AGP Executive Report

Rwanda Digital Upgrade: Rwanda has set a June 30, 2027 deadline to switch off 3G, with 2G to follow after readiness checks on coverage, service continuity and device adoption—freeing spectrum for stronger 4G and paving the way for 5G, with mobile banking and e-services expected to improve. Rwanda Telecom Policy: The government says businesses and public institutions using 2G/3G should plan upgrades to avoid service disruption as the migration ramps up. Banking & Growth: Nigeria’s United Capital reported H1 pretax profit up 80% to ₦24.77bn, with gross earnings rising to ₦43.84bn, driven by fees/commissions and stronger market activity, while it pushes technology and expansion. Credit Market Move: S&P Global plans to buy a majority stake in Nigeria’s Agusto & Co, aiming to deepen Africa’s credit ratings coverage as demand grows for local market assessments. Insurance Ratings: Moody’s affiliate GCR affirmed Kenya Re’s financial strength ratings (B and AA+), citing improved capital and liquidity support. US Consular Shift: The US will stop routine visa processing at its Abuja embassy and 24 other African missions from August 1, 2026, moving to regional hubs. Digital Payments Push: AfricaNenda is training journalists to help Africans understand and adopt inclusive instant payment systems.

Credit Markets: S&P Global agreed to buy a majority stake in pan-African ratings firm Agusto & Co., expanding its reach in Africa’s domestic credit market across Nigeria, Kenya, Rwanda and Ghana, with terms undisclosed and a close expected in the second half of 2026. Sports Governance & Finance: FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s plan to create a $20bn company to run the World Cup with private investors, including the Kushner family, drew immediate backlash from UEFA, which said football’s “soul and governance” are not assets to trade. Regional Business & Media: Nation Media Group Uganda is set to resume operations after a month-long shutdown, following authorisation by President Yoweri Museveni, with the group moving to restore TV, radio, print and digital services. Supply Chain & Trade: Registrations opened for the 2026 ASCON conference in Zambia (23–25 Sept), bringing together supply chain, marketing and ICT leaders to push industrialisation and AfCFTA-linked trade opportunities. Health Funding Pressure: AIDS 2026 in Rio warned that global HIV funding fell sharply in 2025, driven largely by US cuts, threatening progress even as some countries increase domestic spending.

Credit Markets Deal: S&P Global agreed to buy a majority stake in Agusto & Co., a Pan-African credit ratings firm operating in Nigeria, Kenya, Rwanda and Ghana, aiming to deepen domestic credit transparency and investor confidence (deal terms undisclosed; subject to approvals, expected H2 close). Mobile Connectivity Upgrade: Rwanda will phase out 2G and 3G by 2027 to free capacity for stronger 4G and gradual 5G rollout, with readiness tied to nationwide 4G coverage and continued services like mobile money and emergency communications. Regional Business & Media: Nation Media Group Uganda is set to resume TV, radio, print and digital operations after President Museveni’s authorization following a month-long shutdown, with Taifa Group citing regional investment and integration. Global Health Funding Watch: UNAIDS reports the biggest single-year decline in HIV programme funding since scale-up began, driven largely by US cuts, warning progress could reverse even as some countries—including Rwanda—show strong infection reductions. Supply Chain Networking: Registrations are open for the 2026 ASCON conference in Zambia (Sept 23–25) bringing together supply chain, marketing and ICT leaders to push industrialisation, tech innovation and AfCFTA trade. Digital Sovereignty: Côte d’Ivoire launched a national public key infrastructure (PKI) to reduce reliance on foreign certificate authorities and strengthen secure digital transactions.

Rwanda Business & Economy: President Paul Kagame met senior RPF-Inkotanyi cadres at Intare Arena, urging disciplined leadership and adherence to people-centred governance as Rwanda pushes its next phase of social and economic transformation. Energy & Trade Logistics: Kenya’s Cabinet approved a deal allowing Rwanda to import up to 40,000 metric tonnes of fuel via the Port of Mombasa and Kenya’s pipeline network, boosting Rwanda’s energy security and reinforcing Mombasa’s role as a regional transit hub. Fuel Market Deal: Vivo Energy signed an agreement with Mount Meru Group to sell its shareholding in Vivo Energy Rwanda and Vivo Energy Malawi, including service stations and fuel/lubricants operations—aimed at deeper investment and expansion in both markets. Women & Entrepreneurship: A new Rwanda census shows women now manage more urban enterprises than men (50.6% vs 49.4%), with female-managed businesses rising faster nationwide since 2017. Digital Finance & Policy: MTN CEO Ralph Mupita warned that xenophobia and anti-migrant sentiment could weaken Africa’s push for a single market, arguing integration depends on freer movement of people, capital and ideas. Health & Regulation: Rwanda-linked regional focus continues as Africa’s medical regulators gather in Accra for AMCOA’s 28th conference on strengthening healthcare regulation and patient safety.

