AGP Executive Report

Public Finance Reform: A World Bank report urges the Central African Republic to boost domestic revenue (still under 10% of GDP), rein in a wage bill that absorbs up to 73% of public resources, and reduce reliance on external aid to create fiscal space for education, health, and jobs. Plastic Pollution Action: Kenya launched its National Plastic Action Partnership with the World Economic Forum’s Global Plastic Action Partnership, targeting a shift to a circular plastics economy to cut marine debris that makes up most ocean litter. Wildlife Under Threat: Conservationists warn that demand for vultures—driven by belief-based use in Nigeria and Benin—is spreading into Central Africa, with poisoning and trapping linked to declines near slaughterhouses and landfills. Forest Climate Pressure: New global forest monitoring highlights 2025 tree cover loss and warns that Congo Basin forests face both fire-driven damage and ongoing small-scale clearing, with “progress” masking record non-fire loss. Gabon Business & Trade Quality: SGS renewed Gabon’s pre-export verification of conformity mandate, extending a decade-long partnership aimed at strengthening consumer protection and import compliance. Flood Risk in West Africa: Lagos residents face heightened flood worries after heavy rains submerged roads and disrupted operations at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport temporary terminal, with drainage issues blamed and July–September flagged as the most vulnerable period. Water & Climate Risk: A data roundup maps extreme water stress worldwide, underscoring how climate-linked demand pressures can outstrip renewable supplies.

Wildlife Crime: Conservationists warn that demand for vultures in West Africa is spilling into Central Africa, with poaching and poisoning linked to beliefs and use of vulture parts now threatening species around slaughterhouses and landfills near N’Djamena, Chad. Forest & Climate: New global forest monitoring data shows 2025 tree cover loss at 25.5 million hectares, driven mainly by fires, with Central Africa’s Congo Basin still under pressure from both fire and non-fire loss tied to farming, charcoal and conflict displacement. Water & Risk: A data map highlights extreme water stress worldwide, underscoring how climate shifts and rising demand can push countries beyond sustainable freshwater supply. Flooding Watch (Lagos): Heavy rains submerged roads and disrupted operations at Lagos’s Murtala Muhammed International Airport temporary terminal, with agencies warning July–September could bring the highest risk period. Food Security Finance: The World Food Programme is expanding climate insurance for farmers, helping households recover after extreme weather shocks and protect livelihoods. Gabon Trade Quality: SGS renewed Gabon’s pre-export verification of conformity mandate for a third time, marking a decade-long push to strengthen import quality and consumer protection.

Forest Loss Alarm: Global Forest Watch data shows 2025 tree cover loss hit 25.5 million hectares, with fires driving more than twice the loss seen two decades ago, and Congo Basin forests still under pressure from small-scale farming, charcoal and conflict-driven displacement. Energy Security & Climate Risk: The Strait of Hormuz disruption pushed oil prices above $120 and raised shipping costs, but India avoided a fuel crisis through preparedness and energy diplomacy—an indirect reminder of how shocks can worsen climate and food pressures. Gabon Trade Quality: SGS renewed Gabon’s pre-export verification of conformity (PVoC) mandate for a third straight term, extending a decade-long partnership aimed at protecting consumers and improving import compliance. Water Stress Lens: A new global map highlights extreme water stress where withdrawals far exceed renewable supply, underscoring how climate shifts can intensify drought and pressure ecosystems. Flooding Warning (Regional): Heavy rains in Lagos submerged roads and disrupted airport operations, with agencies warning July–September could bring heightened flood risk.

Climate & Water Risks: Lagos was hit by heavy rain on June 28, flooding roads and disrupting operations at the temporary international terminal of Murtala Muhammed Airport, with agencies warning July–September could bring the highest flood vulnerability. Gabon Governance & Civic Space: AFP reports a crackdown on criticism in Gabon, including threats and account suspensions affecting activists and opposition voices. Forests & Carbon: A new study on Congo Basin rainforests suggests selectively managed logging concessions could account for over half of net carbon removals—though experts warn better protection against illegal clearing may be the real priority. Sustainable Trade Standards: SGS renewed Gabon’s pre-export verification of conformity (PVoC) mandate for a third straight term, marking a decade-long partnership aimed at improving import quality and compliance. Biodiversity & Medicinal Plants: Reporting highlights renewed interest in ibogaine sources tied to Gabon’s iboga plant, as demand pressures wild stocks and drives search for alternative harvesting methods. Regional Institutions: Togo advanced cooperation with Gabon and Chad to strengthen constitutional and parliamentary institutions, linking legal reforms to better governance and investment conditions.

