AGP Executive Report

Ebola Escalation in DRC: A confirmed Ebola case has been reported in South Kivu, eastern DR Congo—far from the outbreak’s epicentre—signalling wider spread as the WHO warns of “scale and speed.” The rebel-held area around Bukavu is now in the spotlight, with additional suspected cases reported and Uganda also reporting cases. US Travel Curbs Spark Backlash: The US has tightened entry rules tied to Ebola, with critics saying broad travel bans can fuel fear, disrupt economies, and complicate health work; the Africa CDC echoed that border closures aren’t the solution. Rwanda Border Response: Rwanda temporarily closed its border with DR Congo amid the outbreak. Food Prices vs Climate Rules (US): In Washington, Trump is pausing a refrigerant rule for supermarkets, arguing it will cut grocery costs—while critics warn it undermines climate progress. Rwanda Economy: Rwanda’s central bank raised its benchmark rate to 8.25% as inflation pressures persist.

Ebola Emergency Escalates in Congo: Fears are surging in eastern DR Congo as a rare Bundibugyo Ebola strain spreads fast, with healthcare workers saying they’re underprotected and undertrained amid shortages of masks, disinfectants and even basic medicines, while insecurity and armed attacks in Ituri are complicating contact tracing and safe burials. Cross-Border Alert: Rwanda’s Foreign Office has issued updated travel warnings for border areas with DR Congo, warning crossings could close at short notice. Kenya Sports Focus: In AFCON 2027 qualifiers, Harambee Stars co-host Kenya will still play—midfielder Austin Odhiambo says the squad is ready for a tough Group D against South Africa, Guinea and Eritrea, starting at home vs Eritrea on Sept 23. Rwanda Development & Business: Equity Bank Rwanda and the wider Equity Group reported strong Q1 profit growth, while Rwanda also marked World Bee Day with events in Gishwati-Mukura.

Ebola Emergency in DRC: Health workers in eastern DR Congo say the rare Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak is spreading faster than the response can keep up—while basic supplies like masks, gloves, chlorine and even motorbikes for contact tracing are in short supply. WHO says it’s “scale and speed” that’s alarming, with at least 131 deaths and hundreds of suspected cases, and “patient zero” still not found. Rwanda-DRC Border Pressure: Rwanda has stepped up screening at border crossings despite no confirmed case, as fears grow that movement and conflict-hit health systems are helping the virus travel. Military Partnership: Rwanda and France discussed an enhanced military partnership, while Rwanda says Mozambique has secured funds to keep its Cabo Delgado mission running. AFCON 2027 Fixtures: CAF released the full qualifiers schedule, setting up tough groups across the continent. Sierra Leone Deportation Deal: Sierra Leone received the first group of West African deportees from the US under an ECOWAS-linked agreement. Rwanda Nuclear Push: Holtec and Rwanda signed to study and deploy SMR-300 plans, as Rwanda and the US expand civil nuclear cooperation.

Ebola Alarm: WHO is sounding the “scale and speed” warning as DR Congo and Uganda’s rare Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak climbs past 130 deaths and 500+ suspected cases, with cases appearing in urban areas and WHO now weighing an experimental vaccine approach. Rwanda Response: Rwanda has stepped up border screening despite no confirmed Ebola case, as regional travel and entry restrictions tighten. Kigali Tech Push: In Kigali, the AI Skills and Compute Africa Foundation (AISCA) has launched to tackle Africa’s “compute gap,” while Yango Group also unveiled Yango Tech for AI and digital infrastructure. Business Watch: Equity Group reported a 24% jump in Q1 profit to KSh19.1bn, citing improved loan quality and a deeper digital shift. Sports & Culture: Ghanaian-owned Crux Global Agency is powering entertainment at the Basketball Africa League, blending music and arena activations across venues.

