AGP Executive Report

Ebola Response: In eastern DR Congo, WHO says the outbreak is spreading fast and has already surpassed 170 deaths, with violence and insecurity making containment harder; survivors from West Africa’s 2014–2016 crisis warn that early action, safe burial practices, and community trust are make-or-break. Telecom & Skills: Africell Sierra Leone CEO Shadi Gerjawi used Consumer Parliament to push wider coverage and digital inclusion, pointing to its Learning and Training Centre as a pipeline for youth skills. Regional Diplomacy: The India-Africa Forum Summit has been postponed due to the Ebola situation, but leaders say the agenda on innovation and resilience remains central. Education & Governance: Sierra Leone’s ACC highlighted open governance gains at OGP Week, while education ministers met AU technical bodies on education, science, tech and innovation. Media Safety: A new multi-country study finds 1 in 3 media workers experience sexual harassment, and 69% of cases go unreported. Energy Pressure: Freetown residents report worsening blackouts as Karpowership output stays far below contracted levels during hydro maintenance.

Ebola Emergency Escalates: WHO has declared the DRC outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern as Bundibugyo cases surge across Ituri, with reports of rising deaths and spread risk tied to conflict-driven displacement and movement. Open Governance Push: Sierra Leone’s Anti-Corruption Commission highlighted progress at OGP Week, including more integrity monitoring committees and stronger public access to governance. Workplace Safety in Focus: A new multi-country study finds 1 in 3 media workers experience sexual harassment, and 69% of cases go unreported—fueling calls for trusted reporting systems. Digital Finance Cross-Border: Lonestar Cell MTN and BnB in Liberia are expanding co-branded community activations to boost mobile money access across West Africa, including Sierra Leone. Maritime Skills Link-Up: Sierra Leone signed a maritime training MoU with the Philippines to expand seafarer opportunities. Power Strain in Freetown: Residents report worsening blackouts as Karpowership output stays far below contracted levels during hydro maintenance.

Digital Finance Push (Liberia): Lonestar Cell MTN and BnB are expanding cross-border mobile money, using MTN’s USSD to let customers send funds from phones to countries including Sierra Leone, Ghana, Guinea and more, and rolling out fresh co-branded community activations in Monrovia to boost trust and adoption. Workplace Safety (Media): A new multi-country study finds 69% of sexual harassment cases in media workplaces go unreported, with women facing higher rates and organizations acting in only 65% of reported cases. Ebola Alert (DRC/Uganda): WHO has declared the fast-moving Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, with rising deaths and no targeted vaccine or treatment for this rare strain—raising fears of spread amid conflict and population movement. Maritime Security (West Africa): Nigeria says President Tinubu will launch the AU combined maritime task force for the Gulf of Guinea in June, with Sierra Leone among participating countries. Sierra Leone (Power & Health): Freetown residents report worsening blackouts as Karpowership output stays far below contracted levels, while a Sierra Leone study highlights early screening for childbirth bleeding and sepsis to save mothers.

Ebola Alarm in Central Africa: WHO has declared the DRC–Uganda Ebola outbreak a public health emergency of international concern, with the rare Bundibugyo strain and rising deaths and suspected cases—officials warn it spread for weeks before detection, and containment is harder because there’s no targeted vaccine or treatment for this strain. Power Crisis in Freetown: Prolonged blackouts are hitting businesses and households as Karpowership output stays far below contracted levels while the main hydro plant is on annual maintenance, forcing load shedding across eastern communities. Maternal Health Focus: A Sierra Leone study highlights how early screening for postpartum bleeding and maternal sepsis risk can save mothers—showing simple tools can catch danger in time. Maritime Skills Push: Sierra Leone signed MoUs to strengthen maritime training and expand jobs for young seafarers, including a new partnership with the Philippines. Digital Sovereignty Talk: A spotlight on onchain verification and digital ID infrastructure trends keeps the tech conversation moving toward national systems. Education Pressure in Liberia: A Human Rights Watch report says school fees and hidden costs are pushing children out of classrooms.

Ebola Emergency Escalates in Congo: The WHO has declared the Bundibugyo-strain Ebola outbreak in eastern DR Congo and Uganda a public health emergency of international concern, as deaths and suspected cases climb fast and officials warn the virus may have spread undetected amid conflict and population movement. Sierra Leone Health Focus: A Sierra Leone study highlights how early screening for postpartum bleeding and sepsis risk could save mothers, while a separate program report says community health officer surgical training has helped slash maternal mortality risk. Power Crunch in Freetown: Prolonged blackouts are hitting businesses and households as Karpowership generation stays far below contracted levels during dry and rainy seasons, forcing heavier load shedding. Maritime Skills Boost: Sierra Leone signed a new maritime training MoU with the Philippines to expand jobs for young seafarers. Jobs and Tech Push: AU former chair Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma urged Africa to adopt India-style development and tech skills to tackle youth unemployment.

