AGP Executive Report

Ebola Response Funding Under Scrutiny: Africa CDC says the DRC Ebola fight has mobilized about $700m, with $452m already disbursed, but corruption fears could derail delivery to frontline health workers and communities. Ebola Surge and Surveillance Push: Confirmed cases in the DRC have topped 5,200, while Africa CDC warns the real number may be 3x higher (only 30–40% detected). The government is launching “Congo River Without Ebola” to tighten surveillance along the country’s main transport artery toward Kinshasa and other hubs. Vaccine Logistics: More than 16,000 doses of Merck’s Ervebo vaccine arrived in Kinshasa, as WHO plans 70,000 doses total, including doses for a clinical trial. Humanitarian Cash Crunch: UN officials warn the outbreak is spreading “exponentially” and that a liquidity problem is blocking payments to health and community workers, while attacks on response assets add pressure. Connectivity and Trade Links: Ethiopian Airlines will add daily midday flights to Kinshasa from Dec. 1, 2026, boosting weekly service to 21 flights, while DRC and Tanzania are deepening cooperation on mining, trade, infrastructure and the Central Corridor. Security and Business Disruption: M23-linked movement restrictions and a month-long internet shutdown in parts of eastern DRC are further complicating commerce and epidemic control.

Ebola Response & Public Health: Confirmed Ebola cases in DR Congo have topped 5,200, but Africa CDC warns the official tally may capture only 30–40% of infections, implying a possible 10,000–15,000 case reality; the government is also rolling out an emergency “Congo River Without Ebola” initiative to tighten surveillance along the country’s main transport artery toward Kinshasa and other hubs. Vaccine Supply: More than 16,000 doses of Merck’s Ervebo vaccine (16,250) have arrived in Kinshasa, as WHO keeps the global emergency designation in place and notes the vaccine is approved for the Zaire strain while the Bundibugyo strain is currently circulating. Funding & Governance Risk: Donors have mobilized nearly $700 million for the response, but concerns are rising that corruption and weak fund management could divert money away from frontline health workers and communities. Logistics & Cost Pressure: UN officials say the outbreak is spreading “exponentially” and is hitting a liquidity crunch that prevents paying health and community workers, while insecurity and attacks on response assets complicate movement and care. Trade & Connectivity: Ethiopian Airlines will add daily midday flights to Kinshasa from Dec. 1, 2026, boosting passenger and cargo links. Regional Business Links: Tanzania and DR Congo are deepening cooperation on mining, trade, infrastructure and security, with a focus on the Central Corridor and port/rail/fibre upgrades. Telecom Innovation: Airtel Africa and Starlink have launched Africa’s first commercial satellite-to-mobile service in DR Congo, enabling SMS and light data where coverage is weak.

Aviation & Trade Links: Ethiopian Airlines will add daily midday flights to Kinshasa from Dec. 1, 2026, lifting its Kinshasa service to 21 weekly flights and expanding both passenger and cargo options, with links also to Lubumbashi and Goma. Ebola & Public Finance Pressure: Ebola in eastern DR Congo is spreading “exponentially” over an area larger than France, with UN officials citing a liquidity crunch that is stopping frontline health and community workers from being paid; deaths in the last three months are reported at about 2,500, including 160 health workers infected. Under-Reporting Risk: Africa CDC warns confirmed cases may be only 30–40% of infections, implying a possible 10,000–15,000 case burden, as WHO keeps the highest emergency status and the DRC launches “Congo River Without Ebola” surveillance to protect key transport hubs like Mbandaka and Kinshasa. Conflict Meets Containment: In rebel-held areas, M23/AFC has tightened movement—suspending some taxis and boat routes—after Ebola-positive travelers were detected, showing how fighting complicates response logistics. Connectivity for Business: Airtel Africa and Starlink have launched Africa’s first commercial satellite-to-mobile service in DR Congo, enabling SMS and light-data (including WhatsApp) in areas without reliable terrestrial coverage. Regional Commerce: Tanzania and DR Congo are deepening cooperation on mining, trade, infrastructure and security, with a focus on the Central Corridor and transport links to cut the cost and time of moving goods.

