AGP Executive Report

Cocoa Price Watch: Côte d’Ivoire will keep the 2026/27 farmgate cocoa price at 1,200 CFA francs per kg for the main harvest, a decision that disappoints farmers after the earlier March cut and amid falling global prices. Digital Connectivity & Skills: In Liberia, CSquared moved its Ganta broadband and digital training programme from a grant pilot to a commercial network with community Wi‑Fi, a 20-seat learning lab, and training for over 1,200 students, backed by Microsoft and local partners. Telecom Earnings: MTN Group reported strong H1 2026 service revenue growth (up 17.5%), citing momentum across African markets including MTN Ivory Coast, as it ramps up network investment under its “Ambition 2030” strategy. Mobility Safety Tech: Yango says its safety report shows fewer reckless driving incidents in Côte d’Ivoire (down 35%) and reduced post-trip complaints after privacy-focused call tech rollouts. Regional Governance & Migration: MSF reported survivors of Atlantic boat crossings disembarking in Mauritania and Senegal in vulnerable condition, including women and minors needing protection. Foreign Policy Tensions: France rejected Niger’s claims of involvement in a failed mutiny, while Niger and other regional actors continue trading accusations. Market & Investment: Coris Bank International Burkina Faso crossed 1,000 billion CFA francs in market value, boosted by rising share prices and improved first-half profits.

Cocoa Price Shock in Côte d’Ivoire: Agriculture Minister Bruno Nabagne Kone says the farmgate price for well-fermented cocoa will stay at 1,200 CFA francs/kg for the 2026/27 main season, disappointing farmers after hopes of a jump. Regional Trade & Security: The WCO’s Operation COLIBRI ZAFIRO wrapped up after 16 days of coordinated general aviation checks across 19 countries, netting 15 seizures including about 1.2 tonnes of narcotics and uncovering 86 clandestine airstrips. Mobile Money & Connectivity: MTN Group reports 17.5% higher service revenue in H1 2026, with growth led by MTN Ghana, Nigeria, Uganda, Ivory Coast and Cameroon. Transport Safety Push: Yango Ride says its 2024–2025 safety measures cut reckless driving incidents by 38% across Africa, with Côte d’Ivoire down 35%. Immigration & Mobility Policy: Japan’s foreign ministry plans “soft power” promotion of anime and manga across Africa and Latin America from fiscal 2027, including legal distribution efforts. Humanitarian Update: MSF assisted migrants in distress after boat crossings, treating survivors suffering dehydration, fractures and infections, including women and minors. US Visa News: The US released DV-2026 selectee data, listing 16 African countries while Nigeria is excluded.

Maternal Health Watch: A new IPS report warns that Africa still accounts for over 70% of global maternal deaths, with preventable causes like postpartum hemorrhage and delays in seeking care, reaching facilities, and getting timely treatment—highlighting the need to strengthen facility readiness in Côte d’Ivoire and across the region. Cocoa Policy: Côte d’Ivoire will keep the 2026/27 cocoa farmgate price at 1,200 CFA francs per kg for well-fermented, dried and sorted beans, disappointing farmers after earlier hopes of a rebound. Telecom & Digital Growth: MTN says service revenue rose 17.5% in H1 2026, driven by momentum in markets including MTN Ivory Coast, as it pushes its Ambition 2030 strategy and expands networks. Ride-Hailing Shake-up: Uber abruptly shut down in Nigeria and Uganda, effective Sept. 2, citing a wider restructuring; it says the move is limited to those markets, while it remains active in places including Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire. Soft Power Culture: Côte d’Ivoire is mentioned in Japan’s plan to expand anime and manga promotion across Africa, with events and legal distribution efforts starting in fiscal 2027. Regional Security Tensions: Niger’s government renews accusations that France backed a thwarted mutiny, while France dismisses the claims as “pure fantasy,” deepening a diplomatic rift.

Cocoa Price Shock in Abidjan: Ivory Coast kept the 2026/27 farmgate cocoa price unchanged at 1,200 CFA francs/kg, disappointing farmers after the March cut and amid fears of smuggling to neighboring markets. Uber’s Africa Retreat: Ride-hailing giant Uber shut down in Nigeria and Uganda effective Sept 2, citing a business review and global restructuring that also includes 3,300 job cuts; Uber says it remains active in Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa. Global Mobility Safety Push: Yango reported a 35% drop in reckless driving incidents in Côte d’Ivoire (2024–2025), alongside fewer post-trip complaints after privacy and support upgrades. West Africa Diplomacy Tensions: Niger renewed accusations that France backed an attempted mutiny; Paris rejected the claims as “pure fantasy,” deepening the crisis. Sahel Security Alarm: A new assessment warns the Sahel is becoming the “epicenter of global terrorism,” with jihadist groups expanding across West Africa. Côte d’Ivoire Investment & Industry: Work began on the Eni Baleine Phase 3 FPSO offshore Ivory Coast, with first steel cut reported by contractor Wison. US Immigration Update: The US released the DV-2026 (Green Card Lottery) country list; West Africa features prominently, with selectees urged to act before the Sept 30, 2026 deadline.

