AGP Executive Report

U.S.-Africa Trade Shock: The U.S. proposes a 12.5% tariff on imports from eight African economies—Algeria, Angola, Egypt, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Nigeria and South Africa—over forced-labour and weak enforcement concerns, with a public comment period before any final move. Mauritania Energy Deal: Aura Energy says it is pushing toward a year-end final investment decision for its Tiris uranium project, with talks for up to $170m U.S. DFC financing and a memorandum of understanding with a major nuclear utility. Health Cooperation: Egypt and Mauritania discussed expanding healthcare ties, including medical training, preventive health and pharmaceutical collaboration. Humanitarian Pressure in the Sahel: UN OCHA warns about 24 million people need aid across the Sahel as violence, displacement and climate shocks worsen, while funding remains at its lowest level in a decade. AfDB Investment Push: AfDB President Sidi Ould Tah urges Africa to mobilize its own savings for productive investment, arguing the continent’s transformation needs over $400bn annually. Migration Off Mauritania: New maritime rescues off Mauritania highlight intensifying Atlantic irregular migration, with 911 migrants intercepted in five days.

Uranium Investment Push (Mauritania): Aura Energy says it is on track for a final investment decision by end-2026 for its Tiris uranium project after signing an MoU with a “major” international nuclear utility, with a bankable feasibility study due in September and funding options including potential cornerstone equity and project debt discussions. Energy Costs & Trade Risk (Regional): UNCTAD warns that Strait of Hormuz disruptions could add over $20bn a year to oil import bills for vulnerable economies, with Mauritania flagged as highly exposed to higher prices. Maritime Migration Pressure (Mauritania): New rescues off Mauritania’s Atlantic coast involved 911 migrants, including 181 Gambians, highlighting a persistent, intensifying irregular migration flow tied to limited local opportunities. Sahel Security Spillover (Mali/Region): Fighting around Mali’s Kidal escalates as the FLA and JNIM coordinate against the state, raising fears of wider instability across the Sahel. Health Funding (DRC): CEPI commits about $60m to accelerate Ebola Bundibugyo vaccine development led by Moderna and partners, as the outbreak in eastern DRC remains a public health emergency. US Deportations (West Africa): The US confirms deportation of 355 people from West Africa, including Mauritania (12), as names and photos are released.

Energy Costs & Trade Exposure: UNCTAD warns Strait of Hormuz disruptions could lift annual oil import bills for vulnerable economies by $20B+; crude and gasoline prices jumped sharply, hitting net oil importers like Mauritania hardest via higher fuel costs and inflation pressure. Mauritania Energy Investment: Aura Energy says it has a “clear run” toward a year-end final investment decision for its Tiris uranium mine in Mauritania, supported by a MoU with a major nuclear utility and a funding pathway spanning strategic equity, project debt and other capital sources. Regional Security & Sahel Politics: Mali’s junta and Russian backers launched airstrikes on Kidal, after the FLA and JNIM drove out Malian forces; the episode underscores shifting alliances in northern Mali that also touch Mauritania’s wider Sahel security context. Global Finance Watch: The IMF flags central bank independence gaps across the Middle East and Central Asia, warning political pressure and fiscal demands can worsen inflation when shocks hit. US Deportations Impacting West Africa: The US confirmed deportation of 355 people from West Africa, including Mauritania (12), with names and photos released.

Uranium Investment in Mauritania: Aura Energy says it has a clear path to a final investment decision for its Tiris uranium project by year-end, supported by a MoU with a major nuclear utility and a funding mix that could include strategic equity and project debt—positioning Tiris as Mauritania’s first uranium mine. Clean Cooking Finance: The AfDB launched its Rome Process/Mattei Plan Financing Facility Clean Cooking Program, targeting about one million households with an initial €25m envelope and aiming to cut millions of tonnes of CO2. Oil Shock Warning for Vulnerable Economies: UNCTAD warns that disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz could push up fuel import bills and inflation for 75 vulnerable economies, with a sustained 50% oil price rise adding over $20bn a year. Central Bank Independence: The IMF flags renewed pressure on central banks in the Middle East and Central Asia to fund governments, warning that weaker independence can let inflation shocks stick. Sahel Security Context: Ghana’s president links Sahel instability partly to Libya’s collapse, arguing it enabled terrorist safe havens and stresses regional cooperation including Mauritania. Regional Deportations: The US released names and photos of 355 people deported from West Africa, including 12 from Mauritania.

