AGP Executive Report

Visa Rules Watch: Russia has published its full visa-free entry conditions for African travellers, with South Africa the only African country whose citizens can enter visa-free on any passport type (up to 90 days); most other African nations on the list are limited to diplomatic and service passport holders. Regional Payments: The Bank of Central African States (BEAC) has joined PAPSS, linking CEMAC countries to instant cross-border payments across Africa in local currencies, aiming to cut cost and speed up transfers. Congo-Italy Economic Ties: Italy’s Mattei Plan is taking shape in Congo through BF International’s BFuture Farm in the Republic of Congo, now operating as an agro-industrial hub after expanding production and adding processing and storage facilities. Migration Pressure in the Region: South Africa’s inter-ministerial committee says it has processed 53,449 foreign nationals for deportation or repatriation amid intensified enforcement, with the Republic of Congo listed among the countries receiving returns. US Tech Price Moves: Apple raised iCloud+ subscription prices in several markets, including Nigeria and Egypt, after earlier subscription and hardware hikes.

Migration & Border Security: South Africa’s Inter-Ministerial Committee on Migration says 53,449 foreign nationals have been processed for deportation or assisted voluntary repatriation as of July 11, with Malawians making up about 80%, after anti-immigrant protests in late June; officials also say the state may scale back costly temporary measures as daily repatriations fall. Regional Payments: BEAC has joined PAPSS, linking CEMAC countries to instant cross-border payments settled in local currencies, aiming to speed up and cut the cost of transfers across Africa. Congo-Italy Agriculture Deal: Italy’s Mattei Plan is put to the test in Congo-Brazzaville through BF International’s BFuture Farm, which has expanded production on 6,000 of 10,000 hectares granted, with soybean harvests completed and new storage and processing facilities under construction. Visa Rules Watch: Russia has published its visa-free entry list for African countries, with South Africa the standout exception for ordinary passports, while most others are limited to diplomatic or service passport holders. US Lawmaker Pushback: Antigua and Barbuda’s ambassador to the US, Sir Ronald Sanders, has written to a US lawmaker over a proposed immigration moratorium that also names the Republic of Congo, calling it “grand-standing” and urging accurate, objective information.

Central Africa Payments Boost: BEAC has officially joined PAPSS, linking the six CEMAC states (including the Republic of Congo) to instant cross-border payments across Africa in seconds and in local currencies, with access now reaching 28 countries and hundreds of banks and fintechs. Italy–Congo Agriculture Deal: Italy’s Mattei Plan is getting a real-world test in Congo with BF International’s BFuture Farm in Malolo, now operating at scale after expanding production on 6,000 of 10,000 hectares, including a first soybean harvest and a growing agro-industrial hub. Migration Pressure in the Region: South Africa’s inter-ministerial committee says 53,449 foreign nationals have been processed for deportation or assisted repatriation since mid-June, with Malawians making up about 80%, and the state considering scaling down costly temporary measures as numbers fall.

Migration Update (South Africa): South Africa’s Inter-Ministerial Committee on Migration says 53,449 foreign nationals have been processed for deportation or voluntary repatriation as of 11 July, with Malawians making up about 80%, followed by Zimbabweans and Mozambicans, after anti-immigrant protests in several provinces. Border Enforcement & Logistics: Officials say the state is tightening border security and speeding removals under a five-point plan, including expanded transport support after Malawi struggled to fund buses, and they warn against illegal “searches” by vigilante groups. Phased Scaling Down: With repatriations declining from a peak of nearly 4,850 on 5 July to 1,139 on 11 July, the government says it may scale back some deployments while continuing lawful deportations. Regional Payments (CEMAC): BEAC has joined PAPSS, linking Central Africa’s CFA franc zone (including the Republic of Congo) to instant cross-border payments across Africa.

NBA Summer League Buzz: Wizards No. 1 pick AJ Dybantsa impressed in Las Vegas, running a rare, detailed pregame routine and then delivering 27 points and seven rebounds in a 92-88 win over the Utah Jazz, followed by 23 points and seven boards versus Sacramento—fueling Washington’s push to become a real playoff threat. Migration Enforcement Update (South Africa): South Africa’s Inter-Ministerial Committee on Migration says 53,449 foreign nationals have been processed for deportation or voluntary repatriation as of July 11, with Malawians making up about 80%, and warns against illegal searches by vigilante groups while it considers scaling back costly operations as numbers decline. Regional Payments (CEMAC): BEAC has joined PAPSS, bringing instant cross-border payments in seconds across Central Africa’s CEMAC states and linking the region to wider African rails. Oil Licensing Setback (São Tomé & Príncipe): São Tomé and Príncipe rejected bids for offshore blocks 7, 8 and 9 after Petrobras and Oranto failed to generate enough competition, extending the country’s struggle to find a commercially viable discovery. Debt Management (Kenya): Kenya is considering a fourth Eurobond buyback in two years, aiming to smooth repayments and reduce near-term refinancing pressure.

