AGP Executive Report

Local Governance & Accountability: South Africa’s grant surge to municipalities is outpacing capacity: 2024/25 transfers rose to R1.144tn overall, but only 35% of municipalities are in good financial health, while none of the eight metros got clean audits and many adopted unfunded budgets. Judicial Efficiency: South Africa’s courts still face a backlog of reserved cases, with 17% of outstanding judgments held for more than six months, led by Gauteng High Court. Migration & Xenophobia Crisis: Anti-immigration protests across South Africa have triggered arrests, looting fears, and at least one confirmed fatal shooting of a Ghanaian; Ghana and other governments are pushing evacuations and voluntary repatriation as tensions persist. Regional Security Cooperation: African military chiefs reaffirmed commitments to peace and stability, with Angola hosting UN Tourism and defense conference activity. Election Politics (Nigeria): The ADC says it has uploaded its 2027 presidential and vice-presidential candidates into INEC’s portal, signaling momentum toward the next vote. Energy & Finance: South Africa’s RAF fuel levy model is under formal review, while Afreximbank renewed calls for an African-owned credit ratings agency to shape investor perceptions. Digital & Trade: Nigeria and AfCFTA partners urged faster intra-African digital services trade, as Google-backed AI access and cloud investment plans keep expanding across the continent.

South Africa Immigration Crackdown: Nationwide anti-foreigner protests around June 30 saw heavy police deployments, hundreds of arrests, and looting in parts of KwaZulu-Natal, while the government pushed deportations and urged calm. Nigeria–South Africa Fallout: Nigeria says it will document abandoned businesses and assets left behind by returnees and seek compensation from Pretoria, as more evacuation flights bring Nigerians home. Government Reshuffle in Pretoria: President Cyril Ramaphosa announced new cabinet and deputy appointments in the GNU, including Dina Pule’s return to Social Development, drawing fresh political backlash. Ebola Funding Push: Africa CDC appealed for $18m to start Ebola treatment trials in DRC, warning delays could worsen outcomes. Digital Push in South Africa: Ramaphosa and Google used the Google Cloud Summit to sell faster AI adoption, while partnerships target cloud, skills, and public service modernization. West Africa Cocoa Shock: Cocoa prices have crashed, squeezing smallholder farmers across Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana and worsening delayed payments and food insecurity. AfCFTA Digital Trade: Nigeria’s Tinubu urged faster execution of AfCFTA digital trade reforms to boost intra-African commerce. Energy Tariff Debate: A broader tariff puzzle across Africa is framed as a question of whether consumers pay for reliable power—or for losses, debt, and weak governance.

Migration & Public Order: South Africa’s anti-immigration protests stayed largely peaceful under heavy policing, with the Police Ministry confirming arrests for looting and attempted looting and urging lawful demonstrations. Gender & Rights: The Commission for Gender Equality warned migration-related unrest heightens risks for women and children, calling for constitutional, fair enforcement and victim support. Government Response: Western Cape Premier Alan Winde said the province remains calm after Joint Operations Centre coordination, while national government praised peaceful protest conduct and reaffirmed its migration management plan. Diplomacy & Repatriation: Nigeria’s federal government said 269 returnees arrived Lagos on an Air Peace flight, bringing recent evacuees to 603, and it will seek compensation for abandoned businesses and properties. Regional Politics: President Ramaphosa opened an Extraordinary SADC Summit focused on Madagascar’s political and security situation. Economic & Tech Push: Ramaphosa officiated the first Google Cloud Summit in Africa, alongside investment announcements, as South Africa also announced a GNU executive reshuffle and fuel price adjustments from 1 July. Health Alert: The UN warned an Ebola outbreak in Central Africa could cost up to $3.6bn and threaten jobs if not contained.