Ebola Emergency Escalates: WHO chief Tedros says he’s “deeply concerned” about the “scale and speed” of the rare Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in eastern DR Congo, with reports now putting deaths at about 131 and suspected cases above 500, as health teams race to expand treatment and consider experimental vaccine options. Cross-Border Pressure: Uganda reports cases linked to travel, while Rwanda and other neighbours tighten movement and border checks amid fears the outbreak is spreading faster than recorded. Regional Integration Push: Togo joins the visa-free wave, scrapping entry visas for African Union citizens with valid passports, effective immediately, as Rwanda and others pursue easier mobility. AFCON 2027 Draw: Ghana and Ivory Coast land together in qualifying Group C, while Rwanda sits in Group K with Mali, Cape Verde and Liberia; Nigeria headlines Group L with Tanzania and Madagascar. AI Momentum in Kigali: AISCA Foundation launches to tackle Africa’s AI “compute gap,” pairing skills and local compute access to help innovators scale.

Ebola Emergency Escalates in DR Congo: Congo has opened three Ebola treatment centres in Ituri as the WHO declares the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern; deaths have now surpassed 100, with cases confirmed across Ituri and North Kivu and reported in neighbouring Uganda, while health experts warn the virus spread undetected for weeks and that the Bundibugyo strain has no approved vaccine or treatment. Border Pressure in the Region: Rwanda has closed key crossings with DR Congo after a case was confirmed in Goma, with movement restricted as authorities try to slow spread. Global Response Tightens: The Africa CDC has declared a continental emergency, and the U.S. CDC says an American doctor is among newly confirmed cases, with additional exposed Americans moved for monitoring. Connectivity Boost: Qatar Airways is expanding African routes—restarting flights to Kigali from June 16 and adding more frequencies across major cities—aiming to strengthen trade and travel links. Rwanda-Linked Business Push: Rwanda’s high commissioner to Pakistan invited Pakistani investors to use Rwanda as a gateway into a 300-million-strong East African market.

Ebola Emergency Escalates in DR Congo: The WHO has declared the DR Congo–Uganda Ebola outbreak a public health emergency of international concern as Congo moves fast to respond—its health minister says three treatment centers will open in Ituri (Bunia, Rwampara and Mongwalu) after a rare Bundibugyo strain with no approved vaccines or therapeutics. Regional Spillover Fears: Reports put the outbreak at hundreds of suspected cases and dozens of deaths in Congo, with Uganda also affected, while the U.S. has introduced tougher travel screening and monitoring for arrivals from the region. Rwanda–DRC Border Tightens: Rwanda has closed the Goma border crossing amid the health alert, aiming to limit movement during the outbreak. Aviation Boost: Qatar Airways says it will restart and increase flights to Kigali and other African destinations from mid-June, expanding connectivity as travel demand rises.

Ebola Emergency Hits Congo’s Frontline: WHO has declared a global health emergency over a rare, hard-to-treat Ebola strain in DR Congo and Uganda, with deaths now topping 80 and cases climbing past 300 suspected—plus a confirmed case reported in Goma, a rebel-held city on Rwanda’s border. Border and Health Measures: Rwanda has temporarily closed key crossings linked to Goma to slow spread, while WHO warns countries not to shut borders or restrict trade. Why It’s Spreading: Officials say the outbreak may have circulated undetected for weeks in a war-stretched region where malaria and other fevers blur diagnosis, and where logistics are already strained. Regional Ripple Effects: The emergency also comes as Uganda confirms infections, and responders face the added challenge of conflict and limited vaccine options for this Bundibugyo strain. Other Kigali-Linked Moves: In Kigali, Absa is weighing joining China’s yuan payments system (CIPS) to cut currency friction in trade, while Rwanda’s digital finance push gets fresh backing from Equity Group.

