AGP Executive Report

Lithium Exports: Congo’s first-ever lithium shipments to China have started, with overland and water routes aimed at reaching Chinese refineries by October 2026, boosting the Manono project’s push after its processing plant entered production in May. Battery Policy Shock: China will introduce a 2% consumption tax on lithium-ion and related batteries from Sept. 1, 2026 (rising to 4% in 2027), reshaping costs across the EV and storage supply chain. Agri-Exports to Europe: A Douala workshop trained Central African agrifood SMEs and support agencies on EU sanitary and phytosanitary rules to reduce border rejections and improve export readiness. WAICO & AI Governance: Congo is listed among WAICO’s founding members, as China-backed AI governance efforts expand; the move signals new regional and industrial coordination on standards and research. Health & Safety: Congo’s Ebola situation remains a concern, with reports of Americans being quarantined in Kenya after exposure risk from Congo response work. Agro-Industry in Congo: Italy’s Mattei Plan gets a real-world test in Congo’s BFuture Farm, which has expanded production and is building silos, processing, and feed and dairy units. CEMAC Liquidity Plan: A study urges BEAC to create an emergency liquidity facility (CFA 1.7–2.3 trillion) to protect essential imports like food and fuel during geopolitical shocks.

Lithium Export Push: Congo’s Manono project has started its first-ever lithium shipments to China, with overland and water routes aimed at reaching Chinese refineries by October 2026; the JV is led by Zijin (54.9%) with Cominiere (35.1%) and the Congolese state (10%), while rival KoBold Metals delays construction over unresolved ownership disputes. Battery Policy Shock: China will add a 2% consumption tax on lithium-ion batteries from Sept 1, rising to 4% in 2027, reshaping costs for the EV and storage supply chain. Agri-Trade Compliance: A Douala workshop trained Central African SME support agencies on EU sanitary and phytosanitary rules to help agrifood exporters avoid border rejections. Regional Finance Resilience: A new CEMAC study urges an emergency liquidity facility of CFA1.7–2.3 trillion to keep essential imports (food, fuel, pharma) funded during geopolitical shocks. Public Health Watch: Congo’s Ebola situation is driving precautionary quarantine of Americans in Kenya after U.S. travel restrictions; cases and deaths continue to rise.

Agro-Industry & Food Security: Italy’s BF International says its BFuture Farm in Congo has moved from pilot to an agro-industrial hub, redeveloping 6,000 of 10,000 hectares, with 1,000+ hectares already in production and a first soybean harvest, plus new silos, drying, seed, feed and milk-processing units under construction. Mining & Finance Resilience: A new study urges BEAC to set up an emergency liquidity facility of CFA1.7–2.3 trillion to keep financing flowing for essential imports like food, fuel and pharmaceuticals during geopolitical shocks across CEMAC, including the Republic of Congo. Public Health & Cross-Border Response: The US says multiple Americans who worked in Congo’s Ebola response have been quarantined in Kenya’s CDC-run isolation facility for precautionary monitoring after new travel restrictions, as Congo’s confirmed cases and deaths continue to rise. Digital & Regional Governance: Zambia has been named a founding member of China-backed WAICO, and the list includes the Republic of the Congo—signaling growing regional interest in AI standards, research and industrial development. Energy Transition Policy: A push for “fossil fuel free zones” is gaining momentum as governments seek clearer, dated plans for protecting key ecosystems while shifting energy systems.

Agro-Industry Deal in Congo: Italy’s Mattei Plan gets a real-world test in Brazzaville as BF International’s BFuture Farm in Malolo shifts from pilot to operating agro-industrial hub, redeveloping 6,000 of 10,000 hectares, putting 1,000+ hectares into production, completing first soybean harvests, and building an integrated value chain (silos, drying, seed plant, feed mill, livestock and powdered milk unit). Central Banking & Trade Resilience: A new study urges BEAC to set up an emergency liquidity facility of CFA1.7–2.3 trillion to keep financing for essential imports like food, fuel and pharmaceuticals during geopolitical shocks. Ebola Response Under Strain: WHO reports Congo’s eastern Ebola outbreak is outpacing response, with 80% of new cases coming from transmission chains not yet on contact lists; at least 1,926 infected and 702 deaths reported. Mining & Security Economy Watch: Reports say remnants of the Wagner network in Africa have reorganized into an illicit criminal system tied to illegal gold mining and tramadol trafficking, with the Central African Republic as a key stronghold. Oil Market Signal: OPEC says June output rebounded by about 3.05 mbpd, with Congo and Equatorial Guinea each down slightly.

