AGP Executive Report

World Cup Squad Shock: Bayern boss Hoeneß says Germany’s World Cup squad is “good, but not world-class,” and calls out the handling of Oliver Baumann after Manuel Neuer’s return to the No. 1 spot—while Neuer is now ruled out of the German Cup final with a calf injury. Security Memory in Côte d’Ivoire: Ten years after the Grand Bassam attack, Côte d’Ivoire is still on edge about jihadist threats, with courts sentencing suspects and officials citing tighter vigilance. Eid Pressure in Abidjan: Sheep prices for Tabaski are climbing as Ivory Coast’s Sahel supply is squeezed by export bans and jihadist road blockades. Digital Governance Push: Regulators meeting in Abidjan adopted a 2026-2030 roadmap to strengthen data protection and cybersecurity across Africa. Mali Under Strain: BBC reports jihadists have intensified a fuel blockade around Bamako, burning vehicles and choking supplies. AFCON Road Ahead: 2027 qualifiers fixtures are confirmed, mapping paths for teams including South Africa, Nigeria and Ghana. Finance Tech Leap: Bank of Ghana says e-Cedi is moving beyond pilots toward cross-border settlement and wholesale payments.

AfCFTA Border Push: Togo’s Cinkassé crossing is being spotlighted as AfCFTA partners sign a deal to roll out one-stop border posts across Africa, with the Cinkassé OSBP already handling 382,000+ vehicles in 2025 and boosting traffic by 20%—a model aimed at speeding Lomé–Ouagadougou trade. World Cup Politics & Access: The 2026 World Cup is drawing fresh criticism over high prices and tighter controls, while New York City says it negotiated $50 tickets for 1,000 residents. Ghana Digital Finance: Ghana’s central bank says the e-Cedi is moving from pilot to a new phase focused on cross-border settlement and wholesale payments. Mali Fuel Blockade: Jihadists have burned dozens of vehicles near Bamako as they tighten a fuel blockade that targets the economy and supply lines. Football Watch: Neuer’s World Cup return is still in focus, but Bayern says he’ll miss the German Cup final with a calf injury; meanwhile Liverpool are linked with Ivory Coast winger Yan Diomande as a potential Salah successor.

World Cup Shock: Germany has pulled veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer out of international retirement and named him in the 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup, with coach Julian Nagelsmann saying he will be the team’s first-choice starter ahead of Oliver Baumann. Ghana in the Spotlight: Ghana midfielder Caleb Yirenkyi is being flagged as one of Africa’s brightest young World Cup prospects as the final squad approaches. Digital Finance Push (Ghana): The Bank of Ghana says the e-Cedi is moving beyond its pilot phase toward cross-border settlement and wholesale payments, aiming to make regional transactions clear as easily as domestic ones. Security Pressure (Mali): Jihadists have burned dozens of vehicles near Bamako in a fuel blockade tightening grip on the capital’s supply lines. Trade & Connectivity (Nigeria): Aviation minister Festus Keyamo argues Africa can’t integrate economically while staying physically disconnected, calling air links “economic infrastructure.” Cocoa Watch (Ivory Coast): Ivory Coast expects a major cocoa harvest rebound, a potential relief after prices hit historic highs.

Maritime Disruption in Nigeria: A Maersk feeder, the Maersk Valparaiso, ran aground in Nigeria’s Bonny Channel after colliding with a small product tanker (Lady Martina), blocking access to the channel and disrupting movements toward Port Harcourt and Onne; five tanker crew members were injured and taken ashore, while the ship reportedly waits for damage assessment. World Cup Shock Recall: Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann has pulled 40-year-old Manuel Neuer out of international retirement to be first-choice goalkeeper at the 2026 World Cup, with the call coming amid fitness concerns and injuries for other keepers. Aviation Growth Agenda: Nigeria’s aviation minister Festus Keyamo outlined five priorities to boost African air connectivity as economic infrastructure, not a luxury. Identity & Payments Push: Ghana’s e-Cedi is moving toward cross-border settlements, while Kenya is rolling out digital birth notifications tied to national ID systems. Sports Ticket Politics: New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani secured $50 World Cup tickets for 1,000 residents after negotiating with FIFA leadership.

