AGP Executive Report

Ebola Response & Public Health: Congo has started an Ebola vaccination drive, with officials saying the Ervebo shots will first go to front-line workers in Kisangani, as the outbreak—now driven by the Bundibugyo strain—pushes health systems toward a tougher phase. School Continuity: With schools due to reopen Sept. 1, the government is using a green/orange/red risk system, but teachers in Ituri warn that reopening without strong safeguards could endanger students and families. Governance & Political Risk: President Félix Tshisekedi announced a national dialogue starting in all 26 provinces, ending in Kinshasa, with armed groups and foreign-backed actors excluded—an approach critics say may not fully address the constitutional tensions around a possible third term. Infrastructure & Trade: Congo and Portugal’s Mota-Engil signed a concession for the 1,004.5-km Dilolo–Sakania railway, feeding the Lobito Corridor vision of moving minerals toward Atlantic ports, with a 30-year concession and Congo receiving a stake plus royalties. Urban Mobility: Kinshasa’s restored sky-blue urban train is back after nearly 15 years, easing some gridlock but drawing complaints over overcrowding, heat, and short stops. Anti-Corruption Case: Belgium’s Brussels court referred Semlex, tied to Congo’s biometric passports, to the criminal court over alleged bribery, money laundering and tax fraud. Regional Business Links: Uganda and DRC held a Business Connect Forum and Expo in Butembo to push trade partnerships across sectors like agriculture, pharma, construction materials and dairy.

Ebola Response: Congo’s Ebola fight is ramping up as a vaccination drive begins in Kisangani, with health officials using Ervebo first for frontline workers; experts warn this outbreak is Bundibugyo (harder to detect with standard tests) and spreads through contact with blood and body fluids, not casual air transmission. Public Health & Schools: Eastern provinces are preparing for school reopening under a green/orange/red risk system, but teachers in Ituri say classrooms aren’t safe enough, raising pressure on authorities ahead of Sept. 1. Anti-Corruption Case: Semlex, the Belgian firm behind DRC biometric passports (2015–2025), has been referred to Belgium’s criminal court over alleged bribery of foreign public officials, money laundering and tax fraud. Transport & Urban Economy: Kinshasa’s urban train is back after nearly 15 years, easing gridlock for commuters—though overcrowding, heat and fare complaints show the service still needs investment. Regional Trade & Infrastructure: The DRC and Portuguese Mota-Engil signed a concession for the 1,004.5-km Dilolo–Sakania railway linking mining hubs to Angola’s Lobito port, aiming to move copper and cobalt exports and create value locally. Politics & Business Climate: President Félix Tshisekedi announced a national dialogue starting in the 26 provinces, excluding armed groups and foreign-backed rebels, as constitutional reform tensions simmer.

Legal Accountability: Belgium’s Brussels court has referred Semlex, the firm behind DRC biometric passports (2015–2025), to the criminal court over alleged bribery of foreign public officials, money laundering and tax fraud tied to the passport contract—an important test for governance and procurement integrity. Urban Transport & Costs: Kinshasa’s revived urban train is back after nearly 15 years, easing some commuting but drawing complaints over overcrowding, heat (no air conditioning) and fares that rise by class. Security & Education: The government has suspended academic and para-academic activities for 2026–2027 in several public higher education institutions in Goma and Bukavu, citing the security crisis and rivalry linked to AFC-M23 control. Trade & Construction: Tunisia’s CEPEX is taking firms to Kinshasa’s EXPO BÉTON (Oct 7–10) via a business prospecting mission, targeting construction materials, infrastructure and public works. Regional Business: Uganda and the DRC held a Business Connect Forum and Expo in Butembo to deepen trade links across sectors like agriculture, pharma, dairy and construction materials. Rail Investment: The DRC and Portugal’s Mota-Engil signed a concession contract for the 1,004.5-km Dilolo–Sakania railway line, feeding the Lobito Corridor with a 30-year deal and a DRC stake plus royalties. Ebola Response: Congo began an Ebola vaccination drive in Kisangani as officials push to contain the Bundibugyo outbreak, while schools reopening plans in affected areas face health-safety concerns.

