AGP Executive Report

Ebola Emergency Hits Congo Hard: Congo has banned funeral wakes and large gatherings in Ituri as WHO warns the outbreak risk is now “very high,” with confirmed cases rising and officials saying the situation is “much larger” than reported—while treatment capacity is still stretched. Rwanda’s Business Push: AGL opened its first Kigali Expertise Centre, consolidating compliance, IT, audit, communications, and QHSE to speed operations across its African logistics network. Rwanda Finance Watch: BK Group reported a 29% jump in net profit to Rwf110bn at its AGM, while Rwanda’s central bank tightened rules so insurers can’t issue policies on credit without premium payment. Capital Markets Momentum (Kenya/Tanzania): Kenya listed its first infrastructure fund on the NSE to fund projects via tradable securities; Tanzania’s regulator urged compliance as iTrust launched a TZS15bn bond. Energy & Tech Signals: Rwanda reiterated nuclear plans for the early 2030s, and AGL/others keep pushing skills and digital infrastructure.

Ebola Emergency: WHO says the rare Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in eastern DR Congo is spreading with “scale and speed,” with more than 130 deaths and nearly 600 suspected cases as aid struggles to reach conflict-hit areas and health workers warn they’re undertrained and underprotected. Aid Pressure: Frontline responders blame Western aid cuts for leaving surveillance and supplies short just as cases surged. Cost of Living Politics: In the US, Trump and the EPA are loosening refrigerant rules tied to “super pollutants,” arguing it will lower grocery costs—critics warn it may do the opposite while raising pollution risks. Rwanda Energy Push: President Kagame says Rwanda expects nuclear power in the early 2030s, with IAEA support and a drive toward small modular reactors. Regional Energy Links: Tanzania and Rwanda sign an energy cooperation memo, while Tanzania unveils a near-$985m connectivity budget. Trade & Logistics: Maersk raises peak surcharges on Asia-Pacific to East Africa routes from June, with Kenya hit harder than Tanzania.

Refrigerant Shake-Up for Groceries: The Trump administration is set to loosen a Biden-era rule on refrigerants, arguing it will cut costs for grocery stores and air-conditioning firms—though officials admit it’s unclear how fast prices will fall. Ebola Alarm in Central Africa: Ebola fears are spiking as a rare Bundibugyo outbreak spreads in Congo and reaches Uganda, with WHO warning about “scale and speed,” while experts say weak U.S. involvement and delayed detection have slowed the response. Shipping Costs Rise: Maersk has introduced peak-season surcharges on Asia-Pacific to East Africa routes from June 1, with Kenya-bound containers facing up to $1,500. Rwanda Tech & Energy Push: Rwanda’s central bank raised its benchmark rate to 8.25% as inflation pressures persist, while Rwanda and the IAEA signed an agreement to advance nuclear energy plans. AI Meets Agriculture: Farmers at GITEX Kenya are turning to AI tools like cow facial recognition and soil analysis to protect yields and fight a looming food crisis.

Ebola Alarm in Eastern Congo: Fears are surging as a rare Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak spreads fast in Ituri, with health workers saying they’re underprotected and undertrained while insecurity and militant attacks complicate tracing; WHO says “patient zero” hasn’t been found and warns of “scale and speed,” as deaths climb past 130 and suspected cases top 500, with masks and disinfectants becoming scarce and costly. Africa CDC Mobilization: Africa CDC has declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security, prompting cross-border vigilance as Congo and Uganda remain linked by movement. Rwanda’s Health & Community Focus: Rwanda marked World Bee Day with UNESCO-backed events in Gishwati-Mukura, spotlighting beekeeping for biodiversity and rural income. Lake Victoria Warning: EAC released its first Lake Victoria Basin report, flagging pollution and planning gaps that are accelerating environmental decline. Energy Push in Kigali: Rwanda’s nuclear plans keep moving—Holtec and Rwanda signed on SMR-300 work, while regional leaders stress reliable power for industrialization.

