AGP Executive Report

Ebola Response Under Strain: Congo’s eastern Ebola outbreak is outpacing response efforts, with WHO saying 80% of new cases are outside known contact lists and many deaths occur in communities without reaching care; Health Workforce Disruption: dozens of workers at an Ituri Ebola treatment center struck over unpaid salaries, risking further delays in an outbreak with no approved vaccine or treatment for Bundibugyo virus; Critical Minerals Push: China announced a state-backed mining investment firm to consolidate overseas strategic minerals, signaling tighter control over deals for copper, cobalt and lithium as global competition intensifies; Carbon Pricing Watch: a new policy analysis says carbon pricing now covers nearly 30% of global emissions, but aviation and maritime remain hard to price and reduce; Oil Market Signals: OPEC reported June output rebounded by about 3.05 mbpd, while Congo saw a small production decline; Aviation/Industry Note: a Congolese-linked dredging project highlights major maritime engineering activity, with the TSHD Congo River working on DEME’s Abu Qir project in Egypt.

Ebola Response Under Strain: Congo’s eastern Ebola outbreak is worsening, with WHO saying response efforts can’t keep up and 80% of new cases are outside known contact lists; authorities report 1,926 infections and 702 deaths across three provinces, while treatment capacity is stretched. Health Workers Strike: Dozens of staff at an Ituri Ebola treatment center struck over unpaid salaries and bonuses, shutting the facility and blocking access, as the outbreak continues to spread. Carbon Pricing Push: A new policy brief highlights how carbon pricing is expanding globally, now covering nearly 30% of emissions, but notes aviation and maritime remain hard to price and decarbonize at scale. Critical Minerals Race: China announced a state-backed mining investment firm to secure overseas strategic minerals, aiming to standardize deals and hedge geopolitical risk—an angle that matters for Congo’s mining ecosystem. Oil Market Watch: OPEC crude output rebounded in June, rising about 3.05 mbpd month-on-month, with Congo also reporting a small production decline. Maritime Dredging: DEME’s TSHD Congo River is working on the Abu Qir project in Egypt, a major dredging and land reclamation job that signals continued regional infrastructure demand.

Ebola Response Under Strain: Congo’s record-fast Ebola outbreak is worsening, with new suspected cases reported in Kisangani (Tshopo) and the death toll reaching 600; treatment centers are near full and healthcare workers report unpaid benefits, while staff at an Ituri center staged a strike over salaries. Oil Market Watch: OPEC members boosted output in June, rising by about 3.05mbpd to roughly 22mbpd, though Congo saw a small production dip—useful context for regional energy planning. Energy & Infrastructure: DEME’s giant trailing suction hopper dredger is working on the Abu Qir project in Egypt, a reminder of the scale of maritime engineering that Congo’s contractors and ports may benchmark. Logistics Talent Pipeline: Africa Global Logistics (AGL) and Gonet Academy launched paid internships for graduates, signaling continued investment in workforce development for regional supply chains. Forestry & Mining Pressure: Civil society groups warned about timber looting and logging threats around the Ngoyla Wildlife Reserve and Djoko Community Forest, tied to exploitation linked to the Mbalam mining project. Migration Operations: South Africa’s inter-ministerial migration committee says over 53,000 foreign nationals have been processed for deportation or repatriation since mid-June, including returns to the Republic of Congo. Business Risk Signals: Congo Brands Australia, distributor of Prime drinks, entered voluntary administration in Australia, highlighting consumer-goods supply and finance risks for regional distributors.

Migration Update: South Africa’s Inter-Ministerial Committee says it has processed 53,449 foreign nationals for deportation or repatriation since mid-June, with Malawians making up 80%+, as authorities continue assisted returns under a five-point migration plan. Ebola Response: Congo’s fastest-growing Ebola outbreak is worsening, with suspected new cases in Kisangani (Tshopo) and reports of strikes at an Ituri treatment center over unpaid salaries, raising pressure on already strained care capacity. Aviation Education: Nigeria’s African Aviation and Aerospace University says it is scaling up after securing a major ₦4bn TETFund grant, expanding engineering and law alongside its aviation focus. Maritime Engineering: DEME’s Abu Qir project is using the TSHD Congo River for major dredging and land reclamation work, a reminder of Congo-linked capability in regional infrastructure. Logistics Jobs: Africa Global Logistics (AGL) and Gonet Academy launch four paid graduate internships, turning graduation pledges into hiring pathways. Energy & LNG Services: Axess Group will deliver asset integrity and inspection programs for two Golar FLNGs, including work tied to Congo’s FLNG support history. Industry Shock (Beverages): Congo Brands Australia, behind Prime drinks, has entered voluntary administration in Australia after reported cash strain and mounting debts. Security & Trade (Drugs/Mining): A report says Wagner-linked networks in CAR profit from tramadol trafficking routed via the Republic of Congo, helping fund gold and forest exploitation.

