AGP Executive Report

World Cup focus: Senegal has named its final 2026 FIFA World Cup squad, led by Sadio Mané and Nicolas Jackson, with Edouard Mendy and Kalidou Koulibaly anchoring the team; Senegal open against France on June 16 in New York, then face Norway and Iraq. Agribusiness exports: Senegal’s mango season has kicked off early after special export authorization, with first shipments landing in the Netherlands and Lebanon as exporters target Gulf and Levant markets. Regional trade pressure: Port chiefs are again warning that Africa can’t grow with obsolete infrastructure—calls are mounting for modern ports, deep-sea capacity and digital upgrades across West and Central Africa, including Senegal. Public health shock (region-wide): A rare Ebola outbreak in eastern Congo is accelerating, straining supplies and staff; India and the African Union postponed their summit in New Delhi due to the evolving health situation. Travel disruption: US World Cup travel bans directly affect Senegalese fans, limiting access to matches in multiple host cities.

Ebola Emergency in Congo: Health workers and aid groups in eastern Congo say the rare Ebola outbreak is “gaining momentum,” with armed groups threatening response efforts, supplies still short, and no vaccine or medicine available—while WHO warns the scale could be much larger than reported and expects the crisis to last at least two months. India-Africa Summit Hit by Health Fears: India postponed the India-Africa Forum Summit in New Delhi, citing the evolving Ebola situation and the need for full African leader participation. Senegal Mango Exports Kick Off Early: Senegal’s mango season starts with special authorization—first shipments heading to the Netherlands by sea and Lebanon by air, as exporters push earlier harvests and diversify beyond Europe and Morocco. Teranga Lions World Cup Squad: Sadio Mané leads Senegal’s 2026 World Cup squad named by coach Pape Thiaw, with Senegal drawn against France, Norway and Iraq. Digital Push: Senegal’s New Deal Technologique targets digital sovereignty and digitising 90% of government services by 2034, backed by a CFA 1,105 billion investment package.

Ebola Alarm in Congo: Eastern Congo health workers say they’re underprotected and undertrained as a rare Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak spreads fast, with WHO warning about the “scale and speed” and reporting at least 134 suspected deaths and hundreds of suspected cases; the region’s armed-group violence is also disrupting response, while residents report rising prices for masks and disinfectants. Senegal Digital Push: Senegal doubles down on tech with its New Deal Technologique, aiming to digitise 90% of public services by 2034 and build digital sovereignty, including national data centres and cybersecurity upgrades. Senegal Agribusiness Export Boost: Senegal’s mango season is already moving—early shipments to the Netherlands by sea and to Lebanon by air after special export authorisations, with growers citing irrigation and modern practices. Youth Olympics Spotlight: Kenya’s Sheila Chajira is named a 2026 Youth Olympics role model, with the Dakar event set for Oct–Nov and positioned as the first IOC Youth Olympics staged in Africa. Fuel-Driven Cost Pressure: Across Africa, surging fuel prices are feeding higher living costs and public frustration, with transport and food costs rising in multiple countries.

Port Push: Nigeria has cleared approvals for five deep-sea ports—Badagry, Olokola, Ibom, Bakassi and Bonny—aimed at reclaiming 70% of cargo traffic and drawing major investors. Senegal Digital Drive: Senegal is betting big on smart cities and a “New Deal Technologique” roadmap to build digital sovereignty and digitise 90% of public services by 2034, backed by about CFA 1,105 billion. Ebola Watch (Congo): WHO says a rare Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in eastern Congo is spreading with “scale and speed,” with 134 suspected deaths and hundreds of suspected cases, while local responders warn they’re underprotected. Skills & Jobs: A World Bank analysis flags a widening skills mismatch across Africa, with many young people stuck outside school and work. Aquaculture Plan (Senegal): Senegal targets US$64.9m in private investment to scale aquaculture production sharply by 2030. MEST AI Opens: Applications are open for the 2027 MEST AI Startup Program, offering training and up to $100,000 pre-seed pitches.

Ebola Alarm in Congo: WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus says a rare Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in eastern Congo is spreading with “scale and speed,” after authorities reported 134 suspected deaths and 500+ suspected cases, with the virus spreading undetected for weeks due to early tests missing the strain. Senegal Aquaculture Push: Senegal approved a 2026-2030 aquaculture plan aiming to pull in about US$64.9m in private investment, lifting output to 20,000 tonnes by 2030 (from 3,049 tonnes in 2025) and boosting fingerling capacity to 52m units. Gold Sector Signal: Thor Explorations posted stronger Q1 results, helped by a higher realised gold price, while continuing work on its Douta project in Senegal. Human Rights Under Pressure: Senegal’s anti-LGBTQ crackdown has reportedly topped 100 arrests after tougher penal code provisions. Skills Gap Warning: A World Bank analysis flags Africa’s skills mismatch as a drag on hiring and growth.

