AGP Executive Report

US-Nigeria Security Shift: AFRICOM says most U.S. troops sent for a May operation against ISIS in Nigeria have withdrawn, while intelligence sharing continues at Abuja’s request after the killing of ISIS’s Abu-Bilal al-Minuki. Regional Security Agenda from Luanda: Nigeria’s Defence leadership and AFRICOM commanders used the 2026 African Chiefs of Defence Conference in Angola to push an African-led, resilient security architecture, with stronger intelligence, border management, and anti-terror financing. Angola Maritime Security: Angola’s defence minister called for coordinated, multidimensional responses to piracy, trafficking, illegal fishing and smuggling, urging integrated maritime governance and better surveillance. Health & Global Partnerships: Angola’s Health Minister Sílvia Lutucuta was elected vice-chair of Gavi’s implementing countries committee, boosting Angola’s role in vaccine governance. Children Protection: Angola’s Vice President reiterated the Executive’s commitment to combating violence against children and expanding education and science opportunities. Tourism Investment Push: Angola joined the UN Tourism UNT-PASS platform to connect tourism projects with investors and development banks. Digital Inclusion & Connectivity: Angola licensed a Moxico startup to provide ANGOSAT-2 internet services, aiming to reduce connectivity gaps. Agriculture Transformation: “AgroCorridors Angola” launched in Benguela to link economic corridors and scale irrigation, seeds, mechanization and rural extension. Sports—World Cup Qualifiers: Angola’s basketball team advanced with a 95-62 win over Uganda, while Nigeria beat Guinea 80-79 to reach the second round.

Lobito Corridor Rail Milestone: The Lobito Corridor railway project in Angola has reached a $753m financial close, backing the 1,300km brownfield rail link from the Port of Lobito to the DRC border, with funding including $553m from the US International Development Finance Corporation and $200m from the Development Bank of Southern Africa. Security Cooperation: US Africa Command says it has withdrawn most troops from Nigeria after the May operation against ISIS leaders, but will keep an intelligence-sharing partnership at Abuja’s request. Angolan Telecom Push: Unitel, Angola’s largest telecom operator, is set to launch an IPO roadshow next week as part of the country’s privatisation drive. Justice and Asset Recovery: Angola-linked developments in regional court reporting continue, with Nigeria’s courts ordering forfeiture of additional properties tied to convicted former Power minister Saleh Mamman. Sports in Luanda: Angola hosts the 2027 World Cup African Qualifiers window (July 2–5), with Group C featuring Tunisia, Nigeria, Rwanda and Guinea, and Group D including Angola, Egypt, Mali and Uganda. Local Economy & Agriculture: Huambo’s PRODESI program reports over AKz 10bn financing for 125 projects and 30 agricultural cooperatives since 2022, though repayment and bank bureaucracy remain hurdles.

Court Watch: Nigeria’s Federal High Court in Abuja ordered forfeiture of five more properties tied to convicted ex-Power Minister Saleh Mamman, including Walijam Apartments and other Luanda-linked assets, with one property set for permanent forfeiture and four for interim forfeiture. Basketball in Luanda: D’Tigers opened their 2027 FIBA World Cup African Qualifiers campaign with a 84-81 win over Tunisia, a boost for new coach David Fizdale as Nigeria prepares for Guinea and Rwanda. Handball Final: 1º de Agosto and Interclube meet Friday at the Cidadela Pavilion for the Angola Handball Cup final after recent championship clashes. Agriculture & Jobs: In Huambo, PRODESI says it has financed 125 projects and 30 agricultural cooperatives with over AKz 10 billion since 2022, though repayment and bank bureaucracy remain hurdles. Science & Tech Policy: Angola is drafting a new National Science, Technology and Innovation policy aimed at stronger research, innovation funding, and better coordination. Regional Security: Angola co-hosts the African Chiefs of Defense Conference in Luanda, with leaders stressing cross-border threats and deeper partnerships. Tourism & Culture: Angola’s Vice-President met the Tucker family on education, tourism and environment cooperation, including plans to spotlight Angola’s biodiversity and Calandula Falls.

