AGP Executive Report

AI & Digital Capacity: Côte d’Ivoire’s Prime Minister Robert Beugré Mambé opened Abidjan’s National Conference on Artificial Intelligence, pushing a “responsible and inclusive” AI sector and calling for stronger data use, cloud and computing capacity, energy, skills, financing, cybersecurity and governance. Gender & Inclusion Policy: At Nigeria’s GS26 Gender and Inclusion Summit in Abuja, stakeholders demanded action beyond declarations, with Patrick Achi urging inclusion as “development” and a push for last-mile delivery through a Gender Legislative Agenda for Africa. Climate Risk to Cocoa: Fitch Solutions warns Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire’s cocoa export outlook faces heightened El Niño risk during the Oct–Dec pod-development window, with knock-on effects for yields, inflation, hydropower and rural incomes. Mobility & Services: Uber announced exits from Nigeria and Uganda, leaving it operating only in Egypt, Ghana, Kenya and South Africa, as drivers cite squeezed earnings amid rising costs and tougher competition. Abidjan Youth Culture: In working-class Abidjan, biama street dance events in Yopougon keep drawing crowds after class, turning youth creativity into a weekly social scene. Regional Finance: Bridge Bank Group Côte d’Ivoire is set to start trading on the BRVM on Sept. 24 after a share sale tied to Senegalese billionaire Yerim Sow’s Bridge Bank Group West Africa.

AI Policy Push: Côte d’Ivoire’s Prime Minister Robert Beugré Mambé opened a national AI conference in Abidjan, calling for an “inclusive and responsible” AI sector and stressing the need for data, digital infrastructure, computing, energy, skills, financing, cybersecurity and governance. Climate & Cocoa Risk: Fitch Solutions warns El Niño could hit the October–December cocoa crop window, lowering yields and export earnings while also raising food inflation and hydropower strain; Fairtrade echoes the concern for West African cocoa communities. Travel Rules Update: Mozambique expanded Electronic Travel Authorisation access, naming Côte d’Ivoire among the eligible countries for visa-free entry for up to 30 days. Urban Youth Culture: Abidjan street life keeps evolving as biama—an energetic working-class dance—spreads through neighbourhood gatherings, drawing crowds and turning youth creativity into a weekly social event. Mobility Shock: Uber’s pullout from Nigeria and Uganda leaves it operating only in a few African markets, adding pressure to ride-hailing drivers already squeezed by costs and competition. Coastal Warning: A Harvard-led study says parts of West Africa’s Gulf of Guinea coast are eroding fast, urging governments to rethink reliance on hard barriers.

AI Policy Push: Prime Minister Robert Beugre Mambe opened Abidjan’s National Conference on Artificial Intelligence, urging Côte d’Ivoire to build an “inclusive and responsible” AI sector by strengthening public data use, digital infrastructure, computing capacity, skills, financing, cybersecurity, and governance. Street Culture & Youth Life: In Abidjan’s working-class neighborhoods, hundreds of young people keep gathering after class for biama street dance—fast, acrobatic, and free to perform—showing how youth culture is shaping everyday public space. Regional Tech & Mobility: Uber announced it is exiting Nigeria and Uganda, citing tougher economics for drivers and riders amid rising costs and competition, leaving it operating only in a few markets across Africa. Cocoa & Weather Risk: Fairtrade warned El Niño could hit West African cocoa communities, with forecasts pointing to “strong” to “very strong” conditions that may disrupt farming and supply chains. Finance & Markets: Bridge Bank Côte d’Ivoire is set to start trading on the BRVM on Sept. 24 after a share sale, with the bank’s valuation and ownership changes now in focus.

Street Culture Boom: Abidjan’s working-class youth are driving the fast-rising biama dance craze, with weekly after-class gatherings in Yopougon where teens perform high-tempo twists and footwork; dancers often go free, while spectators pay 1,000–2,000 CFA. Transport & Jobs: Uber has exited Nigeria and Uganda, leaving drivers and riders facing uncertainty as the company cites tougher economics and intensifying competition; Uber now operates only in a few markets including Ghana and Kenya. Court & Finance: Liberia’s Supreme Court ordered the immediate execution of a US$350,000 defamation judgment against Ecobank Liberia, ending a two-year legal fight tied to the 2022 census scandal. Cocoa Climate Risk: Fairtrade warns El Niño could hit West African cocoa communities through droughts, floods and heatwaves, with forecasts pointing to strong conditions later this year. Urban Economy Reality: A continent-wide look at how informal work dominates city life—Abidjan included—where street vending and small services thrive despite weak regulation and enforcement. Heritage & Culture: ICOM’s illicit trafficking observatory is being rebuilt into a more operational platform to help protect cultural goods.