Rwanda–Kenya Energy Deal: Kenya’s Cabinet has approved Rwanda’s import of up to 40,000 metric tonnes of fuel via the Port of Mombasa and Kenya’s pipeline network, expected to cover about 52 million litres monthly and boost regional energy security. HIV Funding Shock: New UNAIDS and KFF reports at AIDS 2026 warn global HIV response funding fell 25% in 2025, driven by a steep US decline, raising fears of renewed infections and deaths. Food Security Trend: Hunger in Africa fell again in 2025 for the third straight year, but experts say the next challenge is keeping gains by making nutritious diets affordable. Digital Finance & Trust: WCO, with EU support, is training freight forwarders on rules of origin to improve compliance and preferential tariff access across East and Southern Africa. Property & Media: MySpace Properties in Kenya appoints Dimension Global Communications to strengthen brand positioning and investor/buyer engagement. Youth Education Finance: Chancen International says it will scale its fair financing model to 60,000 students by 2029, citing a 95% repayment rate. Urban Mobility: Electric motorcycles are gaining traction across African cities as riders cut operating costs and reduce fuel-price exposure.

Trade & Customs Capacity: The WCO, under the EU-WCO Rules of Origin Africa Programme, is training freight forwarders on rules of origin to help SMEs claim preferential tariffs more accurately. Regional Logistics Push: Tanzania is accelerating rail, port and airport upgrades—starting with the Tabora–Kigoma SGR section—to position Kigoma as a logistics gateway linking the Indian Ocean to the Great Lakes. AfCFTA Momentum: South Africa says AfCFTA trade under preferential terms hit R2.6bn between Jan 2024 and Feb 2026, showing how guided trade is moving from pilots to regular deals. Cross-Border Logistics Services: Hellmann highlights its Africa Connect model to simplify multi-country shipping and improve visibility for businesses, especially SMEs. Vehicle & Finance Deal: TransAfrica Motors plans a new Mlolongo service plant in Kenya and signed an asset-financing MoU with Equity Bank to support truck buyers. Youth Financing Expansion: Chancen International says it will scale its fair student financing model to 60,000 learners by 2029, citing a 95% repayment rate. Digital Finance Trust: Bridgforte will launch a report on building trust in platform-led digital finance, as regulators and fintechs push for confidence alongside inclusion. Food Security Angle: A new continent-wide look shows hunger improving for the first time in a decade, but warns gains must shift toward making nutritious diets affordable. Environment & Agriculture Risk: A study flags common live-fence plants as invasive in parts of East Africa, warning of damage to biodiversity and farm productivity.

Rwanda’s AI push: Cabinet has approved the Rwanda Institute of Computing (RIC) under the University of Rwanda, offering advanced degrees in Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity from September 2026, building on the Rwanda Coding Academy to grow local talent for the AI economy. Critical minerals deal: Rwanda has approved a strategic partnership with Kazakhstan’s Tau-Ken Samruk to form a joint venture for mineral exploration and mining, aiming to deepen Kigali’s role in critical minerals supply chains. Regional finance resilience: East African central banks meeting in Kampala urged more domestic gold purchases to diversify reserves and build buffers against inflation and currency shocks. Digital trust in payments: Bridgforte will launch a policy report on trust in platform-led digital finance, with regulators and fintech leaders joining a virtual event on July 28. Tourism trade links: Kenya and Rwanda opened talks to deepen cross-border tourism through private-sector partnerships, with a Kigali workshop bringing together operators and investors. EAC business calendar: Tanzania’s government urged entrepreneurs to prepare for the EAC MSMEs Trade Fair in Kigali (Oct 30–Nov 8, 2026), focused on leather and horticulture value chains. EADB scrutiny (Kenya): Kenya lawmakers and stakeholders questioned the East African Development Bank’s Kenya operations amid claims of large losses and concerns over governance and accountability.

