AGP Executive Report

CEMAC Banking Watch: The BEAC says the non-performing loan ratio across CEMAC banks fell to 15.4% in June 2026 from 17.4% a year earlier, signaling improving credit quality even as the troubled-loan value isn’t necessarily shrinking. Digital Payments Oversight: COBAC is scrutinizing how customer funds move through payment providers and aggregators in the fast-growing mobile money market, with discussions in Malabo but no new rules announced yet. Energy & Deals: Africa Energy Week 2026 (12–16 Oct) is positioning Cape Town as a commercial marketplace for ministers, NOCs, financiers and operators, with deal signings and matchmaking for projects across the continent. Local Business & Trade Links: Hitachi Construction Machinery Europe is reshuffling its dealer network across West and Central Africa, expanding MDA’s coverage to include Equatorial Guinea and others, while Movicortes takes on additional territories. Regional Integration Agenda: Equatorial Guinea’s President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo is listed among leaders heading to Egypt’s Alamein Africa Forum (2–4 Oct), alongside AUDA-NEPAD and Afreximbank-linked events focused on trade, investment and infrastructure. Oil & Subsea Services: Mermaid Maritime says it has set up a Nigeria JV for subsea services to work directly with TotalEnergies Nigeria and other majors, meeting local content and contracting requirements.

CEMAC Banking Watch: BEAC reports CEMAC banks’ non-performing loan ratio fell to 15.4% at end-June 2026, down from 17.4% a year earlier, though the regulator notes the ratio can drop if lending grows faster than problem loans. Digital Payments Oversight: COBAC is scrutinising how customer funds move through payment providers and aggregators in the expanding mobile money market, focusing on transaction routes and safeguarding risks, with no new rules announced yet. Energy & Investment Pipeline: Hitachi Construction Machinery Europe is reshaping its dealer network across Northwest and Central West Africa, appointing MDA as authorised dealer for construction equipment including Equatorial Guinea, while Movicortes expands coverage. Regional Trade & Industry: A new analysis argues CEMAC’s intra-African trade remains weak—only 3% of trade volume—citing low productive capacity, limited movement of people and goods, and logistics gaps. Oil Sector Dealmaking: Mermaid Maritime says it has set up a Nigeria subsea services JV, following similar ventures including Equatorial Guinea, aimed at meeting local content and contracting requirements. Diplomacy & Integration: Angola’s President João Lourenço is set to travel to Egypt for AUDA-NEPAD and AU coordination meetings tied to Agenda 2063 execution. Business Forum Calendar: Cameroon and Indonesia will hold a second business forum in Yaounde in October, targeting partnerships in agriculture, manufacturing, transport and industrial development. Regional Leadership Push: African states at the UN General Assembly renewed calls for greater representation in global institutions and more control over natural resources.

Energy & Investment: African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 is set to turn Cape Town into a continent-wide energy marketplace, bringing ministers, national oil companies, operators, financiers and service firms together for deal signings, matchmaking and closed-door commercial talks from 12–16 October. Local Business & Trade: Hitachi Construction Machinery Europe is reshaping its dealer network across West and Central Africa, with Machinery Distribution in Africa (MDA) taking expanded coverage including Equatorial Guinea, and Movicortes extending territory to cover more countries. Oil & Gas Services: Mermaid Maritime has formed a Nigeria-focused subsea services joint venture, aiming to work directly with TotalEnergies Nigeria and other majors while meeting local content and contracting requirements. Digital Finance Regulation: In Malabo, COBAC discussed tighter scrutiny of how customer funds move through payment providers and aggregators in the expanding mobile money market, though it did not announce new rules yet. Regional Diplomacy: Venezuela’s foreign minister held meetings at the UN General Assembly, including with Equatorial Guinea, to advance cooperation in energy, mining and agriculture. Sports (Business Interest): DR Congo’s AFCON qualifier win over Zimbabwe featured star Yoane Wissa, with Equatorial Guinea also mentioned in the group context.

