AGP Executive Report

Telecom Finance: The U.S. Export-Import Bank approved a $99.6M loan for Africell, a U.S.-owned cellphone network operator, to expand American tech in Angola and also operate in Congo—an explicit push against Huawei’s dominance in Africa’s 4G/5G buildout. Oil & Gas (Angola): TotalEnergies announced the Acacia-5 discovery in offshore Angola’s Block 17, targeting first oil just three months after the June find, using spare capacity on the Pazflor FPSO and adding about 6,000 bpd; it also signed deals to take 40% operated interests in two Lower Congo Basin exploration blocks (17/25 and 32/21). Regional Trade (CEMAC): Cameroon secured approvals to market 120 more products under CEMAC’s preferential trade regime, with Congo listed among member beneficiaries—another signal of intra-CEMAC market access for local industry. Safety & Human Cost: A fire in eastern Congo’s Bukavu killed at least 26 students across two schools, underscoring ongoing risks around school infrastructure and emergency exits. Energy Markets: Traders point to tight global supply and tariff uncertainty keeping copper near record levels, with prices hovering around $14,800/ton—important for mining-linked planning across the region.

Oil Market Pulse: Chinese “teapots” are snapping up Congo Djeno crude and Angola’s Plutonio as Iran–US disruptions tighten supply and push Brent above $100, with Djeno reportedly fetching about a $22 premium. Angola Upstream Push: TotalEnergies announced the Acacia-5 discovery on Angola’s Block 17, targeting first oil within three months and adding about 6,000 bpd, while also taking a 40% operated interest in two new Lower Congo Basin exploration blocks (17/25 and 32/21). Copper Boom, Processing Pressure: Copper hit record highs, but smelters are squeezed as treatment and refining charges fall to near-zero, shifting power toward those controlling concentrate. Congo Basin Water Risk: A former Gabon environment minister warns that protecting the Congo Basin is key to avoiding wider water wars across Africa as climate change destabilizes rainfall and agriculture. Skills & Jobs for Women: A policy note argues skills programs must go beyond technical training to unlock formal wage employment for women. Trade Integration: CEMAC cleared 120 Cameroonian products for preferential trade access across the subregion, including Congo’s own growing share of approved items. Safety Alert: A fire in eastern Congo killed at least 26 students across two schools, with officials warning the toll could rise.

Oil & Gas Expansion: TotalEnergies says its Acacia-5 near-field discovery on Angola’s Block 17 (found in June 2026) will add about 6,000 barrels per day, with first oil targeted just three months after discovery by using spare capacity on the Pazflor FPSO. Portfolio Growth: The company also signed with Angola’s petroleum regulator ANPG to take a 40% operated interest in exploration Blocks 17/25 and 32/21 in the Lower Congo Basin, with ExxonMobil (40%) and Sonangol E&P (20%) as partners—blocks positioned near existing TotalEnergies FPSOs for potential tie-backs. Regional Industry Context: The announcements come alongside broader Angola offshore activity, including ExxonMobil’s 20th discovery on Block 15, reinforcing investor interest in the basin’s infrastructure-led development model. Environment & Coastal Risk: A separate report warns that sargassum “superblooms” are smothering reefs and mangroves and disrupting tourism and fishing across the Caribbean and West Africa, with health impacts from decomposing mats. Congo Basin Stakes: A former Gabon environment minister warns that protecting the Congo Basin is critical to Africa’s water security, arguing forest loss could destabilize the continent’s rainfall cycle.

