AGP Executive Report

Ebola & Trade Disruption: Central Africa’s Ebola crisis is worsening fast, with DRC suspected cases now above 1,000 and border controls spreading to contain the virus—raising risks for cross-border commerce and livelihoods in the region. Regional Security & Development: A UN security meeting in Bujumbura urged stronger Central Africa cooperation to prevent conflict and tackle new threats like terrorism, hate speech, disinformation, election tensions and climate impacts. Coffee Exports Boost: China will open its market to eligible coffee beans from 53 African countries from July 20, using unified phytosanitary rules—good news for Burundi and other producers seeking smoother access. EAC Digital Integration: East African regulators are drafting harmonised mobile roaming rules to cut communication costs and support regional trade and the Single Digital Market. Burundi Local Business Pressure: In Gitega’s Rutegama livestock market, a drinking water shortage is disrupting hygiene and raising health worries for traders and restaurants. Public Health & Youth: Burundi’s cheap, high-alcohol drinks are spreading in markets and bars, with specialists warning of dangerous alcohol levels among young consumers. Human Rights & Migration: Switzerland’s continued forced returns of Burundian asylum seekers are being challenged by civil society, arguing risk assessments may be incomplete. Cross-border Security Cooperation: Kinshasa and Gitega reaffirmed defence cooperation amid tensions in eastern DRC, including the arrest of a Congolese national in Bujumbura linked to alleged M23 collaboration.

Ebola & Borders: WHO and IGAD are urging urgent, coordinated preparedness as the DRC’s Ebola outbreak accelerates past 1,000 suspected cases, with conflict and mistrust in eastern provinces disrupting contact tracing and pushing neighboring countries toward tighter border controls. Coffee Trade: China’s customs authority says eligible coffee beans from 53 African countries with diplomatic ties will enter its market from July 20, using unified phytosanitary rules that streamline approvals for exporters including Burundi. Regional Security: Burundi and the DRC reaffirm security cooperation amid the eastern DRC crisis, including the arrest in Bujumbura of a Congolese national linked to alleged collaboration with the AFC/M23. Central Africa Peace Agenda: A UN security meeting in Bujumbura called for sustainable peace and resilient development, warning that terrorism, disinformation, election tensions and climate shocks keep destabilizing the region. EAC Digital Integration: East African regulators are developing harmonised rules to cut mobile roaming costs and improve cross-border connectivity, aiming to boost trade and the digital economy. Burundi-Switzerland Migration Pressure: Human rights groups in Geneva denounced continued forced returns of Burundian asylum seekers, warning of risks of persecution and detention after deportations. Africa Day & Integration Push: AU and Burundi’s leadership used Africa Day to call for deeper integration and reforms to global governance, tying unity to development priorities. Burundi-Tanzania Trade Corridor: A spotlight on the Burundi–Tanzania strategic partnership highlights the Standard Gauge Railway linking Uvinza to Musongati as a potential trade-cost reducer for the region.

Ebola Watch: WHO chief Tedros calls for an “immediate ceasefire” in eastern DRC as suspected Ebola cases near 1,000 and violence blocks contact tracing, with the outbreak now linked to the Bundibugyo strain and spreading across conflict-hit provinces. Regional Risk: Africa CDC warns 10 countries at risk of Ebola transmission, naming Burundi among them, as panic grows and health systems brace for spillover. Border Trade Hit: In eastern DRC, Rwanda border closures tied to Ebola fears are already disrupting daily commerce and incomes at major crossings like Grande Barriere. EAC Connectivity Push: East African regulators are drafting new harmonised mobile roaming rules to cut cross-border communication costs and boost regional trade, with Burundi included in the bloc. Burundi-Tanzania Deal: Burundi and Tanzania deepen their strategic partnership, spotlighting the $2.15bn Standard Gauge Railway linking Uvinza to Musongati to lower transport costs and expand market access. Coffee Market Access: China will allow eligible coffee bean imports from all 53 African countries with diplomatic ties from July 20, 2026, with Burundi already having secured access. Finance & Markets: CRDB Bank shareholders in Tanzania tripled to 90,000 in a year, pushing the lender to expand virtual participation for its AGM.

