AGP Executive Report

Ebola Update: The DRC’s Ebola outbreak is now the country’s deadliest ever and the world’s second-largest, with 4,945 confirmed cases and 2,325 deaths reported, and WHO warning it could eventually surpass the 2014–2016 West Africa epidemic. Mining & Health: New studies highlighted by Africa Mining Watch and EarthRights point to heavily polluted air, contaminated water, and worsening health near cobalt and copper sites, including higher risks of lung disease, skin problems, and neurological damage. Connectivity for Remote Areas: Airtel Africa and Starlink launched Africa’s first commercial satellite-to-phone service in the DRC, letting eligible users access SMS and light-data apps like WhatsApp where there’s no terrestrial coverage. Air Pollution Watch: Kinshasa appears among the world’s most polluted cities in recent AQI reports, underscoring ongoing air-quality risks for residents. Regional Security & Trade: Reporting on the M23-driven Congo–Burundi alignment shows cooperation expanding beyond military coordination into trade, infrastructure, energy, and agriculture. Funding for Culture: Lubumbashi’s Picha Art and Research Center launched an urgent crowdfunding drive as arts funding remains fragile, with the center linking creativity to environmental concerns.

Ebola Update: The Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in DRC has surged past 2,011 deaths, with 4,945 confirmed cases and a case fatality rate around 47%, and WHO warns it could eventually eclipse the 2014–2016 West Africa epidemic if the pace continues. Health & Response Shift: WHO has reversed its stance on the Ervebo vaccine, no longer ruling out use of the world’s only licensed Ebola vaccine against this strain—opening the door to a randomized trial. Connectivity for Remote Areas: Airtel Africa and Starlink launched Africa’s first commercial satellite-to-phone service in DRC, letting eligible customers use compatible LTE Android phones for SMS and light-data apps like WhatsApp where there’s no terrestrial coverage. Mining, Pollution, Accountability: A Q&A with Simplice Bambe highlights how expanding cobalt and copper investment is tied to polluted air, contaminated water, and worsening health near mining sites, and how community advocates push for accountability. Regional Trade & Minerals: Tanzania and DRC agreed to deepen cooperation on mining, trade, infrastructure, and peace/security, aiming to strengthen transport links and regional integration. Air Quality Watch: Kinshasa appeared among the world’s most polluted cities in recent AQI readings, underscoring ongoing air pollution risks.

DRC–Tanzania Deal: Presidents Samia Suluhu Hassan and Félix Tshisekedi agreed to deepen cooperation on mining, trade, investment, infrastructure, and peace and security, with transport links like the Kalemie–Manono road highlighted. Ebola Crisis: In Bundibugyo, DRC’s Ebola outbreak has surged to 4,381 confirmed cases and 2,011 deaths, with WHO noting the outbreak is moving faster than past epidemics and may shift vaccine guidance for the Ervebo vaccine. Mining Impacts & Accountability: A Q&A with journalist Simplice Bambe points to scientific findings of polluted air, contaminated water, and worsening health near cobalt and copper sites, while community advocates push for accountability. Connectivity for Remote Areas: Airtel Africa and Starlink launched Africa’s first commercial satellite-to-phone service in DRC, enabling SMS and light-data apps like WhatsApp where terrestrial coverage is limited. Air Pollution Signals: Kinshasa appears in global air-quality rankings, underscoring ongoing pollution risks even as other cities fluctuate. Congo Basin Research Push: A new Science Panel for the Congo Basin is seeking funding to train 1,000 PhDs to better protect the forest amid threats from fires, logging, mining, and charcoal demand.

Ebola Crisis: The Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in DR Congo has passed 2,011 deaths and 4,381 confirmed cases, with the death toll rising fast and WHO now signaling a shift: it no longer rules out using Ervebo, the world’s only licensed Ebola vaccine, for this strain. Air Quality in Congo Basin: Kinshasa is again among the world’s most polluted cities, appearing in global AQI rankings alongside Doha and Jakarta, underscoring ongoing air-health risks. Mining, Health, and Accountability: A Q&A with Simplice Bambe highlights mounting evidence of polluted air, contaminated water, and worsening health near cobalt and copper sites, and calls for stronger accountability as extractive investment surges. Connectivity and Resilience: Airtel Africa and Starlink have launched Africa’s first commercial satellite-to-phone service in DR Congo, extending SMS and light-data messaging to remote areas and adding an emergency communications layer during disruptions. Climate Research Push: Scientists behind the Science Panel for the Congo Basin are seeking funding to train 1,000 PhDs to better protect the forest, which stores major carbon and faces pressure from fires, logging, mining, and charcoal demand.