National Dialogue & Politics: President Félix Tshisekedi announced a “national dialogue for peace, cohesion and state rebuilding,” starting with consultations across all 26 provinces and ending in Kinshasa within up to three months, while excluding armed groups and foreign-backed actors (including AFC/M23). Ebola Response & Business Disruption: Congo began an Ebola vaccination drive in Kisangani as the Bundibugyo outbreak keeps worsening; schools reopening is now risk-based (green/orange/red zones), with many high-risk schools shifting to radio/TV or home learning—an education shock that can ripple into household incomes and local demand. Urban Transport & Consumer Pressure: Kinshasa’s sky-blue urban train is back after nearly 15 years, but commuters complain about overcrowding, heat, and short stops—raising pressure on fares and service quality. Rail & Mining Infrastructure Deal: DRC signed a concession contract with Portugal’s Mota-Engil for the 1,004.5-km Dilolo–Sakania railway (Lobito Corridor), aiming to move beyond raw-material exports toward processing and value creation, with a 30-year term and DRC receiving a stake plus royalties. Regional Trade Push: Uganda and the DRC held a Business Connect Forum and Expo in Butembo to expand cross-border trade links, with dozens of Ugandan firms showcasing agriculture, pharma, construction materials, apparel and dairy. Security & Human Capital: The government suspended academic activities in several public higher education institutions in Goma and Bukavu for 2026–2027 due to the security crisis tied to AFC-M23 control, affecting registrations, classes and assessments.

Kinshasa Urban Rail Revival: Kinshasa’s sky-blue train is back after nearly 15 years, running between the airport and downtown, but commuters complain about overcrowding, heat (no air conditioning), and short stops that force people to jump on while moving. National Dialogue & Politics: President Félix Tshisekedi announced a national dialogue starting in all 26 provinces, ending in Kinshasa, with armed groups and foreign-backed actors excluded; the process is meant to address rising tensions tied to a constitutional-change bill. Ebola Response & Business Disruption: Congo began an Ebola vaccination drive in Kisangani, while health officials warn the outbreak could keep worsening; schools reopening plans in eastern provinces are being adjusted by risk level, raising concerns for families and local economies. Education Shutdown in Conflict Zones: The government suspended academic activities in several public higher education institutions in Goma and Bukavu for 2026-2027, citing security and rivalry with AFC-M23. Eastern Security Command Change: General Olivier Gasita returned to eastern DRC as head of intelligence for the 2nd Defense Zone after protests in Uvira. Lobito Corridor Deal-Making: DRC signed a concession contract with Mota-Engil Africa for the Dilolo–Sakania railway line to connect mining hubs to Angola’s Lobito port, aiming to move beyond raw-material exports toward processing and value creation. Regional Trade Push: Uganda and DRC held a Business Connect Forum and Expo in Butembo to expand trade links across sectors like agriculture, pharma, construction materials, and dairy. Erdogan’s Great Lakes Outreach: Turkey’s Erdogan spoke with Tshisekedi and Kagame on investment, trade, defense cooperation, and regional security.

Rail revival in Kinshasa: The sky-blue urban train is back after nearly 15 years, running from the airport to downtown, but commuters complain about packed carriages, heat (no air conditioning), and short stops that force people to jump on while moving; fares start at 2,000 Congolese francs one-way. National dialogue for stability: President Félix Tshisekedi announced a national dialogue starting in all 26 provinces, ending in Kinshasa, with a three-month limit and a clear exclusion of armed groups and foreign-backed actors—aimed at easing tensions tied to constitutional change debates. Ebola response and business risk: Congo began an Ebola vaccination drive in Kisangani as the Bundibugyo outbreak grows; schools reopening is being handled via green/orange/red zones, with high-risk areas shifting to radio/TV and home learning. Eastern security reshuffle: General Olivier Gasita returns to eastern DRC as head of intelligence for the 2nd Defense Zone after earlier Uvira unrest. Lobito Corridor deal: DRC and Portuguese Mota-Engil signed a concession contract for the 1,004.5-km Dilolo–Sakania railway, linking mining hubs to Angola’s Lobito port, with a 30-year term and DRC receiving a stake plus royalties. Regional trade push: Uganda and DRC held a Business Connect Forum and Expo in Butembo to expand cross-border trade and investment links.

