AGP Executive Report

Rwanda–DR Congo Peace Effort: The ICRC facilitated the first known transfer of 15 detainees from the Congolese government to M23 rebels in North Kivu, under the Qatar-mediated deal, with the convoy routed via Uganda. Green Freight Funding: The Northern Corridor Transit and Transport Coordination Authority secured UNEP support to speed up cleaner freight, including emissions tracking and a study on electrifying Port of Mombasa operations, plus steps to boost women’s participation. Digital Policy in the Region: COMESA is drafting a regional AI strategy and digital inclusion plan after a Kigali consultation supported by the World Bank’s IDEA Programme, targeting practical use in areas like agriculture, healthcare and education. Local Governance & Health: Rwanda continues tightening alcohol controls, including bans and recalls tied to safety concerns, while broader public health pressure drives enforcement. Education & Skills: Rwanda’s education reforms and regional learning initiatives keep focus on improving outcomes and preparing youth for a tech-driven economy. Migration Talks: Rwanda is in discussions with Italy on hosting migrants via an expanded transit-centre approach, building on an AU/UNHCR programme. Aviation for Integration: African aviation leaders renewed calls for faster open skies implementation ahead of a Kigali forum, arguing it will cut costs and boost trade and tourism.

Scholarships Boost: Equity Leaders Program says 121 students from Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and DR Congo have won KSh3bn (US$23.4m) in scholarships to study at 63 universities across 16 countries. Alcohol Crackdown: Rwanda FDA has suspended imports of 52 alcohol brands and ordered a full recall over public health concerns, including several brands from India and Kenya. Regional Air Connectivity: Aviation leaders and regulators call for faster rollout of open skies to improve affordable, reliable flights—key for trade under AfCFTA—ahead of the Kigali Forum. Tourism Links: Uganda Airlines plans direct Kigali and Accra routes from October, with tourism stakeholders expecting more visitors and stronger regional business ties. EAC Trade Push: EAC targets 50% intra-regional trade by 2030, urging removal of non-tariff barriers and better coordination with the private sector. DRC Ebola Alarm: DR Congo reports over 4,000 Ebola cases and 1,850 deaths as transmission accelerates, with camps and health systems under strain. Energy Deal: Tanzania and Uganda sign an MoU with Vitol to develop a Tanga regional energy hub, with potential investments above US$20bn. Startup Funding Slowdown: African startup funding fell sharply in July, down 80% year-on-year, with most money concentrated among a few top deals.

Alcohol Crackdown: Rwanda National Police destroyed over 470,000 litres of seized ethanol used to make illicit liquor, as authorities intensify enforcement to protect public health. Regulatory Action: Rwanda FDA also suspended imports of 14 Tanzanian alcohol brands (and broader suspensions across several countries), ordering recalls and a stop-sale of affected products. Regional Health Crisis: WHO and Africa CDC warn DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak is spreading faster than response efforts, with cases rising and health workers striking over unpaid wages; UNHCR says Ebola has reached displacement camps in Ituri. Migration Talks: Rwanda says discussions with Italy on migration are exploring its Emergency Transit Mechanism in Gashora, citing Rwanda’s refugee protection record as talks continue. Tourism & Investment: WTTC reports global travel and tourism investment topped $1 trillion in 2025, with Rwanda highlighted among Africa’s fastest-growing leisure destinations. Security Cooperation: Rwanda National Police met Jordan’s public security leadership to expand cooperation on digital transformation, community policing, and rehabilitation services.

Ebola Crisis in DR Congo: WHO chief Tedros warns the fastest-spreading Ebola outbreak is outpacing response, with confirmed cases rising to 3,874 and deaths to 1,751, as health workers in Ituri strike over unpaid wages. Rwanda Health Watch: Rwanda FDA temporarily suspended imports of 14 Tanzanian alcoholic beverage listings and ordered recalls, citing public health concerns. Digital Media in Kigali: Pope Leo XIV urged Catholic communicators at the SIGNIS World Congress to use digital platforms for human dignity and truth, warning against algorithm-driven culture. SIGNIS Africa Leadership: SIGNIS Africa elected Fr Fidele Mutabazi as president, with women now majority on the board, as the congress runs in Rwanda. Regional Transport Emissions: Northern Corridor states secured Ksh 26M (UNEP seed funding) to help freight shift toward EV-ready transport by 2030 and net-zero by 2050. Sports: Tusker FC drawn to face Sudan’s Al Ahli Madani in CAF Confederation Cup qualifiers, with the first leg set for early September.

