AGP Executive Report

Climate & Land Restoration: Africa’s “Wall of Trees” stretches about 8,000 km across the Sahel, aiming to restore degraded land, curb desertification, boost food security, and create jobs by rebuilding forests, grasslands, wetlands and farmland—not just planting trees. Hidden Hunger: A growing “invisible crisis” of micronutrient shortages is leaving many Africans undernourished despite enough calories, harming learning, productivity, and long-term growth. Security & Extremism: Analysts say Islamic State affiliates in Africa are shifting from isolated attacks to a more integrated regional network, with growing convergence between Sahel and Lake Chad operations. Niger Focus—Digital Governance: The UK expanded its digital partnership with Nigeria under SPRIRET, supporting reforms in Niger State to reduce regulatory barriers and improve broadband, digital services, and data ethics. Niger Focus—Human Rights: Niger reports arrests under its new anti-LGBTQ penal code, with rights groups warning of a widening crackdown affecting HIV services and LGBTQ communities. Education & Safety: Nigeria’s Safe School Initiative faces funding and fencing gaps in some states, while others report progress—highlighting uneven protection for students.

Niger Security & Rights: Niger reports arrests under its new anti-LGBTQ penal code, with reports of a “witch-hunt” and disruption to HIV services for men who have sex with men. Extremism Watch: Analysts say Islamic State activity in Africa is shifting from scattered local attacks to a more connected regional network across the Sahel and Lake Chad areas. Digital Governance: The UK expands its digital partnership with Nigeria via SPRIRET, targeting reforms in Abia, Edo, Ekiti, Enugu and Niger to improve broadband, digital services and data ethics. Education & Safety: Nigeria’s Safe Schools Initiative faces funding and fencing gaps, while Niger State’s FUT Minna tightens security and expands hostels after student protests over insecurity. Climate & Infrastructure: Nigeria’s rainy-season flood risk is rising; TCN declares force majeure on Lagos substations after flooding, and communities in Niger State mourn a child drowned in floodwaters linked to culvert works. Health & Research: A clinical study highlights liposomal delivery of Sesbania grandiflora for hair and scalp health. Games & Jobs: Google Play launches an Africa Indie Games Fund with $1m to back independent studios across 32 countries.

ECOWAS Integration Push: Tinubu urged ECOWAS to shift from a consumer market to a production-driven bloc as he inaugurated the new ECOWAS headquarters in Abuja, stressing industrialisation, value chains, and intra-regional trade. Climate & Flood Risk: Nigeria’s rainy-season threat is worsening, with officials urging immediate flood preparedness as heavy downpours overwhelm drainage; Niger State also saw a deadly Mokwa flood linked to a blocked culvert. Safe Schools Funding Gaps: Stakeholders say Nigeria’s Safe School Initiative still struggles with lack of funds and fencing, even as some states report progress. Digital Transformation in Niger: The UK expanded its digital partnership with Nigeria under SPRIRET, targeting reforms in states including Niger to cut regulatory barriers and boost broadband and digital services. AI Security Warning: Saudi Arabia warned at the UN that terrorists are using AI faster than safeguards are being built. Niger Crackdown on LGBTQ+: Niger reported arrests under its new anti-LGBTQ penal code, disrupting HIV services and raising fears of a “witch-hunt.” Games for Africa: Google Play launched an equity-free Indie Games Fund for Africa, committing $1m to help small studios scale across 32 countries. Insecurity Linked to Mining: Experts warned illegal mining is fueling Nigeria’s insecurity, citing gold, lithium, and tantalum funding armed groups.

