AGP Executive Report

Port Expansion Deal: AD Ports Group has awarded three contracts worth about AED 735 million (US$200m) to develop the Noatum Ports Pointe-Noire Terminal in the Republic of the Congo, including marine/topside works and crane supply, with an initial 420-metre quay and a 100,000 sqm logistics area aimed at turning Pointe-Noire into a modern trade gateway for Central and West Africa. Maritime Support: Damen Shipyards signed with Türkiye’s Albayrak Group for two new ASD tugs—including one for Pointe-Noire—to boost towage capacity in the port. Health Alert: The WHO is raising alarms over a fast-spreading Ebola outbreak in eastern Congo, with suspected cases rising and cross-border risk now in focus. Regional Diplomacy: Morocco is stepping up African outreach, including fresh backing tied to the Sahara, while Congo-Morocco cooperation is highlighted. Ebola Watch (Context): Earlier reporting this week framed the outbreak as escalating toward broader emergency response.

Ebola Watch: The WHO is sounding the alarm over a fast-spreading Ebola outbreak in eastern Congo, with suspected deaths now reported in the hundreds and cases linked to travel reaching Uganda, as Congo awaits experimental vaccines from the US and Britain. Middle East Risk: US President Trump says he was “an hour away” from new Iran strikes before Gulf states urged a pause for diplomacy, while Iran moves to set up a vessel-control and transit-fee system for the Strait of Hormuz—an energy chokepoint for about a fifth of global oil flows. Port & Trade Build-Out (Congo): AD Ports Group awarded three contracts worth about AED 735 million (US$200m) to develop the Noatum Ports Pointe-Noire Terminal, including marine works and crane supply, aiming to turn Pointe-Noire into a modern container and logistics gateway for Central and West Africa. Shipbuilding: Damen signed with Türkiye’s Albayrak Group for two ASD tugs, with one slated for Pointe-Noire towage.

Port & Trade Build-Out: AD Ports Group just advanced Congo’s logistics push with three Noatum Ports Pointe-Noire Terminal contracts worth about AED 735 million—marine/land works plus cranes—under its long-term concession with the Republic of Congo and its CMA CGM-linked joint venture. Women-Led Enterprise: Cameroon and Tunisia are teaming up to back women entrepreneurs across Africa via incubation, acceleration and international mentoring, with Congo-Brazzaville among the target markets. Infrastructure Momentum: Cameroon also secured CFA130.4 billion financing to revive the long-delayed Ebolowa–Kribi road corridor, a key route toward Port of Kribi and regional trade links. Health Watch: Ebola remains a live risk in the region, with WHO reporting a new Congo outbreak and fears of cross-border spread. Local Industry Signals: Damen Shipyards signed with Albayrak Group for new tugs to support towage in Conakry and Pointe-Noire—another practical boost for port operations.

Congo-Basin Infrastructure Momentum: Cameroon has secured CFA130.4B (about $214M) to revive the 15-year-stalled Ebolowa–Akom II–Kribi highway, with Standard Chartered backing and UK Export Finance support—an overdue unlock for southern logistics into the Kribi port corridor. Congo Justice & Accountability: A Belgian ex-diplomat, tied to the 1961 killing of Patrice Lumumba, is headed to trial—another step in Belgium’s long-running reckoning over colonial-era violence. Port & Trade Build-Out (Congo): AD Ports Group awarded three contracts worth about AED735M for the Noatum Ports Pointe-Noire Terminal, including marine/land works and major crane supply—progress under a long-term Congo concession. Health Watch (Congo): Ebola concerns remain active as WHO flags outbreaks in Congo and Uganda as a global emergency, keeping cross-border risk on the agenda. Noise & Governance (Region): Liberia launched a police-backed noise crackdown, showing how enforcement and public awareness are moving from policy to action.

Port & Trade Build-Out: AD Ports Group just awarded three contracts worth about AED 735 million for the Noatum Ports Pointe-Noire Terminal in Congo—marine and landside works plus crane supply—pushing a new 420-metre quay and 100,000 sqm logistics area forward under a 30-year concession with CMA CGM. Health Emergency Watch: Ebola is back in the spotlight: WHO has declared the Congo outbreak a Global Health Emergency after 65 deaths and 246 suspected cases, with Uganda reporting a related imported case. Infrastructure Finance (Regional): Cameroon secured 15-year-delayed funding for the Ebolowa–Akom II–Kribi road, signing a CFA130.4 billion loan that brings total Standard Chartered financing to CFA138.2 billion. Governance & Trust: Liberia’s ruling Unity Party faces fresh questions over its proposed Congo Town HQ after a high-profile US$1.3m fundraising drive showed little visible progress. Environment & Compliance: Liberia also launched a police-backed crackdown on noise pollution, with fines and speaker confiscations aimed at churches, bars and street events.