Ebola Alarm in Eastern DRC: WHO is sounding the loudest warning yet over a rare Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in Ituri, citing “scale and speed” as deaths climb to about 131 and suspected cases pass 500, with health workers in remote, conflict-hit areas saying they’re underprotected and undertrained while “patient zero” remains unknown. Regional Health Coordination: Africa CDC has declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security, as the US tightens travel rules and urges solidarity over blanket bans. Rwanda’s Energy Push: Kigali is also moving fast on power—Holtec and Rwanda’s atomic energy board signed to deploy SMR-300 small modular reactors, while Rwanda and the US inked a civil nuclear cooperation MoU at the Nuclear Energy Innovation Summit. Trade & Jobs: Rwanda reports strong early gains from agriculture exports (Rwf29bn in the first half of May), and Nigeria’s solar minigrids push is projected to create hundreds of thousands of jobs. Security Funding Shift: Mozambique says it will fund Rwanda’s Cabo Delgado troop mission after EU support uncertainty.

Ebola Alarm in Congo: WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus says the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in eastern DRC is spreading with “scale and speed,” with reports of at least 131 deaths and 500+ suspected cases, including urban spread and deaths among health workers; Congo is still waiting on experimental vaccine shipments and says “patient zero” hasn’t been identified. Regional Health Pressure: Africa CDC is calling for solidarity as the US issues travel restrictions tied to the outbreak, while response teams race to expand treatment and surveillance across border areas. Rwanda’s Energy Push: At Kigali’s nuclear energy summit, leaders including President Samia Suluhu Hassan urged Africa to build reliable power to unlock industrial growth and AfCFTA trade. Tech and Business Momentum: Yango Group launched Yango Tech in Africa with AI and digital infrastructure services for businesses and public sector. Sports Meets Entertainment: Ghanaian-owned Crux Global Agency is powering entertainment at the 6th Basketball Africa League with DJs, live acts and arena activations across venues.

Ebola Emergency Escalates: WHO chief Tedros says he’s “deeply concerned” about the “scale and speed” of DRC’s rare Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak, now reported at about 131 deaths and 513 suspected cases, with spread into urban areas and healthcare worker deaths; WHO is convening emergency talks as Congo weighs vaccine options and Germany prepares to treat a US patient. Regional Health Response: Africa CDC has declared a continental public health emergency, citing cross-border movement and insecurity. Rwanda Energy Push: Rwanda’s nuclear drive stays in focus as leaders attend NEISA 2026 in Kigali, with Rwanda-Tanzania and Rwanda-US energy deals also making headlines. Finance Watch: Equity Group’s Q1 2026 results show strong growth, with Equity Bank Uganda assets up and profits rising. Tech Momentum: AISCA Foundation launches in Kigali to tackle Africa’s AI compute and skills gaps. Aviation Expansion: Qatar Airways adds routes and more flights, including Kigali. Culture Spotlight: Cannes 2026 buzz grows around Rwanda’s first-feature film Ben’Imana, rooted in post-genocide justice themes.

Ebola Emergency in Congo: DR Congo is racing to contain a fast-spreading rare Ebola strain (Bundibugyo) after WHO declared the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern; Congo says it will open three treatment centres in Ituri, with a WHO team and emergency supplies heading in, while deaths have pushed past 100 and an American doctor is among newly confirmed cases. Regional Health Pressure: Africa CDC has also declared a continental emergency, warning of cross-border spread as cases are reported in neighbouring Uganda and health systems in conflict-affected areas struggle. Rwanda’s Regional Role: Rwanda is positioning itself as a gateway for investment and trade—inviting Pakistani investors to tap a 300m East African market—while also hosting major convenings like the Africa nuclear energy summit and NAP Expo on climate adaptation financing. East Africa Trade Reality Check: A new analysis flags that EAC trade is growing, but intra-EAC trade is still only 12.3% of total trade, showing fiscal fragmentation is keeping businesses from trading freely across borders.