Campus Security in Niger: Students at FUT Minna protested recurring off-campus robberies and insecurity, disrupting tests; the Vice-Chancellor says the campus is secure and announces tighter coordination with police, drafted vigilantes, and hostel expansion. Human Rights & Health in Niger: Niger has arrested at least 16 people under a new anti-LGBTQ law, with reports that HIV services for men who have sex with men have been forced to pause. Digital Transformation: The UK is expanding its digital partnership with Nigeria under SPRIRET, targeting policy and regulatory reforms in states including Niger to boost broadband, digital services, and emerging tech. Mining, Conflict & Insecurity: Experts warn illegal mining is fueling violence in Nigeria, with gold, lithium and tantalum linked to armed groups; they call for miner registration, stronger enforcement, and formalisation. Electricity Disruption: Nigeria’s TCN declared force majeure on Lagos substations after flooding damaged transformers, while other parts remain in service. Children’s Priorities: UNICEF begins evidence-based consultations for its 2028–2032 Nigeria programme in Kaduna, Niger, Nasarawa and Kwara. Niger’s Security Reality Check: A report describes a sharp spike in jihadist attacks, including overrun bases and attempts to breach Diori Hamani International Airport.

Niger Security & Rights: Niger’s new penal code is driving a reported “witch-hunt,” with dozens arrested and some imprisoned over same-sex relations, while HIV service groups say they’ve had to stop work as people go into hiding. Power & Infrastructure: Nigeria’s TCN declares force majeure on two Lagos transmission substations after flooding damaged transformers, while separate reports highlight ongoing grid fragility and blackouts. Climate & Flood Readiness: Nigeria’s climate office urges immediate flood preparedness as heavier, shorter downpours overwhelm drainage, citing climate change as a driver of worsening rainfall patterns. Health & Data Systems: UNICEF begins evidence-based consultations to shape its 2028–2032 Nigeria programme, focusing on children in Kaduna, Niger, Nasarawa and Kwara. Digital Health: Nigeria’s STRICAAN project uses digital tools to enumerate households and flag zero-dose children, aiming to improve routine immunisation planning. Education & Campus Safety: Students at FUT Minna protest rising insecurity and off-campus robberies, disrupting tests and demanding stronger protection. Higher Education (Niger): MAAUN Niger tops Niger Republic in the 2026 THE Impact Rankings, boosting the country’s research and health-sciences visibility. Tech & Creative Industry: Google launches an equity-free fund for independent game studios across Africa, offering funding plus mentorship to scale local games globally.

Energy & Climate Resilience: Nigeria’s power grid woes hit again as TCN declares force majeure on Lagos substations after flooding, while Eko Electricity Distribution reports a widespread blackout—fresh reminders that climate shocks and grid fragility travel together. Public Health Planning: UNICEF begins evidence-based consultations to set priorities for children’s welfare in Kaduna, Niger, Nasarawa and Kwara for 2028–2032, while Nigeria’s routine immunisation gets a boost from digital tools that mapped 624,000 households and flagged 90,000 zero-dose children. Digital Civic Space: RFLD joins the NAFASI annual consortium meeting in Harare, reaffirming a three-year push to protect Africa’s digital civic space. Education & Safety: Students at FUT Minna protest rising insecurity and robbery attacks, disrupting tests—security is now a direct barrier to learning. Niger Rights & Governance: Reports say Niger’s new penal code is fueling a “witch-hunt” with arrests of LGBTQ+ people, raising fears for health services. Science, Tech & Skills: Google launches a Ksh129.5m fund for independent African game studios, backing creators with equity-free support and mentorship. Health Tech & Access: Smile Train expands cleft care capacity via an Africa alumni network bringing surgeons and speech professionals together.

Campus Security Crisis: Students at the Federal University of Technology, Minna blocked the main gate and disrupted tests, protesting recurring off-campus robberies and alleged killings/injuries, with management saying it’s working with police and vigilantes. Rights Under Pressure in Niger: A “witch-hunt” is reported in Niger after arrests tied to the new penal code criminalising same-sex relations, with HIV service groups forced to stop work amid fear. Digital Creativity Funding: Google launched a Ksh129.5m equity-free Play Indie Games Fund for independent studios across 32 African countries, offering grants plus mentorship to scale games globally. Health Tech for Immunisation: Nigeria’s STRICAAN digital health project enumerated 624,000 households and flagged 90,000 zero-dose children in Adamawa and Niger for better routine immunisation planning. Water Safety Gap: A World Bank “Water Forward” review found lead testing is largely absent from drinking-water project paperwork, despite lead being a major contaminant risk. Power Reliability Woes: Nigeria’s grid issues hit Lagos (EKEDP blackout) and planned TCN maintenance is set to cause outages in several northern states and Gazaoua (Niger Republic). Accountability Push: SERAP gave Nigeria’s National Assembly a 7-day ultimatum over alleged diversion of ₦6.3bn constituency funds, demanding investigations and contractor disclosures.