Port & Crane Deal: AD Ports Group has awarded three contracts worth about AED735 million (~$200m) for the Noatum Ports Pointe-Noire Terminal in Congo—marine and landside works plus ship-to-shore and RTG cranes—under its 30-year concession with the government and a CMA CGM-linked joint venture. Health Emergency Watch: WHO has declared the Ebola outbreak in Congo and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern after 88 deaths, with the Congo cluster reported in Ituri and fears of cross-border spread. Oil & Production Moves: Nghi Son Refinery in Vietnam received 950,000+ barrels of Congo crude for fuel supply, while Perenco Congo says it boosted output via a completed 5-well campaign at Tchibouela East and has started a new 5-well push at Masseko. Mining Governance: Congo’s cobalt procurement agency says it wants to work with industrial operators to create regulated “squares” for artisanal miners inside concessions to curb unsafe illegal mining. Ebola Context: Earlier reporting also flagged a new Congo outbreak leaving dozens dead and raising regional transmission risk.

Ebola Escalation in Congo: WHO has declared the new Ebola outbreak in Congo and Uganda a global health emergency after 88 deaths and 246 suspected cases, with transmission risk rising in eastern Ituri near borders amid mining travel and insecurity. Health Alerts Beyond Congo: A separate rare hantavirus outbreak linked to a South Atlantic cruise is triggering international monitoring after at least three deaths, while officials track close-contact spread concerns. Congo’s Energy Push: Perenco Congo says it boosted output by 6,000 b/d after completing a 5-well campaign at Tchibouela East, and has started a new 5-well drive at the Masseko field. Cobalt Crackdown: Congo’s state cobalt body says it will work with industrial operators to carve out regulated areas for artisanal miners inside concessions to curb illegal cobalt mining. Trade & Regional Signals: Zambia eased sulphuric-acid export restrictions to Congo after local supply recovered—supporting Copperbelt processing. Film & Soft Power: At Cannes, African cinema is getting more central attention, including a Congo Boy screening in Un Certain Regard.

Protest Shockwave in the UK: A viral London rally clip shows women publicly ripping off their burqas during a protest against Islamist oppression, as police deployed 4,000 officers for the biggest public order operation in years. Health Alert: A rare hantavirus outbreak tied to a South Atlantic cruise has triggered an international investigation after at least three deaths, with officials tracking passengers because the Andes strain can spread between people in close contact. Congo in the spotlight (energy): Vietnam’s Nghi Son refinery received over 950,000 barrels of Congo crude to keep fuel production steady amid Middle East supply pressures. Congo in the spotlight (public health): Africa CDC confirmed a new Ebola outbreak in Congo’s Ituri province with 65 deaths and 246 suspected cases, raising cross-border risk concerns. Congo industry (production): Perenco Congo boosted output after completing a 5-well campaign at Tchibouela East and has started a new 5-well push at Masseko.

Congo Oil Supply Boost: Vietnam’s Nghi Son refinery has received more than 950,000 barrels of Congo crude to keep fuel production steady as Middle East tensions disrupt other sources. Cobalt Crackdown: Congo’s state cobalt agency says it will work with industrial operators to carve out regulated “squares” inside concessions for artisanal miners—aiming to cut illegal mining that fuels safety risks and operational headaches. Energy Output Moves: Perenco Congo increased output after a 5-well campaign at Tchibouela East, and has started a new 5-well push on the Masseko field. Regional Risk Watch: A new Ebola outbreak in Congo’s Ituri province has killed 65 so far, with officials warning about cross-border spread. Diplomacy Signal: Russian FM Lavrov backed India as a mediator in the Iran–US conflict, pointing to New Delhi’s diplomatic role. Local Industry Context: Zambia eased sulphuric acid export limits to Congo after local supply recovered, keeping the Copperbelt’s copper/cobalt processing moving.

Ebola Alert in Congo: Congo’s health authorities confirmed a new Ebola outbreak in Ituri province, reporting 65 deaths and 246 suspected cases, with officials now assessing whether it’s the Zaire strain or another variant and warning that mining-linked travel and weak infrastructure could spread it across borders. Infrastructure Safety Watch: Pakistan saw two separate bridge collapses in Sindh—four dead and one injured—raising fresh questions about construction quality and delayed rescue response. Cobalt Governance: Congo’s state cobalt procurement agency says it wants closer coordination with industrial operators to manage illegal artisanal miners inside big concessions by designating regulated “squares” for cooperatives. Oil Output Push: Perenco Congo completed a 5-well campaign at Tchibouela East, lifting production by about 6,000 b/d, and has started another 5-well push at the Masseko field. Diplomatic Signals: Russia marked Congo’s 45th anniversary of the Friendship Treaty, reaffirming readiness for deeper cooperation. Energy Markets Context: Zambia eased sulphuric acid export limits to Congo after local stocks recovered, aiming to protect supply while keeping shipments “limited.”