Congo Basin Water Security: Former Gabon environment minister Lee White warns that deforestation in the Congo Basin could destabilize Africa’s water cycle and trigger “water wars,” stressing the forest as the continent’s moisture engine. Copper Boom, Processing Squeeze: Copper prices hit record highs, but smelters are squeezed as treatment/refining charges fall to near-zero, with China’s dominance in smelting tightening control over who profits. Congo Copper Demand to the US: Reuters reports U.S. imports of Congolese copper rose sharply in July, with traders rushing ahead of possible tariffs; the metal is widely bought for physical use even though it isn’t broadly deliverable on COMEX. New Copper Resource Update (DRC/Lualaba link): Ivanhoe Mines says drilling boosted its Makoko District discovery by about 30% to ~12 million tonnes of contained copper, underscoring continued exploration momentum in the wider Congo copper belt. Space & Tech Diplomacy: President Paul Kagame attends France’s International Space Summit, with Congo’s Denis Sassou-Nguesso expected to participate as African leaders discuss orbit security, governance, and commercial opportunities. Energy-Industry Culture Tie-in: The Just Energy Transition Concert is announced as part of African Energy Week in Cape Town, blending energy themes with major African music acts.

Copper & Mining: Ivanhoe Mines says drilling at its Makoko District discovery in Congo’s Lualaba has lifted contained copper by 30% to about 12 million tonnes, with Makoko now at 34 million tonnes indicated grading 2.66% copper as prices surge. Market Volatility: Copper is expected to stay elevated amid tariff uncertainty, with analysts pointing to shifting flows between London and COMEX as inventories tighten outside the US. Congo Copper Demand: Reuters reports the US bought record volumes of Congolese copper in July, with Congo making up 23.9% of US copper imports, signaling broader acceptance by American industrial users. Energy/Industry Link: A separate report ties copper’s rally to earnings expectations across power-grid supply chains, where higher copper costs can lift cable and power equipment pricing. Local Business & Policy: Kenya coverage highlights rising foreign participation in informal street food, alongside calls for clearer licensing and enforcement—an angle that will resonate for regional trade and labor policy watchers. Regional Tech/Space: Kazakhstan says it has agreements with the Republic of the Congo and Nigeria to join an Earth-observation satellite constellation planned for 2030. Education & Skills: Nigeria’s NDA convocation notes one allied cadet from Congo Brazzaville among graduating students, underscoring cross-border training links.

Mining & Trade: Reuters reports the US imported record volumes of copper in July, with Congolese copper making up 23.9% of US copper imports as buyers rush deliveries ahead of possible tariffs—an important shift for Congo’s metal moving beyond its traditional China-heavy route. Energy Markets: Bloomberg says China’s crude buying is rebounding, pushing premiums higher for African grades including Congo’s Djeno, as Middle East supply disruptions and Hormuz risks tighten global supply. Finance & Credit: Liberia’s central bank is convening a National Non-Performing Loan Resolution Conference (Sept. 9–11) to tackle bad loans that are draining bank liquidity and choking new credit to businesses. Agriculture & Climate Tech: Sierra Leone’s Freetown is scaling biodigesters that turn market and household waste into biogas for cooking and power, cutting fuel costs while boosting local enterprise. Education & Skills: Nigeria’s NDA announced its 36th convocation will graduate 444 cadets and 3,064 postgraduates, noting one allied cadet from Congo Brazzaville.

Oil & Commodities: China’s crude buying has rebounded, pushing Brent back above $100 and lifting premiums for African grades like Congo’s Djeno, as Hormuz disruptions and tighter Iranian supply squeeze alternatives. Copper Trade: US demand for Congolese copper is rising, with shipments to the US increasing as tariff fears and supply constraints reshape sourcing; meanwhile copper prices stay near record highs on thinning inventories. Finance & Credit: Liberia’s central bank is convening a national conference on non-performing loans (Sept. 9–11) to tackle bad-debt root causes and unlock new lending. Space & Tech: Kazakhstan is moving toward an international Earth-observation satellite constellation, with plans that include the Republic of Congo as a partner. Energy Transition & Industry Events: Just Energy Transition Concert is set to kick off African Energy Week in Cape Town (Oct. 12), spotlighting energy, culture, and performers. Local Culture & Community: Cork’s Culture Night 2026 will run Sept. 18 with 150+ free events, including Congolese rumba and Afrobeat performances.