Street Culture in Abidjan: A fast-growing biama dance craze is drawing hundreds of teens to weekly after-class street sessions in Yopougon, with free performances for dancers and small entry fees for spectators. Courts & Finance: Liberia’s Supreme Court orders immediate execution of a US$350,000 defamation judgment against Ecobank Liberia, ending a two-year fight tied to the 2022 census scandal. Digital Infrastructure in Côte d’Ivoire: Ivory Coast is set to open its first state-owned data center in 2027, backed by a US Export-Import Bank financing guarantee, as the country pushes “digital sovereignty.” Cocoa Supply Chain Pressure: A new financing deal supports Ivory Cocoa Products with €20m working capital to secure sustainably sourced beans amid volatile global cocoa markets. Coastal Risk for West Africa: A Harvard-led study warns some Gulf of Guinea coastlines are eroding up to 30 feet per year, with hard barriers helping one community while worsening the next. Urban Economy Reality: A continent-wide look at the informal economy shows Abidjan vendors and municipal crackdowns as authorities struggle to manage street livelihoods.

Digital Infrastructure Push: Ivory Coast is set to open its first state-owned data center in 2027, backed by a $66m US Export-Import Bank financing guarantee, with construction already well underway in Grand-Bassam. Cocoa & Market Volatility: Ivory Cocoa Products secured a €20m (US$23.23m) working capital facility to keep supplies steady for local processing as global cocoa swings. Cocoa Farmgate Policy: Ivory Coast maintains its cocoa farmgate price for the 2026/27 season, a key signal for farmers amid regional production worries. Maritime Security: MARSEC warns that disruptions tied to Somali piracy and migration flows could create a security vacuum in the Gulf of Guinea, urging tighter port checks and vessel tracking. Governance & Accountability: Kenya’s vehicle tracking plan aims to monitor state fleets in real time, echoing a wider regional push to stop fuel and asset leakage. Society & Livelihoods: A new look at Abidjan and other cities highlights how the informal economy keeps moving despite enforcement pressure. Climate & Coastal Loss: Research warns parts of West Africa’s coast are eroding fast, with “hard” barriers risking harm to neighboring communities.

Ivory Coast Digital Infrastructure: Ivory Coast is set to open its first state-owned data center in 2027, with a US$66m financing guarantee from the US Export-Import Bank, inside the VITIB zone in Grand-Bassam near Abidjan—construction already reported over 20% complete by late 2025. Cocoa & Finance: Dutch development bank FMO approved a €20m (US$23.23m) working-capital facility for Ivory Cocoa Products (ICP) to secure sustainably sourced beans and keep processing steady amid global price swings. Coastal Erosion Warning: A Harvard-led study says parts of West Africa’s coast are eroding up to 30 feet per year, with “hard” sea barriers protecting one area while worsening erosion elsewhere—research delivered to planners in Accra, Abidjan and Lagos. Informal Economy in Abidjan: A new AFP report highlights how Abidjan’s street vendors and other informal workers keep cities running, even as municipal officers pursue pavement stalls. Regional Business Climate: MTN reports strong H1 2026 growth, citing momentum across markets including MTN Ivory Coast, as it pushes its Ambition 2030 strategy. Immigration Policy: The UK raised minimum student visa funds for applicants from 15 West African countries effective Nov 30, 2026, with higher monthly thresholds for London and outside London.

Coastal Erosion Watch: A Harvard study says parts of West Africa’s Gulf of Guinea are losing up to 30 feet of land per year, warning that “hard” sea barriers can protect one community while speeding erosion elsewhere—an urgent planning lesson for Accra, Abidjan and Lagos. Cocoa & Prices: Ghana’s cocoa outlook points to a production drop, pushing global cocoa prices up; the ripple matters for Ivory Coast too as regional supply expectations shift. Digital Infrastructure in Côte d’Ivoire: Ivory Coast is set to open its first state-owned data center in 2027, backed by a US EXIM financing guarantee, as the country accelerates digital capacity near Abidjan. Cement & Competition: Nigeria’s cement market faces renewed scrutiny after regulators flagged possible price manipulation, with knock-on effects for construction costs across West Africa. Informal Economy Reality: From Abidjan to Dakar, informal work remains the backbone of urban life, with municipal crackdowns often colliding with poverty and red tape. Local Business/Jobs: Abidjan Political Press readers may also note regional momentum on 24-hour market models and connectivity programs, reflecting how governments try to turn infrastructure into jobs.