Security Shock in Niger: Jihadist assaults hit key bases at Inatès and Banibangou, then attackers tried to breach Diori Hamani International Airport in Niamey—another major blow to the junta’s security promise. Campus Safety & Crime: Students at FUT Minna blocked roads and the main gate over recurring off-campus robberies, saying a student was killed and others injured, disrupting planned computer tests. Health Tech for Immunisation: Nigeria’s STRICAAN digital push enumerated 624,000 households and flagged 90,000 zero-dose children in Niger and Adamawa to improve routine vaccine delivery. Electricity Reliability: TCN scheduled grid maintenance causing outages in five northern states and Gazaoua (Niger Republic), while Lagos residents also reported a major blackout from grid supply loss. Accountability Pressure: SERAP gave Nigeria’s National Assembly a 7-day ultimatum over alleged diversion of ₦6.3bn constituency funds, demanding probes and contractor disclosure. Menstrual Poverty: A Niger-based expert warned menstrual poverty is driving school absenteeism and infection risk as sanitary products become harder to afford. Renewables & Power Access: Nigeria continues rolling out solar mini-grids, with officials calling it “democratization of electricity” through decentralised generation to end-users.

GBV Momentum in Nigeria: New national data show declines in sexual violence, physical violence, intimate partner violence, and female genital mutilation, but officials say progress must be sustained through stronger traditional, religious, and community leadership. Health Tech for Immunisation: Nigeria’s STRICAAN digital health project says it mapped 624,000 households and flagged 90,000 zero-dose children to improve routine vaccination planning. Niger Health Governance: Niger State inaugurated a 28-member health advisory committee to give evidence-based guidance to the Ministry of Health and strengthen research-policy links. Electricity Disruption: Lagos faced a major blackout after Eko Electricity Distribution lost supply from the national grid, again highlighting grid fragility. Power Grid Maintenance: TCN scheduled outages in five northern states (and Gazaoua in Niger Republic) for transmission upgrades. Accountability Pressure: SERAP gave Nigeria’s National Assembly a seven-day ultimatum over alleged diversion of ₦6.3bn constituency funds, demanding investigations and contractor disclosures. Veterinary Infrastructure: Nigeria commissioned the Aviele Model Veterinary Hospital in Edo under the World Bank-backed L-PRES project to boost animal health and food security. Uranium Market Watch: Analysts link 2026 uranium price strength to AI-driven demand for carbon-free power and growing interest in SMRs.

Uranium Market Watch: Analysts say 2026 is shifting from a normal commodity cycle to a structural uranium supply deficit, with AI-driven demand and 24/7 carbon-free power needs pushing long-term prices toward a possible $150/lb “incentive” level, alongside growing SMR interest. Power & Grid Reliability: Lagos residents reported a major blackout after Eko Electricity Distribution lost supply from Nigeria’s national grid, while TCN also scheduled maintenance that will temporarily cut power in five northern states and Gazaoua (Niger Republic). Health Tech in Niger: Nigeria’s STRICAAN routine immunisation project used digital tools to enumerate 624,000 households and identify 90,000 zero-dose children for targeted vaccination planning. Public Accountability: SERAP gave Nigeria’s National Assembly a 7-day ultimatum to investigate alleged diversion/non-accounting of ₦6.3bn constituency funds and disclose contractors’ identities. Sahel Health Governance: Niger inaugurated a 28-member state health advisory committee to strengthen evidence-based decision-making. Education Under Pressure: ASUU Abuja Zone warned of an imminent crisis over unpaid salaries and unimplemented 2025 agreements at IBBUL and NSUK. Menstrual Health: A Niger-based expert warned rising menstrual poverty is driving school absenteeism and increasing infection risks.

