US$23bn and warnings of a heavier true burden.

Olympics Broadcast Deal: The IOC has signed a new free-to-air rights agreement for sub-Saharan Africa, with Marketing & Media Solutions (MMS) set to distribute coverage across 44 countries for the Los Angeles 2028 and Brisbane 2032 Summer Games, plus the French Alps 2030 Winter Olympics—starting with the 2026 Youth Olympics in Dakar. Regional Trade Push: A new Mo Ibrahim Foundation report warns that Africa’s integration is being held back by slow action on free movement: only Mali, Niger, Rwanda, and São Tomé and Príncipe have ratified the AU’s 2018 Free Movement of Persons Protocol, leaving most Africans facing visa hurdles and costly travel. Energy & Licensing: São Tomé and Príncipe has launched a fast-track licensing round for ultra-deepwater acreage west of the islands, offering stakes up to 85% in blocks 7, 8 and 9, with bids due by 30 June. Digital Finance Regulation: The Neves Licensing Authority says fintech and cross-border online finance are outgrowing old licensing categories, calling for frameworks built for modern, scalable digital systems.

Oil & Gas Licensing: São Tomé and Príncipe has launched a fast-track licensing round for ultra-deepwater acreage west of the islands, offering stakes up to 85% in blocks 7, 8 and 9 (with 15% reserved for the state) and asking bids by 30 June with a $25,000 payment, as major operators including Shell, TotalEnergies, Petrobras, Galp and Kosmos weigh new exploration after recent mixed results. Regional Mobility Push: A new Mo Ibrahim Foundation report says AfCFTA could lift intra-African commerce to 53% if fully implemented, but progress is being undermined by slow ratification of the AU Free Movement of Persons Protocol—only Mali, Niger, Rwanda and São Tomé and Príncipe have ratified it. Digital Finance Regulation: The Neves Licensing Authority says digital finance is outgrowing old licensing models, calling for frameworks that can handle cross-border fintech, cloud-based operations and modern payment systems. Debt Pressure: Zimbabwe has been classed among Africa’s most debt-distressed economies, with the report also grouping São Tomé and Príncipe in the same high-risk band.

Oil & Gas Licensing: São Tomé and Príncipe has launched a fast-track licensing round for ultra-deepwater acreage west of the islands, offering stakes up to 85% in blocks 7, 8 and 9 (with 15% reserved for the state) and a 30 June bid deadline plus a $25,000 payment, as major operators including Shell, TotalEnergies, Petrobras, Galp and Kosmos stay active in the Gulf of Guinea. Regional Mobility & Trade: A new Mo Ibrahim Foundation report warns AfCFTA gains are being held back by slow political action on free movement—only Mali, Niger, Rwanda and São Tomé and Príncipe have ratified the AU’s 2018 Free Movement of Persons Protocol, leaving just 28% of Africans able to enter other African countries without a visa, even as full implementation could lift intra-African commerce to 53% and add millions of jobs. Digital Finance Regulation: The Neves Licensing Authority says demand is rising for licensing frameworks that fit digital finance, cross-border fintech and cloud-based payment systems, pushing regulators toward rules built for modern, scalable operations.

AfCFTA Momentum Check: A new Mo Ibrahim Foundation report says intra-African trade could jump to 53% if the African Continental Free Trade Area is fully implemented, up from 18% today—but progress is being held back by mobility gaps. Free Movement Block: Only four countries have ratified the AU’s 2018 Free Movement of Persons Protocol, and the report warns that most Africans still face visa hurdles that make regional travel costly and slow. São Tomé & Príncipe Energy Push: In the Gulf of Guinea, São Tomé & Príncipe launched a fast-track licensing round for ultra-deepwater blocks west of the islands, offering stakes up to 85% with bids due 30 June. Digital Finance Policy: The Neves Licensing Authority says demand is rising for modern licensing frameworks as fintech and cross-border online finance expand across jurisdictions. Debt Pressure in the Region: Zimbabwe was flagged among Africa’s most debt-distressed economies, with the report citing severe fiscal instability and arrears risks.

Free Movement Stalls: The Mo Ibrahim Foundation says Africa’s integration push is being undermined by slow action on the AU’s 2018 Free Movement of Persons Protocol, with only four of 55 countries—including São Tomé and Príncipe—having ratified it, leaving just 28% of Africans able to enter other African countries without a visa and forcing costly, time-consuming travel. Oil & Licensing: São Tomé and Príncipe has launched a fast-track licensing round for ultra-deepwater acreage west of the islands, offering stakes up to 85% in blocks 7, 8 and 9, with bids due by 30 June. Debt Pressure: Zimbabwe has been placed deeper among Africa’s most debt-distressed economies, in a UN-AU-AfDB report that also flags São Tomé and Príncipe in the same stressed group. Digital Finance Policy: The Neves Licensing Authority says demand is rising for new licensing frameworks to match cross-border fintech and digital finance operations. Climate Watch: Global temperature records keep slipping into the danger zone, with April 2026 reported as the fourth-warmest April on record.

Oil & Licensing Push: Sao Tome and Principe has launched a fast-track licensing round for ultra-deepwater acreage west of the islands, offering stakes up to 85% in blocks 7, 8 and 9 (with 15% reserved for the state). Bids are due by 30 June, alongside a $25,000 payment, as major players including Shell, TotalEnergies, Petrobras, Galp and Kosmos keep a close eye on the Gulf of Guinea frontier. Debt Pressure in the Region: Zimbabwe has been placed among Africa’s most debt-distressed economies, with public debt estimated around US$23bn, highlighting renewed sovereign risk as Harare seeks creditor relations and relief. Travel Freedom Signals: Oman’s passport edged up in the Henley rankings, while Pakistan’s slipped to 100th—a reminder that mobility can swing quickly with visa policy changes. Culture & Scholarship: A new book review spotlights African resistance and anti-slavery ideas across the Atlantic world, challenging older timelines of abolitionism.