Health Sovereignty Under Pressure: DR Congo is moving fast on a rare, hard-to-treat Ebola strain in Ituri, with the health minister announcing three new treatment centres in Bunia and WHO declaring the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern as suspected cases and deaths climb and Uganda reports linked infections. Regional Risk Controls: Rwanda has temporarily closed Rusizi I and II border posts with DRC, while keeping essential travel open under screening, as officials warn the outbreak could spread further. Cost-of-Living Shock Ripple: Kenya’s fuel protests shut roads into Nairobi, with tear gas and school disruptions following steep fuel price jumps—another reminder of how energy volatility hits trade and food prices. Rwanda Business Boost: BRD secured a $25m BADEA facility to expand lending for export-oriented firms, manufacturing, affordable housing and women-led enterprises. Africa Trade Momentum: A report says AfCFTA could lift intra-African commerce to 53% if free movement and ratification gaps are closed.

Public Health Emergency: WHO has declared a global health emergency over a rare, hard-to-treat Ebola strain spreading from eastern DR Congo into Uganda, with Congo reporting 8 confirmed cases, 336 suspected infections and 87 suspected deaths in Ituri, plus confirmed cases in Kampala and Kinshasa—raising alarms about spread in a war zone where logistics are already strained. Regional Security & Access: The outbreak’s containment is complicated by conflict and disrupted transport, including the knock-on effects of armed groups shutting key air routes in eastern Congo. Trade & Mobility: Africa’s free movement push is still stuck—only four countries have ratified the AU’s 2018 Free Movement Protocol, leaving most Africans facing visa barriers that cost the continent billions. Aviation & Industry: At Kigali’s Africa CEO Forum, Nigeria’s Tinubu backed Airbus plans for aircraft maintenance and hangar facilities and urged faster delivery of Apache helicopters. Climate/Agri Tech: A new coffee mapping initiative aims to identify deforestation risks across East Africa using satellite data.

Ebola Escalation in DRC: WHO has declared the new Ebola outbreak in eastern DR Congo and neighbouring Uganda a public health emergency of international concern, with the Bundibugyo strain and no approved vaccine or treatment; cases have already been detected in Uganda and linked cases reached Kinshasa, raising fears of wider regional spread. DRC Frontline Spread: A lab-confirmed Ebola case has been reported in Goma, under Rwanda-backed M23 militia control, tied to a wife of a man who died in Bunia—showing how movement and conflict are complicating containment. Kigali Diplomacy & Diaspora: Nigeria’s Tinubu reassured Nigerians in Rwanda that reforms are working and urged closer coordination through the Nigerian High Commission and NiDCOM. Africa CEO Forum Aftershocks: Kigali’s “Scale or Fail” message pushed cross-border investment and bigger African-owned firms, while Rwanda secured partnerships to scale Lake Kivu gas. Aviation Push: Tinubu welcomed Airbus plans for Nigeria’s aircraft maintenance and hangar facilities and urged faster delivery of ordered Apache helicopters.

Aviation & Security Push: President Bola Tinubu used the Africa CEO Forum in Kigali to welcome Airbus’ plan for aircraft maintenance and hangar facilities in Nigeria, while also pressing for the accelerated delivery of three Apache helicopters to strengthen counterterrorism and security operations. Banking Returns: Rwanda’s BPR Bank Rwanda approved dividends of over Frw 4.3bn at its AGM, a rare payout for long-forgotten shareholders from the old Banque Populaire era. Health Alert: Ebola fears rose as officials warned the outbreak in DRC may have spread undetected for weeks, with the death toll climbing to 88 and Uganda reporting an imported case. Culture & Trade: Cannes’ Palme d’Or lineup still lacks African films in the main race, even as Rwanda and others appear in other categories; meanwhile, Nigeria and Rwanda moved closer on mobility with a 30-day visa-free policy for Rwandans. Digital Sovereignty: Africa’s satellite internet boom is triggering a sovereignty debate over who controls connectivity and the rules that come with it.