Ebola Emergency: WHO kept the highest emergency status for DRC’s Ebola outbreak as cases pass 5,000 and Africa CDC warns the real infection burden may be 3x higher; River Surveillance: Kinshasa launched “Congo River Without Ebola” to tighten checks along the Congo River corridor to protect hubs like Mbandaka and Kinshasa, using ports, early-warning networks and expanded isolation capacity; Conflict & Mobility: In rebel-held areas, M23/AFC tightened movement by suspending some taxis and boats after Ebola-positive travellers were detected, underscoring how fighting disrupts containment; Telecom Disruption: CPJ urged DRC authorities to restore mobile and internet services cut in Fizi (South Kivu) for over a month, saying the shutdown harms information flow and local business activity; Connectivity for Commerce: Airtel Africa and Starlink launched Africa’s first commercial satellite-to-mobile service in DRC, enabling SMS and light-data (including WhatsApp) in areas without coverage—potentially boosting logistics, mining and remote trade; Regional Trade & Infrastructure: Tshisekedi’s Tanzania visit and follow-up deals aim to deepen mining, trade and the Central Corridor (ports, rail links, lake transport and fibre), while also simplifying border procedures; Banking Stress: Reuters reports Afriland First Bank RDC is in deep trouble with negative equity and approaching insolvency, raising risks for credit and financial stability.

Ebola & Mobility Controls: M23/AFC authorities in eastern DRC tightened movement after two travellers tested Ebola-positive in rebel territory, suspending shared taxis on the Goma–Kirumba road for a month and halting some passenger boats, while trucks keep moving under health checks—another sign how conflict is complicating outbreak containment. Ebola Milestone: The outbreak has now become the deadliest in DRC history and the second-deadliest on record, with 4,945 confirmed cases and 2,325 deaths, spreading across five provinces and moving about five times faster than earlier DRC outbreaks. Internet Shutdown Pressure: CPJ urged Kinshasa to restore mobile and internet services cut in Fizi Territory (South Kivu) for over a month, saying the blackout disrupts reporting and everyday economic life amid intensifying fighting. Trade & Infrastructure Push (Tanzania-DRC): Tshisekedi’s talks in Tanzania focused on the Central Corridor—ports, lake transport, rail links, and a cross-border fibre backbone—plus border simplification to cut the cost and time of moving goods. Connectivity for Remote Areas: Airtel Africa and Starlink launched Africa’s first commercial satellite-to-mobile service in DRC, enabling eligible users to access SMS and light data (including WhatsApp) where terrestrial coverage is weak. Banking Stress: Reuters reports Afriland First Bank RDC is in negative equity of $116.9m and nearing insolvency, after regulators moved against the bank in the past and governance disputes turned into a capital problem. Mining & Copper Market Shock: DRC’s export ban on copper and cobalt concentrates (Aug 6) is adding to global supply squeeze pressures as copper prices hit record levels, with Antofagasta cutting guidance amid the wider market strain. Regional Security & Business Risk: A new layer of uncertainty hits the CAF Champions League tie as Rwanda’s APR FC threatens to boycott over health and security concerns tied to Ebola and conflict in eastern DRC.

Ebola Update: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak has crossed a grim regional threshold, now the second-largest on record and the fastest-spreading yet, with 4,945 confirmed cases and 2,325 deaths across five provinces—raising urgent questions about how to contain epidemics amid conflict and displacement. War Economy: A new look at eastern Congo’s fighting describes how “tolls” and illegal taxation at mineral checkpoints can turn violence into a business that keeps the war going. Connectivity Under Fire: In Fizi (South Kivu), mobile networks and internet have been cut since July 3 for more than a month, disrupting calls, SMS, journalism, and local economic activity—prompting a CPJ demand to restore access. Regional Trade Push: Tanzania and DR Congo are deepening ties after Tshisekedi’s visit to Zanzibar, focusing on the Central Corridor, port and rail links, border procedures, mining cooperation, and a cross-border fibre-optic backbone. Mobile Tech Leap: Airtel Africa and Starlink launched Africa’s first commercial satellite-to-mobile service in DR Congo, enabling eligible users to access SMS and light data (including WhatsApp) in areas without terrestrial coverage. Banking Stress: Afriland First Bank RDC is reported to be in negative equity ($116.9m) and nearing insolvency, after regulators moved against the bank years ago. Mining Policy & Prices: DR Congo’s export ban on copper and cobalt concentrates (Aug 6) is adding pressure to a global copper squeeze, as prices hit record highs. Security-Trade Link: The M23 conflict is also reshaping alliances, including deeper cooperation between Kinshasa and Bujumbura beyond military coordination into trade, infrastructure, energy, and agriculture.

