AGP Executive Report

Gabon–Ghana Climate & Diplomacy Push: Ghana and Gabon kicked off a new phase of strategic cooperation as President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema began a three-day state visit to Accra, signing MoUs on political consultations and diplomat training while reaffirming shared commitments under Agenda 2063 and the UN 2030 SDGs—with environmental protection and climate action explicitly on the agenda. Heat Risk & Power Gap: A new climate report warns Ghana faces rising heat deaths because electricity growth lags behind cooling needs, highlighting a “mortality-cooling trap” that Gabon and the region should watch as temperatures climb. AU Water Security Meeting: Foreign ministers and senior officials arrived in Addis Ababa for the AU Executive Council session focused on water security and safe sanitation, a key environmental priority for Central and West Africa. Gabon Mining Value-Chain: Eramet signed an MoU with Gabon to build new manganese processing capacity (up to 700,000 tonnes annually by 2031) as Libreville moves to curb raw exports from 2029—an industrial shift with major biodiversity and pollution implications if safeguards lag. Wildlife Discovery: Scientists named a new Congo monkey species, Likweli, adding to the region’s biodiversity spotlight and underscoring the need for habitat protection.

OPEC Shake-Up: The UAE says it will withdraw from OPEC effective May 1, 2026, a move that could tilt internal power toward Saudi Arabia and Iraq and raise pressure on other producers to defend market share. Heat and Power Risk: Ghana faces a “mortality-cooling trap,” with a new report warning rising temperatures will outpace electricity growth, projecting about 19 extra heat-related deaths per 100,000 people by 2050. AU Water Agenda: Foreign ministers are arriving in Addis Ababa for the AU Executive Council session focused on sustainable water availability and safe sanitation systems. Gabon-Ghana Climate and Environment Talks: Gabon’s President Brice Oligui Nguema begins a three-day state visit to Ghana (July 28–30), with discussions expected to include environmental protection and climate action alongside trade, mining, energy, forestry, fisheries, and transport. Mining for Local Value: Eramet signed an MoU with Gabon to build manganese processing facilities treating up to 700,000 tonnes of ore annually by 2031, as Libreville prepares to restrict exports of unprocessed manganese from January 2029. Wildlife Discovery: A newly named Congo monkey species, Likweli, has been identified, adding to biodiversity knowledge in the region.

Gabon–Ghana Climate & Environment Talks: President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema is set for a three-day state visit to Ghana (July 28–30), with talks expected to cover environmental protection and climate action alongside trade, mining, forestry, fisheries and maritime cooperation. Manganese Value-Chain Push: Eramet signed an MoU with Gabon to build manganese processing facilities that could treat up to 700,000 tonnes of ore annually by 2031, as Libreville prepares to restrict exports of unprocessed manganese from January 2029—aiming to deepen local beneficiation and support battery-material demand. France–Gabon Environmental Cooperation: During President Oligui Nguema’s state visit to France, leaders backed agreements linked to environmental preservation, urban water management and transport networks, as Gabon seeks stronger industrial and infrastructure partnerships. Wildlife Discovery: A newly named African monkey, Likweli (from the Congo), highlights how much biodiversity is still being uncovered in Central Africa, as primates face heavy extinction pressure. Regional Security Funding Pressure: African Union members, including Gabon, are urging Somalia to prepare for the eventual end of the AU peace mission as international funding uncertainty grows—an indirect pressure point for regional stability. Fashion Exports to Africa: Export initiatives in fashion are accelerating across Africa via franchising forums like Afretail, reflecting a growing consumer market that could shape supply chains and local retail growth.

Gabon–Ghana Diplomacy: President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema begins a three-day state visit to Ghana (July 28–30), with talks expected to cover trade, mining, energy, forestry and fisheries, plus environmental protection and climate action. Biodiversity Spotlight: A newly named African monkey, Likweli (Colobus congoensis), has been described from the Democratic Republic of Congo, adding to growing evidence of how much wildlife diversity still remains poorly known. Mining & Climate-Linked Industry: Eramet signed an MoU with Gabon to build new manganese processing facilities, targeting up to 700,000 tonnes of ore treated annually by 2031, as Libreville moves toward local beneficiation and plans to restrict unprocessed exports from 2029. Regional Environment Governance: Gabon is also mentioned in African Union discussions on the future of the Somalia peace mission, with member states urging a transition plan—an indirect reminder that stability affects long-term resource and environmental management.

