AGP Executive Report

Cabinet Statement: The Cabinet issued a full statement on its 23 September meeting, condemning the rise in gender-based violence and femicide and noting arrests of suspects while calling for faster investigations and full prosecution. Regional Climate & Governance: At the UN General Assembly, African leaders pushed for greater influence in global decision-making, arguing that institutions must better reflect today’s climate disruption and energy transition realities. Human Rights & Migration: UN human rights experts warned that US “migration externalization” deals across 35+ countries are driving a cascade of abuses, including torture risks and enforced disappearances. Data & Tech Regulation: Equatorial Guinea-linked policy coverage highlights calls for stronger African regulator cooperation as data, AI and digital power concentrate among global platforms. Skills for Equatorial Guinea: Akacenter and the Martínez Abolafio Foundation signed a training collaboration to boost employability via donated books, computers, and access to online courses, including digital skills and first aid. Blue/Green Finance Ideas: Niger Delta summit coverage points to possible blue, green and rail bonds—tying environmental protection and infrastructure to new financing models.

National Team Welfare: Sierra Leone’s Musa Kallon says players called up for international duty need stronger health and nutrition checks, warning that poor preparation can hurt performance and welfare—after defeats that included a 1-0 loss to Equatorial Guinea. UN Global Governance: At the UN General Assembly, African leaders pushed for more say in global rule-making, arguing institutions lag behind shifts like climate disruption and the energy transition. Human Rights & Migration: UN human rights experts warned that US “third-country” removal deals across 35+ states are driving serious abuses, including torture risks and enforced disappearances, as oversight and transparency remain weak. Data & AI Governance: Equatorial Guinea-linked regional debate echoes as Africa’s data protection chief calls for stronger cooperation among regulators to rein in the growing power of big tech and AI platforms. Training for Digital Inclusion (Equatorial Guinea): Akacenter and the Martínez Abolafio Foundation signed a deal to expand training in Equatorial Guinea with books, computers, and access to online courses.

Port & Coastal Development: Kribi’s deep-water port is marking 15 years since Mboro shifted from a fishing village to a growing industrial and logistics hub, with new roads, businesses and public facilities reshaping the coastline. Human Rights & Migration: UN human rights experts warn that US “externalization” removal deals across 35+ countries are triggering risks of torture, enforced disappearance and family separation, with limited oversight. Cross-Border Governance: Nigeria and Cameroon say remaining border demarcation work—focused on the Adamawa sector and over 260 pillars—could be finished in about three months, moving next to managing impacts on affected communities. Digital & Data Governance: Equatorial Guinea-linked policy circles highlight calls for stronger coordination among African regulators to rein in the growing concentration of data, tech and AI power. Skills & Inclusion in Equatorial Guinea: The Martínez Abolafio Foundation and Akacenter sign a training collaboration to boost employability via donated books/computers and access to online courses, including digital skills and first aid. Air Quality Oversight: An ombudsman questions “non-appearance” vehicle emission testing, citing visible haze and concerns that inspections may not be happening as required. Agriculture & Food Security: Women farmers’ groups push for budget accountability and better services, warning that agriculture funding still falls short of the 10% target and that insecurity, weak mechanization and limited inputs keep productivity low. Energy & Finance: Discussions around Africa Energy Week and new bond ideas (including green and blue bonds) point to financing pressure and the push for cleaner, resilient investment.

Human Rights & Migration: UN-linked experts warn the US “externalization” removals are already triggering torture, enforced disappearances and other abuses as migrants are transferred to countries with weak rights safeguards, with at least 23,000 people sent to 29 destinations. Local Rights in Equatorial Guinea: Two men deported to Equatorial Guinea were arrested after speaking out about alleged inhumane conditions at a Malabo hotel used under US “third-country” arrangements, raising fresh concerns over detention, medical access and intimidation. Data & Tech Governance: Equatorial Guinea-linked regional debate continues as Africa’s data protection chief calls for stronger coordination among regulators to rein in the growing power of big tech and AI platforms. Training & Digital Inclusion: Akacenter and the Martínez Abolafio Foundation sign a deal to expand training in Equatorial Guinea with donated books and computers plus access to online courses, including digital skills and first aid. Agriculture & Food Security (Regional): Women farmers’ groups push for budget accountability and gender-friendly machinery, warning that agricultural spending still falls short of Malabo/Maputo targets.