Connectivity & Digital Rights: CPJ urged DRC authorities to restore mobile and internet services in Fizi Territory (South Kivu) after a shutdown lasting over a month, warning it harms journalists and local business activity. Telecom Investment: Airtel Africa and Starlink launched Africa’s first commercial satellite-to-mobile service in the DRC, enabling eligible users to send SMS and light data (including WhatsApp) in areas without terrestrial coverage. Public Health Shock: Reuters reports the DRC Ebola outbreak has become the second-deadliest on record and the deadliest in the country’s history, with 4,945 confirmed cases and 2,325 deaths, as spread is said to be about five times faster than earlier outbreaks. Mining Policy & Markets: Kinshasa’s export ban on copper and cobalt concentrates (with waivers possible) may add a near-term risk premium to prices while details of the new tax regime are clarified. Regional Trade Push: Tshisekedi’s Tanzania visit aims to deepen cooperation on mining, trade, transport and digital tech, with both sides targeting lower costs and faster movement of goods along the Central Corridor. Banking Stress: Reuters says Afriland First Bank RDC is in negative equity of $116.9m and nearing insolvency, following regulator action and governance disputes. Arts Funding (Local Economy): Lubumbashi’s Picha Art and Research Center launched an “urgent” GoFundMe campaign as operating costs rise and international support dwindles.

Ebola Crisis: DRC’s Ebola outbreak has become the second-deadliest on record and the deadliest in the country’s history, with confirmed cases rising to 4,945 and deaths to 2,325; officials say the spread is about five times faster than earlier outbreaks, driven by delayed detection, conflict, and limited vaccines/treatments. Connectivity & Business Continuity: In South Kivu’s Fizi Territory, authorities have kept mobile networks and internet shut for over a month, prompting the Committee to Protect Journalists to warn the blackout is harming information access and local economic activity. Mining & Copper Market Risk: Kinshasa’s immediate ban on exporting copper and cobalt concentrates (with possible waivers) is expected to have limited long-term impact on global prices, but may add a near-term risk premium until details and exemptions are clarified. Banking Stress: Afriland First Bank RDC is reported to be in negative equity of about $116.9m and nearing insolvency, after regulators moved against the bank years ago. Regional Trade & Ports: Tanzania and DRC are deepening cooperation on mining, trade, investment, infrastructure and peace, with talks in Zanzibar also targeting lower transport costs and progress on port and corridor links. Mobile Satellite Launch: Airtel Africa and Starlink have launched Africa’s first commercial satellite-to-mobile service in DRC, enabling eligible users to access SMS and light-data apps like WhatsApp in areas without terrestrial coverage.

Ebola Crisis: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak has become the second-deadliest on record and the deadliest in the country’s history, with confirmed cases rising to 4,945 and deaths to 2,325 as the virus spreads about five times faster than earlier outbreaks. Network Disruption: In South Kivu’s Fizi Territory, mobile and internet services have been cut since July 3, with CPJ urging authorities to restore connectivity because the shutdown is harming information flow and local economic activity. Connectivity Boost: Airtel Africa and Starlink launched Africa’s first commercial satellite-to-mobile service in DR Congo, enabling eligible customers to use SMS and light-data apps like WhatsApp in areas without conventional coverage. Trade & Diplomacy: President Félix Tshisekedi is in Tanzania for talks focused on trade, investment, mining, energy, transport, healthcare and digital technology, alongside peace and security in the Great Lakes. Mining Policy Watch: DR Congo’s export ban on copper and cobalt concentrates is expected to tighten supply and may add short-term price risk while details of the new tax regime are clarified. Banking Stress: Afriland First Bank RDC is reported to be in negative equity of about $116.9m and nearing insolvency, raising pressure on governance and financial stability. Peace Process: DR Congo and M23 began implementing the Doha peace process with the release of 15 detainees facilitated by the ICRC.

Ebola Crisis Escalates: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak has become the second-deadliest on record and the deadliest in the country’s history, with confirmed deaths now topping the 2018-20 peak (2,325 deaths out of 4,945 confirmed cases), as the virus spreads about five times faster than earlier outbreaks at the same stage. Response Strain: Health agencies cite delayed detection, overstretched surveillance, armed conflict, and limited vaccine/treatment options, while WHO and Africa CDC urge faster contact tracing, earlier detection, and expanded testing and treatment capacity. Connectivity Under Pressure: In South Kivu’s Fizi Territory, authorities have kept mobile networks and internet cut for more than a month, disrupting journalism and daily economic activity—CPJ is calling for the shutdown to be lifted. Telecom Upgrade for Remote Areas: Airtel Africa and Starlink launched Africa’s first commercial satellite-to-mobile service in DR Congo, enabling eligible customers to use compatible LTE smartphones for SMS and light-data apps like WhatsApp in areas without terrestrial coverage. Banking Stress: Afriland First Bank RDC is reported to be in negative equity (about $116.9m) and nearing insolvency, raising fresh concerns for financial stability. Mining Policy Watch: DR Congo’s ban on exporting copper and cobalt concentrates, alongside a new tax regime, is seen as unlikely to move global prices immediately but could add short-term risk premiums as details emerge.