Urban Mobility & Cost of Living: Kinshasa’s sky-blue urban train is back after nearly 15 years, running between the airport and downtown to ease gridlock—yet commuters complain about packed carriages, heat (no air conditioning), and short stops; fares start at 2,000 Congolese francs one-way. Construction & Trade Promotion: Tunisia’s CEPEX opened registrations for a business prospecting mission tied to EXPO BÉTON (Oct 7–10, 2026) in Kinshasa, targeting construction materials, infrastructure, public works, equipment and energy firms. National Dialogue & Political Risk: President Félix Tshisekedi announced a national dialogue for peace and state “refoundation,” starting with consultations across 26 provinces and ending in Kinshasa within up to three months, while excluding armed groups and foreign-backed actors. Ebola Response & Business Disruption: Ebola vaccination began in eastern DRC (Kisangani first), while schools reopening plans vary by risk zones—raising concerns for teachers and families as the outbreak continues to strain services. Rail & Corridor Deals: The DRC and Portuguese firm Mota-Engil signed a concession contract for the 1,004.5-km Dilolo–Sakania railway (30 years), aiming to boost mineral exports via Angola’s Lobito port. Regional Commerce: Uganda and the DRC held a Business Connect Forum and Expo in Butembo to deepen trade links, with dozens of Ugandan firms showcasing sectors from agriculture to construction materials.

Urban Mobility & Cost of Living: Kinshasa’s long-awaited urban train is back after nearly 15 years, running between the airport and downtown; fares start at 2,000 Congolese francs (about $0.87) but commuters complain about overcrowding, heat and limited seating. National Politics & Business Climate: President Félix Tshisekedi announced a “national dialogue for peace, cohesion and state rebuilding” starting in all 26 provinces, with rebels and foreign-backed armed groups excluded; it’s meant to defuse tensions tied to constitutional reform debate. Ebola Response & Human Impact: Congo began an Ebola vaccination drive in Kisangani and received shipments of Ervebo doses, while officials warn the outbreak could keep worsening; schools reopening in eastern provinces is being handled via green/orange/red risk zones, with teachers and parents raising safety concerns. Infrastructure & Minerals Trade: The DRC signed a concession contract with Portugal’s Mota-Engil Africa for the 1,004.5-km Dilolo–Sakania railway to link mining hubs to Angola’s Lobito port, with a 30-year concession and state revenue share. Regional Trade: Uganda and the DRC held a Business Connect Forum and Expo in Butembo to expand cross-border trade and investment links. Security & Peace Talks: DRC and AFC/M23 agreed a roadmap for comprehensive peace negotiations after Geneva talks, including steps and timelines and a ceasefire monitoring mechanism.

National Dialogue & Governance: President Félix Tshisekedi unveiled a national dialogue starting in all 26 provinces, ending in Kinshasa within up to three months, and said armed groups and foreign-backed actors won’t participate—explicitly excluding Rwanda-backed M23—amid constitutional reform tensions. Ebola Response & Business Continuity: Congo began an Ebola vaccination rollout in Kisangani, while officials warn the outbreak could keep worsening; schools reopening is being split into green/orange/red risk zones, with teachers in high-risk areas pushing back. Eastern Congo Security & Peace Talks: DRC and AFC/M23 agreed a Switzerland roadmap for comprehensive peace talks, including a ceasefire monitoring mechanism and a first verification mission in Minembwe, as fighting continues. Lobito Corridor Deal (Trade & Infrastructure): The DRC signed a concession contract with Portugal’s Mota-Engil for the 1,004.5-km Dilolo–Sakania railway line under a 30-year framework, aiming to boost mineral exports via Angola’s Lobito port. Regional Trade Push: Uganda and the DRC held a Business Connect Forum and Expo in Butembo to expand cross-border trade links, with dozens of Ugandan firms showcasing sectors from agriculture to construction materials. Health System Funding Gap: UN-linked reporting says Ebola scale-up funding may run out within weeks, threatening treatment and surveillance capacity.

Ebola Human Impact & School Disruption: Prof Pierre Akilimali says DRC’s Ebola numbers hide real losses as confirmed cases and deaths keep climbing; with schools due to reopen Sept. 1, eastern provinces are using a green/orange/red risk system, but teachers warn reopening could expose students and families. Ebola Response Funding Pressure: UN officials warn the scale-up could run out of money within weeks, threatening treatment capacity and community measures. Vaccine Logistics: First Ervebo doses have landed in Kinshasa, but questions remain over strain match and how fast care can reach patients. Peace Talks Roadmap (M23): Kinshasa and AFC/M23 agreed in Switzerland on a sequenced roadmap under the Doha framework, including a ceasefire monitoring mechanism and a first verification mission in Minembwe. Great Lakes Security Diplomacy: Turkey’s Erdogan spoke separately with Tshisekedi and Kagame on investment/trade and regional security, urging a constructive approach to tensions. Lobito Corridor Deal: DRC formalized commitments around the Lobito Corridor, including a rail concession tied to Mota-Engil and talk of joint oil exploration and power links—big for mining exports and regional trade. Regional Trade Push: Uganda and DRC held a Business Connect Forum and Expo in Butembo to tackle trade barriers and link firms across sectors. Mining, Risk & Livelihoods: Artisanal miners say Ebola control is hard when people must keep working and evacuations are slow, highlighting the business-and-health squeeze in eastern Congo.

