AGP Executive Report

AFCON 2027 Qualifiers: DR Congo opened with a 2-0 win over Equatorial Guinea, and the next big test is coming fast as DR Congo travel to Harare to face Zimbabwe on Monday—both sides chasing early group control after Zimbabwe’s dramatic 3-2 comeback vs Sierra Leone. Sports Media: SuperSport has secured rights to beam AFCON Pamoja 2027 qualifiers and finals across Sub-Saharan Africa, with matchdays running through October and then resuming in November and March. Local Football Focus: Sierra Leone’s Leone Stars arrived in Yaoundé ahead of their crucial Group E clash with Equatorial Guinea, aiming to bounce back after the opening-round loss. Regional Finance: CEMAC’s central bank (BEAC) raised weekly liquidity to a record CFA850 billion after strong bank demand, including for Cameroon, Congo, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, Chad and the Central African Republic. International Spotlight: A report on Trump’s third-country deportations says deportees have been sent to Equatorial Guinea, with allegations of inhumane conditions and detention.

Labour & Cost of Living: Nigeria’s opposition leader Atiku Abubakar backed organised labour’s push for a higher minimum wage, arguing Tinubu’s N70,000 floor has been crushed by fuel-price hikes—he says it buys only about 50 litres of petrol at ₦1,400/litre, and compares Nigeria unfavourably with Libya, Algeria, Equatorial Guinea and Gabon. AFCON 2027 Focus (Region): The AFCON qualifiers race is heating up, with DR Congo beating Equatorial Guinea 2-0 and Zimbabwe staging a dramatic 3-2 comeback over Sierra Leone; Zimbabwe now hosts DRC at home after stadium renovations. Local Sports Momentum: Sierra Leone’s Leone Stars arrived in Yaoundé to regroup for their key Group E clash with Equatorial Guinea after their opening loss. Education & Skills: Akacenter and the Martínez Abolafio Foundation signed a deal to expand training in Equatorial Guinea, including books, computers, and access to online courses. Policy & Governance: The AU’s Africa-Arab partnership leaders urged a shift from declarations to real implementation ahead of the 2027 50th anniversary.

AFCON 2027 Qualifiers (Group E): DR Congo opened Group E with a 2-0 win over Equatorial Guinea in Kinshasa, with Chancel Mbemba scoring early and Yoane Wissa adding the second as the visitors looked to bounce back. Leone Stars vs Equatorial Guinea (next test): Sierra Leone’s Leone Stars arrived in Yaoundé, Cameroon, ahead of their Monday clash with Equatorial Guinea after a dramatic 3-2 loss to Zimbabwe in their opener; they’re now regrouping with recovery work and monitoring minor injuries. Ghana U-23 push: Desmond Ofei named a 26-man Black Meteors squad for the U-23 AFCON Egypt 2027 qualifiers, starting camp on Sept. 29; Ghana has a bye into the second round and could face Equatorial Guinea in the final qualifying stage. Regional finance (CEMAC): BEAC raised weekly liquidity to a record CFA850 billion after strong bank demand across the six-country bloc, including Equatorial Guinea. Africa-Arab partnership: AU Commission chair Mahmoud Ali Youssouf urged African and Arab governments to move from declarations to delivery ahead of the partnership’s 2027 50th anniversary.

AFCON 2027 Qualifiers (Equatorial Guinea focus): DR Congo opened Group E with a 2-0 win over Equatorial Guinea in Kinshasa, with Chancel Mbemba scoring early and Yoane Wissa adding the second as the Leone Stars also regrouped after a 3-2 loss to Zimbabwe in Morocco. Sports diplomacy: Sierra Leone’s Leone Stars arrived in Yaoundé ahead of their crucial Monday clash with Equatorial Guinea, while preparations continue across camps after matchday drama. Regional finance: CEMAC’s central bank BEAC raised weekly liquidity to a record CFA850 billion after strong bank demand across Cameroon, Congo, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, Chad and the Central African Republic. Africa-Arab partnership: AU Commission chair Mahmoud Ali Youssouf urged African and Arab governments to move from declarations to real programmes ahead of the partnership’s 50th anniversary in 2027. Data governance: Equatorial Guinea-relevant regional policy talk: Africa’s data protection boss called for stronger cooperation among regulators to rein in big tech and AI power. Local development via training: Akacenter and the Martínez Abolafio Foundation signed a deal to expand training in Equatorial Guinea with books, computers and online courses.