Public Accountability: SERAP is pressing Nigeria’s Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas to refer alleged diversion of ₦6.3bn in constituency project funds to anti-corruption agencies, demanding contractor disclosures and possible prosecutions. Energy Reliability: Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) says planned maintenance will trigger a temporary power outage in five northern states and also affect Gazaoua in Niger Republic. Resource Security & Illicit Trade: An investigative report claims mineral cartel interests are fueling insecurity in Nigeria’s mineral-rich states, costing the economy about $9bn yearly through illegal mining and gold smuggling. Health & Environment: Ogun State says recurring gas emissions in Ijebu-Ode are linked to natural underground geological fault activity (methane and sulphide), and it plans to reopen affected schools after safety reviews. Niger Tech Angle: Niger’s government inaugurated a 28-member health advisory committee aimed at evidence-based guidance to strengthen the state health system. Clean Energy & Tech Policy: A new analysis warns sub-Saharan Africa is still falling behind on clean cooking access, with harmful fuels driving health and environmental harm.

Health Governance (Niger): Niger inaugurated a 28-member state health advisory committee in Minna to strengthen a more responsive, resilient health system, with 21 health professionals plus ex officio members advising the Ministry of Health on plans, research-policy links, and public feedback. Regional Security & Diplomacy (AES): The AES confederation (Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger) held talks in Ouagadougou to align positions on future ECOWAS consultations, while Burkina Faso also moved to sever ties with France—signaling a tighter security and diplomatic front. Energy Reliability (Nigeria/Niger): Nigeria’s TCN scheduled maintenance at the Kumbotso 330kV substation, triggering a temporary power outage in five northern states and Gazaoua in Niger Republic. Accountability Watch (Nigeria): SERAP gave Senate President Akpabio and Speaker Abbas seven days to refer alleged diversion of ₦6.3bn constituency funds to anti-corruption agencies or face legal action. Clean Cooking Crisis (Africa): An IEA report warns nearly 970m people in sub-Saharan Africa still lack clean cooking access, with the gap expected to worsen by 2027. Tech & Learning (Education Rankings): Nigeria celebrated improved performance in the 2026 Times Higher Education World University Rankings, with 24 universities listed.

Anti-Corruption Push: SERAP has urged Nigeria’s Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas to refer allegations of diversion or non-accounting of over ₦6.3bn in constituency project funds to anti-corruption agencies for investigation and possible prosecution, with a 7-day deadline. Niger Health Systems: Niger inaugurated a 28-member state health advisory committee in Minna to give independent, evidence-based guidance to the Ministry of Health, strengthen links between researchers and policymakers, and improve implementation and public feedback. Regional Security & Diplomacy: The AES confederation (Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger) met in Ouagadougou to align positions on security, economic integration and diplomacy ahead of future ECOWAS consultations, as Burkina Faso also moves to cut ties with France. Clean Cooking Crisis: A new IEA report warns that nearly 1bn people in sub-Saharan Africa may still lack clean cooking access by 2027, with population growth outpacing progress. Nuclear Ambitions: Analysts say more African countries are eyeing small modular reactors to expand electricity access; Niger is listed among those advancing nuclear plans. Education & Rankings: Nigeria’s universities celebrated improved performance in the 2026 Times Higher Education Sustainability Impact Ratings, with Niger among new countries included. Drug Enforcement in Niger: NDLEA Niger Command says it seized 10,127.84kg of illicit drugs and secured 173 convictions from 2025 to date. Sports Youth Development: MILO Basketball Western Conference champions booked national finals spots, with Ado Grammar School (girls) and Davidhall International College (boys) winning their categories.

