AGP Executive Report

Education & Skills: Algeria is overhauling foreign-language teaching, making English the sole foreign language in primary Year 3 from 2026-27, pushing French to Year 4—an early step in a wider shift already seen in medicine/science and public services. Public Health Finance: ECOWAS tax officials met in Conakry to review how to use excise duties on tobacco to cut deaths and raise revenue, with figures highlighting tobacco’s heavy toll on health systems and budgets. Senegal Trade & Industry: Senegalese officials and entrepreneurs discussed China’s zero-tariff policy for Africa in Dakar, pointing to new export opportunities for Senegalese products. Infrastructure & Development: China’s state-backed procurement and Senegal’s connectivity story also surfaced, including a report on a Chinese-built highway opening ahead of schedule in Senegal. Banking & Social Investment: Coris Bank International (Burkina Faso) pledged $712m to build hospitals and schools in Burkina Faso, underscoring how regional finance is funding public services. UN & Governance: Uganda’s UN secretary-general candidate Olara Otunnu begins a capital-to-capital push in Washington and other key cities. Global Legal/Policy: A US judge struck down Trump’s immigrant visa freeze affecting 75 countries, a ruling with knock-on implications for African applicants. Sports (Senegal links): Everton’s Senegal forward Iliman Ndiaye drew attention after a standout start, while Senegal winger Pape Matar Sarr’s Spurs situation remains in focus.

Senegal Infrastructure & Trade: The Mbour–Kaolack highway (99.2 km), built by China Road and Bridge Corporation, has opened to traffic ahead of schedule, with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye saying it will boost connectivity and travel across central Senegal. Mining & Investment: Fortuna Mining agreed to buy the Bambadji gold project in southeastern Senegal from Barrick and IAMGOLD for $200m cash, expanding its footprint near the Diamba Sud project in the Kédougou region. Public Health & Industry: EuBiologics said its typhoid conjugate vaccine has received WHO prequalification, clearing the way for UN and other global procurement—tests cited similar effectiveness and safety in Kenya and Senegal. Finance & Development: Coris Bank International (Burkina Faso) committed $712m to build hospitals and schools in Burkina Faso, underscoring how regional banking groups are funding social infrastructure. Global Governance Watch: The US–ICC standoff intensified after Washington sanctioned the ICC president (Japan’s Tomoko Akane) and a Senegalese senior trial lawyer, raising fresh questions about international legal authority. Business Climate (Nigeria, regional relevance): Mixta Africa backed Nigeria’s proposed housing reforms but urged independent verification of construction milestones before escrow funds are released.

Senegal Infrastructure: The Mbour–Kaolack highway (99.2 km), built by China Road and Bridge Corporation, has opened to traffic in Thiadiaye, with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye saying it reflects strong Senegal–China ties and will improve connectivity across central Senegal. Mining & Investment: Fortuna Mining will pay US$200m to acquire the Bambadji gold project in southeastern Senegal from Barrick and IAMGOLD, consolidating ground next to its Diamba Sud project in the Senegal–Mali Shear Zone. Banking & Social Spending: Coris Bank International (controlled by Burkinabè billionaire Idrissa Nassa) committed US$712m to build hospitals and schools in Burkina Faso under a memorandum with the state. Public Health Procurement: EuBiologics says its typhoid conjugate vaccine has received WHO prequalification, clearing the way for UN and other global procurement programs, with clinical trial support including Senegal. Governance & Elections: Senegal’s opposition renewed pressure on the president to set a date for local elections. Sports (Senegal links): Senegal winger Ismaila Sarr is at the center of transfer talk as clubs weigh moves, while PSG’s Ibrahim Mbaye remains a development focus amid interest from major European sides.

Infrastructure & Connectivity: Senegal’s Mbour–Kaolack highway (99.2 km), built by China Road and Bridge Corporation, opened to traffic ahead of schedule, with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye saying it will boost travel and central-region connectivity. Sports & Talent Market: Senegal international Nicolas Jackson is reportedly close to Atletico Madrid, while Liverpool’s forward hunt continues with verbal agreement on Yankuba Minteh’s terms after Brighton rejected a second £60m bid; meanwhile, Senegal coach Patrick Vieira has been named head of the Teranga Lions. Business, Trade & Jobs: Senegal mango exports reportedly rose 15% despite quality concerns, pointing to improving market access and compliance. Governance & Accountability: Senegal’s opposition renewed pressure on the president to set a date for local elections. Global Finance & Legal Risk: The US court struck down Trump’s immigrant visa suspension for 75 countries, a reminder that policy shifts can quickly reshape cross-border mobility and business planning.

