AGP Executive Report

Cocoa Value Push: Côte d’Ivoire is ramping up local cocoa processing as farmgate prices fall, aiming to lift installed capacity from 1.155 million tonnes to 1.344 million tonnes in 2026/27 after new plants come online, with officials also calling for more research, mechanisation and better plant protection. Rural Connectivity: The country also launched an XOF 38 billion rural connectivity project covering 575 localities, part of efforts to extend services beyond major cities. Regional Power Links: West Africa is expanding electricity integration with over 4,000 km of transmission lines linking 15 countries, boosting cross-border power trade and improving access for millions across the region. Football & Identity: Gabon captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang says he is stepping back from international duty, accusing authorities of “humiliating” him after the 2025 AFCON in Morocco—an episode that also reignited debate across the region about how teams are managed. Global Business Note: Uber has ended operations in Uganda (and also Nigeria), leaving it active in only four African markets: Egypt, Ghana, Kenya and South Africa.

Cocoa Value Push: Côte d’Ivoire opened the 10th National Cocoa and Chocolate Days in Abidjan, with officials saying new plants will lift processing capacity to 1.344 million tonnes in 2026/27 from 1.155 million tonnes now, as farmgate prices fall and the country keeps the minimum guaranteed price at 1,200 CFA francs/kg. Market Pressure: Cocoa prices eased on larger Ivory Coast supplies and rising inventories, even as quality worries from West Africa’s crop risks continue to support the market. Power for Growth: The World Bank says West Africa has expanded cross-border electricity links with over 4,000 km of lines across 15 countries, helping more people access power and boosting regional power trade. Housing Crunch in Abidjan: An AFP report highlights how Abidjan residents struggle to find affordable, decent homes, with rental costs outpacing the minimum wage. Football & Transfers: Sunderland’s Ivory Coast winger Simon Adingra and attacker Abdoullah Ba could still leave after England’s deadline, with Ajax linked to Adingra as the Netherlands window stays open.

Housing Crunch in Abidjan: A new AFP report puts Abidjan’s rental squeeze in sharp focus, with families struggling to find decent homes on wages that don’t stretch far enough, as UN-Habitat warns rental unaffordability is among the worst in Sub-Saharan Africa. Cocoa Market Watch: Cocoa futures keep rallying as traders price in West African crop risks, with concerns over pod quality and weaker outlooks in both Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana. Cocoa Living Income Push: Fairtrade Africa calls for stronger coordination across the cocoa chain to close the living income gap, citing new living income reference prices for Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana. Electricity Subsidy Pressure: Nigeria’s electricity subsidy bill hit N1.92trn in 2025 as tariffs stayed frozen below production costs—another reminder of how energy policy can strain public finances. Football—Ivory Coast Links Abroad: Ajax are reportedly close to signing Ivory Coast winger Simon Adingra on loan ahead of the Netherlands deadline, while Chelsea confirmed Ivory Coast midfielder David Datro Fofana’s move to Servette. Business—Regional Banking: Nedbank’s bid to buy 66% of Kenya’s NCBA cleared another hurdle after Central Bank of Kenya approval, with NCBA also operating digitally in Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire.

Rural Connectivity Push: Côte d’Ivoire has completed the first phase of its National Rural Connectivity Programme (PNCR), commissioning new telecom sites and aiming to connect 575 rural localities under a XOF 38bn budget to close the digital divide and expand public e-services. Cocoa Price Pressure: Cocoa futures surged on supply fears as West African crop quality concerns grow—disease and weather are expected to hit bean quality in Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana, while early estimates point to a weaker 2026/27 season. Fair Income for Farmers: Fairtrade Africa urged stronger coordination across the cocoa chain to speed progress toward living income, citing new living income reference prices for Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana. Housing Crunch in Abidjan: A new report highlights how Abidjan’s fast growth is outpacing decent, affordable housing, with many households struggling to find homes within budgets despite the minimum wage. Trade & Business Links: Afrikrea has relaunched under its original name on its 10th anniversary, restoring a platform for African and diaspora creators.