National Identity & Voting Update: Angola’s voter registration drive is moving fast, with 126,344 citizens having completed “proof of life” since June 15, and 634 service centers planned nationwide (265 already operating), as the update runs until March 31, 2027. National ID Coverage: The National ID Card (BI) database now covers about 16 million citizens (14 million adults), with officials pushing to close the gap and link ID use to future public services and electoral roll updates. Science & Innovation Policy: Angola is drafting a new National Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy (PNCTI) focused on research, innovation, funding mechanisms, governance, and tackling weak coordination and limited research financing. Sports—World Cup Qualifiers: Luanda hosts the third window of the 2027 FIBA World Cup African Qualifiers (July 2–5), with final rosters set and Angola in Group D alongside Egypt, Mali, and Uganda. Public Finance Oversight: Angola’s central bank flagged eight illegal entities involved in foreign exchange, credit, and crypto payment services, warning the public and institutions to avoid dealings. Security Cooperation: Angola is co-hosting the 2026 African Chiefs of Defense Conference in Luanda, with leaders stressing cross-border threats, information sharing, and regional stability.

Basketball in Luanda: Angola is set to host the 2027 World Cup African qualifying “third window” from July 2–5 at the Kilamba arena, with Angola, Egypt, Mali and Uganda in Group D and Tunisia, Nigeria, Rwanda and Guinea in Group C. Security diplomacy: Angola and AFRICOM are driving the 2026 African Chiefs of Defense Conference in Luanda, with military leaders stressing cross-border cooperation against violent extremism and drug trafficking. Health funding push: SADC parliamentarians meeting in Luanda urged member states to raise health budgets and improve execution, warning most are still below the Abuja target of 15% of national spending. Tourism leadership: Angola will co-chair the UN Tourism Regional Commission for Africa meeting in Seychelles (July 2–4), aiming to back sustainable, inclusive tourism growth. Language and media: The telecoms minister called for more broadcasting in Angolan native languages to reach communities beyond Portuguese. Road safety: A crash on the EN250 in Benguela’s Bocoio killed four and left six seriously injured after two vans collided. Central banking crackdown: Angola’s central bank listed eight illegal operators tied to foreign exchange, credit and crypto payment services, warning the public to avoid dealings.

African Security Summit in Luanda: AFRICOM and Angola opened the 2026 African Chiefs of Defense Conference, with leaders focusing on violent extremism, drug trafficking, cross-border crime, and how innovation and economic development can support stability. Defense Hardware Deal: Angola ordered up to four L-39NG Skyfox trainer jets, a major upgrade for pilot training and light combat roles. Central Bank Crackdown: Angola’s central bank listed eight illegal operators tied to foreign exchange trading, credit services, and crypto payments, warning the public to avoid any links. Luanda Customs Modernization: The tax authority rolled out ASY5 to modernize customs at the Port of Luanda, aiming to better verify goods and curb illicit trade while speeding legitimate shipments. Health Breakthrough in Cuanza-Sul: Doctors in Sumbe removed a 20-kilogram ovarian cyst in a first-of-its-kind complex surgery for the province. Diplomacy & AU Agenda: Angola will host the AU conference bureau meeting in Luanda and highlighted the importance of the AU Executive Council session for budgets and African candidacies. Education & Youth Wins: Angolan students won 28 medals at the Copernicus Mathematical Olympiad in Singapore. Sports: Nigeria’s D’Tigers named a 12-man squad for FIBA World Cup 2027 African Qualifiers in Luanda, starting July 2.

