AGP Executive Report

Ebola Response in Focus: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak keeps accelerating, with confirmed cases now reported above 1,800 and spread into a fourth province, as international partners ramp up support. Training for the Front Line: Doctors Without Borders (MSF) is running an Ebola simulation centre near Nairobi to prepare doctors and nurses for deployments in Congo and nearby risk areas. CAR Health Alert: CAR reports 27 cholera deaths and 253 cases over two weeks, with transmission ongoing around Bangui and spreading to more health districts—officials urge safe water and handwashing. Illicit Tech & Trade Risks: A Wall Street Journal investigation says Wagner remnants in CAR have built a tramadol trafficking network that helps fund mining and forest exploitation, with tablets reportedly widely sold and smuggling routes linked to the Ubangi River. Regional Industry Push: Algeria’s GICA is exploring a new cement plant in Chad, aiming to cut logistics costs and potentially supply landlocked Central African markets including CAR.

Ebola Response Training: MSF has launched an Ebola simulation centre on the outskirts of Nairobi to prepare doctors, nurses and clinicians for the fast-growing Democratic Republic of Congo outbreak, using beds, protective gear and a mock lab while trainees practise PPE and community engagement as misinformation fuels fear and attacks on health workers. Outbreak Update: Congo’s Health Ministry reports Ebola cases have climbed to 1,830 with 648 deaths, and the virus has spread into a fourth province, prompting faster detection, stronger surveillance and new international funding. CAR Public Health: Central African Republic health officials say cholera has killed 27 people and recorded 253 cases in two weeks, with transmission still active across multiple Bangui districts and nearby health zones. Illicit Drugs & Security: The Wall Street Journal reports Wagner remnants in CAR have built a tramadol trafficking network that helps fund mining and forest exploitation, with tablets reportedly sold at far above typical doses.

Public Health: Cholera is spreading in the Central African Republic, with CAR reporting 253 cases and 27 deaths over two weeks, centered in Bimbo (Bangui area) and now reaching five health districts—health officials urge safe water and handwashing. Ebola Preparedness: In Nairobi, MSF is training doctors and nurses for the fast-growing Ebola outbreak in DR Congo using realistic simulation drills, as cases rise past 1,800 and the virus spreads into a fourth province. Health Research: Africa CDC says a clinical trial for the Bundibugyo Ebola strain has started, aiming to test antiviral therapies where no licensed vaccines or targeted treatments exist yet. Security & Tech-Linked Crime: A Wall Street Journal report says remnants of Russia’s Wagner network have built a tramadol trafficking operation in CAR, using profits to fund mining and forest exploitation—highlighting how illicit drug supply chains can sustain armed influence.

Ebola Update: The DRC Ebola outbreak has surged to 1,830 confirmed cases and 648 deaths, now spreading into a fourth northeastern province (Haut-Uele), as health authorities push faster detection and stronger community outreach. Training for Frontline Care: Doctors Without Borders (MSF) is running Ebola simulation training in Kenya, using mock labs and protective gear drills to prepare clinicians for the realities of working in conflict-hit, misinformation-prone areas. CAR Cholera Alert: Central African Republic health officials report 27 cholera deaths and 253 cases in two weeks, with lab-confirmed cases rising and spread now reaching five health districts, including multiple areas in Bangui. Clinical Research Boost: Africa CDC says a clinical trial targeting the Bundibugyo Ebola strain has officially started, aiming to test antiviral therapies and improve survival where no licensed tools currently exist. Refugee Tech & Health Skills: In CAR’s Birao area, Sudanese students in exile—including a pharmacy student in Korsi camp—are using medical knowledge to support newcomers, highlighting how education and health skills keep communities resilient. Security Cooperation: Nigeria’s army chief convened African land forces leaders in Port Harcourt, calling for a unified front against terrorism and cross-border threats, with CAR among the delegations.