Nuclear & Mining Investment: Aura Energy signed an MOU with a major nuclear utility, outlining potential uranium offtake and technical collaboration that could support a final investment decision for its Tiris project in Mauritania by year-end. Fuel Markets: Morocco’s diesel eased slightly (down MAD 0.53/l) but remains well above pre-Iran-war levels, highlighting how regulated vs liberalized pricing is driving diverging regional costs. Sahel Security: Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama said Libya’s collapse helped create routes for terrorism into the Sahel, urging stability efforts that include Algeria and Mauritania. Public Health Funding: CEPI will provide about $60m to Moderna and partners to accelerate an Ebola vaccine for the Bundibugyo strain, with trials potentially starting within months. Energy Access Finance: AfDB and Italy-backed funding launched a clean cooking programme targeting one million African households, aiming to cut millions of tonnes of CO2. Mining Sector Outlook: The World Bank says mineral demand could double by 2040 and is expanding support to turn mining into jobs via better governance, infrastructure, and private investment.

Mining & Jobs: The World Bank says mineral demand could double by 2040 and is expanding support to help resource-rich developing countries turn mining into jobs and growth, stressing governance, infrastructure and private investment. Clean Energy Access: The AfDB launched a Clean Cooking Program in Brazzaville with an initial €25m envelope, aiming to reach about one million households and cut 5m tonnes of CO2, using blended grant and concessional finance. Regional Energy & Markets: World Bank-backed momentum for mining is also echoed by a push for critical minerals partnerships, as Africa positions itself for faster industrialisation and supply-chain investment. Mauritania-Sahara Diplomacy: Morocco’s UN push gained fresh momentum as Burundi reiterated support for the Moroccan Autonomy plan and welcomed UN Security Council Resolution 2797, while Mauritania is named among the parties expected to engage in the UN process. Governance & Business Climate: Morocco ranked first in Africa’s industrialisation index for the first time, according to AfDB data, a signal for investors watching industrial policy execution across the region.

Clean Cooking Finance: The African Development Bank and Italy-backed Rome Process/Mattei Plan Financing Facility launched a clean cooking programme in Brazzaville with an initial €25m envelope, aiming to reach about one million African households and cut millions of tonnes of CO2. Press Freedom Watch: Reporters Without Borders’ 2026 World Press Freedom Index shows a sharp global decline, with over half of countries now in “difficult” or “very serious” categories and the world at a 25-year low. Mauritania-Linked Energy & Trade: Sahara Group’s Mauritania bunkering operations are highlighted as boosting Africa’s maritime trade corridor. Mining & Industrialisation Agenda: AfDB’s Africa Industrialisation Index puts Morocco first in Africa for the first time, while Mining On Top Africa 2026 in Paris spotlights how critical minerals can drive jobs and industrial growth. Regional Business Context: A weekly investor briefing flags Senegal’s political shake-up and IMF-linked fiscal pressure as a key risk for West African markets.

Clean Cooking Finance: The AfDB and Italy launched a new clean cooking programme in Brazzaville with an initial €25m envelope, aiming to reach about one million African households and cut millions of tonnes of CO2, as energy access gaps remain huge across the continent. Press Freedom Watch: Reporters Without Borders’ 2026 mapping shows global press freedom at a 25-year low, with over half of countries now in “difficult” or “very serious” categories—an issue that matters for business transparency and risk. Senegal’s Political Shock: Senegal’s President Faye sacked PM Sonko and dissolved the government amid an IMF debt crisis and budget pressure, raising near-term uncertainty for investors and public spending. Mauritania in the Spotlight: Mauritania’s PM attended Saudi Arabia’s Hajj leadership reception, underscoring regional diplomatic ties that can support trade and investment links. Ghana’s Rights-and-Compliance Risk: Ghana’s parliament passed a bill criminalizing “promotion” of LGBTQ activities, with prison terms up to 10 years—likely to affect civil society operations and compliance risk for companies. Mining & Trade Corridors: Sahara Group’s Mauritania bunkering operations are highlighted as boosting Africa’s maritime trade corridor, tying port services to regional commerce.

