AGP Executive Report

Cross-Border Payments: Cambodia and Rwanda central banks announced a cross-border payment cooperation to modernize payment systems and boost financial connectivity, trade and tourism, under a 2023 MoU framework. Trade Finance for SMEs: ITC and Equity Group signed an MoU to unlock trade finance and scale support for coffee, leather and creative industries across East Africa, starting with Kenya. Clean Mobility Investment: Spiro secured $215M in equity to expand battery-swapping and EV/energy infrastructure across seven African markets, aiming to cut transport costs and strengthen energy security. Tech Event Disruption: GSMA postponed MWC26 Kigali, Africa’s major connectivity event, with a new date to be announced. Digital Health Support: Direct Relief delivered pediatric dolutegravir to Rwanda’s Ministry of Health to strengthen child HIV treatment as medicine access shifts. Ebola Response Pressure: Coverage highlights rising Ebola risks across East and Central Africa, with calls for faster detection and stronger community-focused response as cases climb.

Ebola Watch: The Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak is worsening across East and Central Africa, with experts warning it’s likely far worse than official figures as suspected cases top 1,000 and contact tracing lags. Public Health & Policy: A US plan to open an Ebola quarantine centre in Kenya has triggered protests, legal fights, and renewed debate over sovereignty and global health equity. Rwanda-UK Legal Fallout: An arbitration panel rejected Rwanda’s claim against the UK over the collapsed Rwanda asylum deal, ending a threat of a £100m+ payout. Clean Mobility Investment: Spiro raised $215M in equity to scale battery-swapping EV infrastructure across multiple African markets, including Rwanda, aiming to expand networks and manufacturing. Rwanda Tech Event: GSMA postponed MWC26 Kigali, Africa’s major connectivity event, just weeks before opening, with a new date pending. Trade & Finance for SMEs: ITC and Equity Group partnered to unlock trade finance for coffee, leather and creative industries across East Africa. Digital Health/Agri Tech: FAO and Rwanda-linked efforts are pushing rural agriculture digitalisation to improve productivity and market access. Energy & Industry Policy: US EPA refrigerant rule changes delay compliance timelines to 2032, but may raise future refrigerant shortage risks.

Ebola Response in East Africa: Africa CDC chief Jean Kaseya warns the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in DRC and Uganda is especially risky due to lack of licensed vaccines and intense cross-border movement, with suspected cases now topping 1,130 and multiple countries flagged as high risk. Regional Health Coordination: The East African Community (EAC) is holding an emergency health ministers meeting (1–2 June) to coordinate surveillance, lab diagnosis, infection control, risk communication, and even harmonise rules for Ebola vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics, including plans for mobile labs at border areas. Clean Mobility Investment: Rwanda-linked e-mobility firm Spiro secured a $215M equity round to scale battery-swapping and EV infrastructure across Africa, expanding its network and manufacturing footprint in markets including Rwanda. Kigali as a Tech & Business Hub: Kigali continues to host major MICE events, including the Inclusive FinTech Forum and Africa CEO Forum, reinforcing the city’s pull for investors and policy leaders. Digital Finance Shift: A new push for China’s digital yuan (e-CNY) is framed as a potential alternative digital financial infrastructure for Africa, challenging Western payment dominance. Energy Security Lens: AfDB urges Africa to diversify its energy mix and markets and fast-track renewable projects to reduce oil import dependence.

Clean Mobility Funding: Spiro, Africa’s e-mobility and battery-swapping platform, secured a $215M equity round from institutional investors including Impact Fund Denmark and Equitane to scale its network, manufacturing footprint, and next-gen EV infrastructure across markets like Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, Nigeria and more. Ebola Response in the Region: Africa CDC chief Jean Kaseya warned that lack of licensed vaccine and intense cross-border movement could worsen the DRC Ebola outbreak, with suspected cases topping 1,130 and Rwanda listed among high-risk countries. EAC Emergency Coordination: East African Community health ministers will hold an extraordinary virtual meeting (June 1–2) to coordinate surveillance, mobile laboratories, lab diagnostics, infection prevention, risk communication, and training—targeting the rare Bundibugyo strain with no approved vaccine or specific treatment. Rwanda-UK Legal Update: A court ruled the UK won’t have to pay Rwanda more than £100M over the failed asylum deal. Digital Health Research: The Thanzi Programme secured a grant to expand health systems research and capacity-building into Namibia and Zambia, supporting universal health coverage and health financing policy work. AI Memory Supply Chain: Samsung began shipping industry-first HBM4E samples, aimed at next-generation AI computing demands.