CEMAC Digital Payments Watch: COBAC is scrutinising how customer funds move through payment providers and aggregators, after finding some flows pass through intermediaries’ accounts; it discussed the risks and accounting treatment in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, but said no new rules are yet announced. Local Industry & Trade: Hitachi Construction Machinery Europe is reshaping its dealer network across West and Central Africa, expanding Machinery Distribution in Africa (including Equatorial Guinea) and widening Movicortes’ territory, with a transition planned by end-2026. Oil & Gas Local Content Push: Mermaid Maritime set up Mermaid Subsea Services Limited in Nigeria with Marine Platforms Limited to support subsea work for TotalEnergies Nigeria and other majors while meeting local content and contracting requirements. Regional Diplomacy & Business: Cameroon and Indonesia will hold a second Indonesia–Cameroon Business Forum in Yaounde in October, targeting partnerships in agriculture, manufacturing, transport and industrial development. AFCON Qualifier Impact: DR Congo beat Zimbabwe 2-1 in Harare with Yoane Wissa scoring and assisting, while DR Congo also opened the window with a win over Equatorial Guinea. Global Policy Pressure: The US Supreme Court allowed Trump to resume deportations to third countries for now, while African leaders at the UN General Assembly demanded greater representation and control over natural resources in the global order.

Digital Payments Oversight: In Malabo, the Central African banking regulator (COBAC) is tightening scrutiny of how customer funds move through payment providers and aggregators, focusing on transaction routes and risks—though it said no new rules were announced yet. Oil & Gas Local Content: Mermaid Maritime has set up a Nigeria-focused subsea services JV, Mermaid Subsea Services Limited, to work directly with TotalEnergies Nigeria and other majors while meeting local content and contracting requirements. Construction Equipment Distribution: Hitachi Construction Machinery Europe is reshaping its dealer network across Northwest and Central West Africa, expanding Machinery Distribution in Africa (MDA) to cover Equatorial Guinea and others, while Movicortes takes on additional territories. Regional Trade & Investment: Cameroon and Indonesia will hold a second business forum in Yaounde in October, aiming to connect firms in agriculture, manufacturing, transport and industrial development. Policy & Migration Watch: The US Supreme Court allowed Trump’s administration to resume deporting migrants to third countries while legal arguments continue—an issue raising human rights concerns across multiple states. UN Representation Push: African leaders at the UN General Assembly renewed calls for greater influence in global rule-making and control over natural resources.

Digital Payments Oversight: In Malabo, COBAC is tightening scrutiny of how customer funds move through payment providers and aggregators in CEMAC’s fast-growing mobile money market, focusing on transaction routing and safeguarding—though it hasn’t announced new rules yet. Trade & Investment: Cameroon and Indonesia will hold a second Indonesia–Cameroon Business Forum in Yaounde in October, targeting partnerships in agriculture, manufacturing, transport and industrial development, with participation open to CEMAC firms. Energy & Infrastructure: A feature revisits Kribi’s deep-water port transformation, tracing how the project reshaped roads, services and logistics activity around Cameroon’s southern coast. Oil & Gas Local Content: Mermaid Maritime says it has set up a Nigeria JV for subsea services, aimed at working directly with TotalEnergies and other majors while meeting local content and contracting requirements. Policy & Governance: African leaders at the UN General Assembly renewed calls for stronger representation in global rule-making and more control over natural resources, arguing the current system no longer reflects today’s realities. Business Diplomacy Calendar: Egypt’s New Alamein will host linked Africa political and business events from Oct 2–4, with Equatorial Guinea’s Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo listed among expected leaders.