Cocoa Sector Watch: Ivory Coast will keep the 2026/27 farmgate cocoa price at 1,200 CFA francs per kg, a decision that disappoints farmers after the March cut and renewed hopes for a rebound. Digital Infrastructure: Ivory Coast is set to open its first state-owned data center in 2027, backed by a US$66M EXIM financing guarantee, with construction already reported beyond 20% in late 2025. Business & Finance: FMO (Netherlands) approved a €20M (US$23.23M) working capital facility for Ivory Cocoa Products to secure sustainable bean supply and stabilize local processing amid global price swings. Telecom Growth: MTN reports strong H1 2026 performance, with service revenue rising and growth led by MTN Ghana and MTN Ivory Coast, as it pushes its Ambition 2030 strategy. Governance & Society: A week of Abidjan-focused enforcement appears in AFP’s look at how informal traders operate across African cities despite municipal crackdowns.

Cocoa Policy: Ivory Coast will keep the 2026/27 farmgate cocoa price at 1,200 CFA francs per kg, a decision that disappoints farmers after global prices slid. Digital Infrastructure: The state will open its first government-owned data center in 2027, backed by a $66m US EXIM guarantee, with construction already reported over 20% complete in Grand-Bassam near Abidjan. Cocoa Finance & Industry: FMO provided Ivory Cocoa Products a €20m working-capital facility (about $23.23m) to secure sustainably sourced beans and stabilize local processing capacity. Road Safety Tech: Yango says its safety upgrades cut reckless driving incidents in Côte d’Ivoire by 35% and reduced post-trip complaint rates after privacy and anti-fraud changes. Education & Skills: Liberia’s CSquared moved its Ganta broadband and digital skills programme from a grant pilot to a commercial service with Microsoft support, training 1,200+ students. Governance & Integrity: A US State Department map error sparked renewed scrutiny after countries on an Africa map were reportedly mislabeled.

Cocoa Price Watch: Côte d’Ivoire will keep the 2026/27 farmgate cocoa price at 1,200 CFA francs per kg for the main harvest, a decision that disappoints farmers after the earlier March cut and amid falling global prices. Digital Connectivity & Skills: In Liberia, CSquared moved its Ganta broadband and digital training programme from a grant pilot to a commercial network with community Wi‑Fi, a 20-seat learning lab, and training for over 1,200 students, backed by Microsoft and local partners. Telecom Earnings: MTN Group reported strong H1 2026 service revenue growth (up 17.5%), citing momentum across African markets including MTN Ivory Coast, as it ramps up network investment under its “Ambition 2030” strategy. Mobility Safety Tech: Yango says its safety report shows fewer reckless driving incidents in Côte d’Ivoire (down 35%) and reduced post-trip complaints after privacy-focused call tech rollouts. Regional Governance & Migration: MSF reported survivors of Atlantic boat crossings disembarking in Mauritania and Senegal in vulnerable condition, including women and minors needing protection. Foreign Policy Tensions: France rejected Niger’s claims of involvement in a failed mutiny, while Niger and other regional actors continue trading accusations. Market & Investment: Coris Bank International Burkina Faso crossed 1,000 billion CFA francs in market value, boosted by rising share prices and improved first-half profits.

Cocoa Price Shock in Côte d’Ivoire: Agriculture Minister Bruno Nabagne Kone says the farmgate price for well-fermented cocoa will stay at 1,200 CFA francs/kg for the 2026/27 main season, disappointing farmers after hopes of a jump. Regional Trade & Security: The WCO’s Operation COLIBRI ZAFIRO wrapped up after 16 days of coordinated general aviation checks across 19 countries, netting 15 seizures including about 1.2 tonnes of narcotics and uncovering 86 clandestine airstrips. Mobile Money & Connectivity: MTN Group reports 17.5% higher service revenue in H1 2026, with growth led by MTN Ghana, Nigeria, Uganda, Ivory Coast and Cameroon. Transport Safety Push: Yango Ride says its 2024–2025 safety measures cut reckless driving incidents by 38% across Africa, with Côte d’Ivoire down 35%. Immigration & Mobility Policy: Japan’s foreign ministry plans “soft power” promotion of anime and manga across Africa and Latin America from fiscal 2027, including legal distribution efforts. Humanitarian Update: MSF assisted migrants in distress after boat crossings, treating survivors suffering dehydration, fractures and infections, including women and minors. US Visa News: The US released DV-2026 selectee data, listing 16 African countries while Nigeria is excluded.