Ebola Response & Funding: The DRC received the first physical shipment of Ervebo Ebola vaccine (16,250 doses) in Kinshasa, but health officials warn the wider response could face a funding cliff in weeks as cases rise (over 5,500 confirmed, nearly 2,500 deaths). Public Health Governance: WHO updated temporary Ebola recommendations after the Bundibugyo outbreak emergency committee met again, stressing surveillance, infection control, risk communication, and community engagement. Peace Talks & Ceasefire Monitoring: Kinshasa and the Rwanda-backed AFC/M23 agreed in Switzerland on a roadmap for comprehensive peace talks under the Doha framework, including a mechanism to review ceasefire violations and a first verification mission planned for Minembwe. Mining, Trade & Processing Rules: The DRC moved to prohibit exports of copper and cobalt concentrates, tightening a policy meant to push more processing inside the country—raising uncertainty for regional logistics and buyers. Regional Business & Connectivity: Uganda and the DRC held a Business Connect Forum and Expo in Butembo to unblock trade barriers and attract investment. Lobito Corridor Deal: Angola and the DRC formalized commitments around the Lobito Corridor, with a railway concession tied to Mota-Engil and plans to boost regional mineral exports and infrastructure.

Oil & Power Diplomacy: Angola says joint oil exploration with the DRC could start in 3–4 years, after Kinshasa witnessed the Lobito Corridor rail concession signing; the two sides also agreed on 400kV power lines from Soyo to Inga and a second line to feed the mining belt. Lobito Corridor Deal: The DRC formally commits to the Lobito Corridor and frames it as “economic sovereignty,” with the Dilolo–Sakania rail concession (Mota-Engil) targeting key copper hubs and mobilizing about $1.258bn for studies and upgrades. Regional Trade Push: Uganda and the DRC held a two-day Business Connect Forum and Expo in Butembo to cut trade barriers and link over 50 Ugandan firms with DRC buyers across agriculture, pharma, construction and more. Copper-Cobalt Policy: The DRC bans exports of copper and cobalt concentrates, tightening rules to push more processing domestically and raising uncertainty for regional logistics and off-takers. Ebola & Business Risk: Ebola response is under funding pressure as cases climb; meanwhile, Kinshasa received the first Ervebo vaccine batch (16,250 doses), but protection against the current Bundibugyo strain remains unclear. Peace Talks for Stability: Kinshasa and M23 agreed a Switzerland roadmap for comprehensive talks, including a ceasefire monitoring mechanism with a first verification mission planned for Minembwe. Aviation Connectivity: Ethiopian Airlines will add daily midday flights to Kinshasa from Dec. 1, 2026, boosting weekly service to 21 flights and supporting passenger and cargo links.

Lobito Corridor Deal: Angola’s João Lourenço arrived in Kinshasa to witness the formalization of the Lobito Corridor railway concession, with Félix Tshisekedi calling it an “instrument of economic sovereignty” and the contract covering the Dilolo–Sakania line linking mining hubs like Kolwezi, Tenke and Lubumbashi to the Atlantic. Regional Trade Push: Uganda and the DRC held a two-day Business Connect Forum and Expo in Butembo to cut trade barriers and expand investment links, with dozens of Ugandan firms showcasing agriculture, pharma, construction materials and dairy. Copper-Cobalt Policy: The DRC moved to tighten exports by banning copper and cobalt concentrates, raising pressure on miners and logistics tied to downstream processing. Ethiopian Airlines Expansion: Ethiopian Airlines will add daily midday flights to Kinshasa from Dec. 1, 2026, lifting Kinshasa service to 21 weekly flights and boosting passenger and cargo connectivity. Ebola Funding Crunch: The UN warns the DRC’s Ebola response scale-up could run out of funding within weeks, while vaccine deliveries continue and health leaders urge stronger regional systems. Peace Talks Roadmap: Kinshasa and M23 agreed in Switzerland on a sequenced peace roadmap under the Doha framework, including a ceasefire monitoring mechanism and standardized reporting of violations.