Public Health: WHO chief Tedros Ghebreyesus says DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak is spreading faster than the response, with 3,874 confirmed cases and 1,751 deaths reported as health workers strike over pay, especially in Ituri where access is already strained by conflict. Health & Safety in Rwanda: Rwanda orders a nationwide recall of alcoholic beverages and shuts down 101 manufacturing facilities after deaths, hospitalizations, and reports of blindness linked to contaminated liquor. Rwanda-DRC Migration: Rwanda says 302 refugees have voluntarily repatriated from DR Congo, with 285 entering via Rubavu and 17 via Rusizi, supported by UNHCR and processed through Kijote Transit Center. Digital & Faith: Pope Leo XIV urged Catholic communicators in Kigali to use digital platforms for human dignity, truth, and environmental stewardship at the SIGNIS World Congress. Rwanda Tech in Action: Reporting highlights how drones can deliver blood in minutes—saving lives when roads and staffing delays leave patients waiting. Regional Watch: Kenya’s Nairobi Securities Exchange plans East Africa’s first AI-themed ETF, signaling growing investor appetite for tech-linked funds.

Dangote IPO Watch: Nigeria’s Dangote refinery is set for Africa’s biggest market listing, aiming to raise about $5bn via an IPO expected to conclude in October, with talks involving exchanges including Rwanda’s as investors eye expansion and new capacity. Parliament Oversight: South Africa’s Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie faced MPs’ anger after a World Cup spending briefing lacked the detailed financial breakdown lawmakers demanded. Ebola Crisis: WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus visited Congo as the Ebola outbreak accelerates, with reports of health worker strikes over pay worsening care in conflict-hit areas. Food Safety in the Region: FAO trained lab experts across East Africa, including Rwanda, to strengthen testing for pesticide residues and aflatoxin—key for safer food and smoother trade. Rwanda in the Spotlight (Sports): CAF appointed Rwandan referee Aline Umotoni for a Women’s Africa Cup of Nations clash between Nigeria and Egypt. Agriculture & Climate Resilience: In Rwamagana, farmers are using modern irrigation supported by SAIP II to shift from drought-prone production to year-round farming. Inclusive Sports: Rwanda is among countries sending participants to Africa’s first Wheelchair Fencing Academy in Lagos.

Rwanda Alcohol Crackdown: Rwanda FDA has shut down more than 100 additional liquor manufacturing facilities and ordered a nationwide recall, revoking licenses and demanding removal of affected products and advertising after public health concerns linked to illicit alcohol. Aviation Safety: Rwanda Civil Aviation Authority adopted a Risk-Based Oversight Strategy (2026–2030) to modernize safety supervision with risk-informed surveillance and stronger state safety systems. Agriculture Transformation: Rwanda is shifting to an integrated farming strategy backed by an EU financing agreement (€40m) combining irrigation, improved genetics, agroforestry, conservation and climate resilience. Public Finance Accountability: Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee flagged missing documentation and questioned spending, including over Rwf5bn linked to RSSB and related investments. Digital & Media Ethics: At the SIGNIS World Congress in Kigali, Vatican officials warned that AI content farms are flooding online space and diverting resources from investigative journalism. Sports: Gor Mahia reached the Kagame Cup final after edging Al Hilal on penalties in Kigali, with a red card affecting the final minutes. Regional/Global Watch: Egypt says it won’t allow new Ethiopian Nile dams without a legally binding data-sharing mechanism.

Rwanda Media & Peace: Cardinal Antoine Kambanda warned at the SIGNIS World Congress in Kigali that media can fuel division and terror, citing its role in the 1994 genocide, while Rwanda’s church leaders urged communicators to use technology to rebuild trust and heal communities. Rwanda Health & Innovation: A dramatic Rwanda case shows drones delivering rare blood to Muhanga hospital after a pregnant woman’s emergency bleeding left doctors needing a massive transfusion—highlighting how drone logistics can cut delays in hard-to-reach areas. Rwanda Alcohol Crackdown: Rwanda continues tightening public health controls, with the regulator shutting down eight alcohol manufacturers and ordering nationwide recalls amid the campaign against alcohol abuse. Rwanda-India Trade: India and Rwanda held their first Joint Trade Committee meeting in New Delhi, agreeing to deepen cooperation in critical minerals, pharmaceuticals/healthcare, digital technologies, and investment. Regional Health Security: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak is reported as intensifying at an “exceptional” pace, with thousands infected and deaths rising, as response capacity strains in eastern provinces. Africa Integration Push: Young Africans were urged in Kigali to lead continental integration and move beyond colonial mindsets that still slow cooperation and development.