EAC Digital Integration: East African regulators in Dar es Salaam are drafting harmonised mobile roaming rules to cut cross-border communication costs and improve connectivity for travellers, businesses and investors across the bloc. Ebola & Trade Disruption: In eastern DR Congo, Ebola fears are deepening as suspected cases near or pass 1,000, while violence and misinformation slow response and trigger border controls that are already hitting cross-border commerce. Diaspora Remittances: A new AfDB outlook warns East Africa’s growth could soften amid the Middle East shock, but says policies that attract more diaspora cash could help cushion the impact. Coffee Market Access: China will allow eligible coffee bean imports from all 53 African countries with diplomatic ties starting July 20, with Burundi among those already cleared—an opening for exporters and a boost for agricultural trade. Burundi Migration Pressure: Human rights groups renew calls for Switzerland to suspend forced returns of Burundian asylum seekers, as deportees reportedly continue to return to Bujumbura amid economic hardship. Women & Cross-Border Trade: Trade experts say women traders still face harassment, limited finance, language barriers and weak border infrastructure, even as simplified trade regimes expand opportunities.

Ebola Crisis in DRC: Suspected Ebola cases in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo have surged past 1,000 (1,077), with 121 lab-confirmed and 17 deaths, as violence and displacement overwhelm health services and trigger border closures. Border Trade Hit: In Goma, Rwanda’s tightened controls around the Grande Barriere crossing are cutting sales for traders and raising transport costs, deepening economic strain. Coffee Trade Boost: China will open its market to eligible coffee beans from all 53 African countries with diplomatic ties starting July 20, 2026, with Burundi among those already cleared—good news for export earnings. EAC Digital Push: The East African Community is advancing a harmonised mobile roaming framework in Dar es Salaam to lower cross-border communication costs and support the Single Digital Market. Burundi-Switzerland Returns: Human rights groups and UN experts are denouncing continued forced deportations of Burundian asylum seekers back to Burundi, warning of persecution and non-refoulement risks. CRDB Bank Share Surge: CRDB Bank shareholders in Tanzania tripled to about 90,000 in a year, prompting wider use of virtual participation at its AGM.

Coffee Trade Boost: China will open its market to eligible coffee beans from all 53 African countries with diplomatic ties starting July 20, using unified phytosanitary rules that streamline approvals for exporters including Burundi. Ebola Shock to Business: WHO warns eastern DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak is worsening amid conflict, with attacks on health facilities and border disruptions hitting trade and livelihoods in border towns like Goma. Burundi-Switzerland Migration Pressure: Human rights groups say Switzerland should suspend forced returns of Burundian asylum seekers, citing risks of persecution and non-refoulement concerns. Regional Security Cooperation: Kinshasa and Gitega reaffirm military cooperation as fighting in eastern DR Congo continues, underscoring spillover risks for the Great Lakes economy. Banking & Investors: CRDB Bank shareholders in Tanzania tripled to 90,000 in a year, pushing the lender toward wider virtual participation at its AGM. Health Financing: EIB Global selects Burundi among first sub-Saharan countries to receive €10m technical support to make primary healthcare projects “investment-ready.”

China-Africa Trade: China will open its market to eligible coffee beans from all 53 African countries with diplomatic ties, starting July 20, with unified phytosanitary rules aimed at speeding exports; Burundi is among countries already cleared. EAC Digital Integration: The East African Community is pushing a harmonised mobile roaming framework in Dar es Salaam to cut cross-border communication costs and support the Single Digital Market, with Burundi included. Finance & Markets: Tanzania’s CRDB Bank shareholders back CEO Dr Abdulmajid Nsekela to continue beyond his 10-year term, citing a sharp share-price jump and record dividends. Health Financing: EIB Global’s €10m technical assistance programme for primary healthcare investment-readiness brings in Burundi, Ethiopia, Angola and Zambia. Ebola Shock to Trade: In eastern DR Congo, border closures linked to Ebola are disrupting daily commerce around Goma, while WHO warns violence and insecurity are obstructing containment. Regional Risk Watch: WHO says neighbouring countries must act immediately as the Bundibugyo-strain outbreak spreads faster than response capacity. Energy & Infrastructure: Tanzania’s TRC rolls out Hi-Rail inspection units to improve safety monitoring on the SGR.