Energy Security: Rwanda’s first government-backed fuel shipment under its Tanzania import corridor has docked at the Port of Tanga, with 40,000 metric tonnes of petroleum products arriving under an RNEC–Gulf Bulk Petroleum Tanzania deal, as oil marketing firms place orders via bank letters of credit to diversify supply routes. Regional Tourism & Trade: Kenya and Rwanda are moving to deepen tourism ties through a Kigali workshop led by the Kenya Tourism Board, Rwandair and private operators, while Tanzania is urged to seize the upcoming EAC MSMEs Trade Fair in Kigali (Oct 30–Nov 8) to access regional markets. Digital Finance Trust: Bridgforte will launch a new policy report on “Trust Architecture in Platform-Led Finance” on July 28, focusing on how confidence is sustained as services shift to interconnected digital platforms. Healthcare Supply & Markets: A regional push is highlighting Kenya’s growing role as a healthcare distribution hub for Rwanda and neighbours, as East Africa’s hospitals and pharmaceuticals markets expand. SME Innovation Pipeline: BioInnovate Africa’s Biobased Innovation and Entrepreneurship Bootcamp in Nairobi trained 13 East African researchers to pitch investor-ready ventures, with seed funding and mentorship expected for top projects. Pharma Manufacturing Gap: Kenya’s Milly Glass SEZ says it plans to start producing locally made amber pharmaceutical bottles by July 2027, aiming to cut manufacturers’ reliance on imports from India and Pakistan.

AI Skills Push in Rwanda: Rwanda will launch the Rwanda Institute of Computing under the University of Rwanda, offering advanced degrees in Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity from September 2026, building on the Rwanda Coding Academy. Digital Finance Trust: Bridgforte will host a virtual launch on July 28 for its policy report on trust in platform-led digital finance, with South Africa’s central bank deputy governor delivering the keynote. Regional Reserves Strategy: East African Community central banks meeting in Kampala urged more domestic gold purchases to diversify reserves and build buffers against inflation shocks and geopolitical disruptions. Mining Deal: Rwanda approved a strategic partnership with Kazakhstan’s Tau-Ken Samruk to set up a joint venture for mineral exploration and mining across Rwanda. EAC Trade Push: Tanzania’s government urged entrepreneurs to prepare for the EAC MSMEs Trade Fair in Kigali (Oct 30–Nov 8, 2026), focused on leather and horticulture value chains. Tourism Linkages: Kenya and Rwanda opened talks to deepen cross-border tourism through private-sector partnerships and a Kigali workshop bringing together travel and hospitality players. Health & Nutrition Impact: Solid’Africa marked 15 years, saying it now serves over 12 million meals to patients and schoolchildren across Rwanda. Ebola and Logistics Pressure: Coverage highlights how DRC’s security situation is complicating Ebola response and stresses the need to strengthen pharmaceutical logistics and cross-border supply chains.

Rwanda AI push: Rwanda will launch the Rwanda Institute of Computing under the University of Rwanda, offering advanced degrees in Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity from September 2026, building on the Rwanda Coding Academy. Mining & critical minerals: Rwanda approved a strategic partnership with Kazakhstan’s Tau-Ken Samruk to form a joint venture for mineral exploration and mining across Rwanda, aiming to deepen Kigali’s role in the global critical minerals supply chain. Digital finance trust: Bridgforte will host a July 28 virtual launch of its policy report on building and sustaining trust in platform-led digital finance, with South African Reserve Bank Deputy Governor Nomfundo Tshazibana delivering the keynote. EAC reserves strategy: EAC central banks urged more domestic gold purchases to diversify reserves amid oil and shipping risks, as they coordinate regional policy responses. Agri-food momentum: Rwanda Agricultural Show opened in Kigali to accelerate agri-food systems transformation, with calls for innovation, modern farming and agricultural insurance. Community services expansion: First Lady Jeannette Kagame launched the first Imbuto Hub in Bugesera and opened a second in Kigali, with plans for 30 hubs nationwide combining education, childcare, health, digital learning and vocational training. Regional business ties: Nigeria reaffirmed commitment to strengthen trade, investment and private-sector participation with Rwanda, aiming to turn political relations into tangible economic outcomes. Tech market signals: Nothing is reportedly considering pulling back from multiple international smartphone markets after OnePlus restructuring, raising questions about cost pressures and competition. Telecom valuation race: MTN added R100bn in market value in 2026 and is edging toward a R500bn valuation milestone, outpacing peers on growth from “rest of Africa” operations. Food security trend: Africa’s hunger improved for the first time in nearly a decade, with the share facing hunger falling slightly from 2024 to 2025, though affordability of nutritious diets remains the next challenge.