Ebola Alarm: The WHO has declared an international health emergency over a new Ebola outbreak in eastern DR Congo, with more than 80 deaths reported and a confirmed case now detected in Goma, raising fears of wider spread as borders tighten. Border Measures: Rwanda has temporarily closed the Goma–Rubavu-Gisenyi crossings, though screening continues for travellers under strict monitoring. Regional Shockwaves: The outbreak is linked to the Bundibugyo strain, with no strain-specific vaccine, and WHO says it’s a global concern even if it’s not yet a pandemic-level emergency. Kigali Diplomacy & Water: Egypt and Rwanda are pushing joint water projects, including rainwater harvesting and groundwater stations, alongside technical training. Africa CEO Forum Momentum: Kigali’s summit wrapped with renewed calls for African economic integration and cross-border investment at scale. Sports & Culture: Harambee Stars set June friendlies against Kyrgyzstan and Palestine, while Rwanda’s genocide-reckoning film “Ben’Imana” draws Cannes attention.

Genocide Justice: Félicien Kabuga, the 1994 genocide suspect long held in The Hague, has died in UN custody while hospitalized; the UN tribunal ordered a full inquiry into the circumstances, after he was previously ruled unfit to stand trial due to dementia. Regional Security: Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu told the Africa CEO Forum in Kigali that security can’t be handled alone and pushed for practical partnerships with neighbours, while also urging faster delivery of attack helicopters. Aviation Push: Tinubu welcomed Airbus plans for aircraft maintenance and hangar facilities in Nigeria, aiming to build a regional aviation hub. Humanitarian Review: In Rwanda’s Mahama camp, UNHCR, WFP and MINEMA have started a household-by-household assessment to review how food and cash aid is targeted after protests. Business & Mobility: Nigeria has begun implementing a 30-day visa-free entry for Rwandans, with border and airport directives already in place.

Genocide Justice: Rwandan genocide suspect Félicien Kabuga has died in custody in The Hague at 91, with the UN court ordering an investigation into the circumstances. Kigali Business Buzz: IFC and Masai Ujiri’s Zaria Group announced a major Kigali-backed push to build an Africa-wide sports and entertainment district, starting in Kigali and Nairobi. Africa CEO Forum Fallout: Rwanda’s Paul Kagame renewed his call for Africa to protect its resources and stop “being ripped off,” while African legislators in Nairobi pledged a united front on climate and methane talks. Digital Sovereignty: A Kigali report warns satellite internet could deepen dependence on foreign-controlled systems unless African states invest and regulate their own digital infrastructure. Regional Mobility: Nigeria has started implementing a 30-day visa-free entry for Rwandans, matching Rwanda’s earlier move. Health Watch: Ebola has resurfaced in DR Congo’s Ituri province, with officials reporting at least 80 deaths. Trade & Logistics: Russia’s FESCO completed a new direct container corridor to Tanzania via India’s Nhava Sheva, aiming to deepen Africa trade links.

Rwanda–Nigeria Mobility Boost: Nigeria has started enforcing a 30-day visa-free entry for Rwandan nationals, with the Nigeria Immigration Service directing all airports, land borders and seaports to implement it immediately—visits are allowed for tourism, business and official engagements, while longer stays require a visa. Africa CEO Forum Momentum: President Bola Tinubu used the Kigali platform to push deeper reforms, defend fuel subsidy removal and FX unification as painful but necessary, and argue that tax compliance is a “civic duty” tied to citizenship. Energy & Cost Pressure: In Kenya, fuel price hikes are drawing fresh backlash from trade lobbies warning diesel and petrol increases will ripple through transport, manufacturing and the cost of living. Sports & Business: The Basketball Africa League playoffs return to Kigali from May 22–31, with eight teams set for the title run.

