AGP Executive Report

Uber exits Nigeria and Uganda: Ride-hailing giant Uber has shut down operations in Nigeria and Uganda effective Sept. 2, 2026, ending a 12-year Lagos run and a decade in Kampala, while cutting about 3,300 jobs (10% of its workforce) and shifting focus toward higher-yield markets and autonomous-vehicle plans. Cocoa value push in Côte d’Ivoire: With farmgate prices falling, Côte d’Ivoire is boosting local cocoa processing capacity for 2026-2027 (from 1.155m to 1.344m tonnes) and calling for more research, disease-resistant seeds, and mechanisation as the 10th National Cocoa and Chocolate Days opens in Abidjan. Gold drilling update at Kossou: Kobo Resources reports new high-grade gold drill intercepts at its Kossou project in Côte d’Ivoire, extending mineralisation north and at depth, with over 51,295m drilled and an inaugural MRE targeted for Q4 2026. Flood risk and adaptation: Ghana’s recurring floods are framed as more than “acts of nature,” with climate change, urbanisation, land-use shifts, and lost water-absorbing systems worsening impacts. West Africa power integration: The World Bank says regional electricity links now exceed 4,000km across 15 countries, helping expand cross-border power trade and access. Water partnership expansion: Global Water Challenge and Cargill expand their Cargill Currents partnership into more countries, including ongoing work in Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire to improve safe water, sanitation, and watershed restoration.

Cocoa Value Push: Côte d’Ivoire is ramping up local cocoa processing capacity for 2026/27, targeting 1.344m tonnes (up from 1.155m), as farmgate prices fall and authorities call for more investment in research, mechanization and resilient, disease-resistant plants. Cocoa Market Signals: Cocoa futures surged past 6,500 per tonne on tighter supply fears, with forecasts for the 2026/27 global surplus sharply reduced amid El Niño risk and weaker crop outlooks in Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana. Regional Power Tech: West Africa is extending cross-border electricity integration with 4,000+ km of transmission lines linking 15 countries, boosting access for millions and raising regional power trade share. Ports & Logistics: Nigeria’s maritime ambitions are being hit by congestion and delays that inflate landed costs, while West Africa’s ports are urged to cut waiting and coordination failures. Health Insurtech Expansion: Alan, backed by Kylian Mbappé, buys Dakar’s Tanel to deepen health insurance networks in Senegal and Côte d’Ivoire, aiming for 1m customers across Africa by 2030. Housing Tech & Policy: Abidjan’s housing crunch shows how fast-growing cities outpace supply, leaving renters squeezed and pushing affordability problems into everyday life. Water & WASH Partnerships: Global Water Challenge and Cargill expand “Cargill Currents” to more countries, including Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire, focusing on safe water, sanitation, watershed restoration and farm water efficiency. Urban Mobility Shake-up: Uber exits Uganda (and also Nigeria), narrowing operations across Africa to Egypt, Ghana, Kenya and South Africa.

Digital Health Expansion: Alan, the Mbappé-backed French insurer, buys Senegal’s Tanel and expands its health-insurance network into Côte d’Ivoire, targeting 1M African customers by 2030. Cocoa Value-Add Push: Côte d’Ivoire plans to lift cocoa processing capacity from 1.155M to 1.344M tonnes in 2026-27 as farmgate prices fall, with new plants and a stronger focus on research and resilient seeds. Cocoa Market Jitters: Cocoa futures surge past 6,500 amid fears for the 2026/27 West African crop, with El Niño risk and weaker early output estimates in Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana driving the rally. Cocoa Industry Spotlight: The 10th National Cocoa and Chocolate Days opens in Abidjan under “Youth and the Cocoa Farming of the Future,” highlighting processing, tech innovation, and sustainability. Power Integration: West Africa deepens grid links with 4,000km of transmission lines across 15 countries, boosting cross-border electricity trade and access for millions. Port Efficiency Pressure: West Africa’s ports face mounting costs from delays and congestion, with calls for better coordination to cut waiting time and logistics charges. Housing Crunch in Abidjan: An AFP report spotlights Abidjan’s rental unaffordability as families struggle to find decent homes on wages, with supply lagging fast population growth.

