AGP Executive Report

Rwanda Climate Push: Rwanda unveiled NDC 3.0, targeting a 53% cut in greenhouse gas emissions by 2035 (up from 38% by 2030), and says it needs about $12bn financing to deliver the plan. EAC Ebola Coordination: East African Community health ministers agreed to harmonise Ebola surveillance and protective measures at airports, ports and land borders, set up a regional technical taskforce, and deploy mobile labs across partner states. Ebola Response Funding: Germany’s KfW pledged KSh150m (€1m) to support the EAC Ebola response, including mobile laboratories, diagnostics and lab training. Regional Travel Integration: More African countries are easing visa barriers for fellow Africans, with Congo announcing visa-free entry for African passport holders from Jan 1, 2027, following moves by Togo and Ghana. US Visa Processing Shake-up: The US plans to cut Africa visa processing embassies and consulates from nearly 50 to 20 hubs, raising costs and travel burdens for applicants. MTN Leadership Overhaul: MTN announced a major executive reshuffle across Africa, promoting Mitwa Ng’ambi to Group Chief People & Culture Officer and triggering CEO changes in key subsidiaries. EV Investment Boost: Spiro secured $215m equity funding to expand battery swapping and energy infrastructure across Africa, including new market entries. Ghana Debt Recovery Goal: Ghana set a 2029 target to regain investment-grade status, aiming to lower borrowing costs and attract more capital after its 2022 debt restructuring. Rwanda-France Genocide Memorial: Rwanda and France inaugurated a genocide memorial in Paris, renewing focus on remembrance and reconciliation. Tech Event Disruption: GSMA postponed MWC26 Kigali, leaving exhibitors and partners waiting for a new date.

Ebola Coordination: EAC health ministers agreed to harmonise Ebola surveillance and protective measures at airports, ports and land borders, setting up a regional technical taskforce to tighten screening and traveller health declarations as cases in DRC and Uganda keep rising. Kigali Tech Calendar: GSMA postponed MWC26 Kigali, scheduled for 16 June, without giving a reason or a new date—leaving exhibitors and investors in limbo. Climate Finance & Targets: Rwanda unveiled NDC 3.0, aiming to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 53% by 2035 (up from 38% by 2030), and estimates needing about US$12bn for 2025-2035 to deliver the plan. EV Investment: Spiro secured $215m equity to expand Africa’s battery-swapping network, including deeper market push into countries such as DRC and Ethiopia, with claims of large cost savings for riders. Trade & Finance Leadership: FEDA appointed Emmanuel Assiak as CEO, bringing over 30 years in private equity and investment structuring to scale export-focused capital across Africa. Aviation & Connectivity: Qatar Airways resumes and adds frequencies to multiple African routes, including new Port Sudan service from July 2, while Kigali’s own connectivity gets a boost via added Kigali flights from June 16. Regional Security & Mobility: Tanzania said it remains Ebola-free while intensifying border surveillance, as EAC moves to standardise preparedness across partner states.

EV Investment Surge: Spiro, an African battery-swapping EV firm, secured $215m in equity to expand its swap network, manufacturing and new markets, operating already in Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, Togo, Benin, Nigeria and Cameroon. Regional Finance & Trade: FEDA appointed Emmanuel Assiak as CEO, effective Dec 15, 2025, as the Afreximbank export-finance arm scales investments to back export-led industrialisation. Policy for Capital Markets: Tanzania’s government resolved to establish an International Financial Centre in Dar es Salaam to improve access to capital and attract investors. Rwanda-France Memory & Tourism Signals: Rwanda and France inaugurated a genocide memorial in Paris, with Kagame saying it “sets the truth in stone,” reinforcing Rwanda’s global positioning beyond politics. Sports Business in Kigali: RSSB Tigers won the 2026 Basketball Africa League title as the league moves toward a franchise model, with investor interest rising alongside record crowds. Cross-Border Payments: Cambodia and Rwanda launched cross-border payment cooperation, pointing to faster regional financial connectivity. Ebola Watch: WHO and regional updates keep spotlighting Ebola containment and travel-bans debates across Central Africa.