Gabon-France Climate & Industry Diplomacy: President Brice Oligui Nguema began a state visit to France, with talks focused on environmental cooperation and pushing French firm Eramet to process Gabon’s manganese locally as Libreville moves to ban unprocessed ore exports from January 2029. Mining Value-Chain Push: Eramet signed an MoU to build new manganese processing facilities treating up to 700,000 tonnes of ore annually by 2031, a major step toward deeper domestic beneficiation and battery-material supply chains. Regional Cooperation on Climate Action: Oligui Nguema will also travel to Ghana for a three-day official visit (July 28–30), where leaders plan talks spanning mining, forestry, fisheries, maritime affairs, and environmental protection and climate action. Wildlife Discovery: A newly named African monkey, Likweli, has been identified in the Congo, adding to biodiversity knowledge as primates face heavy extinction pressure. Fisheries Governance: The WTO Fish Fund approved $2.2m in grants to help developing members implement the fisheries subsidies agreement, including upgrades to reporting, data collection, and regulation.

Gabon–Ghana Climate & Environment Talks: President Brice Oligui Nguema will lead a three-day official visit to Ghana (July 28–30), with bilateral talks expected to cover environmental protection and climate action alongside forestry, fisheries, mining, energy and agriculture. Congo Basin Forest Value Drive: The UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) is convening a regional scoping meeting in Yaounde (July 29–30) on sustainable industrialization of Central Africa’s timber value chain, aiming to turn forest wealth into industrial value while protecting the Congo Basin’s natural capital. Biodiversity Spotlight: A newly named African monkey species, Likweli (Colobus congoensis), has been identified in the Democratic Republic of Congo, adding to growing evidence of how much biodiversity remains poorly understood in Central Africa. Gabon–France Manganese Processing: President Oligui Ngema’s state visit to France includes pressure on Eramet to expand local manganese processing in Gabon, as Libreville’s January 2029 deadline for ore processing before export becomes a key point of negotiation.

Mining & Industry: Eramet signed an MoU with Gabon to build new manganese processing facilities that could treat up to 700,000 tonnes of ore annually by 2031, as Libreville prepares to ban exports of unprocessed manganese from January 2029—pushing a stronger domestic value chain for battery materials and steel. Diplomacy & Environment: President Brice Oligui Ngema’s state visit to France focuses on deepening ties and agreements tied to economic modernization, environmental preservation, urban water management and transport, with French support and EU partnerships highlighted. Regional Security (AU): Cameroon and Gabon urged Somalia to plan for the end of the AU peace mission, warning that AUSSOM cannot continue indefinitely as funding uncertainty grows—an issue that can also affect stability and humanitarian conditions. Wildlife: A newly named African monkey species, Likweli (from the Congo), was described as a fresh addition to primate diversity, underscoring how much biodiversity remains to be discovered. Fisheries Governance: The WTO Fish Fund approved $2.2m in grants for 17 developing members to implement the Fisheries Subsidies Agreement, including better reporting, data collection and regulatory frameworks. Sports (Gabon debut): Gabon made its Commonwealth Games debut in Glasgow, with the opening ceremony spotlighting the King’s Baton Relay.

Biodiversity Discovery: A newly named African monkey, Likweli (Colobus congoensis), has been identified in the Congo, adding a fresh branch to the primate family tree and underlining how much wildlife diversity is still being uncovered. Mining & Local Value Chains: Eramet has signed an MoU with Gabon to build new manganese processing facilities that could treat up to 700,000 tonnes of ore annually by 2031, as Libreville moves toward banning raw manganese exports from January 2029. France–Gabon Cooperation: President Brice Oligui Nguema’s state visit to France focuses on deeper economic and security ties, including agreements linked to environmental preservation, urban water and transport, and talks with Macron on industrial priorities. Regional Security Pressure: African Union member states, including Gabon, warn that the Somalia peace mission (AUSSOM) cannot continue indefinitely, urging Mogadishu to build self-sustaining security capacity as funding uncertainty grows. Energy & Jobs: Dietsmann highlights long-running operations and maintenance support across Gabon and the region, positioning its expertise for Africa’s energy future at African Energy Week.

