AGP Executive Report

Cocoa Supply Chain Shock: Ivory Coast cocoa sellers are struggling to use the new electronic traceability system ahead of EU anti-deforestation rules, risking slower purchases and deliveries at the start of the 2026/27 season. Digital Skills for TVET: Cybastion and the THEYA Foundation launched Africa DigiEmpower training for technical and vocational educators in Côte d’Ivoire, focusing on cybersecurity and AI via a training-of-trainers model. Finance & Markets: Bridge Bank Group Côte d’Ivoire is set to start trading on the BRVM on Sept. 24 after a share sale that valued the lender at about 337.5 billion CFA francs. Energy & Cost Pressure: The wider region’s energy risk remains clear as Ghana’s July generation stayed heavily thermal (74.33%), highlighting how fuel volatility can hit West African economies. Transport & Business Reality: Uber’s exit from Nigeria and Uganda underscores how rising operating costs can squeeze ride-hailing models—relevant for investors watching mobility in the region. Community & Youth Investment: Children of Africa Foundation is preparing its Oct. 9 gala with a planned Maison de la Jeunesse in Treichville aimed at skills and entrepreneurship for young people.

Cocoa Trade & EU Compliance: Ivorian cocoa sellers, cooperatives and buying agents are struggling to use the new electronic traceability system ahead of EU anti-deforestation rules, with fears it could slow purchases and deliveries at the start of the 2026/27 season. Digital Skills for TVET: Cybastion and the THEYA Foundation launched Africa DigiEmpower training for technical and vocational educators in Côte d’Ivoire, focusing on cybersecurity, AI and digital tools via a training-of-trainers model. Finance & Markets: Bridge Bank Group Côte d’Ivoire is set to begin trading on the BRVM on Sept. 24 after a share sale that reduced the seller’s stake, with the bank admitted under ticker BBGC. Energy Context: While not Côte d’Ivoire-focused, regional reporting highlights how thermal power and liquid fuels keep electricity costs exposed to global shocks—an issue West African utilities watch closely. Education & Youth Philanthropy: Dominique Ouattara’s Children of Africa Foundation is preparing its Oct. 9 gala to fund a new Treichville youth centre aimed at skills and entrepreneurship. Maritime Security & Costs: MARSEC warns that Gulf of Guinea security risks and migration shifts can raise freight costs and fuel prices, pushing ports and traders to tighten compliance and surveillance.

Cocoa Supply Chain Shock: Ivorian cocoa sellers and cooperatives are struggling to use the new electronic traceability “producer card” system ahead of EU anti-deforestation rules starting Jan 1, 2027, raising fears of slower purchases and delivery disruptions into the 2026/27 season. Digital Skills Push: Cybastion and the THEYA Foundation launched Africa DigiEmpower training for technical and vocational educators in Côte d’Ivoire, with a train-the-trainers model focused on cybersecurity, AI and other digital fields. Human Capital for Tech Transition: The same initiative is designed to scale certified training via Cisco Networking Academy so teachers can transfer practical skills to students across vocational institutions. Business & Investment Linkages: Lagos State and California business leaders are set to headline the California–Lagos Business & Investment Summit (Sept 17–18, 2026), aiming to deepen trade, investment and cross-border collaboration—an angle relevant for regional firms looking at West Africa growth. Port/Trade Context: Broader West Africa trade infrastructure remains in focus as APM Terminals eyes development talks around Nigeria’s Badagry container terminal, underscoring the region’s push for stronger gateway capacity.

Cocoa Finance & Supply: FMO has approved a €20m (US$23.23m) working capital facility for Ivory Cocoa Products (ICP) in Côte d’Ivoire to help the processor buy sustainably sourced beans and keep output steady amid global cocoa volatility, with ICP expanding capacity to about 90,000 tonnes and exporting cocoa butter, liquor and cake. Digital Infrastructure: The US Export-Import Bank backed Côte d’Ivoire’s first government-owned data center with a $66m financing guarantee, expected to open in 2027 in the VITIB tech free zone near Abidjan. Trade & Investment Platforms: Nigeria’s EQUIP AUTO Côte d’Ivoire exhibition is set for Nov 26–28 in Abidjan, aiming to pull 150 exhibitors and 10,000 visitors to deepen West African vehicle production and mobility partnerships. Business Environment: A wider West Africa story highlights how informal work still dominates urban economies (including Abidjan), driven by unemployment and red tape—while authorities struggle to regulate street commerce. Regional Business Diplomacy: Lagos and California leaders will headline the California–Lagos Business & Investment Summit (Sept 17–18) in the US, spotlighting cross-border trade and the creative economy.