Migration Crackdown Update (South Africa): South Africa’s Inter-Ministerial Committee on Migration says 53,449 foreign nationals have been processed for deportation or assisted voluntary repatriation as of 11 July, with Malawians making up about 80%, followed by Zimbabweans and Mozambicans, after anti-immigrant protests in several provinces. Policy Shift (South Africa): The IMC chair, Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi, says the state may scale down costly temporary measures as repatriations fall, while insisting deportations continue under the Immigration Act. Regional Payments (CEMAC/BEAC): The Bank of Central African States (BEAC) has joined PAPSS, enabling faster instant cross-border payments across CEMAC and linking Central Africa to wider African rails. Organized Crime (Africa): A report says remnants of Wagner in Africa—now operating as an autonomous criminal network under Pavel Prigozhin—are tied to illegal gold mining and tramadol trafficking, with the Central African Republic described as a key stronghold. Oil Licensing Setback (São Tomé & Príncipe): São Tomé and Príncipe reportedly rejected all bids in its latest offshore licensing round, including offers from Petrobras and Oranto, after the auction failed to attract enough competition.

Migration Crackdown in Focus (South Africa): South Africa’s Inter-Ministerial Committee on Migration says 53,449 foreign nationals have been processed for deportation or voluntary repatriation as of July 11, with Malawians making up about 80%, followed by Zimbabweans and Mozambicans, after anti-immigrant protests in several provinces. Policy Shift: The committee chair, Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi, says the state may scale down costly temporary measures as daily repatriations fall, while stressing deportations remain a legal obligation. Border Management & Enforcement: Authorities report expanded logistics, including a temporary processing center in Musina, and warn vigilante groups against illegal searches. Regional Payments Upgrade (CEMAC): BEAC has joined PAPSS, linking Central Africa’s CFA franc zone to instant cross-border payments across Africa. Oil Licensing Setback (Gulf of Guinea): São Tomé and Príncipe reportedly rejected all bids in its latest offshore oil round, leaving Blocks 7, 8 and 9 without awards despite offers from Petrobras and Oranto.

Regional Payments: BEAC has joined PAPSS, linking the six CEMAC countries—including the Republic of Congo—to instant cross-border payments settled in local currencies, aiming for faster, cheaper transfers across Africa. Migration Update: South Africa’s Inter-Ministerial Committee on Migration says 53,449 foreign nationals have been processed for deportation or assisted repatriation as of July 11, with Malawians making up about 80%, and the state warning against illegal “vigilante” searches while implementing its five-point migration plan. Migration Enforcement Shift: The same committee says it may scale back costly deployment as daily repatriations fall from a July 5 peak, while stressing deportations continue for those who break immigration laws. UN Voting Rights: Vanuatu has lost its UN General Assembly voting right over unpaid dues, and the report also lists the Republic of Congo among countries affected. Mining Policy: At the MOTA 2026 summit in Paris, Congo’s mining minister urged keeping priority projects from being held hostage by funding failures, highlighting the push for mining sovereignty with investor confidence.

Debt Management: Kenya is considering a fourth external Eurobond buyback in two years, potentially up to $500 million, to ease near-term repayment pressure by repurchasing bonds in 2026/27 while issuing new US dollar debt. Migration Update (South Africa): South Africa’s Inter-Ministerial Committee on Migration says it is implementing President Ramaphosa’s five-point plan and remains in control as it processes large-scale deportations and assisted repatriations after anti-immigrant protests. Deportation Numbers: By July 11, 53,449 foreign nationals were processed for deportation or repatriation, with Malawians making up about 80%, followed by Zimbabweans and Mozambicans; the state also says it is scaling back costly deployments as removals decline. Border Enforcement & Warnings: Officials say the crackdown includes tightened border management and law enforcement, while warning against illegal searches by vigilante groups. Local Incident: A KwaZulu-Natal woman was stopped from a voluntary repatriation programme after falsely claiming to be Malawian to leave with her boyfriend. UN Voting Rights: Vanuatu has lost its UN General Assembly voting right over unpaid dues; the suspension is effective immediately. Mining & Investment (Congo): At the MOTA 2026 Summit in Paris, Congo’s mining minister stressed protecting priority projects from being held hostage by funding failures, while balancing mining sovereignty with investor confidence.

