AGP Executive Report

US-Iran Pressure: The US Treasury’s OFAC just added 50+ new Iran-linked designations, naming Amin Exchange as a hub for foreign-currency flows tied to sanctioned banks, plus 19 vessels accused of moving Iranian oil and petrochemicals—another escalation under “Economic Fury.” Gabon Spotlight—Ibogaine: A US push to fast-track ibogaine is back in the headlines, with new brain-scan reporting on veterans and renewed attention on Gabon’s traditional iboga/ibogaine roots. Health Emergency: WHO has declared the Central Africa Ebola outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern as cases surge across borders, including Gabon. Regional Infrastructure: Cameroon finally secured CFA130.4bn for the long-delayed Ebolowa–Akom II–Kribi highway after a 15-year stall. Women-Led Investment: Cameroon and Tunisia are teaming up to back women entrepreneurs across Africa through incubation, acceleration, and mentoring. Africa CEO Forum Momentum: At Kigali’s Africa CEO Forum, Tinubu and Gabon’s Nguema again pressed for value addition and regional cooperation.

France–Africa Tension: A fresh reply to Emmanuel Macron’s “Pan-Africanist” claims is making the rounds, with critics arguing France’s record still contradicts its rhetoric. Infrastructure Finance: Cameroon has finally unlocked funding for the long-stalled Ebolowa–Akom II–Kribi highway, signing a CFA130.4bn loan (with UK Export Finance support) to revive a project delayed for 15 years. Public Health Shock: WHO has declared the Central Africa Ebola outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern as cases surge across borders, including Gabon. Gabon Industry Push: Gabon’s leadership is pressing for local manganese processing—warning Comilog (Eramet) to move beyond raw exports or face alternatives—and also moves to acquire a stake in Eramet. Energy & Oil Markets: Sao Tome & Principe launches a fast-track offshore licensing round, while ReconAfrica advances Kavango West 1X testing in Namibia.

Infrastructure Revival: Cameroon has finally unlocked financing for the long-stalled Ebolowa–Akom II–Kribi highway, signing a CFA130.4bn loan with Standard Chartered Bank (backed by UK Export Finance), bringing total funding to CFA138.2bn after a 15-year delay. Health Shock: WHO has declared the Central Africa Ebola outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern as cases surge across borders, including reported spread to Gabon. Gabon Resource Push: At the Africa CEO Forum in Kigali, Gabon’s President Brice Oligui Nguema pressed Comilog/Eramet to process manganese locally by 2029—or face alternatives—while Gabon also moves to acquire a stake in Eramet. Energy & Power Signals: PetroEnergy’s Q1 results show no Gabon oil liftings but steadier renewable power sales, highlighting how generation is increasingly carrying the balance sheet. Tourism Pivot: Chinese and African tourism operators used Africa’s Travel Indaba in Durban to chase new partnerships, with visa access and tailored products at the top of the agenda.

Tourism Deals in Motion: Chinese and African tourism operators are lining up new partnerships at Africa’s Travel Indaba 2026 in Durban, with talks focused on easier visas, tailored routes, and deeper tourism cooperation as African destinations push harder into China’s growing outbound market. Public Health Shock: The WHO has declared the Central Africa Ebola outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern as cases surge across borders, including into Gabon, with health systems under strain. Gabon Resource Push: Gabon is tightening its manganese play—President Oligui Nguema told Comilog (Eramet) to start processing manganese locally or face replacement, while the state also moves to acquire a stake in Eramet. Energy & Industry Signals: Sao Tome & Principe launched a fast-track offshore licensing round in deep waters, and Gabon’s poultry investment deals total about $1.38bn ahead of a 2027 import ban.

Ebola Escalation: WHO has declared the Central Africa Ebola outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern as cases surge across borders, with 487 cases and 292 deaths reported as of May 16—raising pressure on already strained health systems. Gabon Value-Add Push: At the Africa CEO Forum in Kigali, Gabon’s President Brice Oligui Nguema told Comilog (Eramet) to start processing manganese locally or face replacement, while Gabon also moves to acquire a stake in Eramet and aligns with an export-ban plan on unrefined manganese from 2029. Oil & Gas Pressure Points: Sao Tome & Principe launched a fast-track deepwater licensing round (blocks 7–9) with bids due June 30, as Nigeria faces fresh scrutiny over how oil wealth hasn’t translated into poverty reduction. Power & Projects: PetroEnergy’s Q1 net income fell 14% to P240.6M due to no Gabon Etame liftings, but renewables kept revenue steady; meanwhile ReconAfrica says Kavango West 1X production testing should start before end-May.

