AGP Executive Report

FIFA Power Struggle: Nordic football associations (Denmark, Iceland, Faroe Islands, Finland, Norway and Sweden) say they’ve “lost confidence” in Gianni Infantino over FIFA governance and demand binding assurances against private ownership, while UEFA chief Aleksander Ceferin rules out a bid but warns Infantino faces a leadership challenge in March. South Africa Local Delivery: Public Works Minister Dean Macpherson told the SIDSSA summit in Cape Town that 37 infrastructure projects worth about R69bn are done and 82 worth R502.7bn are under construction, pushing stronger municipal project preparation and financing. Immigration Detention Debate: South Africa’s crackdown after anti-immigrant protests has driven up immigration-related arrests, with foreign nationals making up about half of incarcerated foreigners and worsening prison overcrowding. Nigeria Fuel Subsidy Fight: Atiku Abubakar renewed calls for full disclosure of a $5bn Abu Dhabi loan and argues subsidy removal is deception, as Tinubu’s camp dismisses him as hypocritical. East Africa Energy Deal: Aliko Dangote offers East African countries a 30% stake in a planned Lamu refinery, with Kenya reportedly eyeing 10%, aiming to cut regional reliance on imported refined fuel. DR Congo Peace Roadmap: Qatar-backed talks in Switzerland produced a practical roadmap to implement the Doha Peace Framework between the DRC government and AFC/M23. Sports & Politics: South Africa’s Springboks suffered a heavy Ellis Park defeat to the All Blacks, but Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie insists they’ll still win the series.

WAFCON & Sports Diplomacy: Malawi’s National Bank hands the Scorchers K500m after their historic 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations run, sealing a first-ever World Cup spot for the country. Elections & Party Politics: South Africa’s ANC is still vetting mayoral candidates ahead of local polls, while Nigeria’s APC names its 2027 presidential campaign council with Tinubu chairing, Yari as DG, and Shettima/Yilwatda as vice chairmen. Regional Trade & Borders: Botswana President Duma Boko calls for more open borders and trade corridors across SADC to cut costs and boost investment. Governance & Security: South Africa intensifies crackdowns on undocumented migrants amid anti-immigration pressure, with enforcement framed as lawful and state-led. Crime & Public Safety: South Africa mourns former world boxing champion Zolani Tete, shot dead outside his home; police investigations continue. Foreign Policy & Cooperation: Rwanda backs stronger SADC unity for peace and prosperity, while China and Indonesia hold a 2+2 foreign and defense dialogue in Jakarta. Health & Development: Ghana’s nuclear regulator urges investment in Africa’s nuclear workforce as US-Africa nuclear talks continue in Accra.

South Africa Immigration Crackdown: Police welcomed convictions of two undocumented foreign nationals sentenced to 6 years 3 months over infrastructure damage, while separate operations in Musina and along the N4 Road netted more undocumented suspects and counterfeit goods. Nigeria 2027 Campaign Fight: The ADC says Tinubu’s campaign council is a “rehabilitation centre” for unresolved corruption questions, while Atiku escalated a dispute with the US FBI over withholding Tinubu records, arguing “danger to lives” is already Nigeria’s reality. Fuel Subsidy Politics: ADC figures in Jigawa and Edo backed Atiku’s pledge to restore petrol subsidy, as critics call it a political reversal. South Africa Power Reform: Government moved to dismantle Eskom’s 103-year monopoly via electricity market and pricing overhaul aimed at competition and clearer tariffs. Tanzania Energy Push: President Samia launched the 2,115MW Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project, defending it against “white elephant” claims. Ethiopia Dialogue Implementation: The ENDC says detailed national dialogue recommendations are ready for full implementation, after a month-long conference. Regional Health Cooperation: Ethiopia’s health minister urged stronger East African collaboration and local medical production to build resilient, self-sufficient health systems. Sports & Security: South Africa mourned boxer Zolani Tete after he was shot dead outside his home; prosecutors also dropped corruption charges against a top police intelligence chief.

