AGP Executive Report

DR Congo Security & Ebola: Eastern DRC’s peace efforts are being framed as essential for slowing Ebola spread, as conflict and mistrust keep testing, tracing and care from reaching affected communities; with Bundibugyo strain cases rising, the region’s multiple peace tracks are now tied directly to public health response. Myanmar Scam Centres: A rights group says over 5,300 people remain trapped in online scam compounds near the Thai border, urging Thai police to act; victims include Chinese, Burmese and people from countries including Rwanda. Rwanda Digital ID: Rwanda’s biometric ID drive is expanding access, including for refugees, as officials enroll millions and push toward a nationwide rollout that can simplify services like banking and SIM registration. EU Migration Policy: The EU Migration and Asylum Pact enters into force, with critics warning it could intensify pressure on migrants and enable transfers across borders. Rwanda Aviation: SalamAir appoints Mitravi as its Rwanda sales agent ahead of its July 21 Muscat–Kigali launch. Sports & Culture: Spotify data shows football podcast listening surging across sub-Saharan Africa, with Rwanda among the fastest-growing markets.

EU Migration Policy: Denmark’s PM Mette Frederiksen says the EU could have deportation “return hubs” operating outside Europe before end-2027, with some states already working with the European Commission and a “coalition of the willing” to fund them. DRC Security & Ebola: Africa CDC warns the eastern DRC Ebola outbreak could become the worst ever if not stopped soon, as cases and deaths keep rising and border disruptions complicate response. Rwanda Regional Diplomacy: Rwanda hosts the inaugural Convention on South-South and Triangular Cooperation, pushing peer learning and South-led development partnerships through the Rwanda Cooperation Initiative. Rwanda Business & Connectivity: SalamAir appoints Mitravi as its Rwanda General Sales Agent ahead of direct Muscat–Kigali flights from July 21, aiming to boost tourism and trade links. Finance Integration: Nigeria and Rwanda sign a capital markets MoU to strengthen investor education, regulatory cooperation, enforcement support, and cross-border market development. Health Insurance Momentum: Liberia’s president receives a bill to create a national health insurance scheme to cut out-of-pocket costs and move toward universal health coverage.

Aviation & Tourism: SalamAir appoints Mitravi powered by Blueberry Group as its Rwanda General Sales Agent ahead of direct Muscat–Kigali flights launching July 21, promising better connectivity for tourism, business travel and trade. Capital Markets: Rwanda’s Capital Markets Authority and Nigeria’s SEC sign an MoU to deepen regulatory cooperation, investor education and cross-border market development. Regional Trade: Nigeria expands its AfCFTA air cargo export corridor with RwandAir, cutting freight costs to under $2/kg and boosting access to Kigali, Nairobi, Johannesburg and more. Ebola Watch (DRC): Confirmed Ebola cases in eastern Congo rise to 1,003 with 254 deaths as response teams push investigations and surveillance amid ongoing violence. South-South Cooperation: Rwanda hosts the inaugural South-South and Triangular Cooperation convention, calling for peer learning and a shift away from traditional North-South aid models. Digital Future: A commentary argues Africa must build “sovereign AI” using local data, talent and infrastructure rather than relying on imported systems. Entrepreneurship: The Amahoro Fellowship’s fourth cohort is majority women (63%), backing refugee and displaced entrepreneurs across multiple African countries.

Ebola Update (DRC): Congo’s confirmed Ebola cases jumped past 1,000 to 1,003, with 254 deaths, as health authorities in Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu intensified surveillance and prevention while contact follow-up rates fell. Border Impact (Rwanda-DRC trade): With Ebola detected in Goma, the Goma–Gisenyi crossing was closed, leaving traders like tomato sellers scrambling for alternative routes and supplies. Refugee Protection (Rwanda): Rwanda reaffirmed its World Refugee Day pledge to protect and empower refugees through inclusion, noting it has received over 3,000 people evacuated from Libya since 2019 and currently hosts more than 138,000 refugees and asylum seekers. Local Health (Malaria): In Gisagara, faith leaders and the Rwanda Biomedical Centre mobilised communities for malaria prevention under #ZMSWM, pushing net use and early treatment. Civic Education (Rwanda): A University of Rwanda lecturer urged a rethink of civic education in higher learning to better equip students against misinformation and hate speech online. Party Building (Rwanda): Rwanda’s Democratic Green Party expanded sector-level structures in Burera, training members and stressing good governance and citizen participation.

