AGP Executive Report

Ebola Border Crackdown: The US is tightening entry rules for travelers who recently visited Congo, Uganda or South Sudan, routing them to Dulles for enhanced public health screening as the Ebola outbreak spreads. Congo Debt Moves: The Republic of Congo issued an $850m international bond due in 2036 (9.5% coupon) to buy back a 2032 bond and repay regional debt, aiming to cut near-term refinancing needs. AfDB Meetings in Brazzaville: More than 3,000 delegates are set to gather in Brazzaville for the 2026 African Development Bank Group Annual Meetings focused on scaling development financing. Local Safety & Justice Abroad: A Congolese-born man, Yves Sakila, died in Dublin after being restrained by security guards; Ireland’s oversight bodies are now reviewing the case amid calls for de-escalation and racial profiling reforms. Business & Culture Signals: Cannes wrapped with major wins including “Elephants in the Fog,” while Congo’s “Congo Boy” continues to draw attention for its refugee story.

Ebola Border Shock: The US is tightening travel for people who recently visited Congo, Uganda or South Sudan, directing flights to Dulles for “enhanced public health measures” and restricting entry for US citizens and green card holders who were there within 21 days. Debt & Markets: The Republic of Congo issued an $850m international bond maturing in 2036 (9.5% coupon) to buy back a 2032 bond and repay regional debt, cutting refinancing needs by more than $230m over five years. Public Health Tensions: An Ebola treatment centre in eastern Congo was reportedly set on fire by angry residents, highlighting rising fear and friction around outbreak response. Business & Investment: Dubai-based Averi Finance is in talks for a reverse takeover to list in Johannesburg, with Congo flagged among its target markets. Culture & Spotlight: “Congo Boy” brings a musical drama about war displacement to global screens, while Congo’s War also picked up recognition at the New York Festivals TV & Film Awards.

Ebola Shockwave: The US moved to tighten entry rules for travelers who recently visited Congo, Uganda or South Sudan, routing affected passengers to Dulles for “enhanced public health measures” as the outbreak in eastern Congo escalates. Public Health Fallout: A Congo Ebola treatment centre was set on fire by angry residents, underscoring how fear and mistrust are colliding with containment efforts. Debt & Markets: Republic of Congo priced an $850m bond maturing in 2036 (9.5% coupon) to refinance a 2032 issue and repay regional debt, with the finance ministry saying it won’t raise public debt levels. Regional Business Signals: AD Ports Group awarded major contracts tied to the Noatum Pointe-Noire Terminal development, keeping Congo’s port build-out in focus. Sports & Identity: Zimbabwe’s relay success in Accra highlighted how regional athletics can still deliver big moments—while Congo-linked media coverage continues to track the wider African spotlight.

Debt Refinancing: The Republic of Congo has issued an $850m international bond maturing in 2036 with a 9.5% coupon, using proceeds to buy back its 2032 bond and repay regional debt due in June and July 2026—cutting refinancing needs by $230m over five years. Ebola Fallout: Ebola remains a live business and travel risk as an Ebola treatment centre in eastern Congo was set on fire amid anger over the outbreak, while WHO says the risk of further spread is high regionally. Travel Disruption: The Ebola situation also hit airlines: an Air France flight to Detroit was diverted to Montreal after a Congolese passenger was allowed onboard by mistake. Regional Tensions: Beyond health, foreign nationals in Durban faced pressure and uncertainty as hundreds camped outside the Diakonia Centre while officials verified documents. Capital Markets Watch: Dubai-based Averi Finance is in talks for a reverse takeover to list in Johannesburg, aiming to build a broader Africa-focused investment platform.

Migrant Tensions in Durban: KwaZulu-Natal police and Home Affairs moved in to calm protests after foreign nationals—including many Congolese—camped outside Durban Central police station, saying they’re undocumented and fear attacks tied to anti-migrant marches. Officials met the group to address grievances and push for protection and shelter. Ebola Watch in Congo: The WHO has flagged eastern Congo’s Ebola outbreak as an international public health emergency, warning suspected cases and deaths are likely to rise as the virus spreads through conflict-affected, mobile communities. Ports & Trade Push: AD Ports Group awarded three contracts worth AED 735 million (US$200m) to develop the Noatum Pointe-Noire Terminal in the Republic of Congo, including quay and crane works—aimed at turning Pointe-Noire into a modern Central/West Africa trade gateway. Justice & Accountability: In Ireland, post-mortem results in the death of Congolese man Yves Sakila after restraint by shop security were inconclusive, with further tests pending.

