AGP Executive Report

Ebola Response in Congo: WHO and Africa CDC launched a $518m emergency plan to speed up the fight against the eastern Congo Ebola outbreak, where labs are also facing supply stockouts and attacks on health workers are slowing testing. Biosafety & Research Oversight: Two NIH scientists linked to Rocky Mountain Laboratories face criminal charges after allegedly smuggling deactivated mpox samples from the Republic of Congo into the U.S., raising fresh questions about pathogen handling and transparency. Climate Risk for Wildlife: A new global early warning system can forecast extreme heat exposure for thousands of species up to nine months ahead, aiming to help conservation act faster than traditional planning cycles. Trade & Digital Growth: AfCFTA says intra-African trade is on track for $250bn in 2026, while highlighting barriers like transport, logistics, and trade finance costs. Wildlife Protection: The UAE urged stronger global cooperation against wildlife trafficking, citing links to organised crime and climate-driven instability. Tech & Identity: Estonia rolled out upgraded secure eID cards with remote update capability to respond to emerging cyber threats.

Wildlife & Climate Tech: Scientists unveiled a global early warning system that can forecast extreme heat threats to thousands of animal species up to nine months ahead, using NASA forecasting tools and species temperature histories—aimed at speeding conservation response. Public Health & Lab Safety: Two NIH-linked researchers are charged in the U.S. over alleged mpox smuggling from the Republic of the Congo, after customs found dozens of vials in concealed coolers—sparking renewed scrutiny of pathogen handling. Ebola Response: WHO and Africa CDC launched a $518m emergency plan to accelerate Ebola control in eastern Congo as labs face supply stockouts and cases rise. Conservation DNA Tools: Rwanda is expanding environmental DNA (eDNA) monitoring to detect species with less disturbance, improving biodiversity tracking in rugged habitats. Wildlife Crime Enforcement: The UAE urged stronger UN-backed cooperation against wildlife trafficking, citing links to organized crime and climate-driven instability, including joint operations across Congo basins. Energy & Connectivity: MTN Nigeria defended telecom tariff hikes while planning major network investment, as Africa’s push for reliable power and digital access continues. Trade & Growth: AfCFTA projects intra-African trade could hit $250bn this year, but highlights finance costs, transport bottlenecks, and movement restrictions as key blockers.

Ebola Response in Congo: WHO and Africa CDC rolled out a $518m emergency plan to curb the eastern Congo Ebola outbreak, using a “One-Response” approach as cases rise and labs face supply stockouts. Biosafety & Pathogens: Two NIH Rocky Mountain Laboratories scientists—one from the Republic of Congo trip—were charged in the U.S. over alleged mpox smuggling, with claims they misdeclared 113 vials. Wildlife Tech for Conservation: Rwanda is expanding environmental DNA (eDNA) monitoring to track endangered golden monkeys and other species with less disturbance to habitats. Energy Policy: A report warns fossil-fuel wealth in Africa hasn’t delivered inclusive development, citing extractive economies, weak jobs, and inequality. Wildlife Crime Cooperation: The UAE urged stronger UN-backed enforcement against wildlife trafficking, citing links to organised crime and corruption, including joint operations in Congo basins. Digital Identity Security: Estonia upgraded secure eID cards with Thales, adding stronger anti-fraud protections and remote updates. Local Lab Capacity: Congo labs in Goma, Bukavu and Lwiro reported stockouts that are delaying Ebola testing. Data Centers Debate: A CounterSpin discussion highlights community concerns over AI data centers’ water, energy, and health impacts.

Ebola Response in Congo: WHO says multiple Ebola labs in Congo are stuck waiting on supplies, with stockouts reported in Goma, Bukavu and Lwiro—while a WHO/ Africa CDC plan rolls out $518 million to speed up the “One-Response” effort as deaths climb. Biosafety & Pathogen Shipping: US lawmakers and reports say NIH Rocky Mountain Laboratories scientists were charged over alleged mishandling of monkeypox samples after travel from the Republic of the Congo, reigniting scrutiny of lab transport rules. Wildlife Tech for Conservation: Rwanda is using environmental DNA (eDNA) to detect endangered species from genetic material in soil and water, reducing disruptive field surveys and improving biodiversity monitoring. Data Centers Debate: A CounterSpin interview highlights growing public pushback against data centers over water, energy and health impacts, arguing communities are reacting in real time. Wildlife Trafficking Crackdown: The UAE calls for stronger UN-backed cooperation, linking environmental crime to organized crime and cross-border instability, and citing Congo-basin joint operations. Energy & Investment: Africa’s energy leaders argue for “energy addition” to tackle electricity and clean cooking gaps, while Congo-region investors keep leaning on development finance to fund private capital.