Ebola Watch: Israel hospitalized a second DRC returnee in isolation as health authorities say the public risk remains low, with only two suspected cases reported. Food Security & Jobs: Solar-powered cold rooms are spreading across Africa, including Rwanda, letting farmers rent off-grid cooling to cut spoilage and raise earnings. Health Mobilisation: In Gisagara, the Rwanda Interfaith Council on Health (RICH) and the Rwanda Biomedical Centre ran a malaria drive using faith-led community sessions on nets, early treatment, and multi first-line care. Refugee Protection: Rwanda reaffirmed its commitment to refugees on World Refugee Day, highlighting inclusion and livelihoods, after receiving 173 asylum seekers evacuated from Libya. Politics & Governance: The Democratic Green Party of Rwanda rolled out sector-level structures in Burera, pushing grassroots participation and anti-discrimination values. Learning for the Digital Age: A University of Rwanda lecturer urged higher education to rethink civic education so students can handle misinformation and hate speech online. Regional Trade: Morocco renewed calls to fully implement AfCFTA, warning intra-African trade is still far below potential.

Ebola Crisis in the Region: DRC’s Ebola outbreak is accelerating beyond borders, with health teams struggling to track new cases and labs running out of testing kits, while UNHCR warns displacement linked to conflict could spread the virus further. Rwanda Jobs and Skills: A new push argues Rwanda’s next wave of jobs needs learners and practical growth, not just certificates—highlighting the gap between graduation and workplace readiness. Agriculture and Cold Storage: Solar-powered cold storage is helping farmers cut spoilage and reach markets, with Rwanda named among countries seeing momentum in off-grid cooling services. Green Party Builds Grassroots: Rwanda’s Democratic Green Party launched sector-level structures in Burera, electing women and youth committees and urging members to engage in local elections. Trade Connectivity Boost: RwandaAir flagged its first dedicated cargo flight from Nigeria to East and Southern Africa, aiming to strengthen regional supply chains under AfCFTA. Local Livelihoods: Pineapple farming in Gakenke is lifting household incomes, though farmers still face low prices from middlemen. Environment Policy: Government launched a lifecycle technology project to curb fluorinated refrigerant emissions ahead of international rules.

AfCFTA Trade Boost: RwandaAir flagged off its first dedicated Nigeria–East/Southern Africa cargo flight, with Nigeria’s aviation and trade ministers saying the expanded corridor cuts freight rates to below $2/kg for eligible exporters—adding routes to Kigali, Lusaka and Harare and extra options via Nairobi and Johannesburg. Energy Access: Rwanda’s new REG CEO, Eng. Maximilien Byilingiro, pledged faster progress toward universal electricity access by 2029, focusing on more household connections and better reliability. Local Politics: Rwanda’s Democratic Green Party launched sector-level structures in Burera, electing committees for women and youth and urging members to engage in local elections. Health & Safety: UNHCR warned Ebola in eastern DR Congo threatens over two million displaced people, as conflict and movement risk spreading the outbreak. Community Livelihoods: In Gakenke, pineapple farming is helping households escape poverty, though farmers still struggle with low prices from middlemen. Sports: Nigeria’s Female YellowGreens won Kwibuka Women’s T20I bronze in Kigali after beating Brazil by two wickets.

Energy Access Push: Rwanda Energy Group (REG) has a new CEO, Eng. Maximilien Byilingiro, who pledged faster progress toward universal electricity access by 2029, promising more reliable power and more household connections. Trade & Aviation: RwandaAir launched its first dedicated cargo flight on the Nigeria–East/Southern Africa route, while Nigeria and Rwanda expanded an AfCFTA air cargo corridor with rates reportedly set below $2/kg for eligible exporters. Regional Health Watch: As Ebola concerns grow in eastern DRC, Kenya and other countries are intensifying health screening for long-distance truck drivers crossing borders, with drivers adopting new routines to reduce risk. Education Cooperation: Somalia’s Somali National University and Rwanda’s University of Rwanda signed an MoU in Kigali to boost joint research, capacity building, and academic exchanges. Agriculture Training Hub: Rwanda’s RICA is being pushed to become a regional Centre of Excellence for conservation agriculture, with Uganda proposing it open doors to students across East Africa. Sports & Tourism: Rwanda’s gorilla tourism interest is rising, and Rwandan athletes and golfers are also in the spotlight this week.