Regional Investment & Tech-Ready Growth: Nigeria, the EU and ECOWAS met at a Regional Investment Forum to map new funding and partnerships across agriculture, renewable energy, infrastructure, technology and manufacturing. Sahel Security & Diplomacy: The AES bloc (Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger) wrapped talks in Ouagadougou to align security, economic integration and a common diplomatic line as Burkina Faso cuts ties with France. Clean Cooking Crisis: An IEA report warns sub-Saharan Africa could lose clean cooking access for nearly 1 billion people by 2027, with population growth outpacing progress. Niger Energy & Power Plans: Analysts say small modular reactors are gaining traction across Africa; Niger is named among countries advancing nuclear ambitions. Niger Tech & Soil for Farmers: The Soil Values newsletter highlights Sahel soil-health tools and partnerships, including locally sourced inputs in Niger and a SoilSmart course for extension agents. Public Health Implementation: A Lagos climate initiative backs large-scale green cookstoves, linking clean cooking to jobs, emissions cuts and health gains. Drug Enforcement in Niger: NDLEA Niger Command reports major drug seizures and convictions, citing new trafficking methods and psychoactive substances.

Clean Cooking Crisis: An IEA report warns sub-Saharan Africa could top 1 billion people without clean cooking access by 2027, as population growth outpaces policy gains. Energy Tech & Industry: China’s CISCE showcased a clean-energy supply chain push, with firms using AI for smarter grids and lower-cost energy systems. Nuclear Ambitions (SMRs): Analysts say small modular reactors are gaining traction across Africa to expand electricity access; Rwanda targets an operating plant in the early 2030s, with Niger and others also moving. University Sustainability (Niger/Region): Times Higher Education’s Sustainability Impact Ratings 2026 added Niger among new ranked countries, while ABUAD topped Nigeria’s list. Security & Tech in Niger: Niger State governor Umaru Bago urged police to boost manpower and technology-driven solutions, including aerial surveillance, to counter banditry and kidnapping. Drugs Enforcement (Niger): NDLEA Niger Command says it seized over 10,000kg of illicit drugs and secured 173 convictions. Sahel Climate-Security Link: SIPRI and NUPI warn climate change is intensifying insecurity and displacement in the Lake Chad Basin. Clean Cooking Push (Nigeria): A proposal for 80 million green cookstoves is pitched as a health, jobs, and emissions win. Biodiversity/Health Research: UP researchers identified a new antibiotic-producing bacterium from Mayon Volcano soils. Agriculture (Sahel): Soil Values highlights soil-health partnerships and Niger-focused restoration using locally sourced inputs.

Drug Control: Niger’s NDLEA command says it seized 10,127.84kg of illicit drugs and secured 173 convictions from 2025 to date, warning that new psychoactive substances and shifting trafficking methods are complicating enforcement. Nuclear & Power: Analysts say small modular reactors are gaining traction across Africa to expand electricity access; Rwanda is cited as aiming for an operating nuclear power plant in the early 2030s, with Niger among countries pursuing nuclear ambitions. Clean Energy & AI: China’s CISCE expo highlights a clean-energy supply chain push, with AI-linked smart grid systems and “digital twin” management presented as tools to cut costs and improve efficiency. Geospatial for Agriculture: A Sahel-focused soil and farming update from the Soil Values newsletter spotlights Niger restoration using locally sourced inputs, plus training for extension agents and support for farmers. Security Tech & Borders: Niger Governor Umaru Bago urges Nigeria’s police to boost manpower and technology like aerial surveillance and stronger intelligence sharing to tackle banditry and kidnapping. Health Policy: The UN adopted a new HIV/AIDS political declaration, but the US and others voted against it for the first time in decades, reflecting widening political splits over HIV services. Sahel Peacebuilding: Catholic bishops from Burkina Faso and Niger are backing a “Sahel Peace University” concept to train future leaders to tackle terrorism and violence through interfaith cooperation. Sports (Youth Development): MILO Basketball Championship finals qualifiers are emerging, with Western Conference champions Davidhall International College (boys) and Ado Grammar School (girls) booking national finals spots. Niger-Linked Security: The US sanctioned three Nigerian bureaux de change and an alleged owner over alleged ISWAP financing, underscoring cross-border financial pressure on Lake Chad networks.