Gabon Environment & Governance: Togo is deepening institutional cooperation with Gabon (and Chad), with Libreville talks between the presidents of the constitutional courts focused on regular consultations, shared expertise and capacity-building to strengthen the rule of law and improve the investment climate. Clean Water Pressure: A new global data map highlights how water stress and unsafe drinking water remain major risks worldwide, with some countries using far more freshwater than nature can replenish and billions still lacking safely managed drinking water at home. Climate Risk & Resilience: WFP is scaling up climate insurance to help vulnerable farmers recover after extreme weather shocks, aiming to protect livelihoods and keep households food secure when harvests fail. Congo Basin Carbon Debate: A study on Central Africa’s Congo Basin suggests selectively managed logging concessions could account for over half of net carbon removals, sparking debate over whether expanding logging is better than tackling illegal clearing and local conflicts. Gabon Trade Quality: SGS marks a decade in Gabon by renewing its pre-export verification of conformity (PVoC) mandate, supporting AGANOR efforts to protect consumers and strengthen import compliance.

Water Stress Watch: A new global map shows how water withdrawals are outpacing nature in many countries, with Kuwait topping the list at 3,850% and the U.S. at 28.2%—a warning for agriculture, industry and daily life as climate patterns shift. Clean Water Gap: Another data visual highlights that over 2 billion people still lack safely managed drinking water services, with access near-universal in parts of Europe and far lower in several low-income countries. Gabon & Regional Health: Angel Care Foundation launched its “Angel Blanket Initiative” in Accra on 25 June 2026, aiming to deliver 1 million newborn blankets across Africa while training mothers on postnatal care; Gabon is among the ambassadors involved. Gabon Trade Quality: SGS renewed Gabon’s pre-export verification of conformity (PVoC) mandate for a third straight term, extending a decade-long partnership supporting consumer protection and import compliance. Climate Risk & Resilience: WFP is using climate insurance to help farmers recover from extreme weather shocks, including cases where timely payouts protected livelihoods and food security. Flooding in the Region: Heavy rains in Lagos submerged roads and disrupted airport operations, with agencies warning July–September could bring heightened flood risk.

Water Stress Watch: A new global map shows how hard many countries are drawing down freshwater beyond what nature can replenish, with Kuwait topping the list at 3,850.5% water stress and the U.S. at 28.2%—a warning for agriculture, industry and daily life as climate patterns shift. Clean Water Access: Another data map highlights where safely managed drinking water is still out of reach, noting that more than 2 billion people worldwide lack it at home. Congo Basin Carbon Debate: A study on Central Africa’s Congo Basin suggests selectively managed logging concessions could account for over half of net carbon removals, sparking debate over whether expanding logging or tackling illegal clearing should be the priority. Gabon Governance & Rights: Reporting says Gabon’s crackdown on criticism is intensifying, with activists and social media users facing threats and account suspensions. Gabon Business & Trade Quality: SGS renewed Gabon’s pre-export verification of conformity (PVoC) mandate for a third time, marking a decade of support for consumer protection and trade compliance. Regional Institutions: Togo says it is deepening constitutional and parliamentary cooperation with Gabon and Chad through court-to-court and legislature-to-legislature engagement. Climate Risk Finance: WFP highlights how climate insurance can help farmers recover after extreme weather shocks, including impacts linked to El Niño.

Climate & Forests: A new study on Central Africa’s Congo Basin rainforests suggests selectively managed logging concessions could account for more than half of net carbon removed, though critics warn that tackling illegal clearing and local conflicts would better protect biodiversity and livelihoods. Gabon Governance & Civic Space: AFP reports Gabon’s new political climate is cracking down on criticism, with opposition voices and social media users facing threats and account suspensions, including a TikTok personality who says she received threats after speaking out. Water & Flood Risk (Regional): Lagos is reeling after heavy rains submerged roads and disrupted operations at the temporary international terminal of Murtala Muhammed International Airport, while meteorological agencies warn July–September could bring heightened flood vulnerability. Water Access Data: A global map highlights that over 2 billion people still lack safely managed drinking water services, with major gaps persisting in low-income countries. Trade & Standards in Gabon: SGS renewed its pre-export verification of conformity (PVoC) mandate in Gabon, extending a decade-long partnership aimed at protecting consumers and improving import quality. Maritime Emissions Policy: Shipping firms face hurdles shifting to low-carbon fuels as IMO decarbonization talks stall and carbon-pricing uncertainty persists.