Ebola Response in East Africa: WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus visited Bunia in DR Congo’s Ituri as the Bundibugyo-strain outbreak spreads, urging more international funding and “community ownership” to beat mistrust and misinformation; EAC health ministers also plan an emergency virtual meeting June 1–2, with plans including mobile labs, rapid response teams, and training since there’s still no licensed vaccine or specific treatment. Regional Health Coordination: The EAC says the outbreak is concentrated in eastern DR Congo with spillover risk to Uganda due to high mobility and cross-border trade, pushing coordinated surveillance, lab diagnostics, infection prevention, and risk communication. Digital Policy Oversight: Ghana’s communications minister says four law firms are reviewing the NITA Bill, arguing licensing would apply mainly to firms handling sensitive public contracts, not independent app creators. Trade Tech & Industry: China’s zero-tariff policy for 53 African countries is welcomed, but analysts warn African exporters must meet standards and build capacity to benefit. Payments & Sovereignty: Ghana’s mobile money boom is reigniting debate on whether value stays local, with calls to strengthen domestic payment rails.

Ebola Response in Congo: WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus visited Bunia, eastern DR Congo, urging more international funding and “community ownership” to beat mistrust and misinformation as suspected cases top 1,000 (1,077) with 246 deaths, and Uganda reports confirmed infections. Regional Coordination: The East African Community will hold an emergency virtual meeting of health ministers June 1–2 to coordinate a cross-border response, including mobile labs, rapid-response experts, surveillance, diagnostics, and risk communication. Treatment Progress: WHO says five patients have recovered after the inauguration of a new Ebola treatment center in Bunia, while Tedros warned the outbreak’s true reach is likely wider due to weak testing capacity in conflict areas. Rwanda Tech Angle: With Rwanda listed among high-risk countries by Africa CDC, the focus for the region is now on faster diagnostics, safer care pathways, and trusted public communication systems.

Ebola Response in DRC: WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus landed in Bunia, Ituri, as the rare Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak spreads faster than the response can keep up. He urged community trust, safe burials, and warned that travel bans and border closures can discourage transparency; officials cite 906 suspected cases and 223 suspected deaths, with the true reach likely wider amid limited lab capacity and conflict. Regional Preparedness: IGAD called for urgent cross-border readiness across the Horn of Africa, pushing harmonised surveillance and response as mobility and porous borders raise risk. Rwanda Tech & Finance: Wave and the Basketball Africa League held a Kigali business brunch on youth, innovation and financial inclusion, highlighting digital finance access through Wave Mobile Money and Rwanda’s ICT leadership. Digital Payments Link: Cambodia and Rwanda central banks announced cross-border payment cooperation to modernise electronic payments and boost trade and tourism ties. Rwanda Science & Energy: Rwanda’s nuclear cooperation with Russia signals plans for nuclear medicine and a future Centre for Nuclear Science and Technology, with feasibility work for an SMR-based facility. Health Tech Angle: A Kigali doctor explains why lab results and patient symptoms don’t always match instantly, and why treatment may not target the exact spot people expect.

Ebola Response in the Region: IGAD is urging urgent preparedness across the Horn of Africa as the DR Congo outbreak worsens, calling for stronger cross-border surveillance and harmonized response, with $7m reprogrammed for screening and other urgent measures. WHO on the Ground in Congo: WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus arrived in Kinshasa saying the outbreak “can be stopped” but is “very complex,” citing displacement, food insecurity, equipment shortages, and delayed detection; suspected cases have passed 1,000 and Africa CDC warns multiple countries, including Rwanda and Kenya, are at high risk. Aid and Misinformation Pressure: Health responders say funding shortfalls, lab and protective gear gaps, and community distrust are slowing containment as aid agencies race to deliver supplies to outbreak hotspots. Rwanda Tech & Science Moves: Rwanda and Russia signed a nuclear cooperation MoU covering nuclear medicine, training, and feasibility work toward an SMR-based research reactor and a Centre for Nuclear Science and Technology. Digital Payments Link-Up: Rwanda’s central bank and Cambodia’s announced cross-border payment cooperation to modernize electronic payments and boost trade and tourism connectivity. SME Water Tech: UAE startup Meyahh is using a digital B2B platform to help water treatment SMEs access suppliers and contractors, with clients including Rwanda. Community Tech in Rwanda: World Connect Rwanda inaugurated 12 community-led projects in Musanze, including a computer laboratory and school facilities. Clean Energy Funding Gap: East African clean energy startups say financing access remains the biggest barrier despite growing investor interest.