South Africa–Zimbabwe Diplomacy: President Cyril Ramaphosa welcomed Emmerson Mnangagwa for the Bi-National Commission, stressing “one people” ties and pushing for more balanced trade as bilateral commerce grows but remains skewed. Jobs & Growth Push: Ramaphosa launched Phase 3 of the government-business partnership, aiming for one million jobs and growth above 3% by 2030, with faster intervention where implementation lags. Elections & Governance: Nigeria’s EBSIEC in Ebonyi says it’s ready for Saturday’s local government polls, urging candidates to shun violence. Human Rights & Health: Africa CDC warned DRC Ebola cases may be far higher than reported, as confirmed infections top 5,200; Zambia’s Amnesty International urged an independent probe into the killing of ex-minister Mutotwe Kafwaya. Energy & Rights: South Africa faces mounting civil society pressure over coal and data-centre expansion tied to AI ambitions, with concerns over water, electricity and land. Sports & Security: South African boxing icon Zolani Tete was shot dead in Mdantsane, while FIFA election intrigue grows as African football figures probe whether FIFA general secretary Mattias Grafström could challenge Infantino. Regional Investment: Dangote offered East African countries a 30% stake in a planned refinery, with Kenya, Ethiopia and Rwanda among those weighing participation.

Zambia Election Watch: Scholars say Hakainde Hichilema’s 2026 win was decisive but not just fraud—voters rewarded government performance even as fraud claims and tensions lingered. Nile Basin Power Struggle: Ethiopia says Egypt and Sudan are delaying a permanent Nile River Basin Commission despite the Cooperative Framework Agreement, keeping upstream governance in limbo. Nigeria 2027 Security & Fuel Politics: The IRI warns insecurity and election violence could depress voter participation in 2027; meanwhile Atiku and Tinubu trade blows over fuel subsidy removal, with Wike vowing to keep opposition “uncomfortable” and predicting a broad Tinubu “rainbow coalition.” South Africa Governance Pressure: Joburg fully settles a R5.25bn Eskom debt after mediation, averting power throttling ahead of November municipal elections. Health Emergencies: DR Congo’s Ebola death toll tops 2,500 as the outbreak spreads fast, while WHO and Africa CDC push vaccine support. Regional Diplomacy & Alliances: Ramaphosa and Mnangagwa wrap South Africa–Zimbabwe bi-national talks on trade and investment; Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan sign a collective defence pact. Economy & Institutions: Ghana’s banking crisis is traced to long-built fiscal and debt vulnerabilities, not a sudden shock.

Tunisia Heat Protests: Tunisians hit the streets in Tunis after extreme heat triggered power rationing and water cuts, with a new opposition collective (Nafas) demanding President Kais Saied step aside and calling out medicine shortages and rising costs. Nigeria Fuel Subsidy Clash: President Bola Tinubu and FCT minister Nyesom Wike attacked Atiku Abubakar’s 2027 promise to restore petrol subsidy, calling it “ignorance” and “voodoo economics,” while Atiku insists the money is missing and subsidy should return. South Africa Local Politics Trust Gap: An Afrobarometer survey finds only 17% of South Africans feel heard by councillors, while 95% say councillors are corrupt—fueling frustration ahead of local elections. Central African Republic Mine Disaster: The CAR shut the Zamboye artisanal gold mine after a landslide killed at least 49, with local sources warning the toll could be around 100 as rescues struggle. DR Congo Ebola Warning: Africa CDC says confirmed Ebola cases in DRC (over 5,200) may represent just 30–40% of infections, as Kinshasa reinforces surveillance along the Congo River corridor. Uganda Military Shake-up: President Museveni presided over the retirement of 19 UPDF generals, praising patriotism and modern military tech while urging prudent post-service investments. Cybercrime Alert: A continent-wide scam targets Africans via fake brand and government websites, aiming to hijack smartphones and bank accounts.

Health Security & Self-Reliance: Africa CDC and WHO praised Namibia’s health progress while urging stronger domestic financing and implementation as external support declines. Ebola Response: WHO and Africa CDC welcomed an immediate release of 70,000 Ervebo doses to the DRC, including 20,000 for a Phase 3 trial against Bundibugyo Ebola. Regional Diplomacy & Migration: Nigeria continues repatriations of citizens fleeing xenophobic attacks in South Africa, with 83 more returned to Lagos as Abuja demands urgent protection. South Africa Growth Push: President Ramaphosa launched Phase 3 of the government-business partnership, targeting 3%+ growth and one million jobs by 2030, with tourism, mining, infrastructure and agriculture in focus. Elections & Political Contest: Nigeria’s 2027 presidential campaign kicked off as Tinubu seeks re-election against opposition heavyweights Atiku and Obi. Justice & Accountability: Liberia charged former vice-president Jewel Howard-Taylor with drug trafficking and money laundering. Central Africa Disaster: The Central African Republic shut an artisanal gold mine after a landslide killed dozens, highlighting risks of informal mining. Energy & Sovereignty: Ethiopia rejected calls for permission or joint control over Nile water development, reiterating its right to build dams. Tech & Investment: Prosus backed a push toward $20,000 general-purpose robots as AI and training data improve.

