AGP Executive Report

Emerging Markets Watch: Union Bancaire Privée’s Thomas Christiansen says frontier markets and emerging-market debt look set to outperform as investors chase carry and diversification amid a global bond selloff. Parliament & Agriculture: Côte d’Ivoire’s National Assembly President Patrick Achi met Vietnam’s agriculture university in Hanoi, pushing deeper parliamentary and agro-trade cooperation. Telecom Growth: MTN reported strong H1 results, citing subscriber gains in Ghana, Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire alongside tighter cost controls. Cyber Safety: Police in the region warn residents to “Stop. Check. Report.” after sophisticated online investment scams, urging verification before paying. Road Safety: Ghana’s transport authorities plan to enforce a helmet standard for motorcycle riders, with Côte d’Ivoire included in the regional push. Oil & Gas Deals: CB&I won a three-year Côte d’Ivoire FPSO operations and maintenance contract; Panoro also agreed an $80m deal to expand its Ivory Coast gas footprint. Cocoa Livelihoods: Fairtrade Africa will convene stakeholders in Accra over living-income cocoa reference prices for Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana. Regional Finance: IMF debt rankings put Côte d’Ivoire among Africa’s biggest IMF debtors, while Nigeria is absent from the top 10.

Parliamentary Diplomacy: Côte d’Ivoire National Assembly President Patrick Achi met Vietnam National University of Agriculture in Hanoi, pushing for deeper cooperation on rice, agro-processing, training and market organization. Telecom Growth: MTN reported strong H1 gains, citing faster subscriber growth in key markets including Ghana and Nigeria, with Côte d’Ivoire among those seeing momentum. Oil & Gas Dealmaking: Panoro Energy signed an $80m agreement to buy DNO’s indirect stake in four producing gas fields offshore Côte d’Ivoire (Block CI-27), while DNO simultaneously exits the country via the sale of DNO CI to Panoro. Energy Services Contract: CB&I won a three-year operations and maintenance contract in Côte d’Ivoire for an offshore FPSO vessel, covering restart, integrity management and compliance. Youth & Faith: Vatican Cardinal Czerny urged West African youth to attend the first West Africa Youth Day in Accra, framing it as a shared space of faith and belonging. Cocoa Livelihood Pressure: Fairtrade Africa will convene stakeholders in Accra over cocoa living-income reference prices for Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana, as farmers face rising costs despite falling global prices. Road Safety Push: Helmet standards are set to be enforced across West Africa, with Côte d’Ivoire included in a regional push for safer motorcycle riding.

Housing & Land Oversight: Mixta Africa backs Nigeria’s housing reforms but warns escrow releases must be tied to independently verified construction milestones, pairing buyer-protection with better access to construction finance. West Africa Youth & Faith: A Vatican cardinal urged young people to come to Accra for the first West Africa Youth Day, framing it as a chance to listen, pray, and belong across the region. Cocoa Farmers Under Pressure: Fairtrade Africa will convene stakeholders in Accra for Change Day 2026, unveiling living income reference prices for Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana as cocoa prices fall but production costs don’t. Ivory Coast Gas Deal: Panoro Energy signed an $80m agreement to buy DNO’s stake in four producing offshore gas fields in Block CI-27, boosting output and reserves while deepening Panoro’s presence in Côte d’Ivoire. Parliamentary Diplomacy: Côte d’Ivoire National Assembly President Patrick Achi’s visit to Việt Nam aims to strengthen parliamentary cooperation and expand economic and trade ties. US Visa Ruling Hits West Africa: A US judge struck down Trump’s immigrant visa suspension affecting 75 countries, including Ivory Coast, restoring processing for affected families. Côte d’Ivoire Toxic Waste Anniversary: Coverage revisits the 2006 Akouédo toxic waste dumping case, its death toll, and the long-running dispute over the Trafigura settlement. Regional Security Lens: Analysis says the Sahel remains the world’s deadliest terrorism hotspot, with jihadist expansion linked to earlier regional shocks and state collapse.