Ebola Response Strain (Congo): Eastern Congo’s Ebola outbreak is outpacing response efforts, with WHO reporting 80% of new cases outside known contact lists and many deaths occurring in communities without reaching care; authorities say nearly 1,926 infections and 702 deaths have been recorded, while treatment capacity and logistics remain stretched. Critical Minerals Push (China–Congo Link): China announced a state-backed mining investment firm to consolidate overseas strategic minerals, aiming to standardize deals and hedge risks—an approach that keeps pressure on African copper/cobalt/lithium supply chains. Oil Market Watch (OPEC–Congo): OPEC reported June output rebounded, but production fell in Congo and Equatorial Guinea, a reminder that Central African supply swings can quickly affect regional energy planning. Digital Skills (MTN): MTN highlighted World Youth Skills Day initiatives to expand practical digital training and pathways to jobs and entrepreneurship across Africa. Public Health (Ebola Workers): A strike by unpaid workers at an Ebola treatment center in Congo adds another operational risk as the outbreak spreads.

Ebola Response Under Strain: Eastern Congo’s Ebola outbreak is accelerating, with WHO saying response efforts can’t keep up and 80% of new cases are outside known contact lists; meanwhile, dozens of workers at an Ituri treatment center struck over unpaid salaries, underscoring fragile health capacity. Digital Skills Push: MTN says it’s doubling down on Africa’s digital workforce pipeline through Skills Academy and partnerships ahead of World Youth Skills Day, aiming to move young people from basic literacy to job-ready competences. Mining & Industry Signals: China announced a state-backed mining investment firm to secure overseas strategic minerals, a move that could reshape supply chains for critical inputs. Oil Market Watch: OPEC reported June output rebounded by about 3.05 mbpd, with Congo among the countries showing a small production decline. Local Business Risk: Australia’s Prime energy drink distributor, Congo Brands Australia, entered voluntary administration after heavy debts and low cash, raising questions for ongoing beverage supply.

Ebola Response Strain in Congo: WHO says eastern Congo’s Ebola outbreak is outpacing response efforts, with 80% of new cases coming from unknown transmission chains and many deaths occurring in communities without reaching care; Congo reports 1,926 infections and 702 deaths, while treatment capacity is stressed and staff have struck over unpaid salaries. Mining & Industry Watch: China announced a state-backed overseas mining investment firm to secure strategic minerals, signaling tighter control over critical supply chains. Oil Market Signals: OPEC crude output rebounded in June, rising by about 3.05 mbpd month-on-month, while Congo saw a small output decline. Health & Food Safety: A parasitic diarrhea outbreak (cyclosporiasis) is spreading in the U.S., with 1,645 lab-confirmed cases and thousands pending, as officials continue source tracing. Local Business Shock: Australia’s Prime energy drink distributor, Congo Brands Australia, entered voluntary administration after heavy debts and low cash on hand. Infrastructure Spotlight: DEME’s TSHD Congo River dredger is working on the Abu Qir project in Egypt, tied to major land reclamation and marine works.

Ebola Response Under Strain: Congo’s eastern Ebola outbreak is outpacing response efforts, with WHO saying 80% of new cases are outside known contact lists and many deaths occur in communities without reaching care; Health Workforce Disruption: dozens of workers at an Ituri Ebola treatment center struck over unpaid salaries, risking further delays in an outbreak with no approved vaccine or treatment for Bundibugyo virus; Critical Minerals Push: China announced a state-backed mining investment firm to consolidate overseas strategic minerals, signaling tighter control over deals for copper, cobalt and lithium as global competition intensifies; Carbon Pricing Watch: a new policy analysis says carbon pricing now covers nearly 30% of global emissions, but aviation and maritime remain hard to price and reduce; Oil Market Signals: OPEC reported June output rebounded by about 3.05 mbpd, while Congo saw a small production decline; Aviation/Industry Note: a Congolese-linked dredging project highlights major maritime engineering activity, with the TSHD Congo River working on DEME’s Abu Qir project in Egypt.

Ebola Response Under Strain: Congo’s eastern Ebola outbreak is worsening, with WHO saying response efforts can’t keep up and 80% of new cases are outside known contact lists; authorities report 1,926 infections and 702 deaths across three provinces, while treatment capacity is stretched. Health Workers Strike: Dozens of staff at an Ituri Ebola treatment center struck over unpaid salaries and bonuses, shutting the facility and blocking access, as the outbreak continues to spread. Carbon Pricing Push: A new policy brief highlights how carbon pricing is expanding globally, now covering nearly 30% of emissions, but notes aviation and maritime remain hard to price and decarbonize at scale. Critical Minerals Race: China announced a state-backed mining investment firm to secure overseas strategic minerals, aiming to standardize deals and hedge geopolitical risk—an angle that matters for Congo’s mining ecosystem. Oil Market Watch: OPEC crude output rebounded in June, rising about 3.05 mbpd month-on-month, with Congo also reporting a small production decline. Maritime Dredging: DEME’s TSHD Congo River is working on the Abu Qir project in Egypt, a major dredging and land reclamation job that signals continued regional infrastructure demand.

