AGP Executive Report

Mpox Watch in Guinea-Bissau: A new mpox outbreak has been reported in Guinea-Bissau, the country’s first, with authorities saying children make up about half of suspected cases as the virus spreads beyond the initial confirmed infections. Public Health Lab Boost: WAHO has donated €1.5m in laboratory equipment to Guinea-Bissau’s National Public Health Laboratory to strengthen diagnostics and epidemiological monitoring under an ECOWAS-backed project. Nutrition & Fisheries Policy: A study links major nutritional gains to retaining more fish locally, finding Guinea-Bissau could see big calcium improvements if fisheries management and access agreements prioritize food and nutrition security. Polio Progress: WHO says Guinea-Bissau has successfully interrupted transmission of polio type 2, joining other African countries cleared after independent outbreak assessments. Tech Leadership in Telecoms: MTN Group appointed Ikenna Ikeme as Executive for Group Regulatory Affairs, while also reshuffling leadership roles across operations and regulatory functions. Wildlife Science from Boé: Researchers report rare “accumulative stone throwing” by western chimpanzees in Guinea-Bissau, suggesting a potentially cultural communication behavior.

Mpox Watch (Guinea-Bissau): Guinea-Bissau has reported its first mpox outbreak, with authorities saying over half of cases are children; UNICEF warns surveillance is fragile and the virus may be spreading undetected, while no deaths have been recorded so far. Public Health Tech (Labs): WAHO donated €1.5m in lab equipment to Guinea-Bissau’s National Public Health Laboratory under the PROALAB project, aiming to boost diagnostics and epidemiological monitoring for faster outbreak response. Polio Update (Regional): WHO says Guinea-Bissau and four other African countries have successfully interrupted poliovirus type 2 transmission after independent outbreak assessments, but officials stress continued vaccination and surveillance. Nutrition & Fisheries: Research highlights that retaining more local catch could deliver major nutrient gains for Guinea-Bissau, where calcium deficiency is nearly universal, linking fisheries management and food security. Telecom Regulation (MTN): MTN Group appointed Ikenna Ikeme as Executive for Group Regulatory Affairs, and also named an operations leader for Francophone markets—moves tied to its Ambition 2030 strategy. Energy Access (Solar): UK plug-in solar panel kits are going on sale, a consumer-friendly policy push that could accelerate home renewables adoption.

Public Health Boost: WAHO donated €1.5M in lab equipment to Guinea-Bissau’s National Public Health Laboratory under the PROALAB project, aiming to strengthen diagnostics and epidemiological surveillance. Mpox Watch: Guinea-Bissau is facing its first mpox outbreak, with authorities reporting that about half of suspected/confirmed cases are children and warning surveillance may be missing additional spread. Polio Progress: WHO confirmed poliovirus type 2 transmission has been interrupted in Guinea-Bissau (along with Burundi, Ghana, Congo, and Uganda) after assessments of surveillance, lab results, and epidemiological data—though continued vaccination and monitoring are still needed. Nutrition & Fisheries: A study links global nutrient imbalance to how industry exports African catch, finding Guinea-Bissau could gain major calcium intake if more seafood is retained locally and fisheries agreements prioritize food security. Connectivity & Regulation: MTN Group appointed Ikenna Ikeme as Executive for Group Regulatory Affairs, and also named Ashutosh Tiwary for Francophone markets—moves that could shape telecom policy and rollout across the region.

Public Health Lab Boost: WAHO donated €1.5M in laboratory equipment to Guinea-Bissau’s National Public Health Laboratory under the PROALAB project, aiming to strengthen diagnostics and epidemiological surveillance. Mpox Watch: Guinea-Bissau’s first mpox outbreak is spreading beyond early detection, with children making up about half of suspected cases and UNICEF warning surveillance may be missing infections. Polio Progress: WHO and Africa CDC confirmed Guinea-Bissau (along with Burundi, Ghana, Congo, and Uganda) has stopped poliovirus type 2 transmission after assessments of surveillance, lab results, and vaccination coverage. Nutrition & Fisheries: A study links major nutrient shortfalls to how fisheries are managed globally; retaining more local catch could help address widespread calcium deficiency in Guinea-Bissau. Telecom Leadership: MTN announced new executive appointments, including a role tied to Francophone markets, with experience that includes prior leadership in MTN Guinea-Bissau.

