AGP Executive Report

Ebola Crisis in DRC: The Democratic Republic of Congo’s Ebola outbreak has become the deadliest in the country’s history, with deaths reported at about 2,325 and cases nearing 5,000, as WHO warns the epidemic is spreading faster than ever and is still “far from being under control.” Regional Health Risk: WHO says insecurity, displacement, and population movement along roads, rivers, and mining routes are driving transmission, with treatment efforts hampered by attacks and community distrust. Guinea Community Spotlight: Registration is open for the Guinea Jubilee 5K and Kids’ Crabby Fun Run on Sept. 26, with proceeds supporting the Guinea Heritage Association’s cultural work and local scholarships. Guinea in Sports: Coventry City has signed Guinea-born forward Sidiki Cherif from Fenerbahce on a long-term deal, adding to the club’s Premier League return push. Guinea Diplomacy: Sri Lanka’s honorary consul in Guinea has pushed back against the Foreign Ministry over a proposal to expand tourism and economic cooperation with Guinea.

Ebola Crisis in DRC: WHO chief Tedros warns the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo is “far from being under control,” moving faster than any previous outbreak and risking spread beyond borders as deaths pass 2,300 and cases near 5,000. West Africa Development Finance: ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) approved over $500m for projects across Guinea, Ghana and Sierra Leone, targeting roads, healthcare, renewable energy and private-sector growth. Education Deadline Fallout: WAEC-Liberia’s WASSCE results release missed its Aug 15 deadline, leaving students and parents frustrated after conflicting public updates. Insurance Recapitalisation: Nigeria’s NAICOM says the insurance recapitalisation drive has concluded, with more firms meeting minimum capital rules and regulators citing improved sector stability. Food Prices Pressure: Nigeria’s headline inflation eased to 15.43% in July, but food inflation jumped to 20.31%, deepening affordability fears for households. Guinea Business: Guinea takes a 50% stake in a new gold venture, signaling continued push to expand mining investment.

Ebola Crisis in DRC: WHO chief Tedros warns the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo is “far from being under control,” saying it’s spreading faster than ever and could cross into more countries as insecurity, displacement, and population movement along roads, rivers, and mining routes fuel transmission. Public Health Response: WHO’s emergency committee is meeting to assess the outbreak and may issue new recommendations after the DRC reported over 2,300 deaths from nearly 5,000 cases, making it the deadliest in the country’s history. Regional Economic Push: UN Economic Commission for Africa urges SADC leaders to speed up industrialisation by processing minerals and agricultural resources, building regional value chains, and turning Africa’s critical energy-transition minerals into manufacturing jobs. Guinea-linked Finance: Veefin Solutions and NSIA Group announce a partnership to expand supply chain finance across five West African markets including Guinea, aiming to help SMEs access working capital through digital reverse factoring and factoring. Guinea Insurance Update: NAICOM says Guinea Insurance is among firms that have met Nigeria’s minimum capital requirements, as the recapitalisation exercise ends with a strengthened capital base. Food Prices in West Africa: Nigeria’s inflation eases to 15.43% in July, but food inflation jumps to 20.31%, keeping cost-of-living pressure high.

Guinea Courts & Dissent: Guinean prosecutors in Conakry asked a court to jail teacher and civil liberties advocate Bella Bah for one year over alleged insults to the Grand Mosque imam, Mamadou Saliou Camara, as the military-led crackdown on dissent continues. ECOWAS Tobacco Policy: ECOWAS met in Conakry to review its tobacco excise directive, focusing on new nicotine products and illicit trade, with WHO and the World Bank supporting the regional tax and enforcement rethink. DRC Ebola Crisis: The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo hit a grim milestone, with deaths officially confirmed at 2,325 and cases at 4,945, making it the deadliest in the country’s history and the second-deadliest globally. Nigeria Inflation Watch: Nigeria’s headline inflation eased to 15.43% in July, but food inflation jumped to 20.31%, keeping pressure on household budgets. Guinea-Linked Business: ECOWAS tourism stakeholders, including delegates from Guinea, met in Abuja to discuss regional tourism cooperation under the COPITOUR framework.

