AGP Executive Report

AfCFTA Border Push: Togo is spotlighting its Cinkassé one-stop border post as AfCFTA partners sign up to deploy similar systems across Africa—customs, health and transport at one site—after 382,000 vehicles crossed in 2025 (+20%), strengthening the Lomé–Ouagadougou trade corridor. Cocoa Recovery Watch: Ivory Coast expects cocoa output to rebound 10.5% in 2025/26 to 2.0–2.1 million tons, helped by higher prices boosting farm inputs, even as traders note some stock still isn’t sold. Real Chocolate Returns: With cocoa futures down sharply since late-2024, major makers are moving back toward higher cocoa content in “chocolate candy” and alternatives. Digital Health Identity: Kenya is rolling out digital birth notifications linking hospitals to civil registration and its national ID system, aiming to speed up registration and reduce fraud. Ebola Reminder: Coverage flags Ebola as a constant threat, urging tighter border surveillance as outbreaks simmer in parts of Central and East Africa.

Cocoa rebound: Ivory Coast, the world’s top cocoa producer, expects output to jump to about 2.0–2.1 million metric tons in 2025/26, its first big recovery in three years—good news for farmers and a potential relief for global chocolate prices after the worst crisis in decades. Ocean governance: A spotlight report says African governments are pushing to benefit from the UN BBNJ ocean treaty, aiming to shape rules for the high seas and share gains from marine genetic resources. Health emergency watch: The WHO declared an international public health emergency over a Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in DR Congo and Uganda, while stressing it does not meet pandemic criteria. Local health context: In Côte d’Ivoire, the week also carried a reminder of health risks beyond outbreaks, including the death of music star Abomé Léléfant at 33 from a heart attack. Policy & systems: ECOWAS met in Abidjan on the Water-Energy-Food nexus with gender focus, while Cabo Verde reported near-universal birth registration after linking civil and identity systems.

World Cup Call-Up: Germany has pulled veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer out of retirement, naming him in a 26-man squad for the 2026 tournament—at the cost of Hoffenheim’s Oliver Baumann, who had expected to start. Health & Safety Watch: The same week also brings a fresh Ebola alert: the WHO declared a public health emergency of international concern on May 17 after reports of Bundibugyo Ebola in DR Congo and Uganda, even as it said it doesn’t meet “pandemic emergency” criteria. Digital Birth Registration: Kenya is rolling out digital birth notifications that link hospitals to civil registration and its national ID system, aiming to speed up registration and reduce fraud. Regional Health Systems: ECOWAS is pushing the Water-Energy-Food Nexus with a gender lens, with agencies meeting in Abidjan to turn plans into operational projects. Cocoa & Nutrition: With cocoa prices down, major chocolate makers are moving back toward higher cocoa content—an indirect win for food quality and farmer demand.

Electric Transit Push: A new MIT Technology Review analysis argues Africa’s shift to electric mass transit could cut urban emissions and improve daily life at scale, with falling battery costs making ownership cheaper by 2040—though two-wheelers are still mostly “last-mile” and won’t deliver the full environmental payoff. Cocoa Turnaround: As cocoa prices slide after a 2024 slump, major makers are moving back toward “real chocolate,” with Hershey planning higher cocoa content in its alternatives—good news for farmers and shoppers, but a warning that the sector is still fighting for authenticity. Ebola Alert: The WHO declared an international public health emergency over a Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak reported in the DRC and Uganda, while saying it doesn’t meet pandemic criteria. Health Supply Risk: In Ghana, sources say contraceptive stocks have been stuck at port since October after PEPFAR funding ended, raising fears of more teenage pregnancies and HIV cases. ECOWAS Social Systems: ECOWAS agencies met in Abidjan on the Water-Energy-Food nexus with gender focus, aiming to turn plans into operational projects.

