AGP Executive Report

AfCFTA Push in Gabon: AfCFTA Secretary-General Wamkele Mene wrapped up a 18–19 June visit by sealing an implementation partnership with Gabon’s authorities and private sector, aiming to turn Gabon’s industrial and export potential into real access to the single continental market. Gabon in the Spotlight at World Cup: Pierre Atcho (Gabon) is listed as referee for the Panama vs Croatia match in Toronto as the tournament builds momentum. Healthcare Capacity Boost: Merck Foundation’s 13th Africa Asia Luminary 2026 (18–19 June) brought together First Ladies and health leaders, highlighting 2,600+ scholarships for healthcare providers across 52 countries and 44 specialties. Water Security Planning: Scientists are mapping Africa’s underground water supplies to manage groundwater sustainably as hotter climates bring sharper swings between drought and extreme rainfall. Conservation & Disease Risk: Conservationists warn Ebola is a growing threat to gorillas, noting past deaths in Gabon and Congo and supporting surveillance tools to protect both wildlife and visitors. Regional Skills for Forestry: ADEFAC 2 (AFD/RIFFEAC) backs continuing training in forestry and wood-processing across Congo Basin countries, including Gabon, with €5m (about CFA 3.3bn).

Healthcare & Leadership: Merck Foundation’s 13th Africa Asia Luminary 2026 was inaugurated online on June 18-19 with the Merck Foundation CEO and First Ladies from 12 African and Asian countries, highlighting scholarship support for healthcare workers and efforts to strengthen health systems. Water & Climate Resilience: Scientists warn that hotter conditions are making Africa’s surface water more erratic, while a new push maps groundwater resources to help communities manage aquifers sustainably. Conservation & Health Risks: In Uganda, conservation groups are stepping up gorilla protection as Ebola concerns grow, including donations of monitoring and protective gear for wildlife authorities. Fashion with Gabon Inspiration: SETCHU’s SS27 “Caught in the Nets” debuted in Milan, drawing on the designer’s travels to Gabon’s fishing grounds. World Cup Build-Up: FIFA has named a large pool of referees and VAR officials for the 2026 tournament, with match officiating scaled up for the expanded format. Regional Economy: CEMAC data show cocoa export prices falling sharply, weighing on agricultural export values, while Mission 300 continues electrification progress across Africa.

Healthcare & Leadership: Merck Foundation says it has awarded 2,600+ scholarships to healthcare providers across 52 countries and 44 specialties, with First Ladies and health experts inaugurating the 13th Africa Asia Luminary 2026 to expand specialist care and capacity. Forestry Skills in Central Africa: AFD and RIFFEAC signed a CFA 3.3 billion (€5m) deal for ADEFAC 2, a five-year program training stakeholders in forestry and wood-processing across Gabon and five other Congo Basin countries. Electricity Access Push: World Bank and AfDB’s Mission 300 reports 50 million+ people connected to power across 40 African countries, aiming for 300 million more by 2030. Banking Costs in CEMAC: BEAC data show borrowing costs rising in Central Africa, with Gabon hit hardest as average lending rates jumped to 21.51% in Q1 2026. Gabon Energy Spotlight: Record Resources confirms it is divesting non-core rights at Lake Temiskaming while keeping focus on its Gabon oil and gas assets, including the Ngulu block. Culture & Science: A book on early life highlights research tied to the Gabonese Franceville basin, revisiting when complex life emerged.

Healthcare & Scholarships: The Merck Foundation says it has awarded 2,600 scholarships to healthcare professionals across 52 countries and 44 critical specialties, with First Ladies and health experts meeting at the 13th Africa Asia Luminary 2026 to push stronger care systems. Aviation & Connectivity: Nigeria’s Air Peace secured Brazil flight approval and is preparing more long-haul plans, while also expanding within Africa—new routes to Libreville, Douala, Bamako and Conakry are set for August 1. Forestry Skills in Central Africa: AFD and RIFFEAC signed a €5m (about CFA 3.3bn) deal to fund ADEFAC 2, extending training for forestry and wood-processing across Gabon and other Congo Basin countries. Electricity Push: World Bank and AfDB’s Mission 300 says it has connected 50m+ people to power across 40 countries, aiming for 300m by 2030. Economy Watch (Gabon): BEAC data show borrowing costs in CEMAC are rising, with Gabon hit hardest—average lending rates jumped to 21.51% in Q1 2026.