Cocoa & Youth Jobs: The 10th National Cocoa and Chocolate Days opened in Abidjan under “Youth and the Cocoa Farming of the Future,” spotlighting local processing, tech innovation and sustainable farming as Côte d’Ivoire pushes the next generation into the sector. Power & Integration: West Africa is extending cross-border electricity links with 4,000km of high-voltage lines connecting 15 countries, helping utilities trade power and improving access for millions since 2019. Energy Costs Pressure: Nigeria’s electricity subsidy bill hit N1.92trn in 2025 as tariffs stayed frozen below production costs—another reminder of how policy choices shape grid investment. Water Projects: Global Water Challenge and Cargill expanded “Cargill Currents” to more countries, including Côte d’Ivoire, to improve safe water, sanitation, watershed restoration and farm water efficiency. Housing Crunch in Abidjan: An AFP report shows Abidjan residents struggling to find affordable, decent homes despite economic growth, with UN Habitat warning rental unaffordability is worsening across Sub-Saharan Africa. Solar Momentum: New analysis says Africa could install 17GW of solar in 2026, with mini-grids highlighted as key for rural electrification in Francophone West Africa. Cocoa Market Jitters: Cocoa futures surged past 6,500 as traders priced tighter 2026/27 supply expectations tied to El Niño risks and weaker crop outlooks in Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana.

Premium Travel Watch: A new comparison says business class is closing the gap with first class in 2026, with more lie-flat, privacy and direct-aisle features—so many travelers may get better value by choosing business. Critical Minerals Diplomacy: India has resumed talks with Zambia on accessing critical minerals, pushing for brownfield/near-production deals and long-term offtake as earlier negotiations stalled over mining-right assurances. Housing & Urban Tech: Abidjan home-hunters say decent rentals remain out of reach despite economic growth, with UN Habitat warning Sub-Saharan Africa faces high rental unaffordability. Solar for Electrification: Africa is on track for a record 17GW of solar installations in 2026, and solar mini-grids are highlighted as a practical fix for low rural electricity access in Francophone West Africa, including Côte d’Ivoire. Cocoa Supply Signals: Cocoa futures surged as traders priced tighter 2026/27 supply, citing weaker early Ivory Coast crop prospects and El Niño-linked risks. Wildlife Science: West African field research finds chimp-like climbing ability may be older than thought, with monkeys using flexible feet to climb skinny trunks. Finance & Ownership: Kenya’s CBK approved Nedbank’s plan to buy a 66% stake in NCBA, a major shift in East African banking ownership.

Cocoa Market Shock: Cocoa futures surged to near 6,488 per tonne as traders priced in tighter 2026/27 supplies, with forecasts cutting the global surplus sharply and pointing to weaker crop signals in Ivory Coast and Ghana amid El Niño-linked weather risk. Housing Pressure in Abidjan: An AFP report highlights how Abidjan’s fast growth is colliding with a shortage of affordable homes, pushing many renters to spend far above what they can comfortably manage. Science in the Region: New primate research from West Africa suggests monkeys can climb skinny vertical tree trunks using foot flexibility, adding fresh clues to how early human relatives may have moved through forests. Tech & Energy for Africa: A solar outlook says Africa is on track for record installations in 2026, while off-grid solar mini-grids are flagged as a practical way to close rural electricity gaps in Francophone West Africa, including Côte d’Ivoire. Côte d’Ivoire in Trade Networks: A diplomatic update reports the first session of the Mauritanian-Ivorian Joint High Commission for Cooperation in Abidjan, with talks spanning security, trade, investment, infrastructure, energy, mining and agriculture. Global Buyer Interest: Ahead of India’s BIRC 2026, buyer registrations show strong international demand for rice, including participation from Côte d’Ivoire.