IFC x Zaria Creative Economy Push: At Kigali’s Africa CEO Forum, the IFC and Masai Ujiri’s Zaria Group unveiled plans to build a sports-and-entertainment district, starting in Kigali and Nairobi, to turn creative jobs into a long-term investment engine across African cities. Climate & Methane Unity: African parliamentarians meeting in Nairobi pledged a stronger, coordinated African voice in global climate and methane talks, insisting financing and targets must match food security and development realities. Digital Sovereignty Tension: Regulators and telecom leaders warned that the satellite internet boom could deepen Africa’s dependency unless countries invest in local infrastructure and tighten regulation. Kagame on Minerals: Kagame urged Africa to stop being “ripped off” on critical minerals and to process more at home, calling for unity against foreign control. Nigeria Diplomacy in Rwanda: Tinubu told Nigerians in Rwanda he’ll keep pushing reforms and also ordered fixes to passport renewal delays. Trade Logistics Shift: Russia’s FESCO completed a direct container shipment to Dar es Salaam via a new corridor, signaling deeper Russia–Africa trade routes.

Africa CEO Forum Momentum: Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu doubled down on reforms in Kigali, saying he’ll “do more work” in a second term and defending fuel subsidy removal and FX unification as painful but necessary—while also telling Nigerians in Rwanda his reforms are stabilising the economy. OECD Backing: The OECD pledged to support Nigeria with data and investment frameworks across public finance, trade competitiveness, MSMEs, agriculture, pharma and solid minerals, aiming to lift investor confidence. Fuel Shock in Kenya: Fuel prices jumped again—diesel up to Sh242.92 and petrol to Sh214.25—sparking warnings from trade lobbies that the cost will ripple through transport, manufacturing and the cost of living, with critics also calling Kenya’s G2G fuel import setup a “scam.” Energy Transition Tension (Ghana): Ghana’s diesel bus procurement clashes with its clean-mobility plans and raises concerns about credibility with climate finance. Digital/Industry Signals: Zimbabwe launched its first locally manufactured laptop, while Rwanda’s BRD pulled in an international investor for a local-currency sustainability-linked bond.

Food Security Push: U.S. Wheat Associates says USDA’s Food for Peace programme has approved its first emergency shipment for East Africa—20,000 metric tons of wheat—expected later this summer, with rice and sorghum also lined up. Capital Markets in Rwanda: BRD has reopened a second sustainability-linked bond in RWF (about $11m equivalent) with an international investor joining via a hedging setup backed by EU and Germany support, a boost for Rwanda’s local-currency financing. Africa CEO Forum Momentum: In Kigali, Nigeria’s Tinubu doubled down on taxation as the price of development, while the IFC pledged to send a mission to Nigeria to unlock private capital in energy, housing and livestock. Maritime Investment: APM Terminals committed $600m for Nigeria’s Apapa port modernisation and logistics. Kenya Fuel Backlash: Ndindi Nyoro accused officials of profiteering under the G2G fuel import setup as EPRA raised May 15–June 14 pump prices. Digital Sovereignty: A new Africa CEO Forum report warns satellite internet growth must be governed with fair rules to protect public revenues and state control.

Africa CEO Forum Momentum: President Paul Kagame used Kigali’s business summit to warn that Africa can’t keep accepting “resource reserve” treatment, calling for unity to stop exploitation by global powers. Nigeria Investment Push: President Bola Tinubu is using the same forum to sell Nigeria’s reform story, with Finance Minister Taiwo Oyedele calling him the “chief marketer” for power, mining and ports, while the IFC says it will send a mission to unlock private capital in livestock, energy and housing. Ports Deal: APM Terminals pledged a fresh $600m for Nigeria’s maritime modernisation, as Tinubu courts more investors. Rwanda’s Pitch: Rwanda Development Board officials doubled down on positioning Kigali as East Africa’s investment hub, betting on stability, faster execution and connectivity. Trade Friction: BUA boss Abdul Samad Rabiu says AfCFTA is undermined by visa walls after he was denied entry in South Africa despite Europe-bound passengers being cleared. Regional Business Boost: The EAC launched 2026 Regional Quality Awards to raise standards and competitiveness across Partner States.