Ebola Watch: The WHO says the DR Congo Ebola outbreak has surged past 837 confirmed and probable cases, with no approved vaccine for the Sudan strain—prompting stronger cross-border screening and preparedness in Uganda and neighboring countries, including Rwanda-linked border corridors. Health at Borders: Kenya has intensified Ebola health checks for long-distance truck drivers, with temperature screening and awareness at entry points as drivers become a key first line of defense for regional trade. Trade & Air Freight: Nigeria and RwandAir expanded an AfCFTA air cargo corridor, adding routes to Kigali, Lusaka and Harare and cutting eligible freight rates to below $2/kg to make exports cheaper. Rwanda-UK Ties: Rwanda marked King Charles III’s official birthday with a ceremony in Kigali hosted by the British High Commission, highlighting UK support for education, climate resilience and Ebola preparedness. Sports Spotlight: Rwanda won gold at the World Para Athletics Grand Prix in Tunis, with Emmanuel Niyibizi and Clementine Uwiduhaye delivering standout 400m performances. Education Links: Somalia’s Somali National University and Rwanda’s University of Rwanda signed an education pact to boost joint research and capacity building.

Rwanda–South Africa Reset: South Africa and Rwanda agreed to strengthen ties and ease travel restrictions, including progress toward lifting visa limits for holders of ordinary Rwandan passports within 12 months, with talks also covering trade, tourism, health, education, security and people-to-people links. EAC Political Federation Consultations: The East African Community launched citizen consultations in Rwanda for the proposed EAC Political Federation, with meetings running for two weeks across Kigali, Rubavu, Huye and Nyagatare and involving government, Parliament, judiciary, academia, civil society, youth, women, persons with disabilities, faith groups, political parties and the media. Rwanda Trade Push: Rwanda’s largest annual trade fair, the Rwanda International Trade Fair (RITF), will run 22 days and target 500+ exhibitors as organizers expand it to boost regional trade and help local firms reach international markets. Ebola Watch (Region): Africa CDC urged AU states to strengthen exit screening at airports, seaports and major land crossings for the fast-growing Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in DR Congo, warning that blanket travel bans can backfire. Regional Connectivity: World Bank approved a $1.6bn programme to integrate Eastern Africa power markets and expand reliable electricity access, linked to Mission 300’s push to connect 300 million Africans by 2030. Tourism & Luxury Openings: The Lux Collective debuted in Rwanda with LUX* Lake Kivu and SALT of Akagera, adding new luxury, regenerative tourism options in Lake Kivu and Akagera National Park.

Rwanda–South Africa Reset: Rwanda and South Africa agreed to normalise relations in Pretoria, with progress toward lifting the ordinary passport visa freeze within 12 months—aimed at easing travel for business, tourism, education and people-to-people links. Trade Boost: Rwanda’s Rwanda International Trade Fair (RITF) will run 22 days and target 500+ exhibitors, expanding from last year’s 20-day, 475-exhibitor edition as organisers push Rwanda as a regional commercial hub. Regional Integration: The East African Community launched consultations in Rwanda to shape a future EAC Political Federation constitution, inviting citizens to influence governance for deeper regional integration. Ebola Watch (DRC): DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak rose to 837 confirmed cases and 196 deaths, with new cases and deaths reported in the past 24 hours as eastern spread complicates containment. Health Innovation: Young innovators from across Africa and Canada won top honours at HIFest 2026 in Accra, including an AI “Smart Bin” for biomedical waste and an indigenous supplement project. Genocide Remembrance: Ghana and Rwanda unveiled two genocide memorials at Burma Camp in Accra to mark the 32nd anniversary of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

Ebola Watch (DRC): The Ebola outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has climbed to 837 confirmed cases and 196 deaths, with 29 new cases and four more deaths reported in the last 24 hours, as health teams push contact tracing and isolate patients. Rwanda Health Security: Rwanda’s Ministry of Health says the risk of transmission into Rwanda is low, with no cases reported and no active cases in border areas, while surveillance and preparedness continue. Regional Response Funding: The EU announced a Ksh74.1 billion (€493m) package to support Ebola emergency medical operations, humanitarian aid, vaccine research, and longer-term health system strengthening. Diplomacy & Mobility (South Africa–Rwanda): South Africa moved to reset strained ties with Rwanda by progressing visa normalisation and easing travel rules, including steps toward lifting restrictions on Rwandan ordinary passports. Energy Access (Mission 300): World Bank and AfDB report Mission 300 has connected over 50 million people to electricity across 40 countries, with Tanzania and Ethiopia among the biggest beneficiaries. Local Governance/Justice (Zambia): Zambia’s judiciary training workshop in refugee law and protection highlights renewed focus on fair treatment for refugees and asylum seekers.