Cocoa Price Shock in Abidjan: Ivory Coast will keep the 2026/27 farmgate cocoa price at 1,200 CFA francs/kg, disappointing farmers after months of sector turmoil and a near-60% cut in March; harvesting runs to Feb. 28, 2027, raising fresh fears of smuggling as Ghana’s price rules shift. Uber’s Africa Retreat: Uber has shut down in Nigeria and Uganda effective Sept. 2, ending a 12-year run in Nigeria; the exit is tied to a wider global restructure that also cuts about 3,300 jobs, while Uber says it remains active in Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa. Sahel Diplomatic Fallout: Niger’s military rulers accuse France of backing a thwarted Aug. 29 mutiny; France calls it “pure fantasy,” and Benin denies any involvement, demanding normalization. Oil & Finance Watch: A Benin-born investor, Samuel Dossou-Aworet, is reported to hold $1.43bn in Nigerian oil shares; meanwhile Coris Bank Burkina Faso has crossed 1,000bn CFA market value for the first time. Local Business/Industry: Kobo Resources reports new high-grade gold drill results at its Kossou project in Côte d’Ivoire, extending mineralisation north and at depth.

Cocoa Price Shock: Ivory Coast will keep the 2026/27 main cocoa farmgate price at 1,200 CFA francs/kg, Agriculture Minister Bruno Nabagne Kone confirmed, disappointing farmers who had hoped for a jump after a near-60% cut earlier this year. Mobility & Jobs: Uber abruptly ended ride-hailing in Nigeria and Uganda effective Sept. 2, saying the move is limited to those markets while it also cuts about 3,300 jobs globally as it pivots toward future technologies. Sahel Security Tensions: Niger blamed France for inciting a thwarted mutiny, while Paris denied involvement, as regional accusations widen. West Africa Safety Push: Yango reported a 35% drop in reckless driving incidents in Côte d’Ivoire tied to updated safety controls and 24/7 support. Energy in the Region: Eni’s Baleine Phase 3 offshore project in Ivory Coast reached a key construction step with first steel cut for its FPSO hull. Banking Market Watch: Coris Bank International (Burkina Faso) climbed above 1,000 billion CFA in market value on the regional exchange in Abidjan.

Cocoa Price Stability: Côte d’Ivoire kept the 2026/27 cocoa farmgate price unchanged at 1,200 CFA francs/kg, starting the main harvest season in Abidjan; the level is far below the 2025/26 record and raises fresh smuggling worries as Ghana prepares a more flexible pricing approach. Oil & Gas Investment: Eni’s Baleine Phase 3 offshore project in Côte d’Ivoire moves forward as Wison New Energies cuts first steel for the FPSO hull, targeting 90,000 bpd oil and 160 MMcfd gas capacity. Regional Security Claims: Benin’s government denied involvement in Niger’s attempted coup, rejecting accusations aired by Nigerien state TV and calling for normalization of ties with Niamey. Mobility & Safety Tech: Yango reported a 35% drop in reckless driving incidents in Côte d’Ivoire after safety rollouts, alongside fewer post-trip complaints and 24/7 urgent support. Finance Watch: Coris Bank International (Burkina Faso) crossed 1,000 billion CFA francs market value for the first time, reflecting strong share gains and improved first-half profits. Global Business Shock: Uber shut down ride-hailing in Nigeria and Uganda with immediate effect, cutting 3,300 jobs globally as it pivots toward higher-return bets.

Cocoa Policy: Ivory Coast kept the 2026/27 cocoa farmgate price unchanged at 1,200 CFA francs/kg, with Agriculture Minister Bruno Nabagné Koné confirming the buy price for well-fermented beans as harvesting runs to Feb. 28, 2027—a major reduction from the 2025/26 record and a fresh flashpoint as Ghana prepares its own periodic pricing review, raising smuggling fears. Oil & Industry: Eni’s Baleine Phase 3 offshore project moved forward as Wison New Energies cut first steel for the FPSO hull, targeting 90,000 bpd oil and 160 MMcfd gas, with production gas piped to the domestic market. Banking in the Region: Coris Bank International (Burkina Faso) crossed 1,000 billion CFA market value for the first time, reflecting strong share gains and a 24% rise in first-half profit. Local Economy & Jobs: Uber abruptly shut down ride-hailing in Nigeria and Uganda from Sept. 2, cutting about 3,300 jobs globally as it restructures—another sign of shifting tech investment across West Africa. Mining Update: Kobo Resources reported additional high-grade gold drill results at its Kossou project in Côte d’Ivoire, extending mineralisation north and at depth.