Ebola Crisis: The DRC’s Ebola outbreak has surged to 4,945 confirmed cases and 2,325 deaths, making it the country’s deadliest on record and the world’s second-largest, with WHO warning it could overtake the 2014–2016 West Africa epidemic if growth continues. Public Health Response: New figures show 4,381 cases and 2,011 deaths as of Aug. 9, with responders facing armed conflict, bad roads, and staffing disruptions. Treatment Shift: WHO has reversed course on the Bundibugyo strain, no longer ruling out use of the licensed Ervebo vaccine in a trial after recommending it for cross-protection testing. Connectivity for Remote Communities: Airtel Africa and Starlink launched Africa’s first commercial satellite-to-mobile service in the DRC, enabling eligible users to send SMS and light-data (including WhatsApp) without specialized equipment—aimed at transport, health workers, farmers, and emergency coverage beyond weak network areas. Mining Accountability: A Q&A with Simplice Bambe highlights mounting evidence of polluted air, contaminated water, and worsening health near cobalt and copper sites, calling for stronger accountability as extractive investment grows. Biodiversity & Climate Research: Scientists are pushing to better study and protect the Congo Basin, warning that slash-and-burn, logging, mining, and charcoal demand threaten a forest vital to carbon storage and regional weather.

Satellite Connectivity: Airtel Africa and SpaceX’s Starlink launched Africa’s first commercial satellite-to-phone service in the DRC, letting compatible LTE Android phones connect directly to Starlink satellites in places without mobile coverage, starting with SMS and light data like WhatsApp (no dish needed). Mining Accountability & Health: A Simplice Bambe interview spotlights mounting evidence that cobalt and copper mining is driving heavily polluted air, contaminated water, and worsening health in nearby communities, with calls for stronger accountability. Ebola Response: In Bundibugyo, the Ebola death toll passed 2,000 as WHO shifts stance on using the Ervebo vaccine in trials, while responders struggle with conflict, poor roads, and unpaid-wage strikes. Air Pollution Watch: Kinshasa appeared on global air-quality lists with an AQI reading reported at 179, underscoring ongoing health risks from pollution. Uranium in Cobalt Exports: The DRC announced an investigation into undeclared uranium contaminating cobalt shipments, with officials avoiding naming key countries even as reports link the issue to cobalt exports bound for China. Congo Basin Research: A new science panel is pushing to expand Congo Basin research and train a new generation of scientists to better protect the forest that stores major carbon and supports biodiversity.

Satellite Connectivity: Airtel Africa and Starlink launched satellite-to-mobile service in the DRC, letting compatible LTE smartphone users access light-data like WhatsApp and SMS in areas beyond terrestrial coverage—without special equipment—aimed at transport, health workers, farmers, mining sites, and emergency response. Mining Accountability: Journalist Simplice Bambe says new studies confirm long-reported pollution near cobalt and copper mines, linking contaminated air and water to worsening health, as advocates push for accountability. Ebola Update: Bundibugyo Ebola in eastern DRC has passed 2,011 deaths and 4,381 cases, with WHO reversing its stance to consider the Ervebo vaccine for a trial after earlier limits on cross-protection. Air Quality: Kinshasa appeared on global air pollution lists with an AQI reading of 179, highlighting health risks from worsening urban air. Congo Basin Research: A Science Panel for the Congo Basin is seeking funding to train 1,000 PhDs, warning that slash-and-burn, logging, mining, and charcoal demand threaten the forest’s climate and biodiversity role. Uranium in Exports: Kinshasa launched an investigation into undeclared uranium contaminating cobalt shipments, carefully avoiding naming China despite findings tied to cobalt exports.

Ebola Response: The Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in eastern DRC has surged past 2,000 deaths, reaching 4,381 cases and 2,011 deaths as of Aug. 9, with the fatality rate now at 45.9%—and WHO says it is no longer ruling out use of Ervebo, the world’s only licensed Ebola vaccine, for this strain. Uranium & Cobalt Exports: Kinshasa has launched an investigation into claims that undeclared uranium may have been exported hidden inside cobalt shipments, while carefully avoiding naming China despite the allegations centering on Chinese mining operations. Congo Basin Conservation: A new Science Panel for the Congo Basin is pushing to fund research and train 1,000 PhDs over the next decade, warning the forest is threatened by slash-and-burn farming, logging, mining and charcoal demand. Connectivity & Environment Access: Airtel Africa and Starlink launched the first commercial satellite-to-mobile service in Africa in the DRC, bringing messaging and light-data connectivity to non-terrestrial areas without special equipment. Peace Process: Qatar-mediated talks saw the release of 15 detainees handed over to AFC/M23 via an ICRC transport route through Uganda, aiming to build confidence for stability in the east. Air Quality Watch: Kinshasa appeared on a global air pollution list, with an AQI reading of 179—classified as “unhealthy”—highlighting ongoing health risks from dirty air.