Anti-Immigration Crackdown in South Africa: South Africa braced for June 30 protests demanding undocumented foreigners leave, with heavy police deployment and reports of shop shutdowns, looting fears, and clashes in cities like Johannesburg and Durban; Cross-Border Fallout: Nigeria warned against violence toward its nationals and said it will seek compensation for abandoned businesses and property, while multiple batches of Nigerians were evacuated to Lagos and Zimbabwe deployed buses to repatriate citizens; Regional Health Security: The UN warned DR Congo’s Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak could cost Africa up to $3.6bn and hundreds of thousands of jobs, as Egypt reaffirmed support for African Ebola response; Governance and Rights: Uganda’s government said it disrupted Nation Media Group operations under a security-led inquiry ordered by President Museveni, drawing Amnesty and US criticism; Energy Policy: South Africa cut petrol and diesel prices for July as oil costs eased, while a separate analysis flagged how complex grid and Eskom reforms slow the shift to renewables; Atlantic Cooperation: Morocco-backed talks in The Gambia highlighted King Mohammed VI’s Atlantic Africa vision through the AASP framework.

South Africa Migration Crisis: Ahead of the June 30 anti-illegal immigration protests, police say they’re ready to prevent intimidation and violence, with heavy deployments and traffic disruptions expected in Johannesburg hotspots like Hillbrow and the CBD, while Ramaphosa urges peaceful, lawful demonstrations and warns against vigilantism. Press Freedom Under Threat: Media watchdogs report at least 15 journalists targeted during anti-migrant actions, as CPJ and partners demand authorities protect reporters and stop intimidation. Legal and Policy Fallout: Parliament’s Tobacco Bill moves closer to law, with proposals for stricter smoke-free indoor rules and tighter regulation for vaping products. Regional Repatriations: Zimbabwe says 3,624 citizens have been repatriated from South Africa, as other countries step up evacuations amid fears of renewed xenophobic violence. Political Friction in SA: DA former agriculture minister John Steenhuisen says a promise was broken after his demotion, deepening internal party tensions. Nigeria Economy: NECA warns energy costs, inflation and multiple taxation are still undermining business growth despite reforms.

South Africa Immigration Crisis: Ramaphosa urged peaceful, lawful protests ahead of June 30, warning against intimidation and vigilantism as migrants queue for repatriation and governments coordinate voluntary returns; doctors also warned anti-migrant violence could cripple public health access. Xenophobia Fallout: A Nigerian businessman was shot dead in Mpumalanga amid fears of escalating attacks, while more Nigerians (271) are set for evacuation flights as families flee. Security and Rule of Law: Suspended police intelligence chief Major General Feroz Khan survived a shooting days before testimony at the Madlanga Commission, heightening concerns about threats around corruption probes. Political Accountability Fight: South Africa’s ANC demanded an independent investigation into DA-linked “state capture” allegations involving Tony Leon and Resolve Communications, as the opposition disputes the claims. Regional Governance Allegations: Kenya Human Rights Commission linked Ruto, Suluhu and Museveni to enforced disappearances and torture, intensifying scrutiny of East African crackdowns. Trade and Integration: Angola validated its AfCFTA strategy and action plan to boost intra-African trade, while SACU leaders debated Namibia’s need to look beyond revenue for competitiveness. Digital Security Push: Mastercard launched an Africa Cybersecurity Center of Excellence to strengthen cyber resilience across the continent.

Anti-immigrant protests in South Africa: As June 30 nears, government and police say they’re ready to enforce the law, but civil society and analysts warn the “deadline” rhetoric is already driving fear, intimidation and displacement among migrants, with groups like March and March insisting they’ll protest peacefully while critics fear a repeat of past unrest. Xenophobia backlash and violence: Reports of escalating vigilante threats include a Malawian gardener told to leave “or face death,” while a high-profile Nigerian businessman (“Big Joe”) was assassinated in Mpumalanga amid panic in the diaspora. Security and economic spillover: Freight operators are rerouting and delaying deliveries, and authorities have cancelled police leave and put the army on standby, as the planned marches threaten transport corridors and daily commerce. Regional politics and governance: Uganda ordered a shutdown of Nation Media Group outlets, adding to concerns about media crackdowns across East Africa. Nigeria’s security and institutions: Nigeria’s Senate backs a state police plan, arguing it’s driven by the security crisis and has safeguards, while federal identity and border systems helped enable arrests of suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP commanders returning from Hajj. Investment and development: Kenya’s dairy sector shifts toward quality-based milk payments, and GenAfrica eyes Africa’s investment opportunities with a large Sh774bn asset base. World Cup politics: CAF president Motsepe hailed Africa’s strong World Cup run with nine teams reaching the knockout stage, even as South Africa’s exit to Canada sparked national debate.