Cocoa Policy in Abidjan: Côte d’Ivoire kept the 2026/27 cocoa farmgate price at 1,200 CFA francs/kg, disappointing farmers after earlier hopes of a rebound, as the sector still underpins livelihoods and a big share of GDP. Value-Add Push: At the 10th National Cocoa and Chocolate Days, authorities said they will expand local processing capacity from 1.155m tonnes to 1.344m in 2026/27, aiming to capture more value as prices fall. Oil & Gas Industrial Step: Offshore work advanced for Eni’s Baleine Phase 3 as Wison New Energies cut first steel for the FPSO hull, with gas earmarked for the domestic market. Mining Update (Kossou): Kobo Resources reported new high-grade gold drill results at its Kossou project, extending mineralisation north and at depth toward an inaugural MRE in Q4 2026. Global Mobility Shock (Africa, incl. Ivorian links): Uber abruptly exited Nigeria and Uganda with immediate effect, shrinking its African footprint to Egypt, Ghana, Kenya and South Africa—a reminder of how quickly regional business conditions can shift. Tourism Outreach: Côte d’Ivoire debuted at China’s Culture and Tourism Industries Expo in Tianjin, pitching the country to Chinese travelers and investors.

Uber Exit Shock: Ride-hailing giant Uber shut down operations in Nigeria and Uganda effective Sept 2, citing a “thorough review” and a global restructure that will cut about 3,300 jobs (10%) while redirecting investment toward higher-yield priorities like autonomous vehicles. Cocoa Price Politics: In Côte d’Ivoire, the agriculture ministry says the 2026/27 farmgate cocoa price stays at 1,200 CFA francs/kg, disappointing farmers after earlier hopes of a rebound. Local Cocoa Value-Add: Côte d’Ivoire also announced plans to expand cocoa processing capacity for 2026/27, aiming to raise installed capacity from 1.155m tonnes to 1.344m, as prices remain under pressure. Abidjan Cleanup Legacy: Survivors of the Probo Koala toxic waste disaster say they’re still living with the fallout two decades on, after a controversial settlement that limited further legal action. Security Frameworks Under Strain: A review of West African coastal security efforts argues regional plans exist, but implementation is lagging as jihadist pressure grows. Mining Watch: Kobo Resources reported new high-grade gold drill results at its Kossou project in Côte d’Ivoire, extending mineralisation north and at depth.

Cocoa Policy: Côte d’Ivoire opened the 10th National Cocoa and Chocolate Days in Abidjan with a push to expand local processing capacity from 1.155m tonnes to 1.344m for 2026/27, as authorities keep the guaranteed farmgate price at 1,200 CFA francs/kg despite a sharp fall in prices. Political Debate: Ghana’s opposition UP’s Solomon Owusu challenged the NPP over cocoa pricing, arguing Ghana’s current producer price is far higher than Ivorian levels and calling for a more “honest” public discussion. Housing Pressure: An AFP report highlights Abidjan’s worsening housing crunch, where even minimum-wage earners struggle to find decent, affordable homes as rental costs rise and supply lags. Corporate Moves: Uber shut down operations in Nigeria and Uganda effective Sept. 2 after a review, leaving it with a smaller footprint in Africa; the exits also follow earlier withdrawals from Ivory Coast and Tanzania. Justice & Health Legacy: Survivors of the Probo Koala toxic waste dumping in Abidjan say they are still waiting for promised support, after a 2007 settlement that they say granted Trafigura immunity. Infrastructure & State Capacity: Côte d’Ivoire’s skyline ambition gets a boost with progress on the Tour F project, framed as a symbol of national recovery and investment confidence.

Cocoa Value Push: Côte d’Ivoire opened the 10th National Cocoa and Chocolate Days in Abidjan with a plan to raise installed cocoa processing capacity from 1.155m tonnes to 1.344m in 2026/27, as farmgate prices fall; officials also reiterated the minimum guaranteed farmgate price of 1,200 CFA francs/kg while calling for more research, mechanization and stronger plant protection. Rural Connectivity: Côte d’Ivoire launched an XOF 38bn rural connectivity project aimed at linking 575 localities, a move framed as part of broader government efforts to extend services beyond major cities. Health Insurance Expansion: Alan, backed by Kylian Mbappé, acquired Dakar-based Tanel in its first Africa expansion, with Tanel operating in Senegal and Côte d’Ivoire and serving about 70,000 members—targeting one million customers across Africa by 2030. Housing Pressure in Abidjan: An AFP report highlights Abidjan’s worsening rental unaffordability, with families struggling to find decent homes even above the minimum wage, as demand outpaces supply. Security & Crime Spillover: Dutch authorities reported a pre-dawn gun battle in Overasselt linked to the “Fat Jos” cocaine network, underscoring how transnational drug violence keeps escalating across Europe.