Port Expansion Deal: AD Ports Group awarded three contracts worth AED 735 million (US$200m) for the Noatum Ports Pointe-Noire Terminal in the Republic of Congo, including marine/topside works and crane supply—aimed at turning Pointe-Noire into a modern trade gateway for Central and West Africa. Healthcare & Finance: India’s Apollo Hospitals posted a strong FY26, with profit up 34% to Rs 1,942 crore, citing growth across healthcare services, diagnostics, retail health, digital and pharmacy—plus improved performance in Congo-T specialties and high-complexity surgeries. Ebola Watch: WHO raised alarm over a fast-spreading rare Ebola outbreak in eastern Congo, warning suspected cases and deaths are expected to rise; Africa CDC also pushed back on U.S. travel restrictions as fear-driven and economically damaging. Diplomacy/Regional Signals: Morocco and Congo strengthened bilateral cooperation as part of Morocco’s wider Africa push, while Iran’s escalating tensions and internet shutdowns kept global attention on security and legal fallout. Sports & Community: Liberia appointed Moroccan coach Mohammed Adil Erradi to revive the Lone Star ahead of AFCON 2027.

Ebola Watch: The WHO is sounding the alarm over a fast-spreading Ebola outbreak in eastern Congo, with suspected deaths now at least 134 and more than 500 possible cases—while neighbouring Uganda reports infections linked to travellers. Port Expansion: In Congo’s business pipeline, AD Ports Group has awarded contracts worth about AED 735 million (US$200m) to develop the Noatum Ports Pointe-Noire Terminal, including marine works and major crane supply—aimed at turning Pointe-Noire into a modern trade gateway. Regional Health Policy: African health officials are pushing back against U.S. Ebola travel restrictions, arguing bans and border closures can do more harm than good. Trade & Logistics Deals: AD Ports also signed a partnership with Borouge to explore an alternative export hub on the UAE’s East Coast, targeting more resilient shipping routes. Thin Local Updates: Beyond these Congo-linked items, the week’s coverage is dominated by global politics and health, with fewer Congo-specific corporate stories than usual.

Ebola & Health Policy: African health officials pushed back hard on U.S. Ebola travel restrictions, calling bans and border closures fear-driven and economically damaging, while reporting ongoing cases and deaths in Congo and Uganda. Port & Shipping Moves: Damen Shipyards signed with Türkiye’s Albayrak Group for two new ASD tugs to support towage in Conakry and Pointe-Noire, and AD Ports Group awarded major contracts (about AED 735m) to expand the Noatum Ports Pointe-Noire Terminal in Congo. Trade & Investment Links: Russia submitted a bill to ratify an investment protection agreement with the Republic of Congo, aiming to secure reciprocal investment conditions. Business Expansion: Indoco Remedies completed the transfer of its ophthalmic business to Sunways across multiple African markets including Congo. Regional Spotlight: Cameroon secured long-delayed CFA130.4bn financing for the Ebolowa-Kribi highway, a corridor that also matters for cross-border trade into Congo.

Congo Business Watch: Ports & Trade: AD Ports Group has awarded three contracts worth about AED 735 million for the Noatum Ports Pointe-Noire Terminal in the Republic of the Congo—marine and landside works plus crane supply—under its 30-year concession with the government and its JV with CMA CGM/CMA Terminals, with an initial 420-metre quay and 100,000 sqm logistics area. Diplomacy & Investment: Russia has submitted to its State Duma a bill to ratify a new investment-promotion agreement with Congo, aiming to protect and encourage cross-border investments. Regional Finance: BEAC injected CFA 364.2 billion into Cemac banks, but uptake was below the offered envelope, hinting at cooling lending demand. Deal Pipeline: Indoco Remedies says it has completed the transfer of its ophthalmic business to Sunways (India), covering multiple African markets including Congo. Legal/Politics: Belgian ex-diplomat Etienne Davignon—linked to the Lumumba-era case—has died before trial, closing a long-running chapter in Belgium’s investigation.

Port Expansion in Congo: AD Ports Group has awarded three contracts worth about AED 735 million for the Noatum Ports Pointe-Noire Terminal, covering marine/land works and crane supply under its 30-year concession with the Republic of the Congo. Regional Finance Watch: BEAC injected CFA364.2 billion into Cemac banks on May 12, but lenders took only 66.2% of the offered liquidity—suggesting credit demand is steady yet cooling versus late-2025. Health & Safety Signals: WHO declared an Ebola outbreak a global health emergency, while Liberia’s EPA launched a police-backed crackdown on noise pollution with fines and speaker confiscations. Security Developments: US Africa Command and Nigeria carried out additional airstrikes against ISWAP targets in Borno’s Metele area, as joint operations intensify. Business Moves: Indoco Remedies completed its ophthalmic business transfer to Sunways India, including operations across Congo and other African markets.