Data Governance: Bata City’s DPC boss Dr Arnold Kavaarpuo urged African regulators to coordinate on tech power and AI—not just privacy—at the Pan-African AI and Innovation Summit in Accra. AFCON 2027 Qualifiers (DR Congo vs Equatorial Guinea): DR Congo beat Equatorial Guinea 2-0 in Kinshasa as Chancel Mbemba scored early and Yoane Wissa added a second, setting the tone for Group E. AFCON 2027 Qualifiers (Leone Stars): Sierra Leone’s Leone Stars regrouped in Yaoundé after a dramatic 3-2 loss to Zimbabwe, with Marshall Munetsi’s late double completing the turnaround. AFCON 2027 Qualifiers (Ivory Coast vs Ghana): Ivory Coast opened with a 2-0 win over Ghana in Bouaké, featuring Malick Yalcouyé’s debut goal and Franck Kessié’s penalty. Regional Finance: CEMAC’s central bank BEAC raised weekly liquidity to a record CFA850 billion after strong bank demand across the six-country bloc. Education & Skills: Akacenter and the Martínez Abolafio Foundation signed a deal to expand training in Equatorial Guinea with books, computers, and online courses. Aviation Costs: IATA warned that high taxes and fees are squeezing African airlines, calling on governments to treat aviation as economic development.

AFCON 2027 Qualifiers Kick Off: Côte d’Ivoire opened with a 2-0 win over Ghana as Malick Yalcouyé scored on debut and Franck Kessié added a penalty. DR Congo vs Equatorial Guinea: In Group E, DR Congo beat Equatorial Guinea 2-0 in Kinshasa with Chancel Mbemba and Yoane Wissa on target. Zimbabwe’s Late Surge: Zimbabwe stunned Sierra Leone 3-2 after trailing 2-0 at half-time; Marshall Munetsi scored twice and Tawanda Chirewa levelled before the winner. Local Sports & Talent: Equatorial Guinea’s football story also intersects with the wider AFCON build-up, including CAF officiating appointments for key qualifiers. Education & Exams: Nigeria’s NECO reported a 58.67% pass rate for the 2026 SSCE Internal, with malpractice falling to 1,406 cases. Regional Diplomacy: Equatorial Guinea’s Vice President Teodoro N. Obiang Mangue is confirmed to attend IFAL 2026 in New York during UN General Assembly week. Global Politics: The UN saw a major walkout during Netanyahu’s UNGA speech, with dozens of delegations leaving as he addressed the chamber.

AFCON 2027 Qualifiers: DR Congo kicked off with a 2-0 win over Equatorial Guinea in Kinshasa as Chancel Mbemba scored early and Yoane Wissa added the second; in other openers, Ivory Coast beat Ghana 2-0 with Malick Yalcouyé debut goal and Franck Kessié penalty, while Zimbabwe stunned Sierra Leone 3-2 after trailing 2-0. UN Diplomacy: Netanyahu faced a mass walkout at the UN General Assembly as delegations from 77 countries left seats during his speech, with the protest tied to the Gaza war. US Deportations Legal Fight: The Trump administration rushed to the US Supreme Court to keep “third-country” deportations moving, after lower courts required migrants be given a meaningful chance to contest removals. Equatorial Guinea at IFAL 2026: Vice President Teodoro N. Obiang Mangue confirmed attendance at IFAL 2026 in New York during UNGA week. Education Update: Nigeria’s NECO released 2026 SSCE Internal results, reporting 58.67% of candidates scoring five credits including English and Mathematics, alongside a drop in malpractice. Sports & Culture: Chess is being promoted as an education tool at the FIDE Chess World Olympiad, with Equatorial Guinea featuring in women’s results.

AFCON 2027 Qualifiers (DRC vs Equatorial Guinea): The DRC kicked off Group E with a 2-0 win over Equatorial Guinea at Stade des Martyrs in Kinshasa, with Chancel Mbemba scoring early and Yoane Wissa doubling the lead. Matchday Focus: CAF has appointed Nigerian referee Joseph Odey Ogabor to officiate the DR Congo–Equatorial Guinea qualifier, with compatriots as assistant referees and another Nigerian as fourth official. AFCON 2027 (Ghana vs Côte d’Ivoire): Ghana begin their qualification campaign in Bouaké against Côte d’Ivoire, a rivalry loaded with past AFCON drama, as both teams chase a strong start. Education Update (Nigeria): NECO released 2026 SSCE Internal results, reporting 84.70% scoring five credits and above, while malpractice cases dropped sharply. Sports Calendar: International action is back across Africa and Europe, with multiple AFCON qualifier fixtures and Nations League games scheduled for today.

