AGP Executive Report

Ghana Football: Carlos Queiroz is back as head coach of the Black Stars, reversing his earlier step-down after Ghana’s 2026 World Cup run to the Round of 32; the Ghana Football Association says he will lead the team into the 2027 AFCON qualifiers, starting with matches against Ivory Coast and The Gambia. WAFU U-17 (Boys): The WAFU Zone B U-17 qualifiers draw puts Ghana in Group A with Burkina Faso, Benin and Togo, while Côte d’Ivoire is grouped with Niger and Nigeria in Group B. WAFU U-17 (Girls): Ghana’s Black Maidens face a tough Group B test against Nigeria, Togo and Niger in the girls’ qualifying tournament hosted by Côte d’Ivoire. Illegal Mining (Ivory Coast): Abidjan’s Cardinal Dogbo warns that illegal gold mining is tied to greed and calls for stronger state action to tackle the environmental and security threat. Uber Exit (Africa): Ride-hailing giant Uber has shut down in Nigeria and Uganda with immediate effect, leaving it active in just four African markets: Egypt, Ghana, Kenya and South Africa. Ivory Coast Abroad: Simon Adingra completes a season-long loan to Ajax, saying he hopes to match Mohammed Kudus’s impact at the Dutch club.

Cocoa Price Lock: Ivory Coast will keep the 2026/27 main cocoa farmgate price at 1,200 CFA francs per kilo, buying only well-fermented, well-dried, well-sorted beans—leaving many farmers disappointed after earlier hopes of a rebound. Cocoa Market Pressure: Fresh data points to larger supplies and rising inventories, with reports of higher shipments and harvest volumes adding downward pressure on global cocoa prices. Regional Football Focus: Ghana has reappointed Carlos Queiroz as Black Stars coach for a new mandate, with qualifiers against Ivory Coast due in the next international window. Transport Shock in West Africa: Uber has shut down operations in Nigeria and Uganda effective September 2, citing a business review; the exit follows earlier withdrawals from Ivory Coast and Tanzania. Health Tech Expansion: Alan, backed by Kylian Mbappé, acquired Senegal-and-Ivory Coast health tech firm Tanel, aiming to scale coverage across Francophone West Africa first. Sports Spotlight: Ivory Coast winger Yan Diomande reflects on his Abidjan roots as he settles into Real Madrid life.

Cocoa & Jobs: Côte d’Ivoire is pushing to boost local cocoa processing capacity from 1.155m tonnes to 1.344m tonnes in 2026/27 as farmgate prices fall, with the 10th National Cocoa and Chocolate Days opening in Abidjan under the theme “Youth and the Cocoa Farming of the Future.” Market Pressure: Cocoa prices slid for a second day on signs of ample global supply, including higher shipments from the Ivory Coast and rising inventories. Transport & Industry: Uber says it has ended operations in Uganda (and also Nigeria), leaving it live in only Egypt, Ghana, Kenya and South Africa—after exiting Ivory Coast in 2025. Football (Regional Focus): Real Madrid’s new Ivorian star Yan Diomande shared his Abidjan-to-Europe journey, while Ghana’s Carlos Queiroz is reportedly close to extending his Black Stars deal. Health (Africa Expansion): French insurer Alan acquired Senegal’s Tanel, which also operates in Côte d’Ivoire, aiming to scale health insurance networks across West Africa.

Cocoa Push in Abidjan: Côte d’Ivoire opened the 10th National Cocoa and Chocolate Days in Abidjan, with officials saying the country will expand local cocoa processing capacity from 1.155 million tonnes to 1.344 million tonnes in 2026/27 as farmgate prices fall. The government also kept the minimum guaranteed farmgate price at 1,200 CFA francs per kg, while urging more investment in research, mechanisation and better plantation protection. Cocoa Prices Slip: Commodity markets reflected the pressure, with cocoa retreating after larger Ivory Coast supplies and rising inventories, even as traders watch weather and quality concerns for the next crop. Electricity Integration: West Africa is extending regional power links with over 4,000 km of transmission lines connecting 15 countries, boosting cross-border electricity trade and improving access for millions. Abidjan Skyline Ambition: Construction is progressing on Abidjan’s Tour F, set to become Africa’s tallest building later this year—another sign of the country’s push to stand out globally. Football Transfers—Ivory Coast Links: Sunderland’s Simon Adingra and Abdoullah Ba remain possible exits as overseas windows stay open, with Ajax still in talks.