Cocoa Livelihood Pressure: Fairtrade Africa will convene cocoa stakeholders in Accra for Change Day 2026, using new 2026 living income reference prices for Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana to push buyers toward closing the gap between farm-gate pay and what households need. Oil & Gas Deal in Côte d’Ivoire: Panoro Energy signed an $80m agreement with DNO to buy its indirect stake in producing offshore gas fields on Block CI-27, boosting Panoro’s output plans and deepening investor interest in the Ivorian gas market. DNO Exits, Panoro Steps In: DNO’s divestment of its Côte d’Ivoire business to Panoro is set to close mid-September, with DNO citing a roughly 24% annualized return since entering the country. Regional Security Lens: A new analysis says the Sahel remains the world’s deadliest terrorism hotspot, with jihadist control expanding after shocks that followed Libya’s 2011 conflict and Mali’s political collapse. US Court Impacting West Africa: A US judge struck down Trump’s immigrant visa suspension affecting 75 countries, including Côte d’Ivoire, restoring visa processing for affected nationals. Côte d’Ivoire in the Visa List: The ruling explicitly includes Ivory Coast among the countries covered by the overturned policy. Digital Infrastructure Partnership: Blue Cloud Softech Solutions signed a MoA with GCIB and Côte d’Ivoire’s Afro Mobile SARL to develop telecom and digital infrastructure across Africa, including fibre, 4G/5G, connectivity and digital public services.

US Court Ruling on Visas: A Manhattan federal judge struck down the Trump administration’s blanket immigrant visa suspension for 75 countries, including Côte d’Ivoire, calling the policy “patently unlawful” and beyond the State Department chief’s authority—an immediate win for affected families. Cocoa Livelihood Pressure: Fairtrade Africa will convene cocoa stakeholders in Accra for Change Day 2026, using new living income reference prices for Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana to push buyers toward closing the gap between farm-gate pay and household needs. Ivory Coast Gas Deal: Panoro Energy signed an $80m definitive agreement to buy DNO’s stake-linked business in offshore Block CI-27, boosting its Côte d’Ivoire production and reserves as the country’s gas market draws new investors. Digital Infrastructure Partnership: Blue Cloud Softech Solutions signed an MoA with GCIB and Côte d’Ivoire’s Afro Mobile SARL to develop telecom and digital infrastructure across Africa, including fibre, 4G/5G, connectivity and digital public services. Côte d’Ivoire Safety & Accountability: Coverage revisits the 2006 toxic waste dumping in Abidjan, the Trafigura settlement, and ongoing disputes with victims’ groups over justice and compensation.

Côte d’Ivoire Gas Deal: Panoro Energy signed an $80m agreement with DNO to buy DNO’s indirect 9.09% stake in offshore Block CI-27, a gas-producing area supplying Côte d’Ivoire’s domestic market; the deal is expected to close mid-September 2026, boosting Panoro’s output and reserves. Oil & Gas Divestment: DNO is exiting Côte d’Ivoire via the sale of DNO CI to Panoro, citing an estimated ~24% annualized return since entering the country. Cocoa Pressure: Fairtrade Africa will convene cocoa stakeholders in Accra for Change Day 2026, using new 2026 living income reference prices for Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana to push buyers to close the gap between farm-gate pay and living income. Telecom & Digital Infrastructure: Blue Cloud Softech Solutions signed an MoA with GCIB and Côte d’Ivoire-based Afro Mobile SARL to develop fibre, 4G/5G, submarine connectivity, towers, satellite services, and digital public infrastructure across Africa. Toxic Waste Memory: Victims’ groups continue to contest the 2007 settlement tied to the 2006 Trafigura toxic waste dumping in Abidjan, arguing the compensation and legal outcome left key grievances unresolved.

