AGP Executive Report

ICC Withdrawal: Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger have started a year-long process to leave the International Criminal Court, arguing it’s a tool of neocolonial repression as insurgencies and alleged abuses intensify. South Africa Xenophobia Fallout: South Africa’s anti-immigrant protests have triggered looting of foreign-owned shops in KwaZulu-Natal and a diplomatic row with Ghana over the death of a Ghanaian man; Pretoria says Ghana’s timeline is wrong and police have “no record” of the Khayelitsha killing. World Cup Shock: Belgium staged a historic comeback to beat Senegal 3-2 in extra time after a late VAR-awarded penalty, sending Senegal home and sparking calls for coach Pape Thiaw’s dismissal. Digital Infrastructure Deal: Equinix is buying West Africa’s MainOne at a valuation of about $320m, betting on rising data demand and expanding data-centre capacity across Nigeria, Ghana and Ivory Coast. Climate & Water: A South African land market story says water security is now a key driver of farmland values as climate volatility reshapes farming economics. Health & Sovereignty: Africa’s vaccine push faces a major hurdle as leaders target 60% local production by 2040 amid tightening donor budgets. Tanzania-Russia Links: Russia and Tanzania signed a tourism cooperation memo as direct flights resume and tickets sell out.

World Cup Drama: Belgium stunned Senegal 3-2 in Seattle after overturning a 2-0 deficit, with Romelu Lukaku and Youri Tielemans forcing extra time and Tielemans converting a late penalty in the 125th minute to send Belgium into the last 16. VAR Controversy: Senegal coach Pape Thiaw said the penalty decision felt “harsh,” while Belgium’s comeback hinged on a video review that awarded the spot kick. South Africa Travel Rules: SARS made a compulsory online traveller declaration effective July 1 for most trips, replacing many paper customs forms and requiring submission within 24 hours before departure. Namibia Repatriation: Namibia launched a voluntary programme to repatriate about 1,000 citizens from South Africa, with reception sites, reintegration support, and coordination through home affairs and the Pretoria mission. Justice Delays: South Africa’s courts still have a backlog: 17% of reserved cases were pending for over six months, with Gauteng courts leading the delays. Xenophobia Fallout: Anti-immigrant protests in South Africa have triggered arrests and violence concerns, including reports of a Ghanaian killed amid heightened tensions.

Anti-immigration crackdown in South Africa: Police say more than 900 people were arrested during June 30 nationwide protests, with 108 marches peaceful and 12 needing intervention; looting hit foreign-owned shops in places like Durban’s Clermont and Alexandra, while authorities also reported a fatal incident in Alexandra and shootings in Hillbrow. Diplomatic fallout and compensation: Nigeria says it is documenting abandoned businesses and property left behind by returnees and will seek compensation from South Africa. Public order and governance debate: Commentators argue the “peaceful” framing misses the deeper strain—shutdowns of economic hubs and a lack of a coordinated “war room” to counter misinformation. Ebola and Marburg risk: Africa CDC confirmed a Marburg death in Uganda, while UN warnings put Central Africa’s Ebola outbreak at up to $3.6bn in potential economic damage. World Cup spotlight: Belgium face Senegal in the Round of 32, while South Africa hosts England in rugby’s Nations Championship opener at Ellis Park. Digital push: Ramaphosa urged faster AI and cloud adoption at a Google Cloud summit, positioning it as a survival tool for public services.

South Africa Immigration Crackdown: Police confirm arrests over looting and attempted looting during nationwide anti-migrant protests, urging peaceful demonstrations as thousands march ahead of and after the June 30 deadline. Nigerian Evacuations: Nigeria’s federal government says it is seeking compensation from South Africa for Nigerians who abandoned businesses and properties, as another 269 returnees arrive in Lagos, bringing recent evacuees to 603. Jobs Pressure Debate: Statistics South Africa data shows 80,000 jobs shed in Q1, fueling the protests while critics warn the campaign risks deepening xenophobia. Ebola Warning: The UN warns an Ebola outbreak in Central Africa could cost up to $3.6bn and threaten hundreds of thousands of jobs if not contained. World Cup Focus: Senegal and Belgium set for the Round of 32 in Seattle, with Senegal’s coach calling knockout football a “new competition” and Belgium confident despite Senegal’s pace; Senegal’s goalkeeper Édouard Mendy is ruled out with injury. Business & Health: Smile Train launches an Africa alumni network to expand locally led cleft care, while Dangote outlines plans to raise Africa refining capacity to 2.1m bpd via new investments and partnerships.