Dredging & Ports: DEME’s giant TSHD Congo River is busy on the Abu Qir project in Egypt, part of a hundreds-of-millions coastal transformation that includes 1,000 hectares of land reclamation and major channel deepening plus quay walls and breakwaters. Migration & Trade Flows: South Africa’s migration update says 53,449 foreign nationals have been processed for deportation or repatriation since mid-June, with Malawians making up over 80% and returns beyond SADC including to the Republic of Congo. Ebola Watch: A U.S. humanitarian worker in Congo tested positive for Ebola as the outbreak grows, with new suspected cases reported in provinces previously unaffected and treatment centres nearing capacity. Logistics & Skills: Africa Global Logistics (AGL) and Gonet Academy launched paid internships for graduates, turning a graduation pledge into four internship openings. Energy & Offshore Services: Axess Group will deliver asset integrity and inspection programs for two Golar FLNGs, with prior Congo FLNG support noted. Health Supply Chain Risk: A warning on counterfeit and substandard medicines highlights how fake drugs can undermine Africa’s health gains and drive antimicrobial resistance. Business Restructuring: Congo Brands Australia, distributor of Prime drinks, entered voluntary administration in Australia after financial strain, raising questions for ongoing supply. Security & Illicit Trade: Reports say Wagner-linked networks in the region profit from tramadol trafficking, with smuggling routes tied to the Republic of Congo and funding mining and forest exploitation.

Prime Drink Fallout: Congo Brands Australia, behind Logan Paul and KSI’s Prime, has entered voluntary administration after cash fell to about $85,000 and debts rose to millions, with creditors meeting set for July 17. Ebola Watch (Congo): A U.S. aid worker in Congo tested positive for Ebola as the outbreak climbs, with Congo reporting suspected new cases in previously unaffected areas and treatment centres near capacity. Illicit Trade Links (CAR–Congo corridor): A Wall Street Journal report says Wagner remnants use tramadol trafficking routed from the Republic of the Congo into the Central African Republic to fund forest and gold operations. Energy & LNG: The IGU flags Africa’s LNG momentum, with new exporters Canada and Mauritania/Senegal joining the market via the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim project, while FLNG is highlighted as a fast-growing offshore gas solution. Transport Infrastructure (Cameroon): UK-backed financing clears a major hurdle for the long-delayed Ebolowa–Akom II–Kribi road corridor. Agri-Digital Push (Congo): E-AgriBusiness, deployed across Togo, Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon and the Republic of the Congo, is expanding digital tools for agricultural value chains.

Ebola Update: A U.S. humanitarian worker in Congo has tested positive for Ebola, with the CDC coordinating with the employer and Congolese health authorities to trace close contacts as the outbreak grows. Public Health Pressure: Congo’s Ebola death toll has climbed to 600, with new suspected cases reported in a previously unaffected province, while treatment centres near capacity and some healthcare workers report unpaid benefits. Energy & Industry: At NOG Energy Week 2026, speakers highlighted FLNG as a fast-growing way to process and export offshore gas, noting Africa hosts multiple FLNG projects including in Congo. Mining Policy: The MOTA 2026 Summit in Paris put “mining sovereignty” front and centre, with Congo’s mining minister warning that priority projects can’t be held hostage by funding failures. Forestry & Mining Risks: Civil society groups sounded alarms over illegal logging and land exploitation linked to the Mbalam mining project around Ngoyla Wildlife Reserve and Djoko Community Forest. Logistics Jobs: Africa Global Logistics (AGL) and Gonet Academy launched paid internships for graduates, aiming to feed talent into regional logistics operations. Agri-Digital Push: A Togolese entrepreneur’s E-AgriBusiness platform is expanding across Togo, Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon and the Republic of the Congo to digitize agricultural value chains.

Ebola Response: Congo’s Ebola toll climbed to 600 deaths as new suspected cases were reported in Tshopo’s Kisangani, including one with no link to known outbreaks, while treatment centres near capacity and some healthcare workers report unpaid benefits. Health Supply Integrity: A separate warning highlights how counterfeit and substandard medicines can undermine Africa’s health gains, with WHO estimating over one in ten medical products in low- and middle-income markets are falsified or substandard. Conservation & Forestry: Civil society sounded the alarm over illegal logging and land exploitation around the Ngoyla Wildlife Reserve and Djoko Community Forest, citing threats to the Congo Basin ecosystem and communities. Energy & LNG: Africa’s LNG export race widened as a new $4.6bn Mauritania–Senegal project reached a milestone, adding fresh exporting capacity beyond Nigeria and others. Oil & Industry: NOG Energy Week flagged FLNG as a fast-growing offshore gas route, with Africa hosting multiple FLNG projects including Congo. Mining Policy: At MOTA 2026, Congo’s mining leadership pushed for priority projects not to be held hostage by funding failures, spotlighting the Kola potash drive. Logistics Jobs: Africa Global Logistics began paid internships for Gonet Academy graduates, turning a graduation pledge into hiring.