Climate & Forests: A new Nature Communications study warns Central African rainforests may be shifting from carbon sinks to carbon sources, showing net carbon losses in recent years—bad news for climate buffers and carbon-offset plans. Environment Governance: An Ombudsman in the Philippines questioned “non-appearance” vehicle emission testing, pointing to haze and possible non-emission checks—an air-pollution accountability story with lessons for enforcement. Education & Digital Inclusion: Akacenter and the Martínez Abolafio Foundation signed a deal to expand training in Equatorial Guinea, including books, computers, and access to online courses for digital skills and employability. Energy & Trade: The Africa-Arab Partnership urged governments to move from declarations to implementation, with sustainable financing and a completed action plan ahead of its 2027 milestone. Blue Economy & Ports: A feature highlights how rehabilitating the Burutu seaport could unlock blue-economy opportunities across the region, with knock-on effects for nearby countries including Equatorial Guinea. Human Rights & Deportations: Reports say deportees sent to Equatorial Guinea faced arrests after speaking out about inhumane conditions—raising serious concerns for rights and safety.

Climate & Forests: A new study using high-resolution satellite maps says Central African forests are shifting from absorbing to losing more carbon than they gain, raising fresh alarm for climate plans that rely on tropical forest offsets. Air Quality & Transport Oversight: The Philippines’ ombudsman questioned “non-appearance” emission testing, arguing it worsens pollution and may let vehicles pass without real checks. Digital Governance: Equatorial Guinea’s Data Protection Commission chief called for stronger coordination among African regulators to rein in the growing power of big tech and AI platforms. Education & Digital Inclusion: Akacenter and the Martínez Abolafio Foundation signed a deal to expand training in Equatorial Guinea with books, computers, and access to online courses. Human Rights & Deportations: Reports say deportees sent to Equatorial Guinea from the US were arrested after speaking out about inhumane conditions, with allegations of denial of medical care and legal help. Energy & Partnerships: The Africa-Arab Partnership urged governments to move from declarations to funded, time-bound programmes ahead of its 2027 milestone.

Deportation & Human Rights: Two men deported from the US to Equatorial Guinea say they were arrested after speaking out about inhumane conditions at a Malabo hotel, with police transferring them to prison—raising fresh alarms over medical care, legal access, and retaliation. Climate & Forests: A new study using high-resolution satellite maps reports Central African forests are shifting from reliable carbon buffers to net carbon losers, with major implications for climate targets and carbon-offset programs. Energy Access & Solar: Akon’s long-running Akon Lighting Africa initiative is highlighted as a model for expanding solar electricity access across rural communities, showing how off-grid power can reach multiple countries. Data Governance: Equatorial Guinea’s Data Protection Commission chief calls for stronger coordination among African regulators to rein in the growing concentration of data and AI power held by global tech platforms. Training & Digital Inclusion: The Martínez Abolafio Foundation and Akacenter sign a collaboration to expand training in Equatorial Guinea via donated books, computers, and access to online courses. Air Quality Oversight: An ombudsman questions “non-appearance” vehicle emission testing practices, warning that weak enforcement is worsening air pollution.

Air Quality Accountability: An Ombudsman in the Philippines challenged “non-appearance” vehicle emission testing, warning it may be “non-emission” and pointing to worsening haze—an example of how weak enforcement can directly harm public health. Africa-Arab Cooperation: The AU Commission chair urged African and Arab governments to move from declarations to delivery under the Africa-Arab Partnership ahead of its 2027 50th anniversary, stressing action plans, timetables, and financing. Data & Tech Governance: Africa’s Data Protection Commission chief called for connected, cross-border regulator cooperation to rein in the growing power of big tech and AI platforms. Women Farmers & Food Security: Nigeria’s smallholder women farmers pushed for budget accountability and gender-friendly machinery, warning agriculture funding still falls short of the 10% target and that much approved capital spending isn’t reaching farmers. Climate & Forests: A new study using high-resolution satellite mapping reports Central African forests are losing more carbon than they gain, shaking the idea of their past resilience. Human Rights & Deportations: Reports say deportees sent to Equatorial Guinea faced arrests and harsh conditions after speaking out, highlighting the environmental and social fallout of forced displacement.