Ebola Crisis: DRC’s Ebola outbreak has crossed a grim milestone, becoming the second-deadliest in the country’s history and the deadliest ever recorded in DRC, with confirmed deaths now above 2,000 and cases rising fast; WHO and Africa CDC warn response is being outpaced, citing delayed detection, conflict pressures, and weak contact tracing. Banking Stress: Afriland First Bank RDC is reported to be in deep trouble, with negative equity of about $117m and losses recorded in 2025, raising insolvency concerns after regulators moved against the bank’s former Cameroonian owner. Connectivity & Trade: Airtel Africa and SpaceX’s Starlink launched Africa’s first commercial satellite-to-mobile service in DRC, enabling eligible users to send SMS and use light-data apps like WhatsApp in areas without coverage—an upgrade that could matter for remote business, logistics, and mining operations. Mining Policy: DRC’s ban on exporting copper and cobalt concentrates, plus a new tax regime and tighter waiver rules, is seen as unlikely to swing global prices immediately but could add near-term risk for copper. Security & Peace Process: DRC and M23 began implementing the Doha peace process by releasing 15 detainees via ICRC facilitation, a first step toward further releases.

Connectivity & Trade: Airtel Africa and Starlink launched Starlink Mobile in the DRC, enabling compatible LTE Android phones to get satellite-to-mobile messaging (WhatsApp and SMS) in areas beyond terrestrial coverage—no extra equipment needed, with Apple support expected later. Aviation & Logistics: Emirates scheduled its first-ever passenger flights to Kinshasa (FIH) from Dubai starting Feb 3, 2027, a move that could boost travel and freight links for the Congolese market. Mining Policy & Markets: Kinshasa’s ban on exporting copper and cobalt concentrates (with possible one-year waivers) and a new by-product tax regime is unlikely to shift global prices immediately, but may add short-term risk to copper pricing while details settle. Ebola Crisis: DRC’s Ebola outbreak has surpassed 2,000 deaths and 4,300+ confirmed cases, with WHO and Africa CDC urging faster detection, contact tracing, and expanded treatment capacity as the outbreak outpaces response. Security & Peace Process: The DRC and M23 began Doha peace implementation by releasing 15 detainees via ICRC facilitation, but observers will watch whether further releases follow. Energy/Resources Governance: Kinshasa is also pushing a stronger international focus on critical minerals and conflict-linked governance through its UN Security Council presidency.

Connectivity & Trade: Airtel Africa and Starlink have launched Starlink Mobile in the DRC, the first commercial deployment in Africa, letting Airtel customers with compatible LTE Android phones use light-data services like WhatsApp and SMS in areas beyond terrestrial coverage, with no special equipment needed. Aviation & Logistics: Emirates has scheduled its first-ever passenger flights to Kinshasa (N’djili) from Feb. 3, 2027, signaling fresh competition and potential growth for DRC air freight and business travel. Mining Policy & Markets: Kinshasa’s ban on exporting copper and cobalt concentrates (with possible one-year waivers) is expected to have limited impact on global prices but may add short-term risk for copper as details settle. Ebola Crisis: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak has surpassed 2,000 deaths and 4,300+ confirmed cases, with WHO warning the response is being outpaced and calling for faster detection, contact tracing, and treatment capacity. Eastern Congo Peace Process: The DRC and M23 began implementing the Doha peace process by releasing 15 detainees via the ICRC, a first step that could shape next rounds of releases. Security & Human Cost: A mortar strike hit Rumbishi Market in South Kivu, killing at least nine civilians, underlining the ongoing risks for civilians in conflict zones. Diplomacy & Governance: Kinshasa is using its UN Security Council presidency to push a minerals-and-conflict framing for eastern DRC, while SADC is accelerating regional energy and critical-mineral processing cooperation. Business Intelligence: Tellurian Research launched a DRC Weekly Monitoring Report aimed at investors and decision-makers, covering politics, security, mining, energy, infrastructure, and public health. Energy/Investment Pipeline: Fastercapital selected Kinshasa-based Muzungu Group to join Equitypilot, supporting execution-ready projects across agri-food, clean energy, sanitation, digital infrastructure, and local production in the DRC.