Migration Update: South Africa’s Inter-Ministerial Committee on Migration says it is implementing President Ramaphosa’s five-point plan and remains “in control” after anti-immigrant protests, reporting 53,449 foreign nationals processed for deportation or assisted repatriation as of 11 July—with Malawians about 80%, followed by Zimbabweans and Mozambicans. Border & Enforcement: Officials say the state is handling deportations and repatriations while warning against illegal searches by vigilante groups; they also cite expanded logistics, including a temporary processing center in Musina. Policy Shift: With repatriations falling from a July 5 peak to 1,139 by July 11, the IMC chairperson Mmamoloko Kubayi says authorities are considering a phased scaling down, while stressing legal deportations continue. Local Angle for Congo: South Africa lists 86 Republic of Congo nationals among those returned beyond SADC. Energy & Investment: In a separate regional push, Congo’s mining and energy agenda stays in focus, with the Republic of Congo set to host the Congo Energy & Investment Forum (CEIF) 2027 in Brazzaville, aiming to position the country as a hub for global energy deal-making.

Migration Crackdown Update (South Africa): South Africa says it has processed 53,449 foreign nationals for deportation or voluntary repatriation since mid-June, with Malawians making up about 80%, followed by Zimbabweans and Mozambicans, as the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Migration implements President Ramaphosa’s five-point plan on border security and immigration enforcement. Local Incident: A KwaZulu-Natal woman was stopped from joining a voluntary repatriation programme after officials found her claim to be Malawian “did not add up”; she was identified as a South African citizen. Operational Shift: Authorities say repatriation activity is declining and they may scale down costly temporary measures while keeping legal deportations in place. Regional/Global Note: Vanuatu has had its UN General Assembly voting rights suspended over unpaid dues, with the Republic of Congo listed among other countries affected. Energy & Investment (Congo-Brazzaville): The Republic of Congo is set to host the Congo Energy & Investment Forum in 2027, positioning Brazzaville as a hub for energy deal-making.

Migration Crackdown Update (South Africa): South Africa says it has processed 53,449 foreign nationals for deportation or assisted repatriation since mid-June, with Malawians making up over 80% of the total; the government also reports 205 criminal cases, 350 arrests, and 112 matters already before courts tied to intimidation and unlawful conduct during the crackdown. Policy Shift (South Africa): With repatriations falling from nearly 4,850 on July 5 to 1,139 by July 11, officials say they are considering a phased scaling down of costly temporary measures while keeping legal deportations in place. Regional Returns (South Africa): Authorities say repatriations beyond SADC include returns to Kenya, Nigeria, Uganda, and even the Republic of Congo, alongside continued deportations recorded for June. Energy & Investment (Congo-Brazzaville): Brazzaville is set to host the Congo Energy & Investment Forum (CEIF) in 2027, aiming to position the country as a hub for global energy deal-making. Mining Strategy (Africa): At the MOTA 2026 summit in Paris, Congo’s mining minister stressed that priority projects should not be held hostage by funding failures, pointing to major needs for assets like Kola potash. Climate & Gas Flaring (Africa): A World Bank-linked report says global gas flaring rose to 167 bcm in 2025, with Nigeria among the biggest flaring contributors despite producing far less oil than the world’s top emitters. UN Voting Rights (Vanuatu): Vanuatu’s UN General Assembly vote was suspended over unpaid dues, and the Republic of Congo is listed among other states that have lost voting rights.