World Cup Shock: Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann has recalled veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer from international retirement and named him Germany’s No. 1 for the 2026 World Cup, with Joshua Kimmich keeping the captaincy and Leroy Sané retaining his spot. West Africa Justice: Ghana’s Western Regional Police have declared an Arabic teacher, Sule Anas, wanted over alleged sodomy and defilement of minors, saying victims were lured under the pretext of “spiritual cleansing” and that he may be hiding in Côte d’Ivoire or Togo. AfCFTA Trade Push: Ecobank and the AfCFTA Secretariat are expanding trade finance to unblock cross-border deals for SMEs, women-led firms and youth entrepreneurs. Energy & Prices Pressure: With the Strait of Hormuz disrupted, oil-trade routes are shifting and fuel-cost pressure is rising across import-dependent markets, including South Africa. U-17 Spotlight in Abidjan: Nigeria’s Flamingos have arrived in Abidjan for their U-17 qualifier against Guinea, with the first leg set for Saturday.

Cost-of-living squeeze: Volatile global oil prices are pushing fuel costs higher across Africa, feeding into transport, food and power bills and sparking public frustration in places like Kenya, where inflation ticked up as transport prices jumped. Fuel politics: In Niger, the junta says it has struck fresh deals with Chinese firms to restart and expand oil projects, cut pipeline transport costs, and boost output—after months of tension with Beijing. Cocoa rebound debate: Cocoa prices are sliding again on expectations of abundant supply, but major chocolate makers are signaling a return to “real chocolate” as cheaper beans reshape product recipes. Sports—Abidjan spotlight: Nigeria’s Flamingos have arrived in Abidjan for their U-17 qualifier against Guinea, while Ghana’s Black Starlets and Curaçao’s World Cup build-up keep the region’s football calendar busy. AFCON qualifiers: CAF released the full 2027 AFCON qualifying fixtures, setting up a tough Ghana–Ivory Coast group and more high-stakes matchups.

AfCFTA Connectivity Push: The AFCAC chief says better air links are the missing gear for AfCFTA, arguing “trade creates the market, aviation connects it” and pointing to SAATM to cut costs and boost movement of goods and people. Oil Diplomacy in the Sahel: Niger’s junta says it has struck new oil deals with Chinese firms, relaunching projects and aiming to lift output by 2029 while reducing export pipeline transport costs. U17 AFCON Pressure on Ghana: President Kurt Okraku and Kurt Okraku’s message to the Black Starlets is clear—confidence first as they face South Africa in a must-win Group D clash after a tough start. World Cup Spotlight: Manuel Neuer is reportedly set for a Germany return after retiring from international duty two years ago, while Scotland’s Steve Clarke keeps insisting his World Cup squad choices are built on trust, not surprises. Finance for Growth: MIGA plans to more than double Africa guarantees to $6.4bn over three and a half years, targeting energy, food security, trade finance and digital connectivity.

Digital Identity Push: ID4Africa’s 2026 AGM in Abidjan wrapped with a clear message: Africa’s ID systems are moving from “siloed” projects to connected, usable national ecosystems—if governance and trust keep pace. Health Security: Nigeria is being urged to tighten Ebola border surveillance after cases re-emerged in Central and East Africa, with officials warning against repeating the 2014-style lag. AFCON 2027 Draw: The qualifiers map is set from Cairo—Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire landed together in Group C, while Nigeria got Guinea-Bissau, Tanzania and Madagascar in Group L. World Cup Spotlight: Scotland named a 26-man squad for 2026, with Steve Clarke saying his contract decision will be settled before the team leaves; meanwhile, Curacao kicked off “Blue Nation” preparations and will play Scotland and Aruba in late May. Tech & Mobility: Yango plans to expand in West/Central Africa, including sending electric cars to Abidjan, as data-security questions continue to shadow the service.