Cocoa Value Push: Côte d’Ivoire opened the 10th National Cocoa and Chocolate Days in Abidjan with a clear plan to raise local processing capacity from 1.155m tonnes to 1.344m tonnes in 2026-2027, as farmgate prices fall. Officials say new plants and more investment in research, mechanization, and disease-resistant seeds are meant to boost added value and competitiveness. Farmgate Price Shield: The government kept the minimum guaranteed cocoa farmgate price at 1,200 CFA francs per kg for 2026-2027, even as farmers feel the squeeze. Rural Connectivity Rollout: Côte d’Ivoire also moved ahead on digital access, commissioning the first phase of its National Rural Connectivity Programme (PNCR) to connect 575 rural communities under a XOF 38bn budget. Housing Pressure in Abidjan: An AFP report spotlights Abidjan’s rental crunch: households struggle to find decent homes on wages, with residents describing high prices, poor conditions, and difficult access roads. Cocoa Market Signals: Internationally, cocoa futures swung after supply fears tied to weather risks in Ivory Coast, with traders watching the 2026/27 crop outlook closely.

Housing Crunch in Abidjan: AFP reports Abidjan residents struggling to find decent, affordable homes as the city’s population tops six million but supply lags; one couple says even 100,000 CFA francs won’t cover prices, with poor road access and rental unaffordability highlighted by UN-Habitat. Rural Connectivity Push: Côte d’Ivoire completes the first phase of its XOF 38bn National Rural Connectivity Programme, commissioning telecom sites to connect 575 rural localities and expand public e-services. Cocoa Living Income Pressure: Fairtrade Africa urges stronger coordination across the cocoa chain to close the living income gap, citing new reference prices for Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire amid low prices and rising costs. Water Partnership with Local Reach: Global Water Challenge and Cargill expand the Cargill Currents partnership into Bolivia, Colombia, Costa Rica and Türkiye, while continuing programming in Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana to improve safe water access, sanitation, watershed restoration and farming water efficiency. Côte d’Ivoire in Regional Deportation Spotlight: The US releases an updated deportation list of 427 people from West Africa, including 15 from Côte d’Ivoire, with mugshots and alleged offences. Afrikrea Relaunch: Ivory Coast’s Afrikrea returns under its original name on its 10th anniversary, restoring a platform for African and diaspora creators after a rebrand to ANKA and acquisition by Global Shop Group.

Rural Connectivity Push: Côte d’Ivoire commissioned the first phase of its National Rural Connectivity Programme (PNCR), with XOF 38bn earmarked to link 575 rural communities and expand public e-services, starting with new telecom sites in Djebakaha (Korhogo). Housing Crunch in Abidjan: An AFP report spotlights Abidjan’s worsening rental unaffordability as demand outpaces supply; families say even above-minimum budgets can’t secure decent homes, with poor access roads adding pressure. Cocoa Living Income Debate: Fairtrade Africa urged stronger coordination across the cocoa value chain to close the living income gap, citing new reference prices for Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire. Fashion & Commerce: Ivory Coast’s Afrikrea relaunches under its original name on its 10th anniversary, restoring a platform for independent African and diaspora creators after prior rebranding and acquisition. US Deportation List: The US published an updated deportation list naming 427 people from West Africa, including Côte d’Ivoire, with charges ranging from fraud to robbery. Digital Economy: Côte d’Ivoire’s Afrikrea relaunch and the PNCR rollout both point to a push to connect creators and communities to wider markets.

Rural Connectivity Push: Côte d’Ivoire has commissioned the first phase of its National Rural Connectivity Programme (PNCR), a XOF 38 billion effort to link 575 rural communities and expand public e-services, with new telecom sites inaugurated in Djebakaha (Korhogo). Housing Crunch in Abidjan: An AFP report spotlights how Abidjan’s rapid growth has outpaced decent, affordable rentals, with residents saying even the minimum wage can’t cover housing costs and access problems. Cocoa Price Pressure & Living Income: Fairtrade Africa urged stronger coordination across the cocoa chain to close the living income gap, pointing to new living income reference prices for Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana amid ongoing market strain. Cocoa Supply Fears: Cocoa futures surged as traders repriced the 2026/27 West African crop outlook, citing weaker prospects in Ivory Coast and Ghana and rising El Niño-linked risks. Trade Platform: India’s BIRC 2026 is drawing 3,317 buyers from 138 countries, including Côte d’Ivoire, as exporters seek new routes and long-term deals. Fashion Tech Relaunch: Afrikrea announced it is returning to its original name on its 10th anniversary, reviving a platform for African and diaspora creators while keeping B2B tools under ANKA.