Ebola Crisis in the Great Lakes: WHO warned that violence in eastern DR Congo is worsening the Ebola outbreak, with fighting and displacement blocking access to communities and making tracking “nearly impossible,” while the Bundibugyo strain has no approved vaccine or treatment. Public Health Spillover Risk: Africa CDC said 10 countries are at risk, including Burundi, as cross-border movement and porous borders raise fears of wider spread. Regional Trade & Connectivity: The EAC is pushing a harmonised mobile roaming framework in Dar es Salaam to cut cross-border communication costs and support the Single Digital Market, with Burundi among member states. Healthcare Investment for Primary Care: EIB Global selected Burundi (alongside Angola, Ethiopia and Zambia) for a €10m technical assistance push to make health projects “investment-ready” under the Health Impact Investment Platform. Banking Leadership Watch: CRDB Bank shareholders said they want CEO Dr Abdulmajid Nsekela to continue beyond his 10-year term, citing strong share-price and dividend growth. Cross-Border Business Friction: Burundi and Tanzania were urged to tackle non-tariff barriers to boost bilateral trade as a joint trade exhibition drew traders and buyers. Migration Pressure on Burundi: SOS Médias Burundi reported concerns over forced deportations of young Burundians from Switzerland, with families in Bujumbura questioning the risks and process.

Ebola Crisis Escalates in DRC: Health workers in eastern DR Congo are scrambling as Ebola spreads faster than response teams can scale up, while attacks on treatment facilities and fleeing patients disrupt care—WHO warns neighbouring countries must act immediately and Africa CDC lists 10 high-risk states including Burundi, Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda. Cross-Border Friction: Rwanda’s border measures are already triggering shortages in eastern Congo, as traders warn that closures can quickly turn into hunger. Regional Policy Push: The EAC is meeting in Dar es Salaam to harmonise a mobile roaming framework to cut cross-border communication costs and support the Single Digital Market. Burundi Watch: In Burundi, forced deportations from Switzerland are drawing expert criticism, and a Burunga police shooting case linked to suspected fuel trafficking remains under scrutiny. Business & Finance: CRDB Bank shareholders back CEO Dr Abdulmajid Nsekela for continued leadership as the bank’s value and dividends have surged.

Ebola Crisis Escalates: DR Congo’s Ebola fight is getting hit from all sides—WHO says the outbreak is spreading faster than response efforts, while attacks on treatment sites and patients fleeing have been reported in Ituri, including shots fired as crowds tried to reclaim bodies. Regional Alarm: Africa CDC now lists 10 countries at elevated risk—Angola, Burundi, Central African Republic, Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania and Zambia—urging cross-border vigilance as WHO and partners push a joint $314m emergency funding appeal. Burundi in the Mix: Burundi is named among the high-risk states, and the Great Lakes response is being reinforced with heightened vigilance at borders. Trade Pressure from Health Measures: In eastern Congo, traders warn that Rwanda’s border restrictions are already triggering shortages—showing how health controls can quickly turn into economic shocks. Energy & Cost Stress Nearby: Separately, fuel shortages are tightening across parts of East Africa, adding strain to already fragile supply chains.

Ebola Alarm Escalates: WHO chief Tedros urged DRC’s neighbours to act immediately as the outbreak spreads fast, citing late detection, insecurity in eastern DRC, and the lack of approved vaccines or treatments for the Bundibugyo strain. Regional Health Mobilisation: Africa CDC says 10 countries are now at risk—among them Burundi, Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda—while partners push a “one team, one plan, one budget” approach and warn misinformation and porous borders could accelerate spread. Africa Day Push for Integration: On May 25, leaders used Africa Day to call for stronger political and economic autonomy and deeper intra-African cooperation. EAC Trade & Connectivity: The EAC is drafting a harmonized mobile roaming framework to cut cross-border communication costs, and Tanzania’s port-to-rail cargo shift from Dar es Salaam is set to launch June 1 to reduce delays and logistics costs. Burundi Watchpoints: Rumonge authorities are increasing vigilance amid Ebola fears, while Burundi also faces fuel scarcity pressures and prison overcrowding concerns.

