AGP Executive Report

EV & Energy Infrastructure: Spiro secured a landmark $215m equity round to expand its battery-swapping network and EV rollout across Africa, operating already in Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, Togo, Benin, Nigeria and Cameroon with plans to add DRC and Ethiopia. Regional Trade & Finance: ITC and Equity Group signed an MoU to unlock trade finance and growth in coffee, leather and creative industries across East Africa, starting with Kenya. Nuclear Safety Cooperation: Rwanda and Pakistan signed an MoU to strengthen nuclear safety and radiation protection regulation, including information exchange and shared standards. Sports & Youth Economy: Rwanda’s RSSB Tigers won the 2026 Basketball Africa League title in Kigali, as the BAL moves toward a franchise model. Ebola Response & Borders: The IOM warned that blanket border closures are worsening Ebola spread by pushing movement into informal routes, as cases rise across DRC and Uganda. Governance & Industry: FEDA appointed Emmanuel Assiak as CEO to scale export finance and investment for Africa’s industrialisation agenda.

EV Infrastructure Investment: Spiro secured $215m equity to scale electric mobility and battery-swapping across seven African markets, with plans to expand into DRC and Ethiopia—an industrial push aimed at cutting fuel imports and building local energy/transport capacity. Rwanda Sports & Youth Economy: Rwanda’s RSSB Tigers won the 2026 Basketball Africa League title in Kigali, capping a record season and adding momentum for investor interest in Africa’s fast-growing sports industry. Regional Trade Friction: A new push for AfCFTA to move from agreements to faster, smoother cross-border trade highlights the real bottlenecks at borders, warehouses and ports—where delays can decide investment flows. Trade Finance for Value Chains: ITC and Equity Group signed an MoU to unlock trade finance and market access for coffee, leather and creative industries across East Africa, starting with Kenya. Energy Regulation Debate: Uganda’s energy regulator chief urged East African regulators to expand mandates to include mining, arguing critical minerals and energy policy are now tightly linked. Nuclear Safety Cooperation: Pakistan and Rwanda signed an MoU to strengthen nuclear safety and radiation protection through regulatory coordination and standards sharing. Tech Ecosystem Update: GSMA postponed MWC26 Kigali, Africa’s major connectivity event, raising questions for the June tech calendar.

Clean Mobility Investment: Spiro secured a landmark $215M equity round to expand battery-swapping, manufacturing and EV/energy infrastructure across seven African markets, betting on lower fuel dependence and faster urban transport. Trade & Value Addition Finance: ITC and Equity Group signed an MoU to unlock trade finance and market access for coffee, leather and creative businesses in East Africa, starting with Kenya through a pilot to Dec 2026. Digital Connectivity Event: GSMA postponed MWC26 Kigali (June 16–18) with a new date to be announced, raising questions for Rwanda’s tech calendar and investor plans. Regional Governance & Targets: Uganda’s vetted ministers pledged to push government targets, including urging EAC partners to meet financial obligations to keep the bloc running. Visa Processing Restructure: The US plans to cut African visa-processing missions from nearly 50 to 20 hubs, including Kigali, which could reshape travel and business logistics. Ebola Response Politics: A US plan for an Ebola quarantine facility in Kenya triggered protests and legal battles, spotlighting health equity and sovereignty concerns. Sports & Kigali Economy: Rwanda’s RSSB Tigers won the 2026 BAL in Kigali, as the league moves toward a franchise model.

Clean Mobility Investment: Kenya-based Spiro secured US$215M in equity to expand battery-swapping, EV and energy infrastructure across multiple African markets, including Rwanda—an industrial push aimed at cutting fuel dependence and scaling local assembly. Trade & Finance for SMEs: ITC and Equity Group signed an MoU to boost access to finance and trade expertise for coffee, leather and creative businesses across East Africa, starting with Kenya and rolling out from 2027. Regional Transport Upgrade: Kenya’s plan to extend the Rironi-Mau Summit dual carriageway to Malaba gained momentum after AIIB financing for a technical feasibility study—supporting upgrades on the Northern Corridor linking Mombasa to Rwanda and beyond. Rwanda-UK Migration Fallout: An international arbitration panel rejected Rwanda’s claim against the UK over the collapsed Rwanda asylum deal, ending the threat of a £100m+ compensation bill. Ebola Response Tensions: A US plan for an Ebola quarantine and treatment facility in Kenya triggered protests and legal challenges, spotlighting health equity and sovereignty concerns. Cross-Border Humanitarian Shock: Mozambique said five citizens were killed in South Africa amid xenophobic attacks, while police confirmed fewer deaths—fueling repatriation efforts and regional scrutiny. Digital & Rural Agriculture: FAO and Rwanda-linked efforts are intensifying rural agriculture digitalisation to improve productivity and market access.