Ebola Alert: WHO chief Tedros Ghebreyesus says eastern Congo’s rare Ebola outbreak is spreading with alarming “scale and speed,” after authorities reported at least 134 deaths and 500+ suspected cases, with the virus spreading undetected for weeks and no approved vaccines or medicines. Senegal Human Rights: Senegal’s anti-LGBTQ crackdown is escalating, with reports of 100+ arrests since a penal code amendment doubled penalties for same-sex relations and added jail terms for “promotion” or “financing.” Gold & Mining: Thor Explorations posted a stronger Q1, lifting revenue to $74.3m and net income to $46.7m, as higher realised gold prices offset lower sales; it also continues work on Senegal’s Douta project. Energy & Power: Karpowership is pushing into Mexico with an LNG-to-power plan for dispatchable electricity in Yucatán. Maritime Push: West and Central Africa port investment momentum continues, with regional leaders citing $27bn+ in announced or underway projects.

Ebola Emergency in Congo: Congo will open three Ebola treatment centers in Ituri after a rare Bundibugyo variant killed nearly 120 people, with WHO sending experts as deaths and suspected cases climb and officials admit early testing missed the strain. Ports & Trade Pressure: West and Central Africa are facing port shortages, with Dangote warning some cargo discharge can take weeks, while Nigeria says it’s expanding deep-sea ports and pushing maritime reforms to become a regional logistics hub. Senegal Banana Push: Senegal reports banana self-sufficiency progress—imports fell below 20% in 2025—after a temporary import ban and new farm tech, but cold-chain and land issues still slow scaling toward 2029 targets. Food Safety Check: Nestlé Senegal reassures parents that its infant formula is not affected by a global recall linked to trace toxin concerns abroad. Digital Divide: Microsoft flags low AI adoption across Africa, citing weak electricity, internet, and digital skills—an issue that matters for productivity and jobs.

Ebola Response Escalates in Congo: The WHO has declared Congo’s Ebola outbreak a public health emergency of international concern, with deaths now above 100 and cases spreading across Ituri and North Kivu. Health officials say the outbreak likely started weeks earlier, partly because early tests looked for the wrong Ebola strain, costing precious time. Treatment Capacity Boost: Congo says it will open three Ebola treatment centers in Ituri as the rare Bundibugyo variant—without approved vaccines or therapeutics—pushes hospitals to breaking point. Cross-Border Spillover: Two deaths have been reported in neighboring Uganda, underscoring how fast the situation can move. Senegal-Region Industry Signals: In Senegal’s food sector, Nestlé reassures parents that its infant formula sold locally is not affected by a European toxin alert. Infrastructure Momentum Nearby: Senegal’s neighbors keep investing—Gambia is launching major road projects to cut rural isolation, while Nigeria’s port reforms aim to strengthen West and Central Africa trade.

Road Building Momentum: President Adama Barrow has launched an 85km road project in The Gambia’s Upper River Region, starting with an 11.2km link in Jimara to connect 22 remote settlements—an immediate boost for access, lower transport friction, and village trade. Cybersecurity Pressure: Senegal is dealing with its third cyberattack on a public institution in under six months, after disruptions at the Public Treasury began on 10 May and hackers threatened to leak large volumes of data. Digital Infrastructure Race: A new Atlantic subsea cable push—Via Africa—aims to improve resilience and bandwidth diversity across West Africa, with Senegal and partners in the landing plan. Energy & Trade Disruption: With Hormuz tensions reshaping shipping routes, West Africa is seeing more maritime fuel and repair activity, including new bunkering expansion that can lift local services. Health Watch: Congo’s Ebola situation is worsening, and Uganda has reported an imported case—keeping regional public health on high alert.

Cybersecurity Pressure on Senegal: Senegal’s Public Treasury has been hit by a third cyberattack in under six months, with disruptions starting 10 May and hackers reportedly threatening to leak 70GB of data—following earlier strikes on the tax authority and identity-card systems. AfCON Road to PAMOJA 2027: The D-Day draw for group qualifiers is set for Tuesday in Cairo, with 48 nations split into 12 groups and hosts Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda guaranteed places. Football Momentum: Nigeria’s Flying Eagles name Abdu Maikaba as head coach ahead of the WAFU U-20 Championship, while Senegal’s WAFCON build-up continues with Super Falcons double-headers featuring Senegal. Energy & Trade Shockwaves: Hormuz disruption is reshaping shipping and boosting West Africa’s bunkering and repair demand, while fuel-price pressure remains visible across the region. Digital Sovereignty Watch: Africa’s satellite internet boom is triggering a sovereignty fight over connectivity rules and control.

Senegal Cybersecurity Under Strain: Senegal has confirmed a new “incident” hitting the Public Treasury’s IT systems, the third public-sector cyberattack in under six months, after earlier strikes on the tax authority (Black Shrantac) and an Interior Ministry identity-card unit (Green Blood Group), with hackers previously threatening major data leaks—raising fresh alarm for government services and sensitive records. IMF Watch: President Bassirou Diomaye Faye is engaging the IMF to stabilize public finances after newly reported hidden liabilities, as investors and creditors tighten scrutiny. Energy & Connectivity: Senegal remains in the spotlight for its gas agenda and for regional digital infrastructure momentum, including new Atlantic subsea cable plans that would land across West Africa. Football & Culture: Senegal’s sports calendar stays busy with WAFCON 2026 build-up and World Cup-related entertainment buzz, while Cannes debate continues over Africa’s film visibility.