Cocoa Living Income Push: Fairtrade Africa will convene cocoa stakeholders in Accra for Change Day 2026, unveiling 2026 Fairtrade Living Income Reference Prices for Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana to close the gap between farm-gate pay and living income. Offshore Gas Deal for Côte d’Ivoire: Panoro Energy signed an $80m definitive agreement with DNO to buy DNO CI LLC, giving Panoro an indirect 9.09% stake in Block CI-27 and boosting its West African gas position. DNO Exits Côte d’Ivoire: DNO’s divestment of its Côte d’Ivoire business to Panoro is set to close mid-September 2026, with DNO citing an estimated 24% annualized return. Port Competition in the Gulf of Guinea: Tema Port says it ended 2025 ahead of Abidjan and Lomé, driven by transshipment growth and larger vessel calls. Côte d’Ivoire Digital Infrastructure MoA: Blue Cloud Softech Solutions signed an MoA with GCIB and Afro Mobile SARL to develop telecom and digital infrastructure across Africa, including fibre, 4G/5G, connectivity and digital public services. Toxic Waste Accountability Reminder: A renewed look at the 2006 Akouédo dumping case highlights the long-running dispute over the Trafigura settlement and victim compensation.

Côte d’Ivoire Gas Deal: Panoro Energy signed an $80m agreement to buy DNO’s indirect 9.09% stake in four producing offshore gas fields in Block CI-27, with production supplying the domestic market and boosting Panoro’s West Africa footprint. Energy & Investment: The same transaction follows DNO’s exit from Côte d’Ivoire, with completion expected mid-September 2026, as the country keeps drawing new oil-and-gas capital. Digital Infrastructure MoA: Blue Cloud Softech Solutions and Côte d’Ivoire’s Afro Mobile SARL signed a strategic MoA with GCIB to develop telecom and digital infrastructure across Africa, including fibre, 4G/5G, connectivity assets, towers, and digital public services. Cocoa Prices Watch: Cocoa futures rose as Ivory Coast shipments fell sharply year-on-year and US port inventories hit a multi-year low, while traders weigh weather risks and the dollar’s moves. Toxic Waste Memory: A reminder of the 2006 Akouédo disaster resurfaced as victims’ groups continue to dispute the Trafigura settlement and the handling of contaminated sites in Abidjan. Sports Spotlight: Ivorian forward Yan Diomande told Real Madrid fans he’s “ready to die” for Mourinho, underscoring the pressure on the new signing to deliver.

Energy Deal in Côte d’Ivoire: Panoro Energy signed an $80m definitive deal with DNO to buy DNO’s indirect 9.09% stake in four producing offshore gas fields in Block CI-27, boosting Panoro’s West Africa gas position as the transaction is set for mid-September 2026. IMF Debt Watch: The IMF ranked Africa’s biggest IMF debtors for August 2026, with Côte d’Ivoire listed among the top countries by outstanding obligations. Cocoa Input Worries: Analysts warn West Africa could face major fertiliser shortages affecting key crops including cocoa, with logistics and regional strain raising risks for 2027 supplies. Digital Infrastructure Partnership: Blue Cloud Softech Solutions signed a strategic MoA with GCIB and Côte d’Ivoire’s Afro Mobile SARL to develop telecom and digital infrastructure across Africa, including fibre, 4G/5G, connectivity and digital public services. Côte d’Ivoire Governance & Accountability: A federal audit flagged missing fuel and unauthorized spending issues at Canada’s embassy in Nairobi, highlighting broader oversight and procurement control concerns. Toxic Waste Memory: Coverage revisits the 2006 Probo Koala-era dumping in Abidjan, where victims’ groups still dispute the government–Trafigura settlement.