Gabon Climate & Governance: A new AFP report says Gabon’s post-coup leadership is cracking down on dissent, with activists and critical voices facing threats, account suspensions and imprisonment—raising concerns for civic space as the country navigates environmental and social pressures. Congo Basin Carbon & Forests: A study on Central Africa’s Congo Basin rainforests suggests selectively managed logging concessions could account for more than half of net carbon removals, though critics warn that tackling conflicts driving illegal clearing may deliver better protection for biodiversity. Regional Institutions: Togo says it is deepening constitutional and parliamentary cooperation with Gabon (and Chad), aiming to strengthen rule of law and improve the investment climate. Trade & Standards in Gabon: SGS renewed its pre-export verification of conformity (PVoC) mandate in Gabon for a third straight term, marking a decade-long partnership supporting consumer protection and import compliance. Water Security: A global map highlights where safe drinking water is still out of reach, with billions lacking safely managed services—an issue that also shapes health and resilience in Central Africa.

Congo Basin Forests & Carbon: A new study using a machine-learning model estimates how much CO₂ Central Africa’s Congo Basin rainforests already store and pull out each year, finding that well-managed selective logging concessions account for more than half of net carbon removals—though critics warn that tackling conflicts driving illegal clearing could deliver bigger conservation gains. Gabon Civic Space Under Pressure: An AFP report says Gabon’s post-coup leadership is cracking down on criticism, with activists and opposition voices facing threats, arrests, and social media suspensions, including the case of TikTok influencer Nelly Ngabima. Gabon Trade Compliance: SGS renewed Gabon’s pre-export verification of conformity (PVoC) mandate for a third straight term, marking a decade-long partnership aimed at strengthening product quality and consumer protection. Regional Governance Links: Togo moved to deepen constitutional and parliamentary cooperation with Gabon and Chad, including talks between constitutional court leaders and renewed legislative dialogue. Climate Risk & Water: A data-driven global map highlights that over 2 billion people still lack safely managed drinking water, underscoring the scale of infrastructure and service gaps relevant to Central Africa’s climate and health resilience.

Energy & Climate Resilience: India’s feared worst-case disruption from the Strait of Hormuz never fully materialised, as policy action helped it avoid fuel shortages and cushion consumer impacts—an energy-security lesson for import-dependent economies. Trade Quality & Consumer Protection (Gabon): SGS renewed Gabon’s pre-export verification of conformity (PVoC) mandate for a third straight term, extending a decade-long partnership aimed at strengthening compliance and protecting consumers, with plans for digital inspection improvements. Security & Regional Stability: African military chiefs reaffirmed commitments to peace and security, stressing cooperation and respect for sovereignty—an environment-relevant backdrop for stability and displacement risks. Flood Risk & Urban Planning (Lagos): Heavy rains submerged parts of Lagos and disrupted airport operations, with agencies warning of heightened flood vulnerability through July–September—another reminder that drainage and climate adaptation must move faster. Climate Finance for Farmers: WFP highlights how inclusive climate insurance helped farmers recover after extreme weather shocks, protecting livelihoods and food security. Biodiversity & Medicinal Plants (Gabon): New harvesting approaches for ibogaine aim to ease pressure on Gabon’s sacred iboga plant, which has faced poaching and smuggling. Maritime Pollution & Shipping Emissions: Wärtsilä warns low-carbon fuel adoption is slowed by IMO delays and fragmented rules, complicating the shift to cleaner shipping.

Flood Risk Watch: Heavy rain has again battered Lagos, submerging roads and disrupting the temporary international terminal at Murtala Muhammed Airport, with agencies warning July–September could be the most vulnerable period. Airport Resilience: FAAN says flight operations have resumed after drainage problems linked to nearby construction caused power cuts and forced airlines to relocate. Climate Insurance for Farmers: The WFP highlights how climate insurance helped farmers like Senegal’s Aminata Tambedou and Syria’s Hafia Salim recover after extreme weather shocks. Gabon Civic Space Under Pressure: Reporting says Gabon’s new political climate is cracking down on criticism, with activists and social media users facing threats and account suspensions. Wildlife & Biodiversity (Gabon link): A new report points to Gabon’s sacred iboga plant and the push to reduce poaching by developing alternative ways to produce ibogaine for addiction treatment. Illegal Fishing Fight: A new international pledge at the Our Ocean Conference targets illegal fishing, a pressure that threatens coastal livelihoods across Africa.

