AGP Executive Report

Ebola Human Impact & School Disruption: Prof Pierre Akilimali says DRC’s Ebola numbers hide real losses as confirmed cases and deaths keep climbing; with schools due to reopen Sept. 1, eastern provinces are using a green/orange/red risk system, but teachers warn reopening could expose students and families. Ebola Response Funding Pressure: UN officials warn the scale-up could run out of money within weeks, threatening treatment capacity and community measures. Vaccine Logistics: First Ervebo doses have landed in Kinshasa, but questions remain over strain match and how fast care can reach patients. Peace Talks Roadmap (M23): Kinshasa and AFC/M23 agreed in Switzerland on a sequenced roadmap under the Doha framework, including a ceasefire monitoring mechanism and a first verification mission in Minembwe. Great Lakes Security Diplomacy: Turkey’s Erdogan spoke separately with Tshisekedi and Kagame on investment/trade and regional security, urging a constructive approach to tensions. Lobito Corridor Deal: DRC formalized commitments around the Lobito Corridor, including a rail concession tied to Mota-Engil and talk of joint oil exploration and power links—big for mining exports and regional trade. Regional Trade Push: Uganda and DRC held a Business Connect Forum and Expo in Butembo to tackle trade barriers and link firms across sectors. Mining, Risk & Livelihoods: Artisanal miners say Ebola control is hard when people must keep working and evacuations are slow, highlighting the business-and-health squeeze in eastern Congo.

Ebola Response & Funding: The DRC received the first physical shipment of Ervebo Ebola vaccine (16,250 doses) in Kinshasa, but health officials warn the wider response could face a funding cliff in weeks as cases rise (over 5,500 confirmed, nearly 2,500 deaths). Public Health Governance: WHO updated temporary Ebola recommendations after the Bundibugyo outbreak emergency committee met again, stressing surveillance, infection control, risk communication, and community engagement. Peace Talks & Ceasefire Monitoring: Kinshasa and the Rwanda-backed AFC/M23 agreed in Switzerland on a roadmap for comprehensive peace talks under the Doha framework, including a mechanism to review ceasefire violations and a first verification mission planned for Minembwe. Mining, Trade & Processing Rules: The DRC moved to prohibit exports of copper and cobalt concentrates, tightening a policy meant to push more processing inside the country—raising uncertainty for regional logistics and buyers. Regional Business & Connectivity: Uganda and the DRC held a Business Connect Forum and Expo in Butembo to unblock trade barriers and attract investment. Lobito Corridor Deal: Angola and the DRC formalized commitments around the Lobito Corridor, with a railway concession tied to Mota-Engil and plans to boost regional mineral exports and infrastructure.

Oil & Power Diplomacy: Angola says joint oil exploration with the DRC could start in 3–4 years, after Kinshasa witnessed the Lobito Corridor rail concession signing; the two sides also agreed on 400kV power lines from Soyo to Inga and a second line to feed the mining belt. Lobito Corridor Deal: The DRC formally commits to the Lobito Corridor and frames it as “economic sovereignty,” with the Dilolo–Sakania rail concession (Mota-Engil) targeting key copper hubs and mobilizing about $1.258bn for studies and upgrades. Regional Trade Push: Uganda and the DRC held a two-day Business Connect Forum and Expo in Butembo to cut trade barriers and link over 50 Ugandan firms with DRC buyers across agriculture, pharma, construction and more. Copper-Cobalt Policy: The DRC bans exports of copper and cobalt concentrates, tightening rules to push more processing domestically and raising uncertainty for regional logistics and off-takers. Ebola & Business Risk: Ebola response is under funding pressure as cases climb; meanwhile, Kinshasa received the first Ervebo vaccine batch (16,250 doses), but protection against the current Bundibugyo strain remains unclear. Peace Talks for Stability: Kinshasa and M23 agreed a Switzerland roadmap for comprehensive talks, including a ceasefire monitoring mechanism with a first verification mission planned for Minembwe. Aviation Connectivity: Ethiopian Airlines will add daily midday flights to Kinshasa from Dec. 1, 2026, boosting weekly service to 21 flights and supporting passenger and cargo links.

Lobito Corridor Deal: Angola’s João Lourenço arrived in Kinshasa to witness the formalization of the Lobito Corridor railway concession, with Félix Tshisekedi calling it an “instrument of economic sovereignty” and the contract covering the Dilolo–Sakania line linking mining hubs like Kolwezi, Tenke and Lubumbashi to the Atlantic. Regional Trade Push: Uganda and the DRC held a two-day Business Connect Forum and Expo in Butembo to cut trade barriers and expand investment links, with dozens of Ugandan firms showcasing agriculture, pharma, construction materials and dairy. Copper-Cobalt Policy: The DRC moved to tighten exports by banning copper and cobalt concentrates, raising pressure on miners and logistics tied to downstream processing. Ethiopian Airlines Expansion: Ethiopian Airlines will add daily midday flights to Kinshasa from Dec. 1, 2026, lifting Kinshasa service to 21 weekly flights and boosting passenger and cargo connectivity. Ebola Funding Crunch: The UN warns the DRC’s Ebola response scale-up could run out of funding within weeks, while vaccine deliveries continue and health leaders urge stronger regional systems. Peace Talks Roadmap: Kinshasa and M23 agreed in Switzerland on a sequenced peace roadmap under the Doha framework, including a ceasefire monitoring mechanism and standardized reporting of violations.