Nigeria 2027 Campaign Politics: ADC presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar says he and former President Olusegun Obasanjo recovered stolen funds in 1999 through a committee approach, and he also dismisses Obasanjo’s “electoral value,” arguing the former leader has no political weight for 2027. Electoral Integrity & Governance: ADC chairman David Mark warns against turning elections into “do-or-die” fights, urging a peaceful, transparent 2027 vote amid violence concerns from Osun. Malawi Fiscal Policy: Malawi’s finance minister says the state will lean more on domestic taxes as donor support declines, pushing MRA to widen the tax base without crushing existing taxpayers. South Africa Migration & Xenophobia: Nigeria’s foreign affairs minister says about 90 Nigerians have been killed in Afrophobia since 2022, calling for stronger migration governance as protests flare around Chidimma Adetshina’s immigration case. South Africa Accountability & Security: Parliament’s impeachment committee faces legal delays after President Ramaphosa objects to its evidence leader, while a commission hears alleged plans to sell cellphone surveillance “grabber” tech to Eswatini. Regional Trade & Diplomacy: Zimbabwean business leaders want tangible outcomes from the COMESA summit in October, while Somalia and Türkiye mark 15 years of strategic partnership. Energy & Infrastructure: Nigeria’s FEC approves ₦438bn for road projects and trailer park concessions; South Africa’s solar boom is squeezing Eskom revenue, and Kenya’s Talanta Stadium gets a dedicated power substation ahead of Afcon 2027. Justice & Crime: Liberia charges former vice president Jewel Howard-Taylor with drug trafficking and money laundering in a widening transnational crackdown.

Electricity Pricing Shock in South Africa: Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa says a new Eskom-linked tariff framework could lift smelter utilisation from 17% to 74% by end-2027, protecting thousands of jobs—while Transalloys warns timelines and immediate tariff relief remain urgent. Digital Infrastructure Push: Energy Conference Network announced two inaugural Africa-focused summits in Brazzaville and Lagos on energy, data centres, AI-ready power, and financing for regional connectivity. Liberia Drug Probe: Liberia charged former vice president Jewel Howard-Taylor with drug trafficking and money laundering tied to a transnational narcotics network after a major cocaine seizure. Central African Republic Mine Tragedy: A gold mine collapse in CAR’s Nana-Mambere prefecture has killed over 100, with more feared trapped; investigations target operators and responsibility. Ceuta Migrant Crisis: Spain plans to transfer about 500 unaccompanied migrant girls from Ceuta to the mainland after reported sexual assaults, as UNICEF warns of unsafe conditions. Nigeria 2027 Campaign Politics: Campaigning begins amid inflation and security pressures; Tinubu faces a divided opposition and fresh calls for accountability over federation revenue deductions. Health Policy: WHO reaffirmed support for Kenya’s UHC reforms, while African health leaders urged faster integration of NCD services into UHC systems. Regional Diplomacy: Ghana’s foreign minister and Russia’s Lavrov discussed steps to normalise relations between the AES bloc and ECOWAS.