Housing Crunch in Abidjan: A new AFP report puts Abidjan’s rental squeeze in sharp focus, with families like the Kla couple struggling to find decent homes on wages that don’t match rising rents and poor road access. Cocoa Watch: Cocoa prices are climbing on fears over West African bean quality and weaker crop outlooks in both Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire, as disease spreads and early assessments point to smaller harvests. Infrastructure Push: Côte d’Ivoire’s skyline is set for a major boost as construction of the 75-storey Tour F in Abidjan is expected to finish later this year, a symbol of the country’s long-term rebuilding. Water & Sanitation Partnership: Global Water Challenge and Cargill expand their Cargill Currents work to more countries, including Côte d’Ivoire, targeting safer water, repaired systems, and better farm water use. Football Transfers (Ivory Coast links): Ajax are reportedly close to a loan deal for Ivory Coast winger Simon Adingra, while Chelsea confirmed the sale of Ivory Coast midfielder David Datro Fofana to Servette.

Cocoa Market Watch: Cocoa futures surged to an 11-month high as traders priced in weaker West African harvest prospects and concerns over bean quality in Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana, with disease and poor pod development cited. Football & Talent: Real Madrid coach José Mourinho urged patience for Ivory Coast winger Yan Diomande, saying the 19-year-old needs time after limited substitute appearances. Ivorian Sports Abroad: Ajax moved closer to a deal for Sunderland and Ivory Coast winger Simon Adingra, with reports saying a loan for the rest of the season is on the table. World Stage, Ivorian Presence: More than 3,000 athletes from 104 countries paraded at the World Nomad Games opening in Kyrgyzstan, including a Côte d’Ivoire team. Regional Business: The Central Bank of Kenya approved Nedbank’s plan to buy a 66% stake in NCBA, with NCBA’s digital operations spanning Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire.

Cocoa Market Watch: Cocoa futures surged to an 11-month high as traders priced in tighter West African supply and worries over bean quality, with Ivory Coast and Ghana facing disease pressure and weaker crop outlooks for 2026/27. Fair Income Push: Fairtrade Africa urged cocoa industry players to close the living income gap, citing new reference prices for Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire and calling for stronger coordination across producers, traders and regulators. Rural Connectivity: Côte d’Ivoire moved ahead on its National Rural Connectivity Programme, commissioning new telecom sites and targeting 575 rural localities under a XOF 38 billion plan to expand public e-services. Housing Crunch in Abidjan: An AFP report highlights how Abidjan’s booming population is outpacing affordable housing, leaving many families priced out even as the minimum wage struggles to cover decent rentals. Football—Yan Diomande: Real Madrid coach José Mourinho asked for patience with Ivory Coast winger Yan Diomande after his early substitute appearances, saying the 19-year-old needs time to grow into his big-money move. Sports Venue Update: Ghana’s Accra Sports Stadium will stay closed until the 2027 AFCON qualifier against The Gambia, affecting clubs’ home plans as the Black Stars open qualifiers away to Ivory Coast. Business & Trade: Ivory Coast’s Afrikrea relaunches under its original name on its 10th anniversary, restoring a platform for African and diaspora creators.

US Deportations: The United States has published an updated deportation list of 427 people from 16 West African countries, with Nigeria leading (134), Liberia (111) and Ghana (44). The names come with mugshots and alleged charges ranging from money laundering and robbery to drug possession and identity theft; Côte d’Ivoire is listed among the countries represented. Housing Crunch in Abidjan: An AFP report spotlights how Abidjan’s fast growth is colliding with a shortage of affordable homes, leaving residents like a young couple searching for years and struggling to meet even minimum-wage budgets. Agriculture & Trade: Ahead of India’s Bharat International Rice Conference (BIRC) 2026, buyer data shows 3,317 registrations from 138 countries, including Côte d’Ivoire, signaling strong export interest. Sports—Ivory Coast on the move: Real Madrid coach José Mourinho urged patience for Ivory Coast winger Yan Diomande, who has yet to score for his new club. In basketball, Côte d’Ivoire’s World Cup qualifier campaign took a hit as Angola handed them their biggest loss in nearly a decade.