World Cup Squads Take Shape: Scotland named a 26-man World Cup squad with Ross Stewart back after four years out, and Finlay Curtis earning a first trip to the U.S., Canada and Mexico; the group draw has them facing Haiti, Morocco and Brazil. AFCON 2027 Qualifiers: Kenya landed in Group D with South Africa, Eritrea and Guinea, while Morocco drew Gabon, Niger and Lesotho; Ivory Coast and Ghana were paired in Group C. Aviation & Cost Pressure: AFRAA says Free Route Airspace rollout is set to expand beyond West/Central Africa into East and Southern Africa by end-2026, aiming to cut flight times, fuel burn and emissions. Finance & Debt: AfDB approved a US$4m grant to back Zimbabwe’s arrears-clearance push and re-entry into international financing. Abidjan Spotlight: SPE Africa confirmed ATC 2026 in Abidjan (June 16–18), with a new Africa Gas and Innovations Summit on Day Two. Digital Payments in Lomé: A World Bank-backed workshop in Lomé brings 10 countries to discuss interoperable, digital social benefit payments.

World Cup Momentum: Cape Verde’s Steven Moreira has been named to the island’s 25-man World Cup squad, capping a run that includes helping them qualify for their first-ever tournament. US Travel Policy: The U.S. has waived costly visa bond requirements for eligible World Cup players, officials and ticketed fans enrolled in FIFA’s PASS, easing a major travel headache just weeks before kick-off. AFCON Qualifiers Setup: Ghana and Zambia have both landed in Pot 2 for the 2027 AFCON qualifying draw in Cairo, with hosts Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania guaranteed places but still participating in qualifiers. Local Sports Focus: Medeama coach Ibrahim Tanko credits disciplined early preparation in Abidjan for the club’s Ghana Premier League title and a CAF Champions League spot. Tech & Identity: GripID unveiled its V10 portable biometric enrollment device in Abidjan at ID4Africa 2026, pushing more “all-in-one” options for national ID and eID rollouts. Weather Disruption: Heavy thunderstorms in Accra disrupted flights at Kotoka International Airport, causing delays and holding patterns.

Curaçao Football Spotlight: Curaçao’s federation (FFK) will unveil its final national team squad today at 10:00 a.m., with coach Dick Advocaat explaining selections via live video—after last week’s postponement linked to former coach Fred Rutten’s sudden exit. The “Blue Wave” squad heads to friendlies in Scotland (May 30 vs. Scotland), then Aruba (June 6), before starting its World Cup run on June 14 against Germany, followed by Ecuador (June 20) and Ivory Coast (June 25). World Cup Logistics: The U.S. has waived costly visa bonds for eligible 2026 World Cup ticket holders enrolled in FIFA PASS, easing a travel headache for fans. West Africa Security: In Abidjan, Nigeria’s ACSS chapter urged stronger regional coordination and oversight to tackle terrorism and violent extremism. Ghana Debt Watch: Ghana’s IMF debt has risen to about $3.74bn (2.72bn SDR) even after exiting its IMF bailout—fueling fresh questions about what “exit” really means.

IMF Debt Watch: Ghana’s IMF borrowing is rising again, with its debt to the Fund now at SDR 2.72bn (about US$3.88bn)—up from SDR 1.96bn in January—as the IMF completed Ghana’s 2026 Article IV review and agreed a sixth review under the Extended Credit Facility plus a new 36-month Policy Coordination Instrument. Maritime Security: Ghana Navy says it rescued seven suspected stowaways from a Belgian crude oil tanker off Tema after an alert reached rescue centres in Abidjan. Ivory Coast Politics: Former President Laurent Gbagbo condemned the imprisonment of political activists, speaking at a Renaissance Festival after his party re-elected him as president. Digital Identity Push (Abidjan): ID4Africa speakers in Abidjan urged governments to make legal and digital identity systems work for refugees and stateless people, with stronger links between civil registration and national ID platforms. World Cup Spotlight: Ivory Coast’s squad headlines include Sébastien Haller’s omission, while Ghana’s gold worries continue to echo across the region’s investment debate.