Ebola Alert: The WHO declared a public health emergency of international concern on May 17 after reports of Bundibugyo Ebola in the DRC and Uganda, while stressing it does not meet “pandemic emergency” criteria—raising the stakes for surveillance and rapid response across the region. ECOWAS Water-Energy-Food Push: ECOWAS held an inter-agency meeting in Abidjan (May 15–16) to speed up Water–Energy–Food work with a gender lens, bringing together regional agencies and the AfDB. Cocoa Back to “Real Chocolate”: Reuters reports cocoa prices have slumped since late-2024, pushing at least one major maker to raise cocoa content again—signaling a possible shift away from low-cocoa “chocolate alternatives.” Digital Health Identity Momentum: Ethiopia showcased its Fayda digital ID at ID4Africa, while Cabo Verde reported near-universal birth registration after linking civil registration and national identity systems. Local Sports Prep: Curaçao released its training and media schedule for the Scotland friendly ahead of its historic World Cup run.

Ebola Alert: The WHO declared a public health emergency of international concern on May 17 after reports of Ebola (Bundibugyo virus) in the DRC and Uganda, while stressing it does not meet criteria for a pandemic emergency—renewing calls for tighter surveillance and border monitoring. Digital Identity Wins: Cabo Verde says it reached 99% birth registration in five years by linking civil registration and national ID systems through interoperability, and Ethiopia showcased its Fayda ID at ID4Africa 2026, highlighting how digital IDs can improve access to services like health. Health Tech & Policy Pressure: A week of coverage also points to the risk of “digital blockades” as Ghana weighs new tech legislation that could clash with AfCFTA digital trade goals. Regional Health Payments: Togo hosted a World Bank-backed workshop on modern, interoperable digital social benefit payments across West and Central Africa. Local Safety Push: Toronto Public Health is distributing 500,000 World Cup-themed condoms ahead of the tournament.

Ebola Alert: WHO declared a public health emergency of international concern on May 17 after reports of Ebola (Bundibugyo virus) in DR Congo and Uganda, while stressing it doesn’t meet “pandemic emergency” criteria—keeping the region on high readiness. Border Surveillance Push: A governance expert urged Nigeria to tighten border monitoring to avoid a repeat of the 2014 crisis as Ebola resurges across parts of Central and East Africa. Digital Health & IDs: Ethiopia showcased its Fayda Digital Identification Program at ID4Africa 2026, aiming to link identity to access in health and other services; meanwhile, Cabo Verde reported near-universal birth registration after linking civil registration and national identity systems. Social Protection Payments: Togo hosted regional talks on digitalizing social benefit payments, with interoperability and financial inclusion at the center. Health in the News: Toronto Public Health rolled out World Cup-themed condom distribution to promote safer sex during the tournament. Maritime Safety: Ghana Navy rescued seven suspected Ivorian stowaways from a tanker off Tema.

Public Health Watch: The WHO declared an international public health emergency over an Ebola outbreak linked to the Bundibugyo virus in the DRC and Uganda, while stressing it does not meet “pandemic emergency” criteria—raising the stakes for surveillance, vaccines, and rapid response across the region. Regional Digital Health & Payments: Togo hosted a four-day World Bank-backed workshop in Lomé on digitalizing social benefit payments, with Côte d’Ivoire among partners—pushing interoperable systems to make welfare delivery more efficient and inclusive. Côte d’Ivoire in the News Mix: A separate regional spotlight continues on Côte d’Ivoire’s role in broader Africa health and identity efforts, including digital ID progress showcased at ID4Africa. Sports & Community Health: As World Cup fever builds, Toronto Public Health is distributing 500,000 themed condoms—showing how major tournaments are increasingly tied to public health messaging. What’s Missing Locally: This week’s coverage is light on Côte d’Ivoire-specific health policy updates beyond regional initiatives.