Lobito Corridor Deal: Kinshasa formalized the DRC’s commitment to the Lobito Corridor with a signed contract, aiming to speed mineral exports from southern DRC to the Atlantic via Angola and to tighten cross-border action against wildlife and timber trafficking. Peace Process in the East: After five days of Switzerland talks, the DRC government and Rwanda-backed AFC/M23 agreed a roadmap for comprehensive peace talks under the Doha framework, including a ceasefire-violation reporting method and a monitoring mechanism with a first verification mission due in Minembwe. Ebola Response, Funding Pressure: Ebola keeps accelerating: confirmed cases passed 5,200 with Africa CDC warning the real toll may be far higher; meanwhile UN officials warn the scaled-up response could face a funding cliff within weeks. Vaccine Arrivals: More than 16,000 doses of Merck’s Ervebo vaccine landed in Kinshasa, but WHO notes uncertainty over protection against the currently circulating Bundibugyo strain. Mining & Trade Policy: The DRC banned exports of copper and cobalt concentrates, tightening rules that could disrupt regional supply chains. Air Connectivity: Ethiopian Airlines will add daily midday Kinshasa flights from Dec. 1, 2026, boosting passenger and cargo links. Security & Local Control: AFC/M23 captured Remeka and Katoyi in southern Masisi, shifting control in an area long tied to FDLR activity.

Ebola Funding Crunch: The UN warns DR Congo’s Ebola scale-up could run out in weeks, as the outbreak spreads “exponentially” across a territory larger than France and a liquidity problem delays pay for health and community workers. Vaccine Deliveries: More than 16,000 doses of Merck’s Ervebo landed in Kinshasa, but WHO notes it’s approved for the Zaire strain, while the current outbreak is Bundibugyo—protection is still uncertain. Health Emergency Updates: WHO’s IHR Emergency Committee met again for Bundibugyo Ebola, issuing updated temporary recommendations covering surveillance, infection control, and community measures. Peace Roadmap in the East: After five days of Switzerland talks, Kinshasa and the Rwanda-backed AFC/M23 agreed on a sequenced roadmap for comprehensive peace talks, including a ceasefire monitoring mechanism and a first verification mission in Minembwe. Regional Security Accusations: Rwanda’s President Kagame renewed claims that Congolese authorities arm and integrate FDLR fighters, while Kigali and Kinshasa trade accusations over M23 support. Mining & Trade Policy: DR Congo banned the export of copper and cobalt concentrates, tightening rules meant to push more processing inside the country—raising uncertainty for regional supply chains. Aviation & Connectivity: Ethiopian Airlines will add daily midday flights to Kinshasa from Dec. 1, 2026, boosting passenger and cargo links for DR Congo’s business hubs. Investment & Dealmaking: The DRC Investment Forum and Elites Awards are set to bring CEOs, ministers, and investors to Kinshasa, with Vodacom Congo backing as diamond sponsor.

Ebola Response, Funding Pressure: DR Congo’s Ebola fight is hitting a funding cliff as UN says the scale-up could run out within weeks, while cases keep climbing and the outbreak may be far larger than official counts. Public Health, Vaccine Logistics: 16,250–16,520 doses of Merck’s Ervebo vaccine have landed in Kinshasa, but officials warn it’s not proven against the Bundibugyo strain now spreading. Eastern Congo Peace Process: Kinshasa and the Rwanda-backed AFC/M23 agreed in Switzerland on a sequenced peace roadmap under the Doha framework, including a ceasefire monitoring mechanism and standardized reporting of violations—though fighting continues on the ground. Mining & Trade, Copper/Cobalt: DR Congo moved to prohibit exports of copper and cobalt concentrates, tightening a policy meant to push more processing inside the country and raising uncertainty for regional supply chains. Transport & Connectivity, Air Links: Ethiopian Airlines will add daily midday Kinshasa flights from Dec. 1, 2026, boosting passenger and cargo capacity. Digital Economy, Internet Infrastructure: Kinshasa’s KINIX internet exchange expanded into a second data centre, improving network availability for major mobile operators and content providers.