Rwanda Agri-Food Push: The 19th Rwanda Agricultural Show opened in Kigali (Mulindi Show Ground) to accelerate agri-food systems transformation, with over 600 exhibitors and calls for modern farming, agricultural insurance against climate losses, and stronger partnerships across innovators, finance and service providers. Rwanda–Nigeria Trade Momentum: Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs reaffirmed commitment to deepen Rwanda ties, focusing on trade, investment, regional security and more private-sector participation to turn political relations into tangible economic outcomes. Rwanda Digital Finance & Banking: NCBA Bank Rwanda unveiled new digital platforms for branch-free banking, while Rwanda also moves to join an EU business network—signals of growing regional and international business connectivity. Mobile Money IPO Watch: Airtel Money selected London for its planned 2026 IPO, aiming to unlock value for one of Africa’s biggest mobile financial services platforms. Food Security Trend: A report says hunger in Africa declined for the first time in ten years, with fewer people facing moderate or severe food insecurity. AI for Africa Debate: BCG warns Africa risks digital dependency without local AI infrastructure and production, urging infrastructure investment, mutualised funding and open-source innovation. Media Standards: Rwanda journalists were trained to avoid bias in crime reporting, stressing suspects must be treated as innocent until proven guilty.

Startup Funding: Kenya’s startups logged Sh16.3bn ($126m) in first-half 2026 fundraising, the weakest start since 2021 as investors shift from rapid growth to clear profitability. Digital Banking: NCBA Bank Rwanda launched NCBA NOW for personal customers and NCBA ConnectPlus for businesses, pushing branch-free payments and real-time corporate visibility. Crypto Enforcement: Eastern African prosecutors began a Nairobi training to strengthen investigations and court handling of crypto-linked money laundering, fraud and cross-border financial crime. Tax Reform: Heads of tax administrations met in The Gambia to boost domestic revenue mobilisation, digital transformation and leadership for high-performing tax systems. Payments Infrastructure: Verto says Africa’s cross-border payments still suffer from lack of certainty on cost, speed and settlement, even as fintech consolidates. AI Governance: A new Africa AI Governance Index finds strategy writing is outpacing enforceable laws, budgets and measurable implementation. Health & Education: Mastercard Foundation announced a US$500m higher-education push via its AHEFT prize, while Rwanda’s University of Kigali sent top business students to Germany for an exchange programme. Regional Trade & Mobility: Mudavadi ordered a review of EAC resolutions to deepen integration, as currency plans remain in motion. Security & Conflict: DR Congo announced an FDLR “surrender” to Rwanda amid ongoing regional tensions.

Rwanda–China Defence Links: Rwanda and China reaffirmed expanding military cooperation, including professional training, institutional exchanges and peace efforts, during a reception marking the PLA’s 99th anniversary in Kigali. Rwanda Health & Innovation: First Lady Jeannette Kagame told the Paul Farmer Butaro Dialogues that the biggest barrier to saving mothers is no longer new discoveries, but getting proven solutions delivered everywhere. Tourism & Investment Promotion: Rwanda’s RDB met US singer Kelis Rogers to explore collaboration areas for tourism and investment promotion. Ebola Surge in DRC: The fastest-growing Ebola outbreak in the DRC has surpassed 1,000 deaths as cases accelerate, with health systems under pressure and infections among health workers reported. AI for Africa’s Economy: Nigeria launched the Atlas Network to build AI tools rooted in African languages and reduce dependence on foreign tech. FDI Spotlight: The UAE topped the fDi greenfield FDI performance ranking in 2025 relative to economy size, with Rwanda also scoring strongly. Food Security Pressure in Kenya: A UN/FAO report says 43.9m Kenyans can’t afford a healthy diet as costs nearly doubled since 2017. Regional Integration Push: Kenya’s EAC Affairs ministry ordered a review of EAC resolutions to deepen trade, infrastructure and investment implementation. Higher Education Funding: Mastercard Foundation’s AHEFT Prize named Rwanda’s University of Rwanda among inaugural winners, with US$3m to scale research-to-innovation and youth opportunities.