Basketball & Investment: Rwanda’s RSSB Tigers won the 2026 Basketball Africa League title in Kigali, beating Angola’s Petro de Luanda 90-88, as the league moves toward a franchise model with permanent teams and new arena bids. Clean Mobility & Energy Infrastructure: Spiro secured $215m in equity to expand its electric vehicle and battery-swapping network across seven African markets, including Rwanda, with plans to grow manufacturing and enter more countries. Financial Connectivity: Rwanda and Cambodia’s central banks launched cross-border payment cooperation to boost trade, tourism and digital payments. Trade Finance for SMEs: ITC and Equity Group signed an MoU to unlock trade finance for East Africa’s coffee, leather and creative industries, aiming to scale support for MSMEs. Regional Policy & Capital Markets: Rwanda’s Vermariq joined FasterCapital’s EquityPilot programme to speed up go-to-market for its AI marketing automation platform. EU Migration Overhaul: The EU pushed through return rules that speed up deportations and enable “return hubs” abroad, setting up legal and rights debates. Rwanda-France Relations: Macron and Kagame inaugurated “L’Archive,” a Paris memorial for the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi, deepening reconciliation efforts. Regional Security: The US sanctioned commanders of DRC armed groups including M23 and FDLR, escalating pressure on violence in eastern DRC.

Government Performance Push: Uganda’s ministers designate pledged to help deliver national and regional targets, including urging EAC partners to meet treaty financial obligations. Clean Mobility Investment: Kenya’s AfDB clout slipped after missing a payment, while pan-African EV firm Spiro secured a landmark $215m round to expand battery-swapping and clean transport infrastructure. Rwanda-France Relations: In Paris, Macron and Kagame inaugurated “L’Archive,” a permanent genocide memorial, with Kagame stressing truth over apologies as France reiterates it will not offer safe haven to genocide fugitives. Tech & Connectivity: GSMA postponed MWC26 Kigali, Africa’s major mobile industry event, just weeks before opening, raising questions for Rwanda’s tech calendar. Ebola Travel and Quarantine: WHO’s Ebola emergency status is driving new travel restrictions and quarantine preparations across the region, including Kenya’s approval of a quarantine centre for US citizens. Trade Finance for SMEs: ITC and Equity Group signed an MoU to unlock trade finance and market access for coffee, leather and creative businesses across East Africa. US Visa Processing Shake-up: The US plans to cut Africa visa-processing missions from nearly 50 to 20 hubs, including Kigali, reshaping costs and access for applicants.

US Visa Overhaul: The U.S. plans to cut Africa’s visa-processing network from nearly 50 embassies/consulates to 20 regional hubs, with Kigali named as one of the centres—meaning applicants may need to travel farther for interviews and biometrics. Trade & Finance: ITC and Equity Group signed an MoU to expand access to finance, trade expertise and market opportunities for East Africa’s coffee, leather and creative sectors, starting with Kenya before rolling out to other markets. Clean Mobility Investment: Spiro secured $215m in equity to scale electric mobility and battery-swapping infrastructure across Africa, expanding its industrial footprint and manufacturing capacity. Regional Infrastructure: Kenya’s Northern Corridor upgrade got a boost after AIIB financing for feasibility work on the Mau Summit–Eldoret–Malaba road corridor, a key link toward Rwanda and Uganda. Health & Agriculture Digitalisation: FAO and the Government of Zimbabwe intensified plans to digitally transform rural agriculture, including advisory and market services, with Rwanda also listed as a beneficiary country. Migration & Social Tensions: Mozambique said five citizens were killed in South Africa’s xenophobic attacks, while South African police confirmed two deaths—highlighting the economic and social fallout of anti-migrant protests.