Aviation Expansion: Air Peace has secured Brazil’s ANAC approval to start scheduled passenger, cargo and mail services to São Paulo, opening a new Africa–South America corridor and cutting travel time to about seven hours; the airline also targets Toronto, New York and China routes, and plans three weekly flights to Manchester. Regional Connectivity for Gabon: Air Peace says it will launch new services from Lagos to Libreville (plus Douala, Bamako and Conakry) from August 1, with multiple weekly frequencies—boosting travel and trade links for West and Central Africa. CEMAC Economy: A BEAC report shows cocoa prices fell 24.6% in early 2026, dragging down agricultural export prices across CEMAC, with Gabon among the affected exporters. Electricity Push: The World Bank and AfDB’s Mission 300 says it has connected over 50 million Africans to electricity across 40 countries, including 4.5 million Nigerians, as electrification accelerates toward 300 million by 2030. Public Health & Leadership: Merck Foundation’s Africa Asia Luminary 2026 brought together First Ladies and health leaders to expand healthcare capacity, including participation from Gabon.

World Cup Fallout: Former Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr says Nigeria’s poor start in CAF qualifiers—especially a loss to DR Congo—cost the team a 2026 World Cup spot, despite beating Gabon 4-1 in the playoff semi-final. Central Africa Economy: BEAC data show borrowing costs in CEMAC jumped in Q1 2026, with Gabon hit hardest as average lending rates rose to 21.51%, keeping it the region’s most expensive banking market. Electricity Push: World Bank and AfDB’s Mission 300 says it has connected over 50 million people to electricity across 40 countries, including 4.5 million Nigerians, with electrification now moving nearly twice as fast as at the start. Gabon in the Spotlight: Merck Foundation’s Africa Asia Luminary brought together First Ladies including Gabon’s, highlighting expanded healthcare capacity across Africa and Asia. Aviation Links: Air Peace announced new scheduled routes from Lagos to Douala and Libreville (plus Bamako and Conakry), starting August 1, 2026. Maritime Security: A “Dark Fleet” report warns Russia’s shadow oil shipping is increasingly using African waters, often with weak insurance and disabled tracking.

Healthcare & Women’s Empowerment: Merck Foundation’s 13th Africa Asia Luminary (June 18-19) brought together First Ladies from 12 African and Asian countries to discuss how training, stigma reduction, and community health programs are improving care and patient outcomes. CEMAC Economy: BEAC data show cocoa export prices in CEMAC fell 24.6% in early 2026, dragging down overall agricultural export prices by 21.8%—with analysts pointing to shifting global cocoa supply. Electricity Access: World Bank and AfDB’s Mission 300 says it has connected over 50 million people across 40 countries, with faster delivery driven by coordinated financing, policy reforms, and last-mile investment. Gabon in the Spotlight (Oil & Shipping): A Record Resources deal divests non-core assets while keeping focus on Gabon oil and gas; meanwhile, oil tanker routes show ships U-turning toward the Middle East as the Strait of Hormuz reopening talk reshapes trade flows. Regional Connectivity: Air Peace plans new scheduled flights linking Lagos with Douala, Libreville, Bamako and Conakry starting August 1, boosting travel links across West and Central Africa. Finance Costs in CEMAC: BEAC reports borrowing got pricier in Q1 2026, with Gabon seeing the biggest jump in lending rates, reinforcing pressure on households and businesses.

Electricity Push: World Bank and AfDB say Mission 300 has connected over 50 million people to electricity across 40 African countries, nearly doubling the pace since launch, with 7.5 million in Tanzania and 4.6 million in Ethiopia among the biggest gains. Aviation Links: Air Peace announces new scheduled routes from Lagos to Douala, Libreville, Bamako and Conakry starting Aug 1, boosting travel and trade links across West and Central Africa. Gabon Finance Watch: A BEAC report highlights rising borrowing costs across CEMAC, with Gabon hit hardest—average lending rates jumping to 21.51% in Q1 2026. Gabon Energy in Focus: Record Resources says it sold non-core rights at Lake Temiskaming to keep prioritizing its Gabon oil and gas assets on the Ngulu block. Conservation Alarm: Researchers warn vulture demand driven by belief-based use in Nigeria and Benin is now reaching central Africa, putting Chad’s critically endangered hooded vultures at risk. Online Culture: Commentary and debate continue around social media controversies involving Salim Goje’s family and Hadiza Gabon.

