AGP Executive Report

Regional Industrialisation & Infrastructure: Botswana President Duma Boko met Aliko Dangote in Gaborone, urging big-ticket investments and faster execution, with a focus on cement demand and the Trans-Kalahari rail corridor that could start this year; Boko also pushed Dangote to partner with Botswana’s pension funds and other institutional investors. Payments & Trade Enablement: SPAYZ.io will take its Africa-focused payment solutions to Forex Expo Dubai 2026, highlighting network expansion into Congo and other markets and adding local payment routes (including mobile money partners) to help Forex businesses enter and scale. Public Health & Data for Industry Resilience: Congo’s Ebola response is using anonymous mobile phone movement data (via Flowminder and Vodacom) to forecast where the outbreak could spread next across provinces, aiming to target limited resources better. Energy & Commodities Watch: Copper futures held gains near $6.57/lb as supply risks persist, with analysts pointing to an export ban from Congo and weaker output from Chile and Peru amid weather disruptions. Oil & Gas Investment Climate: The Independent Petroleum Producers Group says more than 150 oil and gas projects across Africa are stalled due to energy-transition-driven capital retreat, warning it threatens development and industrialisation. Logistics Expansion: ICTSI plans to acquire South Africa’s The Logistics Group (TLG) to strengthen port, rail, warehousing and digital logistics coverage across Southern Africa, including Mozambique, Namibia and South Africa. Agriculture Cooperation: Venezuela’s delegation wrapped up participation in Congo’s Great Agricultural Fair, exchanging plans with Congo’s agriculture ministry and highlighting opportunities for cooperation in coffee and cacao processing. Mining & Legal/Corporate Signals: A Congo-linked mining arbitration dispute involving Equatorial Resources and Clifford Chance surfaced as a judge denied a bid to block arbitration over an unpaid legal bill.

Ports & Logistics: ICTSI (Philippines) signed an agreement to buy 100% of South Africa’s The Logistics Group (TLG), a move aimed at tightening its Southern Africa footprint across port, rail, warehousing and digital transport logistics, with TLG operating in Mozambique, Namibia and South Africa. Infrastructure & Industry Finance: Botswana President Duma Boko met Aliko Dangote in Gaborone to push large-scale deals, especially the Trans-Kalahari rail line that would boost demand for cement and steel, and urged Dangote to partner directly with Botswana’s pension funds and institutional capital. Energy Transition Pressure: Independent Petroleum Producers Group (IPPG) says more than 150 oil and gas projects across Africa are stalled as international capital and development finance retreat under decarbonisation agendas, warning this threatens industrialisation and energy access. Oil & Gas Dealmaking (Region): Angola’s Etu Energias agreed to acquire Chevron’s interests in offshore Blocks 14 and 14K in Cabinda for $260m cash, positioning Etu for majority control and potential operator status. Congo Business & Trade Links: Venezuela’s delegation wrapped up participation in the Republic of Congo’s Great Agricultural Fair, discussing cooperation under a 2023 memorandum, with focus on coffee and fine aroma cacao. Legal/Mining Dispute (Congo): A judge denied Equatorial Resources’ bid to block Clifford Chance from pursuing arbitration tied to a Congo-related unpaid legal bill.

Energy & Industry Finance: A key legal fight is brewing around Congo-linked mining: an Australian judge denied Equatorial Resources’ bid to block Clifford Chance from pursuing a roughly $3.46m unpaid legal bill tied to a claim worth up to $1.9bn against the Republic of Congo. Power Supply Security: A U.S. presidential order bans imports and installations of “bulk-power” equipment and related services from a list of “covered entities” that includes Congo, with the U.S. Department of Energy tasked to draft rules within 120 days. Oil & Gas Investment Signals: Africa’s oil patch faces a major funding squeeze, with IPPG saying over 150 essential oil and gas projects across Africa have stalled as capital retreats under the energy transition agenda. Agriculture Cooperation: Venezuela’s delegation wrapped up participation in Congo’s Great Agricultural Fair, discussing follow-on cooperation on crops like coffee and cacao. Health & Research: New gene findings linked to OCD and chronic tic disorders point to fresh treatment targets, adding to the broader push for better mental-health therapies.