South Africa–India Trade: South African citrus exporters get fresh access after India approved additional cold-treatment options, promising more efficient shipments and wider market flexibility. Kenya 2027 Succession Politics: EALA MP Falhada Iman Dekow backs Deputy President Kithure Kindiki as Ruto’s running mate, urging voters to expect unity into 2027. Nigeria 2027 Campaigns: Campaigning kicks off as President Tinubu seeks re-election amid cost-of-living pain and insecurity; EU urges Nigeria to keep elections peaceful and credible. Zambia Election Fallout: Hakainde Hichilema wins a second term with 60% as rival Brian Mundubile rejects results and vows legal action over alleged irregularities. Governance & Integrity: Nigeria’s ICPC pushes peer learning for underperforming MDAs on ethics compliance, while South Africa’s Public Protector calls for a better NSFAS funding model after improper payments. Ebola Crisis: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak tops 5,000 cases with no approved treatments, as response capacity and community resistance hamper containment. Energy & Cost Pressure: South Africa faces scrutiny over electricity tariff hikes—up 907% over 20 years—while coal profits surge amid global energy disruptions. Regional Trade Agenda: Zimbabwe urges COMESA chairmanship to focus on practical trade reforms, border modernisation and removing barriers.

Nigeria 2027 Campaign Peace Deal: Presidential candidates and party leaders signed Nigeria’s first National Peace Accord in Abuja, pledging issue-based campaigns and rejecting violence, hate speech and fake news—though major figures’ absence and critics’ doubts (including Sowore calling it a “ritual”) keep the spotlight on enforcement. Osun Election Fallout: Osun Governor Ademola Adeleke denied any electoral deal with the African Democratic Congress after his re-election, while ADC and opposition figures trade claims over who helped defeat the APC. INEC Election Readiness: INEC says it will deploy about 1.4m ad-hoc staff across 176,000 polling units for 2027 and warns of security risks, vote-buying and disinformation. South Africa Xenophobia Response: Nigeria’s federal government evacuated 83 Nigerians from South Africa amid renewed anti-foreigner tensions and a fresh Sept 30 deadline for undocumented migrants. Electricity Pricing Reform: South Africa’s revised electricity pricing policy aims to cut “hidden costs” and make tariffs more cost-reflective, with Ramokgopa targeting the debt chain between municipalities and Eskom. Mining & Investment: Montage Africa Mines secured a new exploration licence in Ebonyi State for lead and zinc, while Dangote Refinery’s planned IPO advanced with $1bn backing. Regional Health Trade: East Africa’s health federations conference in Addis Ababa will push local medicine production and cross-border trade under AfCFTA. Zimbabwe Tragedy: A Lake Kariba ferry capsized with about 180 people onboard, doubling earlier capacity estimates, as deaths rose to 94.

SADC Integration Push: South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa closed the 46th SADC summit in Durban urging leaders to turn commitments into trade, investment and industrial delivery, warning intra-regional commerce is still too low and calling for borders-as-bridges and resources-as-industries. Critical Minerals & Jobs: SADC leaders also renewed calls for higher beneficiation of minerals, aiming to stop exporting raw materials and instead build local processing and manufacturing capacity. Migration Fallout: Ramaphosa backed regional unity after anti-migrant backlash in South Africa drove more than 100,000 people to flee or be deported, with SADC discussing the migration “challenge” behind closed doors. Zambia Election: Hakainde Hichilema won a second term with about 60% of the vote, promising continuity for copper-led growth after debt restructuring. South Africa Crypto Probe: EFF and ANC-linked politics escalated as DA MP Mark Burke faced R4bn crypto/exchange-control allegations. DRC Ebola: Congo’s fast-moving Ebola outbreak hit 2,300+ deaths, becoming the deadliest on record, as health systems strain. Nigeria Evacuation: Nigeria plans another 83 Nigerians’ return from South Africa amid Afrophobic attacks. FIFA Power Struggle: FIFA sacked COO Kevin Lamour after he criticised Infantino’s commercial rights plans, deepening internal football governance rifts.

SADC Summit & Migration: South Africa’s Ramaphosa kicked off his SADC chair debut in Durban with a clear message: peace and development must go together, even as anti-foreigner anger and a new “March and March” ultimatum push a Sept 30 deadline for undocumented people. DRC Ebola: The Democratic Republic of Congo confirmed 2,325 Ebola deaths, making the outbreak the deadliest on record, with cases spreading across multiple provinces and UN warnings that it is accelerating fast. ECOWAS Tobacco Policy: ECOWAS met in Conakry to review its tobacco excise rules as new nicotine products and illicit trade rise, with WHO and the World Bank supporting the overhaul. South Africa Governance & Accountability: The DA demanded an SIU probe into Daybreak Foods over alleged irregular spending and oversight failures, while South Africa also rolled out portable digital X-rays to detect asbestos-related illness in remote mining-affected areas. AfCFTA Customs Deal: A major AfCFTA concession worth $3.1bn to digitize customs systems across 50 countries is drawing scrutiny after concerns about the contractor’s limited public track record. Nigeria Aviation: Nigeria asked IATA to review the Osubi Airport code “QRW,” arguing it doesn’t match the airport’s official name and location. Cameroon Football: Cameroon celebrated its first-ever Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title as the Indomitable Lionesses beat Malawi 3-0.