Ebola Response Boost: WHO and Africa CDC launched a $518m emergency plan to curb the fast-growing Ebola outbreak in eastern Congo, using a “One-Response” approach as attacks on health workers and armed conflict keep slowing containment. Mobile Money & Connectivity: MTN Nigeria says it invested N900bn in network expansion in 2025 and plans to spend over N1tn in 2026, defending a tariff hike as necessary to keep the network running. Digital Identity Security: Estonia is upgrading its eID cards with Thales, adding stronger fraud resistance and remotely updatable software to respond to new cyber threats. Energy for Development: Africa’s energy leaders argue the continent needs “energy addition” (more generation and access), not “transition,” citing huge electricity and clean-cooking gaps. Congo Tech & Research Safety: U.S. prosecutors charged NIH scientists over alleged monkeypox sample smuggling after travel to the Republic of the Congo, raising questions about pathogen handling rules. Agritech & Trade: COCEFAAA pushes sustainable cocoa and coffee value chains across Africa ahead of Cocoa and Coffee Fiesta 2026. Language & Culture: PLO Lumumba renewed calls for Kiswahili to become an official UN language. Local Industry Reality Check: A report highlights how African manufacturers struggle with power, roads, ports, and high capital costs.

Ebola Response Boost: WHO and Africa CDC launched a $518 million emergency plan to curb the fast-growing Ebola outbreak in eastern Congo, using a “One-Response” approach until November as attacks on health workers and insecurity keep slowing containment; Outbreak Update: The death toll has climbed to 101 in Congo with 550 cases reported as of Sunday, with over 90% centered in Ituri; Energy Push: The African Energy Chamber argues Africa’s real challenge is energy supply, not energy “transition,” calling for “energy addition” as hundreds of millions still lack electricity and clean cooking; Energy Investment Spotlight: AEC’s webinar flags new upstream oil and gas investment momentum, citing growth in production and major opportunities across the energy value chain, including in the Republic of Congo; Digital Security: Estonia, with Thales, is upgrading secure eID cards with stronger anti-fraud protections and remotely updatable software to stay ahead of cyber threats.

Ebola Update: Eastern Congo’s Ebola outbreak has killed more than 100 people in under a month, with 550 cases reported as of Sunday; response is being hit by attacks on health workers, local mistrust, and fighting in hotspots. Public Health & Tech: Oxford researchers say an AI-designed vaccine has entered human trials for Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever, aiming to speed up vaccine development for fast-moving outbreaks. Biosecurity: Two NIH scientists accused of smuggling monkeypox-related samples from the Republic of Congo into the U.S. and lying to authorities face up to five years in prison. Digital Identity: Estonia, with Thales, is upgrading secure eID cards with stronger anti-fraud protections and remotely updatable software. Energy & Investment: The African Energy Chamber is pushing “Unlocking African Energy Opportunities” for Israeli stakeholders, highlighting growth in oil and gas and persistent electricity access gaps. Connectivity & Industry: MTN Nigeria defends a tariff hike, saying it invested N900bn in 2025 and plans to spend over N1tn in 2026 to keep networks running.

Ebola Watch: A new Ebola wave tied to the rare Bundibugyo strain is spreading fast, with mining zones in Ituri Province (DR Congo) driving risky contact with wildlife; health experts warn there are no approved vaccines or targeted treatments for this strain. AI for Health: Oxford researchers, with Basecamp Research, have started human trials for an AI-designed vaccine targeting Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever, a tick-borne threat across Africa and beyond. Energy & Investment: The African Energy Chamber is spotlighting Africa’s oil and gas growth for Israeli stakeholders, pointing to rising upstream spending and continued demand for power access. Local Finance Regulation: Banking supervisors from across Africa met in Yaoundé (Cameroon) to strengthen prudential cooperation as digital finance expands. Tech & Robotics: A humanoid robot reached Chimborazo’s summit in Ecuador, pushing legged robots toward real-world use in harsh environments. Public Safety Tech: Investigators say a Delhi hotel fire was worsened by an unattended fryer and delayed emergency alerts—an example of why safety systems and response times matter.