Cocoa Market Watch: Cocoa futures surged to 11-month highs as traders priced in worsening West African crop risks, with reports pointing to poor pod development in Côte d’Ivoire and disease and weather pressure in Ghana. Fair Income Push for Farmers: Fairtrade Africa urged stronger coordination across the cocoa chain to close the living income gap, citing new reference prices including 1,758 CFA francs/kg for Côte d’Ivoire. Digital Connectivity: Côte d’Ivoire launched the first phase of its XOF 38 billion rural connectivity push, targeting 575 communities and expanding access to public e-services. Housing Crunch in Abidjan: An AFP report highlights how Abidjan’s fast growth is colliding with unaffordable rentals, leaving many families priced out despite economic gains. Trade & Business Links: Afrikrea relaunches under its original name on its 10th anniversary, aiming to reconnect African and diaspora creators with global buyers. US Deportation List: The US published an updated deportation list of 427 people from West Africa, including 15 from Côte d’Ivoire.

Deportation Watch: The US published an updated deportation list of 427 people from 16 West African countries, including Côte d’Ivoire, with names, mugshots and linked charges; Nigeria leads with 134, Liberia 111 and Ghana 44. Housing Crunch in Abidjan: An AFP report spotlights how Abidjan’s fast growth is outpacing affordable homes, leaving residents struggling to find decent rentals even as UN Habitat warns rental costs are crushing incomes across Sub-Saharan Africa. Cocoa Economy: Reuters reports Ivory Coast plans to keep the 2026/27 cocoa farmgate price fixed at 1,200 CFA francs per kg, after last season’s 2,800 CFA francs, as crop risks and disease concerns push global prices higher. Football & Talent: Ivory Coast midfielder Franck Kessié has rejoined Atalanta on a multi-year deal, while Elye Wahi’s return to OGC Nice continues to draw attention. Sports Broadcast Deal: DAZN secured rights to broadcast LaLiga EA SPORTS across Sub-Saharan Africa for three seasons starting 2026/27.

Sahel Security: Gunfire and explosions were reported overnight near Niger’s Base 101 at Niamey airport, a site hit twice this year by jihadists, with no official statement yet—raising fresh questions about the stability of the Alliance of Sahel States’ security setup. Cocoa & Rural Economy: Reuters reports Ivory Coast plans to keep the 2026/27 cocoa farmgate price fixed at 1,200 CFA francs/kg for the main crop starting September 1, as quality concerns and crop risks push global prices higher. Diplomacy & Cooperation: Côte d’Ivoire’s Minister of National Cohesion, Solidarity and the Fight Against Poverty, Belmonde Dogo, met virtually with Qatar’s Minister of State for International Cooperation, Dr Maryam al-Misnad, to discuss ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation. Football (Ivory Coast/Ghana): Ghana’s Kurt Okraku says the Black Stars are ready for their 2027 AFCON qualifier against Côte d’Ivoire, with confidence boosted by recent progress and a belief the “psychological block” is gone. Sports Media: DAZN secured rights to broadcast LaLiga EA SPORTS across Sub-Saharan Africa through 2028/29, expanding access for fans in the region.

Cocoa Policy & Prices: Ivory Coast is expected to keep the fixed cocoa farmgate price at 1,200 CFA francs/kg for the 2026/27 main crop season starting September 1, after cutting from 2,800 CFA in 2025/26 as global prices slid—while prices have since surged on fears of West African crop quality hits from black pod disease and El Niño-linked weather risk. Sports & AFCON Build-up: Ghana’s Mohammed Kudus returned to action for Tottenham after a seven-month injury lay-off, boosting the Black Stars ahead of their 2027 AFCON qualifiers; Ghana’s Kurt Okraku also says the “psychological block” is gone and a new coach is 99% in place. Ivory Coast Football Talent Abroad: Ivory Coast captain Franck Kessie has opted to rejoin Atalanta on a multi-year deal, turning down reported interest from Juventus. Health & Malaria: New research highlights how many malaria patients stop treatment once symptoms ease, worsening adherence and outcomes. Regional Security: Gunfire and explosions were reported near a military base at Niamey airport in Niger, a site hit by jihadists earlier this year. Cocoa Child Labour Efforts: Ferrero and Save the Children’s Cacao Connect initiative reports progress in Ivory Coast cocoa communities, including improved education access and reduced poverty levels.