UN Leadership Race: Guyana’s Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett edged ahead in the UN Security Council’s second informal straw poll for the next secretary-general, with women candidates again leading and the vote gaps narrowing. US–ICC Clash: The US sanctioned ICC President Tomoko Akane and Senegal’s Abdoulaye Seye, with the ICC warning this could mark “the demise of the international rule of law,” while the court condemned the move as an attack on independence. Senegal History & Tourism: In Saint-Louis, traces of the transatlantic slave-trading past are being erased, even as a preserved slave depot building remains a rare reminder—an issue with cultural and heritage stakes. Senegal in Sports Business: Senegal winger Ibrahim Mbaye remains linked to Liverpool amid valuation gaps with PSG, while Senegal’s Teranga Lions coach Patrick Vieira was named in earlier coverage. Regional Trade Facilitation: APEC customs talks in China highlighted smarter, tech-enabled customs procedures to speed trade and strengthen supply-chain security. Fuel & Cost Pressures (Senegal): Senegal’s fuel subsidy costs and pump price hikes are back in focus as authorities move to curb the fiscal burden.

UN Leadership Race: Guyana’s Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett edged ahead in the UN Security Council’s second informal straw poll for the next secretary-general, with women candidates again leading but gaps narrowing. ICC & Sanctions: ICC President Tomoko Akane warned of a “demise of international rule of law” after the US sanctioned her and Senegal’s Abdoulaye Seye, while the ICC called it a “flagrant attack” on judicial independence. Senegal Politics: Senegal’s opposition is pressing President Bassirou Diomaye Faye to set dates for local elections, a key early test after the ruling coalition split. Migration & Deportations: The first group of US deportees arrived in Liberia, with reports of resistance by some; separate accounts describe a Cuban deported to Liberia ending up held in Equatorial Guinea without documents. Food & Jobs: Rwanda hosts the 20th Africa Food Systems Forum, aiming to turn food-system commitments into investment, jobs, and resilience. Regional Trade/Finance: FATF added Barbados, Namibia and Thailand to its Guest Initiative to strengthen the global fight against illicit finance. Maritime Safety: Mauritania’s coastguard rescued 300+ migrants, including children, from an overloaded boat drifting off Nouadhibou. Senegal Economy (Energy/Policy): Senegal’s fuel subsidy pressures and related pump-price moves continue to draw attention as costs rise.

ICC Sanctions Fallout: ICC President Tomoko Akane warned the US move could mark “the demise of the international rule of law” after Washington sanctioned Akane and Senegal’s Abdoulaye Seye, barring them from entering the US and from US financial transactions. Senegal Politics: Senegal’s opposition is pressing President Bassirou Diomaye Faye to set a date for local elections, a key early test after the split with former ally Ousmane Sonko and amid delays in electoral decrees. Energy & Investment: MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2026 confirmed the official participation of President Faye and Energy Minister Dr. El Hadji Abdourahmane Diouf in Dakar (1–3 Dec), as Senegal positions itself as a growing oil and gas producer. Migration & Humanitarian Pressure: Mauritania’s coastguard rescued 315 migrants off Nouadhibou, including 191 from Senegal, highlighting the ongoing Atlantic crossing risks. Deportations Deal: Liberia received the first flight of US deportees under a deal to accept up to 1,200 third-country removals, with the information minister saying many are from Latin America (including Cuba and Venezuela). Fishing Economy: Senegal’s government plans to expand its inshore exclusive zone from 6 to 12 nautical miles to protect small-scale fishers as industrial fishing pressures stocks like sardinella.

Migration & Deportations: Senegal is in the spotlight as the U.S. continues deporting people to African countries under new deals; Liberia says it received the first batch of 20 deportees, part of a planned 1,200, with lawyers warning some returns may function as a legal workaround for asylum seekers. Senegal Mango Trade: Senegal’s mango export season closed July 26 with a reported 15% rise in total volumes, despite complaints over fruit sizing and anthracnose; exporters cite improved fruit-fly compliance and smoother clearance, including stronger performance in Europe and stable logistics in Morocco. Fuel Prices: Senegal hiked fuel prices to curb subsidy costs after the fuel subsidy bill exceeded 31 billion dalasis, adding pressure to household and business operating costs. Women & Local Economy: A rural Senegal radio drama program in Louga highlights how migration reshapes women’s lives and local livelihoods, with remittances supporting households while social issues like forced marriage and violence are discussed on air. Gold Market Outlook: A mining executive says gold could rise to $30,000–$50,000, framing the current pullback as a “1987 moment,” a signal that could influence investor appetite for West African mining projects. UN Leadership Race: Uganda’s UN secretary-general candidate Olara Otunnu warns the UN is “at grave risk” without fundamental reform, as the race narrows among candidates including former Senegal president Macky Sall.