Panoro Energy Deal: Norway’s DNO is exiting Côte d’Ivoire by selling its DNO CI unit to Panoro Energy for $86.5m, including an indirect 9.09% stake in offshore Block CI-27; the deal is set for mid-September 2026 and is expected to lift Panoro’s output by about 23%. Fertiliser Warnings: A commodities analysis group warns West Africa could face major fertiliser shortages next year, with cocoa farmers in Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana already strained by input access and logistics disruptions. IMF Debt Watch: The IMF ranks Egypt top among Africa’s biggest debtors to the lender, with Côte d’Ivoire listed among the largest, while Nigeria is notably absent from the top 10. Digital Infrastructure MoA: Blue Cloud Softech Solutions signed a strategic MoA with GCIB and Côte d’Ivoire’s Afro Mobile SARL to develop telecom and digital infrastructure across Africa, spanning fibre, 4G/5G, connectivity assets and digital public services. Cocoa Price Pressure: Cocoa prices rise on a weaker dollar and lower Côte d’Ivoire port shipments (down 28% year-on-year to Aug 11), while inventories in US ports hit a 4.5-year low. Toxic Waste Fallout (2006): Coverage revisits the 2006 Akouédo dumping disaster, where 17 deaths were reported and a 2007 Trafigura settlement remains disputed by victims’ groups.

Energy & Investment: Genser Energy secured a €456m term and revolving credit package to fund EPC work, strengthen its balance sheet, and expand gas-to-power infrastructure across West Africa, building on prior financing for Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire. Oil & Gas Deal: Panoro Energy signed an agreement with DNO to acquire DNO CI, giving it an indirect 9.09% interest in offshore Côte d’Ivoire’s Block CI-27 and boosting expected production and reserves. Cocoa Market Watch: Cocoa prices edged higher as a weaker dollar supported futures, while Ivory Coast shipment data showed a sharp year-on-year decline, keeping pressure on supply expectations. Governance & Society: A Nigerian fraud syndicate allegedly lured 42 job seekers across South Africa, Malaysia and Ivory Coast, then held them hostage in Calabar under a fake “international jobs” scheme. Public Health & Accountability: The 2006 Trafigura toxic waste dumping case in Côte d’Ivoire remains contentious after a €152m settlement, with victims’ groups disputing the fairness of the deal. Sports Development (Abidjan): FIBA Africa ran a National Coach Developer Program in Abidjan and distributed basketballs during the U18 AfroBasket, pushing federation-level coaching education and grassroots access.

Toxic Waste Accountability: Twenty years after the Probo Koala disaster, Côte d’Ivoire’s Abidjan still bears the scars of the 2006 dumping that killed 17 people and poisoned thousands, with victims’ groups disputing the government–Trafigura settlement that withdrew local court cases. Cocoa Market Signals: Cocoa prices edged higher as a weaker dollar and tighter supplies supported futures; Ivory Coast shipping volumes to ports reportedly fell sharply, keeping pressure on production expectations. West Africa Energy Finance: Genser Energy secured a €456m term and revolving credit package to fund EPC work and expand gas-to-power across West Africa, building on earlier financing for its Côte d’Ivoire operations. Abidjan Basketball Development: FIBA Africa ran a National Coach Developer Program in Abidjan and distributed basketballs during the U18 AfroBasket, pushing federation-level coaching capacity and youth access to the sport. Ivory Coast Mining Update: EU Gold reported results from maiden diamond drilling at its Kimoukro project, confirming bedrock gold mineralisation and refining its target model. Governance & Security Context: A report highlights rising diplomatic strain between Abidjan and Ouagadougou over jihadist spillover claims along the Burkina Faso–Côte d’Ivoire border.

Cocoa Supply Watch: Cocoa prices edged higher as a weaker dollar sparked short covering, while Ivory Coast shipments fell 28% year-on-year to 1.67M metric tons by Aug 11—keeping pressure on global supply expectations. Security & Diplomacy: A growing diplomatic rift between Abidjan and Ouagadougou over jihadist spillover continues to shape border narratives, with both sides trading accusations amid a more complex on-the-ground picture. Sports Development in Abidjan: FIBA Africa ran its first National Coach Developer Program in Abidjan, training technical directors from 12 federations, and also distributed basketballs to reduce barriers for youth and clubs. Energy Finance: Genser Energy secured a €456m term and revolving credit package to fund EPC work and expand gas-to-power growth across West Africa, building on prior Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana financing. Mining Update: EU Gold reported results from its maiden diamond drilling at the Kimoukro project in Côte d’Ivoire, confirming bedrock gold mineralisation and refining its target model. Governance & Trade Links: India’s MoS for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh visited Abidjan as guest of honour for Côte d’Ivoire’s 66th National Day, holding talks on defence, security and economic cooperation.