Housing Crunch in Abidjan: AFP reports Abidjan residents struggling to find decent, affordable homes as rental costs outpace wages, with UN Habitat warning of high rental unaffordability across Sub-Saharan Africa. Primates & Climbing Science: West African field research finds sooty mangabey monkeys can climb skinny trunks using flexible feet, challenging assumptions about how the human-chimp last common ancestor moved. Cocoa Supply-Chain Integrity: An ETH Zurich-linked study says at least 1 in 4 cocoa traceability audits in Côte d’Ivoire show manipulated data, raising stakes ahead of delayed EU deforestation rules. Côte d’Ivoire Tech & Industry Spotlight: A report highlights Côte d’Ivoire’s shift from top cashew producer to major processing hub, pointing to investment and export opportunities. Solar for Rural Power: New analysis says Africa is on track for a record 17GW of solar installations in 2026, with solar mini-grids flagged as key for Francophone West Africa’s electrification gaps. Gold Mining Update (Côte d’Ivoire): Aurum Resources’ latest high-grade assay results from the Boundiali project lift market sentiment, reinforcing confidence in the resource scale. Global Trade Signal (Rice): BIRC 2026 registrations show 3,317 buyers from 138 countries, including Côte d’Ivoire, signaling new demand routes for Indian rice exporters.

Sahel Security & Fuel Prices: JNIM’s fuel “blockade” around Mali keeps failing to stop deliveries, with tankers still reaching Bamako under escort by Russia’s Africa Corps and Turkish drones—turning the conflict into a shared “toll booth” economy that drives petrol prices from $25 to $130 a litre. Cocoa Integrity in Côte d’Ivoire: A new ETH Zurich-linked study finds at least 1 in 4 cocoa traceability audits in Ivory Coast may include manipulated data to meet sustainability targets, raising pressure as EU deforestation rules loom. Abidjan Skyscraper Tech & Design: Lebanese-Ivorian architect Pierre Fakhoury’s Tour F is set to reshape Abidjan’s skyline, aiming to be Africa’s tallest with a public-access glass “lantern” viewpoint. Solar for Rural Power: Analysis says Africa could hit a record 17GW of solar installations in 2026, and off-grid solar mini-grids are flagged as key for Francophone West Africa, including Côte d’Ivoire. Côte d’Ivoire Agribusiness: The cashew sector report highlights Côte d’Ivoire’s continued production growth and rising farmer incomes, as the country pushes processing and export expansion. Gold Drilling Update (Côte d’Ivoire): Aurum Resources’ latest high-grade assay results from the Boundiali project lift market sentiment and reinforce its resource-growth outlook. Health Tech (West Africa): Senegal’s Teranga Pharma begins producing generic hydroxyurea in Africa, aiming to cut sickle-cell treatment costs and improve access across the region.

Cocoa Integrity: A new Ivory Coast cocoa study by ETH Zurich affiliates found manipulated data in at least 1 in 4 traceability audits, raising fresh concerns ahead of delayed EU deforestation rules. Health Tech & Pharma: Senegal’s Teranga Pharma says it has started producing affordable generic hydroxyurea in Africa, aiming to cut sickle-cell treatment costs and improve access across West Africa. Energy Access: Africa is on track for a record 17GW of solar installations in 2026, with solar mini-grids highlighted as key for rural electrification in Francophone West Africa including Côte d’Ivoire. Agriculture & Trade: West Africa is pushing to speed up regional seed movement, so certified varieties can be multiplied and sold across borders more easily. Côte d’Ivoire Industry: The country’s cashew sector report points to continued growth and a push toward more processing capacity, while a separate coconut replanting plan targets 100,000 hectares over the next decade. Digital Ports: Singapore’s maritime digital twin approach is being used to simulate port decisions before investing—an idea relevant for African port upgrades.