Ebola Escalation: WHO has declared the Central Africa Ebola outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern as cases surge across borders, with 487 confirmed cases and 292 deaths reported as of May 16—spreading to the DRC, Republic of Congo, and Gabon. Gabon Value-Add Push: At the Africa CEO Forum in Kigali, Gabon’s President Brice Oligui Nguema told Comilog (Eramet) to start processing manganese locally by 2029 or face replacement, while Gabon also moves to acquire a stake in Eramet. Oil & Power Reality Check: PetroEnergy’s Q1 net income fell 14% to P240.6M, with no Gabon Etame oil liftings recorded, even as renewables kept revenue steady. New Frontier Licensing: Sao Tome & Principe launched a fast-track licensing round for ultra-deepwater blocks west of the islands, with bids due June 30. Project Finance Interest: Genmin says strong international funding interest is building for its US$200m Baniaka iron ore project in Gabon.

Gulf of Guinea Oil Push: Sao Tome & Principe just opened a fast-track licensing round for three ultra-deepwater blocks west of Principe, with bids due 30 June and stakes up to 85% (15% reserved for the state). Gabon Value-Add Pressure: At the Africa CEO Forum in Kigali, Gabon’s Brice Oligui Nguema told manganese miner Comilog (Eramet) to start processing locally or face replacement—setting the tone for tougher local-content demands. Regional Deal-Making: The same forum saw Nigeria and Gabon leaders urge “put money where the mouth is” industrial cooperation and more value addition, while France’s Macron announced €23bn for Africa at Nairobi’s Africa Forward Summit. Ongoing Energy Reality Check: PetroEnergy’s Q1 results show how stalled liftings can hit oil-linked income even as renewables keep revenue moving. Human Security: Nigeria police say they dismantled a transnational trafficking syndicate, arresting 13 suspects and rescuing 30 victims.

Gabon Value-Add Deadline: President Brice Oligui Nguema told Comilog (Eramet) to start processing manganese locally or face replacement—giving the firm until 2029 to move beyond raw ore exports. Local Ownership Push: Gabon also says it is moving to acquire a stake in Eramet, building on its existing 29% holding in Comilog and linking the move to its export-ban plan on unrefined manganese from 2029. Regional Industrial Momentum: At the Africa CEO Forum in Kigali, Tinubu and Nguema urged a shift from raw exports to value addition, with leaders calling for coordinated investment instead of siloed strategies. Energy Reality Check: A new report on Nigeria and other producers argues oil wealth has failed to cut poverty or deliver broad development, warning that export-focused extraction leaves countries exposed to price shocks. What’s Missing for Gabon Today: No major new Gabon-specific corporate finance or policy updates beyond manganese and the Eramet stake were reported in the latest hours.

Human Trafficking Crackdown: Nigeria’s police say they dismantled a transnational trafficking syndicate, arresting 13 suspects and rescuing 30 victims held under exploitative conditions. Oil & Power Watch: PetroEnergy’s Q1 net fell 14% to P240.6m as Etame oil liftings were absent, but renewables kept the lights on with higher wind and solar output. Gabon Value-Addition Push: At the Africa CEO Forum, Gabon’s President Brice Oligui Nguema told Comilog (Eramet) to start processing manganese locally by 2029—or face alternatives—while Gabon also moves to acquire a stake in Eramet. Mining Finance Momentum: Genmin says international investors are circling its $200m Baniaka iron ore project, including offers via JV, stake deals, and offtake-linked prepayments. Namibia Energy Progress (Regional Spillover): ReconAfrica is preparing Kavango West 1X production testing, targeting results mid-to-late July. Africa CEO Forum Backdrop: Leaders keep repeating the same theme: stop exporting raw materials, build industry at home.

Oil & Gas Testing: ReconAfrica says it’s nearing the Kavango West 1X production test in Namibia, with downhole testing expected to start before end-May, spanning six zones over 420 metres and results due mid-to-late July. Value-Add Pressure on Mining: At the Africa CEO Forum in Kigali, Gabon’s President Brice Oligui Nguema told Comilog (Eramet) to process manganese locally or face replacement, with a deadline to 2029. Gabon Resource Control: Gabon also moves to acquire a stake in Eramet, saying it has reached agreement on subscribing to a €500m capital increase, while Eramet will take the proposal to shareholders on 27 May. Energy & Finance Mood: Nigeria’s Tinubu and Gabon’s Nguema pushed “put money where the mouth is” for shifting from raw exports to industrial value, as IFC eyes bigger investments in livestock, energy and housing. Corporate Watch: PetroEnergy reports Q1 income down 14.3% as oil liftings stalled, even as renewables kept revenue supported.

IFC Pushes Private Capital into Gabon-Relevant Sectors: At the Africa CEO Forum in Kigali, IFC boss Makhtar Diop said the lender will send a mission to Nigeria to build “scalable” investment frameworks for livestock, energy and housing—while the World Bank-backed L-PRES project already reached about 1.4m beneficiaries across 20 states. Gabon Resource Control: Libreville says it’s moving to acquire a stake in Eramet (via Comilog’s Moanda manganese mine), aiming for more control as it also prepares an unrefined manganese export ban from 2029. Iron Ore Financing Interest: Genmin says international investors and traders are circling its Baniaka iron ore project in Gabon, including a Middle East consortium offer to fund the full $200m via a new JV. France’s Africa Reset Under Fire: Macron’s Nairobi summit landed €23bn in Africa investment promises, but the “sovereignty” pitch is still colliding with lingering Françafrique tensions. Regional Deal-Making: Uganda’s Museveni met Gabon’s Nguema on economic transformation, industrialisation and refinery/value-add plans.