China-Congo Dealmaking: Vice Foreign Minister Miao Deyu met Congo’s ambassador in Beijing, reaffirming plans to deepen cooperation in energy, minerals, and infrastructure under the zero-tariff push. Mining Policy: At MOTA 2026 in Paris, Congo’s mining minister warned priority projects like the Kola potash asset can’t be held hostage by funding failures, while stressing sovereignty with investor confidence. Energy & LNG: NOG Energy Week highlighted FLNG as a fast-growing route to monetize offshore gas; speakers said Africa hosts most operating FLNG projects, including Congo. Forestry & Mining Pressure: Civil society sounded alarms over timber looting and land exploitation tied to the Mbalam mining project around the Ngoyla Wildlife Reserve and Djoko Community Forest. Ebola Update: Congo’s Ebola outbreak hit 600 deaths, with new suspected cases reported in Kisangani (Tshopo), as treatment centers near capacity and some health workers report unpaid benefits. Logistics Jobs: Africa Global Logistics (AGL) launched paid internships for Gonet Academy graduates, turning a graduation pledge into hiring pipeline. Agriculture Tech: E-AgriBusiness platform expansion in Central Africa spotlights digital tools digitizing agricultural value chains.

Oil & Shipping: West Africa crude oil exports fell again in Jan–Jun 2026, down 10.4% year-on-year to 78.2 mln tonnes, as global loadings declined 6.1% to 1,016.4 mln tonnes, with the Arabian Gulf hit hardest (-30.7%) amid ongoing Persian Gulf conflict. Food & Agriculture Policy: Liberia’s Rubber Planters Association and Rubber Development Fund are pushing to turn a temporary ban on exporting unprocessed natural rubber into permanent law to boost local processing, jobs, and value addition. Health & Public Safety: Congo’s Ebola outbreak reached 600 deaths, with two new suspected cases reported in Kisangani (Tshopo), while treatment centres near capacity and some healthcare workers report unpaid benefits. Energy & Industry: At NOG Energy Week 2026, speakers highlighted FLNG as a fast-growing LNG route, noting Africa hosts five operating FLNG projects including Congo, with more expected. Local Business & Logistics: Africa Global Logistics (AGL) and Gonet Academy launched paid internships for graduates, aiming to turn training into real logistics jobs. Mining & Sovereignty: The MOTA 2026 Summit in Paris put “mining sovereignty” and sustainable partnerships at the center, with Congo warning priority projects can’t be held hostage by funding failures. Environment & Conservation: Civil society groups warned of illegal logging and timber looting around the Ngoyla Wildlife Reserve and Djoko Community Forest, citing threats linked to the Mbalam mining project. Digital Agriculture: E-AgriBusiness, a platform using web/mobile/USSD/SMS tools across Central Africa including the Republic of Congo, is expanding digital support for agricultural value chains. Energy Investment Pipeline (Congo): The Republic of Congo will host the second Congo Energy & Investment Forum (CEIF) in 2027, aiming to attract major oil, gas, and technology investors to Brazzaville.

Energy & Investment: The Republic of Congo will host the second Congo Energy & Investment Forum (CEIF) in 2027 at Kintélé, aiming to pull in major oil, gas and technology players and accelerate deals as the country pushes upstream and LNG monetisation. Mining & Policy: At the Mining on Top Africa (MOTA) 2026 summit in Paris, Congo’s mining minister stressed that priority projects can’t be held hostage by funding failures, while also calling for sovereignty that still keeps investor confidence. Oil & Gas Industry: A panel at NOG Energy Week 2026 highlighted FLNG as a fast-growing route to commercialise offshore gas, noting Africa already hosts multiple FLNG projects including in Congo. Agribusiness & Digital Farming: A Togolese entrepreneur’s E-AgriBusiness platform—using web, mobile, USSD and SMS—has been deployed across Togo, Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon and the Republic of the Congo to digitize agricultural value chains. Public Health: Congo’s Ebola outbreak hit 600 deaths as new suspected cases were reported in areas previously unaffected, with treatment centres near capacity and healthcare workers alleging unpaid benefits. Logistics Jobs: Africa Global Logistics (AGL) opened paid internship applications with Gonet Academy, continuing a push to turn graduate training into real logistics employment.