South Africa-Gulf Finance: South Africa is seeking billions from Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar to revive a stalling economy, even as its Iran engagement and wider BRICS alignment unsettle investors and complicate trade ties. Ghana Law & Rights: Ghana’s parliament passed a bill that would impose up to 10 years in prison for people who promote, sponsor or advocate LGBTQ+ acts, and ban funding for related groups and activities—expected to be signed by President John Dramani Mahama. Senegal Political Shock: Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye fired PM Ousmane Sonko and dissolved the cabinet amid a frozen IMF programme, a heavy debt load and budget pressure from fuel subsidies, raising near-term uncertainty for business and investment. Mauritania Business & Hajj Links: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince hosted senior Islamic figures and leaders including Mauritania’s PM Mokhtar Ould Djay at the annual Hajj reception, underscoring continued regional state-to-state engagement. Mining & Critical Minerals: Africa’s mining agenda is heating up, with events like Mining On Top Africa 2026 in Paris focusing on sovereignty, sustainability and global partnerships—while the EU moves toward a critical minerals stockpile (tungsten, rare earths, gallium) to reduce reliance on China. Nouakchott Development: Qatar Charity inaugurated a multi-service center in Nouakchott, adding to local social infrastructure efforts.

South Africa-Gulf Finance: South Africa is courting Saudi, UAE and Qatar for billions to rescue a stalling economy, even as its Iran, Russia and China ties unsettle investors and complicate trade and industrial recovery. Mining & Critical Minerals: Africa’s mining agenda is heating up, with Mining On Top Africa 2026 in Paris set to spotlight sovereignty, sustainability and global partnerships, while the EU moves toward a joint critical minerals stockpile (tungsten, rare earths, gallium) to cut reliance on China. Mauritania Energy Trade: Sahara Group’s Mauritania bunkering operations are boosting Africa’s maritime trade corridor, underlining the country’s role in regional energy logistics. Morocco-Industrial Push: Morocco topped Africa’s industrialisation index for the first time, signaling shifting competitiveness across the region. Ghana Legal & Business Risk: Ghana’s parliament passed a bill that could impose up to 10 years in prison for promoting LGBTQ activities, a move that may raise compliance and reputational risks for regional firms. Regional Security & Disruption: Mali’s security situation remains volatile, with renewed pressure on Bamako and wider instability that can disrupt commerce and investment.

Mauritania & Regional Diplomacy: Morocco’s UN envoy Omar Hilale pushed back on keeping the Moroccan Sahara on the UN C-24 agenda, arguing the Security Council’s Resolution 2797 and the Autonomy Plan should drive the process. Sahara & Development Links: A “Bridge to Africa” academic program opened at the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, with a delegation from Mauritania’s University of Tifariti, aiming to build shared research and education pathways between Africa and the Canaries. Energy & Trade Risk: A heatwave plus the Iran–US conflict is tightening energy supplies, with grid stress and rising electricity demand raising the risk of shortages across the region. Infrastructure Finance: African ministers and AfDB stakeholders backed “asset recycling” to fund new infrastructure without adding to debt, using mature public assets like ports, roads and energy networks. Mining & Commodities: The EU is moving toward a joint critical minerals stockpile (tungsten, rare earths, gallium), a signal for supply-chain investment opportunities across Africa. Security Watch (Sahel): Mali’s crisis deepened as JNIM-linked offensives and blockades intensified, raising fears of spillover across the Sahel.

Mauritania’s Maritime Trade Boost: Sahara Group says its Mauritania bunkering operations are strengthening Africa’s maritime trade corridor. Regional Energy Pressure: Early heatwaves plus the Iran war are tightening coal and gas supplies and raising the risk of energy shortages across parts of Africa and beyond. Infrastructure Financing Push: African ministers and AfDB-linked partners are calling for asset recycling to fund new infrastructure without adding to debt. Sahara/UN Diplomacy: Morocco’s UN envoy argues the Polisario/Sahara file should not sit on the UN C-24 agenda, citing Security Council primacy and backing for Morocco’s autonomy plan. Education & Research Links: A Bridge to Africa program opened in the Canary Islands with a delegation from Mauritania’s University of Tifariti, aiming for shared academic pathways between Africa and Europe. Sahel Security Spillover: Mali’s crisis deepens as jihadist groups tighten pressure, raising risks for regional stability and business activity.