Electricity Access Push: The World Bank and AfDB say Mission 300 has connected over 50 million people to electricity across 40 African countries, with access delivered at nearly double the pace since launch—boosted by financing, policy reforms, and coordinated delivery. Central Africa Cost of Credit: A BEAC report shows borrowing costs in CEMAC climbed in Q1 2026, with Gabon hit hardest as average lending rates jumped to 21.51%, reinforcing pressure on households and businesses. Gabon in the Spotlight via Oil & Energy: Record Resources says it sold non-core rights at Lake Temiskaming to focus on its Gabon oil and gas assets, including the Ngulu block. Regional Air Links: Air Peace announced new scheduled routes starting August 1, 2026, including Lagos–Libreville (Gabon), aiming to deepen trade and tourism ties across West and Central Africa. Security & Instability Watch: A new brief warns Islamic State’s Sahel affiliate has advanced in organization and capability, with growing links to other IS networks. Sports & Culture: World Cup coverage continues, including Norway’s Haaland-led win over Iraq, while Gabon’s cultural ties also surface in coverage of ibogaine research rooted in Gabon’s Bwiti tradition.

Electricity Push: The World Bank and AfDB say Mission 300 has connected over 50 million people to electricity across 40 African countries, nearly doubling the pace since launch and aiming for 300 million connections by 2030. Aviation Links (Gabon): Air Peace will start new scheduled routes from Lagos to Douala, Libreville, Bamako and Conakry on August 1, 2026, with multiple weekly services. Banking Costs in CEMAC: BEAC reports borrowing got more expensive across Central Africa in Q1 2026, with Gabon hit hardest as average lending rates jumped to 21.51%. Gabon Oil Update: VAALCO Energy says it has brought development well results offshore Gabon online and continues its drilling campaign. Regional Security: A new brief warns Islamic State’s Sahel affiliate is becoming more capable, with growing coordination and territorial ambitions. World Cup Buzz: Norway opened its campaign with a 4-1 win over Iraq, while Tunisia replaced coach Sabri Lamouchi with Hervé Renard after a 5-1 loss.

CEMAC Lending Pressure: Gabon is seeing the steepest jump in borrowing costs in the region, with average bank lending rates rising from 14.48% in Q1 2025 to 21.51% in Q1 2026, making the country the most expensive credit market in CEMAC. Cameroon Credit Market Shift: In Cameroon, commercial banks still dominate lending (99.65%), but among financial institutions the leadership changed: SCE surged to 41.05% market share while Alios Finance Cameroon fell to 25.83% after an ownership change. EU Support for Digital and Forests/Cocoa: The EU signed three grant deals in Yaoundé worth over CFA37bn to boost Cameroon’s digital economy and strengthen cocoa and timber value chains, with spillover support for Gabon and other Central African states. Mission 300 Electrification Milestone: The World Bank and AfDB say Mission 300 has connected over 50 million people to electricity across 40 countries, nearly doubling the pace since launch, with 4.5m Nigerians and 7.5m Tanzanians among the beneficiaries. Air Peace Adds Gabon Route: Air Peace will launch Lagos–Douala–Libreville–Douala–Lagos flights from August 1, 2026, expanding links across West and Central Africa. Offshore Gabon Oil Update: VAALCO reports encouraging early results from the Ebouri-5H well offshore Gabon, now on production with an initial flow rate above 8,000 bbl/d and low water cut.

Electricity Push in Gabon and Beyond: The World Bank and AfDB say their Mission 300 electrification drive has connected 50 million+ people across 40 African countries in just two years, with access expanding at nearly double the early pace—highlighting policy reforms and faster rollout of on-grid and off-grid power. Cost of Credit in CEMAC: A BEAC report shows borrowing costs in Central Africa are rising, with Gabon hit hardest—average lending rates jumping to 21.51% in Q1 2026 from 14.48% a year earlier, keeping Gabon the most expensive banking market in the bloc. Air Connectivity for Libreville: Air Peace announces new scheduled routes starting August 1, 2026, including Lagos–Douala–Libreville–Douala–Lagos, aiming to boost trade and tourism across West and Central Africa. Offshore Gabon Oil Update: VAALCO reports encouraging early results offshore Gabon, including the Ebouri-5H well placed on production with an initial flow rate above 8,000 bbl/d and low water cut. Regional Security Watch: A new brief warns Islamic State’s Sahel affiliate is evolving toward stronger coordination and territorial control, as regional rivalry intensifies.