E-mobility Investment: Spiro, Africa’s fast-growing electric mobility and battery-swapping platform, secured a $215m equity round to scale its network, manufacturing and entry into new markets across the continent. Aviation & Trade Costs: East African traders under the Shippers Council of East Africa opposed proposed 16% VAT on aircraft spare parts in Kenya’s 2026 Finance Bill, warning it will raise freight rates and hit exporters. Ebola Disruption: KLM suspended flights to Uganda’s Entebbe as Ebola travel curbs tightened for crews, while Africa CDC warned the lack of a licensed vaccine for the Bundibugyo strain and heavy cross-border movement could worsen regional spread. Legal & Migration: The Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled the UK does not have to pay Rwanda compensation over the cancelled Rwanda asylum deportation deal, rejecting Kigali’s financial claims. Rwanda-UK Diplomacy: The ruling adds another setback for “return hub” models, as the tribunal found Rwanda agreed to forgo additional UK payments in 2025 and 2026. Rwanda-France Memory & Trade: President Paul Kagame arrived in Paris for the inauguration of a permanent genocide memorial co-funded by France, with bilateral trade talks expected alongside the ceremony.

UK–Rwanda Migration Ruling: The Hague’s Permanent Court of Arbitration has rejected Rwanda’s bid to recover more than £100m from Britain over the scrapped Rwanda asylum deportation deal, saying diplomatic notes meant Kigali would forgo extra April 2025 and April 2026 payments. Regional Health & Trade: Africa CDC warns the DRC’s Ebola outbreak could spread as vaccine and medicines for the Bundibugyo strain are lacking and cross-border movement remains intense; EAC health ministers are meeting to coordinate a response. Clean Energy & Growth Outlook: AfDB’s African Economic Outlook urges Africa to diversify its energy mix and markets, fast-track PIDA projects, and notes growth is projected around 4.2% in 2026 amid shocks. Mobility Investment: Spiro raises $215m to expand battery-swapping and electric mobility infrastructure across seven African markets, betting on energy and transport sovereignty. Air Cargo Resilience: RwandAir says Middle East disruptions are pushing shippers to reroute via Kigali, strengthening the case for hub diversification. Digital Economy Push: GABI’s Kigali lab highlights execution gaps and financing bottlenecks for scaling digital and health solutions across Africa. Tech Hardware: Samsung begins shipping first HBM4E samples, targeting faster AI memory demand.

Ebola Response in the Great Lakes: WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said five patients recovered from the rare Bundibugyo Ebola strain in Bunia, as the outbreak in eastern DR Congo keeps spreading faster than the response; WHO reports 906 suspected cases and 223 suspected deaths, with Uganda confirming nine cases and one death, while MSF warns testing and aid deployment must scale up. Regional Health Coordination: The EAC will hold an emergency virtual meeting of health ministers from June 1–2 to coordinate a cross-border response, including mobile labs, rapid response teams, and risk communication. Africa External Debt Watch: A new analysis shows Africa’s external debt is concentrated at the top: just 10 countries owe $543.58bn, led by South Africa ($200.31bn) and Egypt ($163.91bn), with Nigeria next at $51.86bn and Rwanda at $13.43bn. Digital Payments & Sovereignty: Ghana’s mobile money boom is reigniting the debate on whether value stays local or leaks through foreign rails, as policymakers push for domestic “own rails” and interoperability. Rwanda in Regional Finance: Rwanda and Cambodia central banks move into cross-border payment cooperation, aiming to deepen financial links. Security & Migration: Rwanda-linked regional headlines include immigration enforcement abroad, with authorities arresting foreign nationals over immigration offences.

Ebola Response in Congo: WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus opened a new Ebola treatment centre in Bunia and reported five recoveries from the rare Bundibugyo strain, while warning the outbreak is still spreading faster than the response; MSF says testing and aid deployment must scale up and community mistrust is complicating care. Cross-Border Health Measures: WHO urged countries to reconsider travel bans and border closures over Ebola, saying restrictions can discourage transparent reporting; meanwhile Brazil reported suspected cases under monitoring in Sao Paulo and Rio, with initial tests negative. Rwanda-Mozambique Security Funding: Mozambique confirmed it will secure funds to keep Rwandan troops in Cabo Delgado, giving local forces time to train and prepare as EU support reportedly winds down. Rwanda Payments Cooperation: Rwanda and Cambodia central banks moved into cross-border payment cooperation, signalling deeper regional financial connectivity. Regional FX Watch: Kenya’s shilling stayed broadly stable week-on-week, with CBK reporting adequate forex reserves. Ghana Digital Payments Debate: Ghana’s mobile money surge is reigniting the question of whether value stays local or leaks through foreign rails, as policymakers push for domestic payment infrastructure. Business & Policy: Fidelity Bank Ghana founder Edward Effah called for a stronger business-government compact to drive industrialisation and jobs, while Ethiopia’s capital market regulator discussed linking investment platforms with payment systems to boost participation.