Air Cargo Costs: East African shippers and exporters in Kenya are pushing back against a proposed 16% VAT on aircraft spare parts in the 2026 Financial Bill, warning it will raise freight rates and hit food security as costs filter down to farmers. Ebola Response in DRC: Africa CDC and DRC officials are under pressure as the Bundibugyo-strain Ebola outbreak grows, with WHO urging stronger community action and travel-ban reconsideration as health systems struggle with sanitation and access gaps. EV & Energy Infrastructure: Rwanda-linked clean mobility firm Spiro secured a $215M equity investment to scale battery-swapping, manufacturing, and electric mobility infrastructure across seven markets and expand further. Electricity Access Tracking: AfDB launched the Mission 300 Progress Tracker, a digital platform showing real-time electricity access progress, active projects, and connections across Africa. Rwanda-France Diplomacy: President Paul Kagame arrived in Paris for the inauguration of “L’Archive,” a permanent memorial for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, marking a major Kigali–Paris reconciliation step. Digital Finance Watch: Commentary highlights China’s digital yuan push as a potential alternative financial infrastructure for Africa, beyond SWIFT and dollar dominance.

Clean Mobility Investment: Spiro, operating in Rwanda and six other African markets, secured a $215m equity round to expand battery-swapping and electric mobility infrastructure, scale manufacturing and speed up entry into new countries like DRC and Ethiopia. Air Cargo & Trade Resilience: RwandAir says Middle East instability is reshaping cargo routes, with Kigali increasingly used as an alternative hub as shippers seek safer, more reliable corridors. Electricity Access Tracking: AfDB launched the Mission 300 Progress Tracker, a real-time platform showing electricity connections, project status and financing progress toward connecting 300 million people by 2030. Energy Policy Push: AfDB’s African Economic Outlook urges Africa to diversify its energy mix and markets, fast-track PIDA projects, and boost renewables to cut oil import dependence. Ebola in the Region: WHO declared the DRC Ebola outbreak a public health emergency, with cases and deaths rising amid conflict, weak systems and cross-border spillover risks. Rwanda Sports & Community Impact: Qatar Foundation backed BAL’s Kigali summit, highlighting sport-for-development programmes tied to education and women’s empowerment.

Trade Policy Shock: China’s new zero-tariff access for 53 African countries is a big opportunity for Rwanda-linked exporters, but the real test will be standards, packaging, processing costs, and logistics readiness. Sport & Youth Development: In Kigali, Qatar Foundation told the BAL Innovation Summit that sport-for-development works only when built with communities, backing basketball programmes that expand education and opportunity for young people and women. Rwanda’s Basketball Milestone: RSSB Tigers Rwanda won the first-ever Basketball Africa League title after a dramatic comeback over Petro de Luanda, putting Rwanda’s sports ecosystem in the spotlight. Ebola Response Pressure: WHO chief Tedros urged countries to reconsider travel bans and border closures over the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in eastern DRC, warning restrictions can slow reporting and containment while communities remain central to response. Women’s Representation Debate: A retired judge raised alarm over delays in implementing a 33% women’s reservation in parliaments and legislatures, questioning whether it will reach the 2029 elections. Regional Security Funding: Mozambique confirmed it will fund Rwanda’s troops in Cabo Delgado to keep counter-terrorism capacity building on track. AfCFTA Implementation Push: Biashara Afrika 2026 in Lome shifted AfCFTA talk toward practical cross-border trade measures, with SMEs and entrepreneurs at the center.

GEF-8 Climate Finance: The GEF Council has approved a final $144.3m disbursement for its 8th funding cycle, backing 16 projects to protect biodiversity, restore landscapes and scale renewable power and storage—aimed at hitting 2030 goals. Ebola Response Pressure: WHO says the Congo outbreak is driven by the rare Bundibugyo strain and warns that travel bans and border closures can slow reporting and containment; cases are rising amid conflict and distrust, with communities urged to lead the response. Rwanda-Linked Security Funding: Mozambique confirms it will secure funds to keep Rwandan troops in Cabo Delgado, giving local forces time to train and rebuild capacity. Rwanda Business Execution Gap: PSF and government leaders met in Bugesera to tackle policy-to-production friction, focusing on fixing fragmented value chains under NST2’s 9.3% growth target. AfCFTA Trade in the Air: Nigeria and RwandAir extend an East/Southern Africa air cargo corridor to Kigali, with rates under $2/kg to cut exporter costs and boost intra-African shipments. Kigali Youth & Civic Memory: First Lady Jeannette Kagame urged young people to defend historical truth in the digital space, tying unity and remembrance to critical thinking. Rwanda Sports Business: Bank of Kigali’s five-year league sponsorship (BK Pro League) signals deeper corporate investment in Rwanda’s football ecosystem.

