AGP Executive Report

Arms Control Watch: FOSDA urged stronger action at UN small-arms talks, warning that legally made weapons keep getting diverted into illicit markets, fueling insecurity across Africa. Public Health Alert: Nigeria’s Lassa fever situation is worsening, with 663 confirmed cases and 167 deaths reported by end of March, and health-worker infections raising alarms about infection control. Disease Surveillance Tech: DRC Ebola response faced a diagnostic snag: GeneXpert missed the rare Ebola type circulating, delaying detection until mid-May and letting cases surge. Vaccination Gap: The CDC issued a Level 2 travel notice for a major diphtheria outbreak across seven countries including Guinea, highlighting booster shortfalls beyond childhood. Climate Risk for Guinea: New Oxford research flags Conakry among cities most exposed to El Niño-driven extreme heat, where high vulnerability and weak coping capacity raise life-threatening risk. Energy & Industry: DeSoto Resources has started a 10,000-metre drilling campaign at its Timbakouna gold project in Guinea, using shallow power auger holes to test targets. Wildlife Crime: Guinea arrested four alleged traffickers and seized dried seahorses plus shark and ray fins, targeting a West Africa-to-China pipeline. Health Media Innovation: A Chinese medical team in Conakry is producing bilingual health videos on prevention, aiming to reach people beyond hospital walls. Maritime Security: Nigeria’s Deep Blue unit added 177 trained members to boost anti-piracy and rescue capacity across West African waters.

Health Alert: Nigeria’s Lassa fever surge hit 663 confirmed cases and 167 deaths across 22 states, with a 25.2% fatality rate, and U.S. travel-linked warnings urge stronger infection control as healthcare workers are among the infected. Public Health & Vaccines: The CDC issued a Level 2 travel notice for a major diphtheria outbreak across seven countries including Guinea, urging travelers to be up to date on boosters amid 20,412 suspected cases and 1,252 deaths reported in 2025. Ebola Watch: In DRC, Ebola testing improved but remains strained—diagnostics on the ground initially missed the circulating strain, delaying detection and letting cases grow. Climate Risk: New Oxford research flags extreme heat risk for major cities, including Conakry, as El Niño strengthens—highlighting high vulnerability and limited coping capacity. Guinea Tech & Energy: DeSoto Resources has started a 10,000-metre drilling campaign at its Timbakouna gold project in Guinea, using power auger holes to refine targets for deeper follow-up. Guinea Environment: Guinean authorities arrested four alleged wildlife traffickers and seized dried seahorses and shark/ray fins, targeting a transnational marine trafficking network. Business & Finance: Guinea Insurance deposited N1.5bn with Nigeria’s CBN to meet NIIRA 2025 recapitalisation requirements.

Public Health Alert: The U.S. CDC issued a Level 2 travel notice for a fast-growing diphtheria outbreak across seven countries, including Guinea, urging travelers to top up vaccinations amid 20,000+ suspected cases and 1,252 deaths reported in 2025. Ebola Watch: As Ebola cases rise in DRC, conservation groups warn critically endangered gorillas face added risk from disease spread and conflict-linked disruptions to monitoring and response. Arms Control: FOSDA called for stronger action to stop diversion of small arms and light weapons into illicit markets, warning it fuels insecurity across Africa. Heat Risk for Cities: A new Oxford-led study flags Conakry among the top African cities most exposed to rising heat under El Niño, driven by high vulnerability and limited coping capacity. Guinea Tech & Industry: DeSoto Resources began a 10,000-metre drilling campaign at its Timbakouna gold project in Guinea, using shallow power auger holes to refine targets for deeper follow-up. Wildlife Crime: Guinean authorities arrested four alleged wildlife traffickers and seized dried seahorses and shark/ray fins, targeting a transnational CITES-linked network. Energy & Innovation: A China-built Kinkon Hydropower Station in Guinea marks decades of operation, powering communities in the Fouta Djallon region.