Ebola Response in DRC: Médecins Sans Frontières warns the 17th Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo is spreading at an “unprecedented” pace, with at least 1,077 suspected cases and 246 deaths since 15 May, as WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus pushes for more international help and stronger community ownership to beat mistrust and misinformation. Regional Trade Hit by Health Crisis: The outbreak is already hurting cross-border trade and tourism as border closures and travel bans disrupt movement, while IGAD urges coordinated preparedness across the Horn of Africa, including screening and harmonised response. Rwanda’s Business Connectivity Moves: Rwanda and Cambodia’s central banks sign cross-border payment cooperation to modernise payment systems and boost trade and tourism links. Air Cargo Cost Cuts: Nigeria and RwandAir partner to extend the East and Southern Africa air cargo corridor to Kigali, Harare and Lusaka, with rates under US$2/kg to cut exporter costs. Digital Finance & Youth in Kigali: Wave and BAL hold a Kigali business brunch on youth, innovation and financial inclusion, highlighting how simple, low-cost mobile money can help young entrepreneurs scale. Policy & Mobility for Africa: Ghana launches a digital e-visa platform and waives visa fees for African passport holders, adding momentum to the push for easier intra-African travel. Rwanda-Russia Nuclear Deal: Rwanda signs a nuclear cooperation MoU with Russia covering nuclear medicine and science, with feasibility work underway for a research reactor hub.

Rwanda Treasury Bonds: The Government of Rwanda has launched a new Frw10bn Treasury Bond offering with 12% annual interest, paid twice a year, and a listing on the Rwanda Stock Exchange expected around June 23, 2026—giving savers a low-risk option backed by the state. Regional Connectivity: East African regulators are drafting new EAC roaming rules to cut mobile communication costs and improve cross-border connectivity, supporting the bloc’s push for a Single Digital Market. Ebola Watch (DRC): WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus visited the DRC as the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak worsens, with over 1,000 suspected cases reported and recovery of at least one patient—while aid deliveries face shortages and security risks. Clean Energy Finance (East Africa): Investors are increasingly eyeing East Africa’s clean energy sector, but entrepreneurs say financing gaps remain a major barrier to scaling sustainable energy solutions. Rwanda in Sport & Tourism: Rwanda’s “Visit Rwanda” branding is set to get global visibility through Champions League coverage and Rwanda’s broader sports-and-tourism strategy. Community Development (Musanze): World Connect Rwanda inaugurated 12 community-led projects in Gatovu IDP model village and Gataraga Sector, including labs, sanitation, farming, and local business support. Digital Health Investment (Rwanda): GFA World, a US-based mission group, says it will open a 300-bed specialist hospital in Rwanda in June, aiming to train thousands of African medical workers and expand care in underserved areas. Cold Chain & Agriculture: ACES is helping farmers close Rwanda’s cold-chain gap, tackling first-mile transport failures that drive post-harvest losses. Banking & Events: I&M Bank’s Katogo Golf Series returns in Entebbe with a Champions League viewing experience for golfers.