Ebola Watch (Congo-linked): A new Ebola wave is spreading in Congo’s gold-mining zones, with reports pointing to the rare Bundibugyo strain and no approved vaccines for it—raising fears as miners push deeper into forests and closer to wildlife. Public Health Tech: WaterStep, a Kentucky nonprofit, is supporting Congo’s Ebola response with safe-water solutions and local training, aiming to slow transmission where health systems are overwhelmed. AI in Medicine: UK researchers say an AI-designed vaccine has entered human trials for Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever, a tick-borne disease with high fatality rates and no widely approved vaccine. Energy & Investment (Congo): The African Energy Chamber is highlighting new oil and gas investment momentum across Africa, naming Republic of Congo among key producers, while pushing opportunities for energy technologies. Digital Finance Regulation: Banking supervisors from across Africa met in Yaoundé to strengthen rules for digital financial services and manage new prudential risks. Travel Integration: Republic of Congo announced visa-free entry for African passport holders starting Jan 1, 2027, boosting AfCFTA-style mobility. Research Oversight (Africa to US): US prosecutors charged NIH scientists over alleged smuggling of deactivated mpox-related vials into the country after travel from Brazzaville, Republic of Congo.

Ebola Watch (Congo): A fast-moving Ebola wave tied to the rare Bundibugyo strain is spreading from mining zones in Ituri, with deforestation pushing miners into closer contact with fruit bats; reports highlight how quickly cases can escalate before isolation catches up. Ebola Watch (Global): India’s states are on alert too, with suspected cases quarantined after airport screening, while health officials stress tests and isolation protocols as confirmations are awaited. Health Tech: UK scientists say an AI-designed vaccine has entered human trials for Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever, aiming to speed up vaccine development for emerging outbreaks. Energy & Investment: The African Energy Chamber is set to spotlight Africa’s oil, gas and power opportunities for Israeli stakeholders, pointing to rising upstream capex and ongoing electricity access gaps. Digital Finance (CEMAC): Banking supervisors from across Africa meet in Yaoundé to discuss prudential cooperation as digital financial services and new instruments reshape risk. Mobility (AfCFTA): The Republic of Congo announces visa-free entry for African passport holders starting Jan 1, 2027, boosting regional travel under AfCFTA. Research Integrity: U.S. prosecutors charge NIH-linked researchers over alleged smuggling of mpox-related vials from the Republic of Congo into the U.S., raising questions about cross-border lab oversight.

Ebola Watch: A Congo-linked Ebola wave is being driven by the rare Bundibugyo strain, with mining zones in Ituri Province fueling rapid spread and deforestation pushing miners into closer contact with wildlife. Public Health Response: In India, authorities reported suspected Ebola cases and quarantined African nationals while awaiting lab confirmation, as officials stress preparedness and isolation protocols. AI in Medicine: UK scientists say an AI-designed vaccine has entered human trials for Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever, aiming to speed up vaccine development for emerging outbreaks. Biosecurity & Research Oversight: U.S. prosecutors charged two NIH scientists over alleged smuggling of deactivated mpox-related vials from Brazzaville into the U.S., after customs inspection at Detroit. Energy & Investment: The African Energy Chamber is pushing “energy addition” and highlights Republic of Congo among key producers, while also promoting exploration opportunities to international stakeholders. Digital Finance: MTN Mobile Money Uganda appointed Phrase Lubega as managing director to expand secure digital financial services. Regional Integration: Republic of Congo announced visa-free entry for African passport holders from Jan 1, 2027, boosting AfCFTA travel momentum.

Ebola in Congo: A fast-moving outbreak now linked to the rare Bundibugyo strain is spreading from mining zones in Ituri, with deforestation pushing miners into closer contact with wildlife that can carry the virus—raising fears as no approved vaccines or targeted treatments exist for this strain. Public health pressure: A Kentucky nonprofit, WaterStep, is supporting Congo’s response with safe-water solutions and sanitation-focused training, warning that delays could allow wider spread. Local risk management: Health authorities in Congo are racing to expand testing and containment as officials assess the outbreak’s true scale, while Ebola scare cases abroad keep highlighting how quickly travel can trigger alerts. AI in medicine: UK researchers say the world’s first AI-designed vaccine has entered human trials, aiming to speed up responses to emerging viral threats. Energy & tech investment: The African Energy Chamber is set to spotlight Africa’s oil and gas opportunities for Israeli stakeholders, with Republic of Congo named among growth drivers. Digital finance regulation: Banking supervisors from across Africa are meeting in Yaoundé to tackle risks from financial innovation and digital services. Mobility policy: The Republic of Congo announced visa-free entry for African passport holders from Jan 1, 2027, boosting AfCFTA-style movement. Research integrity: US charges allege NIH scientists tried to smuggle deactivated mpox-related materials into the country after arriving from Brazzaville, underscoring the need for tighter biosafety and cross-border rules.