Sahel Security: A mutiny in Niger hit Base 101 near Niamey airport, a key hub for the Alliance of Sahel States and Russian Africa Corps coordination, underscoring how junta stability still shapes security outcomes. Ivory Coast Football Transfers: Ivory Coast midfielder Franck Kessié has rejoined Atalanta on a multi-year deal after Juventus talks collapsed, while Real Madrid’s Yan Diomande’s agent says the winger always wanted Madrid despite Liverpool and PSG interest. Local Football Deadline Buzz: Bolton Wanderers are pushing to sign Ivory Coast U23 striker Oumar Diakité before the window closes, as they chase a final attacking piece. Sports Media: DAZN secured rights to broadcast LaLiga EA SPORTS across Sub-Saharan Africa for three seasons starting this weekend. Cocoa Watch: Ivory Coast cocoa supply concerns and delayed crop prospects are adding pressure to global prices, with EU rule worries raising port congestion fears.

Cocoa & Farmgate Policy: Ivory Coast is expected to keep the fixed cocoa price paid to farmers at 1,200 CFA francs/kg for the 2026/27 main crop season starting September 1, after a cut from 2,800 CFA francs/kg last year—amid rising global prices and concerns over West African crop quality. AFCON Qualifiers Build-Up: Ghana gets a boost as Mohammed Kudus returns to action for Tottenham after a seven-month injury lay-off; he could be key as the Black Stars prepare to open qualifiers with a trip to Bouaké to face Ivory Coast on September 24. Elephants on Court: Côte d’Ivoire edged Egypt 72-66 in the African Qualifiers, with David Gassaud scoring 16 points off the bench to help the team improve to 7-1. Football Transfers: Ivory Coast captain Franck Kessié has rejoined Atalanta on a multi-year deal after negotiations with Juventus collapsed, while Aston Villa are reportedly testing the waters for injured Manchester United winger Amad Diallo. Sports Streaming: DAZN secured rights to broadcast LaLiga EA SPORTS across Sub-Saharan Africa through 2029, starting this weekend. Security in the Region: Gunfire and explosions were reported near a military base at Niamey’s airport in Niger, a site previously hit by jihadist groups this year.

Basketball Spotlight: Côte d’Ivoire’s David Gassaud came off the bench to score 16 points and help the Elephants beat Egypt 72-66, as coach Miguel Ramos praised the team’s intensity in the 2027 African Qualifiers. Football Transfers: Ivory Coast captain Franck Kessié has officially rejoined Atalanta on a multi-year deal after collapsed talks with Juventus, returning to the club where he broke through in Europe. Transfer Rumours: Manchester United’s Amad Diallo is reportedly on Aston Villa’s radar, with a bid linked to his injury recovery timeline. AFCON 2027 Build-up: Ghana FA boss Kurt Okraku says the Black Stars are ready for a tough Côte d’Ivoire clash in Bouaké on 24 September, insisting Ghana has improved. Cocoa Economy: Ivory Coast is expected to keep the 2026/27 cocoa farmgate price fixed at 1,200 CFA francs per kg as the main crop begins September 1. Sports Media: DAZN expands in Sub-Saharan Africa, bringing LaLiga EA SPORTS to fans live and on-demand through 2029.

Cocoa Price Shock: Ivory Coast is expected to keep the fixed cocoa farmgate price at 1,200 CFA francs/kg for the 2026/27 main crop season starting September 1, after last year’s record 2,800 CFA price was cut in March as global prices slid—while traders warn West African crop quality risks are still pushing cocoa futures higher. Cocoa Market Watch: Reuters reports cocoa prices jumped again to 11-month highs as black pod disease spreads amid poor sunshine in Ivory Coast and Ghana, with early surveys pointing to a weaker Ivory Coast harvest and a smaller Ghana crop. Football—AFCON Build-Up: Ghana’s GFA president Kurt Okraku says a new Black Stars coach is 99% in place ahead of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers, with Ivory Coast named in the group and Okraku citing Ghana’s 2023 AFCON mistakes as part of Ivory Coast’s rise. Sports—Ivory Coast on the Move: In FIBA World Cup qualifiers, Kobi Simmons helped Ivory Coast beat Mali, while Yaya Touré is highlighted for making history as the first African coach to reach the UEFA Champions League. Security—Regional Spillover: Gunfire and explosions were reported near a military base at Niamey’s airport in Niger, a site previously hit by jihadist groups, underscoring ongoing Sahel instability.