Cannes Shock for Africa’s Film Scene: African-made films are missing from this year’s Palme d’Or contenders, even as the continent keeps producing at scale—raising fresh questions about access and visibility at Cannes, though some African titles still show up in other sections. West Africa Shipping Push: With Hormuz disruptions reshaping trade routes, global maritime firms are expanding along West Africa’s coast—boosting demand for bunkering and repairs, including new fuel-supply moves in the region. Digital Sovereignty Clash: Africa’s satellite internet boom is triggering a sovereignty fight over who controls digital infrastructure, affordability, and connectivity rules. Senegal’s Cybersecurity Pressure: Senegal is reeling from its third cyberattack on a public institution in under six months, with hackers threatening major data leaks. Energy & Food Cost Squeeze: Rising fuel prices and the fertiliser crisis linked to Hormuz disruptions keep threatening food security across Africa, including Senegal’s wider import-dependent economy. WAFCON Build-Up: Senegal’s Super Falcons are set for WAFCON 2026 preparations with a double-header friendly against Nigeria.

Senegal Cybersecurity Shock: Senegal’s Public Treasury is hit by its third public-institution cyberattack in under six months, with disruptions starting 10 May and hackers reportedly threatening to leak 70GB of data—after earlier strikes on the tax authority (Black Shrantac) and the Interior Ministry identity-card unit (Green Blood Group). IMF Watch: President Bassirou Diomaye Faye is engaging the IMF to restore confidence after “previously unreported liabilities” surfaced, with hidden-debt claims adding pressure on Senegal’s fiscal credibility. Energy & Infrastructure: Senegal stays in the spotlight on gas development costs and ownership questions, while West Africa eyes a new high-capacity Atlantic subsea cable (Via Africa) to boost resilience and bandwidth diversity. Digital Identity Momentum: Senegal’s teams keep winning—Team TrustSeal took top honours in the African Digital Identity Hackathon, reinforcing the push for practical identity solutions. Regional Context: Congo’s Ebola outbreak in Ituri continues to spread concern, with Uganda reporting an imported case.

Senegal Cyber Risk: Senegal’s Public Treasury is hit again—government says an “incident” started 10 May, disrupting systems for days, with hackers reportedly threatening to leak 70GB of sensitive data; it follows earlier attacks on the tax authority (Oct 2025) and the Interior Ministry identity-card unit (Jan 2026), underscoring a growing regional trend of high-profile cyber extortion. IMF Watch: Senegal’s Bassirou Diomaye Faye is engaging the IMF to restore confidence after previously unreported liabilities surfaced, with investors now watching fiscal credibility and the next steps on stabilization. Energy Pipeline: Senegal’s $7.5bn gas push stays on the agenda as Petrosen and partners work through development and ownership questions. Regional Health Alert: Congo’s new Ebola outbreak in Ituri (65 deaths so far) is now spilling into neighbors—Uganda confirms an imported case. Digital Identity Momentum: Senegal’s digital ID ecosystem keeps moving, with a recent win at Africa’s Digital Identity Hackathon.

Africa Forward Summit Fallout: French President Emmanuel Macron is facing fresh backlash after interrupting a panel in Kenya to demand silence, sparking online mockery and criticism over tone and respect—just as he pushed a new “partnership of equals” narrative and announced a $27bn Africa investment push. World Cup Build-Up (Senegal in focus): France named its 2026 World Cup squad, with big omissions including Real Madrid’s Camavinga and Atletico’s Griezmann; Senegal is in France’s group, and the tournament buzz is growing fast. Digital Identity Momentum: Senegal’s win at the African Digital Identity Hackathon highlights local talent building practical identity solutions, with digital ID efforts also expanding across the continent. Energy & Sovereignty Watch: Senegal continues positioning gas to cut subsidy pressure, while broader Africa energy independence plans gather pace. Hajj Logistics Upgrade: Saudi’s Makkah Route Initiative adds Senegal for 2026, enabling pre-clearance and smoother travel for pilgrims.

Energy & Sovereignty: Senegal is pushing ahead with the Yakaar-Teranga gas project, pegged at about $7.5bn, aiming to cut its $1bn-plus-a-year energy subsidy bill and reduce reliance on imported fuels as PETROSEN moves toward greater control after Kosmos’ stake ends. Oil & Gas Contract Reset: In parallel, Senegal has terminated concessions for several oil blocks as contract reviews tighten the terms of foreign operators. France-Africa Friction: At the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, Macron’s “Pan-Africanist” messaging and his on-stage demand for silence sparked backlash, while France also announced €23bn in new investment pledges. Public Health Alarm: A new AFP report says Indian tapentadol shipments are still reaching West Africa, fueling a growing opioid crisis and being linked to the “zombie drug” kush. Connectivity Push: A consortium is moving to launch the Via Africa subsea cable, with landing points including Mauritania and Senegal, to strengthen Atlantic connectivity.