Public Health Alarm: Ebola-related alerts keep spreading beyond Africa, with India reporting suspected cases in Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan after travelers from high-risk countries were isolated for testing. Congo Outbreak Watch: In the Republic of Congo, officials are widening Ebola testing as the epidemic’s scale becomes clearer, while local response capacity is being tested. Biosecurity & Research: U.S. prosecutors charged two NIH scientists over alleged smuggling of deactivated mpox/monkeypox vials from the Republic of Congo into the U.S., after they were stopped at Detroit airport with undeclared samples. Energy & Investment: The African Energy Chamber is pushing “Unlocking African Energy Opportunities,” highlighting new oil and gas investment momentum that includes Republic of Congo producers. Digital Finance & Regulation: Banking supervisors from across Africa met in Yaoundé to discuss risks from financial innovation and digital services, including for Congo and CEMAC. Mobility Policy: The Republic of Congo announced visa-free entry for African passport holders starting Jan 1, 2027, aiming to boost AfCFTA trade and travel.

Mpox/Monkeypox Case: U.S. prosecutors charged two NIH Rocky Mountain Laboratory researchers, Vincent Munster and Claude Kwe, alleging they smuggled 113 undeclared vials (including deactivated mpox) into the country after traveling from Brazzaville, Republic of Congo, and lied to customs officers at Detroit Metro. Public Health & Water Tech: A Kentucky nonprofit, WaterStep, is supporting Congo’s Ebola response with safe-water solutions and training, as the outbreak is driven by a strain with no approved vaccines. Digital Finance Regulation: Banking regulators from across Africa met in Yaoundé, Cameroon, to discuss how supervision should adapt to digital financial services and fast-changing prudential risks. Visa & Integration: The Republic of Congo announced visa-free entry for all African passport holders starting Jan 1, 2027, adding momentum to AfCFTA travel and trade integration. Biodiversity Discovery: Angola’s Lisima plateau survey uncovered dozens of previously unknown species, including eight new dragonfly species, feeding major river systems across the region. Development Finance: The AfDB warned Africa faces a $1.3T+ annual development financing gap, urging reforms to unlock more domestic revenue and investment efficiency.

Ebola Response Tech & Water: A Kentucky nonprofit, WaterStep, is supporting Congo’s Ebola fight with safe water solutions and local training, as the outbreak is driven by a strain with no approved vaccines and sanitation remains key. Biosafety & Research Oversight: U.S. prosecutors charged two NIH Rocky Mountain Laboratory scientists with allegedly smuggling 113 mpox-related vials from Brazzaville into the U.S. and lying to customs—raising fresh questions about cross-border lab controls. Biodiversity Discovery in Angola: An expedition to Angola’s Lisima plateau uncovered dozens of new species, including a fluorescent blue crab spider and multiple new dragonflies and grasshoppers, adding baseline data for conservation across river systems that feed the Congo Basin. Digital Finance & Inclusion: MTN Mobile Money Uganda appointed Phrase Lubega managing director, aiming to expand secure digital financial services. Regional Integration: The Republic of Congo announced visa-free entry for all African passport holders starting Jan 1, 2027, joining a wider push to ease travel under AfCFTA. Funding Gap for Development: The AfDB warned Africa faces a $1.3T annual development financing gap, urging reforms to unlock more domestic and public investment.

Ebola Response Tech in Congo: Kentucky nonprofit WaterStep is using its safe-water tech and training to support Congo’s Ebola fight, as the outbreak is driven by a strain with no approved vaccines—making sanitation and prevention tools like bleach sanitization and handwashing stations especially urgent. Biosafety & Cross-Border Risk: U.S. prosecutors charged NIH Rocky Mountain Laboratory scientists Vincent Munster and Claude Kwe with allegedly smuggling 113 vials of deactivated mpox-related material into the U.S. via Detroit Metro Airport after travel from Brazzaville, Republic of Congo, and allegedly lying about what was in their case. Biodiversity Discovery in Angola: An expedition to Angola’s Lisima plateau (linked to Congo River basin systems) recorded over 1,000 insect species and hundreds of plant samples, including eight new dragonfly species and other newly documented wildlife—useful baseline data for future conservation. Funding Gap Watch: The AfDB warns Africa faces a $1.3T annual development financing gap for the SDGs, urging reforms to unlock far more domestic and public investment capacity.