Cobalt Crackdown: Congo’s state cobalt procurement body (EGC) says it will work with industrial operators to carve out regulated “squares” inside big concessions for artisanal miners—aiming to cut illegal infiltration and make mining safer without fully shutting down informal livelihoods. LNG Market Signal: Geojit Investments reiterated its ACCUMULATE call on Petronet LNG, lifting its 12-month target to Rs 309 (from Rs 272), arguing the March Qatar supply disruption hurt Q4 revenue but throughput and margins held up. Trade Flow Update: Zambia eased its sulphuric acid export ban to Congo, authorising limited shipments after local stocks recovered—an important input for copper/cobalt processing in the Copperbelt. Diplomacy: Russia marked Congo’s 45th anniversary of the Treaty of Friendship, signaling readiness for deeper economic and technical cooperation. Energy Finance Watch: Eni is reportedly seeking infrastructure-fund backing for deals tied to its floating LNG assets, with talks involving major investment firms.

Cobalt Crackdown: Congo’s state cobalt agency EGC says it will work with industrial operators to carve out regulated “squares” inside big concessions for artisanal miners, aiming to curb illegal cobalt mining that’s been slipping into huge sites and creating safety and operational hazards. Trade Shock Relief: Zambia has eased its sulphuric acid export limits to Congo after local stocks recovered, authorizing “limited” shipments to keep Congo’s copper/cobalt processing from stalling. IMF Talks: Congo has formally asked to open negotiations with the IMF for a new economic program as debt tops 90% of GDP and budgets remain tied to oil swings. Zoo Exchange (Not Congo-linked): Franklin Park Zoo and Pittsburgh Zoo announced a gorilla swap—Little Joe heads to Pittsburgh while Frankie and Moke move to Boston.

AI-era Political Fallout: A Leitrim councillor warned that secretly recorded remarks by former Irish Taoiseach Bertie Ahern could set a dangerous precedent after the video surfaced, with backlash focused on comments about immigration and Africans from the Congo. Regional Integration Push: At Rwanda’s 2026 Africa CEO Forum in Kigali, leaders backed “shared ownership” and continental trade momentum, with the AfDB launching a New African Financial Architecture to keep more capital circulating locally. Energy Finance Watch: In Congo and beyond, Eni is reportedly seeking funds tied to its floating LNG assets—an approach that could reshape how African gas projects get financed. Local Congo Signal: Russia marked Congo’s 45th anniversary of its Treaty of Friendship, underscoring continued diplomatic and economic engagement. Congo Business Brief: Tractafric is set to acquire the remaining stake in its Congo unit, a move that could tighten control of industrial distribution operations. Water Stress Context: Separate from Congo, reduced river flows are hitting North-East communities in Trinidad, a reminder how climate shocks quickly become supply shocks.

Tractafric Deal Watch: Tractafric Equipment International is moving to acquire the remaining stake in its Congo unit, a fresh signal of consolidation in the country’s industrial and automotive distribution space. Water Stress: North-East Trinidad is facing reduced supplies as low river levels keep the North Oropouche and Quare treatment plants below full output, showing how prolonged dry seasons can quickly turn into service disruptions. Oil Market Signals: The UAE’s withdrawal from Opec/Opec+ is set to reshape expectations for prices and volatility—an issue that matters for oil exporters and importers alike. Congo Macro: Congo-Brazzaville has formally asked the IMF to start talks on a new economic programme as debt climbs above 90% of GDP, with an IMF mission expected soon. Energy Finance: Eni is reportedly seeking funds from infrastructure investors to monetize floating LNG assets—another reminder that Africa-linked energy projects are increasingly being packaged for global capital. Local Industry Risk: Residents in Pointe-Noire are still worried about contamination risks tied to a closed battery recycling plant, with independent soil testing efforts underway.

IMF Talks Kick-Off: The Republic of Congo has formally asked to open negotiations with the IMF for a new economic programme, as debt sits above 90% of GDP and the budget remains heavily tied to oil revenues; an IMF mission is expected to arrive in Brazzaville in the coming weeks. Oil & Gas Momentum: Perenco says it has completed an enhanced oil recovery push at Tchibouela East offshore Congo, adding 6,000 barrels per day, and has started a new five-well campaign at the Masseko field. Diplomatic Signal: Russia marked 13 May by congratulating Congo on the 45th anniversary of the Treaty of Friendship, with talk of deeper cooperation. Regional Context: S&P expects sub-Saharan Africa growth to hold steady despite global headwinds, even as trade disruptions linked to Hormuz continue to ripple through energy supply chains.

Lithium Deal Fever: China’s Huayou has agreed to buy Africa-focused Australian lithium miner Atlantic Lithium in an all-cash USD 210m move, aiming to deepen its battery-material footprint via Ghana’s Ewoyaa mine and exploration in Ivory Coast. LNG Finance Push: Eni is sounding out infrastructure funds (via Morgan Stanley, with names like Apollo/KKR/Stonepeak) to monetize its floating LNG “floaters” in Mozambique and Congo, with talks early and potential value pegged at at least €1bn. Congo Water Stress Signals: North-East communities face reduced supply as low river levels cut output at Trinidad’s North Oropouche and Quare plants—an example of how climate and operations collide. IMF Talks for Congo-Brazzaville: Brazzaville has formally asked the IMF to start a new economic programme as debt tops 90% of GDP, with an IMF mission expected soon. Local Pollution Watch: In Pointe-Noire, residents remain uneasy after a closed battery recycling plant, as independent soil testing is delayed by logistics.