AFCON Qualifiers: DR Congo kept momentum in Group E, beating Zimbabwe 2-1 in Harare with Yoane Wissa scoring and assisting as the team topped the group after also opening with a 2-0 win over Equatorial Guinea. Digital Payments Regulation: In Malabo, the Central African banking regulator COBAC said it is tightening scrutiny of how customer funds move through payment providers and aggregators, focusing on safeguarding and transaction risks in the expanding mobile money market. Regional Finance: BEAC raised its weekly liquidity offer to banks to a record CFA850 billion after strong demand across CEMAC, with banks taking CFA748.2 billion. Business & Diplomacy: Equatorial Guinea’s President Teodoro Obiang Mbasogo is listed among heads of state expected at Egypt’s New Alamein events (Oct 2–4), linking an Africa forum, an AUDA-NEPAD summit and AU coordination talks. Policy & Cost of Living (regional spillover): Nigerian opposition leader Atiku Abubakar renewed calls for a higher minimum wage, arguing the N70,000 floor has failed to protect workers’ purchasing power amid fuel and living-cost pressures.

Digital Payments Oversight: COBAC says it is tightening scrutiny of how customer funds move through payment providers and aggregators in CEMAC’s expanding mobile money market, discussing transaction accounting and safeguarding risks in Malabo. Regional Liquidity Watch: BEAC raised its weekly liquidity offer to a record CFA850bn after strong bank borrowing demand across CEMAC, with CFA748.2bn taken up. Energy & Diplomacy Calendar: Equatorial Guinea’s Teodoro Obiang Mbasogo is listed among expected leaders for Egypt’s New Alamein events (Oct 2–4), linking an Africa business forum, NEPAD founding-states summit, and AU coordination meeting. Human Rights & Migration: UN human rights experts warn the US migration externalization scheme—already involving transfers to 35+ territories—has triggered a cascade of abuses, including torture and enforced disappearances. Business-Adjacent Spotlight: World Bank/IFC names Charlotte Ndaw Sako as resident representative for Congo, signaling a private-sector-led push to turn an $833m portfolio into results. Sports With Local Links: DR Congo’s Yoane Wissa scored as it beat Equatorial Guinea 2-0 in AFCON qualifying, with Wissa now on eight goals in 12 internationals.

Digital Payments Oversight: In Malabo, COBAC is tightening scrutiny of how customer funds move through payment providers and aggregators, focusing on transaction routes and safeguarding risks while signaling no immediate new rules. Minimum Wage & Fuel Costs: Nigeria’s opposition figure Atiku Abubakar renewed calls for a higher living wage, arguing the N70,000 floor is eroded by petrol costs after subsidy removal—claiming it buys only about 50 litres at ₦1,400/litre. Regional Liquidity Watch: BEAC raised weekly liquidity to a record CFA850 billion after strong bank borrowing demand across CEMAC, with CFA748.2 billion taken in the latest operation. UN Diplomacy & Isolation: During Netanyahu’s UNGA address, delegations from at least 77 countries walked out or left seats vacant, including Equatorial Guinea among the African countries that departed. Energy & Trade Platforms: The AU-Arab partnership push is shifting toward implementation ahead of its 2027 milestone, while the Alamein Africa Forum (Oct 2–4) is set to bring heads of state and business leaders together to advance investment priorities. Sports & Funding: Leone Stars’ AFCON qualifiers see match allowances paid, and preparations continue with reported government spending of close to $2m for upcoming fixtures.

Minimum Wage Pressure: Nigeria’s opposition leader Atiku Abubakar backed organised labour’s call for a higher living wage, arguing the N70,000 minimum wage now buys only about 50 litres of petrol after subsidy removal, and comparing Nigeria’s wage value with higher figures cited for Libya, Algeria, Equatorial Guinea and Gabon. CEMAC Liquidity: The BEAC raised weekly liquidity to a record CFA850 billion after strong bank borrowing demand across CEMAC, with CFA748.2 billion taken up by lenders. Data & AI Regulation: Equatorial Guinea-linked regional policy debate continues as the Data Protection Commission’s executive director calls for stronger collaboration among African regulators to rein in the growing concentration of data, tech and AI power. Women Farmers & Budgets: SWOFON campaign updates highlight gains in savings and land access for women farmers in Nigeria, while pushing for budget accountability and better agricultural services. Aviation Costs: IATA warns African airlines are squeezed by high taxes, fees and levies, urging governments to treat aviation as an economic growth engine, not a revenue source. Sports Funding: Sierra Leone’s AFCON qualifiers plan includes government spending of close to $2m on allowances and preparations, with Equatorial Guinea listed as an upcoming group opponent.