Anti-immigrant unrest: South Africa braces for June 30 protests as cities shut down, police flood streets, and thousands of undocumented migrants flee; Nigeria warns against vigilante violence and says it will seek compensation for abandoned businesses. Repatriations: Zimbabwe deploys buses to move citizens home from South Africa, while Nigeria continues evacuations with hundreds arriving in Lagos. Ebola shock: UN warns the DRC Ebola outbreak could cost Africa up to $3.6bn and trigger major job losses if response gaps persist. Fuel relief: South Africa cuts petrol and diesel prices for July, easing pressure on construction and transport costs. Tanzania business & mining: Barrick–Twiga tops Dividend Day payouts with Sh221.9bn to the state; Hanlink Mobility launches in Dar es Salaam, signaling deeper regional expansion. Governance & rights: Cape Verde highlights LGBTQ progress amid ongoing challenges; Namibia approves a long-delayed Walvis basin deal. Sports: Senegal and Belgium set up a tense World Cup Round of 32 clash as Morocco advances after penalties.

Anti-immigration crackdown: South Africa braces for June 30 protests against illegal immigration, with police warning of traffic disruptions and pledging heavy deployments to stop intimidation and violence. Press freedom under threat: CPJ and partners say at least 15 journalists have been targeted while covering the anti-migrant marches, as activists allegedly identify and threaten media workers. Mass departures: Thousands of migrants are fleeing by bus, taxi and flights ahead of the deadline; Zimbabwe has repatriated 3,624 citizens so far, with more expected after screening at Beitbridge. Legal limits on deportations: South Africa’s Human Rights Commission warns that mass expulsions would violate international and domestic law. Public health policy: Parliament advances South Africa’s Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill, proposing stricter smoke-free rules and tighter vaping regulation. Food security hit: More than 250 pigs die in Gorkha, Nepal, from African swine fever. World Cup fallout: South Africa’s Hugo Broos says the Canada loss may be his last World Cup as Canada’s late goal ends the run.

World Cup Shock: Canada stunned South Africa 1-0 with Stephen Eustaquio’s stoppage-time winner, ending Hugo Broos’ World Cup run and sending the co-hosts into the last 16. Anti-Immigration Tensions in South Africa: As June 30 nears, thousands of Malawians and other foreign nationals queue in camps near Durban and elsewhere for repatriation, while officials warn of violence and urge lawful, peaceful protests. Xenophobia Fallout: A Nigerian woman returned with her children after attacks, and a Nigerian businessman was reportedly shot dead in Witbank amid rising fears. Human Rights & Public Order: The South African Human Rights Commission called for calm and rule-of-law protests, and the Western Cape urged residents to reject violence. Regional Politics & Justice: Human Rights Watch said Mali’s warring parties committed grave abuses against civilians. Energy & Trade: Germany pledged €250m for Africa and Asia after Hormuz fallout, while Eco Atlantic won Namibian approval for a Lamda farm-out. Digital Security: Mastercard launched an Africa Cybersecurity Center of Excellence in South Africa and Nigeria.

World Cup Shockwave: Canada beat South Africa 1-0 in the Round of 32 with Stephen Eustaquio’s stoppage-time strike, sending the co-hosts into the Round of 16 for the first time as Ronwen Williams kept Bafana in it. African Football Momentum: CAF president Patrice Motsepe hailed a historic surge as nine of Africa’s 10 teams reached the knockout stage, with only Tunisia missing out. Xenophobia Flashpoint in South Africa: Ahead of June 30 anti-illegal immigration protests, South Africa tightened security and warned against violence, as migrants face intimidation and mass departures; a Nigerian businessman “Big Joe” was reportedly assassinated amid the unrest. Humanitarian Alarm: Church leaders in Mozambique and Ethiopia raised concerns after attacks killed Christians and displaced thousands, putting believers on alert across the region. Investment Watch: Kenya’s GenAfrica Asset Managers said it’s eyeing Africa’s emerging opportunities with a Sh800bn fund as it marks 30 years, betting on innovation and deeper capital markets.