AFCON 2027 Qualifiers (DR Congo vs Equatorial Guinea): CAF has appointed Nigerian referee Joseph Odey Ogabor to officiate the Group E opener at Kinshasa’s Stade des Martyrs de la Pentecôte on Thursday, with kick-off set for 5pm local time; the match is already drawing attention as DR Congo coach Sébastien Desabre expects a tight contest and uncertainty lingers over whether fans will be allowed in the stands. Sports (Ghana vs Ivory Coast): Ghana’s Black Stars begin their 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign in Bouaké against Côte d’Ivoire, but withdrawals including Jordan Ayew, Mohammed Kudus and Antoine Semenyo leave Carlos Queiroz facing an early test. Energy & Investment (AEW 2026): African Energy Week runs October 12–16 in Cape Town, with ministers, investors and experts pushing for deals that turn energy ambitions into projects and growth. Tech Governance: Ghana’s Data Protection boss calls for stronger pan-African regulator cooperation to rein in big tech power across data, AI and digital markets. Regional Finance (CEMAC payments): BEAC is expanding cross-border payment infrastructure across CEMAC to cut costs and deepen monetary integration.

AFCON Qualifiers (DRC–Equatorial Guinea): Sébastien Desabre says the clash in Kinshasa will be tight, while uncertainty remains over whether fans will be allowed at Stade des Martyrs. Match Officials: CAF has appointed Nigerian referee Joseph Odey Ogabor to officiate the DR Congo vs Equatorial Guinea qualifier, with compatriots as assistant referees and a fourth official named. AFCON Qualifiers (Ghana–Ivory Coast): Ghana’s Black Stars kick off their 2027 AFCON campaign in Bouaké against Ivory Coast, but are hit by withdrawals including Jordan Ayew, Mohammed Kudus and Antoine Semenyo under new coach Carlos Queiroz. Digital Policy: Ghana’s Data Protection Commission boss Dr Arnold Kavaarpuo urges African regulators to coordinate on governing big tech and AI power, not just personal data. Regional Diplomacy/Business: The Alamein Africa Forum (Oct 2–4) is set to bring together heads of state and major business leaders, with Equatorial Guinea expected among participants. Energy & Trade: Africa Energy Week (Oct 12–16) in Cape Town will focus on energy security and deals, as ministers and investors push for investment in oil and gas and infrastructure.

AFCON 2027 Qualifiers Kick Off: Ghana start their push for consecutive finals on Thursday with a tough away trip to Ivory Coast at Bouaké, but the Black Stars face squad withdrawals as Carlos Queiroz tries to avoid a false start. CAF Roadmap: The 2027 qualifiers begin this week with 48 teams chasing 24 finals spots, while co-hosts Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda are already qualified but still play group matches—meaning only 21 extra places are up for grabs. Group E Focus (Equatorial Guinea in the mix): Sierra Leone open Group E against Zimbabwe in El Jadida, with CAF confirming the top two qualify; Equatorial Guinea are also in the group. CEMAC Money Moves: BEAC is expanding cross-border payment infrastructure across the CEMAC region, including its link to PAPSS, as central banks meet in Nairobi. US-Equatorial Guinea Rights Alarm: Amnesty and other groups report US deportees sent to Equatorial Guinea facing arrests, beatings and harsh detention conditions tied to “third-country” deals. Aviation Costs Bite: IATA warns African airlines are squeezed by high taxes, levies and passenger charges, threatening growth.

AFCON 2027 Qualifiers: Round one kicks off this week with DR Congo hosting Equatorial Guinea on Sept 24, while Sierra Leone start their campaign vs Zimbabwe in Group E—CAF says the top two qualify. Sports Funding: Sierra Leone’s AFCON qualifier run is set to cost close to $2m, with “home” matches staged in Morocco due to stadium limits. Aviation Costs: IATA warns African airlines are squeezed by high taxes, passenger charges and levies, including costly border systems fees. US–Equatorial Guinea Deportations: Amnesty and lawyers say two men deported to Equatorial Guinea were arrested after speaking out and later transferred to prison; separate reports allege police beat and hooded detainees at a Malabo hotel. US Third-Country Deals: A US appeals court largely upheld a ruling blocking rapid third-country deportations without meaningful notice, while investigations describe a $410m network sending migrants to countries they have no ties to. Visa Rules Abroad: Armenia published a list of countries whose citizens need an invitation to apply for visitor visas—many African nations are included.