Lobito Corridor Deal: Kinshasa formalized the DRC’s commitment to the Lobito Corridor with a signed contract, aiming to speed mineral exports from southern DRC to the Atlantic via Angola and to tighten cross-border action against wildlife and timber trafficking. Peace Process in the East: After five days of Switzerland talks, the DRC government and Rwanda-backed AFC/M23 agreed a roadmap for comprehensive peace talks under the Doha framework, including a ceasefire-violation reporting method and a monitoring mechanism with a first verification mission due in Minembwe. Ebola Response, Funding Pressure: Ebola keeps accelerating: confirmed cases passed 5,200 with Africa CDC warning the real toll may be far higher; meanwhile UN officials warn the scaled-up response could face a funding cliff within weeks. Vaccine Arrivals: More than 16,000 doses of Merck’s Ervebo vaccine landed in Kinshasa, but WHO notes uncertainty over protection against the currently circulating Bundibugyo strain. Mining & Trade Policy: The DRC banned exports of copper and cobalt concentrates, tightening rules that could disrupt regional supply chains. Air Connectivity: Ethiopian Airlines will add daily midday Kinshasa flights from Dec. 1, 2026, boosting passenger and cargo links. Security & Local Control: AFC/M23 captured Remeka and Katoyi in southern Masisi, shifting control in an area long tied to FDLR activity.

Ebola Funding Crunch: The UN warns DR Congo’s Ebola scale-up could run out in weeks, as the outbreak spreads “exponentially” across a territory larger than France and a liquidity problem delays pay for health and community workers. Vaccine Deliveries: More than 16,000 doses of Merck’s Ervebo landed in Kinshasa, but WHO notes it’s approved for the Zaire strain, while the current outbreak is Bundibugyo—protection is still uncertain. Health Emergency Updates: WHO’s IHR Emergency Committee met again for Bundibugyo Ebola, issuing updated temporary recommendations covering surveillance, infection control, and community measures. Peace Roadmap in the East: After five days of Switzerland talks, Kinshasa and the Rwanda-backed AFC/M23 agreed on a sequenced roadmap for comprehensive peace talks, including a ceasefire monitoring mechanism and a first verification mission in Minembwe. Regional Security Accusations: Rwanda’s President Kagame renewed claims that Congolese authorities arm and integrate FDLR fighters, while Kigali and Kinshasa trade accusations over M23 support. Mining & Trade Policy: DR Congo banned the export of copper and cobalt concentrates, tightening rules meant to push more processing inside the country—raising uncertainty for regional supply chains. Aviation & Connectivity: Ethiopian Airlines will add daily midday flights to Kinshasa from Dec. 1, 2026, boosting passenger and cargo links for DR Congo’s business hubs. Investment & Dealmaking: The DRC Investment Forum and Elites Awards are set to bring CEOs, ministers, and investors to Kinshasa, with Vodacom Congo backing as diamond sponsor.

Ebola Response, Funding Pressure: DR Congo’s Ebola fight is hitting a funding cliff as UN says the scale-up could run out within weeks, while cases keep climbing and the outbreak may be far larger than official counts. Public Health, Vaccine Logistics: 16,250–16,520 doses of Merck’s Ervebo vaccine have landed in Kinshasa, but officials warn it’s not proven against the Bundibugyo strain now spreading. Eastern Congo Peace Process: Kinshasa and the Rwanda-backed AFC/M23 agreed in Switzerland on a sequenced peace roadmap under the Doha framework, including a ceasefire monitoring mechanism and standardized reporting of violations—though fighting continues on the ground. Mining & Trade, Copper/Cobalt: DR Congo moved to prohibit exports of copper and cobalt concentrates, tightening a policy meant to push more processing inside the country and raising uncertainty for regional supply chains. Transport & Connectivity, Air Links: Ethiopian Airlines will add daily midday Kinshasa flights from Dec. 1, 2026, boosting passenger and cargo capacity. Digital Economy, Internet Infrastructure: Kinshasa’s KINIX internet exchange expanded into a second data centre, improving network availability for major mobile operators and content providers.