Port Expansion: AD Ports Group has awarded three contracts worth about AED735 million (around $200m) for the Noatum Ports Pointe-Noire Terminal in the Republic of Congo—covering marine and landside works plus crane supply—under its 30-year concession (extendable 20 years) with the government, via its CMA Terminals joint venture with CMA CGM. Mining & Supply Chains: In a separate Congo-linked energy flow, Vietnam’s Nghi Son refinery received over 950,000 barrels of Congo crude to keep fuel production steady amid Middle East disruptions. Cobalt Governance: Congo’s state cobalt procurement agency EGC says it wants to work with industrial operators to carve out regulated “squares” for artisanal miners inside concessions, aiming to cut illegal infiltration and improve safety. What’s missing: This week’s coverage is light on fresh, Congo-specific policy updates beyond ports and mining.

Congo Energy & Trade: Nghi Son Refinery in Vietnam has received more than 950,000 barrels of Djeno crude oil imported from the Republic of Congo, as operators push to keep feedstock steady amid Middle East supply jitters. Cobalt Crackdown: Congo’s cobalt authority (EGC) says it wants tighter coordination with industrial miners to steer artisanal activity into designated, safer areas—aiming to curb unlicensed infiltration into big concessions. Mining Investment Signal: Zanaga Iron Ore’s Congo project raised £5.7m after upsizing an oversubscribed round, with proceeds earmarked for bulk sampling and in-country overheads. Regional Context: The week also flagged Congo’s role in wider mineral and debt pressures across Africa, while other headlines focused on global politics and entertainment—so Congo-specific updates are the standout business thread right now.

Cobalt Crackdown Plan: Congo’s state cobalt buyer EGC says it will work with industrial operators to carve out regulated “squares” inside big concessions for artisanal miners—aiming to cut illegal infiltration and make mining safer without changing permits. Oil Supply Move: Vietnam’s Nghi Son refinery took in over 950,000 barrels of Congo crude to keep fuel production steady as Middle East tensions disrupt other sources. Mining Capital Boost: Zanaga Iron Ore (Congo project) raised about £5.7m after upsizing an oversubscribed share sale to fund bulk sampling and project overheads. Energy Market Signal: Investor coverage highlights continued confidence in Congo-linked energy flows, while regional supply shifts remain a key theme. What’s missing for Congo this week: most top headlines in the feed are global (Eurovision, politics, courts), so Congo-specific business updates are comparatively thin beyond the cobalt, oil, and iron-ore items.

Congo Oil Supply Boost: Vietnam’s Nghi Son refinery has taken delivery of more than 950,000 barrels of Congo crude (Djeno) to keep fuel production steady amid Middle East disruptions. Capital Markets Watch: Zanaga Iron Ore (Congo project) raised about £5.7m after upsizing an oversubscribed round to push forward bulk sampling and in-country work. Mining Governance: Congo’s cobalt procurement agency (EGC) says it wants to work with industrial operators to carve out regulated “squares” inside concessions for artisanal miners, aiming to cut illegal incursions and improve safety. Energy & Trade Signals: Zambia has eased sulphuric acid export restrictions to Congo with limited shipments after local supply recovered—important for copper/cobalt processing in the Copperbelt. Business Sentiment: Investor confidence is also building around Congo-linked projects, with reports highlighting improved momentum and funding activity across the region.

Eurovision Finale in Vienna: The 70th Eurovision grand final is underway with tight security and rain not dampening fans—though Israel’s participation is still sparking protests and boycotts. Congo Energy & Mining: Investor confidence is building around Zanaga Iron Ore’s Congo project after a £5.7m share raise to push bulk sampling, while Congo’s cobalt crackdown targets illegal artisanal mining with a new push to formalize “squares” for cooperatives inside concessions. Regional Trade Signals: Zambia has eased its sulphuric acid export ban to Congo, allowing limited shipments again—an important input for copper and cobalt processing. Local Business Finance: Petronet LNG’s outlook stays bullish in a Geojit note, citing stronger margins and throughput resilience despite earlier supply disruptions. Congo-Adjacent Politics: Reports also highlight wider Central African state moves to take control of strategic assets, underscoring how finance and governance are reshaping the region’s business landscape.

Cobalt Crackdown: Congo’s state cobalt agency (EGC) says it will work with industrial operators to carve out regulated “squares” inside big concessions for artisanal miners, aiming to cut illegal cobalt mining that has long created safety and operational hazards. Mining Finance: Zanaga Iron Ore’s Congo project raised £5.7m after upsizing an oversubscribed share sale, with funds earmarked for bulk sampling and in-country overheads—investor confidence is building. Energy Signals: Zambia eased its sulphuric acid export ban to Congo, allowing “limited” shipments again after local stock recovered—an important input for copper and cobalt processing in the Copperbelt. Business Watch: Petronet LNG got a fresh bullish note from Geojit Investments, lifting its 12-month target to Rs 309, arguing operational resilience and margin gains can offset earlier LNG supply disruptions. Security Context: Separate reporting highlights escalating sectarian violence in eastern DRC, a reminder that stability remains a key risk factor for regional investment.