Copper Trade: The US bought a record 53,290 tonnes of discounted Congolese copper for shipments to China, as demand patterns shift and traders rush deliveries ahead of possible tariff moves. Market Tightness: Copper’s longest rally since 1994 is being driven by shrinking physical supply, with LME warehouse stocks draining for weeks and Comex inflows reshaping pricing. Oil & Logistics: China’s oil demand rebound is pushing crude premiums higher across Africa, with Congo’s Djeno crude reportedly offered at up to $20/bbl over Brent as Hormuz disruptions and tighter Middle East supply force buyers to scramble. Space & Tech Cooperation: Kazakhstan plans an international Earth-observation satellite constellation that includes the Republic of the Congo, aiming for nine satellites by 2030 and potentially 14 later—supporting agriculture, environmental monitoring, and emergency response. Finance Watch: Congolian Financial (Grupo Carrinho) agreed to buy Banco BPI’s 33.35% stake in Banco de Fomento Angola for about $452m, pending regulatory approvals.

Space & Tech Partnerships: Kazakhstan says it has agreements with Mongolia, the Republic of the Congo and Nigeria to join an Earth remote-sensing satellite constellation, aiming for nine satellites by 2030 and possibly 14, alongside work on its KazSat-3R replacement. Mining & Metals Watch: Copper slips near $6.55–$6.57/lb as stronger US jobs data lifts rate-hike expectations, but prices stay supported by supply risks, including a Congo export ban and weaker output from Chile and Peru. Ebola Response in Congo: Congo health teams use anonymised mobile phone movement data (via Vodacom and Flowminder) to forecast where Ebola could spread next, helping target limited resources as cases rise across six provinces. Finance & Banking Deal: Congolian Financial (Grupo Carrinho) agrees to buy Banco BPI’s 33.35% stake in Banco de Fomento Angola for about $452m, pending Angola regulator approvals and shareholder steps. Payments & Trade Links: SPAYZ.io expands its payment network across Africa, adding Congo among other markets, to support local payment routes for Forex Expo Dubai 2026 participants.

Ebola Response in Congo: WHO-backed teams are using anonymised mobile phone movement data (via Vodacom) to map how people travel between provinces, aiming to predict where the fastest-growing outbreak could spread next and target limited response resources. Metals & Mining Watch: Copper prices held gains near $6.57/lb as traders cited supply risks, including a Congo export ban, plus weaker output from Chile and Peru and El Niño-linked disruptions. Regional Finance Deal: Banco BPI agreed to sell its full 33.35% stake in Angola’s BFA to Congolian Financial for €388.5m (about $452m), a move tied to regulators’ pressure and Angola exposure reduction. Payments & Trade Links: SPAYZ.io says it has expanded local payment rails across Africa, including Congo, to support merchants entering new markets—now adding Morocco and Zambia ahead of Forex Expo Dubai 2026. Industrial Logistics: ICTSI plans to acquire South Africa’s The Logistics Group (TLG) to deepen port-to-rail-to-warehousing services across Southern Africa, including agricultural and bulk cargo handling.

Ebola Response in Congo: WHO-backed teams are using anonymous mobile phone movement data (via Vodacom) to map how the fastest-growing Ebola outbreak spreads across six provinces, aiming to predict next hotspots and target limited response resources. Metals & Supply Signals: Copper prices held near $6.57/lb as traders pointed to Congo’s export ban and weaker output from Chile and Peru, alongside broader market disruptions. Payments & Trade Links: SPAYZ.io says it has expanded local payment rails across Africa, including Congo, and will showcase its cross-border payment solutions at Forex Expo Dubai 2026. Energy Security Policy: A new U.S. presidential order restricts bulk-power equipment imports from “covered entities,” listing Congo among them, with the U.S. Department of Energy tasked to draft rules. Regional Logistics Deal: ICTSI plans to acquire South Africa’s The Logistics Group (TLG) to strengthen Southern Africa port and cargo logistics coverage, including agricultural and bulk commodities. Culture & Spotlight: Congolese rhumba star Fally Ipupa drew thousands at Uhuru Gardens in Nairobi, reinforcing pan-African entertainment demand.