Green Finance Push: BRD sealed a €30m deal with Italy’s Climate Fund to back Rwanda’s green economy, while an international investor joined BRD’s record bond push—another sign Kigali is pulling global capital into local currency. Kigali’s Big Stage: At the Africa CEO Forum, Nigeria’s Tinubu doubled down on tax as the price of citizenship and development, and OECD pledged stronger data support for Nigeria’s reforms. Regional Security: The EAC launched the “Ushirikiano Imara” military exercise in Nairobi, running to May 28, to sharpen joint response on terrorism, piracy, and disasters. Food Aid: U.S. Wheat welcomed the first USDA Food for Peace award for emergency feeding in East Africa—20,000 metric tons of wheat. Health Alert: Ebola is back in DRC’s Ituri with 246 suspected cases and 65 deaths, as conflict and cross-border movement threaten containment. Migration Politics: In Europe, a Council of Europe declaration backs “return hubs,” with the UK reportedly seeking a third-country deal.

DRC Crisis: A drone strike hit a busy market in Mushaki, Masisi (North Kivu) on May 8, killing 20+ and injuring 60+ as panic shut down local trade. M23 Movement: In South Kivu, AFC/M23 rebels have withdrawn from the Rusizi Plain and repositioned toward Katogota, with residents celebrating their departure. Human Trafficking Watch: In Uganda’s Nakivale camp, authorities report at least 11 cases of child trafficking in weeks, targeting minors aged 12–16 and allegedly sending them across Uganda and to Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda. Africa CEO Forum in Kigali: The summit opened with calls for “shared ownership” of Africa’s future, while Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu used the platform to push investment—IFC says it will send a mission to Nigeria for deals in energy, housing and livestock. Ports Deal: APM Terminals pledged $600m to modernise Nigeria’s Apapa port and expand logistics. Trade Friction: BUA’s boss says AfCFTA is undermined by visa barriers, pointing to his own denied entry in South Africa.

Africa CEO Forum in Kigali: The 2026 Africa CEO Forum opened in Kigali with a push for “shared ownership,” as Rwandan President Paul Kagame urged leaders to defend Africa’s strategic interests and turn opportunity into scalable transformation. Nigeria-Rwanda ties: President Bola Tinubu met Kagame at Urugwiro and agreed to revive the Joint Permanent Ministerial Commission, with Nigeria expected to host the next meeting; Tinubu also said Nigeria will “seriously consider” reciprocal 30-day visa-free entry for Rwandans. DR Congo conflict spotlight: In eastern DRC, Human Rights Watch reports M23 and Rwandan forces carried out killings, rapes and disappearances during an occupation of Uvira, while rebels have withdrawn from some positions. Regional environment alarm: Lake Victoria Basin is facing an oxygen crisis, with low-oxygen lakebed areas threatening fish breeding and livelihoods across Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi. Sports & culture: East African stars Abigail Chams, Bien and Joshua Baraka are set for BAL playoff halftime shows in Kigali. Business pitch: IFC chief Makhtar Diop told delegates to move from ambition to execution, stressing private-sector job creation.

Nigeria–Rwanda Diplomacy: President Bola Tinubu met Paul Kagame at Urugwiro and agreed to revive their 2021 Joint Permanent Ministerial Commission, with Nigeria set to host the next meeting. Tinubu also said Nigeria will “seriously consider” matching Rwanda’s 30-day visa-free entry for Nigerians, and both sides reviewed pending deals on tourism, illicit drugs and anti-corruption while pushing AfCFTA implementation. Kigali Business Spotlight: Tinubu arrived for the Africa CEO Forum in Kigali, where he is expected to pitch Nigeria’s reform agenda and trade/logistics links, including talks on a flat-rate cargo arrangement with RwandAir. DR Congo Rights Alarm: Human Rights Watch renewed accusations that M23 and Rwandan forces committed killings, rapes and abductions during an occupation of Uvira in late 2025/early 2026, calling for criminal investigations. Regional Energy Move: Djibouti has started construction of the Fuelstor fuel terminal (Sh20.7bn), as EAC members weigh a refinery plan in Tanga. Digital Integration Push: East Africa launched a regional AI alliance, while Ghana’s digital trade corridor model is highlighted as a way to cut cross-border payment friction.