Satellite Connectivity: Airtel Africa and Starlink launched the first commercial satellite-to-mobile service in the DRC, letting compatible phones access light-data apps and SMS in areas without terrestrial coverage. Ebola Response: The Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in the DRC passed 2,011 deaths and 4,381 cases, with WHO now no longer ruling out using Ervebo in trials against this strain—an urgent shift as the death toll surged fastest on record. Air Pollution Watch: Kinshasa appeared on a global air-quality list, with an AQI reading of 179 reported—highlighting ongoing health risks from polluted air. Congo Basin Science: A new Science Panel for the Congo Basin is pushing to expand research and train 1,000 PhDs to better protect the forest that drives regional weather and stores major carbon. Uranium in Exports: Kinshasa announced an investigation into uranium allegedly leaving the country hidden in cobalt exports, while carefully avoiding naming key trading partners. Peace Process: Qatar-mediated talks saw the release of 15 detainees handed to the AFC/M23 with ICRC transport, aiming to build confidence in eastern DRC. Energy & Waste Projects: Fastercapital selected Muzungu Group for Equitypilot support, targeting clean energy, urban sanitation, and plastic recycling in the DRC.

Satellite Connectivity: Airtel Africa and Starlink launched the first commercial satellite-to-mobile service in the DRC, letting compatible phones send light data, including WhatsApp and SMS, in areas without terrestrial coverage. Ebola Emergency: Bundibugyo Ebola deaths in the DRC passed 2,000 this week as cases rose to 4,381 and WHO signaled a major shift by no longer ruling out use of Ervebo in trials for this strain. Wildlife & Climate Research: A new Science Panel for the Congo Basin is pushing to fund research and train 1,000 PhDs to better protect the forest that drives regional weather and stores major carbon. Pollution Watch: Kinshasa appeared on global air-quality lists, with an AQI reading placing it among the more polluted cities that day—another reminder of health risks from dirty air. Uranium in Exports: Kinshasa opened an investigation into claims of undeclared uranium embedded in cobalt shipments, while carefully avoiding naming key trading partners. Peace Process: Qatar mediated the release of 15 detainees from Beni to the AFC/M23 via ICRC transport, aiming to build confidence in eastern DRC. Circular Economy & Energy Access: Fastercapital selected Kinshasa-based Muzungu Group for Equitypilot to support clean energy, urban sanitation, and plastic recycling initiatives.

Ebola Crisis: DRC’s Bundibugyo outbreak has surged past 2,000 deaths, with 4,381 confirmed cases and 2,011 deaths reported as of Aug. 9; WHO says the outbreak is moving faster than response efforts, and for the first time since May it no longer rules out using Ervebo, the world’s only licensed Ebola vaccine, in trials for cross-protection. Public Health Policy: Africa CDC and WHO urge DRC and partners to avoid unnecessary travel and trade restrictions, focusing instead on surveillance, labs, preparedness, and cross-border coordination. Uranium & Cobalt Exports: Kinshasa has launched an investigation into uranium-contaminated cobalt claims, testing shipments bound for China and setting up a working group, while carefully avoiding naming China despite the allegations. Peace & Humanitarian Relief: Qatar-mediated talks delivered a first known detainee transfer: 15 prisoners were released and handed to M23 via ICRC transport from Beni through Uganda to Rutshuru in North Kivu. Clean Energy for Mining: ANSER and a US-Congolese consortium signed an MoU targeting up to 2 GW of clean-energy infrastructure to expand rural electrification and power mining. Biodiversity Research Push: A Congo Basin science panel is seeking funding to train 1,000 PhDs to better study and protect the forest amid logging, mining, charcoal demand, and slash-and-burn agriculture.

Ebola Surge & Vaccine Shift: DRC’s Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak has passed 2,000 deaths (4,381 cases, 2,011 deaths as of Aug 9), with WHO now reversing course and no longer ruling out use of Ervebo in a trial for this strain—an alarming sign the virus is outpacing response. Public Health Pressure: WHO and Africa CDC urge countries to avoid unnecessary travel and trade bans, stressing surveillance, labs, preparedness and cross-border coordination as the outbreak spreads across five provinces. Air Pollution Spotlight: Kinshasa ranks among the world’s worst air-quality cities in a recent AQI snapshot (AQI 179, “unhealthy”), adding to the health burden alongside infectious disease. Critical Minerals Fallout: Kinshasa is investigating claims of uranium contamination hidden in cobalt exports, including cobalt shipments bound for China, and plans testing plus technical support via the IAEA. Clean Energy Push: A US-Congolese partnership signed an MoU to develop up to 2 GW of clean power and expand rural electrification, aiming to cut the power deficit that fuels both mining and environmental stress. Peace Process With Humanitarian Logistics: Qatar-mediated talks continue as the ICRC facilitates the first known detainee transfer under the deal, with 15 released to M23 in eastern DRC.