Maternal Health Watch: A new IPS report warns that Africa still accounts for over 70% of global maternal deaths, with preventable causes like postpartum hemorrhage and delays in seeking care, reaching facilities, and getting timely treatment—highlighting the need to strengthen facility readiness in Côte d’Ivoire and across the region. Cocoa Policy: Côte d’Ivoire will keep the 2026/27 cocoa farmgate price at 1,200 CFA francs per kg for well-fermented, dried and sorted beans, disappointing farmers after earlier hopes of a rebound. Telecom & Digital Growth: MTN says service revenue rose 17.5% in H1 2026, driven by momentum in markets including MTN Ivory Coast, as it pushes its Ambition 2030 strategy and expands networks. Ride-Hailing Shake-up: Uber abruptly shut down in Nigeria and Uganda, effective Sept. 2, citing a wider restructuring; it says the move is limited to those markets, while it remains active in places including Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire. Soft Power Culture: Côte d’Ivoire is mentioned in Japan’s plan to expand anime and manga promotion across Africa, with events and legal distribution efforts starting in fiscal 2027. Regional Security Tensions: Niger’s government renews accusations that France backed a thwarted mutiny, while France dismisses the claims as “pure fantasy,” deepening a diplomatic rift.

Cocoa Price Shock in Abidjan: Ivory Coast kept the 2026/27 farmgate cocoa price unchanged at 1,200 CFA francs/kg, disappointing farmers after the March cut and amid fears of smuggling to neighboring markets. Uber’s Africa Retreat: Ride-hailing giant Uber shut down in Nigeria and Uganda effective Sept 2, citing a business review and global restructuring that also includes 3,300 job cuts; Uber says it remains active in Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa. Global Mobility Safety Push: Yango reported a 35% drop in reckless driving incidents in Côte d’Ivoire (2024–2025), alongside fewer post-trip complaints after privacy and support upgrades. West Africa Diplomacy Tensions: Niger renewed accusations that France backed an attempted mutiny; Paris rejected the claims as “pure fantasy,” deepening the crisis. Sahel Security Alarm: A new assessment warns the Sahel is becoming the “epicenter of global terrorism,” with jihadist groups expanding across West Africa. Côte d’Ivoire Investment & Industry: Work began on the Eni Baleine Phase 3 FPSO offshore Ivory Coast, with first steel cut reported by contractor Wison. US Immigration Update: The US released the DV-2026 (Green Card Lottery) country list; West Africa features prominently, with selectees urged to act before the Sept 30, 2026 deadline.

Cocoa Price Shock in Abidjan: Ivory Coast will keep the 2026/27 farmgate cocoa price at 1,200 CFA francs/kg, disappointing farmers after months of sector turmoil and a near-60% cut in March; harvesting runs to Feb. 28, 2027, raising fresh fears of smuggling as Ghana’s price rules shift. Uber’s Africa Retreat: Uber has shut down in Nigeria and Uganda effective Sept. 2, ending a 12-year run in Nigeria; the exit is tied to a wider global restructure that also cuts about 3,300 jobs, while Uber says it remains active in Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa. Sahel Diplomatic Fallout: Niger’s military rulers accuse France of backing a thwarted Aug. 29 mutiny; France calls it “pure fantasy,” and Benin denies any involvement, demanding normalization. Oil & Finance Watch: A Benin-born investor, Samuel Dossou-Aworet, is reported to hold $1.43bn in Nigerian oil shares; meanwhile Coris Bank Burkina Faso has crossed 1,000bn CFA market value for the first time. Local Business/Industry: Kobo Resources reports new high-grade gold drill results at its Kossou project in Côte d’Ivoire, extending mineralisation north and at depth.

Cocoa Price Shock: Ivory Coast will keep the 2026/27 main cocoa farmgate price at 1,200 CFA francs/kg, Agriculture Minister Bruno Nabagne Kone confirmed, disappointing farmers who had hoped for a jump after a near-60% cut earlier this year. Mobility & Jobs: Uber abruptly ended ride-hailing in Nigeria and Uganda effective Sept. 2, saying the move is limited to those markets while it also cuts about 3,300 jobs globally as it pivots toward future technologies. Sahel Security Tensions: Niger blamed France for inciting a thwarted mutiny, while Paris denied involvement, as regional accusations widen. West Africa Safety Push: Yango reported a 35% drop in reckless driving incidents in Côte d’Ivoire tied to updated safety controls and 24/7 support. Energy in the Region: Eni’s Baleine Phase 3 offshore project in Ivory Coast reached a key construction step with first steel cut for its FPSO hull. Banking Market Watch: Coris Bank International (Burkina Faso) climbed above 1,000 billion CFA in market value on the regional exchange in Abidjan.