Ebola Update: The DRC Ebola outbreak has surged past 1,800 confirmed cases (1,830), with 648 deaths, and now spread into a 4th northeastern province after fatal cases were reported in Haut-Uele’s Wamba health zone. Health Response: Donors have pledged $910 million for the response across Congo and neighboring Uganda, where 20 cases have been reported. Training for Frontline Care: Doctors Without Borders (MSF) is running an Ebola training centre in Kenya with mock labs and protective gear to prepare clinicians for deployments in high-risk, misinformation-prone settings. CAR Cholera Watch: In the Central African Republic, health officials report 27 cholera deaths and 253 cases over two weeks, centered in Bimbo (Bangui area) with spread to five health districts; authorities urge safe water and handwashing. CAR in the Spotlight: A story from Birao and Korsi refugee camp highlights Sudanese students trying to restart education amid displacement pressures. Security & Tech-adjacent Governance: Nigeria’s army chiefs meeting in Port Harcourt pushes a unified continental front against terrorism—CAR is listed among participating countries.

Public Health Update: The Central African Republic reports at least 27 cholera deaths and 253 cases over two weeks, with the outbreak centered in Bimbo (Ombella-M’Poko) and spreading to five health districts in and around Bangui; officials say 24 deaths occurred in communities before patients reached care, and they urge safe water and regular handwashing. Ebola Research: Africa CDC chief Jean Kaseya says a clinical trial targeting the Bundibugyo Ebola strain is now officially launched in the DRC and Uganda, aiming to test two antiviral therapies and improve survival. Security & Tech for Peace: Nigeria’s army leadership convenes the Third African Land Forces Forum in Port Harcourt, bringing together chiefs including from the Central African Republic to push a unified front against terrorism and cross-border threats. Global Science Context: A new study flags a widening fertility crisis, with infertility rising among women aged 35–49 worldwide—useful background for health planning discussions.

Public Health Alert: CAR reports at least 27 cholera deaths and 253 cases over two weeks, with lab-confirmed cases and ongoing spread from Bimbo (Ombella-M’Poko) into several Bangui districts and beyond—officials urge safe water and handwashing to slow transmission. Ebola Research: Africa CDC backs the official launch of a clinical trial targeting the Bundibugyo Ebola strain, aiming to test two antiviral therapies (and a combined approach) to improve survival and guide future response tools. Digital Economy: Google Play launches its first Indie Games Fund for Africa, putting about $1M (equity-free) into independent studios across 32 countries with mentorship and technical support to help games reach global audiences. Security & Tech Policy Link: UN policing leaders warn that budget shortfalls are cutting patrols, slowing responses, and reducing training—raising pressure on how peace operations support local forces. Regional Defense Cooperation: Nigeria’s army chief convenes African land forces leaders in Port Harcourt, pushing a unified front against terrorism and cross-border threats, with CAR among the delegations.

Public Health Alert: The Central African Republic reports at least 27 cholera deaths and 253 cases over two weeks, with 12 lab-confirmed cases; most deaths happened in communities before people reached care, and the outbreak is centered in Bimbo (Ombella-M’Poko) with spread to several Bangui districts and Mbaiki. Health Guidance: Officials say transmission is ongoing and urge safe water and regular handwashing as three new patients were admitted in Bangui. Tech & Innovation: Google Play launched its first Indie Games Fund for Africa, pledging Sh129 million (about $1 million) to support independent studios across 32 countries with equity-free funding plus technical help and mentorship—aimed at helping games reach global audiences. Research for Disease Control: Africa CDC chief Jean Kaseya welcomed the start of a clinical trial targeting the Bundibugyo Ebola strain, saying it’s a key step where licensed vaccines or targeted treatments are lacking.

Ebola Research: Africa CDC chief Jean Kaseya says a new clinical trial for therapeutics targeting the Bundibugyo Ebola strain is an “important step,” with DRC and Uganda sites preparing after protocols review; the study will test two antivirals and whether combining them improves survival over at least 28 days of follow-up. Digital Jobs & Startups: Google Play launched its first Indie Games Fund for Africa, putting Sh129 million (about $1m) into equity-free support plus mentorship for independent studios across 32 countries, with grants ranging from Sh6.5m to Sh25.8m to help games reach global audiences. Regional Security Tech & Coordination: Nigeria’s Army chief Waidi Shaibu convened African land forces leaders in Port Harcourt, pushing a unified front against terrorism and transnational threats—an effort that includes Central African Republic participation. Global Tech Culture: Locarno Film Festival unveiled its 2026 lineup, spotlighting filmmakers like Hong Sang-soo and Denis Côté, with a Piazza Grande opener and multiple competition entries. Water & Climate Data: A new global map highlights extreme water stress, with Kuwait topping the list—useful context for climate planning across water-stressed regions.