CEMAC Liquidity Boost: BEAC raised weekly liquidity to a record CFA850bn after strong bank borrowing, with Equatorial Guinea among the six CEMAC countries benefiting from the injection. Data & AI Regulation: Equatorial Guinea’s Data Protection Commission chief Dr Arnold Kavaarpuo urged African regulators to coordinate beyond personal-data rules to tackle how big tech controls and monetises data and AI. Aviation Costs: IATA warned African airlines are squeezed by high taxes, fees and costly fuel, urging governments to stop treating aviation mainly as revenue. Energy Dealmaking Push: Ahead of African Energy Week (Oct 12–16) in Cape Town, energy leaders including NJ Ayuk called for governments and investors to come with projects ready for execution and partnerships. Sports & Local Economy: Sierra Leone’s AFCON qualifier preparations include match allowances and a planned clash with Equatorial Guinea on Sept 28, with funding estimates near $2m. Diaspora & Diplomacy: A handover of hundreds of American-collected rosaries to Equatorial Guinea’s UN mission highlighted ongoing diaspora-linked engagement. Third-Country Deportations: Reports say US deportees sent to Equatorial Guinea faced harsh conditions, with some later arrested after speaking out.

Africa-Arab Partnership: AU Commission chair Mahmoud Ali Youssouf urged African and Arab governments to move from declarations to implementation, pushing completion of the Joint Africa-Arab Action Plan, clear timetables and sustainable financing ahead of the 2027 50th anniversary. CEMAC Liquidity: BEAC raised weekly liquidity to a record CFA850bn after strong bank borrowing demand across the six-country bloc, with CFA748.2bn taken up (88%+ subscription). Aviation Costs: IATA warned African airlines are squeezed by high taxes, fees and costly fuel, urging governments to treat aviation as an economic growth engine, not a revenue source. Data & AI Governance: Equatorial Guinea’s Data Protection Commission executive director called for connected, cross-border African regulator cooperation to manage the growing power of big tech and AI platforms. Sports & State Spending: Sierra Leone’s Leone Stars confirmed match allowances ahead of AFCON qualifiers, with government support discussed at nearly $2m. Energy Diplomacy: EU and Cameroon discussed investment in energy, transport, digital connectivity, agriculture and mining, with Global Gateway funding highlighted. Business Forum Pipeline: Alamein Africa Forum (Oct 2–4) is set to bring heads of state and major business leaders, including Equatorial Guinea’s president expected, to link policy and private investment. Equatorial Guinea Deportations: Reports say US deportees sent to Equatorial Guinea faced harsh conditions, with some later arrested after speaking out.

Data Governance & AI Regulation: Equatorial Guinea’s Data Protection Commission boss Dr Arnold Kavaarpuo urged African regulators to coordinate more closely to rein in the growing power of global tech platforms across data, AI and digital services, saying one regulator can’t manage interconnected control and value capture. CEMAC Liquidity & Banking: The BEAC raised weekly liquidity to a record CFA850 billion after strong bank borrowing in CEMAC, with CFA748.2 billion taken—showing demand remains high even as subscription rates dipped slightly. Aviation Costs: IATA warned African airlines are squeezed by high taxes, costly fees and regulatory levies, urging governments to treat aviation as an economic growth engine rather than a revenue source. Sports & Local Economy: Sierra Leone’s AFCON qualifiers logistics highlight how stadium readiness and government spending shape match preparation; Equatorial Guinea is listed as an upcoming group opponent. Regional Business Forum: The inaugural Alamein Africa Forum (Oct 2–4) is set to bring together heads of state and major business and finance leaders, with Equatorial Guinea among expected participants. Energy & Trade Outlook: Coverage around African Energy Week (Oct 12–16) points to renewed focus on turning energy projects into investment deals—relevant for Equatorial Guinea’s regional positioning. Migration & Human Rights: Reports continue to spotlight U.S. “third-country” deportations involving Equatorial Guinea, with allegations of harsh conditions and legal challenges raising reputational and policy risks.