World Cup Round of 32: Africa makes history again as nine nations reach the knockout stage—Morocco, South Africa, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Cape Verde, Egypt, DR Congo and Algeria—setting a new continental record and leaving Tunisia as the only African team out. South Africa-Canada Focus: The knockout era kicks off Sunday in Inglewood with South Africa facing co-hosts Canada, with Bafana aiming to extend their first-ever last-32 run; Canada’s Alphonso Davies is reported available. Xenophobia and Evacuations: Uganda begins voluntary evacuation of 746 citizens from South Africa amid rising xenophobic violence and vigilante threats ahead of a June 30 deadline. Financial Stability: Bank of Ghana Governor Johnson Asiama points to Ghana’s recovery as proof Africa must deepen domestic debt markets. Health Security: Africa CDC, WHO and Uganda launch a joint incident management support team to strengthen Ebola response coordination. Energy/Industry: Namibia appoints a new petroleum commissioner, replacing Maggy Shino, while Mozambique’s Coral Norte FLNG signs a key mooring contract with Modec.

World Cup Breakthrough: Africa’s record run continues as DR Congo and Congo book historic Round of 32 spots, with Congo set for England and DR Congo’s Cinderella rise after a 3-1 comeback over Uzbekistan. Knockout Spotlight: South Africa vs Canada opens the Round of 32 at SoFi Stadium, with Bafana Bafana chasing a first-ever knockout push and coach Hugo Broos calling it a “miracle” if they go further; Canada arrives with captain Alphonso Davies declared fit. Football Momentum: Senegal keep their knockout hopes alive after a dominant 5-0 rout of Iraq, while South Korea’s campaign ends after a loss to South Africa. Migration & Protests: South Africa braces for June 30 anti-immigration protests amid reports of fear and displacement, as border authorities process repatriations. Governance & Rights: Tanzania faces backlash after banning political rallies ahead of planned protests. Energy Access: Africa’s electricity push gets a $1.4bn boost under Mission 300. Namibia Tech & Culture: Namibia launches WIPO’s copyright module to help creators register works online. Public Finance: Open Secrets flags a pension “cartel” controlling about R6tn in assets and R51bn in unclaimed benefits.

World Cup Knockouts: Senegal’s 5-0 demolition of Iraq kept African hopes alive, while South Africa booked a Round of 32 spot and now face Canada on Sunday in Los Angeles. Migration Tensions in South Africa: As June 30 nears, South Africa is processing thousands of Malawians for repatriation and anti-foreigner protests are looming, with MTN chair Mcebisi Jonas blaming state failures and politicians for stoking xenophobia. Public Health: The Central African Republic declared a cholera outbreak near Bangui with 197 cases and 24 deaths, urging hygiene and rapid containment. Regional Displacement: UNHCR warns East Africa’s refugee situation remains severe, driven by conflict and climate shocks, with 6.3 million refugees. Mining & Investment: Tanzania’s Zanzibar is stepping up mineral exploration after preliminary studies, and TMIC 2026 will push value-added minerals. Finance & Climate: UBA mobilised staff for a pan-African environmental clean-up, and Ecobank Cameroon CEO Gwendoline Abunaw joined an international green transition council. Women’s Football: CAF launched the countdown to WAFCON Morocco 2026, expanding the tournament to 16 teams.

World Cup Drama: Senegal thrashed 10-man Iraq 5-0 in Toronto in Group I’s finale, with Habib Diarra scoring early and Pape Gueye striking twice after a VAR-upgraded red card for Rebin Sulaka; Ismaila Sarr and Iliman Ndiaye also netted as Senegal climbed to three points and now wait to see if they qualify for the Round of 32 as one of the best third-placed teams. Group I Context: France topped Group I after Ousmane Dembélé’s rapid hat-trick in a 4-1 win over Norway, while Senegal’s fate hinges on results elsewhere. Regional Integration: East Africa’s EAC pushed ahead with plans for a single digital market at a Digital for Development forum in Arusha, Tanzania, aiming to turn digital policy into cross-border trade projects. South Africa Governance & Economy: South Africa’s DFFE urged compliant waste-sector small businesses to register on the Waste Economy Enterprises Repository (WEERSA), a bid to map and support MSMEs. Branding & Business: Brand Africa released Namibia’s top brands rankings, with MTC taking the Grand Prix and Windhoek Beer leading admired brands.