Business Climate Watch: Morocco has topped Africa’s business climate ranking in the CIAN barometer, scoring 3.9/5, with reforms pushing regulatory efficiency, transparency and digital readiness—areas still flagged for improvement. Heat & Coastal Livelihoods: In Ghana’s Jamestown, fishermen describe brutal sun exposure and headaches, using seawater and improvised shade to keep working as heat stress worsens. Maritime Tech & Security: Nigeria is expanding hydrography as a priority for safer navigation and blue-economy growth, while also adding 177 trained members to its Deep Blue Maritime Security Unit to boost anti-piracy response. Ebola Diagnostics Gap: In DRC, Ebola testing improved but a GeneXpert limitation delayed detection of the rare Bundibugyo strain, slowing early containment. Guinea Wildlife Enforcement: Guinean authorities arrested four alleged wildlife traffickers in Conakry and seized dried seahorses and shark/ray fins, targeting a network feeding exports to China. Guinea Mining Update: DeSoto Resources has started a 10,000-metre drilling campaign at its Timbakouna gold project in Guinea to test new targets. Insurance Regulation: Guinea Insurance deposited N1.5bn with Nigeria’s CBN to meet NIIRA 2025 recapitalisation requirements.

Maritime Security & Blue Economy: Nigeria’s maritime push is getting a boost as the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency adds 177 new members to its Deep Blue Maritime Security Unit, expanding rescue and anti-piracy capacity in the Gulf of Guinea. Hydrography for Navigation: In Abuja, Nigeria’s Defence Minister Bello Muhammad Matawalle said hydrography is now central to national maritime priorities, aiming to improve marine navigation, security, and ocean-based economic activity. Climate Risk for West Africa: With El Niño expected between May and July, researchers flag major heat exposure in African cities including Conakry, warning that millions face elevated hazard and limited coping capacity. Ebola Diagnostics Gap in DRC: In the DRC, Ebola testing improved but early detection was delayed because GeneXpert couldn’t detect the rare virus species circulating, contributing to a larger outbreak. Guinea Wildlife Crackdown: Guinean authorities arrested four alleged wildlife traffickers in Conakry and seized dried seahorses and shark/ray fins, targeting a network selling to Chinese buyers for export. Guinea Mining Update: DeSoto Resources has started a 10,000-metre drilling campaign at its Timbakouna Gold Project in Guinea to test gold targets across the Siguiri Basin. Guinea Insurance Compliance: Guinea Insurance Plc deposited N1.5 billion with Nigeria’s CBN to meet NIIRA 2025 recapitalisation requirements. Cancer Capacity Building: Merck Foundation highlighted ongoing oncology training scholarships across countries including Guinea Conakry to expand cancer care specialists.

Climate Risk for Guinea: NOAA says El Niño is likely to emerge between May and July, with global heat impacts potentially severe; Oxford research flags Conakry among the top African cities where hazard exposure, vulnerability, and limited coping capacity put over 37 million people at risk. Wildlife Crime Crackdown: Guinean authorities arrested four alleged wildlife traffickers in Conakry and seized 41kg of dried seahorses plus 26kg of shark and ray fins, targeting a network that smuggles protected marine species for export. Ebola Preparedness Debate: Coverage highlights how the loss of USAID weakened crisis response capacity, while other analysis argues the world still underinvests in vaccines and preparedness for outbreaks like Ebola. Mining Exploration in Guinea: DeSoto Resources has started a 10,000-metre drilling campaign at its Timbakouna gold project, using power auger holes to test targets across Guinea’s Siguiri Basin. Energy & Power Links: A feature marks the 60-year legacy of Guinea’s Kinkon Hydropower Station, built with Chinese support, still supplying power to multiple prefectures. Insurance Regulation Move: Guinea Insurance Plc says it deposited N1.5bn with Nigeria’s CBN to meet NIIRA 2025 recapitalisation requirements. AI in Biology Caution: An Anthropic essay warns that AI agents struggle in biology due to weak underlying data infrastructure, not just model ability.