Ebola Watch in Rwanda: Rwanda says it has no Ebola cases but is staying vigilant as DR Congo’s outbreak grows, keeping surveillance and preparedness tight and maintaining entry precautions for travellers from the region. Regional Security & Politics: DR Congo’s Senate has cleared a bill on referendums that could open the door for President Félix Tshisekedi to seek a third term, amid ongoing unrest and the Ebola crisis. Cross-Border Health Reality Check: A separate report notes the outbreak is still accelerating in DR Congo, with neighbouring countries also seeing cases, underscoring why Rwanda’s “early detection and rapid response” stance matters. Electricity Push Across Africa: World Bank and AfDB’s Mission 300 says it has connected over 50 million people to electricity across 40 countries, with Rwanda’s wider region set to benefit from faster electrification. Sports & Local Pride: Rwandan cyclist Claudette Nyirarukundo won at the Safari Gravel event in Kenya, adding another win for Rwanda’s growing presence in regional sport.

Electricity Access Push: World Bank and AfDB’s Mission 300 says it has connected 50m+ Africans to power across 40 countries, including 4.5m Nigerians, and is now delivering electrification nearly twice as fast as at the start. Clean Cooking & LPG: TotalEnergies commits Sh1bn annually to expand LPG clean cooking in Kenya, targeting 180,000 cylinders a year while citing illegal cylinder refilling as a key challenge. Food Loss Cut With Solar Cold Storage: A solar-powered cold-chain model is helping farmers keep produce fresh and earn more, as Africa loses up to 40% of food between harvest and market. Rwanda Economy Watch: Rwanda’s GDP grew 10% in Q1 2026 to Rwf 6.346tn, led by services, industry, exports, and strong coffee performance. Rwanda in Regional Trade: Rwandan tea fetched higher prices at Mombasa than Kenya, as Kenya’s export levy pressures volumes and earnings. Ebola Update Regionally: Israel reversed an Ebola-linked travel ban affecting Kenya and Rwanda after diplomatic protests, while the DRC outbreak continues to surge amid insecurity. Sports & Tourism: Rwandan cyclists Lawrence Lorot and Claudette Nyirarukundo won at the Safari Gravel event, adding momentum to Rwanda’s sports tourism story.

Rwanda Economy: Rwanda’s GDP grew 10% in the first quarter of 2026 to Rwf 6.346 trillion, with services leading (52%), followed by industry (24%) and agriculture (19%), while exports jumped 39%—driven by an 86% surge in coffee exports. Education & Skills: Rwanda is pushing a knowledge-and-technology future by 2050, but a national learning assessment shows gaps: only 15% of learners reached basic math operations, and English reading remains weak. Water & Health: Despite higher water and sanitation funding for 2026/27, parliamentary field visits report ongoing shortages from ageing pipelines, limited storage, and irregular supply. Digital Learning: ProFuturo’s digital education programme is expanding in Rwanda, bringing tech tools to teachers and students in vulnerable communities. Regional Integration & Investment: A Rwanda-linked discussion at the Kigali CEO Forum argues East Africa needs practical cross-border systems, not just symbolic integration, to help businesses scale. Ebola Watch: With Ebola cases rising in the region, global reporting highlights how weakened health systems and insecurity are straining response efforts. Justice & Rights: A Rwandan citizen reportedly died in custody in Nigeria’s Kuje prison amid allegations of medical neglect while awaiting trial.

Ebola Travel Row: Israel reversed part of its Ebola-linked entry restrictions, removing Kenya and Rwanda from the list after diplomatic protests, while Uganda, South Sudan and the DRC remain affected. Health & Preparedness: The wider outbreak context is still worrying, with Ebola cases reported in the region and calls for stronger border screening and support for response systems. Conflict Minerals: Global Witness alleges more than 2,000 tonnes of conflict coltan from eastern DRC entered global supply chains via Rwanda, potentially reaching electronics firms, raising fresh scrutiny of traceability. Rwanda Aviation: RwandAir won “Best Cabin Service in Africa” at the 2026 APEX Awards, citing verified passenger feedback from over a million flights. Local Food Security Tech: Solar cold storage is expanding across East Africa, including Rwanda, helping farmers cut post-harvest losses and reach markets. Sports Tourism: Rwanda’s Claudette Nyirarukundo and Uganda’s Lawrence Lorot won dramatic LOOP Safari Gravel Series leg races in Naivasha. Business & Innovation: Photon AI announced a $124m Series A to build vertically integrated AI infrastructure across Africa.