Aviation Costs: IATA warns African airlines are squeezed by high taxes, passenger charges and regulatory levies, saying unit costs are about double the global average and fuel is 17% higher—urging governments to treat aviation as an economic growth engine, not a revenue source. Sports Funding: Sierra Leone’s Leone Stars say match allowances are paid ahead of AFCON qualifiers, with the government budgeting close to $2m for the campaign—grouped against DR Congo, Equatorial Guinea and Zimbabwe. UN & Human Rights: Liberia’s UN Security Council bid faces scrutiny as reports say deportees from the US are being hosted in breach of constitutional and international norms, with Amnesty also calling for the release of men deported to Equatorial Guinea. Energy & Investment Pipeline: African Energy Week (Oct 12–16, Cape Town) is set to push deals on energy security and project execution, while regional talks highlight EU-backed investment themes across energy, transport and digital connectivity. Regional Finance Integration: BEAC is expanding CEMAC payment infrastructure and cross-border settlement links, including PAPSS membership, to cut costs and speed payments. Business Forum: The inaugural Alamein Africa Forum (Oct 2–4) is expected to bring heads of state and major firms—including Equatorial Guinea’s president—into a politics-to-investment agenda.

UN Diplomacy & Human Dignity: Liberia’s President Joseph Boakai used the UNGA podium to demand Africa a permanent Security Council voice, but critics point to Liberia’s recent deal to host up to 1,200 US third-country deportees—raising questions about “humanitarian” claims. Third-Country Deportations in Focus (Equatorial Guinea): Reports say two men deported from the US to Equatorial Guinea were arrested after speaking out about conditions at a Malabo hotel, then transferred to prison—amid wider legal and human-rights scrutiny of the US “third-country” system. Legal Pushback in the US: A US federal judge ordered the return of a deported migrant from Africa after ruling ICE violated due process by transferring people without notice to challenge removal. Education & Skills: Equatorial Guinea’s women’s team reportedly lost to Barbados at the FIDE Chess Olympiad, while the education minister in Barbados backed chess as a practical learning tool for future business and tech skills. Regional Business Forum: The inaugural Alamein Africa Forum (Oct 2–4) is set to bring together African heads of state and major business leaders, with Equatorial Guinea among expected participants. Energy & Finance: BEAC is expanding CEMAC payment systems and cross-border settlement links, while EU talks with Cameroon highlight more energy and infrastructure grants—signals of regional investment momentum.

Deportation Deal Fallout (Equatorial Guinea): Two men deported from the US to Equatorial Guinea—Samson Birhane and Ahmed Soliman—were arrested by local police and transferred to a Malabo prison after allegedly speaking out about conditions at Hotel Bamy, with lawyers and witnesses describing beatings and demands for confiscated phones; the reports renew scrutiny of the US “third-country” programme that has paid Equatorial Guinea $7.5m to receive deportees. US Court Ruling (Broader Impact): A US federal judge ordered the return of Honduran Bryan Omar Sánchez from the Central African Republic, saying third-country transfers violated due process by denying notice and a chance to challenge removal before transfer—adding pressure to the wider network of deportation agreements involving African states. Regional Business & Policy (Energy/Finance): Equatorial Guinea is among expected leaders at the Alamein Africa Forum (Oct 2–4), aimed at linking political leadership with business and finance to unlock investment priorities across Africa. Data Governance (Africa-wide): Equatorial Guinea’s EU-linked regional agenda sits alongside calls from Africa’s data protection regulators for coordinated oversight of big tech and AI power, as markets and digital identity systems expand.