Financial Oversight: Angola’s central bank named eight institutions accused of illegal foreign exchange trading, credit activity and crypto payment services, warning the public to avoid any links with them. African Union Diplomacy: Angola will host the AU conference bureau meeting in Luanda, with Foreign Minister Téte António representing President João Lourenço as the bloc prepares key decisions. Security Cooperation: Angola and the U.S. co-organized the 2026 African Chiefs of Defense Conference (ACHOD26), with calls for stronger international coordination against terrorism, cybercrime and other cross-border threats. Public Finance & Credit: The National Bank of Angola reported gross credit to the non-financial sector at AKZ 8.9 trillion in May, up 14.1% year-on-year. Health & Child Protection: The Attorney General urged tighter cooperation to protect children’s rights, while biomedical scientists’ leaders pushed stronger malaria prevention and professional registration. Infrastructure & Trade: Customs in Luanda began using ASY5 to modernize port operations and curb illicit trade, and Angola plans AKZ 260.6 billion for a 2026-2027 disaster contingency plan. Sports & Education: Angolan students won 28 medals at the Copernicus Mathematical Olympiad in Singapore, and young sailors Vasco Taveira and Gabriel Calembe placed top in Africa rankings at the Optimist World Championship.

Fuel Price Shock and Protests: Luanda saw deadly unrest after a diesel price jump (about 30–33%) sparked a taxi strike, fare hikes, and mass demonstrations that turned violent, with arrests and widespread damage reported. Oil & Gas Update: Azule Energy’s Eni-BP JV has declared a final investment decision on the Greater PAJ ultradeepwater project in Angola, pushing forward a major cross-block development. Trade & Customs Modernization: Angola’s tax authority rolled out ASY5, a new automated customs system for the Port of Luanda, aimed at tighter checks and faster legitimate trade. Electricity Expansion: Malanje province is set to add grid power for about 47,000 people through new transmission lines and substations, with household supply networks planned in phases. Public Health Push: Angola’s biomedical scientists’ association urged stronger malaria prevention, including soil treatment, better training, and tighter regulation of professional registration. AfCFTA Momentum: Angola validated its national AfCFTA strategy and action plan, while also sending a delegation to Abuja to focus on women and youth in trade. Sports (Luanda): Interclube beat Petro de Luanda in handball to reach the national final, and Nigeria’s D’Tigers confirmed a 12-man squad for World Cup qualifiers in Luanda starting July 2.

Sports in Luanda: Nigeria’s D’Tigers will play the 2027 FIBA World Cup African Qualifiers in Angola’s capital from July 2–5, with the Nigeria Basketball Federation naming a 12-man squad led by newly appointed coach David Fizdale. Nigeria is drawn in Group C against Guinea, Rwanda and Tunisia, with every match in the third window expected to be decisive. Oil and diamonds: Angola’s oil and diamond exports are projected to drive about USD 31.3 billion in export revenue in 2025, with crude oil leading at USD 24.5 billion and diamonds reaching 15.2 million carats. Trade and customs: The General Tax Administration launched ASY5, a new automated customs system for the Port of Luanda, aiming to tighten control on declared goods while speeding up legitimate trade. Disaster readiness: Angola plans to allocate over AKZ 260.6 billion for a 2026–2027 contingency and response plan, including a permanent fund for rapid emergency action. Power expansion: Malanje province is set to add electricity access for about 47,000 people through new transmission lines, substations and network build-outs. Health push: Biomedical scientists in Luanda urged stronger malaria prevention, including soil treatment, training and tighter regulation of the profession. Regional integration: Angola validated its AfCFTA strategy and action plan, while its trade delegation is in Abuja discussing how to turn AfCFTA rules on women and youth in trade into action.

AfCFTA Push: Angola validated its national AfCFTA strategy and action plan in Luanda, aiming to turn wider market access into faster diversification and industrial growth, with UN support. Oil Investment Signal: Eni-BP’s Azule Energy JV has declared a final investment decision on the $5.1bn Greater PAJ ultradeepwater project offshore Angola, a major step for production expansion. Jobs & Industry: Angola’s Special Economic Zone plans to lift employment from 12,000 to about 30,000 as new projects come online and industrial support services expand. Human Mobility & Climate: The environment minister reaffirmed Angola’s commitment to integrate human mobility into public policy as droughts, floods and livelihood losses intensify. Reconciliation Work: CIVICOP renewed its call for families to donate DNA samples to identify conflict victims, reporting new profiles and another female identification. Agriculture in Huambo: Huambo agriculture officials visited the agronomic research institute to boost yields using improved seed varieties and better soil practices. Sports—Basketball Qualifiers: Nigeria’s D’Tigers named a 12-man squad for the FIBA World Cup 2027 African Qualifiers in Luanda (July 2–5) under new coach David Fizdale.