Ebola Crisis in DRC: The Democratic Republic of Congo’s Ebola outbreak has become the deadliest in the country’s history, with official figures putting deaths at 2,325 and confirmed cases at 4,945. Health authorities say the outbreak is spreading fast and that the Bundibugyo strain has no approved vaccine or treatment, while delayed detection and insecurity are worsening outcomes. Regional Tobacco Policy: ECOWAS is holding a Conakry meeting to review its 2017 tobacco excise rules as new nicotine products and illicit trade rise across West Africa. Guinea-Russia Diplomacy: Guinea has confirmed it will attend the third Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow in October, signaling deeper ties beyond ceremony. Nigeria Inflation Watch: Nigeria’s headline inflation eased to 15.43% in July, but food inflation jumped to 20.31%. Maritime Security: Off Somalia, reports say pirates boarded a cargo ship near Maraya; the crew is reported safe as international forces investigate.

Ebola Crisis (DRC): The Democratic Republic of Congo’s Ebola outbreak has become the deadliest in the country’s history, with deaths rising to 2,325 and confirmed cases reaching 4,945 (up 101 in 24 hours), as WHO warns it could surpass the 2014–2016 West Africa outbreak. Public Health Alert (Israel): Israel reported a patient tested after returning from the DRC, with health authorities urging self-isolation and hotline contact for anyone developing symptoms after travel. ECOWAS Education Support: ECOWAS ran a Conakry workshop to strengthen national capacity for technical and vocational education and training (TVET) stakeholders, aiming for better management, quality, and employability. Guinea Mining (Gold): Resolute Mining and Nimba Mining Gold signed the articles of association for a new Guinea gold joint venture, Landaya Gold SAS, now moving from planning to execution. Guinea Industry Logistics: AGL Guinea transported two oversized industrial tanks from Conakry port to the SOBRAGUI plant in a coordinated, high-capability operation. Regional Sports (Guinea): Star Sport Academy bounced back in the West Africa Champions Cup with a 2–0 win over AS Real Bamako in Kankan.

CAF Stadium Update: Guinea’s Stade du 28 Septembre has received a temporary Category 3 nod from CAF, clearing the way for the Syli National’s 2027 AFCON qualifier at home and allowing Guinean clubs to host CAF interclub matches in September 2026—though final certification still depends on continued upgrades and possible on-site checks. Guinea Football Transfers: Coventry City is closing in on Guinea-born striker Sidiki Chérif from Fenerbahce in a deal reported at about €20.5m–€24.5m, with a medical expected soon; the move adds to Coventry’s summer push that also includes Taiwo Awoniyi. Ebola Watch (Region): Health authorities are on alert as the DRC Ebola outbreak accelerates toward record levels, while Israel says a patient tested negative after returning from the DRC and urged self-isolation for recent returnees. Regional Connectivity: Sierra Leone’s SLRA has started bidding for a 39-kilometre highway linking Buedu and Koindu to improve cross-border trade and cooperation with Guinea and Liberia. Sports (West Africa Champions Cup): Star Sport Academy’s campaign took a hit with a 4-0 loss to Karfamoriah FC, raising questions ahead of their CAF Champions League preliminary tie.

Ebola Alert for Travelers: Israel is reporting no confirmed Ebola cases, but a patient in Soroka Hospital was isolated after returning from the DRC and tested negative; Guinea’s health authorities urged anyone returning from the DRC (or Uganda) to self-isolate and call the hotline if symptoms appear within 21 days. DRC Ebola Escalation: WHO says the DRC outbreak is moving faster than any previous one and is on track to be the deadliest on record, with health systems struggling to keep up as cases outpace contact tracing. Guinea Football Stadium Update: CAF granted Stade du 28 Septembre a temporary Category 3 approval for September 2026, allowing Guinea’s national team and clubs to host CAF matches at home while infrastructure fixes continue. Guinea in Regional Sports Development: FIBA ran coach-development and youth basketball technical programs in West Africa, including Guinea, to strengthen federation coaching systems. Insurance Recapitalisation: NAICOM verified Guinea Insurance as meeting minimum capital rules after recapitalisation, positioning the firm to expand underwriting and compete more aggressively.