Hybrid Rice Diplomacy: A bag of hybrid rice grown in Guinea was presented to Yuan Longping’s family, with Guinea’s PM message calling it a symbol of China–Guinea cooperation. Wildlife Enforcement: Guinean authorities arrested four alleged wildlife traffickers and seized 41kg of dried seahorses plus 26kg of shark and ray fins, targeting a network selling to Chinese buyers for export. Mining & Exploration: DeSoto Resources has started a 10,000-metre maiden drilling campaign at its Timbakouna Gold Project in Guinea, using ~485 power auger holes to test gold targets across the Siguiri Basin. Energy & Power Legacy: Xinhua marks 60 years since the Kinkon Hydropower Station handover, highlighting its continued electricity supply and China’s long-running role in Guinea’s infrastructure. AI for Science Debate: Anthropic argues AI agents struggle in biology because the underlying data systems aren’t built for automation yet. Health Equity Angle: A new Ebola-focused analysis says the lack of vaccines and treatments reflects long-term underinvestment in preparedness, not just science gaps. Insurance Compliance: Guinea Insurance Plc deposited N1.5bn with Nigeria’s CBN to meet NIIRA 2025 recapitalisation requirements.

Mining Update: DeSoto Resources has started a 10,000-metre maiden drilling push at its Timbakouna Gold Project in Guinea, using about 485 shallow power auger holes to test gold targets across the Siguiri Basin, with results set to feed into follow-up RC and diamond drilling. Energy & Power: A feature marks the 60-year legacy of Guinea’s Kinkon Hydropower Station, built with Chinese support, still supplying power to towns across Fouta Djallon. AI & Research Readiness: An Anthropic analysis argues AI agents are currently too unreliable for biology work because the underlying data systems need rebuilding, not just smarter models. Energy Transition: A conference preview highlights Guinea’s gas-to-power momentum, including plans for an LNG terminal at Port of Kasmar, alongside decentralized biogas solutions. Health Preparedness: Commentary on the latest Ebola situation stresses a key gap: without sustained investment, vaccines and treatments lag behind outbreaks. Insurance Regulation: Guinea Insurance Plc says it deposited N1.5bn with the CBN to meet NIIRA 2025 recapitalisation requirements. Cancer Care Training: Merck Foundation expands oncology training scholarships across Guinea and other African countries to tackle specialist shortages.

China-Guinea Energy Legacy: The Kinkon Hydropower Station in Fouta Djallon marked 60 years since its 1966 handover, still powering towns and symbolizing long-running China-Guinea cooperation. AI for Science Reality Check: Anthropic says today’s AI agents struggle in biology because the underlying data systems aren’t ready—so the bottleneck is infrastructure, not model intelligence. Guinea Power Push: MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025 highlights Guinea’s energy shift, with West Africa LNG advancing an LNG terminal plan and biogas innovators scaling cleaner, decentralized cooking power. Maritime Security Focus: U.S. Navy’s Africa vice commander visited Nigeria’s 70th anniversary events to discuss regional maritime security and partnerships. Health Preparedness Warning: An Ebola-focused analysis argues the world failed to invest early enough, leaving outbreaks without approved vaccines or treatments when they start. Guinea Finance & Regulation: Guinea Insurance deposited N1.5bn with Nigeria’s central bank to meet NIIRA 2025 capital rules, supporting its recapitalization drive. Cancer Care Training: Merck Foundation and partners continue expanding oncology training scholarships across West and Central Africa, including Guinea Conakry.

Cancer Care Training: Merck Foundation is expanding cancer capacity across West Africa, including Guinea Conakry, by funding hundreds of scholarships for clinical training and oncology specializations, alongside World Cancer Day 2026 awareness efforts. Maritime Security & Blue Economy: Nigeria plans to use a €59m EU-backed West Africa Sustainable Ocean Programme to intensify action against illegal fishing in the Gulf of Guinea, with stronger patrols and surveillance support. Ocean Conservation: Africa’s ocean protection push gets a spotlight ahead of the Our Ocean Conference, with examples of marine protection and financing models from the region. Ebola Preparedness & Travel Rules: The UAE has tightened entry rules linked to the DRC Ebola situation, while health teams and partners continue response and contact-tracing work. Wildlife Crime Crackdown: An EU-supported taskforce seized 735kg of pangolin scales in Liberia, arresting suspects and pointing to wider trafficking networks. Flood Risk Lessons: Accra’s flooding crisis is framed as painfully predictable, with calls for smarter, technology-driven solutions to reduce repeat disasters. Ports & Trade Infrastructure: Akwa Ibom’s Ibom Deep Sea Port project advances in Paris as partners review feasibility work and discuss timelines for execution.