Energy & Industry Finance: Independent Petroleum Producers Group (IPPG) says over 150 oil and gas projects across Africa have stalled as international capital and development finance retreat under faster decarbonisation, warning this threatens development and industrialisation while Africa remains energy-poor. Oil & Gas Deal Watch: Angola’s Etu Energias is set to buy Chevron’s stakes in deepwater Blocks 14 and 14K offshore Cabinda for $260m, boosting Etu’s position and potentially putting it on track to take operatorship of Block 14. Power Security Policy: A new U.S. presidential order bars bulk-power system equipment from “covered foreign actors,” listing Congo among the targeted countries, with the U.S. Department of Energy tasked to draft rules. Legal/Mining: An Australian judge denied Equatorial Resources’ bid to block Clifford Chance from pursuing arbitration tied to a roughly $3.46m Congo legal fee dispute. Agriculture Cooperation: Venezuela’s delegation wrapped up participation in Congo’s Great Agricultural Fair, exchanging plans for cooperation on crops like coffee and cacao. Health & Public Safety: Congo begins Ebola vaccinations as the outbreak grows, with the campaign aimed at slowing transmission.

Oil & Gas Finance: IPPG says more than 150 essential oil and gas projects across Africa have stalled as international capital and development finance retreat under accelerated decarbonisation, warning of a major development and industrialisation hit. Legal/Mining: A judge denied Equatorial Resources’ bid to stop Clifford Chance from pursuing arbitration tied to a Congo fee dispute, keeping pressure on cross-border legal costs for mining claims. Energy Deals (Angola, regional signal): Etu Energias agreed to buy Chevron’s interests in Angola’s deepwater Blocks 14 and 14K for $260m, positioning Etu to take over operatorship pending approvals—another sign of shifting control in the Lower Congo Basin. Local Agriculture Cooperation: Venezuela’s delegation wrapped up participation in Congo’s Great Agricultural Fair, exchanging plans for cooperation on coffee and fine aroma cacao and building on a 2023 memorandum. Infrastructure/Industry Tech: Wison New Energies says its Congo LNG FLNG unit is operational, and it’s partnering with Shell to bring liquefaction technology into future FLNG offerings. Climate Risk: A rainfall outlook flags high chances of below-normal rainfall over much of Southern and Central regions, with delayed onset—relevant for farming and water planning.

Agribusiness Cooperation: Venezuela wrapped up its participation in the Republic of Congo’s 2nd Great Agricultural Fair in Bambou-Mingali, with talks on expanding collaboration under a 2023 memorandum—spotlighting coffee and fine aroma cacao as key export strengths. Oil & Gas Dealmaking: Angola’s Etu Energias agreed to buy Chevron’s 31% operated interest in Block 14 and 15.5% in Block 14K for $260m, using pre-emption rights to become the largest stakeholder and aiming to take over operatorship (subject to approvals). Energy Tech for LNG: Wison New Energies signed with Shell to bring Shell liquefaction technology into Wison’s FLNG offering, potentially widening the market for Congo LNG-linked floating projects. Health & Industry R&D: A new research focus highlights metabolism-regulating nanomaterials as a route to tackle bacterial infections and antibiotic resistance—relevant for Congo’s healthcare and biotech ambitions. Finance & Data Sovereignty: A Congolese fellow argues that clearer national economic data shapes credit ratings and borrowing costs, pushing for local data infrastructure as the AU moves toward its own credit rating capacity. Trade Snapshot: WHO-linked figures show tobacco leaf exports are highly concentrated in Africa, with Congo at a small share (0.26%) of the continent’s total in 2024.

Energy & LNG: Wison New Energies signed a collaboration with Shell to bring Shell’s pre-engineered dual mixed refrigerant liquefaction technology into Wison’s floating LNG (FLNG) offering, widening the market for the process. Oil & Gas (Angola): Etu Energias agreed to buy Chevron’s stakes in Angola’s Block 14 and Block 14K for $260 million, making Etu the largest interest holder and positioning it to take over operatorship of Block 14, subject to approvals. Public Health (Congo region): The Congo Basin is flagged in a UK national security report as one of six critical ecosystems at risk of collapse, with knock-on effects for food and water scarcity. Health Tech Research: A new study explores using metabolism-regulating nanomaterials to help combat bacterial infections amid rising antibiotic resistance. Trade Signals (Africa): WHO-linked export data shows tobacco leaf exports are highly concentrated in Southern and East Africa, with Congo’s share at 0.26% in 2024.