World Cup Drama: South Africa stunned South Korea 1-0 to reach the FIFA World Cup knockout stage for the first time, setting up a Round of 32 clash with Canada, while Group I’s final day leaves Senegal and Iraq fighting for survival as France and Norway play for top spot. Migration & Security: South Africa braces for June 30 anti-foreigner protests as police warn against violence and migrants flee ahead of possible unrest; meanwhile, Tanzania bans political rallies ahead of July 7 youth-led demonstrations. Health Crisis: Ebola continues to worsen, with Africa CDC calling for $1.4bn as cases surge past 1,130 in DR Congo and Uganda, and France reports its first patient linked to the outbreak. Energy & Climate: Africa added 4.2GW of new hydropower in 2025, but pumped storage gaps remain; ECA urges Southern Africa to strengthen resilience to external shocks. Business & Industry: Cameroon’s Chocolat Rouge begins cocoa processing, while Chinese firms deepen their footprint in South Africa’s coatings market; Mintek highlights how it can add value to the PGM sector. Sports Beyond Football: Namibia pushes to attract more Chinese tourists, and South Africa’s women’s football tournament expands to 16 teams for Morocco 2026.

World Cup Shockwave: South Africa stunned South Korea 1-0 to reach the Round of 32 for the first time, setting up a Sunday clash with Canada in Los Angeles. Women’s Cricket: Tazmin Brits’ 114* powered South Africa to an 88-run win over the Netherlands, keeping semi-final hopes alive. Ebola Watch: France reported its first Ebola case after a doctor returned from the DRC as Africa’s outbreak tops 1,000 cases; Africa CDC says funding needs have jumped to $1.4bn. Migration Fallout: Nigeria evacuated 66 citizens from South Africa amid xenophobic attacks, while South Africa faces renewed security pressure ahead of June 30 protests. Cameroon & Nigeria: Cameroon and Nigeria signed a defense MoU to protect their southern border. Conservation: South Africa’s Boulders Beach penguin colony recorded 790 breeding pairs, up from 698 in 2025. Tech & Health: The 6th Africa Digital Health Summit stressed that digital health progress depends on governance and interoperability, not just new tools.

World Cup Shock: South Africa reached the FIFA World Cup Round of 32 for the first time, beating South Korea 1-0 with Thapelo Maseko’s 63rd-minute strike; coach Hugo Broos said the team “shut up big mouths” after a tough start, and they now face Canada in Los Angeles on Sunday. Ebola Response: Africa CDC warned that an imported Bundibugyo Ebola case in France shows why surveillance must stay tight, as funding needs for the outbreak response rise to about $1.4bn amid worsening conditions in DRC’s Ituri. Xenophobia & Security: South Africa’s President Ramaphosa vowed a firm response ahead of June 30 anti-immigrant marches, after weeks of violent unrest and calls for undocumented foreigners to leave. Mining & Growth Pressure: PwC says South Africa’s critical-minerals investment plans lag in execution, while S&P cut the growth outlook citing inflation, energy costs and rate pressures. Trade & Payments: Nigeria floated a pan-African payment card to cut dollar dependence, while Morocco’s intra-Africa trade hit $9.5bn in 2025 as AfCFTA pushes deeper integration.

World Cup Shock: South Africa stunned South Korea 1-0 with Thapelo Maseko’s 63rd-minute strike to reach the FIFA 2026 knockout stage for the first time, finishing second in Group A behind Mexico and setting up a Round of 32 clash with Canada in Los Angeles. Match Turning Points: South Korea’s coach left captain Son Heung-min on the bench, but the Koreans couldn’t find a breakthrough as Ronwen Williams held firm after early chances and a late save. Next Fixture: Canada advanced after a 2-1 loss to Switzerland, and will face South Africa on Sunday. Regional Pressure: In South Africa, thousands of Malawians queued for repatriation ahead of the 30 June deadline amid anti-immigration unrest, with buses and fingerprinting underway. Climate Hit to Food Bills: El Niño-linked heat and drought fears are expected to raise food prices across southern Africa, warning of wallet pressure as harvests face stress.