Ebola Response in Congo: WHO-backed teams are using anonymous mobile phone movement data (via Vodacom and analysis by Flowminder) to spot where Ebola could spread next, with cases now reported across six provinces and thousands infected since May 15. Payments & Trade Links: SPAYZ.io says it has expanded its local payment network across Africa and will showcase its cross-border payment solutions at Forex Expo Dubai 2026, including new coverage in Congo and other markets. Mining & Metals Watch: Copper prices held gains near $6.57/lb as supply risks persist, including an export ban from Congo and weaker output from major producers. Industrial Logistics: ICTSI plans to acquire South Africa’s The Logistics Group (TLG) to strengthen port, rail, warehousing and digital logistics services across Southern Africa, including routes tied to agricultural and bulk commodities. Regional Infrastructure Talks: Botswana President Duma Boko urged Aliko Dangote to scale cement and rail investments, pushing for partnerships with Botswana pension funds and faster execution on the Trans-Kalahari corridor. Culture & Heritage: UNESCO and Congo’s culture authorities supported a consultative mission on heritage and climate challenges, bringing together institutional stakeholders on culture, environment and civil protection.

CAF Champions League Build-Up: Ghana Football Association officials welcomed TP Mazembe to Tarkwa ahead of the Sunday, 6 September preliminary-round first leg against Medeama SC, with the match set to bring elite continental football to the mining town for the first time. Public Health & Data Use: Congo’s Ebola response is using anonymised mobile phone movement data, supplied by Vodacom and analysed by Flowminder, to forecast where the outbreak could spread next across six provinces. Mining & Markets: Copper prices held recent gains near $6.57/lb as supply risks persisted, with analysts citing Congo’s export ban and weaker output from Chile and Peru. Payments & Trade Tech: SPAYZ.io says it is expanding local payment coverage across Africa, including Congo, to support Forex Expo Dubai 2026 and improve success rates for cross-border payments. Regional Industry Talks: Botswana President Duma Boko met Aliko Dangote to push large-scale investments, especially cement and the Trans-Kalahari rail corridor, urging use of Botswana pension funds for execution. Logistics Expansion: ICTSI plans to acquire South Africa’s The Logistics Group (TLG) to strengthen Southern Africa port and cargo logistics, including agricultural and bulk commodities. Heritage & Climate Work: UNESCO and Congo’s Ministry of Culture, Arts, National Heritage and Tourism Industry carried out a consultative mission (3–8 August) to advance heritage resilience and climate-related protection planning.

Ebola Response Tech: Congo’s Ebola fight is turning to anonymous mobile phone movement data to spot where the virus could spread next, with WHO-backed researchers using anonymised records from Vodacom to guide limited resources across six provinces. Energy & Power Rules: A new U.S. presidential order restricts bulk-power equipment imports tied to “covered entities,” explicitly listing Congo among them, as the U.S. moves to protect its power grid supply chain. Mining & Metals Watch: Copper prices held recent gains near $6.57/lb as supply risks persisted, with analysts pointing to a Congo export ban and weaker output from Chile and Peru. Heritage & Climate Action: UNESCO and Congo’s Ministry of Culture, Arts, National Heritage and Tourism Industry ran a consultative mission (3–8 Aug) with experts and local stakeholders to advance cultural and natural heritage work tied to climate resilience. Payments Expansion: SPAYZ.io says it has expanded its African payment network into Congo and other markets, adding local routes and mobile money options to help forex and merchant businesses scale. Logistics Deal: ICTSI is set to buy South Africa’s The Logistics Group (TLG), aiming to deepen Southern Africa port and cargo logistics coverage, including agricultural and bulk commodities. Regional Industry Talks: Botswana President Duma Boko urged Aliko Dangote to back large-scale cement and Trans-Kalahari rail projects, pushing for pension-fund participation to speed execution. Oil & Gas Funding Pressure: IPPG warns that energy-transition capital retreat has stalled 150+ oil and gas projects across Africa, threatening industrialisation and development.

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.