South Africa–Canada World Cup Build-Up: Bafana Bafana head into the Round of 32 after making history by reaching the knockout stage for the first time, with Nigerian-heritage defender Ime Okon urging focus on their own strengths as the country rallies behind the team. ANC Phala Phala Court Fight: President Cyril Ramaphosa has reportedly ordered the ANC to withdraw its application to intervene in his impeachment-related court challenge, highlighting internal ANC divisions over legal strategy. South Africa Xenophobia and June 30 Protests: In Soweto, residents have launched spontaneous marches demanding undocumented foreigners leave, while acting police minister Firoz Cachalia warned officers to protect lawful protest rights and avoid taking sides. Uganda Evacuation Plan: Uganda says it has started voluntary evacuation arrangements for 746 citizens in South Africa amid xenophobic violence, with more expected to register. Uganda Media Crackdown: Muhoozi Kainerugaba ordered the shutdown of NTV Uganda and Daily Monitor, with the government framing it as part of tightening control ahead of political pressure. Ebola Response Boost: Africa CDC, WHO and Uganda launched a Joint Continental Incident Management Support Team to strengthen coordinated public health emergency response. Libya Reunification Timeline: A US-backed roadmap outlines steps toward a unified executive authority and consultative council in Sirte, with a transitional parliament planned for 2028. Seychelles–India Diplomacy: PM Narendra Modi addressed Seychelles’ National Assembly and Seychelles leaders used the visit to stress unity-in-diversity ties with India.

South Africa Immigration Flashpoint: As June 30 anti-illegal immigration marches loom, the government insists it will be a “normal working day” and warns against vigilantism, while analysts and civil society say the mobilisation is already driving fear, displacement and intimidation across migrant communities. Operation Prosper Dispute: Deputy President Paul Mashatile hailed Operation Prosper’s arrests and murder drops in the Western Cape, but Mitchells Plain residents dispute the impact on daily violence and say witnesses still fear to testify. Xenophobia Debate: MTN Group chair Cyril Ramaphosa and multiple commentators argue South Africa’s identity is tied to African solidarity, condemning anti-foreigner attacks as a symptom of state failure. Pension Power Exposed: Open Secrets’ “Who Owns South Africa?” investigation alleges a pension administrator cartel controlling about R6 trillion in assets, with R51 billion in unclaimed benefits still unpaid. Energy Access Boost: Africa’s Mission 300 electricity push has secured about $1.4bn in co-financing for faster connections. Regional Diplomacy: ECOWAS foreign ministers backed Guinea-Bissau’s democratic transition ahead of December 6 elections. Health Alert: The Central African Republic declared a cholera outbreak after 24 deaths and 197 confirmed cases. World Cup Politics & Pride: South Africa reached the Round of 32 and will face Canada; DR Congo and Egypt also advanced, keeping African momentum high.

South Africa Migration Crackdown: Ahead of June 30 anti-immigration protests, South Africa’s Inter-Ministerial Committee says it has processed 15,162 Malawians for deportation and repatriation, with more still under verification, and is extending Musina’s office to speed checks. Xenophobia Debate: MTN Group chair Mcebisi Jonas used a funeral to warn that scapegoating foreigners hides state failures and politicians exploiting hostility. Nigeria Opposition Under Pressure: Atiku Abubakar and the African Action Congress condemned a court move to deregister the Nigeria Democratic Congress as a push toward a one-party state ahead of 2027. Public Health Alert: The Central African Republic declared a cholera outbreak near Bangui—197 cases and 24 deaths—while staying on high alert for Ebola risks in the region. Ghana Labour Inclusion: Ghana’s Vice President urged stronger protection for informal workers, calling for labour reforms that bring them into social dialogue and policy. Regional Diplomacy: Ghana’s new ambassador to Croatia presented credentials, seeking deeper cooperation beyond goodwill. Governance & Institutions: South Africa improved to 54th in the 2026 World Competitiveness rankings, with government efficiency rising, but growth and investment still lag.