Immigration Enforcement in Focus (South Africa): South Africa says it has processed 53,449 foreign nationals for deportation or voluntary repatriation since mid-June, with Malawians making up about 80% of those handled, as authorities respond to unrest tied to immigration concerns. Migration Crackdown Costs (Policy Shift): The Inter-Ministerial Committee says it may scale back the operation as daily repatriations fell from nearly 4,850 on July 5 to 1,139 by July 11, while stressing it still must deport people who break the Immigration Act. Legal Pressure and Arrests: Officials report 205 criminal cases registered, 350 arrests, 69 cases under investigation, and 112 matters already before courts over alleged intimidation, incitement and related offences linked to the crackdown. Energy & Investment (Congo-Brazzaville): Brazzaville is set to host the Congo Energy & Investment Forum in 2027, aiming to position the country as a regional hub for energy deal-making and investment. Mining Deal-Making (Regional): At the MOTA 2026 Summit in Paris, African states discussed how to grow mining value locally while keeping legal stability to attract capital, with Congo’s mining leadership warning against stalled priority projects. Environment Watch (Gas Flaring): A new global tracker flags that Nigeria and other major producers drove most of the world’s gas flaring in 2025, underscoring the climate and efficiency stakes for oil-linked gas waste. UN Voting Rights (Diplomacy): Vanuatu’s UN General Assembly voting right was suspended over unpaid dues, and the list of countries affected includes the Republic of Congo.

UN Membership Update: Vanuatu has had its UN General Assembly voting rights suspended immediately after failing to pay VT90,000 in dues, with Papua New Guinea also among eight countries affected; the list includes the Republic of Congo and Guinea, while Venezuela and Sudan are in arrears. Mining & Investment: At the MOTA 2026 Summit in Paris, African states pushed for mining deals that protect legal stability while boosting local value; Congo’s minister warned priority projects like the Kola potash (Kore Potash) can’t be held hostage by funding failures. Energy Deal-Making: The Republic of Congo will host the second Congo Energy & Investment Forum (CEIF) in June 2027 in Brazzaville, aiming to attract global investors and energy ministers to expand oil and gas investment, including LNG ambitions. Climate & Gas Flaring: A World Bank-linked report says Nigeria and other top flaring countries drove most global gas flaring in 2025, highlighting waste and emissions from burning gas instead of capturing it. Aviation & Tourism: Sierra Leone posted strong passenger growth, while Gabon and the Republic of Congo saw declines, according to the World Bank’s Tourism Watch. Diplomacy: Mongolia’s ambassador to Egypt presented credentials to President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, and Egypt also received new ambassadors including from the Republic of Congo.

Mining & Sovereignty: The Mining on Top Africa (MOTA) 2026 Summit opened in Paris with a push for “sovereignty, sustainability and global partnerships,” as African states seek more local value from mining without scaring off investors. Congo Energy Deal-Making: Congo’s Congo Energy & Investment Forum (CEIF) is set for June 1–3, 2027 in Brazzaville, aiming to position the country as an energy hub and bring together OPEC, African energy bodies, ministers, and major oil and gas players. Local Projects Under Pressure: At MOTA, Congo’s mining minister warned that priority projects shouldn’t be held hostage by funding failures, pointing to the Kola potash deposit’s need for over $2 billion. Climate & Gas Flaring: A World Bank-linked report says Nigeria and eight other countries drove 83%+ of global gas flaring in 2025, as flaring rose to 167 bcm and produced major emissions. Aviation Watch: Sierra Leone posted 23% passenger growth in early 2026, while Gabon and the Republic of Congo saw 15% declines. Diplomacy: Mongolia’s ambassador presented credentials to Egypt’s President al-Sisi, and Egypt also received new ambassadors including the Republic of Congo.

Mining Policy & Investment: At the MOTA 2026 Summit in Paris, African ministers and investors focused on how to secure mining sovereignty while keeping legal stability to attract capital, with Congo’s mining minister warning that priority projects like the Kola potash deposit can’t be “held hostage” by funding failures. Energy Deals in Brazzaville: Congo announced the Congo Energy & Investment Forum (CEIF) for June 1–3, 2027 at Kintélé, aiming to draw OPEC, regional energy bodies, and major oil and gas players to accelerate investment and LNG and gas monetization. Climate & Gas Flaring Watch: A World Bank report says global gas flaring rose to 167 bcm in 2025, with nine countries responsible for most flares, including Nigeria—highlighting the waste and emissions tied to burning associated gas. Aviation & Tourism Signals: World Bank Tourism Watch data points to a 15% drop in estimated passenger arrivals for the Republic of Congo, while regional growth elsewhere underscores how connectivity shifts can quickly reshape travel demand. Diplomacy: Mongolia’s ambassador to Egypt presented credentials to President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, and Egypt also received credentials from 17 new ambassadors, including the Republic of Congo.