Cocoa Policy: Ivory Coast is expected to keep the fixed cocoa farmgate price at 1,200 CFA francs/kg for the 2026/27 main crop season starting September 1, after cutting the 2025/26 guaranteed price from 2,800 CFA francs/kg. Security Watch: Gunfire and explosions were reported overnight near Base 101 at Niamey airport in Niger, a site hit twice this year by jihadist groups, with no official statement yet. Football & Identity: Ghana’s GFA president Kurt Okraku says the Black Stars are ready for a tough 2027 AFCON qualifier against Ivory Coast, insisting a “psychological block” is gone; the match is set for September 24 in Bouaké. Sports Media: DAZN secured rights to broadcast LaLiga EA SPORTS across Sub-Saharan Africa through 2028/29, bringing all matches live and on-demand. Player News: Ivory Coast captain Franck Kessié has rejoined Atalanta on a multi-year deal, turning down reported interest from Juventus.

Cocoa Price Policy: Ivory Coast is expected to keep the fixed cocoa farmgate price at 1,200 CFA francs/kg for the 2026/27 main crop season starting September 1, after a 2025/26 record 2,800 CFA price and a recent global rally driven by fears over West African crop quality. Cocoa Market Pulse: Prices jumped again to 11-month highs as black pod disease risk rises with poor sunshine in Ivory Coast and Ghana, while early surveys point to a weaker Ivory Coast harvest and a smaller Ghana crop. Regional Security: Gunfire and explosions were reported overnight near Niamey’s Base 101 airport area in Niger, a site previously hit by jihadist groups including IS Sahel and JNIM. Diplomacy & Cooperation: Qatar’s international cooperation minister met virtually with Côte d’Ivoire’s cohesion and poverty-fighting minister, and also discussed ties with the African Development Bank. Sports (Ghana vs Ivory Coast): Ghana’s football chief Kurt Okraku says a new Black Stars coach is 99% in place ahead of AFCON qualifiers, with Ivory Coast among their group rivals.

AFCON Coaching Update: Ghana’s Kurt Okraku says the Black Stars’ next head coach is “99% in place,” with only final paperwork left before the team regroups for 2027 qualifiers, and he insists the squad has shaken off the “psychological block” ahead of the Côte d’Ivoire clash in Bouaké. Côte d’Ivoire–Ghana Football Context: Okraku also credits Ghana’s 2023 AFCON mistakes—especially the late collapse vs Mozambique—for helping Ivory Coast’s path to the title. Cocoa & Child Labour: Ferrero and Save the Children’s Cacao Connect initiative reports progress in Ivory Coast cocoa communities, including more access to education and reduced poverty levels, as the fight against child labour continues. Business in Ivory Coast: Olam Agri completes its acquisition of ASAF, nearly doubling rubber processing capacity in Côte d’Ivoire to boost traceable supply for international buyers. Health & Care: A study highlights how misunderstandings about malaria treatment lead some patients to stop medication early—undermining efforts to control the disease. Regional Security Lens: Coverage from the Sahel points to the limits of new security arrangements after coups, warning that changing partners and uniforms hasn’t yet translated into safer outcomes for civilians.

AFCON Qualifiers Focus: Ghana’s Kurt Okraku says the “psychological block” that hurt the Black Stars in big games is gone, adding that Ghana’s past mistakes helped Ivory Coast’s rise to AFCON glory; the teams meet in Bouaké on 24 September 2026. Sports Spotlight: Ivory Coast legend Yaya Touré made history as the first African coach to reach the UEFA Champions League league phase, after Slovan Bratislava beat Celje on aggregate. Cocoa & Accountability: A new Ivory Coast cocoa study warns that at least 1 in 4 traceability audits may include manipulated data to meet sustainability targets, raising pressure ahead of delayed EU deforestation rules. Business & Jobs: Olam Agri completed its acquisition of ASAF, nearly doubling its rubber processing capacity in Ivory Coast to boost traceable supply for international buyers. Health & Treatment: Coverage highlights how malaria misconceptions and poor adherence can worsen outcomes, while separate reporting notes Senegal’s first Africa-made sickle cell treatment is expanding access. Diplomacy: Qatar’s international cooperation minister met Côte d’Ivoire’s Belmonde Dogo and the AfDB president to discuss cooperation.