Health Innovation & Delivery: First Lady Jeannette Kagame urged a shift from discovering new medical breakthroughs to scaling proven solutions for mothers, as she opened the Paul Farmer Butaro Dialogues at UGHE in Rwanda. Higher Education Funding: Rwanda’s University of Rwanda and Ghana’s KNUST were named inaugural winners of the Mastercard Foundation’s Africa Higher Education for Transformation (AHEFT) Prize, each set to receive US$3m to expand research-to-innovation and youth opportunity. AI for Jobs & Business: An IMF report warns Sub-Saharan Africa could gain only marginally from AI unless governments invest fast in electricity, internet and digital skills—while Rwanda-based training efforts like Koncept AI Academy’s hospitality masterclass push practical adoption. Regional Integration & Trade: Kenya’s EAC Affairs leadership ordered a review of EAC summit resolutions to deepen regional integration, focusing on trade, infrastructure and investment. Banking Deal: Nedbank secured its targeted 66% stake in Kenya’s NCBA after shareholders tendered nearly 80% of issued shares. Local Governance & Sanitation: Burundi plans weekly hygiene and sanitation inspections, tightening pressure on local authorities to improve monitoring and compliance. Rwanda-Linked Mobility: Rwanda is listed among visa-free/entry-friendly options in regional passport updates, supporting easier short business and travel plans.

Education & Skills Boost: Mastercard Foundation launches the Africa Higher Education for Transformation (AHEFT) Prize with a $500m commitment, awarding $3m each to universities including Rwanda’s University of Rwanda to scale higher-education transformation across Africa. AI Readiness for Growth: The IMF warns Sub-Saharan Africa could gain only marginally from AI unless governments fix electricity, internet and digital skills; it flags Rwanda and Kenya as regional leaders but says the wider gap remains a business risk. Rwanda Hospitality AI Training: Koncept AI Academy brings an executive AI masterclass to Rwanda’s hospitality sector, training hotel leaders on using AI for operations, customer experience and revenue management. Health & Technology in Rwanda: A Rwanda-focused study finds automated “LLM-as-a-judge” clinical AI evaluation can miss issues like demographic bias, underscoring the need for human review in healthcare AI. Connectivity for Trade: SalamAir starts direct Muscat–Kigali flights, aiming to strengthen tourism, business travel and regional trade links. Regional Business & Payments: Nigeria’s push for PAPSS highlights how easier cross-border payments can unlock trade for SMEs across Africa. Local Capacity Building: Rwamagana trains 120 community leaders and health workers on zoonotic disease prevention and safe coexistence with bats.

Rwanda’s Health Data Push: Bill Gates visited Kigali’s National Health Intelligence Center, where real-time data from hospitals and community health workers is helping cut waiting times, improve ambulance dispatch, and strengthen disease surveillance. Aviation & Trade Connectivity: SalamAir launched direct Muscat–Kigali flights, twice weekly, aiming to boost tourism, business travel and investment links between Rwanda and Oman. Digital Tax Readiness: Nigeria’s Revenue Service urged businesses to upgrade for the digital tax era as e-invoicing rolls out to improve transaction visibility and curb revenue leakages. AI in Healthcare Quality: A Rwanda-focused study found AI “judges” can be cheaper and consistent, but they missed key clinician concerns—especially demographic bias—highlighting the need for human review. Education Funding Boost: Mastercard Foundation launched the AHEFT Prize with $500m backing; Rwanda’s University of Rwanda is among inaugural winners receiving $3m. Rwanda’s Tax Incentives Cost: Rwanda forgave Rwf 291.6bn in import-related tax relief in 2024/25, mainly through duty exemptions for industrial inputs. Regional Payments & Growth: Nigeria’s renewed PAPSS push targets easier cross-border payments to reduce costs, exchange-rate risk and unlock intra-African trade. Sport Sponsorship Model: betPawa’s Locker Room Bonus is paying instant match bonuses via pawaPass across several African leagues, including Rwanda.