CAF Stadium Update: CAF has granted Guinea’s Stade du 28 Septembre a temporary Category 3 approval, letting the Syli National host 2027 AFCON qualifier matches at home and allowing Guinean clubs to use the venue for CAF interclub games in September 2026, but the clearance is conditional and CAF can still send inspectors to check safety and operations. Football Setback: Star Sport Academy’s continental preparations took a hit after a 4-0 defeat to Karfamoriah FC in the West Africa Champions Cup, raising questions about tactical flexibility ahead of their CAF Champions League preliminary round tie against Gambia’s Medina United. Insurance Recapitalisation (Regional Spillover): NAICOM says seven more insurers have met Nigeria’s NIIRA 2025 minimum capital rules, bringing compliant firms to 48, with Guinea Insurance among those cleared—an important signal for West African insurers’ capacity and competition. Ebola Watch: Africa CDC warns Central Africa’s Ebola situation is worsening, with confirmed cases around 4,000 and deaths near 1,800, as the outbreak spreads faster than past waves.

Guinea-Related Business & Finance: NAICOM says it has verified seven more insurers as meeting NIIRA 2025 minimum capital rules, bringing compliant firms to 48 and confirming Guinea Insurance among the latest cleared companies. Regional Trade & Investment: A Tunisian business mission is set to visit Guinea from October 6–11, with meetings across infrastructure, energy, water, industry, IT, logistics and construction, aiming to unlock new partnerships. Health Watch (Ebola): Africa CDC reports the Central Africa Ebola outbreak has reached about 4,000 confirmed cases and 1,800 deaths, warning the spread is accelerating faster than past outbreaks. Sports (Youth Basketball): FIBA Africa held a coaching development program in Abidjan that included Guinea’s technical staff, alongside an Afro Colloque focused on youth women’s basketball development. Local/Community: Guinea Grass residents report surviving a crocodile attack at New River Park.

Basket Coaching in West Africa: FIBA’s Africa Regional Office ran its first National Coach Developer Program in Abidjan alongside the U18 AfroBasket, training 15 technical directors from 12 federations including Guinea on building local, sustainable coach education. Ebola Update (Central Africa): Africa CDC and WHO say the Congo Ebola outbreak is accelerating, with about 4,000 confirmed cases and 1,800 deaths reported by Africa CDC, while WHO warns it could surpass the deadliest past wave. Insurance Recapitalisation (Nigeria): NAICOM verified seven more insurers meeting NIIRA 2025 minimum capital rules, bringing compliant firms to 48 plus two reinsurers; Guinea Insurance Plc is among those cleared. Guinea Business Link: A Tunisian business mission is set for Guinea from Oct 6–11, aiming for deals in infrastructure, energy, water, IT and services. Culture & Heritage: A new French law boosts hopes for returning Senegal’s looted “Ségou treasure” manuscripts and artifacts.

Cocaine Crisis in Liberia: Lawyer Tiawan Saye Gongloe warns Liberia must not “become Haiti,” calling the cocaine seizures a national security emergency and urging an independent commission to investigate the network and any links to security or political figures. Ebola Watch (DRC): WHO says the Congo outbreak is moving faster than any previous Ebola episode and could eclipse the 2014–16 West Africa crisis, with deaths already above 2,000 and most cases concentrated in Ituri. Insurance Reform (Nigeria): NAICOM confirms seven more insurers have met NIIRA 2025 minimum capital rules, bringing the total to 48 compliant insurers and two reinsurers, while court challenges by some firms raise concerns for the sector. Guinea-Region Business: Tunisia’s Africa Business Council plans a multisectoral mission to Conakry from Oct. 6–11 to connect Tunisian firms with Guinea’s minerals, agriculture, infrastructure, energy, and IT needs. Guinea Justice (Human Rights): Guinea’s promotion of Bienvenu Lamah to brigadier general faces backlash as civil parties appeal his acquittal tied to the 28 Sept. 2009 stadium atrocities. China Fishing Pressure: A report highlights China’s alleged illegal fishing in African waters and Beijing’s refusal to sign an anti-IUU transparency declaration that includes Guinea.