Ebola Update: The Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in eastern DRC has now passed 2,000 deaths, with 4,381 confirmed cases and 2,011 deaths reported as of Aug. 9, and WHO says the virus is spreading faster than response efforts. Vaccine Shift: For the first time since May, WHO is no longer ruling out use of Ervebo—the world’s only licensed Ebola vaccine—by recommending it for a randomized trial to test possible cross-protection. Public Health Pressure: WHO and Africa CDC warn against blanket travel and trade restrictions, urging stronger surveillance, labs, preparedness, and cross-border coordination instead. Peace Process, Humanitarian Relief: Qatar-mediated talks saw the release and handover of 15 detainees from the DRC to M23 via an ICRC-facilitated transfer through Uganda to Rutshuru. Clean Energy Push: Kinshasa signed a US-Congolese plan targeting up to 2 GW of clean power and rural electrification, aiming to cut the power deficit while supporting critical-minerals development. Uranium in Cobalt Exports: DRC announced a formal investigation into undeclared uranium found in cobalt shipments, including testing cobalt hydroxide bound for China and consulting the IAEA.

Ebola Surge and Vaccine Shift: DRC’s Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak has passed 2,000 deaths (4,381 cases, 2,011 deaths as of Aug 9), with WHO warning the virus is moving at unprecedented speed and outpacing response; this week WHO reversed course by recommending the licensed Ervebo vaccine for a trial to test possible cross-protection. Public Health Under Strain: UNHCR says Ebola has reached at least five Ituri displacement camps, where millions are already living with weak water and sanitation, while health workers face strikes over unpaid wages. Uranium in Cobalt Exports: Kinshasa has launched an investigation into claims that undeclared uranium (estimated 2,000–5,000 tons) left the DRC hidden in routine cobalt shipments to China, carefully avoiding naming China even as regulators and partners seek IAEA technical support. Clean Energy Push: ANSER and a US-Congolese consortium signed an MoU targeting up to 2 GW of clean power and rural electrification, aiming to cut the industrial power deficit while expanding access. Congo Basin Research Gap: A new Science Panel for the Congo Basin is calling for funding to train 1,000 PhDs over a decade to better protect the forest’s carbon and biodiversity under pressure from logging, mining, slash-and-burn farming, and charcoal demand. Air Pollution Watch: Kinshasa continues to show up on global air-quality lists, with AQI readings in the “unhealthy” range for sensitive groups, underscoring health risks from urban pollution.

Ebola Emergency: Bundibugyo Ebola in eastern DRC has surged past 2,000 deaths, with 4,381 confirmed cases and 2,011 deaths reported as of Aug. 9; WHO says the outbreak is spreading at unprecedented speed and outpacing response, with deaths increasingly occurring before contacts are reached, and UNHCR warning of cases reaching displacement camps. Vaccine Shift: WHO has reversed course on Ervebo, now no longer ruling it out for cross-protection and recommending it be prioritized for a randomized trial—an important change after earlier assumptions that no licensed tools would work against this strain. Air Pollution & Health: Kinshasa is again showing up in global air-quality rankings, with AQI readings around the “unhealthy” range in recent reports—highlighting how pollution risks stack on top of public-health strain. Uranium in Exports: Kinshasa is investigating claims that undeclared uranium may have left the DRC hidden inside routine cobalt exports, while carefully avoiding naming China despite the supply-chain focus. Clean Power Push: ANSER and a US-Congolese consortium signed an MoU targeting up to 2 GW of clean-energy infrastructure to expand electricity access and support mining-linked development. Peace Process (Humanitarian): Qatar-mediated talks saw the release and handover of 15 detainees to M23 via an ICRC-facilitated transfer, a small but concrete step toward stability in the east.

Ebola Emergency: The DRC’s fastest-growing Ebola outbreak has surged past 4,000 confirmed cases and 2,000 deaths, with WHO warning the virus is moving faster than response efforts and reaching displacement camps and multiple provinces. Public Health Pressure: Health workers report strikes over unpaid wages as contact tracing struggles amid armed conflict and poor roads, while WHO and Africa CDC urge countries to avoid unnecessary travel and trade restrictions and instead boost surveillance, labs, and cross-border coordination. Uranium & Mining Oversight: Kinshasa has launched an investigation into claims that undeclared uranium may have been exported hidden inside routine cobalt shipments to China, raising nuclear accounting and environmental safety concerns. Clean Energy Push: A US-Congolese partnership signed a landmark plan to develop up to 2 GW of clean-energy infrastructure, aiming to expand rural electrification while easing the power deficit that blocks mining and development. Peace Process & Humanitarian Relief: Qatar-mediated talks saw the release and handover of 15 detainees to M23 via an ICRC-facilitated transfer in North Kivu. Air Quality Watch: Kinshasa appeared in global air pollution rankings, with an AQI reading in the “moderate” range—highlighting how regional smoke and pollution can quickly affect public health.