Africa CDC Ebola Research: Africa CDC chief Jean Kaseya says a new clinical trial targeting the Bundibugyo Ebola strain is a key step for DRC and Uganda, where there are still no licensed vaccines or targeted countermeasures; the study will test two antiviral therapies and whether combining them improves survival. Digital Games for Local Creators: Google Play launched its first Indie Games Fund for Africa with Sh129 million (about $1m) for independent studios across 32 countries, offering equity-free funding plus technical support and mentorship to help games reach global audiences. Education & Health Tech Angle: A global fertility study reports a rising “infertility burden” among women aged 35–49, increasing from about 6,001 per 100,000 in 1990 to 6,907 in 2023, with the steepest projected rise among ages 35–39. Security Tech & Coordination: Nigeria’s army leadership convened African land forces chiefs in Port Harcourt, pushing a unified front against terrorism and cross-border threats, with Central African Republic among the delegations. Water Stress Data: A new global map highlights extreme water stress in multiple countries, using UN FAO data to show where freshwater withdrawals far exceed renewable supply. Humanitarian Justice Watch: A case tied to a Portuguese-Belgian researcher and an ICC staff member in the Central African Republic is drawing renewed scrutiny amid broader criticism of the court.

Ebola Response: Africa CDC chief Jean Kaseya welcomed the official start of clinical trials for therapeutics targeting the Bundibugyo Ebola strain in the DRC and Uganda, saying the work is urgently needed because there are no licensed vaccines or targeted countermeasures for this strain. Public Health Watch: The outbreak has now reached a fourth DRC province, Haut-Uele, raising containment stakes as the region’s cross-border movement could accelerate spread. Regional Security Tech & Coordination: Nigeria’s Army leadership convened African land forces chiefs at the Third African Land Forces Forum in Port Harcourt, pushing a unified front against terrorism and transnational threats, with Central African Republic among the delegations. Digital Creative Economy: Google Play launched its first Indie Games Fund for Africa, pledging about $1m (Sh129m) in equity-free support plus mentorship for independent studios across 32 countries to scale games and reach global audiences. Research & Governance: The Environmental Rights in Africa coalition is rolling out 20-country case studies to assess how communities can access environmental information, participate in decisions, and seek justice.

UN Policing Summit: A two-day UN summit in policing circles focused on how UN Police and national forces can work better together—while budget shortfalls are forcing about a 25% cut in spending, hitting patrols, response times, and training. Ebola Research Push (DRC): Africa CDC chief Jean Kaseya backed the launch of a clinical trial targeting the Bundibugyo Ebola strain, aiming to test two antivirals and improve survival as the outbreak spreads into new DRC provinces. Ebola Cross-Border Spread: Health updates say the outbreak has reached Haut-Uele, expanding the affected northeast region and raising containment stakes due to cross-border movement and fragile health systems near South Sudan and the Central African Republic. Tech for Creators (Games): Google Play launched an Indie Games Fund for Africa with Sh129m (about $1m) for equity-free support, mentorship, and technical help for small studios across 32 countries, including Kenya. Environmental Rights Research: The ERA coalition is rolling out 20-country environmental rights case studies to map legal gaps and how communities can access information, participate, and seek justice. Regional Security Forum: Nigeria’s Army chief convened African land forces leaders in Port Harcourt to coordinate a united front against terrorism and cross-border threats, with the Central African Republic among the delegations.