Rwanda Alcohol Crackdown: Rwanda FDA has shut down eight liquor factories and ordered an immediate nationwide recall of dozens of popular spirits, revoking licences after inspections found public-health and compliance breaches; consumers are told to stop drinking the affected brands and distributors must halt sales. DR Congo Ebola Update: DRC reports an Ebola outbreak that has killed 1,657 and infected 3,748 since May, with WHO warning it is the fastest-growing and among the largest on record as conflict and weak local health infrastructure hamper response. Trade & Investment (India–Rwanda): India and Rwanda held their first Joint Trade Committee meeting in New Delhi, agreeing to deepen business-to-business ties and focus on critical minerals, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, agriculture and digital technologies. Women’s Leadership in Rwanda: Rwanda launched the African Academy for Women in Political Leadership in Kigali with an inaugural cohort of 40 women from across Africa and the Caribbean, backed by UNDP, the AU and partners. Regional Governance & Skills: Rwanda Institute of Computing plans and education reforms are in the spotlight, while Kenya signs a major maternal and newborn care deal—both pointing to a wider push for stronger services and human capital. EU Migration Policy: Italy is set to propose EU-funded migrant hubs outside the bloc, with Rwanda among potential host countries, after the Ceuta crisis reignited tensions with Spain.

Rwanda Health Crackdown: Rwanda FDA has shut eight alcohol manufacturing plants and ordered an immediate recall of dozens of popular drinks, including Red Waragi, Royal Castle Gin and King’s Vodka, after safety and regulatory violations; shops, bars and suppliers must stop sales and return unsold stock. Education Reform: Rwanda is rolling out sweeping education changes after learning assessments showed many pupils can read but struggle to fully understand what they read, pushing reforms in teacher training, the school day, financing and discipline. Tech & Skills: Rwanda Institute of Computing (RIC) is set to become a specialized university training hub for artificial intelligence, with Education Minister Joseph Nsengimana visiting the Rwanda Coding Academy ahead of the institute’s launch. Regional Trade & Investment: India and Rwanda have launched a joint trade mechanism and identified priority areas including critical minerals, healthcare and digital technologies to deepen business-to-business ties. Youth & Public Health Culture: Rwanda’s health and sports leadership is backing community fitness events, urging Rwandans to make physical activity a daily habit for long-term wellbeing. Ebola Watch (DRC): WHO says the DRC Ebola outbreak is intensifying at an “exceptional” pace, now the largest recorded in the country.

Trade & Growth: WTO chief Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala warned that geopolitics and a weaker multilateral system are disrupting global trade rules, while pushing for the Africa Continental Free Trade Area to succeed and for more support for women and youth-led businesses. Rwanda-India Business: India and Rwanda launched a Joint Trade Committee in New Delhi to deepen cooperation on critical minerals, petroleum, healthcare, digital public infrastructure, fintech and cybersecurity, with both sides also mapping new market access areas. Ebola Watch (DRC): The WHO says the DRC Ebola outbreak is intensifying at an “exceptional” pace, now the largest recorded in the country, with insecurity and cross-border movement complicating response efforts. Rwanda Conservation & Community: In Burera, the Umusambi Football Tournament helped boost community protection efforts for the endangered Grey Crowned Crane around Rugezi Marsh. Public Health (Rwanda): Rwanda’s alcohol ban is being called a necessary first step, but critics say it must be backed by better data and treatment planning to prevent harm shifting elsewhere. EV Momentum: An IEA report projects global EV sales to hit 23m in 2026 and says Africa’s EV market has more than doubled in the first half of the year.

Ebola Surge in DRC: The WHO says the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Ebola outbreak is intensifying at an “exceptional” pace, now the country’s largest on record, with 3,605 confirmed cases and 1,587 deaths as of July 30, driven by insecurity, displacement and cross-border movement. Health Response in Focus: Africa CDC also flags operational constraints in the DRC while praising Uganda’s containment, with WHO and partners set to step up work in Bunia. Rwanda-DRC Medical Link: Virunga National Park is strengthening health checkpoints and ranger support to help protect communities and mountain gorillas from Ebola spread. Trade Boost for Rwanda: India and Rwanda launched a Joint Trade Committee in New Delhi, setting up a permanent mechanism to expand cooperation in critical minerals, healthcare, digital technologies, agriculture and renewable energy. Kigali’s Growing Capacity: An Israeli pediatric cardiologist traveled to Rwanda to help save a newborn with a rare heart defect, highlighting expanding local expertise. Tourism & Culture: A World Public Summit in Addis Ababa spotlights Africa’s rising travel and investment pull, with Rwanda highlighted for conservation tourism and conferences.