Oil & Markets: Oil prices slid after the US-Iran ceasefire sparked bets of easing Strait of Hormuz disruptions, with Angolan crude reportedly selling at a $10 discount to dated Brent as tankers leave the Persian Gulf. Culture & Community: In Luena, the Kumbi Lixia group from Cuanza-Sul wowed crowds at the Ngeya Festival, proving culture can cross language barriers. Agriculture & Jobs: Bengo’s Banana Fair is building partnerships to expand organic fertilizer production and cut imports, while Huambo is pushing improved seeds and research-backed farming to reduce crop losses. Constitution for Kids: Angola’s Constitutional Court launched a children’s comic-book version of the Constitution in Luanda, pairing civic education with a rights-themed play. Reconciliation Effort: CIVICOP in Bengo renewed calls for families to donate DNA samples to identify conflict victims, including women, through new genetic profiles. Economy & Industry: Angola’s Special Economic Zone plans to grow employment from 12,000 to about 30,000 as industrial projects come online. Governance & Security: The Defense Minister highlighted readiness in Huambo’s Central Military Region and said the regional military hospital is 48% complete. Sports & Youth: Cabinet approved $3.09m for South Sudan’s basketball team ahead of FIBA qualifiers, with games also scheduled in Luanda.

Agriculture Boost in Huambo: Municipal agriculture directors and local producers toured Angola’s Institute of Agronomic Research in Chianga to see seed variety improvements for beans, sweet potatoes, maize, avocados and citrus, with officials pushing wider distribution of improved and hybrid maize for higher yields. Climate and Mobility: Environment Minister Ana Paula de Carvalho Pereira reaffirmed Angola’s commitment to integrate human mobility into public policy as droughts, floods and water scarcity already disrupt livelihoods and food security. Reconciliation Effort (CIVICOP): In Bengo, CIVICOP urged families—especially women’s relatives—to donate DNA samples, reporting 34 new genetic profiles and more identifications tied to ongoing conflict-victim work. Jobs from Special Economic Zone (ZEE): Luanda’s ZEE plans to raise employment from 12,000 to about 30,000 as industrial rehabilitation and new support services scheduled for late 2026 come online. Defense Readiness: The Defence Minister highlighted operational capacity in Huambo’s Central Military Region and is set to visit Moxico to assess unit readiness and logistics. Oil Sector Push: Angola’s upstream momentum continues as Azule Energy’s Greater PAJ offshore project moves forward, reinforcing efforts to keep production above 1 million barrels per day. Money Laundering Law Updated: Parliament approved amendments to strengthen Angola’s anti-money laundering framework, including accountability even when the original offender is unknown or protected. Gold Mining Policy: The Mineral Resources minister ruled out immediate legalization of artisanal gold mining, warning against repeating past problems seen in diamond legalization. Tourism Investment Spotlight: Angola’s tourism forum drew major investment interest and political backing, but international media access was limited.

Agriculture Boost in Huambo: Municipal agriculture directors and local producers toured Angola’s Agronomic Research Institute in Chianga to learn how improved seed varieties and soil analysis can cut recurring crop losses, with plans to expand locally produced beans, potatoes and hybrid maize for higher yields. Climate and Mobility: Environment Minister Ana Paula de Carvalho Pereira reaffirmed Angola’s commitment to integrating human mobility into public policy as droughts, floods and water scarcity already disrupt families and food security. Reconciliation Effort (CIVICOP): CIVICOP urged families in Bengo to donate DNA samples to help identify conflict victims, reporting new genetic profiles and another female identification through testing. Jobs Push via ZEE: Luanda’s Special Economic Zone aims to grow employment from 12,000 to about 30,000 as late-2026 administrative facilities open and rehabilitated factories restart. Defense Readiness: Defence Minister Lúcio Gonçalves Amaral highlighted the Central Military Region’s operational capacity in Huambo and said the regional hospital project is 48% complete. Tourism Investment Spotlight: Angola’s Global Tourism Forum summit drew major political and investor participation, but organizers faced criticism for limited international media access. Money Laundering Law Update: Parliament approved amendments strengthening Angola’s AML framework, including accountability even when the original offender is unknown or protected.