Mining Finance: Genmin says international investors and traders are lining up to fund its Baniaka iron ore project in Gabon, targeting about $200mn ahead of a final investment decision—options include a Middle East consortium offer via a new JV for the full amount, a Chinese bidder seeking 51%+ with construction and technical support, plus a commodities-trader prepayment facility (up to $50mn) and a $10mn bridge loan. Regional Deal-Making: At the Africa CEO Forum in Kigali, leaders and investors are pushing “shared ownership” and cross-border investment models as bottlenecks and protectionism reshape capital flows. Resource Control: Gabon also moves to increase state influence in manganese—planning to acquire a stake in Eramet/Comilog as it prepares for a future shift toward more local processing. France Reset Watch: Macron’s Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi announced €23bn in investment, while Gabon’s leadership continues to engage regional partners on industrialisation and value addition.

Psychedelic Spotlight: Gabon’s Bwiti iboga tradition is back in the global spotlight after a U.S. regulatory review push around ibogaine—raising hopes of new investment, even as the substance remains federally illegal in the U.S. Resource Control: Libreville says it’s moving to acquire a stake in Eramet (via Comilog’s Moanda manganese), aligning with a broader plan to tighten control of natural resources and prepare for a 2029 unrefined manganese export ban. Food Security Push: Gabon signed about US$1.38bn in poultry deals ahead of the 2027 import ban, targeting feed, farming, processing, and logistics to cut reliance on imports. Diplomacy & Industry: President Brice Oligui Nguema met Uganda’s Museveni on economic transformation, regional cooperation, and refinery/value-add plans. France Reset: At the Nairobi Africa Forward Summit, Macron announced €23bn for energy transition, digitalization, and agriculture—while the “sovereignty” message dominated the rhetoric. Oil Market Shock: UAE’s OPEC exit is stirring fresh volatility fears for Africa—good for some importers, risky for exporters.

Manganese Control Move: Gabon says it is moving to acquire a stake in Eramet, via its Moanda manganese mine operator Comilog, aiming for tighter state control over a resource it already holds 29% in; Libreville claims it agreed the plan during the Africa Forward summit in Nairobi, while Eramet notes it has seen Gabon’s intention to subscribe to a €500m capital increase, with shareholders set to review the proposal on 27 May. Poultry Push: Gabon also signed US$1.38bn poultry investment deals under an emergency plan to build feed, farms, processing and logistics ahead of a 2027 import ban. France-Africa Reset: Nairobi’s Africa Forward summit wrapped with Macron announcing €23bn for energy, AI and agriculture, framed by Kenya’s Ruto as “sovereign equality” over dependency. Oil Market Shock: The UAE’s exit from OPEC is adding uncertainty for African oil exporters like Nigeria and Angola, while importers may see relief. Namibia Energy Progress: ReconAfrica says Kavango West 1X downhole production testing is set to start before end of May, with results expected mid-to-late July.

France-Africa Reset: Macron wrapped the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi by unveiling €23bn ($27bn) for energy, AI and agriculture, pitching a “partnership of sovereign equality” after years of Francafrique backlash—while Kenya’s Ruto repeated “sovereignty” eight times. Gabon-Angola Investment Push: In Luanda, Gabon’s Oligui Nguema courted Angolan investors, saying Libreville has streamlined mining and petroleum rules and wants to absorb Angola’s extractives know-how, including LNG ambitions. Oil Market Shock: The UAE’s exit from OPEC is already reshaping expectations for African oil revenues and price volatility. Regional Business Pipeline: Rwanda’s Africa CEO Forum 2026 is set for May 14-15 in Kigali, aiming to pull in 2,000+ leaders around “shared ownership” and cross-border investment models. Uganda Politics: Museveni was sworn in for a seventh term, with regional leaders including Gabon in attendance.

Africa-Forward Summit Momentum: In Nairobi, French President Emmanuel Macron used the Africa Forward Summit to announce €23bn in investments aimed at energy transition, digitalization and agriculture, pitching a “partnership of equals” with direct deals (equity, loans, guarantees, grants) and a target of 250,000+ jobs across France and Africa. Digital & Skills Push: Macron also backed Orange Digital Centers, saying they could train 1 million young Africans by 2030. OPEC Shock Ripples: Meanwhile, the UAE’s exit from OPEC is already reshaping expectations for African oil exporters and importers—raising fears of more price volatility even as some countries may see cheaper fuel. Gabon-Angola Trade Drive: Closer to home, Gabon’s junta leader Brice Oligui Nguema is courting Angolan investors and pushing extractives know-how, LNG ambitions, and mining/petroleum code updates—while Angola and Gabon move toward new business structures like a planned business council. Industry Watch: TotalEnergies EP Gabon reported stronger Q1 profit on higher crude prices, despite lower volumes.