Ebola Response in DRC: WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus arrived in Kinshasa to back efforts against a rare Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak, saying it “can be stopped” but warning it’s “very complex” as conflict, displacement, food insecurity, and distrust slow containment; reported figures include 906 suspected cases and 223 suspected deaths, with Africa CDC noting suspected cases have surpassed 1,000 and lab capacity remains limited. Aid & Lab Capacity Gap: Aid workers and NGOs warn that funding shortfalls are hitting PPE, lab testing kits, and hygiene supplies, while the outbreak may have been spreading for weeks before detection. Rwanda Community Tech & Health: World Connect Rwanda inaugurated 12 community-led projects in Musanze, including a computer laboratory and health-related rooms, showing how local development and digital access can move together. Digital Finance Growth: NALA secured up to $50m credit financing to expand stablecoin-powered cross-border payments to East Africa, including Rwanda. Urban Climate Solutions: A new Africa-focused book highlights how urban trees and green spaces are being used to tackle heat, flooding risk, and inequality, while questioning long-term effectiveness.

Ebola Response in the DRC: WHO chief Tedros says the 2026 Ebola outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo “can be stopped,” urging an immediate ceasefire as conflict and attacks on health facilities hamper containment; WHO reports 10 confirmed and 223 suspected deaths since May 15, with suspected cases now above 1,000. Regional Risk Watch: Africa CDC says 1,077 suspected cases and 246 probable deaths have been recorded, with lab-confirmed links in DRC and Uganda and 11 countries flagged at high risk, including Rwanda and Kenya, as surveillance and contact tracing gaps persist. Cross-Border Measures: Kenya approved a US request to set up an Ebola quarantine facility for exposed Americans at a central air force base, triggering public debate and a court challenge by Katiba Institute. Digital Health Investment: A report ahead of WHX in Lagos projects Africa’s digital health spending to hit $16.6bn by 2030, driven by electronic records, AI imaging, and smarter lab systems. Rwanda Tech & Research: Scientists are using eDNA to protect Rwanda’s mountain gorillas, adding a new tool to wildlife monitoring and conservation.

Ebola Response in the DRC: WHO chief Tedros Ghebreyesus says the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Ebola outbreak “can be stopped” as suspected cases near 1,000 and conflict-hit Ituri strains response capacity. Cross-Border Measures: Kenya approved a US request to set up an Ebola quarantine facility for exposed Americans at a military site in Laikipia, while Uganda also moved to close its border with the DRC. Community Health Focus: UNICEF urges stronger community engagement to counter misinformation and low trust, warning that insecurity and displacement are making prevention harder. Digital Health Investment: A new report projects Africa’s digital health investment could reach $16.6bn by 2030, citing electronic records, AI-assisted imaging, and smarter lab systems. Policy Debate on Regulation: Ghana’s proposed NITA Bill sparks concern that regulation could turn innovation into a “licensed privilege,” even as it aims to strengthen cybersecurity and oversight. Rwanda Tech & Health Angle: Rwanda’s engineering and health ecosystem continues to grow, including work on digital ID and health initiatives, while regional outbreaks highlight the need for resilient systems.

Ebola Response in Eastern DRC: WHO warns the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak is “outpacing” containment, with conflict and attacks on health facilities making contact tracing and isolation “nearly impossible,” as suspected cases near 1,000 and risk is raised to “very high.” Cross-Border Measures: Uganda has closed its border with DR Congo and will allow entry only for emergencies, with mandatory isolation for arrivals. Aid and Labs: The U.S. announced a $13m emergency package for Uganda and DR Congo to boost surveillance, labs, communications and clinical response, while Switzerland released 3.8m Swiss francs to strengthen medical teams and maternal/child health support. Rwanda Tech for Conservation: Rwanda is using environmental DNA (eDNA) to monitor endangered species like mountain gorillas and golden monkeys, reducing the need for direct human interference in hard-to-survey forests. Digital ID and Privacy: Mauritius’ data protection chief says digital identity can’t work in a legal vacuum, urging privacy and cybersecurity to be built in from the start. Health Tech in Practice: A global health piece argues AI is already being used in LMIC healthcare, but success depends on compute capacity and data protections, not just “AI tools.” Food Tech for Nutrition: Rwanda’s Swiss-backed iron-rich biofortified bean initiative targets anemia and stunting in Western Province schools by changing the seed, not just the menu.