EAC Digital Push: The East African Community has kicked off a week-long meeting in Dar es Salaam to build a harmonized mobile roaming framework, aiming to cut cross-border call costs and fix inconsistent rules across member states. Ebola Alarm in the Great Lakes: Africa CDC says 10 countries are now “at risk” as the Ebola outbreak in eastern DR Congo worsens, naming Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and others; the agency is also backing a major regional response plan with WHO. Trade Friction: Burundi and Tanzania are being urged to tackle non-tariff barriers after a joint trade exhibition in Bujumbura highlighted growing commercial ties. Customs Cybersecurity: Kenya’s revenue authority is moving toward a multi-vendor cybersecurity model for customs systems to reduce single-supplier risk. Fuel Pressure: Mozambique and parts of East Africa are reporting shortages and higher pump prices as Middle East conflict disrupts supplies. Security & Resources: Arusha’s security symposium called for stronger protection of natural resources against external threats.

Ebola Alarm in the Great Lakes: The Democratic Republic of Congo’s Ebola outbreak is worsening fast, with health authorities reporting 867 suspected cases and 204 deaths, while the WHO has raised the risk to “very high” and warned the virus could spread rapidly across borders. Regional Spillover: Africa CDC has now flagged 10 countries as “at risk”—including Burundi, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda and Uganda—pushing for stronger surveillance and faster response systems as cases also rise in Uganda. Aid Workers Under Pressure: The Red Cross mourned three volunteers believed to have died after contracting Ebola while handling bodies in Ituri, underscoring how hard containment is when communities resist burial protocols. Burundi Watchpoints: In Burundi, officials are monitoring entry points like Rumonge’s lake port as cross-border trade stays intense. Fuel Strain: Separately, Mozambique and several East African states—including Burundi—report fuel shortages and long queues, with the Middle East conflict disrupting supplies.

Ebola Alert Escalates: Africa CDC has put Kenya on a high-risk list for Ebola spread, naming 10 countries at risk overall—Angola, Burundi, Central African Republic, Congo Republic, Ethiopia, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania and Zambia—urging stronger surveillance and centralised response mechanisms as the outbreak linked to the rare Bundibugyo strain worsens in eastern DRC and spills into Uganda. Regional Response Tightens: ECSA Health Community is stepping up joint preparedness at border points, while the World Health Organization has raised the risk level and declared the situation a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. Human Cost and Security Strain: The Red Cross mourned volunteers believed to have died after contracting Ebola during a mission in Ituri, and attacks on Ebola centres have intensified, complicating containment. Fuel Pressure Hits Burundi and Neighbours: Mozambique, Ethiopia and Burundi report fuel shortages and long queues as Middle East conflict disrupts supplies. Trade and Daily Life: East Africa’s push to curb mitumba (second-hand clothes) is still struggling against demand and limited local manufacturing.

Ebola Alert Escalates: Africa CDC says 10 more countries are “at risk” of Ebola beyond DRC and Uganda, naming Angola, Burundi, Central African Republic, Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania and Zambia—most of them border the affected areas. Funding Push: Africa CDC and WHO are appealing for $314m+ for response work, with most money for DRC and Uganda and a smaller share for the other high-risk states, including incident management, cross-border coordination, extra teams and pre-positioned emergency supplies. Burundi Readiness & Health Pressure: Burundi is also facing domestic strain as prisons near overcrowding—Justice says measures are promised in two months—while local authorities in Rumonge are increasing vigilance as trade and travel across Lake Tanganyika raise spillover fears. Regional Security Anxiety: In Kirundo, residents report unusual military movements and tighter travel restrictions amid renewed Great Lakes tensions.

Ebola Alarm Escalates: The WHO says the Ebola outbreak in eastern DRC and Uganda “warrants serious concern,” with deaths rising and cases spreading into cities like Kampala and Goma, as border and health authorities step up screening and response. Hajj Security Tightened: Saudi Arabia is preparing for about 1.5 million pilgrims while tightening health and security measures amid Ebola and other regional risks. Lake Victoria Under Pressure: Tanzania is urging stronger EAC cooperation to protect Lake Victoria, as the EAC’s first Lake Victoria Basin report warns of worsening pollution and environmental decline. Trade & Jobs Push: China’s zero-tariff policy for African partners is boosting coffee and other exports, while Tanzania’s FYDP III continues to pull in record investment and the government turns to bonds to finance major road upgrades. Logistics Costs Rise: Maersk has set new peak-season surcharges on Asia-Pacific to East Africa routes, with higher fees for Kenya than Tanzania. Burundi Health Support: Nearly 300 cataract patients in Burundi are set for free surgery through a Chinese-backed campaign in Bujumbura.