Ebola Response Under Strain: The UN warns DR Congo’s scaled-up Ebola effort could run out of funding within weeks, as confirmed cases top 5,200 and deaths pass 2,500, with Africa CDC saying the real caseload may be 3x higher due to under-detection. Vaccine Supply Boost: More than 16,000 doses of Merck’s Ervebo vaccine arrived in Kinshasa, as WHO keeps the emergency status and prepares a wider rollout. Funding & Governance Pressure: Donors have mobilized close to $700m, but corruption concerns and a liquidity crisis are slowing payments to health and community workers, while attacks on response teams and poor roads keep cases spreading. Eastern Congo Peace Talks: DR Congo and M23 agreed a Switzerland-brokered roadmap for comprehensive peace talks under the Doha framework, including a ceasefire monitoring mechanism and a first verification mission in Minembwe—though fighting continues. Minerals Policy Impact: DR Congo moves to prohibit exports of copper and cobalt concentrates, tightening rules meant to push more processing inside the country and raising uncertainty for regional supply chains. Air Connectivity: Ethiopian Airlines will add daily midday flights to Kinshasa from Dec. 1, 2026, expanding passenger and cargo capacity for Kinshasa and beyond.

Peace Talks Roadmap: DR Congo and the Rwanda-backed M23 agreed in Switzerland on a sequenced roadmap for “comprehensive peace,” including a ceasefire-violation reporting method and a monitoring mechanism; a first verification mission is set to arrive Monday in Minembwe, even as fighting continues in eastern provinces. Ebola Funding Cliff: The UN warns the scaled-up response could run out of money within weeks, threatening treatment and surveillance gains as deaths pass 2,500 and confirmed cases top 5,200. Vaccine Deliveries: More than 16,000 doses of Merck’s Ervebo vaccine arrived in Kinshasa, with WHO planning 70,000 doses total; officials say the rollout is crucial as the outbreak spreads toward major hubs. Hidden Spread Risk: Africa CDC says official counts may reflect only 30–40% of infections, with the real burden possibly 10,000–15,000 cases, prompting emergency surveillance along the Congo River corridor. Mining-Led Exposure: In eastern Congo’s artisanal gold areas, miners keep working despite Ebola risk, citing displacement, low pay, and lack of nearby treatment centers. Trade & Transport Link: Ethiopian Airlines will add daily midday flights to Kinshasa from Dec. 1, 2026, boosting passenger and cargo capacity as Kinshasa watches the Ebola situation closely. Mineral Policy Impact: DR Congo’s copper-cobalt concentrate export ban tightens rules on concentrate shipments, raising uncertainty for regional supply chains feeding cobalt markets.

Ebola & Public Health Funding: Eastern DR Congo’s Ebola fight is hitting a funding cliff, with UN officials warning the scaled-up response could run out within weeks as confirmed deaths pass 2,500 and the outbreak keeps accelerating. Ebola & Mobility Risks: Miners in Iga-Barrière say constant movement and lack of access to treatment or vaccines are undermining containment, while Kinshasa fears the virus could reach the capital. Ebola & Logistics on the Congo River: The government launched “Congo River Without Ebola” to tighten surveillance along the country’s main transport artery, aiming to protect riverside hubs and reduce spread toward major cities. Ebola & Vaccines: More than 16,000 Ervebo doses arrived in Kinshasa, part of a 70,000-dose plan, as WHO keeps the highest emergency designation in place. Peace Talks & Ceasefire Monitoring: DR Congo and Rwanda-backed M23 agreed in Switzerland on a roadmap for comprehensive peace talks, including a mechanism to monitor ceasefire violations—though fighting continues on the ground. Sanctions & Politics: Former President Joseph Kabila is challenging US sanctions in court over alleged support to M23, even as violence persists in the east. Mining & Trade Rules: DR Congo has prohibited exports of copper and cobalt concentrates, tightening supply chains and raising uncertainty for regional processing networks. Aviation & Connectivity: Ethiopian Airlines will add daily midday flights to Kinshasa from Dec. 1, 2026, boosting passenger and cargo links.

US Sanctions Court Fight: Ex-president Joseph Kabila is challenging US Treasury sanctions in a Washington court, arguing OFAC’s April move over alleged support to Rwanda-backed M23 lacks specifics, as violence continues in eastern Congo. Peace Process Roadmap: Kinshasa and M23 agreed on a Doha Framework roadmap for sequenced peace talks, including standardized reporting of ceasefire violations and an implementation mechanism, after Aug. 17–21 talks in Switzerland. Mining & Exports: DRC has banned the export of copper and cobalt concentrates, tightening rules that could reshape regional supply chains and raise uncertainty for miners, refiners and off-takers. Ebola Response & Funding Pressure: Ebola cases in the DRC topped 5,200, with Africa CDC warning the real number may be 3x higher; the government launched “Congo River Without Ebola” surveillance to protect transport corridors, while concerns grow that about $450m in Ebola funds could be lost to corruption and a liquidity crunch is delaying worker pay. Ebola Vaccine Logistics: More than 16,000 doses of Merck’s Ervebo vaccine arrived in Kinshasa, with 70,000 doses planned total, including frontline use and a clinical trial. Air Connectivity: Ethiopian Airlines will add daily midday flights to Kinshasa from Dec. 1, 2026, boosting weekly services to 21 and expanding passenger and cargo links. Regional Trade & Infrastructure: Tanzania and DRC leaders pushed deeper cooperation on mining, trade, transport corridors and border procedures, aiming to cut logistics costs and speed up connectivity.

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.