EAC Integration & Trade: East African Community regulators are drafting new harmonised mobile roaming rules to cut cross-border communication costs and boost regional trade, with a draft framework expected for formal adoption. Rwanda Business & Digital Infrastructure: Broadband Systems signed an MoU with Oman Data Park to build an AI-ready Tier III data centre in Rwanda, aiming to strengthen data sovereignty and cloud hosting capacity. Rwanda Healthcare Investment: GFA World says it will open a 300-bed specialist hospital in Rwanda in June, positioning it as a continental hub for training African medical workers and expanding care in underserved areas. Regional Aviation & Exports: Nigeria’s air cargo corridor to East and Southern Africa cut shipping costs by up to 75%, and 2026 expansion includes RwandAir links to Kigali, Lusaka and Harare. Finance & Payments: African payments firm NALA secured up to US$50m in credit financing to expand its stablecoin-powered money transfer and next-generation neobank. Public Health Shock: Aid is rushing into DR Congo’s Ebola-hit areas as distrust and armed group threats disrupt response, while Uganda closes its border with Congo to limit spread.

Ebola Surge in DRC: The Democratic Republic of Congo says suspected Ebola cases have crossed 1,000 (1,077), with 121 confirmed and 17 deaths, pushing neighbours into emergency border controls as conflict and mistrust disrupt response. Kenya Cold Chain Push: Post-harvest losses are costing Kenya about US$578m a year, driving more cold storage investment to protect exports like mangoes and avocados. Rwanda Nuclear Drive: President Paul Kagame hosted the Nuclear Energy Innovation Summit in Kigali, arguing Africa must build nuclear capacity to power industrialisation and attract investable financing. Digital Payments for Africa’s Freelancers: Novacrust launched a platform to simplify cross-border payments for remote workers, including USD accounts, virtual cards and crypto-linked options. Ghana Digital Regulation Debate: Ghana’s proposed NITA Bill is drawing pushback over fears it could regulate innovation too tightly while aiming to strengthen cybersecurity and digital governance. South Africa Rate Hike: The South African Reserve Bank raised its benchmark rate to 7% to contain inflation risks. Apple Conflict Minerals Check: Apple filed its latest conflict minerals report, saying its review found no basis to link suppliers to armed groups. AfCFTA Mobility Boost: Congo announced visa-free entry for all Africans from Jan 1, 2027, adding to the growing regional push to cut travel friction for trade and tourism.

Ebola Crisis: WHO says suspected Ebola cases in eastern DRC are nearing 1,000 as conflict and mistrust slow response; health workers report over 1,000 suspected cases and up to 246 suspected deaths, while attacks on facilities are forcing patients to flee and worsening containment. Central Banking: South Africa’s central bank lifted its key rate by 25 basis points to 7% as inflation rose to 4.0% in April, citing war-driven fuel costs and aiming to bring inflation back to target. Food & Cold Chain: Kenya estimates post-harvest losses and food waste cost about KES72bn (US$578m) annually, pushing investment in cold storage and packhouses to protect exports like avocados. Digital Policy: Ghana’s proposed NITA Bill would expand licensing and enforcement powers for ICT regulation, but critics warn it could overreach and stifle innovation. Business Growth: Nigeria’s BUA Foods was ranked among Africa’s fastest-growing companies, with revenue CAGR of 66.13% (2021-2024) and valuation CAGR of 118%. Rwanda Tourism Deal: Cleo Capital Group signed to acquire a majority stake in Akagera Game Lodge, with plans to rebrand and expand Rwanda’s tourism circuit under The Lux Collective.

Aviation Finance: Rwanda-linked aviation ambitions get a boost as Rwanda and Boeing explore aircraft financing, while Nigeria plans a sovereign-guaranteed aircraft leasing firm to help local airlines access planes without direct government bailouts. Trade & Mobility: Rwanda also appears in regional logistics talks, including a pact to bring Dar es Salaam port services to Kigali, and Qatar and Rwanda discuss deepening trade ties. Digital Identity & Privacy: Mauritius’ data protection chief warns digital ID projects must be built with data protection and cybersecurity from day one, not treated as afterthoughts. Ebola Disruption in Business: The Ebola outbreak in eastern DR Congo is colliding with conflict and hunger, with WHO warning containment is “nearly impossible” as violence blocks access; Uganda closes its border with DR Congo, and Rwanda tightens entry controls—moves that threaten cross-border trade and transport. Conservation & Tourism Jobs: African Parks launches an academy in Rwanda to train local conservation professionals and pushes to raise African tourist numbers, aiming to turn wildlife protection into local jobs and skills.