Digital Social Protection: Lomé is hosting a four-day World Bank-backed workshop on digitalizing social benefit payments, bringing together officials from 10 West and Central African countries and BCEAO to push interoperable, more secure welfare delivery—building on Togo’s Novissi mobile-money cash transfers. Ebola Alert in Africa: WHO declared an international public health emergency on May 17 after reports of Ebola (Bundibugyo virus) in DR Congo and Uganda, while stressing it does not meet “pandemic emergency” criteria—amid ongoing regional outbreak risk. Sahel Security Reality Check: A new open-source Sahel security map argues the AES project has failed “systematically,” with Burkina Faso described as the most catastrophic case. Aid Cuts and Violence Link: Research says sudden USAID shutdowns can destabilize fragile settings, with violence rising in several previously supported African countries. Health & Migration Tragedy: A newborn migrant baby died of hypothermia on Lampedusa after rescue and transfer to a clinic; an investigation is underway.

Ebola Alert: The WHO declared an international public health emergency on May 17 after reports of Ebola (Bundibugyo virus) in the DRC and Uganda, stressing it is not a “pandemic emergency” but remains a serious, ongoing threat. Health Funding Shock: New research links last year’s abrupt USAID cuts to a sustained rise in violence across several African countries, warning that sudden aid disruptions can destabilize fragile settings. Maritime Safety: Ghana’s Navy says it rescued seven suspected Ivorian stowaways from the rudder trunk of a crude oil tanker off Tema, moving them safely to port after a distress alert. Digital IDs for Care: Ethiopia showcased its Fayda digital ID system at ID4Africa 2026, designed to support services including health. Cocoa Crisis Watch: Ivory Coast is still trying to calm cocoa farmer protests over unpaid beans as the wider supply chain strains. World Cup Health Angle: Toronto Public Health is handing out 500,000 free World Cup-themed condoms to promote safer sex during the tournament.

Ebola Basics for Communities: A new explainer highlights how Ebola damages blood vessels, spreads through close contact with blood and body fluids, and can be prevented with vaccines and treated with medicines—while noting outbreaks have repeatedly hit countries including DRC, Uganda, Gabon, South Africa, and even Ivory Coast. Aid Cuts and Violence Link: Research tied to the abrupt shutdown of USAID reports a sustained rise in violence across several African nations, warning that sudden, large aid cuts can destabilize fragile settings. Maritime Safety in the Region: Ghana’s Navy says it rescued seven suspected Ivorian stowaways from the rudder trunk of a crude oil tanker off Tema, moving them safely to port after a distress alert. Digital Health Momentum: Ethiopia and Ghana showcased digital identity progress at ID4Africa, with Ghana’s “Ghana Card” described as highly integrated across sectors like health and finance—while Togo plans a unified digital platform for universal health insurance management. World Cup, Public Health Angle: Toronto is handing out World Cup-themed condoms to promote safer sex during fan surges, underscoring how health services are preparing for mass gatherings.

Ebola Update: A new explainer reminds readers Ebola attacks blood vessels, can trigger severe internal bleeding, spreads via close contact with blood and body fluids, and is preventable with vaccines plus treatable with medicines—while outbreaks continue to hit countries including DRC, Uganda, Gabon, South Africa, and even Ivory Coast. World Cup Health & Safety: As World Cup fever rises, Toronto Public Health is handing out 500,000 free, soccer-themed condoms to reduce stigma and support safer sex during the tournament. Maritime Safety: Ghana Navy says it rescued seven suspected Ivorian stowaways from the rudder trunk of a crude oil tanker off Tema, moving them safely to port after a distress alert. Digital Health Systems: Togo is preparing a unified digital platform for universal health insurance reimbursements, aiming to connect hospitals, pharmacies, labs, and insurers. Aid Cuts & Violence: Research links sudden USAID shutdowns to increased violence in several African countries, warning that large, abrupt aid disruptions can destabilize fragile settings.