CAF Champions League Final (1st leg): Mamelodi Sundowns host Morocco’s AS FAR on Sunday, with Colombian striker Brayan León in electric form—11 league goals and five in the Champions League, including decisive winners in both semi-final legs. Coach Miguel Cardoso is warning against complacency as León chases both team glory and the Golden Boot race. Ebola Watch: A new explainer reminds readers Ebola spreads through close contact with blood and body fluids, with vaccines and medicines available for prevention and treatment—while recent outbreaks have hit multiple African countries. World Cup Politics & Travel: As the 2026 tournament nears, fans from several African countries get relief from U.S. visa bonds (up to $15,000) if they hold FIFA tickets, but the broader travel anxiety remains. Digital Identity (ID4Africa): In Abidjan, speakers push legal and digital ID inclusion for refugees and stateless people, arguing disconnected systems keep vulnerable groups locked out. Maritime Security: Ghana Navy says it rescued seven suspected Ivorian stowaways from a tanker off Tema, after a distress alert.

ICC Courtroom Politics: Kenya’s President William Ruto is pushing Supreme Court judge Njoki Ndung’u toward the ICC bench, but the high-profile diplomatic push—via meetings with leaders including Sierra Leone’s Julius Maada Bio and Côte d’Ivoire’s Alassane Ouattara—could backfire politically. World Cup Shock in Côte d’Ivoire: Emerse Faé names a 26-man squad with Sébastien Haller left out, while Ange-Yoan Bonny and Elye Wahi—both nationality switchers—make the cut. Maritime Security: Ghana Navy says it rescued seven suspected Ivorian stowaways from the rudder trunk of a crude oil tanker off Tema. Digital Identity Push in Abidjan: ID4Africa speakers urge governments to include refugees and stateless people in legal identity systems, warning that disconnected civil registration and ID platforms keep vulnerable people outside the system. Gold Sector Tension: Ghana’s Chamber of Mines warns Côte d’Ivoire is positioning itself to overtake Ghana in gold production within a decade. UN Reform Talk: Macron renews calls for Africa to get permanent UN Security Council representation, as France’s influence is said to be waning.

World Cup Visa U-Turn: The Trump administration has waived up to a $15,000 visa bond for eligible FIFA World Cup ticket holders from five African countries, easing a travel rule that had sparked backlash and uncertainty for fans from Algeria, Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal and Tunisia. UN Security Council Push: Emmanuel Macron renewed his push for Africa to gain permanent representation at the UN Security Council, arguing the “time has come” while also pressing for limits on veto use in mass-atrocity cases. Digital ID in Abidjan: At ID4Africa 2026, Ethiopia showcased its Fayda Digital Identification Program, while experts warned digital identity is now “critical infrastructure” needing cybersecurity built in from the start. Ivory Coast Football & Politics: Laurent Gbagbo was reappointed head of his party in Abidjan, and Côte d’Ivoire named its World Cup squad including Bonny and Wahi after nationality switches. Ghana Mining Pressure: Ghana’s Chamber of Mines says high mining royalties and taxes are pushing investors toward Côte d’Ivoire and other neighbors.

Opposition Politics: Côte d’Ivoire’s former president Laurent Gbagbo, 80, was reappointed head of his PPA-CI party at a congress in Abidjan, despite earlier plans to step back after being blocked from the 2025 election due to a criminal conviction—his return now hinges on whether he’s allowed back on the electoral roll. World Cup Build-Up: As the 2026 tournament nears, D.C. announced free World Cup watch parties at Franklin Park and Navy Yard, while Ivory Coast named its squad with nationality switches for Bonny and Wahi and Ghana’s visa-bond drama eased for some ticket holders heading to the U.S. Finance & Industry: Africa Re’s CEO warned insurers hold about $380bn in assets but invest “almost zero” in infrastructure outside South Africa, and Ghana’s mining chamber chief Ken Ashigbey said high royalties are pushing investors toward Côte d’Ivoire. Digital Sovereignty: At ID4Africa in Abidjan, officials stressed digital ID needs built-in cyber protection as a matter of national sovereignty.