Public Health Lab Upgrade: WAHO donated €1.51M in laboratory equipment to Guinea-Bissau’s National Public Health Laboratory under the PROALAB project, funded by Germany’s KfW, aiming to boost disease detection, epidemiological surveillance, and emergency response. Mpox Alert for Children: Guinea-Bissau’s mpox outbreak is affecting children heavily, with local authorities saying about half of cases are among minors (including many under age four), while UNICEF warns surveillance gaps may let the virus spread undetected. Nutrition & Fisheries Policy: New research links global nutrient shortfalls to how fisheries are managed and traded, finding Guinea-Bissau could see major calcium gains if more local catch is retained, pushing for food-and-nutrition security to be built into fisheries access deals. Polio Progress in the Region: WHO says poliovirus type 2 transmission has been interrupted in Guinea-Bissau (along with four other African countries) after assessments and targeted vaccination, but stresses continued surveillance and immunization.

Mpox Watch in Guinea-Bissau: Authorities say more than half of Guinea-Bissau’s mpox cases are among children, with 16 patients under age four; UNICEF warns the virus may be spreading undetected due to fragile surveillance, after the first confirmed case was reported on 4 July. Polio Update: WHO says poliovirus type 2 transmission has been interrupted in Guinea-Bissau (along with Burundi, Ghana, Congo and Uganda) after assessments of surveillance, lab results and epidemiological data—though officials stress vaccination and monitoring must continue. Regional Health Security: Uganda and four other countries have been cleared of recent polio outbreaks after independent reviews, highlighting the role of lab capacity and targeted campaigns. Energy Data for MSGBC: Viridien signed a multi-client deal with Senegal’s Petrosen to improve subsurface data across the MSGBC basin, aiming to boost exploration decisions and investment. Youth & Sports Infrastructure: The Nigerian Navy inaugurated a multipurpose sports arena in Anambra to give youths social options and reduce restiveness and social vices—an example of tech-adjacent community development through facilities. Global Poverty Snapshot: A 2026 GDP-PPP per capita ranking places Nigeria among the world’s poorest, with most of the very bottom countries in Africa, underscoring the economic pressure context for health and tech progress.

Mpox Watch in Guinea-Bissau: More than half of reported mpox cases are children, with 16 cases under age four, as authorities warn the virus may be spreading undetected due to fragile health surveillance; Polio Milestone: WHO says Guinea-Bissau and four other African countries have stopped poliovirus type 2 transmission after assessments of surveillance, lab results, and vaccination coverage; Ebola Vaccine for DRC: The global Ebola vaccine stockpile will release 70,000 Ervebo doses to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, including 20,000 for a Phase 3 trial to test protection against the Bundibugyo virus; MSGBC Energy Data Deal (Senegal): Viridien signed a multi-client partnership with Petrosen to improve subsurface data across the MSGBC basin, aiming to boost exploration investment; Regional Security Diplomacy: Russia and Ghana discussed steps to normalize relations between ECOWAS and the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), focusing on security and counterterrorism; Tech & Environment (Bissau-linked): Reporting highlights a Chinese marine biotech firm tied to the Tian Yi He 6 facing pollution allegations and legal actions, raising questions about ongoing operations despite liquidation orders.

Mpox Watch in Guinea-Bissau: More than half of reported mpox cases are children, with 16 under age four, as UNICEF warns fragile surveillance may be missing spread; Guinea-Bissau has recorded 7 confirmed and 46 suspected cases since the first confirmed case on 4 July, with most activity in the Bissau autonomous sector. Polio Update for the Region: WHO says five African countries—including Guinea-Bissau—have stopped poliovirus type 2 transmission after independent assessments, but urges continued vaccination and surveillance to prevent new outbreaks. Ebola Vaccine Science in DRC: WHO and partners approved releasing 70,000 Ervebo doses for the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Bundibugyo outbreak, including 20,000 for a Phase 3 trial to test protection in humans. Regional Security Diplomacy: Russia and Ghana push measures to normalize relations between ECOWAS and the AES, aiming to rebuild bridges amid ongoing Sahara-Sahel security pressures. Energy Data for MSGBC Basin: Viridien signed a multi-client deal with Senegal’s Petrosen to improve offshore subsurface data across the MSGBC basin, targeting better exploration decisions. Forced Labor Spotlight: A global labor rights index flags Guinea-Bissau among countries with severe slavery vulnerability, alongside broader concerns about worker rights.