Maritime Safety: Ghana Navy says it rescued seven suspected Ivorian stowaways from the rudder trunk of a Belgium-registered crude oil tanker off the Tema coast, after a distress alert sent the Navy ship GNS Achimota to intercept the vessel. Migration Tragedy: In Italy, a newborn migrant baby girl died of hypothermia on Lampedusa shortly after landing, prompting a prosecutor’s inquiry and a post-mortem. World Cup Health Push: Toronto Public Health is handing out 500,000 free World Cup-themed condoms across clinics and sexual health sites, using soccer slogans to encourage safer sex and reduce stigma. Digital Health Systems: Togo is preparing a unified digital platform to manage universal health insurance reimbursements, with a federated approach meant to connect hospitals, pharmacies, labs, insurers, and regulators. Cancer Care in Ghana: President Mahama commissioned a PET-CT scan facility at the Sweden-Ghana Medical Centre, calling it a major step for earlier cancer diagnosis and treatment. Digital Identity Spotlight: Ethiopia showcased its Fayda digital ID at ID4Africa, while Ghana’s Ghana Card was praised for deep interoperability across sectors like health and banking.

World Cup health push: Toronto Public Health is handing out 500,000 free, World Cup-themed condoms ahead of the June 11 start, using six designs with soccer slogans and playful imagery to encourage safer sex and link fans to sexual health services. Digital identity momentum: Ethiopia showcased its “Fayda” digital ID at ID4Africa 2026, while Ghana’s “Ghana Card” was praised for deep interoperability across sectors like health, banking, and social protection. Health systems upgrade: Togo is moving toward a unified digital platform for universal health insurance reimbursements under AMU, aiming to connect hospitals, pharmacies, labs, insurers, and regulators. Care capacity boost: Ghana’s President Mahama commissioned a PET-CT scan facility in Accra to strengthen cancer diagnosis and treatment. Aid cuts fallout (regional): New research links sudden USAID pullbacks to increased violence in parts of Africa, warning that abrupt aid disruptions can destabilize fragile settings.

World Cup kickoff logistics: Long Beach is rolling out free downtown World Cup watch parties with big-screen match viewing starting June 12, plus free youth soccer clinics, giveaways and Galaxy player appearances—no official FIFA “Fan Zone” branding, but games will be shown via the LA Galaxy partnership. Public health & safer sex: Toronto Public Health is distributing 500,000 free World Cup-themed condoms through clinics and sexual health sites, aiming to reduce stigma and push people toward services. Cocoa crisis in Côte d’Ivoire: Farmers in M’Batto and other areas are protesting unpaid cocoa payments as beans rot in storage; the Coffee and Cocoa Council says it will send officials to calm the unrest. Digital health systems: Togo is planning a unified digital platform (SIIG-AMU) to manage universal health insurance reimbursements, using a federated approach to connect existing systems. Cancer care upgrade (Ghana): President Mahama commissioned a PET-CT scan facility at Sweden-Ghana Medical Centre to boost earlier cancer diagnosis. Geopolitics & health risk: Studies link sudden USAID cuts to a rise in violence across parts of Africa—raising instability that can spill into health and humanitarian needs.

World Cup health push: Toronto Public Health is handing out 500,000 free, limited-edition World Cup condoms through clinics and sexual health sites, using soccer-themed designs like “Block those shots!” to promote safer sex and reduce stigma ahead of the June 12 kick-off. Aid cuts and insecurity: A new study links last year’s Trump-era USAID shutdown to a rise in violence across several African countries, warning that sudden, large aid cuts can destabilise fragile settings. Digital health systems: Togo is planning a unified digital platform (SIIG-AMU) to manage universal health insurance reimbursements, with a federated approach meant to connect hospitals, pharmacies, labs, insurers and regulators. Cancer diagnostics in Ghana: President Mahama commissioned a PET-CT scan facility at the Sweden-Ghana Medical Centre in Accra, boosting local cancer diagnosis and treatment capacity. Cocoa crisis spillover: In Côte d’Ivoire, farmers protested unpaid cocoa beans they say are rotting in storage, prompting officials to move in to calm tensions.