Meta Settlement & Youth Safety: Parents in the US question what Meta hid after a $18bn settlement over alleged design flaws that fueled child addiction, cyberbullying and extortion, with Meta promising stronger protections for young users. Côte d’Ivoire–Qatar/AfDB Diplomacy: Belmonde Dogo met Qatar’s international cooperation minister Maryam al-Misnad and also held talks with AfDB president Sidi Ould Tah, focusing on cooperation and support. Cocoa Integrity in Côte d’Ivoire: A study warns that at least 1 in 4 cocoa traceability audits in Côte d’Ivoire may include manipulated data, raising fresh concerns ahead of delayed EU deforestation rules. Cocoa Community Progress: Ferrero and Save the Children report gains in tackling child labour in Ivorian cocoa areas via education access and rights awareness, alongside poverty reduction. Health & Access: Research highlights how malaria treatment misunderstandings and stopping meds early can worsen outcomes, while Senegal’s Teranga Pharma says it has produced Africa-made hydroxyurea to cut sickle-cell costs. Business & Rubber Expansion: Olam Agri completed its acquisition of Asia Africa Rubber Industry, adding 176,000 tons of annual rubber processing capacity in Côte d’Ivoire. Trade & Shipping Pressure: Dangote Cement says it may buy its own ships after failing to secure vessels for cement exports to Ghana, pointing to regional tax and logistics bottlenecks. Legislative Cooperation: Vietnam and Côte d’Ivoire moved to deepen parliamentary and agricultural cooperation after Ivorian lawmakers visited Vietnam’s agriculture models.

Cocoa Integrity Under Scrutiny: A new ETH Zurich-linked study says at least 1 in 4 cocoa traceability audits in Côte d’Ivoire used manipulated data to meet sustainability targets, raising concerns ahead of delayed EU deforestation rules. Cocoa Market Pressure: Cocoa prices stayed mixed as abundant global supplies weighed on sentiment, while Ivory Coast shipment volumes rose sharply in the marketing year. Regional Security Crackdown: INTERPOL’s “Operation Jackal IV” wrapped up with 58 arrests and 263 suspects identified across 22 countries, targeting West African cyber fraud networks and linking the same criminal infrastructure to sextortion campaigns. Health Innovation in West Africa: A Senegalese firm says it has produced the first Africa-made generic hydroxyurea for sickle cell disease, aiming to cut costs and improve access. Trade and Diplomacy: Vietnam and Côte d’Ivoire’s parliamentary leaders discussed deeper cooperation, including agricultural development models after visits to rice and processing sites in Can Tho. Sports Spotlight: Manchester City signed teenage midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille in a reported $117m deal, seen as a long-term Rodri replacement.

INTERPOL Crackdown: Operation Jackal IV, an eight-month international push across 22 countries, ended August 25 with 58 arrests and 263 suspects identified, targeting West African cyber-enabled fraud networks and money laundering; Côte d’Ivoire was among participating countries. Cocoa Integrity: A new study on Ivory Coast cocoa traceability audits found at least one in four audits used manipulated data to meet sustainability targets, raising concerns ahead of delayed EU deforestation rules. Côte d’Ivoire–Vietnam Ties: Ivorian National Assembly leaders met Vietnam counterparts in Hanoi and studied agricultural and seafood processing models in Can Tho, with rice trade and processing capacity highlighted. Business & Trade: CB&I won a three-year Ivory Coast contract for operations and maintenance of an FPSO vessel. Agriculture Plan: Côte d’Ivoire launched an interim coconut replanting push aiming for 100,000 hectares over the next decade to reverse falling production. Sports (Regional): Group F of the 2027 Africa World Cup qualifiers kicks off in Dakar with Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal tied on 11 points after six matches.

Timber Smuggling Probe: An investigation says Israeli-owned Horizon Logging shipped about US$437,000 worth of timber to Côte d’Ivoire in 2023-2024 without using Liberia’s legal LiberTrace system and without paying export taxes, pointing to smuggling across eastern borders. Cocoa Integrity Under Scrutiny: A new study warns that sustainability audits on Côte d’Ivoire cocoa farms may be manipulated, with auditors more likely to adjust records to meet planting benchmarks—raising concerns for EU-linked deforestation rules. Coconut Replanting Push: Côte d’Ivoire launched a plan to replant 100,000 hectares of coconut over the next decade after production fell sharply, with 2,000 hectares targeted for 2027. Oil & Gas Contract: CB&I’s Asset Solutions won a three-year operations and maintenance contract in Côte d’Ivoire for an FPSO vessel, including restart, integrity management and compliance. Crime Crackdown: Interpol’s Operation Jackal IV (22 countries) led to 58 arrests and 263 suspects linked to West African cyber-enabled fraud and money laundering. Football Spotlight: Real Madrid officially presented Ivorian winger Yan Diomande, while OGC Nice confirmed Ivory Coast striker Elye Wahi’s loan return.