Guinea IMF Deal: The IMF says it has reached a staff-level agreement on a new $439 million loan for Guinea, aimed at helping the country turn resource wealth into broader growth, with board approval expected in September. Justice and Accountability in Guinea: Civil parties say the promotion of Bienvenu Lamah to brigadier general—despite ongoing appeals over alleged crimes tied to the 28 September 2009 stadium massacre—risks “normalising” violence. DRC Ebola Watch: WHO warns Congo’s Ebola outbreak could become the deadliest on record, with cases and deaths rising fast and response efforts struggling to keep up. Insurance Sector (Nigeria, with Guinea Insurance link): Nigeria’s NAICOM confirmed seven more insurers as compliant with new capital rules, bringing verified firms to 48; Guinea Insurance Plc is among those cleared. Regional Business & Culture: Togo’s Lomé Youth Book Fair expands with 30 exhibitors from across West Africa, including Guinea, as organizers push stronger cross-border cultural ties.

IMF Support for Guinea: Guinea has reached a staff-level agreement with the IMF for a new $425m programme under the Extended Credit Facility, expected to be approved by the IMF board in September, with the deal aimed at macroeconomic discipline and boosting confidence as mining—especially Simandou—drives growth. Simandou Focus: Officials say the Simandou project could lift exports and government revenues, with Simandou-linked receipts projected to average 3.4% of GDP annually in 2030–2039. Ebola Alarm in DR Congo: The WHO warns the DRC Ebola outbreak could surpass the 2014–2016 West Africa epidemic, with cases and deaths climbing fast and response capacity under heavy strain. Guinea Football Pathway: Horoya AC and Guinea’s clubs are in the wider CAF Champions League picture, with regional tournament matchups shaping preparations for the season. Liberia–Guinea Border Tensions: An editorial urges Guinea and Liberia to improve public transparency over border disputes in Lofa County, warning that quiet diplomacy without clear updates could worsen tensions. Maritime Safety Cooperation: Nigeria’s Navy and NIMASA renewed a five-year MoU to strengthen maritime safety, security, pollution control, and intelligence sharing—relevant to wider West African sea security.

IMF Deal for Guinea: Guinea has reached a staff-level agreement with the IMF for a new $425m programme under the Extended Credit Facility, aimed at turning resource wealth into wider growth, with approval expected in September. Simandou Push: The deal is tied to Guinea’s drive to maximize revenues from Simandou and other mining investments for public benefit. Bauxite Sales Model: Guinea’s state bauxite firm Nimba will sell bauxite through monthly auctions and spot tenders, with a guaranteed minimum volume strategy to attract major international traders. Mining Oversight: The move comes as Guinea tightens control of mining projects and accelerates local value creation. Ebola Warning in the Region: WHO says the DRC Ebola outbreak could become the worst on record, with cases surging past 4,400 and deaths above 2,000, as conflict and weak health systems hamper response. Health & Safety at Home: Conakry authorities report a building collapse in Dixinn that killed at least four people, with rescue operations ongoing. Maritime Security Note: Nigeria’s Navy and NIMASA renewed a five-year pact to boost maritime safety, pollution control, and enforcement—an example of regional security cooperation.

Ebola Update (DRC): The Democratic Republic of Congo reported 4,449 confirmed Ebola cases, including 2,061 deaths, with officials warning this is the fastest-spreading outbreak on record as conflict and weak health services hamper contact tracing and isolation. Guinea–Liberia Border: An editorial says Liberia’s border crisis with Guinea has dragged on since February with repeated incursions and displacement, but the public has received only sporadic updates—urging clearer, regular communication to prevent a manageable dispute from escalating. Guinea Mining (Nimba bauxite): Guinea’s state miner Nimba will sell bauxite through monthly auctions open to international traders, with a guaranteed minimum volume model and spot tenders, as the country pushes to build a commercially run mining champion. Conakry Safety: A building under construction collapsed in Dixinn, killing at least four people and injuring others, after authorities had suspended the project for failing construction standards. Maritime Security (region): Nigeria’s Navy and NIMASA renewed a five-year MoU to strengthen maritime safety and security, including pollution control, search and rescue, and intelligence sharing.