Gabon–France Ties: President Brice Oligui Nguema began a state visit to Paris, with talks focused on economic modernization and environmental priorities, including Gabon’s push for Eramet to process manganese locally and a deadline for ore processing before export. Mining & Climate-Linked Industry: Eramet signed an MoU with Gabon to build new manganese processing facilities targeting up to 700,000 tonnes of ore annually by 2031, as Libreville moves to boost domestic value chains and reduce raw exports. Wildlife Discovery: Scientists named a new Congo monkey species, Likweli (Colobus congoensis), adding to growing evidence of how much biodiversity remains poorly known in Central Africa. Fisheries Governance: The WTO Fish Fund approved about $2.2m in grants for 17 developing countries to implement the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, aiming to strengthen reporting, data collection and regulation. Energy & Jobs: Dietsmann highlighted decades of oil, gas and power operations and maintenance across Gabon and the region as it joins African Energy Week 2026, underscoring workforce development alongside reliability.

Fisheries Governance: The WTO Fish Fund steering committee approved $2.2 million in grants for 17 developing and least-developed members to implement the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, including needs assessments, better reporting, stronger data collection and regulatory frameworks—bringing total beneficiaries to more than 40 members. Biodiversity Discovery: A newly named African monkey, Likweli (Colobus congoensis), has been identified in the Congo, adding a fresh branch to the primate family tree at a time when many primates remain under heavy threat. Climate & Energy Security: The IEA warns that critical minerals supply chains are becoming more fragile as investment in mining and refining fell 9%, with China and Indonesia driving most refined output growth and export controls raising major downstream risks. Gabon–France Resources: Gabon’s President Oligui Ngema begins a state visit to France, pressing for local processing of mined manganese via Eramet, while also discussing French force withdrawals and land titles tied to a former army base. Wildlife & Trade Links: Global seaborne bulk steel flows fell about 8% in 2026 Q2, while manganese, chrome and nickel ore shipments rose—signals that mineral demand and shipping routes are shifting. Regional Peace & Sustainability: AU members, including Cameroon and Gabon, say the Somalia peace mission cannot continue indefinitely and urge Mogadishu to build self-sustaining security institutions.

Wildlife Discovery: Scientists have named a new Congo monkey species, Likweli (Colobus congoensis), adding a fresh branch to primate family history and underscoring how much biodiversity still remains poorly known in Central Africa. Conservation & Enforcement: Malaysia’s authorities seized 34 protected Blyth’s river frogs in a raid, detaining a man without the required permits—another reminder that wildlife trade crackdowns matter for species survival. Gabon–France Environment & Resources: Gabon’s President Oligui Ngema is in France pushing for local processing of manganese mined in Gabon, with environmental priorities and timelines (including a 2029 processing deadline) at the center of talks. Energy & Local Capacity: Dietsmann will sponsor African Energy Week 2026 in Cape Town, highlighting decades of oil, gas and power operations and maintenance support across countries including Gabon. Critical Minerals Risk: The IEA warns that rare-earth and other critical mineral supply chains are becoming more concentrated and vulnerable to export controls, even as clean-energy demand grows.

Commonwealth Games in Glasgow: Togo and Gabon make their debuts as bowls and para bowls begin at the Scottish Exhibition Centre, with all 74 Commonwealth members expected to take part. Gabon–France ties: President Brice Oligui Nguema’s state visit to Paris focuses on economic and security cooperation, including environmental preservation and urban water and transport priorities. Mining & climate-linked industry: Eramet signed an MoU with Gabon to build manganese processing capacity treating up to 700,000 tonnes of ore annually by 2031, as Libreville prepares to ban exports of unprocessed manganese from January 2029 to push local value chains. Wildlife protection: In Malaysia, authorities seized 34 protected Blyth’s river frogs in a raid, highlighting ongoing pressure against illegal wildlife trade. Clean-energy minerals risk: The IEA warns critical minerals supply chains are becoming more concentrated, with export controls and investment drops raising economic security concerns for clean-energy technologies.