Ebola Watch (DRC): The Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has spread into a fourth province, Haut-Uele, after travel from Ituri—now putting the entire northeast (about 15 million people) at risk. Confirmed figures cited in recent updates put cases at 1,307 with 377 deaths, as authorities ramp up contact tracing and containment. Digital Creativity Funding (Africa): Google Play launched its first Indie Games Fund for Africa with Sh129 million (about $1m) for independent studios across 32 countries, offering equity-free grants plus technical support and mentorship to help games reach global audiences. Local Tech Talent (Kenya): A parallel report highlights Kenyan studios among the eligible applicants, with individual allocations ranging from Sh6.5m to Sh25.8m for teams that have already launched a game. Climate & Water Data: New mapping work shows extreme water stress in multiple countries, with Kuwait topping the list at 3,850% and broader pressure rising as climate patterns shift. Refugee Tech & Youth Programs (US, for context): A Pittsburgh refugee youth camp is preparing for summer despite federal funding cuts that suspended key grants for programs serving young refugees.

Ebola Watch (DRC): The Democratic Republic of the Congo confirmed Ebola has spread to a fourth province, Haut-Uele, bringing the northeast region (about 15 million people) into the response zone; totals reported at 1,307 cases and 377 deaths as authorities intensify contact tracing and containment, with cross-border movement and funeral practices raising the stakes. Health Data (Global Fertility): New research published in The Lancet Obstetrics, Gynaecology, & Women’s Health estimates infertility among women aged 35–49 rose from about 6,001 per 100,000 in 1990 to 6,907 per 100,000 in 2023, with the steepest projected increase among women aged 35–39. Digital Creativity (Africa Gaming): Google Play launched an Indie Games Fund for Africa, putting Sh129 million (about $1 million) into equity-free support and mentorship for independent studios across 32 countries, including Kenya. Environment Rights (Africa): The Environmental Rights in Africa (ERA) coalition begins a 20-country case study push to assess how communities can access environmental information, participate in decisions, and seek justice. Tech & Society (Disaster Housing): Airbnb.org highlighted how nonprofit emergency housing is scaling up as extreme weather displaces families more often.

Ebola Alert in Central Africa: The Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Ebola outbreak has spread to a fourth province, Haut-Uele, which borders South Sudan and the Central African Republic, pushing the northeast region (about 15 million people) into the affected zone; officials report 1,307 confirmed cases and 377 deaths, with authorities intensifying contact tracing and containment after a case was detected following travel from Ituri. Digital Creativity Funding: Google Play launched its first Indie Games Fund for Africa, pledging Sh129 million (about $1 million) to support independent studios across 32 countries with equity-free grants plus technical support and mentorship—aimed at helping African game makers scale and reach global audiences. Environmental Rights Research: The Environmental Rights in Africa (ERA) coalition is rolling out 20-country environmental rights case studies, with researchers assessing how communities can access information, participate in decisions, and seek justice when environmental rights are violated. Regional Security Talks: Nigeria’s Army leadership convened African land forces and held bilateral discussions with Guinea-Bissau, pushing a unified front against transnational security threats—an agenda that included participation from Central African Republic representatives. Tech & Media Finance Context: A report on shrinking climate finance highlights how funding shortfalls and debt burdens are reshaping energy transition options across the Global South.

Ebola Update (DRC): The Democratic Republic of the Congo says its Ebola outbreak has hit a fourth province, Haut-Uele, after a traveler moved from Ituri—bringing the entire northeast (about 15 million people) under threat. Confirmed figures now stand at 1,307 cases and 377 deaths, with authorities ramping up contact tracing and containment as the virus spreads through communities and funeral practices. Tech & Creative Funding (Africa): Google Play launched an Indie Games Fund for Africa, pledging Sh129 million (about $1 million) to support independent studios across 32 countries with equity-free grants plus mentorship and technical help—aimed at getting more African-made games to global audiences. Climate & Water Data: A new global map highlights extreme water stress, showing some countries using far more freshwater than nature can replenish, with Kuwait topping the list—useful context for climate-linked pressures on agriculture and daily life. Global Justice Watch (ICC): A growing wave of criticism around the ICC has resurfaced a lesser-known case involving a Portuguese-Belgian humanitarian researcher tied to Central African Republic-linked events, raising questions about how the court handled his role. Energy Transition (Global South): Coverage argues Western climate finance is shrinking while debt burdens grow, pushing countries to look at alternative investment models for renewable power and grid expansion.