Ebola Response Under Strain: Congo’s record-fast Ebola outbreak is worsening, with new suspected cases reported in Kisangani (Tshopo) and the death toll reaching 600; treatment centers are near full and healthcare workers report unpaid benefits, while staff at an Ituri center staged a strike over salaries. Oil Market Watch: OPEC members boosted output in June, rising by about 3.05mbpd to roughly 22mbpd, though Congo saw a small production dip—useful context for regional energy planning. Energy & Infrastructure: DEME’s giant trailing suction hopper dredger is working on the Abu Qir project in Egypt, a reminder of the scale of maritime engineering that Congo’s contractors and ports may benchmark. Logistics Talent Pipeline: Africa Global Logistics (AGL) and Gonet Academy launched paid internships for graduates, signaling continued investment in workforce development for regional supply chains. Forestry & Mining Pressure: Civil society groups warned about timber looting and logging threats around the Ngoyla Wildlife Reserve and Djoko Community Forest, tied to exploitation linked to the Mbalam mining project. Migration Operations: South Africa’s inter-ministerial migration committee says over 53,000 foreign nationals have been processed for deportation or repatriation since mid-June, including returns to the Republic of Congo. Business Risk Signals: Congo Brands Australia, distributor of Prime drinks, entered voluntary administration in Australia, highlighting consumer-goods supply and finance risks for regional distributors.

Migration Update: South Africa’s Inter-Ministerial Committee says it has processed 53,449 foreign nationals for deportation or repatriation since mid-June, with Malawians making up 80%+, as authorities continue assisted returns under a five-point migration plan. Ebola Response: Congo’s fastest-growing Ebola outbreak is worsening, with suspected new cases in Kisangani (Tshopo) and reports of strikes at an Ituri treatment center over unpaid salaries, raising pressure on already strained care capacity. Aviation Education: Nigeria’s African Aviation and Aerospace University says it is scaling up after securing a major ₦4bn TETFund grant, expanding engineering and law alongside its aviation focus. Maritime Engineering: DEME’s Abu Qir project is using the TSHD Congo River for major dredging and land reclamation work, a reminder of Congo-linked capability in regional infrastructure. Logistics Jobs: Africa Global Logistics (AGL) and Gonet Academy launch four paid graduate internships, turning graduation pledges into hiring pathways. Energy & LNG Services: Axess Group will deliver asset integrity and inspection programs for two Golar FLNGs, including work tied to Congo’s FLNG support history. Industry Shock (Beverages): Congo Brands Australia, behind Prime drinks, has entered voluntary administration in Australia after reported cash strain and mounting debts. Security & Trade (Drugs/Mining): A report says Wagner-linked networks in CAR profit from tramadol trafficking routed via the Republic of Congo, helping fund gold and forest exploitation.

Dredging & Ports: DEME’s giant TSHD Congo River is busy on the Abu Qir project in Egypt, part of a hundreds-of-millions coastal transformation that includes 1,000 hectares of land reclamation and major channel deepening plus quay walls and breakwaters. Migration & Trade Flows: South Africa’s migration update says 53,449 foreign nationals have been processed for deportation or repatriation since mid-June, with Malawians making up over 80% and returns beyond SADC including to the Republic of Congo. Ebola Watch: A U.S. humanitarian worker in Congo tested positive for Ebola as the outbreak grows, with new suspected cases reported in provinces previously unaffected and treatment centres nearing capacity. Logistics & Skills: Africa Global Logistics (AGL) and Gonet Academy launched paid internships for graduates, turning a graduation pledge into four internship openings. Energy & Offshore Services: Axess Group will deliver asset integrity and inspection programs for two Golar FLNGs, with prior Congo FLNG support noted. Health Supply Chain Risk: A warning on counterfeit and substandard medicines highlights how fake drugs can undermine Africa’s health gains and drive antimicrobial resistance. Business Restructuring: Congo Brands Australia, distributor of Prime drinks, entered voluntary administration in Australia after financial strain, raising questions for ongoing supply. Security & Illicit Trade: Reports say Wagner-linked networks in the region profit from tramadol trafficking, with smuggling routes tied to the Republic of Congo and funding mining and forest exploitation.