Sports Funding: Angola’s regional sports scene stays busy as South Sudan’s cabinet approved $3.09m for its Bright Stars basketball and football squads ahead of the FIBA World Cup 2027 African Qualifiers, with matches across Dakar, Douala and Luanda. Defence Watch: Angola’s defence minister is set for a work visit to Moxico Province to assess Armed Forces readiness, logistics and training sites. Diplomacy & UN Roles: Angola received the Sahrawi foreign minister in Luanda as part of ongoing political dialogue, including support for an Angolan FAO leadership candidacy. Money & Governance: Angola’s National Assembly rejected an urgent bid on oil prices and alleged fuel shortages, while it approved amendments to the money-laundering law to strengthen accountability and align with FATF demands. Oil & Economy: Sonangol’s recent multi-billion financing push highlights how Angola is trying to keep upstream momentum, including progress on the Greater PAJ offshore project. Culture & Arts Policy: Angola’s culture minister backed participatory public policies for visual arts, with artists pushing for better venues and a stronger national directory. Regional Integration: Angola reaffirmed its push for Southern Africa connectivity, pointing to open skies and the Lobito Corridor as key logistics links.

Culture & Arts: Luanda’s Culture Minister Filipe Zau pushed for participatory public policies in the visual arts, with artists directly shaping strategies and priorities like restoring artists’ association headquarters and upgrading venues. Extractives & Diversification: The Chamber for Gas, Oil and Minerals urged a single platform to link oil, gas and mining, as Angola explores rare minerals and renewables to broaden the economy. Diplomacy: Angola accredited a new ambassador to Burkina Faso and exchanged messages with President João Lourenço’s office, while also delivering a Sahrawi leadership message and backing an Angolan candidate for FAO’s top role. Elections & Civic Duty: Queen Nhakatolo urged Moxico Leste residents to complete voter registration and proof of life ahead of 2027 polls. UN Reconciliation: Angola showcased CIVICOP’s reconciliation work at the UN Peacebuilding Commission, including locating and returning victims’ remains. Oil & Investment: Azule’s Greater PAJ offshore project is moving after years dormant, tied to fiscal incentives and aimed at lifting production momentum. Governance & Money Laundering: Parliament approved tougher money-laundering rules aligned with FATF, while rejecting a draft personal data protection law over privacy concerns. Health & Jobs: The World Bank praised Angola’s health workforce training progress, citing thousands of professionals trained and returning home. Sports & Youth: Angola’s basketball and football teams got cabinet funding, and the national basketball side continues World Cup qualifier preparations.

Sports Funding: South Sudan’s Cabinet approved funding for its national basketball and football teams, including support for preparation and participation in FIBA World Cup 2027 African Qualifiers windows, with basketball set for Douala and matches starting July 2. Anti-Corruption & Money Laundering: SADC warned that corruption diverts resources from essential services, while Angola’s National Assembly approved amendments to its money-laundering law to strengthen accountability and align with FATF needs; the central bank also urged media to play a more active role in AML efforts. Parliament & Rights: MPs rejected an urgent debate on rising oil prices and alleged fuel shortages, and also rejected a draft personal data protection bill over constitutional and privacy concerns. Oil & Economy: Angola’s crude is reportedly selling at steep discounts amid a supply surge after the Strait of Hormuz reopening, while Angola’s AI push is reshaping oil exploration by reprocessing legacy seismic data. Energy & Transport Deals: Baker Hughes was selected for Azule’s ultra-deepwater Greater PAJ subsea systems, and TAAG relaunched a weekly Luanda–Guangzhou service, with plans to expand frequency. Health & Development: The World Bank praised Angola’s health workforce training project, citing progress and the return of trained professionals. Regional Integration & Diplomacy: Angola reaffirmed its role in Southern Africa integration and UN Security Council resolution implementation, while Luanda prepares to host an international women’s forum for peace and democracy.