Senegal Mango Exports: Senegal’s mango season closed July 26 with exports up 15% year-on-year, helped by strong fruit-fly compliance, though some buyers complained about sizing and anthracnose. Local Politics: Senegal’s opposition is pressing President Bassirou Diomaye Faye to set a date for municipal and departmental elections, warning delays could spark a major political showdown with Ousmane Sonko. Gold & Mining Finance: Resolute Mining reported solid first-half results, citing gold price strength and disciplined costs, with Mali’s Syama and Senegal’s Mako mines supporting cash generation. International Court Shockwave (Senegal angle): The ICC hit back after the US sanctioned ICC President Tomoko Akane and Senegal’s Abdoulaye Seye, while Japan, the EU and UN officials condemned the move as an attack on judicial independence. Heritage & Tourism: In Saint-Louis, traces of the transatlantic slave-trade past are being erased, as a rare preserved slave depot building faces quiet disappearance. Sports Business (Senegal talent): Senegal winger Pape Matar Sarr is again linked with a move as Galatasaray weighs options around Tottenham, depending on outgoings.

ICC Sanctions: The International Criminal Court hit back hard after the U.S. sanctioned ICC President Tomoko Akane (Japan) and Senegal’s senior trial lawyer Abdoulaye Seye, calling it a “flagrant attack” on the court’s independence and warning it undermines the rule of law; EU & Japan Push Back: The EU, Germany, the Netherlands and Japan all voiced support for the ICC chief, while Japan called the move “very unfortunate”; Senegal Politics: Senegal’s opposition is pressing President Bassirou Diomaye Faye to set a date for local elections, with municipal and departmental mandates due to expire in January and voter registration/decree steps still pending; Energy & Data for Oil: Viridien signed a strategic multi-client deal with Petrosen to improve offshore subsurface data in Senegal’s MSGBC basin, aiming to boost exploration interest; Health & STEM: A UNESCO-linked gap study highlights that while women are about 47% of STEM graduates in Africa, they are far less present in AI research and leadership, with Senegalese researcher Mame Diarra Touré set to speak at an Aug. 25 Scientific Day event.

ICC Sanctions Escalation: The U.S. imposed sanctions on ICC President Tomoko Akane (Japan) and Senegal’s Abdoulaye Seye, freezing assets and restricting access to the U.S. financial system, as Washington accuses the court of overstepping its mandate; the ICC hit back calling it a “flagrant attack” on judicial independence, while the EU and Japan also voiced support or opposition. Senegal Link: Seye’s role as a senior trial lawyer puts Senegal directly in the spotlight of the ICC-U.S. standoff. Ebola Alert (DRC): Congo’s Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak has surpassed 5,000 confirmed cases with no approved vaccine or treatment, raising fears it could rival the 2014–2016 West Africa crisis. Migration Pressure: Afrobarometer data shows strong emigration intent across West Africa, with Senegal at 29%—a reminder of the jobs-and-opportunity pull behind irregular routes. Business & Trade (Regional): INDUS Realty Trust completed a 757,000 sq ft logistics acquisition in Houston, signaling continued investor appetite for logistics demand. Agri-Branding Lesson: A fresh-fruit business model built on “adding value at source” and strong IP protections shows how African producers can compete on premium shelves.

ICC Sanctions Escalation: The US imposed new sanctions on International Criminal Court President Tomoko Akane (Japan) and Senegal’s Abdoulaye Seye, freezing US assets and restricting access to the US financial system, as Washington renews its push to “dismantle” the Hague tribunal. Senegal Football Leadership: Senegal named Arsenal and France legend Patrick Vieira as head coach of the Teranga Lions, replacing Pape Thiaw after the 2026 World Cup exit; contract details and start date are still being discussed, with qualifiers for AFCON 2027 expected next month. Regional Finance Watch: A report highlights growing Middle East bank interest in Africa, with Gulf lenders expanding presence as Western banks pull back, pointing to new cross-border banking opportunities. Human Capital & Education: Senegal’s Mariama Ba School of Excellence on Gorée Island spotlights a rare 100% completion model for girls, funded by the state and aimed at keeping girls in school.