Space & Design: Studio Khoa Vu’s “Lunar Cavern” project draws inspiration from the Moon’s dark side, blending architecture, interiors, and spatial installations. Climate & Food Tech: El Niño is already hitting global markets, with knock-on effects for agriculture and commodities—an early warning for food and energy planning. Energy Access: Africa is on track for a record 17GW of solar installations in 2026, and off-grid solar mini-grids are flagged as key for expanding electricity access in Francophone West Africa, including Côte d’Ivoire. Agritech & Trade: West Africa is pushing to speed up regional seed movement, aiming to make cross-border variety recognition work in practice. Cocoa Integrity: A Côte d’Ivoire cocoa study finds manipulated data in 1 in 4 traceability audits, raising pressure as deforestation rules loom. Health Tech & Local Production: Senegal’s Teranga Pharma is producing Africa-made hydroxyurea for sickle cell—an important model for affordable treatment access across West Africa. Côte d’Ivoire Built Environment: Abidjan’s Tour F is set to rise in the Administrative City, with plans for a public glass “lantern” viewpoint. Agriculture Investment: Côte d’Ivoire is launching a coconut replanting push to restore production after major declines.

El Niño & Food Systems: A new report links the strongest El Niño in years to shocks in global supply chains, with insect-protein firms like Innovafeed benefiting as anchovy catches fall and fish-feed prices spike. Solar for Rural Power: Africa is on track for a record 17GW of solar installations in 2026, while off-grid solar mini-grids are highlighted as a practical fix for low rural electrification in Francophone West Africa, including Côte d’Ivoire. Cocoa Integrity Under Pressure: ETH Zurich research finds about 1 in 4 cocoa traceability audits in Côte d’Ivoire show manipulated data, raising alarms ahead of EU deforestation rules. Côte d’Ivoire Agriculture & Trade: West Africa is pushing to speed regional seed movement, and Côte d’Ivoire is also moving to revive coconuts with a replanting plan targeting 100,000 hectares over the decade. Health Tech & Local Manufacturing: Senegal’s Teranga Pharma is producing affordable generic hydroxyurea for sickle cell—an example of how local drug production can cut costs and improve access across West Africa. Mining & Investment Signals: Allied Gold and Zijin Gold pivot after a failed $4bn takeover, while gold-focused drilling updates from Côte d’Ivoire keep investor attention on projects like Bonikro.

Solar Push: Africa is on track for a record 17GW of solar installations in 2026, with solar mini-grids flagged as key for rural electrification in Francophone West Africa, including Côte d’Ivoire. Cocoa Integrity: A new ETH Zurich study says at least 1 in 4 cocoa traceability audits in Côte d’Ivoire show manipulated data to meet sustainability targets—raising pressure as EU deforestation rules loom. Coconut Replanting: Côte d’Ivoire is launching an ambitious coconut replanting drive aimed at 100,000 hectares over the next decade after production fell sharply, with 2,000 hectares planned for 2027. Health Tech & Pharma: Senegal’s Teranga Pharma is producing Africa-made hydroxyurea for sickle cell, cutting reliance on expensive imports—an important regional signal for affordable treatment. Agri Trade & Policy: West Africa is working to speed up regional seed movement, while Vietnam and Côte d’Ivoire deepen cooperation on high-tech agriculture and processing models. Mining Update: Aurum Resources’ latest high-grade gold assay results from its Boundiali project in Côte d’Ivoire lift market sentiment.

Gold Deal Fallout: Allied Gold and Zijin Gold have scrapped a planned US$4bn takeover after cross-border regulatory hurdles, but Zijin is still injecting US$295m via a private placement for a 9.2% stake—an update that keeps attention on Côte d’Ivoire’s Bonikro gold project and its extended mine plan to 2036. Solar Push: New analysis says Africa could hit a record 17GW of solar installations in 2026, with solar mini-grids highlighted as a practical fix for low rural electrification in Francophone West Africa, including Côte d’Ivoire. Cocoa Integrity Under Scrutiny: A study on Côte d’Ivoire cocoa audits finds manipulated sustainability records in about 1 in 4 cases, raising pressure ahead of EU deforestation rules and spotlighting how farm-level monitoring can be gamed. Coconut Replanting Plan: Côte d’Ivoire has launched an ambitious coconut replanting drive aiming for 100,000 hectares over the next decade to reverse falling production, with 2,000ha targeted for 2027. Health Tech & Pharma: Senegal’s move to produce affordable generic hydroxyurea for sickle cell is a reminder of the region’s push toward local manufacturing to cut treatment costs and improve access.