Prime Drink Fallout: Congo Brands Australia, behind Logan Paul and KSI’s Prime, has entered voluntary administration after cash fell to about $85,000 and debts rose to millions, with creditors meeting set for July 17. Ebola Watch (Congo): A U.S. aid worker in Congo tested positive for Ebola as the outbreak climbs, with Congo reporting suspected new cases in previously unaffected areas and treatment centres near capacity. Illicit Trade Links (CAR–Congo corridor): A Wall Street Journal report says Wagner remnants use tramadol trafficking routed from the Republic of the Congo into the Central African Republic to fund forest and gold operations. Energy & LNG: The IGU flags Africa’s LNG momentum, with new exporters Canada and Mauritania/Senegal joining the market via the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim project, while FLNG is highlighted as a fast-growing offshore gas solution. Transport Infrastructure (Cameroon): UK-backed financing clears a major hurdle for the long-delayed Ebolowa–Akom II–Kribi road corridor. Agri-Digital Push (Congo): E-AgriBusiness, deployed across Togo, Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon and the Republic of the Congo, is expanding digital tools for agricultural value chains.

Ebola Update: A U.S. humanitarian worker in Congo has tested positive for Ebola, with the CDC coordinating with the employer and Congolese health authorities to trace close contacts as the outbreak grows. Public Health Pressure: Congo’s Ebola death toll has climbed to 600, with new suspected cases reported in a previously unaffected province, while treatment centres near capacity and some healthcare workers report unpaid benefits. Energy & Industry: At NOG Energy Week 2026, speakers highlighted FLNG as a fast-growing way to process and export offshore gas, noting Africa hosts multiple FLNG projects including in Congo. Mining Policy: The MOTA 2026 Summit in Paris put “mining sovereignty” front and centre, with Congo’s mining minister warning that priority projects can’t be held hostage by funding failures. Forestry & Mining Risks: Civil society groups sounded alarms over illegal logging and land exploitation linked to the Mbalam mining project around Ngoyla Wildlife Reserve and Djoko Community Forest. Logistics Jobs: Africa Global Logistics (AGL) and Gonet Academy launched paid internships for graduates, aiming to feed talent into regional logistics operations. Agri-Digital Push: A Togolese entrepreneur’s E-AgriBusiness platform is expanding across Togo, Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon and the Republic of the Congo to digitize agricultural value chains.

Ebola Response: Congo’s Ebola toll climbed to 600 deaths as new suspected cases were reported in Tshopo’s Kisangani, including one with no link to known outbreaks, while treatment centres near capacity and some healthcare workers report unpaid benefits. Health Supply Integrity: A separate warning highlights how counterfeit and substandard medicines can undermine Africa’s health gains, with WHO estimating over one in ten medical products in low- and middle-income markets are falsified or substandard. Conservation & Forestry: Civil society sounded the alarm over illegal logging and land exploitation around the Ngoyla Wildlife Reserve and Djoko Community Forest, citing threats to the Congo Basin ecosystem and communities. Energy & LNG: Africa’s LNG export race widened as a new $4.6bn Mauritania–Senegal project reached a milestone, adding fresh exporting capacity beyond Nigeria and others. Oil & Industry: NOG Energy Week flagged FLNG as a fast-growing offshore gas route, with Africa hosting multiple FLNG projects including Congo. Mining Policy: At MOTA 2026, Congo’s mining leadership pushed for priority projects not to be held hostage by funding failures, spotlighting the Kola potash drive. Logistics Jobs: Africa Global Logistics began paid internships for Gonet Academy graduates, turning a graduation pledge into hiring.

China-Congo Dealmaking: Vice Foreign Minister Miao Deyu met Congo’s ambassador in Beijing, reaffirming plans to deepen cooperation in energy, minerals, and infrastructure under the zero-tariff push. Mining Policy: At MOTA 2026 in Paris, Congo’s mining minister warned priority projects like the Kola potash asset can’t be held hostage by funding failures, while stressing sovereignty with investor confidence. Energy & LNG: NOG Energy Week highlighted FLNG as a fast-growing route to monetize offshore gas; speakers said Africa hosts most operating FLNG projects, including Congo. Forestry & Mining Pressure: Civil society sounded alarms over timber looting and land exploitation tied to the Mbalam mining project around the Ngoyla Wildlife Reserve and Djoko Community Forest. Ebola Update: Congo’s Ebola outbreak hit 600 deaths, with new suspected cases reported in Kisangani (Tshopo), as treatment centers near capacity and some health workers report unpaid benefits. Logistics Jobs: Africa Global Logistics (AGL) launched paid internships for Gonet Academy graduates, turning a graduation pledge into hiring pipeline. Agriculture Tech: E-AgriBusiness platform expansion in Central Africa spotlights digital tools digitizing agricultural value chains.