Mpox Watch in Guinea-Bissau: Local authorities say more than half of mpox cases are among children, with 16 patients under age four, as the epidemic declared 4 July totals 7 confirmed and 46 suspected cases; UNICEF warns fragile surveillance may be letting the virus spread undetected, and health officials note clade variants match regional circulation, with most cases in the Bissau autonomous sector and no deaths reported yet. Polio Milestone: WHO reports poliovirus type 2 transmission has been interrupted in five African countries—Burundi, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Congo, and Uganda—after independent assessments reviewed surveillance, lab results, and epidemiological data, but urges continued vaccination and monitoring. Ebola Vaccine for DRC: WHO and Africa CDC back an allocation of 70,000 Ervebo doses to the Democratic Republic of the Congo for a Bundibugyo outbreak, including 50,000 for frontline health workers and 20,000 for a Phase 3 trial to test effectiveness in humans. Regional Tech & Energy Signals: Senegal’s MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2026 confirms official patronage by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and the energy minister, while Viridien signs a multi-client subsurface data deal with Petrosen to boost exploration intelligence across the MSGBC basin.

Public Health: WHO says poliovirus type 2 transmission has been interrupted in five African countries—Burundi, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Congo, and Uganda—after independent OBRA assessments reviewed surveillance, lab results, and epidemiological data; WHO stresses this is a milestone, not a finish line, and calls for continued vaccination and monitoring. Ebola Vaccines: DRC has received an approved release of 70,000 Ervebo doses from the global stockpile for a Bundibugyo outbreak—50,000 for frontline health workers and 20,000 for a Phase 3 trial to test effectiveness in humans. Regional Security & Diplomacy: Russia and Ghana discuss measures to normalize relations between ECOWAS and the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), with security and counterterrorism in the Sahel a key focus. Energy & Data for Exploration: Viridien signs a multi-client subsurface data deal with Senegal’s Petrosen for the MSGBC basin, aiming to boost exploration intelligence and investment. Maritime Environment: A report links a Chinese fishmeal operation and a vessel tied to Guinea-Bissau to pollution concerns and legal disputes, raising questions about enforcement and ongoing activity.

Ebola Vaccine for DRC: WHO’s vaccine group approved releasing 70,000 Ervebo doses from the global stockpile for the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Bundibugyo outbreak—50,000 for frontline health workers and 20,000 for a Phase 3 trial to test protection in humans. Polio Gains Ground in West Africa: WHO confirmed poliovirus type 2 outbreak transmission has stopped in Burundi, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Congo, and Uganda after assessments covering surveillance, lab work, and epidemiology, with targeted vaccination and environmental monitoring helping end spread. ECOWAS–AES Rapprochement Push: Russia’s Lavrov and Ghana’s foreign minister agreed on steps to normalize relations between ECOWAS and the Alliance of Sahel States, with security and counterterrorism in the Sahel a key focus. Regional Energy Tech Watch: Senegal’s Petrosen signed a multi-client deal with Viridien to improve offshore subsurface data across the MSGBC basin, aiming to boost exploration decisions and capacity. Digital Economy Angle (Togo): A look at how Togo’s fintech ecosystem grew from ride-hailing into payments and money management, tied to broader regional instant-payment momentum. Marine Pollution Case: Reporting highlights a Chinese fishmeal operator linked to the Tian Yi He 6 facing pollution allegations and legal actions tied to debts and liquidation orders.

Public Health: WHO confirmed the closure of poliovirus type 2 outbreaks in Burundi, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Congo, and Uganda after assessments found transmission interrupted, with targeted vaccination, investigations, and expanded environmental surveillance. Ebola Response: The International Coordinating Group approved releasing 70,000 doses of the Ervebo Ebola vaccine to the DRC for the Bundibugyo outbreak—50,000 for frontline health workers and 20,000 for a Phase 3 trial to test effectiveness in humans. Energy & Data for Exploration: Senegal’s Petrosen signed a multi-client deal with Viridien to improve offshore subsurface data across the MSGBC basin, aiming to boost exploration investment. Regional Security Diplomacy: Russia and Ghana agreed measures to normalize relations between ECOWAS and the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), focusing on security and counterterrorism in the Sahel. Tech & Funding (Global): Ukraine’s United24 says it has raised nearly $4B from donors in 145 countries since 2022. Environment & Fisheries (West Africa): Reporting highlights alleged illegal fishmeal operations and pollution linked to a Chinese marine biotech firm tied to a ship connected to Guinea-Bissau.