Maritime Security & Blue Economy: Nigeria plans to use the €59m EU West Africa Sustainable Ocean Programme to crack down on illegal fishing in the Gulf of Guinea, with talks in Abuja between Marine Minister Adegboyega Oyetola and EU Ambassador Gautier Mignot. Ebola Preparedness & Travel Controls: The UAE has tightened entry rules tied to the DRC Ebola situation, while WHO reports the outbreak’s confirmed case count has been revised down and contact-tracing is underway. Ocean Conservation Delivery: Africa is set to host the Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa, with Seychelles highlighted for protecting over 30% of its waters through marine-focused finance tools. AI & Border Tech (Ghana): A Ghana-focused piece argues for “technology-driven boundary permanence” to protect resources, linking the National AI Strategy to stronger border monitoring. Infrastructure & Climate Risk (Nigeria): The Lagos–Calabar coastal highway faces scrutiny over sustainability as sea levels erode the Gulf of Guinea shoreline. Port Project Momentum (Nigeria): Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno pushes the Ibom Deep Sea Port forward in Paris, demanding clear timelines after a feasibility review. Health Systems & Research: Coverage also revisits how outbreak investigations and modern epidemiology help prevent future disease spread.

Maritime Security & Blue Economy: Nigeria is pushing to use the EU’s €59m West Africa Sustainable Ocean Programme (WASOP) to tackle illegal fishing in the Gulf of Guinea, citing major losses from weak rules and enforcement. Navy Modernisation: Nigeria’s Defence Minister Christopher Musa reaffirmed support for a more technology-driven Nigerian Navy, pointing to surveillance, unmanned systems, cyber defence and data-led operations as key to future maritime safety. Justice for Maritime Crimes: Nigeria’s Chief of Naval Staff Abbas called for a special court to speed up prosecution of maritime offences, especially crude oil theft, to reduce delays and costs tied to seized vessels. Coastal Climate Stress: Nigeria’s Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway faces sustainability questions as rising seas erode the Gulf of Guinea coastline, raising the stakes for resilient infrastructure. Ebola Response & Travel Rules: The UAE imposed travel bans on DRC, Uganda and South Sudan to limit Ebola spread, while health agencies reported the outbreak risk is being reassessed with updated case figures. Ebola Tech & Vaccines: Scientists say new Ebola vaccines could blunt future outbreaks, and response teams are using advanced tools and connectivity to reach hard-to-access areas. Port Project Push (Akwa Ibom): Governor Umo Eno urged clear timelines after a Paris feasibility review for the Ibom Deep Sea Port, aiming to move from planning to execution. Weather Watch: WMO forecasts a strong El Niño this summer, likely reshaping rainfall patterns across regions. Governance & Courts: Afrobarometer data places Nigeria among the worst in Africa on access to justice and public trust in courts.

Maritime Security & Blue Economy: Nigeria’s Defence Minister Christopher Musa says the Nigerian Navy will go more “technology-driven,” backing surveillance, unmanned systems, cyber defence and data-led operations to protect the Gulf of Guinea. Port & Logistics Tech: Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno pushes the Ibom Deep Sea Port forward in Paris, reviewing Worley Parsons’ feasibility report with Africa Global Logistics and demanding clear timelines and milestones to move from planning to execution. Ebola Preparedness & Travel Controls: UAE authorities impose a travel ban on DRC, Uganda and South Sudan amid Ebola risk, while WHO reports the DRC case count revised down and continues contact-tracing with partners. Ocean Governance Tools: Global Fishing Watch launches an experimental dataset to help spot suspicious IUU fishing risk using AIS-based signals, aiming to guide inspections more efficiently. Climate & Weather Impact: WMO forecasts a strong El Niño for June–August 2026, reshaping rainfall patterns across cities worldwide. Local Tech & Industry: SUPERNEWS Nigeria announces Jeff Duru as chairman and Idu Okeahialam as keynote speaker for a July 7, 2026 insurance conference on local content and digitisation.