US Deportations to Equatorial Guinea: Two men deported from the United States to Equatorial Guinea—Samson Birhane (Eritrea) and Ahmed Soliman (Egypt)—were allegedly arrested at Hotel Bamy in Malabo on Sept. 11, then transferred to prison after police beat them, blindfolded them, demanded phones, and reportedly pushed them down stairs; Amnesty and lawyers say the arrests may be retaliation for speaking out about inhumane conditions. Courtroom Pushback: A US appeals court largely upheld a ruling blocking Trump’s rapid “third-country” deportations without meaningful notice to raise persecution or torture concerns. Deportation Network Details: Investigations say the US has authorized or pledged about $410 million for third-country deals with dozens of countries, including multiple in Africa, with thousands sent to places they have no ties to. Energy & Trade Watch: Transocean won an ~$80 million ultra-deepwater drillship contract in Equatorial Guinea, while regional LNG buyers are looking more to West Africa as Gulf supply routes face disruption. Sports (Regional): Sierra Leone’s Leone Stars AFCON qualifiers include Equatorial Guinea in Group E, with matches planned for Morocco-based “home” fixtures.

Deportation Fallout in Equatorial Guinea: Two men deported from the U.S. to Equatorial Guinea—Egyptian Ahmed Soliman and Eritrean Samson Birhane—were allegedly hooded, beaten and pushed down stairs at a Malabo hotel used as a detention site, with Amnesty and lawyers saying they were targeted after raising concerns about conditions. Court Challenge to “Third-Country” Deportations: A U.S. appeals court largely upheld a ruling that rapid third-country removals are unlawful unless migrants get effective notice and a real chance to raise persecution or torture fears. U.S. Deals and Scale: A major investigation says the Trump administration has sent more than 25,000 people to countries they have no ties to, with reported payments totaling about $410 million to dozens of receiving nations, including Equatorial Guinea. Press Freedom Clash: Trump reportedly banned CNN, MSNBC and Politico from the White House press pool, prompting a First Amendment lawsuit. Sports—Leone Stars Budget: Sierra Leone’s AFCON qualifiers are set to cost nearly $2m, with matches involving Equatorial Guinea and DR Congo. Energy—EU Support for Cameroon: The EU plans €50m (CFAF 32.8bn) in 2027 energy grants for Cameroon.

Deportation Abuse in Malabo: Two men deported from the US to Equatorial Guinea—Egypt’s Ahmed Soliman and Eritrea’s Samson Birhane—were allegedly hooded, bound, beaten with guns and shoved down stairs at Hotel Bamy, then held at a police facility; lawyers say they’ve been unable to contact them, while Amnesty warns of retaliation and torture risks. US Court Pushback: A US federal appeals court blocked Trump-era “third-country” deportation procedures unless migrants get meaningful notice and a chance to raise persecution or torture fears, with the case likely heading higher. Diplomacy Watch: Voting for Russia’s State Duma elections opened at the Russian Embassy in Malabo, with observers saying the process ran normally. Sports—AFCON Build-Up: Sierra Leone’s Leone Stars named a 25-man squad for 2027 AFCON qualifiers, with matches against Zimbabwe and Equatorial Guinea; meanwhile, Equatorial Guinea is listed as a Group E opponent. Oil & Industry: Transocean announced an about $80m ultra-deepwater drilling contract in Equatorial Guinea, expected to start next year.

Oil & Industry: Transocean says its Deepwater Conqueror drillship has landed an about US$80m ultra-deepwater contract in Equatorial Guinea, a roughly 170-day job expected to start next year after its current Gulf work. US Deportations & Rights: Rights groups and lawyers allege two men deported from the US to Equatorial Guinea were arrested after police put bags over their heads, beat them and held them at gunpoint in a hotel-turned-detention site in Malabo; Amnesty says the men face torture risk and lack access to lawyers. US Court Update: A US appeals court blocked Trump-era “third-country” deportation procedures unless migrants get meaningful notice and a chance to raise persecution or torture fears, with further legal fights expected. Diplomacy/Politics: Russian State Duma voting is underway across Africa, including at the Russian Embassy in Malabo, with observers saying polling is running normally. Sports (AFCON build-up): Sierra Leone named a 25-man Leone Stars squad for 2027 AFCON qualifiers, with matches against Zimbabwe and Equatorial Guinea later this month.