Ebola Vaccine Rollout (DRC): WHO’s vaccine group approved releasing 70,000 Ervebo doses from the global stockpile for the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Bundibugyo outbreak—50,000 for frontline health workers and 20,000 for a Phase 3 trial to test protection in humans. Polio Update (West Africa): WHO confirmed poliovirus type 2 outbreak transmission has been interrupted in Burundi, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Congo, and Uganda after assessments of surveillance, labs, and epidemiology—closing the outbreaks but stressing continued vigilance. Regional Security Diplomacy (ECOWAS–AES): Russia’s Lavrov and Ghana’s foreign minister Ablakwa agreed on measures to normalize relations between ECOWAS and the Alliance of Sahel States, with security and counterterrorism in the Sahel front and center. Energy & Geoscience (MSGBC basin): Viridien signed a multi-client partnership with Senegal’s Petrosen to deliver improved offshore subsurface data across the MSGBC region, aiming to boost exploration decisions. Marine Environment (Guinea-Bissau link): A report revisits how a Chinese fishmeal operator tied to a vessel linked to Guinea-Bissau faced pollution allegations and later court action, raising questions about enforcement and environmental safeguards. Tech & Digital Finance (Togo): A deep dive tracks how Togo’s fintech grew from motorcycle taxis into payments and money management, highlighting the role of regional instant payments and mobile money adoption.

Ebola Vaccine Update (DRC): The International Coordinating Group on Vaccine Provision approved releasing 70,000 doses of the Ervebo Ebola vaccine to the Democratic Republic of the Congo for the Bundibugyo outbreak—50,000 for frontline health workers and 20,000 for a Phase 3 clinical trial to test protection in humans. Public Health (Polio): WHO confirmed poliovirus type 2 outbreak closures in five African countries—Burundi, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Congo, and Uganda—after assessments found transmission interrupted through targeted vaccination, surveillance, and environmental monitoring. Energy Tech (Senegal): Viridien signed a multi-client deal with Senegal’s Petrosen to deliver improved offshore subsurface data across the MSGBC basin, aiming to boost exploration decisions and regional capacity. Regional Security & Tech Diplomacy (ECOWAS–AES): Russia’s Lavrov and Ghana’s foreign minister Ablakwa agreed on measures to normalize relations between ECOWAS and the Alliance of Sahel States, with security and counterterrorism in the Sahara-Sahel front and center. Marine & Environment (Guinea-Bissau link): A report revisits the case of a Chinese fishmeal operation tied to pollution allegations and court actions, raising questions about ongoing activity connected to a vessel linked to Guinea-Bissau.

Ebola Vaccine Rollout (DRC): WHO’s vaccine group approved releasing 70,000 Ervebo doses from the global stockpile to the Democratic Republic of the Congo for the Bundibugyo outbreak—50,000 for frontline health workers and 20,000 for a Phase 3 trial to test protection in humans. Public Health (Polio): WHO confirmed poliovirus type 2 outbreak transmission has been interrupted in five African countries—Burundi, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Congo, and Uganda—after assessments covering surveillance, lab work, and epidemiology. Regional Security Diplomacy (ECOWAS–AES): Russia’s Lavrov and Ghana’s foreign minister Ablakwa agreed on steps to normalize relations between ECOWAS and the Alliance of Sahel States, with security and counterterrorism in the Sahara–Sahel in focus. Energy Tech (MSGBC basin): Senegal’s MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2026 announced official participation by President Diomaye Faye and the energy minister, as the region pushes investment and power-sector delivery. Geoscience Data Deal (Senegal): Viridien signed a multi-client partnership with Petrosen to improve offshore subsurface data across the MSGBC basin, aiming to boost exploration decisions. Marine Environment (Guinea-Bissau link): Reporting highlights a fishmeal operator tied to a ship connected to Guinea-Bissau facing pollution claims and legal actions in China, raising questions about ongoing operations.

Ebola Vaccine Rollout (DRC): WHO and Africa CDC-backed partners approved releasing 70,000 doses of the Ervebo Ebola vaccine to the Democratic Republic of the Congo for a Bundibugyo outbreak—50,000 for frontline health workers and 20,000 for a Phase 3 trial to test whether the vaccine works against Bundibugyo in humans. Public Health Milestone (Polio): WHO confirmed polio type 2 transmission has been stopped in five African countries—Burundi, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Congo, and Uganda—after assessments covering surveillance, lab work, and epidemiological data. Energy & Geoscience (Senegal/MSGBC): Viridien signed a multi-client subsurface data deal with Senegal’s Petrosen to improve offshore exploration intelligence across the MSGBC basin, aiming to boost investment decisions. Regional Energy Event (Senegal): Senegal confirmed President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Energy Minister Dr. El Hadji Abdourahmane Diouf as official participants in MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2026 in Dakar (1–3 Dec). Marine Environment (Guinea-Bissau): A report revisits a Chinese fishmeal operation linked to pollution concerns and legal actions, raising questions about how vessels and environmental impacts are managed around Guinea-Bissau.