Cocoa Market Watch: Cocoa prices in New York and London climbed after a weaker dollar sparked short covering, while tighter supplies stayed in focus—Ivory Coast shipments to ports fell 28% year-on-year and US port inventories hit a 4½-year low; traders also weigh weather risk versus an improving outlook after El Niño. Energy & Investment: Genser Energy secured a €456m term and revolving credit package to fund West Africa gas-to-power projects, including work in Côte d’Ivoire, as it boosts balance-sheet flexibility. Sports Development in Abidjan: FIBA Africa ran its first National Coach Developer Program in Abidjan, training technical directors from 12 federations, and also distributed basketballs during the U18 AfroBasket quarter-final to expand grassroots access. Governance & Finance: Côte d’Ivoire’s economy minister inaugurated a GIABA information center in Abidjan, stressing regional cooperation to fight money laundering and terrorist financing amid digital and cross-border risks. Business Tech: Jumia narrowed its Q2 deficit and raised $50m investment as it improved gross profit and customer activity, even as Ivory Coast consumer demand faced pressure.

Côte d’Ivoire Security & Justice: Abidjan-based GIABA inaugurated a new regional information center, with Economy Minister Adama Coulibaly stressing Côte d’Ivoire’s commitment to fighting money laundering and terrorist financing, and calling for stronger training and information-sharing across West Africa. Sports Development in Abidjan: FIBA’s Regional Office ran a four-day National Coach Developer Program in Abidjan, training technical directors from 12 federations to build local, sustainable coach education systems; separately, FIBA Africa distributed basketballs during the U18 AfroBasket quarter-final, boosting youth access to the sport. Energy Finance for West Africa: Genser Energy secured a €456m term and revolving credit package to fund EPC projects and expand its gas-to-power growth across West Africa, including Côte d’Ivoire. Regional Politics Watch: A diplomatic rift between Burkina Faso and Côte d’Ivoire over jihadist accusations continues to simmer, with reporting highlighting how border realities are more complex than social-media claims. Business & Mobility: Mobility fintech Naran raised $10m to scale rent-to-own vehicle financing, operating already in Côte d’Ivoire and planning further product rollouts.

Financial Crime Fight: Côte d’Ivoire’s Economy Minister Adama Coulibaly inaugurated GIABA’s new Abidjan information center, pushing for stronger training, data sharing and regional cooperation to tackle money laundering and terrorist financing as digital assets reshape risks. Energy Finance: Genser Energy secured a €456m term and revolving credit package to fund West Africa EPC work, bolster its balance sheet and expand gas-to-power projects, building on earlier Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana financing. E-commerce & Local Demand: Jumia narrowed its Q2 deficit by 36% to a $8.7m Adjusted EBITDA gap, citing cost optimization and growth in active customers, while noting Ivory Coast’s consumer slowdown linked to cocoa farmgate price pressure. Cocoa Policy Pressure (Regional): Ghanaian cocoa farmers protested a new land-use law that could restrict converting cocoa farms, highlighting how cocoa rules can quickly become political and livelihood issues across the cocoa belt that includes Côte d’Ivoire. Sports Development in Abidjan: FIBA Africa ran a National Coach Developer Program in Abidjan and distributed basketballs during U18 AfroBasket, aiming to strengthen federation coaching systems and widen youth access. Bilateral Diplomacy: India’s MoS for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh visited Abidjan as guest of honour for Côte d’Ivoire’s 66th National Day, discussing defence, security and economic cooperation.