Mauritania Maritime & Energy: Sahara Group has started bunkering operations in Mauritania after winning a 2026 licence, with a bunker tanker offshore Nouadhibou enabling immediate supply of marine fuels to vessels—aimed at boosting port competitiveness and turnaround efficiency along the Atlantic corridor. Digital Infrastructure: Orange-led consortium signed an MoU to build Via Africa, a 20,000km subsea cable linking Europe to West Africa and extending south, with landing points including Mauritania—another push to strengthen regional connectivity and resilience to cable outages. Finance & Development: The AfDB annual meeting opened in Brazzaville under Ebola fears and Iran-war fallout, with new AfDB president Sidi Ould Tah (former Mauritanian finance minister) pushing “affordable capital” and more private-sector fundraising to close Africa’s $400bn financing gap. Regional Trade & Agriculture: Morocco’s lemon exports surged in 2025/26, with Mauritania ranking second as a destination market—highlighting shifting West African demand patterns. Sahel Business Risk: Mali’s security situation worsened with renewed rebel pressure and a tighter blockade on Bamako, raising uncertainty for trade routes and investment sentiment across the region. Climate & Land Use: The Great Green Wall marks 20 years, with Sahel countries including Mauritania aiming to restore degraded land, create green jobs, and slow desertification.

Mauritania’s Maritime Trade Boost: Sahara Group has started bunkering operations in Mauritania after winning a 2026 licence, with a bunker tanker offshore Nouadhibou enabling immediate supply of marine fuels to vessels—aimed at improving port competitiveness and turnaround times. Digital Infrastructure Push: Orange and partners are moving ahead with Via Africa, a 20,000km subsea cable linking Europe to West Africa (including Mauritania) to reduce outage risks and strengthen connectivity for telecoms, fintech and business. Regional Development Finance: The African Development Bank’s annual meeting opens in Brazzaville under pressure from Ebola fears and the Iran-war-driven cost shock, with new AfDB president Sidi Ould Tah prioritizing “affordable capital” and closing Africa’s $400bn financing gap. Energy & Business Agenda: At a West Africa Energy Summit, business leaders argued the region’s energy future must shift from only exports to industrialization, infrastructure and reliable access—especially using natural gas strategically in the near term. Agriculture & Trade Note: Morocco exported 11,400 tons of lemons in the first half of 2025/26, with Mauritania among key destinations.

Mauritania’s Maritime Fuel Push: Sahara Group has started bunkering operations in Mauritania after winning a 2026 licence, with a bunker tanker offshore Nouadhibou supplying MGO and VLSFO to vessels—aimed at boosting port competitiveness and trade along the Atlantic corridor. Digital Infrastructure: Orange-led consortium signed an MoU for Via Africa, a 20,000km subsea cable linking Europe to West Africa (including Mauritania) and extending further south, targeting more resilient connectivity for banking, telecoms and enterprise services. Regional Finance Agenda: The AfDB annual meeting opened in Brazzaville under pressure from Ebola fears and Iran-war fallout, with new president Sidi Ould Tah pushing “affordable capital” and asset-recycling style financing to narrow Africa’s $400bn infrastructure gap. Energy & Business Climate: A West Africa energy summit stressed using oil and gas strategically for industrialization and reliable power, not just exports—while preparing for the cleaner-energy transition. Agriculture & Trade: Morocco exported 11,400 tons of lemons in the first half of 2025/26, with Mauritania among key destinations. Sahel Livestock Shock: West African livestock markets are being squeezed by jihadist predation, export bans and climate shocks, pushing prices beyond many traders’ reach.

Mauritania Energy & Trade: Sahara Group has started bunkering in Nouadhibou after winning a 2026 licence, chartering a bunker tanker to supply marine fuel to ships in Mauritanian waters—aimed at boosting port competitiveness and the Atlantic trade corridor. Digital Infrastructure: Orange-led consortium Via Africa is pushing a 20,000km subsea cable along the Atlantic route, with landings including Mauritania, Senegal and Nigeria, to cut outage risk and strengthen connectivity. Finance & Development: The AfDB annual meeting in Brazzaville is under pressure from Ebola fears and the Iran-war-driven cost shock, with new AfDB president Sidi Ould Tah pushing “affordable capital” and more private-sector funding. Regional Diplomacy: Arab and Islamic states—including Mauritania—condemned Somaliland’s planned Jerusalem embassy as “illegal and unacceptable,” while Israel’s recognition of Somaliland continues to reshape Horn-of-Africa alliances. Business & Jobs Angle: A World Bank Group push highlights how mineral wealth can translate into local jobs via governance, infrastructure and private investment.