Data Governance & AI: Equatorial Guinea’s Data Protection Commission boss Dr Arnold Kavaarpuo urged African regulators to coordinate more closely as data, AI and digital power concentrate in global tech platforms, saying oversight must go beyond privacy to who controls and profits from data. Education & Digital Inclusion: The Martínez Abolafio Foundation and Akacenter signed a deal to expand training in Equatorial Guinea, with books and computer equipment plus access to an online learning platform covering languages, computer skills and more. Human Rights & Deportations: Reports say two people deported from the US to Equatorial Guinea were arrested and jailed after speaking out about alleged inhumane conditions at a Malabo hotel, raising fresh concerns over “third-country” deportation deals. Climate & Forests: A new study using high-resolution satellite mapping suggests Central African forests are shifting toward net carbon losses, challenging the idea that the region is reliably buffering climate change. Agriculture & Food Security: Women farmers’ groups in Nigeria are pushing for stronger agricultural policy and budget accountability, warning that funding still falls short of the 10% target and that insecurity, weak mechanisation and poor services limit women’s productivity.

Aviation Policy Pressure: IATA warns African airlines are being squeezed by high taxes, costly fees and expensive fuel, urging governments to treat air travel as an economic growth engine rather than a revenue source. Skills & Digital Inclusion: Akacenter and the Martínez Abolafio Foundation signed an agreement to expand training in Equatorial Guinea, including books, computers and access to online courses for languages, tech and digital skills. Climate & Forest Carbon: New high-resolution mapping suggests Central African forests are shifting toward net carbon losses, raising fresh alarms for climate buffers and carbon-offset programs. Human Rights & Deportations: Reports say US deportees sent to Equatorial Guinea faced harsh conditions at a Malabo hotel, with some later arrested after speaking out. Agriculture Policy Push: Women farmers’ groups are calling for stronger, accountable agricultural budgets and gender-friendly support—land security, inputs, mechanisation, extension and storage—to protect food security.

Education & Digital Inclusion: The Martínez Abolafio Foundation and Akacenter signed a collaboration deal to expand training in Equatorial Guinea, with book and computer donations plus access to Akacenter’s online courses (languages, computer science, first aid, socio-health care, and digital skills). Climate & Forests: A new study using high-resolution satellite maps reports Central African forests are shifting toward net carbon losses, raising fresh concerns for climate buffers and carbon-offset programs. Human Rights & Deportations: Reports say two men deported from the US to Equatorial Guinea were arrested after speaking out about alleged inhumane conditions at a Malabo hotel, where detainees also complained of denied medical care and legal help. Press Freedom: A missing South African journalist in Djibouti has triggered calls for urgent action to confirm whereabouts and protect journalists working in high-risk settings.

Deportation & Human Rights: Two men deported from the US to Equatorial Guinea were arrested by local police and moved to prison after speaking out about alleged inhumane conditions at a Malabo hotel, raising fresh concerns over medical care, legal access, and retaliation tied to “third-country” deals. Climate & Forests: A new study using high-resolution satellite maps reports Central African forests are shifting from carbon buffers to net carbon losers, with implications for global carbon budgets and forest-based emission offsets. Agriculture Policy & Gender: Small-scale women farmers’ groups are pushing for stronger, accountable agricultural budgets and gender-friendly support, warning that funding still falls short of the 10% benchmark and that women face barriers to land, inputs, mechanisation, extension services, and markets. Data Governance: Africa’s data protection chief called for stronger cross-regulator cooperation to rein in the growing concentration of data and AI power held by large global tech platforms. Energy & Investment: Coverage ahead of African Energy Week highlights renewed focus on energy security and investment, including how “green” and “blue” financing could shape environmental and coastal projects in the region.