Biomedical Waste Crisis: SciDev.Net reports syringes and other hospital waste are being left unchecked across West and Central Africa, with Dakar and Bamako officials warning the contamination risk to patients and communities is growing. Senegal Governance & Finance: Senegal’s parliament passed an asset disclosure law requiring top officials to publish personal assets on entering and leaving office, aiming to boost transparency amid political tensions. Public Finance Transparency: BudgIT says its fiscal transparency work has reached over 22 million people across West Africa, tracking thousands of projects and pushing easier access to budget and spending data. Energy Transition Funding: The AfDB-backed African Energy Transition fund (ATAF) targets $200m and lists Senegal among priority markets for renewable and low-carbon infrastructure investments. Mobility Finance Deal: Veefin Solutions and NSIA Group partner to expand supply chain finance across five West African markets including Senegal, using digital reverse factoring and factoring for SMEs. Senegal Football: Patrick Vieira has been appointed Senegal men’s national team coach, with qualifiers for AFCON 2027 expected next month. Business Expansion: Matin Kim, a Korean fashion brand, plans to open in Senegal via a multibrand select shop as it expands across Asia and Africa.

Senegal Fuel Costs Rise: Senegal increased fuel prices to curb subsidy pressure, with super gasoline set at 990 CFA/litre and diesel at 755 CFA/litre from 15 August, after refined fuel subsidies already topped 245bn CFA this year. Governance & Business Climate: Senegal’s parliament passed an asset disclosure law requiring top officials (president, prime minister, assembly speaker) to declare personal assets on entering and leaving office, aiming to boost transparency amid political tensions. Public Finance Transparency: BudgIT marked its 15th anniversary, saying its civic-tech tools now reach over 22 million citizens across Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Senegal and Ghana, pushing budget tracking and fiscal disclosure. Mobility Financing Deal: UAE-based Naran raised US$10m in equity and debt from Landel to expand rent-to-own vehicle financing for drivers, including plans for Senegal and Côte d’Ivoire, and to develop new fintech products. Mining Investment: Fortuna Mining agreed to buy a major Senegal gold project for $200m, adding momentum to West Africa’s gold race. Trade & Regional Integration: ECOWAS held a consultative meeting with tourism private-sector bodies (including Senegal) to strengthen regional business associations and boost tourism-led jobs and investment. Local Heritage & Tourism: Saint-Louis hosted its traditional pirogue regatta, drawing crowds and reinforcing Guet-Ndar’s cultural economy around fishing communities.

Fuel & Inflation Watch: Senegal raised pump prices (super gasoline to 990 CFA/litre, diesel to 755 CFA/litre from 15 Aug) as fuel subsidies topped 245bn CFA this year, with Middle East-driven oil volatility pushing the government to shift more costs to consumers. Public Finance & Debt Politics: Opposition leader Khalifa Ababacar Sall called Senegal’s “hidden debt” fallout a “real disaster,” warning the state is borrowing at high rates to repay debts while the IMF programme is suspended and credit ratings are being downgraded. Energy Market Outlook: A new push for a $3tn West African energy market argues the region must build integrated market architecture—not just individual projects like pipelines, power plants, and storage. Local Heritage & Tourism: Saint-Louis hosted Senegal’s historic pirogue regatta in Guet-Ndar, blending intense local rivalry with cultural preservation and community spirit. Business & Governance Tech: BudgIT says its fiscal transparency tools have reached 22m citizens across Senegal and other African countries, aiming to make budgets and spending easier to track. Sports Transfers (Senegal links): Liverpool opened talks with PSG over Ibrahim Mbaye, while Senegal striker Nicolas Jackson remains a high-priced target in European clubs’ summer negotiations.

Senegal Football: Reports say Patrick Vieira has reached an agreement with the Senegalese Football Federation to become Teranga Lions head coach on a four-year deal, as the FSF looks to reset after the 2026 World Cup exit and the dismissal of Pape Thiaw. Energy & Trade: A new push argues West Africa must move from “energy potential” to building market architecture, targeting $3tn in cumulative energy market transaction value by 2035 through integrated systems (power, transmission, storage, pipelines) rather than isolated projects. Fuel Prices Watch: Senegal is raising fuel prices amid Middle East tensions that are feeding into oil-market volatility, a direct cost pressure for households and transport. Mining & Investment: Fortuna is reported to have paid about $200m to consolidate Senegal’s gold ground, underlining intensifying competition for West African mining assets. Regional Governance & Youth: A conference in Accra brought university delegates from 17 countries to discuss economic restructuring, political reforms and integration—pushing for fewer trade barriers across Africa. Fact-Checking Tech: West Africa’s Dubawa is using AI to improve how claims are verified before they spread online, aiming to strengthen media accountability across the region.