Rwanda–Russia Nuclear Deal: Rwanda signed a nuclear cooperation MoU with Russia, positioning Kigali as a hub for nuclear science, nuclear medicine and possible SMR-based research, with feasibility studies already under way. Ebola Response in DRC: UNICEF airlifted over 100 metric tonnes of Ebola supplies to the Democratic Republic of Congo, as the outbreak strains health systems amid conflict and mobility. Trade & Logistics: Nigeria and RwandAir extended the East and Southern Africa air cargo corridor to Kigali, Harare and Lusaka, cutting rates to under US$2/kg to help exporters under AfCFTA. Digital Mobility for Tourism: Ghana launched an e-Visa platform and waived visa fees for African passport holders, aiming to boost intra-Africa travel and trade access. Business Connectivity: Cameroon’s Camtel and Gecam agreed a three-year deal to improve secure digital services for SMEs. Industry & Sustainability: A new focus on sustainable packaging highlights rising plastic waste pressure and tightening regulations across countries including Rwanda.

SME Water Tech in the Spotlight: UAE-registered Meyahh is using a digital B2B model to help water treatment SMEs in Rwanda and the region access suppliers and contractors at fairer scale. Clean Energy Funding Crunch: East Africa’s clean energy startups say investor interest is rising, but financing access remains a major barrier to scaling. EAC Roaming Rules: EAC regulators are drafting harmonised mobile roaming rules to cut cross-border communication costs and boost regional trade. Rwanda DDR Interest Grows: Swiss and US/Netherlands diplomats visited Mutobo Demobilization and Reintegration Centre, highlighting Rwanda’s reintegration model for former combatants. Ebola Response, Fast: UNICEF airlifted over 100 tonnes of Ebola supplies to DRC with EU support, targeting frontline protection for nearly 100,000 people. Ebola Strain Worsens in Conflict Zones: IRC warns the Bundibugyo outbreak is spreading faster amid armed groups, displacement, and weakened surveillance. Cooling Industry Transition: HVAC-R firms report pressure from refrigerant phase-out rules, with skills gaps and supply constraints complicating the shift to safer alternatives. Rwanda’s Industrial Energy Push: Rwanda says it’s on track for nuclear energy by early 2030s, framing reliable power as key for manufacturing, minerals, and digital growth.

Ebola Response in Congo: UNICEF says it has airlifted and delivered over 100 metric tonnes of PPE, medicines and hygiene supplies to the DRC, with EU support, aiming to protect frontline workers and reach nearly 100,000 people as cases surge amid conflict. Regional Health Security: WHO warns eastern DRC faces a “catastrophic collision” of disease and conflict, while Uganda closes its border with the DRC and tightens screening to curb cross-border spread. Rwanda DDR Spotlight: Swiss, US and Dutch diplomats visited Rwanda’s Mutobo Demobilization and Reintegration Centre in Musanze to study the country’s DDR model for reintegrating former combatants. Digital Connectivity & Business: EAC regulators are drafting harmonised mobile roaming rules to cut cross-border communication costs, and Camtel (Cameroon) announced a business-focused digital partnership to improve secure connectivity for SMEs. Rwanda Healthcare Investment: A US Christian mission, GFA World, plans a 300-bed specialist hospital in Rwanda plus a medical university and research centre, targeting large-scale training and care access. Trade & Logistics: Nigeria’s air cargo corridor under AfCFTA reports up to 75% lower shipping costs, with RwandAir expanding routes to Kigali, Lusaka and Harare. Energy for Industry: Rwanda reiterated nuclear energy plans after completing an IAEA infrastructure review, arguing stable power is key for industrial growth.

Ebola & Public Health: WHO chief Tedros warned eastern DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak can still be contained, but only if armed groups call a ceasefire as conflict and mistrust keep response teams from reaching communities. Energy & Industry: Rwanda hosted NEISA, pushing the case that nuclear power is now essential for Africa’s industrialisation and that financing must be made “investable” for African decision-makers. Mining & Supply Chains: Apple filed its annual conflict minerals report, saying its 2025 due diligence found no reasonable basis to link suppliers to armed groups, as scrutiny continues around minerals from the region. Trade & Logistics: MSC said Africa saw the fastest growth in cargo volumes from Asia in 2025, with shipments to Africa up 27%, a signal for ports, logistics and manufacturing partners. Food Systems: Kenya’s post-harvest losses cost about US$578m a year, driving cold-chain expansion—an angle that matters for regional agribusiness and storage investment. Rwanda Business & Skills: Spiro acquired UK engineering firm Coexlion to build its first African R&D centre in Nairobi, aiming to localise design for electric motorcycles across East Africa. Regional Integration: Congo announced visa-free entry for all Africans from Jan 1, 2027, adding momentum to AfCFTA-style mobility.