SADC Summit in Durban: South Africa takes over the SADC chair as leaders meet in Durban, with migration, trade, critical minerals, industrialisation and security set to dominate talks. Migration pressure in South Africa: Authorities report 4,229 undocumented people intercepted at borders between April and July, while a new NSFAS funding shortfall of about R15bn threatens free higher education. DRC Ebola crisis: The DRC’s Ebola outbreak has become the deadliest in the country’s history, with deaths rising to 2,325 and confirmed cases to 4,945. ICE detention spotlight: A pregnant South African woman was detained by US immigration authorities at Las Vegas airport, reigniting debate over how deportation processes treat vulnerable people. Osun election fallout (Nigeria): Ademola Adeleke’s re-election is met with endorsements and counter-claims, as opposition figures and allies trade accusations ahead of 2027. FIFA politics: Infantino’s abandoned plan to sell a stake in FIFA’s commercial arm continues to fuel calls for his removal ahead of March elections. Energy and jobs: South Africa’s lithium mining expansion faces farmer pushback, while unemployment in Limpopo remains a political flashpoint.

Zambia Election Tensions: Observers say intimidation, violence and even abductions marred Zambia’s polls as vote counting was briefly suspended after attacks on polling staff and alleged ballot-paper theft; President Hakainde Hichilema holds a lead with nearly half the constituencies declared. Sudan Political Roadmap: Sudan’s PM says a national dialogue will start “soon” to drive reconciliation, constitutional reconstruction and free elections, while insisting the SAF and RSF should not be treated as equal and warning against foreign interference. Nigeria Osun Aftermath: INEC declared Ademola Adeleke winner of the Osun governorship race, but opposition parties and groups are pressing INEC over a reported four-hour interruption in IReV result uploads; Tinubu also publicly congratulated Adeleke, while ADC and others frame the outcome as a warning for 2027. SADC Summit Security: Durban braces for an anti-immigrant march as South Africa takes the Sadc chairship, with migration policy a flashpoint. Ceuta Migration Protest: Hundreds of migrants in Spain’s Ceuta staged a beach protest demanding asylum rather than return to Morocco. Sahel Lithium and Conflict: A new focus on lithium supply highlights how armed groups exploit the mineral boom amid weak governance across Sahel states. China–Africa Trade Push: Nigeria’s lawmakers say China’s zero-tariff expansion could spur African industrial transformation if countries build productive capacity. FIFA Infantino Fallout: Infantino’s commercial spin-off plan has triggered backlash and intensified calls for action ahead of March FIFA elections.

Osun Election Fallout (Nigeria): INEC collation in Osogbo shows Accord Party governor Ademola Adeleke tightening his grip, winning 19 of 30 local governments so far and leading in key LGAs including Osogbo (36,480 votes) and Ede North, as APC’s Bola Oyebamiji takes 11 LGAs; the race remains headed for final declaration. Electoral Integrity (Zambia): AU-COMESA and SADC election observers urge calm after Zambia’s vote counting was briefly suspended amid violence and claims of ballot theft, with counting later resuming and President Hakainde Hichilema holding an early lead. Migration & Border Pressure (North Africa): Morocco detains 111 migrants near Ceuta after social-media calls for another mass crossing, using tear gas and boosting security after a deadly surge earlier this month. Regional Diplomacy (SADC): South Africa prepares to assume the SADC chair in Durban, pushing migration facilitation, trade, critical minerals and industrialisation as leaders seek practical delivery of regional commitments. Energy Policy (South Africa): A new push highlights that South Africa’s renewables plans may be missing concentrating solar power—well-suited to the country’s dry, clear conditions—just as coal plants retire and replacement demand grows. Crime & Governance (South Africa): Reports on gang violence and police operations intensify debate over constitutional policing, with criticism growing that deployments have not translated into convictions.