Maritime Security & Blue Economy: Nigeria’s Defence Minister Christopher Musa reaffirmed support for a more technology-driven Nigerian Navy, calling for advanced surveillance, unmanned systems, cyber defence and data-led operations to protect the Gulf of Guinea. Port & Logistics Execution: Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno pushed partners in Paris to speed up the Ibom Deep Sea Port project, reviewing a Worley Parsons feasibility report and demanding clear timelines, milestones and next steps to move from planning to construction. Ebola Preparedness in West Africa: Sierra Leone is strengthening readiness as renewed Ebola activity in the DRC raises cross-border concerns, with health authorities focusing on safety plans and response capacity. Ebola Response Updates: WHO revised the DRC outbreak’s confirmed cases downward to 344 and reported 60 deaths across Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu, while contact-tracing coordination continues with Uganda and the UAE. Digital Ocean Monitoring: Global Fishing Watch launched an experimental IUU Fishing Risk Insights dataset to help authorities flag suspicious vessels using AIS-based signals, aiming to target illegal fishing more efficiently. Energy & Climate Tech Debate: A new commentary argues Africa should lead smarter electricity adoption, including DC-powered low-wattage setups for resilience and practical household access.

Ghana-UK Business & Jobs Push: President John Dramani Mahama toured Ghanaian-owned firms in Tottenham, London, backing diaspora enterprise as he also announced a major UK-Ghana Growth Partnership at the Ghana-UK Investment Summit. Ebola Preparedness Focus: Sierra Leone marked the 2014–2015 Ebola legacy by tightening safety plans as the DRC outbreak situation evolves, while WHO reported revised case figures and continued travel-linked precautions. Ebola Response Tech: Scientists say future Ebola outbreaks could be blunted by new vaccines, and China has sent medical experts to the DRC; researchers are also exploring blood-filtering approaches for severe cases. Maritime & Blue Economy: Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno pressed for execution timelines for the Ibom Deep Sea Port in Paris after reviewing a feasibility report, aiming to move from planning to construction. Ocean Monitoring for Illegal Fishing: Global Fishing Watch launched an experimental IUU Fishing Risk Insights dataset to help authorities flag vessels for closer inspection using AIS-based behavior signals. Guinea in the Spotlight: Guinea’s Simandou iron exports are driving market concerns abroad, with ripple effects felt in commodity-linked trading.

Ebola Preparedness: Sierra Leone is tightening health preparedness as Ebola concerns resurface in the region, recalling how the 2014–2015 outbreak hit hard after entry through Kailahun and left thousands dead, including healthcare workers. DRC Response Updates: The WHO says the DRC outbreak’s confirmed cases have been revised down to 344, while Dr Tedros visited Ituri to review treatment and prevention, as contact-tracing and travel risk checks continue with partners including Uganda and the UAE. Vaccine Hope: Scientists say future Ebola outbreaks may be blunted by faster access to vaccines, including mRNA candidates, as researchers push for quicker development and testing. Maritime Tech & Security: Nigeria’s defence leadership is calling for a more technology-driven navy and even a special court to speed up prosecution of maritime crimes like crude oil theft—aiming to reduce delays and costs tied to seized vessels. Gulf of Guinea Trade Tech: A UK–Ghana £215m growth partnership is backing a Takoradi floating dock and ship-repair push, alongside AI, healthcare skills, and reforestation—positioning Ghana to capture more maritime value. IUU Fishing Data: Global Fishing Watch launched an experimental dataset to flag risky vessels for closer inspection, using AIS behavior signals to help authorities target illegal fishing.