World Cup Spotlight: Norway returned to the FIFA World Cup after 28 years with a 4-1 Group I win over Iraq at Gillette Stadium, powered by Erling Haaland’s two goals and a late own goal that put Norway top on goal difference. Security Watch: A new report says Islamic State’s Sahel affiliate has shifted into a more organized, territory-holding phase, with growing links to Islamic State West Africa Province. Tunisia Football Shake-up: Tunisia sacked Sabri Lamouchi after their opening loss and appointed Hervé Renard to try to salvage their World Cup campaign. Power for Gabon and Africa: Mission 300, backed by the World Bank and AfDB, says it has connected over 50 million people to electricity across 40 countries, with Gabon listed among new compact signers. Offshore Gabon Energy: VAALCO reports strong early results from the Ebouri-5H well offshore Gabon, including 300m net pay and initial production above 8,000 bpd gross, as drilling moves to the next target. Digital Rights in Gabon: A commentary highlights concerns that internet shutdowns and digital controls have been used during elections or protests in countries including Gabon.

Orthodox Church Discipline: Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria placed Metropolitan Panteleimon of Ptolemais under indefinite suspension after an Athens arrest tied to allegations of exposing himself to pedestrians, with the Patriarchate also citing past “difficulties” during his time in Gabon. Gabon Oil Update: VAALCO Energy says its offshore Gabon drilling is progressing well: the Ebouri-5H development well has started production with strong initial rates (over 8,000 bpd gross) and low water cut, and the rig has moved to drill ETBNM-3 targeting gas and condensate. Public Health & Research: KNUST has joined the DENSTAR project to speed up dengue vaccine trials in Africa, with Phase III clinical work planned on the continent and €11m+ secured for the effort. Digital Rights Debate: A new analysis highlights how countries including Gabon have used internet shutdowns and restrictive measures during elections, arguing for disinformation rules that don’t crush civic space. World Cup Spotlight (Africa): FIFA refereeing assignments include Gabon’s Pierre Atcho as the main referee for Iraq vs Norway, underscoring African officials’ growing role at the expanded tournament.

Offshore Oil Update: VAALCO Energy says its Ebouri-5H development well offshore Gabon has been completed and brought on production, hitting a 300-metre net pay interval in Gamba sands and an initial flow rate above 8,000 bpd gross with very low water cut; the rig has now moved to the SEENT platform to drill ETBNM-3 targeting gas and condensate, with produced gas planned to cut diesel costs. Next Drilling Milestone: VAALCO also reported Egypt progress, with the HE-9 development well placed on production after encountering 26 metres of net pay in the Asl B reservoir. Human Rights Message: UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk told the Human Rights Council that the “trajectory” is toward “larger freedom,” while warning of an “onslaught” against international law. Gabon in the Spotlight via Football: FIFA has named Gabon’s Pierre Atcho as the main referee for a World Cup match, with two Gabonese assistant referees supporting him. Public Health Research: KNUST joined a €11m dengue vaccine push, hosting Phase III trials under the DENSTAR project. Culture & Identity: Gabonese artist Naïla Opiangah is gaining global attention for paintings challenging colonial shame around Black female nudity.

Oil & Industry: VAALCO Energy says offshore Gabon drilling is progressing well, with the Ebouri-5H well placed on production and initial output reported above 8,000 gross BOPD, plus rig mobilization to the SEENT platform for the ETBNM-3 well. Public Health: KNUST has joined the €11m DENSTAR project to fast-track a dengue vaccine rollout across sub-Saharan Africa, with Phase III trials planned on the continent. Infrastructure in Gabon: AGL and Algest Investment Bank have started construction of the Kobe-Kobe port, a core part of the Belinga logistics corridor linking inland mining to the Atlantic coast via a 550-km railway. Football & Gabon on the pitch: FIFA has named Gabon’s Pierre Atcho as central referee for the Iraq vs Norway Group-stage match, with two Gabonese assistants. Culture Spotlight: Gabonese artist Naïla Opiangah is gaining global attention for paintings of Black female nudes that challenge colonial shame narratives.