Cocoa Integrity: A new ETH Zurich study on Côte d’Ivoire cocoa audits says about 1 in 4 sustainability monitoring cases show manipulated data, raising fresh concerns ahead of the delayed EU deforestation rules. Child Labour Progress: Ferrero and Save the Children report gains from the Cacao Connect initiative in Ivorian cocoa communities, including more education access and reduced poverty levels. Sickle Cell Tech: Senegal’s Teranga Pharma says it has started producing an Africa-made generic hydroxyurea, aiming to cut costs and improve access for patients across West Africa. Agri-Processing Cooperation: Vietnam and Côte d’Ivoire’s parliamentary leaders visited high-tech rice and seafood processing models in Can Tho, pushing for stronger agricultural trade and know-how transfer. Coconut Replanting: Côte d’Ivoire launched an active replanting push to restore coconut production, targeting 100,000 hectares over the decade as output has fallen sharply. Digital Ports: Singapore’s maritime digital twin approach is highlighted as a way to simulate port decisions using live and historical data—an idea relevant for African port planning. Telecom Growth: MTN reported strong H1 2026 sales and earnings growth, with notable momentum in Ghana, Nigeria, and Côte d’Ivoire.

Malaria Treatment Misconceptions: New research highlights how many patients stop malaria drugs once symptoms ease, fueling avoidable setbacks and stressing better adherence and patient education. Cocoa Traceability Integrity: ETH Zurich-linked research finds about 1 in 4 cocoa sustainability audits in Côte d’Ivoire show manipulated records, especially when farms miss targets—raising stakes ahead of EU deforestation rules. Telemedicine in Abidjan: Umed eHealth Center is using video consultations to reduce travel and waiting times, managing minor cases remotely while easing pressure on hospitals. Sickle Cell Drug Access: A Senegalese lab is producing generic hydroxyurea locally for the first time in Africa, aiming to cut costs and improve treatment availability across West Africa. Coconut Replanting Push: Côte d’Ivoire plans to replant 100,000 hectares of coconut over the next decade to reverse declining production. Cashew Processing Upgrade: Côte d’Ivoire’s cashew sector is pushing processing transformation and investment as it remains the world’s top producer. Port Planning Tech: Singapore’s maritime digital twin approach shows how African ports could simulate decisions before spending on infrastructure. Industrialisation Rankings: AfDB’s Africa Industrialisation Index puts Morocco first, while Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal break into the top 10, signaling shifting industrial momentum.

Telemedicine in Abidjan: Umed eHealth Center is using video consultations to cut travel and waiting times for minor cases, connecting patients across Abidjan with doctors online. Health & Pharma: Senegal’s Teranga Pharma says it has started producing an Africa-made generic hydroxyurea for sickle cell disease, aiming to lower costs and ease access across West Africa. Cocoa Integrity: A study on Côte d’Ivoire cocoa audits found about 1 in 4 sustainability monitoring cases may include manipulated records, raising concerns ahead of EU deforestation rules. Agriculture & Trade: Vietnam and Côte d’Ivoire parliamentary leaders are exchanging agricultural development models in Can Tho, with rice processing and export know-how in focus. Coconut Replanting: Côte d’Ivoire has launched an interim plan to replant coconut trees, targeting 100,000 hectares over the next decade to reverse declining production. Digital Ports: Singapore’s maritime digital twin approach is highlighted as a way to simulate port decisions before investing—relevant for West African port planning.