Flood Risk in Lagos: Heavy rain on June 28 submerged roads and homes across Oshodi, Mushin, Surulere, Egbeda, Gbagada and more, forcing the FAAN to cut power and suspend operations at the temporary international terminal of Murtala Muhammed International Airport before relocating airlines to Terminal Two. Agencies warn the worst may be ahead: NiMet and NIHSA flag July–September as the peak vulnerability window, with Lagos already listed among high-risk states. Climate Insurance for Farmers: The WFP highlights how climate insurance helped farmers like Senegal’s Aminata Tambedou and Syria’s Hafia Salim recover after extreme weather shocks, aiming to protect livelihoods and reduce hunger risk. Gabon’s Crackdown on Criticism: A report says Gabon’s political climate is tightening, with activists and critics facing threats and account suspensions—an issue that shapes civic space around environmental governance. Illegal Fishing Pushback: A new international pledge signed at the Our Ocean Conference targets illegal fishing, aiming to protect depleted fish stocks that are also being hit by climate change. Restoring Forests in Gabon’s Region: A nature-based project backed by the Philippines’ DENR and aDryada points to large-scale rainforest restoration and ranger support, with Gabon noted in the company’s Congo Basin portfolio.

Gabon Environment & Governance: AFP reports a crackdown on criticism in Gabon, with opposition voices and social media users facing threats and account suspensions under President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema. Climate & Water Risks: Heavy rains have flooded parts of Lagos, disrupting roads and airport operations, while agencies warn of heightened flood risk through the coming months. Clean Water Gap: A new global map shows where safe drinking water is still out of reach, with over 2 billion people lacking safely managed services. Nature Restoration: A French project developer and the Philippines’ environment authority plan to restore 120,000 hectares of rainforest in Samar, with ranger support and a carbon credit mechanism. Wildlife Conservation: Bristol Zoo welcomed a new silverback gorilla, Nkoumou, to lead a western lowland gorilla troop after the death of Jock, supporting a conservation breeding programme. Sustainable Shipping Policy: Wärtsilä warns low-carbon fuel adoption is being slowed by IMO delays and fragmented rules, leaving companies without clear incentives.

Flood Risk in Lagos: Heavy rain submerged major roads and disrupted airport operations after drainage was hit by construction, leaving residents on edge as agencies warn of heightened flooding in the coming months. Climate Insurance for Farmers: The WFP says inclusive climate insurance helped farmers recover after extreme weather shocks, protecting livelihoods and food security. Gabon Rights Under Pressure: A crackdown on criticism is reported to be shattering hopes for democratic change, with activists and social media users facing threats and account suspensions. Gabon Conservation & Restoration: A French-backed project with Gabon’s environment authorities aims to restore 120,000 hectares of rainforest in Samar, boosting park surveillance and local jobs. Illegal Fishing Push: Africa is calling for an end to industrial krill fishing in the Southern Ocean as coastal states meet in Mombasa to protect marine ecosystems. Water Access Map: A new global mapping shows safe drinking water remains out of reach for over 2 billion people, with stark gaps between countries.

Press Freedom in Gabon: A report says the post-coup climate is turning repressive, with opposition voices and activists targeted, including TikTok star Nelly Ngabima (“Princesse de Souba”), whose accounts were suspended after she criticized the Bongo family and the new leadership. Low-Carbon Shipping: Wärtsilä warns that IMO delays and fragmented rules are making it harder for shipping firms to afford and scale low-carbon fuels without a clear carbon-cost mechanism. Water Access Map: A new global map highlights that over 2 billion people still lack safely managed drinking water, with big gaps between wealthy regions and many low-income countries. Allergy Care in Africa: AFRICALLI marks World Allergy Week by pushing for allergies and immune conditions to be treated as essential healthcare, not a neglected side issue. Gabon Rainforest Restoration: A French project and Gabon’s environment authorities are linked to large-scale rainforest restoration efforts in the Congo Basin, using carbon and conservation funding to support long-term protection. Biodiversity & Conservation: A new call urges an end to industrial krill fishing in the Southern Ocean to protect Antarctica’s food web as climate stress worsens.