Ebola Vaccination Drive: Congo has begun Ebola vaccinations against the world’s fastest-growing outbreak, as health authorities ramp up prevention efforts. Oil & Gas Dealmaking: Etu Energias is buying Chevron’s stakes in Angola’s deepwater Block 14 and 14K for $260 million, using pre-emption rights and aiming to take over operatorship on Block 14 (subject to approval). LNG Build for Congo: Wison New Energies says its delivered 2.4-mtpa Nguya FLNG unit is now operational in the Republic of Congo, positioning the yard to expand its liquefaction offering. Regional Diplomacy & Trade: Namibia is pushing for the first female UN secretary-general, and its minister held consultations in the Republic of Congo to strengthen political and diplomatic ties. Energy Market Watch: U.S. crude imports from Iraq fell to zero in the latest week, while the EIA recorded zero imports from several countries including the Republic of the Congo. Local Governance & Industry Signals: The U.S. Embassy in Abuja says some visa categories (A, G, C) still process in Abuja even as routine services shift to regional hubs—an indirect signal for business travel planning across the region.

Energy & Offshore Deals: Etu Energias (Angola) has agreed to buy Chevron’s stakes in two Lower Congo Basin deepwater blocks for $260 million, taking a 31% operated interest in Block 14 and 15.5% in Block 14K and positioning it to assume operatorship of Block 14, subject to approvals. LNG in the Republic of Congo: Wison New Energies says its 2.4-mtpa Nguya FLNG unit delivered to Eni is now operational in the Republic of Congo, aiming to widen the company’s liquefaction offering. Health & Public Safety: Congo has begun Ebola vaccinations in Kisangani, using the Ervebo vaccine for frontline responders as the outbreak in eastern provinces accelerates, with 5,713 confirmed cases and 2,744 deaths reported as of Tuesday. Trade & Commodities Watch: U.S. EIA data shows no U.S. crude imports from Angola or the Republic of the Congo during the latest reporting week, while Canada remained the top supplier overall. Policy & Diplomacy: Namibia’s minister says the push for a first female UN secretary-general is gaining momentum, including during consultations held in the Republic of Congo.

Ebola Response: Congo has started Ebola vaccinations in Kisangani (Tshopo) using the Ervebo vaccine for frontline workers as the outbreak—now 5,713 confirmed cases and 2,744 deaths—spreads amid insecurity, displacement, and health-worker strikes. Digital Tax Update: Apple says it’s adjusting App Store proceeds and pricing in the Republic of the Congo after an 18% VAT change, with price updates starting Sept. 14 for apps and in-app purchases. Energy Trade Watch: U.S. crude imports from Iraq reportedly fell to zero last week, while other suppliers (Canada, Venezuela, Brazil, Mexico, Saudi Arabia) filled the gap—an indirect reminder of how quickly global flows can shift. Arctic/Global Noise: A separate piece mocks Britain’s “leadership” obsession, while another Svalbard diary highlights Arctic industry roots in coal mining—both not Congo-focused, but they underline how quickly narratives travel beyond local economies.

Ebola Response: Congo has started vaccinating people against Ebola in Kisangani, prioritizing frontline responders with the Ervebo vaccine as cases rise to 5,713 confirmed and 2,744 deaths, with WHO warning the outbreak is on track to surpass the 2014-2016 record. Digital Economy & Taxes: Apple says it will adjust App Store proceeds and pricing in the Republic of Congo after an 18% VAT change, with price updates starting September 14 for apps and in-app purchases. Energy & Trade Signals: U.S. EIA data shows U.S. crude imports from Iraq fell to zero last week, while other suppliers—Canada, Venezuela, Brazil and others—covered the gap; the report also notes zero recorded imports from Republic of the Congo for the same period. Regional Diplomacy: Namibia’s foreign ministry says it is pushing for the first female UN Secretary-General, and highlighted its stance during inaugural Namibia–Republic of Congo political consultations. Telecom Leadership: MTN Group appointed Ikenna Ikeme as Executive for Group Regulatory Affairs, effective 7 September 2026, as part of its Ambition 2030 push.

Public Health: Congo has started Ebola vaccinations in Kisangani, prioritizing frontline responders with Ervebo while trials continue for a licensed jab for the current strain; officials report 5,713 confirmed cases and 2,744 deaths, with insecurity, displacement and health-worker strikes worsening spread. Digital Economy & Taxes: Apple will adjust App Store proceeds and pricing in the Republic of Congo from Sept. 14 after an 18% VAT change, updating developer agreements for tax collection and remittance. Telecom Regulation: MTN Group appoints Ikenna Ikeme as Executive for Group Regulatory Affairs (from Sept. 7, 2026), strengthening regulatory leadership across markets. Energy & Investment: Chevron’s offshore Angola discovery in the Lower Congo Basin highlights continued Sub-Saharan oil and gas push, with potential tie-backs to existing infrastructure. Industrial Benchmarking: The AfDB Africa Industrialisation Index (2025) ranks Morocco top for the first time, with Congo Basin economies watching industrial progress signals from manufacturing, exports and investment criteria.