Ebola Alert: The WHO says the DRC’s Ebola outbreak is intensifying at an “exceptional” pace, now the largest recorded in the country, with 3,605 confirmed cases and 1,587 deaths as of July 30, and warns insecurity, displacement and cross-border movement are complicating response. Trade & Investment: India and Rwanda’s first Joint Trade Committee meeting in New Delhi agreed on a permanent mechanism to expand bilateral trade, prioritising critical minerals, pharmaceuticals/healthcare, digital technologies, agriculture and renewable energy. Public Health Policy: Rwanda’s alcohol ban is being debated as a necessary first step, but critics say it must be backed by better data and stronger treatment capacity to stop harm shifting elsewhere. Health Cooperation: An Israeli pediatric cardiologist flew to Rwanda to help save an 11-day-old baby with a rare heart defect, highlighting growing local capacity for complex cardiac care. Conservation & Youth Sports: A community-led football tournament around Rugezi Marsh in Burera helped push recovery efforts for the endangered Grey Crowned Crane. Digital Identity Business: A report on digital public infrastructure points to biometric authentication as a major growth area, with private-sector partners playing a key role in scaling services.

India–Rwanda Trade Boost: India and Rwanda have launched their first Joint Trade Committee meeting in New Delhi, agreeing to deepen business-to-business ties and prioritise critical minerals, pharmaceuticals and healthcare, digital technologies, agriculture and renewable energy, with a second session planned in Rwanda next year. Public Health Funding Pressure: UNAIDS warns that cuts to HIV prevention and community services could trigger a resurgence, even as new infections and AIDS deaths remain at multi-decade lows. Ebola Watch (DRC): Africa CDC says operational constraints are hampering Congo’s Ebola response as the outbreak grows fast, with the latest figures putting confirmed cases above 3,500 and deaths above 1,500. Conservation Through Sport: Rwanda’s Umusambi Football Tournament in Burera ended July 31, with community-led awareness credited for helping recovery efforts for the endangered Grey Crowned Crane around Rugezi Marsh. Rwanda Economy Spotlight: A new UN study highlights Rwanda’s strong growth and social progress, citing robust GDP performance and continued investment priorities. Rwanda Digital Health/Connectivity Angle: Rwanda’s regulator has moved to revoke ethanol import licences over public health concerns, while broader health and digital cooperation stories continue to feature across the region.

DR Congo Ebola Surge: The latest outbreak in eastern DR Congo has passed 3,500 cases, with 3,532 confirmed infections and 1,556 deaths across five provinces, as health workers push to slow spread of the Bundibugyo strain. HIV Funding Warning: UNAIDS says global HIV prevention funding fell 23% in 2025, warning progress could reverse as new infections and AIDS deaths rise. Rwanda Economy Spotlight: A new UN report highlights Rwanda’s strong growth and social progress, citing 10% GDP growth in Q1 2026 and rising investment in infrastructure, agriculture, electrification, education, healthcare and Bugesera Airport. Regional Health Cooperation: Kenya and partners including Rwanda are developing a framework to jointly procure emergency medical supplies during outbreaks, aiming to cut costs and speed access. Rwanda Governance & People: Rwanda mourns former Speaker Donatille Mukabalisa, a long-serving lawmaker and Liberal Party figure. Rwanda Diplomacy & Culture: Oman’s ambassador presented credentials to President Kagame, while Rwanda’s embassy in Korea marked its first Cultural Heritage Day in Seoul. Rwanda Business Regulation: The Rwandan regulator suspended Baron Sports Gaming (Forzza) for offering casino-style games outside its licence.

Rwanda–Ethiopia Ties: Rwanda’s Foreign Affairs chief Olivier Nduhungirehe says both countries will deepen cooperation beyond politics, pushing more trade and exports while expanding health links, training and pan-African unity. Diplomatic Credentials: Oman’s new ambassador presented credentials to President Paul Kagame, exchanging greetings and pledging stronger bilateral relations. Korea Cultural Exchange: Rwanda held its first Cultural Heritage Day in Seoul, featuring Intore and other performances to spotlight tourism and growing friendship with Korea. Digital Finance Toolkit: The UK launched a free, Rwanda-hosted fundraising toolkit to help African entrepreneurs meet investor standards and access capital. Agri-Food Boost: HoReCo showcased improved potato seed varieties at Rwanda AgriShow, aiming to expand potato farming beyond traditional highland areas for stronger food security. Health & Safety: UNHCR urged South Africa to renew its refugee protection commitment as displacement pressures rise. Mobility Innovation: eWAKA was ranked among Africa’s top mobility firms, highlighting electric deliveries and growth in Rwanda and Kenya. Regional Security: DRC says an FDLR-linked protocol commits fighters to disarm and repatriate, while Rwanda disputes it as outside the Washington framework.