Cocoa & Jobs: Cocoa prices jumped on fresh worries about West African crop quality, with reports pointing to disease spread in Ivory Coast and Ghana and weaker pod development that could tighten supply. Child Labour Push: Ferrero and Save the Children say their “Cacao Connect” programme is showing progress in Ivory Coast cocoa communities, including more education access and reduced poverty levels. Football (Ivory Coast): Former Ivorian star Yaya Touré made history by becoming the first African coach to reach the UEFA Champions League league phase with Slovan Bratislava. Sports (Basketball): Côte d’Ivoire beat Mali 83–77 to move closer to the AfroBasket final, with the win framed as revenge for last year’s overtime loss. Culture & Fashion: Abidjan hosted the 7th Ivorian Traditional Fabric Days, spotlighting weavers and designers linking traditional cloth to modern fashion. Energy: New analysis says Africa is on track for a record 2026 solar year, with Côte d’Ivoire named among Francophone West African countries where solar mini-grids could expand access.

AFCON Qualifiers (Ghana vs Ivory Coast): Ghana FA president Kurt Okraku says the “psychological block” that hurt the Black Stars in big games is gone, adding they will travel to Côte d’Ivoire confident for the 24 September clash in Bouaké. AFCON Qualifiers (Ivory Coast’s rise): Okraku also argues Ivory Coast’s 2023 AFCON success was aided by mistakes Ghana made, including a late collapse against Mozambique that helped the Elephants’ turnaround. Cocoa (prices & supply): Cocoa prices jumped on fears over West African crop quality, with Côte d’Ivoire’s delayed main harvest raising the risk of port congestion in Abidjan and San Pedro ahead of stricter EU rules. Cocoa (child labour push): Ferrero and Save the Children report progress in Ivory Coast cocoa communities, including more education access and reduced poverty levels. Champions League (Ivory Coast legend): Yaya Touré made history as the first African coach to reach the UEFA Champions League league phase, guiding Slovan Bratislava after a dramatic play-off win over Celje. Health (malaria treatment): New reporting highlights how misconceptions lead some patients to stop malaria medicine early, complicating efforts to control the disease.

Meta Youth Safety: Parents of children harmed online question what Meta hid after a US settlement of $18bn and new protections for young users. Cocoa & Ports: Ivory Coast’s delayed 2026/27 main cocoa crop could trigger Abidjan and San Pedro congestion as exporters rush ahead of stricter EU rules. Cocoa Prices: Prices jumped on fears of poorer West African crop quality, with disease risk and weaker early Ivory Coast pod development. Child Labour Progress: Ferrero and Save the Children report gains in tackling child labour in Ivory Coast cocoa communities, including better education access and reduced poverty. Diplomacy: Qatar’s al-Misnad met Côte d’Ivoire’s Belmonde Dogo and the AfDB president to discuss cooperation and support. Health Warning: Research highlights how misunderstandings about malaria treatment can derail recovery and worsen adherence. Basketball (Côte d’Ivoire vs Mali): Côte d’Ivoire beat Mali to reach the AfroBasket final, turning last year’s pain into payback. Football (Yaya Touré): Yaya Touré made history as the first African coach to reach the UEFA Champions League league phase with Slovan Bratislava. AFCON Qualifiers (Ghana vs Ivory Coast): Ghana’s Kurt Okraku says the Black Stars have shaken off a “psychological block” ahead of the September 23 clash in Côte d’Ivoire. FIBA Qualifiers: Window 4 rosters confirmed, with Côte d’Ivoire in Group F alongside Angola, Egypt, Mali, Senegal and DR Congo.

Cocoa Supply Crunch: Ivory Coast’s delayed 2026/27 main cocoa crop could trigger port congestion at Abidjan and San Pedro in November-December as exporters rush ahead of tougher EU deforestation rules, with the main season starting Sept. 1 but arrivals expected to stay low in September and October. Cocoa Integrity Probe: A new study on Ivory Coast cocoa traceability audits says at least 1 in 4 audits showed manipulated data tied to “sustainability” targets, raising concerns ahead of the delayed EUDR rollout. West Africa Crime Crackdown: INTERPOL’s Operation Jackal IV wrapped up with 58 arrests and 263 identified suspects across 22 countries, linking West African cyber fraud networks to organized sextortion supply chains. Ivory Coast Football Spotlight: Yaya Touré made history as the first African coach to reach the UEFA Champions League league phase, guiding Slovan Bratislava to extra-time victory over NK Celje. Sports Qualifiers: Final rosters for FIBA U19 World Cup 2027 African Qualifiers Window 4 are set, with Côte d’Ivoire in Group F alongside Angola, Egypt, Mali, Senegal and DR Congo. Health Innovation: Senegal’s Teranga Pharma says it has produced Africa’s first locally made generic hydroxyurea for sickle cell, aiming to cut costs and improve access.