Women Farmers’ Policy Push: Small-scale women farmers in Nigeria (SWOFON) are demanding stronger agricultural investment, budget accountability, and women-inclusive policy decisions, warning that funding still falls far short of the 10% Malabo/Maputo target. Budget Accountability in Practice: SWOFON says agricultural allocations remain too low and that large shares of approved capital spending are not implemented—leaving gaps in land access, inputs, mechanisation, extension services, storage, and market reach. Blue-Green Finance for the Niger Delta: After Niger Delta talks in Port Harcourt, reports say blue bonds, green bonds, and rail bonds could be floated to back blue-economy projects like mangrove/forest protection and renewable energy, plus infrastructure such as rail. Forest Carbon Warning: A new study using high-resolution satellite mapping suggests Central African forests may be losing more carbon than they gain—raising fresh concerns for climate and carbon-offset plans. Equatorial Guinea Deportation Fallout: US deportees sent to Equatorial Guinea have faced arrests and harsh conditions after speaking out, with human rights groups alleging retaliation and denial of medical and legal help.

Climate & Forests: A new Nature Communications study using high-resolution satellite maps says Central African tropical forests are now losing more woody carbon than they gain, challenging the idea that the region is a steady climate buffer. Energy & Environment Policy: Africa Energy Week (Oct 12–16, Cape Town) is set to push energy security and investment, as many countries still struggle with energy poverty and rely on oil and gas while weighing an eventual transition. Coastal & Blue Economy: A feature on Cameroon’s Kribi deep-water port highlights how port upgrades and logistics can reshape livelihoods and regional trade, with knock-on potential for nearby countries including Equatorial Guinea. Agriculture & Food Security: Women smallholder farmers are calling for insecurity relief, better funding, gender-friendly machinery, and more implemented agricultural budgets—plus storage like silos to cut post-harvest losses. Data Governance: Africa’s data protection chief urges stronger cross-border regulator cooperation to rein in the growing power of big tech across data, AI, and digital services. Human Rights & Deportations: Reports say U.S. deportees sent to Equatorial Guinea faced arrests and harsh conditions after speaking out, raising fresh concerns about third-country deportation deals.

Energy Security Agenda: African Energy Week (Oct 12–16, Cape Town) is set to push ministers and investors to tackle Africa’s energy poverty and the stalled push to develop oil and gas responsibly. Carbon & Forests: A new high-resolution study warns Central African tropical forests are shifting from reliable carbon sinks to net carbon losers, raising alarms for climate and carbon-offset programs. Human Rights in Deportations (Malabo): Two men deported to Equatorial Guinea say they were arrested after speaking out about inhumane conditions at a Malabo hotel holding U.S. deportees, with claims of denied medical care and threats. Press Freedom Safety: A missing South African journalist in Djibouti has triggered calls for urgent action on whereabouts and stronger protections for journalists facing detention or disappearance. Regional Finance (CEMAC): BEAC says talks with the IMF aim to revive a regional review that could unlock new programs for Cameroon, Congo and Gabon, with a possible December 2026 timeline. Diplomacy (Equatorial Guinea): Vietnam appointed a new ambassador covering Equatorial Guinea among other posts, signaling continued diplomatic engagement.

Forest Carbon Watch: High-resolution satellite mapping suggests Central African rainforests are shifting toward net carbon losses, raising fresh alarm for climate buffers and carbon-offset plans. Human Rights & Deportations: Reports say US deportees sent to Equatorial Guinea faced denial of medical care and legal help at a Malabo hotel, with some later arrested after speaking out. Press Freedom: A missing South African journalist in Djibouti has sparked calls for urgent action on reporters’ safety, amid fears of intimidation and disappearance. Climate-Linked Security Debate: An opinion piece argues intelligence agencies across Africa are increasingly tasked with climate-related insecurity alongside terrorism and cyber threats. Agriculture & Research: Another analysis stresses that agricultural transformation needs stronger, locally grounded research investment to drive innovation and resilience. Regional Finance: BEAC officials discuss reviving a CEMAC review with the IMF, a step that could unlock future regional financial programs.