Telecom & Connectivity: Airtel Africa and Starlink launched Starlink Mobile in the DRC, enabling compatible smartphone users to get connectivity in non-terrestrial areas via satellite-to-mobile, with WhatsApp messaging and SMS support and no extra hardware needed. Ebola & Public Health: The DRC Ebola outbreak has surpassed 2,000 deaths (4,381 confirmed cases, 2,011 deaths), with WHO warning the virus is outpacing response; WHO is expanding treatment capacity in Lita and agencies urge faster detection, contact tracing, testing, and isolation. Mining Policy & Markets: Kinshasa’s ministerial order banning exports of copper and cobalt concentrates (with possible one-year waivers) and introducing a new tax regime could shift near-term price risk while details are clarified. Uranium in Cobalt Exports: The DRC opened an investigation into undeclared uranium contaminating cobalt exports, with plans to test shipments bound for China and consult the IAEA. Security & Conflict Spillovers: DRC and M23 began Doha peace-process implementation with the release of 15 detainees via ICRC facilitation, while eastern fighting continues to fuel instability. Aviation & Trade Links: Emirates reportedly scheduled its first passenger flights to Kinshasa (N’djili) from Feb. 3, 2027, a potential boost for business travel and freight capacity. Business Support: Fastercapital selected Kinshasa-based Muzungu Group to join Equitypilot, targeting execution-ready projects in agri-food, clean energy, urban sanitation, digital infrastructure, and local production.

Telecom & Connectivity: Airtel Africa and Starlink launched Starlink Mobile in the DRC, enabling satellite-to-mobile service for compatible smartphones in non-terrestrial areas, with WhatsApp and SMS support and no extra hardware needed. Aviation & Trade Links: Emirates scheduled its first passenger flights to Kinshasa (N’djili) from Feb. 3, 2027, a daily service that could boost business travel and freight capacity. Ebola & Public Health Costs: DRC’s Ebola death toll climbed to 2,011 deaths and 4,381 confirmed cases, with WHO warning the outbreak is outrunning response capacity and calling for faster detection, contact tracing, and treatment expansion. Mining Policy & Market Risk: Kinshasa banned exports of copper and cobalt concentrates and introduced a new tax regime, a move seen as unlikely to shift global prices immediately but capable of adding near-term risk until details on waivers and implementation are clear. Uranium in Cobalt Exports: DRC launched an investigation into undeclared uranium allegedly embedded in cobalt shipments, with plans to test exports and consult the IAEA. Security & Markets: A mortar attack hit Rumbishi Market in South Kivu, killing at least nine civilians, underscoring how conflict disrupts local commerce. Peace Process: The ICRC facilitated the release of 15 detainees to M23 under the Doha peace process, a first step that still leaves questions about follow-through. Business Intelligence: Tellurian Research launched a DRC Weekly Monitoring Report aimed at decision-makers, covering politics, security, mining, energy, infrastructure, and public health.

Telecom & Connectivity: Airtel Africa and Starlink launched Starlink Mobile in the DRC, enabling satellite-to-mobile data and messaging (including WhatsApp and SMS) for customers with compatible LTE Android phones and active Airtel bundles, with no extra hardware needed—an important step for connectivity beyond terrestrial coverage. Mining Policy & Markets: Kinshasa banned exports of copper and cobalt concentrates effective Aug. 6, with possible one-year strategic waivers and a new tax regime for mining by-products—expected to be limited for global markets but potentially adding near-term price risk until details land. Ebola Crisis: The DRC’s Ebola outbreak has surpassed 2,000 deaths (over 4,300 confirmed cases), with WHO and Africa CDC warning response is being outpaced and calling for faster detection, contact tracing, testing, and expanded treatment capacity. Uranium in Cobalt Exports: The government opened an investigation into undeclared uranium allegedly embedded in cobalt shipments, including planned testing of cobalt hydroxide bound for China and possible IAEA technical support. Aviation & Trade Links: Emirates scheduled its first-ever passenger flights to Kinshasa (N’djili) from Feb. 3, 2027, daily service planned—boosting long-haul access for business and freight. Security & Humanitarian: In eastern DRC, reports say nine civilians were killed in a mortar strike on Rumbishi Market in South Kivu, underscoring ongoing instability around markets and contested areas.