South Africa Xenophobia Crackdown: MTN chairman Mcebisi Jonas says anti-foreigner marches won’t fix inequality, unemployment or corruption, blaming state failure and weak governance instead. Migration Management: South Africa’s inter-ministerial migration committee says June 30 will be a normal working day as security steps up and repatriations continue, with reports of Nigerians still stranded amid evacuation delays. Health Tech Push (Nigeria): President Tinubu approved a National Health Technology and Data Analytics Office, appointing Dr Obi Adigwe to coordinate Nigeria’s digital health agenda. East Africa Integration: The EAC convened a Digital for Development forum in Arusha to speed up a single digital market and boost cross-border trade. SACU Regional Agenda: Ramaphosa closed the 9th SACU summit, backing industrialisation, investment promotion and AfCFTA implementation. Governance & Accountability (South Africa): The SIU won a tribunal order for SASCOC and former NLC officials to repay nearly R25m over unlawfully diverted sports funding. Infrastructure Finance (Nigeria): South-East states cite a 115–125% FAAC allocation jump since 2023, linking higher federal transfers to new roads, security tech and health projects. Map Accuracy Campaign (AU): The AU-backed “Correct the Map” push targets Mercator distortion, urging a shift to Equal Earth to better reflect Africa’s true size. Great Lakes Mediation: An international contact group reaffirmed support for African-led mediation and warned there can be no military solution. Zimbabwe Inclusion & Diaspora: Mnangagwa urged disability inclusion and praised the diaspora’s role in liberation and development.

South Africa Anti-Migrant Crackdown: President Cyril Ramaphosa and police leadership warn that June 30 protests must stay peaceful as authorities brace for unrest and migrant departures. Migration Management: South Africa’s inter-ministerial committee is relocating the repatriation processing hub from KZN to Limpopo, citing worsening humanitarian conditions at temporary sites. Xenophobia Pressure: Thousands of Malawians and Zimbabweans queue to leave before the deadline, while civil society and watchdogs say the response to hate and vigilante violence is inadequate. EU–Somalia Visa Fight: The EU moves to impose visa curbs over Somalia’s returns of people refused in Europe, with Mogadishu disputing who is actually Somali. Nigeria Security Debate: The ADC criticises Nigeria’s state police push as rushed and politically driven, arguing it needs deeper institutional safeguards. Digital Health Push (Nigeria): Tinubu approves a National Health Technology and Data Analytics Office and appoints Dr Obi Adigwe as pioneer coordinator. Morocco Anti-Drugs Verdict: A Casablanca court sentences 29 in a major “Escobar of the Sahara” drug and corruption case, including senior politicians and sports figures. Women’s Football: CAF expands the Morocco 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations to 16 teams, with a direct route to the 2027 World Cup. Energy & Industry: Ghana’s ExploreCo is set to start onshore drilling in the Voltaian Basin, while Africa adds 4.2GW new hydropower in 2025—still with major untapped potential.

Constitutional Power Grab in DR Congo: President Félix Tshisekedi’s government has advanced a referendum framework that could pave the way for constitutional change and a potential third term, raising fears of street protests as the bill moves through the process. South Africa’s June 30 Immigration Flashpoint: With anti-immigrant protests looming, South Africa is bracing for unrest while multiple governments evacuate citizens; Nigeria alone has airlifted another batch of returnees, describing xenophobic attacks and fear as drivers. ANC Internal Court Fallout: The ANC’s NWC has told Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula to seek a political solution to the Eastern Cape leadership impasse after court rulings declared parts of the party’s provincial task team unlawful. Smart ID Reality Check: Home Affairs’ “five-minute” Smart ID claim is challenged, with the report stressing that capture is quick but queues, verification, and printing can stretch the overall wait. Ebola Surge Pressure: Africa CDC says the DRC outbreak has worsened, with 89 deaths in a week and treatment centres near full occupancy, pushing for faster detection and expanded capacity. AfCFTA Trade Push: Citibank convened West African leaders to deepen regional trade corridors under AfCFTA, spotlighting cross-border payments and trade finance as key bottlenecks. Minerals Value-Add Drive: Nigeria’s solid minerals minister urged Africa to stop exporting raw minerals and instead prioritize local processing and industrialization to create jobs.