Somalia Peace Mission Funding: Cameroon and Gabon warned inside the African Union that AUSSOM in Somalia can’t run indefinitely as funding tightens and the US signals opposition to UN support beyond 2026, pushing Mogadishu to build self-sustaining security institutions. Gabon–France Economic & Environmental Cooperation: President Brice Oligui Nguema began a state visit to Paris where both sides signed cooperation deals touching environmental preservation and urban water and transport, while also discussing a push for French forces’ withdrawal and land issues at a former base. Manganese Value Chain: Eramet signed an MoU with Gabon to build manganese processing facilities treating up to 700,000 tonnes of ore annually by 2031, ahead of Libreville’s plan to ban raw manganese exports from January 2029. Water Security in Central Africa: Gabon joined Chad in launching the African Water Forum, with leaders stressing safe drinking water gaps and climate-driven risks. Wildlife Protection: Malaysia authorities seized 34 protected Blyth’s river frogs in Bentong, highlighting ongoing enforcement against illegal wildlife trade.

Mining & Industry: Eramet signed an MoU with Gabon to build new manganese processing facilities that could treat up to 700,000 tonnes of ore a year by 2031, as Libreville prepares to ban exports of unprocessed manganese from January 2029—pushing a stronger domestic value chain for battery and steel supply. Diplomacy & Environment: President Brice Oligui Nguema’s state visit to France in Paris focused on economic modernization and also referenced cooperation tied to environmental preservation, including urban water management and transport upgrades. Water Security: At the African Water Forum in Chad, Gabon’s president backed urgent action on drinking water access, as leaders warned that climate change and falling storage capacity are worsening the crisis across the region. Wildlife Protection: A raid in Malaysia seized 34 protected Blyth’s river frogs, highlighting how illegal wildlife trade continues to threaten species—an issue Gabon’s conservation community watches closely.

Mining & Industry: Eramet signed an MoU with Gabon to build new manganese processing facilities that could treat up to 700,000 tonnes of ore annually by end-2031, as Libreville prepares to ban exports of unprocessed manganese from January 2029 to push local value addition. Diplomacy & Environment-linked Cooperation: President Brice Oligui Nguema’s state visit to France saw Macron welcome him at the Élysée, with new agreements covering modernization and sectors including environmental preservation, urban water management and transport. Water Security: The African Water Forum opened in Chad with Gabon’s president stressing urgent action to guarantee universal access to safe drinking water, as leaders warned that climate change and falling storage capacity are worsening the crisis. Wildlife Protection: In Malaysia, authorities seized 34 protected Blyth’s river frogs in a raid, highlighting ongoing enforcement against illegal possession and trading of wildlife. Nature Science: Researchers in the Congo Basin identified a new monkey species with orange lips and distinctive roars and snorts, adding to Africa’s rare primate discoveries. Climate & Energy Risk: The IEA warned that critical minerals supply chains are becoming more fragile, with investment down and concentration rising, as export controls—especially by China—raise economic security concerns. Green Mobility (Regional): Changan opened its first Ethiopian showroom as Ethiopia’s EV-only import policy reshapes the market, signaling wider momentum for cleaner transport across Africa.

Biodiversity & Wildlife Crime: UK-backed conservation in the Congo basin took a hit as the UK abandoned tens of millions of pounds in rainforest projects, raising concerns about funding gaps for local protection efforts. New Species Discovery: Scientists in the DRC identified a new orange-lipped monkey species, “likweli,” highlighting how much biodiversity still remains unknown in Congo rainforests. Water Security: The African Water Forum opened in Chad with leaders including Gabon’s president, warning that hundreds of millions lack safe drinking water and that climate change could sharply worsen regional economic losses. Climate & Food Risks: A drought linked to extreme heat and low rainfall is damaging crops in Uganda, while UN agencies are seeking funds to help countries cope with El Niño impacts on food systems. Governance & Environment Policy: Gabon’s president began a France state visit focused on manganese processing rules, with a local processing deadline set for 2029 and talks on environmental priorities and deeper cooperation. Protected Species Seizures: In Malaysia, authorities seized 34 protected river frogs in a raid, underscoring ongoing illegal wildlife trade pressures across regions.