Ebola Update: Congo’s Ebola outbreak has reached 600 deaths, with new suspected cases reported in Kisangani (Tshopo), including one with no link to known chains, while treatment centres near capacity and some health workers report unpaid benefits. Forest & Mining Pressure: Civil society groups warn of timber looting in the Ngoyla Wildlife Reserve and Djoko Community Forest, citing illegal logging and land exploitation tied to the Mbalam mining project. Logistics Jobs: Africa Global Logistics (AGL) has opened applications for four paid internships for Gonet Academy graduates, turning a graduation pledge into a direct entry route into logistics careers. Energy & Gas Industry: A NOG Energy Week panel highlights FLNG as a fast-growing way to monetize offshore gas, noting Africa already hosts several FLNG projects including in Congo. China-Congo Ties: China’s vice foreign minister met Congo’s ambassador in Beijing, reaffirming cooperation on energy, minerals and infrastructure under the zero-tariff push. Mining Policy: At MOTA 2026, Congo’s mining minister urged that priority projects shouldn’t be held hostage by funding failures, spotlighting the Kola potash push.

Energy & Investment: The Republic of Congo is set to host the Congo Energy & Investment Forum (CEIF) in 2027, aiming to position Brazzaville as a regional hub for oil and gas deal-making, with participation expected from major international institutions and energy ministers. Mining Policy: At the Mining on Top Africa (MOTA) 2026 Summit in Paris, Congo’s mining leadership pushed for “priority projects” not to be held back by funding failures, while balancing sovereignty with investor confidence. China-Congo Cooperation: A Vice Foreign Minister of China met Congo’s ambassador in Beijing, highlighting plans to deepen ties in energy, minerals, and infrastructure under the zero-tariff framework. Agribusiness Digitization: E-AgriBusiness, a digital platform built for agricultural value chains and deployed across Central Africa including the Republic of Congo, was recognized for innovation in regional hackathons. Oil Refining Spillover: Dangote’s $17bn, 700,000 bpd refinery project in Kenya continues to draw regional attention, with Congo-linked industry visits underscoring wider East and Central African energy integration.

Energy & Investment: The Republic of Congo will host the second Congo Energy & Investment Forum (CEIF) in 2027 in Brazzaville, aiming to pull in global oil and gas investors and regional energy ministers to accelerate deals and upstream and LNG-linked projects. Mining Policy: At the Mining on Top Africa (MOTA) 2026 Summit in Paris, Congo’s mining leadership pushed for “priority projects” not to be held back by financing failures, while discussing how African states can grow local value without scaring off capital. China-Congo Ties: China’s vice foreign minister met Congo’s ambassador to China, highlighting cooperation in energy, minerals and infrastructure under the zero-tariff push. Agribusiness Digitisation: A digital agriculture platform, E-AgriBusiness, is reported as already deployed in the Republic of Congo, using web/mobile/USSD/SMS tools to connect value-chain players. Sports & Local Industry Angle: Konkola Blades (Zambia) announced new signings led by Congolese forward Idris Mbombo, underscoring regional talent flows.

Mining Policy: The Mining on Top Africa (MOTA) 2026 Summit opened in Paris with African ministers, investors and industry leaders pushing a “middle-ground” on mining sovereignty—protecting legal stability while demanding more local value, with Congo’s mining minister warning priority projects can’t be held hostage by funding failures. Energy Deal-Making: Brazzaville is set to host the Congo Energy & Investment Forum (CEIF) in 2027, aiming to position the country as a hub for cross-border energy investment and LNG-linked growth. China-Congo Ties: A Vice Foreign Minister meeting in China reaffirmed plans to deepen cooperation with the Republic of the Congo on energy, minerals and infrastructure under the zero-tariff push. Critical Minerals Supply: A new report outlines how the Quad Critical Minerals Initiative is being operationalised to reduce dependence on ex-China supply chains. Oil Refining Expansion: Dangote says preliminary works are underway for a $17bn, 700,000 bpd refinery in Kenya, with Congo’s national oil company delegation involved in talks in Lagos.

Energy & Investment: The Republic of Congo will host the second Congo Energy & Investment Forum (CEIF) in June 2027 at Kintélé, aiming to pull in global investors and energy ministers to accelerate deals across oil and gas, including LNG momentum. Oil & Refining: Dangote Industries says its planned East Africa refinery in Kenya will process 700,000 barrels per day, as part of a 2.1 million bpd total refining plan, with a Congo national oil company delegation involved in talks. Public Finance Reform: A World Bank report urges structural reforms in Central African public finances, highlighting low domestic revenue mobilization and a heavy wage bill that limits investment capacity—key context for regional development planning. Health Security: A learning resource package and e-learning modules were launched to strengthen zoonotic disease surveillance and response using a One Health approach. Mining/Industry Outlook: Congo cobalt exporters are reportedly worried about losing quotas due to an administrative glitch, raising supply and production uncertainty for the sector. Governance & Enforcement: Criminal Investigation Services presented suspects accused of serious crimes in Luanda, underscoring ongoing security and rule-of-law enforcement in the region.