Ebola Escalation: The WHO has declared the Congo–Uganda Ebola outbreak a public health emergency of international concern as deaths climb fast—eastern DRC fatalities now reported at 131 with 543 suspected cases, and new confirmed links in Uganda—while officials warn the rare Bundibugyo strain has no targeted vaccine or treatment, making containment harder. Border Pressure: Britain is weighing tighter traveller screening after experts warned the virus could reach the UK, even as WHO urges countries not to shut borders. Why It’s Spreading: Reports point to weeks of undetected spread across conflict-hit, densely populated areas, with movement linked to mining towns and cross-border travel. Local Health Focus (Sierra Leone): A new Sierra Leone study highlights that faster screening for postpartum bleeding and maternal sepsis can catch risk in time—an urgent reminder as health systems face overlapping crises. Climate Justice Vote: Vanuatu-backed UN action aims to operationalize ICJ climate duties, pushing legal accountability for climate harm.

Climate Justice Vote: Vanuatu is pushing a UN General Assembly vote on May 20 to back and operationalize a 2025 ICJ advisory ruling that says countries have binding duties to prevent and repair climate harm—despite pushback from major polluters. Ebola Emergency: In the latest health shock, Congo’s Ebola outbreak is worsening fast: authorities report 131 deaths tied to the outbreak, with hundreds of suspected cases and spread into Uganda raising fears of wider geographic reach; WHO has already flagged it as a public health emergency of international concern. India-Africa Summit: The India-Africa Forum Summit heads to New Delhi May 28–31 under a theme focused on innovation and resilience, with India highlighting trade, digital, healthcare and development ties. Tech & Learning: Google I/O 2026 spotlights education-facing AI agents, shifting from chat to systems that can take actions. Sierra Leone Rights & Governance: Sierra Leoneans are also calling for the release of singer Zainab Sheriff, jailed over a free-speech crackdown, while the country continues to market open contracting reforms.

Ebola Alarm in Central Africa: The WHO has escalated the Congo–Uganda Ebola outbreak to a public health emergency of international concern, with reports pointing to the rare Bundibugyo strain and warning that cases may be larger than detected as health systems struggle in conflict-hit areas. Sierra Leone Rights Under Pressure: Lawyers and activists are calling for the release of Sierra Leonean singer Zainab Sheriff, jailed in a crackdown tied to free speech and political dissent. Healthcare Capacity Boost: Merck Foundation says it has funded 2,600+ medical scholarships across 52 countries, including alumni in Sierra Leone, as it pushes more specialist training. Open Contracting Spotlight: Sierra Leone showcased progress in transparent public procurement at an Open Government Partnership meeting in Morocco, highlighting how procurement can shape corruption risk. Digital Identity Debate: New reporting argues some African countries are moving faster on legal digital ID, but warns implementation often falls short of the safeguards on paper.

Free Speech Crackdown: Sierra Leonean singer Zainab Sheriff—now a political opposition figure—faces growing calls for release after a four-year-plus sentence for incitement tied to a January rally speech, with critics saying the case is meant to scare people into silence. Ebola Alarm: Health officials and experts are pushing for tighter border screening as a new Ebola outbreak in DR Congo and Uganda is flagged as a public health emergency of international concern, with warnings that a rare Bundibugyo strain may have been spreading undetected and could reach far beyond the region. Survivors Still Struggle: Ebola survivors in Liberia and Sierra Leone say life after the outbreak is still a daily fight—widowhood, homelessness, and long-term disabilities remain widespread. Maternal Care Win: Sierra Leone’s community health officer surgical training is credited with cutting maternal mortality risk by about two-thirds, as emergency obstetric care expands nationwide. Open Contracting Push: Sierra Leone highlights progress on transparent public procurement at an Open Government Partnership meeting in Morocco. Payments Growth: In West Africa, fintech Cauridor’s Series A—backed by Proparco—aims to make cross-border remittances cheaper by linking agents, mobile money, and cash networks.

Ebola Emergency Escalates in Congo: The WHO has declared the DRC Ebola outbreak a public health emergency of international concern, and the situation is worsening fast—nearly 500 suspected cases and 116 deaths reported by the UN, with a Bundibugyo strain driving spread and a case involving an American being sent to Germany for treatment. Cross-Border Alarm: Uganda is now in the mix after a confirmed case, raising fears of wider geographic spread. Why It’s Hard to Stop: Health officials warn the outbreak may have been circulating undetected, and the Bundibugyo strain is rarer—meaning fewer established countermeasures. Sierra Leone Health Focus: In parallel, Sierra Leone is seeing progress on maternal care as a community health officer surgical training program has cut maternal mortality risk by about two-thirds. Digital Governance Watch: Sierra Leone also continues pushing open contracting and transparency, while broader Africa debates how digital ID laws outpace real-world safeguards.