Ebola Response in Focus: WHO says the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in DR Congo is spreading faster than teams can respond, with insecurity, attacks on health facilities, and delays in identifying cases pushing the risk to “very high.” Cross-Border Pressure: Uganda has closed its border with DR Congo and will allow travel only for emergencies, while the US announced a $13m emergency package to boost surveillance, labs, and clinical response. Aid and Testing Gaps: Reports highlight limited lab capacity in Ituri, forcing suspected samples to travel about 1,700km to Kinshasa, and a lack of rapid testing for the Bundibugyo strain. Rwanda Tech for Conservation: Rwanda scientists are using environmental DNA (eDNA) to track endangered species like mountain gorillas and golden monkeys with less disturbance in hard-to-monitor forests. Regional Connectivity: Rwanda and Tanzania signed an agreement to bring Tanzania Ports Authority services to Kigali, aiming to cut delays and costs for traders using Dar es Salaam. Digital ID and Privacy: Mauritius’ data protection chief warns digital identity systems need strong data protection and cybersecurity from day one.

Ebola Logistics Crunch in DRC: Aid workers say containment is being slowed by weak lab capacity in Ituri, forcing suspected Bundibugyo samples to travel about 1,700km to Kinshasa; with no rapid tests and limited protective gear, clinics are setting up triage and isolation while the outbreak nears ~930 suspected cases and ~220 deaths. WHO Response in Rebel-Held Areas: WHO’s envoy visited Goma and South Kivu under M23 control to “strengthen preparedness,” with PPE and medicines moving from Kigali and a push for better surveillance and community messaging. Regional Alarm, Rwanda Steps Up: Ethiopia and Uganda are tightening screening and surveillance, while Rwanda keeps treating the threat as urgent despite no confirmed cases, including border screening and quarantine rules. Banking Strategy Shift: I&M’s Q1 shows banks chasing steadier fee income—wealth and insurance are driving growth beyond traditional lending. Tech & AI in Practice: Kawasaki opened a physical AI center in Silicon Valley focused on healthcare and elder care, aiming for on-site “social implementation.” EAC Connectivity Push: EAC is advancing a harmonised mobile roaming framework to cut cross-border communication costs.

Ebola Escalation: Ebola is worsening across eastern DR Congo and Uganda, with airport screenings ramping up in the US (Dulles, Atlanta, Houston) as suspected cases top 900 and attacks on health facilities are driving patients to flee—while Ethiopia tightens entry screening and Switzerland pledges $3.8M for emergency response. Regional Connectivity: The EAC is pushing a harmonised mobile roaming framework in Dar es Salaam to cut cross-border call costs and support the Single Digital Market. Rwanda Tech & Talent: Rwanda’s engineering sector is expanding as 290+ professionals join an institute, and governance continues to be framed around digital justice transformation. Health Leadership: Dr Richard Kamwi has been appointed president of the Society for AIDS in Africa, steering work on HIV, TB and emerging diseases. Digital Borders in Ghana: Ghana launches an e-Visa platform, but pricing for non-Africans is drawing scrutiny. Trade Tensions: Tanzania’s Kioo Limited protests Kenya’s proposed 35% excise duty on EAC glass bottles.

Ebola Crisis in Eastern DRC: Doctors in Ituri are battling not just a fast-moving Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak, but also attacks on hospitals and patients fleeing during chaos—one facility was hit twice over the weekend, letting dozens escape, while contact tracing is lagging badly (only about 21% of monitored contacts followed up in a day). Public Health Alarm: WHO and Africa CDC have escalated the situation, warning of rapid regional spread and listing 10 countries at high risk, as misinformation, insecurity, and weak access keep response teams behind the curve. Cross-Border Spillover Fears: Suspected cases have also been detected in Italy after travel from Uganda, as neighbors adopt “Covid-style” measures. Rwanda Tech & Policy: Meanwhile, Rwanda’s digital and innovation calendar stays busy—MWC Kigali 2026 opens June 16, and Rwanda’s eDNA wildlife monitoring is gaining momentum as a practical tool for conservation.