South Africa Migration Crackdown: President Cyril Ramaphosa told MPs the Government of National Unity will keep June 30 “a normal day,” warning it will crush any attempt to destabilise the country amid anti-immigrant marches and tightened police security. Diplomacy Under Pressure: South Africa reiterated its non-alignment stance and urged the U.S. to use diplomatic channels after Washington questioned Pretoria’s engagement with Iran. Libya Political Process: A Misrata delegation met UN envoy Hanna Tetteh, pressing for more transparency and inclusivity as Libya moves toward unity and elections. Ebola Funding Push: The White House sought $1.4bn supplemental support for the Central Africa Ebola response as cases surge and health systems struggle. Mining Policy vs Delivery: PwC warned South Africa’s critical-minerals investment plans are “well-meaning” but lag in execution, while S&P cut the growth outlook on inflation and energy costs. Digital Identity Rollout: Smart ID access expanded to 203 bank branches, boosting uptake and speeding replacement applications. Trade & Payments: Nigeria proposed a pan-African payment card to cut dollar dependence, while AfCFTA is touted as key to Africa’s auto growth and EV readiness. World Cup Politics & Pride: South Africa reached the World Cup knockout stage for the first time after beating South Korea 1-0, triggering nationwide celebrations. Liberia Court Case: A major human-trafficking trial heard claims that Vice President Jeremiah Koung’s security visited the alleged abuse compound.

Minerals Value-Addition Push: Nigeria’s Tinubu urged African Minerals Strategy Group members to “speak with one voice” to stop raw-mineral exploitation and drive value addition, research and refinery capacity. Infrastructure & Regional Trade: Tinubu also flagged off two Abuja road projects, while South Africa’s Ramaphosa is set to open the 9th SACU summit in Cape Town, focusing on integration, industrial development and trade. Migration & Security Cooperation: Nigeria and Turkey deepened partnership on humane returns and reintegration of undocumented Nigerians, and South Africa’s acting police minister met private security firms ahead of 30 June demonstrations. South Africa Domestic Politics: The IEC reported a smooth start to voter registration for the 4 November local elections, and retailers warned of June 30 shutdown disruptions. Zimbabwe Constitutional Shift: Zimbabwe’s Senate approved amendments extending President Mnangagwa’s stay in office until 2030, a move critics call a “constitutional coup.” Human Capital Focus: Northern Nigeria stakeholders called for investment in health, education and digital skills to tackle unemployment and exclusion.

Xenophobia & Security in South Africa: Anti-immigration groups’ June 30 ultimatum is driving panic, with thousands of migrants gathering near shelters and embassies as police step up coordination ahead of planned protests. Zambia Burial Dispute: South Africa’s Supreme Court of Appeal backs Edgar Lungu’s family, ending Zambia’s legal push to repatriate his remains and leaving the burial site decision with the family. Regional Money Plans (ECOWAS): ECOWAS central banks in Monrovia moved to operationalize the Exchange Rate Mechanism, a key step toward a single regional currency. Nigeria Digital Economy Push: Tinubu met Mastercard to train five million businesses and expand digital skills, while also backing a cross-border payment card idea to settle transactions without routing through third currencies. Public Finance Debate (Tanzania): Tanzania’s Finance Act 2026 sparked controversy over emergency advances from the central bank and whether it could become a backdoor for budget deficits. Health Crisis: DR Congo Ebola cases surged past 1,000, with France confirming a first case outside Africa in the current outbreak. Rights & Inclusion (Kenya): Parliament passed the Kenya Sign Language Bill, creating a council and strengthening access for deaf people.