Ebola Emergency Escalates: The WHO has declared the Congo and Uganda Ebola outbreak a public health emergency of international concern, warning of “significant uncertainties” and possible geographic spread—while stressing it does not meet pandemic criteria. On-the-Ground Pressure: Africa CDC says the outbreak is driven by the rarer Bundibugyo strain, with no approved vaccine or therapeutics yet, and reports hundreds of suspected cases and dozens of deaths, including a case linked across the border into Uganda. Sierra Leone Context: With Ebola coverage dominating the week, Sierra Leone’s latest focus is also on preparedness and health systems—though the most concrete Sierra Leone-specific updates in this batch are thin beyond broader regional alerts. Digital Governance Watch: Separate from health, African digital ID laws are moving faster than some G7 frameworks, but experts warn the real risk is gaps between what’s written and what’s deployed. Open Contracting Spotlight: Sierra Leone showcased open contracting progress at an Open Government Partnership event in Morocco, highlighting how procurement—where a big share of budgets flows—can either curb corruption or fuel it.

Ebola Emergency Escalates in Congo: The WHO has declared the new Ebola outbreak in DR Congo’s Ituri province a public health emergency of international concern, with officials warning it’s spreading fast—336 suspected cases and 87 deaths reported, and at least one case crossing into Uganda. Health teams say the outbreak is centered on mining towns Mongwalu and Rwampara, and the strain reportedly has no vaccine yet, with protective equipment and cross-border surveillance now the priority. Identity & Inclusion Push: At ID4Africa, speakers urged governments to expand legal and digital identity for refugees and stateless people, arguing disconnected systems keep vulnerable groups outside protection. Drug Crisis Warning: A new AFP investigation flags millions of high-strength tapentadol tablets exported from India into West Africa, with officials saying they’re being mixed into “kush,” worsening addiction and overdoses. Energy & Power Watch: Sierra Leone’s Bumbuna plant is set for a 12-day shutdown for maintenance, with planned supply interruptions across major areas.

Ebola Emergency Escalates: The WHO has declared the new Ebola outbreak in DR Congo a public health emergency of international concern, as cases surge in Ituri—already hundreds of suspected infections and 87 deaths—with one fatal case reported in Uganda after cross-border movement. No Vaccine, Fast Spread Risk: Africa CDC says the latest strain has no vaccine yet, and early spread is being linked to mining towns where people move in and out. Border Closures Not the Answer: WHO chief Tedros urged countries not to shut borders, pushing instead for stronger response and surveillance. Identity Tech Push: In parallel, ID4Africa speakers are calling for refugees and stateless people to be included in national legal and digital identity systems—arguing disconnected systems keep vulnerable people outside protection. Drug Crisis Watch: Separate reporting warns Indian-made tapentadol is being shipped into West Africa and mixed into “kush,” worsening addiction and overdoses.

Ebola Alert in Congo: Democratic Republic of Congo health officials say a fresh Ebola outbreak in Ituri is already at 336 suspected cases and 87 deaths, with spread linked to mining towns Mongwalu and Rwampara and at least one case reaching Uganda; Africa CDC says the virus strain has no vaccine and testing is still underway as cross-border surveillance ramps up. Regional Diplomacy: Liberia’s President Boakai is pushing deeper ties at the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, including security talks with Sierra Leone and a US$26m plan to build Liberia’s first electrical manufacturing plant. West Africa Drug Crisis: An AFP investigation warns that Indian-made tapentadol is still reaching Sierra Leone, Nigeria and Ghana, and is being mixed into “kush,” worsening addiction and overdoses. Sierra Leone Power Update: EDSA says Bumbuna will shut for maintenance from May 18 to May 29, with supply interruptions expected in major towns.

Ebola Alert in Congo: Africa CDC says a new Ebola outbreak is spreading in Congo’s Ituri province, with 65 deaths reported and 246 suspected cases, while only 13 are confirmed; lab results to identify the virus type are expected within 24 hours as cross-border response ramps up. Regional Diplomacy: Liberia’s President Boakai is pushing deeper ties in Nairobi, holding talks with Kenya and Côte d’Ivoire on energy, tourism, education, tech, and regional security. Energy Disruption in Sierra Leone: EDSA announces a 12-day Bumbuna maintenance shutdown (May 18–29) that will temporarily affect power to parts of Freetown, Makeni, and Magburaka. Drug Crisis Watch: Reports say high-strength opioid tapentadol tablets from India are reaching West Africa and being linked to “kush” abuse, raising fresh calls for tighter controls. Customs Cooperation: West and Central Africa customs directors meet in Freetown to strengthen border vigilance and cut cross-border crime.

Ebola Emergency in Congo: The Africa CDC says eastern Congo’s Ituri province is facing a new Ebola outbreak, with 65 deaths and 246 suspected cases reported, while only 13 are confirmed and lab results on the virus type are expected within 24 hours—raising alarms over how late the first reports surfaced. Sierra Leone Tech & Health Signals: Sierra Leone’s wider region focus also includes a $290m U.S. infectious-disease response call for early outbreak detection, plus WCO-WCA customs talks in Freetown pushing stronger border controls to curb illicit trade. Energy Disruption: Sierra Leone’s Bumbuna power plant is set for a 12-day shutdown (May 18–29) affecting parts of the country. Regional Tech/Finance: Liberia’s Bloom Bank hosted an AI workshop for finance professionals, while the India-Africa Forum Summit is set for May 31 in New Delhi. Drug Crisis Watch: Reports continue linking Indian tapentadol shipments to West Africa’s opioid surge and “kush” mixing.