Ebola Response: Congo has started vaccinating people against Ebola in Kisangani, prioritizing frontline responders with Ervebo, as the outbreak hits 5,713 confirmed cases and 2,744 deaths, with insecurity, displacement, and a health workers’ strike making control harder. Digital Economy & Taxes: Apple says it will adjust App Store proceeds and pricing in the Republic of Congo after an 18% VAT change, with price updates starting September 14 for apps and in-app purchases. Telecom Regulation: MTN Group appointed Ikenna Ikeme as Executive for Group Regulatory Affairs from 7 September 2026, expanding regulatory leadership across markets. Industrial Benchmarking: The AfDB’s Africa Industrialisation Index (2025) ranks Morocco #1 for the first time, while tracking industrial progress across 54 economies—useful context for Congo’s own industrial push. Food & Health Safety: A new H5N1 avian influenza detection in Australia (including a dolphin case) underlines ongoing zoonotic risk that can affect regional agriculture and logistics planning.

Ebola Response: Congo has started vaccinating people against Ebola in Kisangani, prioritizing frontline workers with the Ervebo vaccine as authorities warn the outbreak is still out of control and could surpass the 2014–2016 West Africa toll; Digital Economy: Apple says it’s updating App Store proceeds and prices in the Republic of the Congo from Sept. 14 to reflect the new 18% VAT, with tax collection and remittance changes noted for developers; Telecom & Regulation: MTN Group appoints Ikenna Ikeme as Executive for Group Regulatory Affairs from 7 Sept 2026, aiming to strengthen its regulatory agenda across markets; Industrial Benchmarking: The AfDB’s Africa Industrialisation Index (2025) was launched in Brazzaville, ranking 54 economies and placing Morocco top for the first time, with Congo Basin context underscoring the region’s push for industrial growth; Food & Agroecology: A Yaounde-hosted Congo Basin conference is driving agroecological transformation, food security, and biodiversity protection across 15 countries, spotlighting sustainable agriculture as a resilience lever.

Ebola Response: Congo has begun Ebola vaccinations in Kisangani, prioritizing frontline health workers with Ervebo as authorities try to slow the fastest-growing outbreak on record; the country reported 5,713 confirmed cases and 2,744 deaths as insecurity, displacement, a health workers’ strike and heavy population movement hamper control. Public Health Pressure: A separate update says eastern Congo’s outbreak has already recorded 5,514 cases and 2,642 deaths, with 317 deaths in the last week, as experts warn the real scale may be far larger and many deaths occur outside treatment centers. Digital Economy & Tax: Apple says it will adjust App Store developer proceeds and pricing in the Republic of Congo from Sept. 14 to reflect an 18% VAT change, with updated agreements posted for developers. Trade & Investment Talks: Namibia’s foreign minister Selma Ashipala-Musavyi urged deeper Congo–Namibia trade and investment, highlighting agro-processing and beef value chains as priority areas during consultations in Pointe-Noire. Telecom Leadership: MTN Group appointed Ikenna Ikeme as Executive for Group Regulatory Affairs effective 7 Sept. 2026, strengthening regulatory oversight across markets.

App Economy & Taxes: Apple says it’s updating App Store developer proceeds and pricing in Republic of the Congo after introducing an 18% VAT, with price changes starting September 14. Digital Finance & Telecom: MTN Group appointed Ikenna Ikeme as Executive for Group Regulatory Affairs (effective 7 Sept 2026) and also moved to strengthen leadership across its Ambition 2030 push. Mobile Money Modernization: MTN MoMo completed a cloud-native migration with Ericsson in Eswatini, Ghana, Rwanda and Uganda, cutting overhead and speeding responses, and is now discussing similar work for Republic of the Congo. Public Health Crisis: Congo’s Ebola outbreak in the east is worsening fast, with 317 deaths in the past week and authorities warning the true scale could be much larger. Mining & Supply: Zijin warned its Kamoa-Kakula output targets are under pressure after flooding at a Congolese mine, adding to global copper supply concerns. Trade & Investment: Namibia’s foreign minister urged deeper Namibia–Congo trade and investment, highlighting agro-processing links.