Ebola Crisis in Congo: Eastern DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak is spiraling, with officials reporting 1,000+ suspected cases and up to 246 suspected deaths, as mistrust and conflict-torn conditions in gold-mining towns like Mongbwalu slow response. Regional Mobility & Trade: Congo announced visa-free entry for all Africans from Jan 1, 2027, adding to Rwanda, Ghana and others pushing AfCFTA-style integration. Digital Regulation Debate (Ghana): Ghana’s proposed NITA Bill is drawing backlash over fears it could regulate innovation out of existence, even as it promises stronger cybersecurity and oversight. Food Industry & Cold Chain (Kenya): Kenya says food loss and waste cost about US$578m yearly, driving cold storage expansion and investment in packhouses, pre-cooling and reefer transport. Industrial Growth (Morocco): AfDB reports Morocco leads Africa’s industrialization push, powered by agribusiness, renewables, automotive and phosphate. Rwanda Agribusiness & Nutrition: Rwanda is scaling iron-rich biofortified beans in school feeding to tackle childhood anemia and stunting in Western Province. Logistics & Shipping: MSC says Asia-to-Africa container volumes jumped 27% in 2025, making Africa the fastest-growing destination for Asian exports. Rwanda Sports Business: Kigali’s RSSB Tigers reach the Basketball Africa League final for the first time, beating Al Ahly 106-97. EV Engineering (East Africa): Spiro’s acquisition of UK firm Coexlion aims to build electric-motorcycle design and engineering capacity in Nairobi.

Ebola & Borders: The Ebola outbreak in eastern DR Congo is colliding with conflict, with the WHO warning containment is being outpaced as violence disrupts contact tracing and care; in Goma, Rwanda-linked border closures have already hit cross-border trade hard, shrinking daily sales for vendors and raising pressure on regional logistics. Regional Security: Kinshasa and Gitega reaffirmed military cooperation as drone strikes and shelling intensify across eastern DR Congo, underscoring how instability is reshaping movement, mining towns, and supply routes. Rwanda Trade Links: Qatar and Rwanda discussed boosting trade and investment ties, while Rwanda’s broader push to connect markets continues through regional partnerships. Conservation & Tourism Jobs: African Parks says it is opening a Rwanda academy to train local conservation professionals and aims to raise the share of African tourists—an approach meant to create jobs and reduce resentment that fuels poaching. Finance & Banking Momentum: Reports highlight African banks’ strong profitability and the push to grow fee-based income, alongside calls for more efficient capital markets to fund infrastructure and energy.

Ebola & Security Crisis: WHO warns eastern DR Congo is facing a “catastrophic collision” of Ebola and conflict, with containment lagging as violence disrupts contact tracing and care. Regional Trade & Logistics: Rwanda and Tanzania sign an agreement to open a Tanzania Ports Authority liaison office in Kigali, aiming to cut delays and costs for Dar es Salaam port services and strengthen the Central Corridor. Agriculture & Food Systems: Rwanda highlights major food loss and waste—about 40% of food production—pushing “circular food systems” ideas to keep value in the economy. Agribusiness Risk Management: Rusizi farmers are mobilised for Rwanda’s agricultural and livestock insurance scheme (Tekana Urishingiwe Muhinzi Mworozi), with tens of thousands of animals and hectares insured annually. Energy & Industry Links: Qatar and Rwanda discuss boosting trade and investment cooperation, while Tanzania’s TRC rolls out hi-rail inspection units to improve safety on the SGR. Tourism & Conservation: African Parks expands local conservation capacity with a Rwanda academy and seeks more African tourists, shifting from “wealthy-only” wildlife travel toward community-linked protection.

AI in Industry: Kawasaki Heavy Industries opened a physical AI development center in Silicon Valley, aiming to turn “physical AI” plus robotics into real-world solutions for healthcare, elder care, mobility and semiconductors with partners including Nvidia, Microsoft and Fujitsu. EAC Integration: The EAC is pushing a harmonised mobile roaming framework in Dar es Salaam to cut cross-border communication costs and support the bloc’s Single Digital Market agenda. Rwanda Trade & Logistics: Rwanda and Tanzania signed an agreement to open a Tanzania Ports Authority liaison office in Kigali, designed to streamline Dar es Salaam port services and reduce delays for traders. Rwanda Health & Food Security: Rwanda’s food waste problem is stark—nearly half of food supply goes uneaten, costing about 40% of production—while small businesses are testing “circular food systems” to keep value in the economy. Ebola Watch: A deadly Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in eastern DRC is worsening, with containment struggling as neighboring countries tighten measures. Rwanda in Diplomacy: Rwanda’s trade ministry state minister met Qatar’s trade leadership to deepen trade and investment ties.