Informal Economy Reality Check: A new AFP report says nearly 83% of jobs across Africa are informal, with Abidjan street vendors and pavement businesses in Ivory Coast’s economic capital operating largely outside regulation, taxation and protection as poverty, unemployment and red tape push people into survival work. Market & Jobs Momentum: In Ghana, the Bono East Regional Minister inspected the Techiman 24-hour economy model market project, praising construction quality and reiterating government funding to finish on schedule—aimed at boosting local trade and jobs. Cocoa Finance Push: FMO approved a €20m working capital facility for Ivory Cocoa Products in Côte d’Ivoire to help secure sustainably sourced beans and keep processing capacity steady amid global cocoa volatility. Digital Infrastructure Leap: Ivory Coast plans its first state-owned data center in 2027 (VITIB free zone, Grand-Bassam), backed by a $66m EXIM financing guarantee—part of a broader push to digitize government services. Trade & Logistics Pressure: While not Côte d’Ivoire-specific, the wider West Africa trade story is clear: Ghana’s Tema Port Terminal 3 faces congestion as 70% of containers get full physical inspections, driving delays and costly penalties. Regional Business Linkages: Plans are underway for the California–Lagos Business & Investment Summit (Sept 17–18, 2026), positioning diaspora and private-sector networks to unlock trade and investment opportunities.

Cocoa & Finance: FMO (Dutch development bank) approved a €20m (US$23.23m) working-capital facility for Ivory Cocoa Products in Côte d’Ivoire, backing procurement of sustainably sourced beans and steady local processing as global cocoa volatility bites. Digital Infrastructure: Côte d’Ivoire is set to open its first state-owned data center in 2027, with a US$66m EXIM financing guarantee supporting the VITIB free-zone project in Grand-Bassam, alongside another US$47m EXIM-backed digitisation push for the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. Trade & Industry Signals: Cocoa processing and export momentum remains in focus as the week also highlights Côte d’Ivoire’s broader push to deepen value chains, while regional logistics pressures continue to shape West African trade costs. Human Capital for Agribusiness: UM6P and INP-HB launched applications for a UM6P-backed Digital Farming School in Yamoussoukro, aiming to train the first cohort of agritech developers starting November 2026. Regional Business Context: The week’s coverage also points to wider West African connectivity and trade frictions—reminding investors that infrastructure, customs efficiency, and cross-border systems still decide how fast capital turns into growth.

Cocoa Sector Watch: Côte d’Ivoire will keep the main cocoa farmgate price at 1,200 CFA francs per kg for the main harvest, a decision that disappoints farmers after months of sector turbulence and a near-60% cut earlier this year. Agri-Tech & Skills: UM6P and Félix Houphouët-Boigny National Polytechnic Institute have opened applications for the first cohort of a Digital Farming School in Yamoussoukro, starting in November 2026, with fully funded training for 50 students. Bananas & Investment: Sipef is expanding Côte d’Ivoire banana production by buying the Tiabam plantation in Tiassalé, adding 450 hectares (320 in production) and targeting higher productivity and export scale. Trade & Connectivity: A TAAG Linhas Aéreas de Angola Famtrip/Presstour promotes the São Paulo–Luanda–Abidjan route, spotlighting Yamoussoukro and Abidjan’s UNESCO-listed “France” district to boost tourism and business links. Sports & Talent: Ivorian forward Ibrahim Koné is among the signings highlighted as Star Sport Academy prepares for continental competition after a 0-0 draw in their CAF Champions League debut. Business Climate (Regional): Uber has exited Nigeria and Uganda, while still operating in Ghana and other parts of Africa—another reminder of how currency, costs, and regulation shape platform economics.

Cocoa Sector: Ivory Coast will keep the main cocoa farmgate price at 1,200 CFA francs per kg for the main harvest, disappointing farmers after global prices slid and the government previously cut the price sharply in March. Mining & Investment: Firering Strategic Minerals has signed a binding option deal with Australasian Metals to acquire majority interests in Côte d’Ivoire lithium/tantalum projects (Atex and Alliance), with potential cash consideration up to A$1.5m and A8G as operator. Telecoms & Growth: MTN Group reports H1 2026 service revenue up 17.5% to R115bn, with growth led by MTN Ghana and MTN Ivory Coast among other African markets. Mobility & Safety: Yango Ride says its safety upgrades helped cut reckless driving incidents in Côte d’Ivoire by 35% and reduced post-trip complaints after privacy and anti-fraud rollouts. Business Policy: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says Ghana has repatriated 4,972 citizens from distress abroad since 2025, including 440 from Côte d’Ivoire, highlighting the need for a dedicated diaspora emergency fund.

Cocoa Policy Shock: Côte d’Ivoire will keep the farmgate cocoa price at 1,200 CFA francs/kg for the main harvest, a decision that disappoints farmers after months of sector turmoil and a near-60% cut earlier this year. Mobile Money & Connectivity: MTN Group reports first-half 2026 service revenue up 17.5% to R115bn, with growth led by MTN Ghana, Nigeria, Uganda and MTN Ivory Coast, alongside heavy network and IT investment. Cocoa Finance for Farmers: FMO signs a €20m working capital facility with Ivory Cocoa Products to fund cocoa bean procurement in Côte d’Ivoire, supporting supply ahead of the next cycle. Safety on the Road: Yango Ride says its safety upgrades cut reckless driving incidents across Africa, with Côte d’Ivoire down 35% and post-trip complaints down 11% after privacy-protecting call tech rollout. Trade & Investment Signals: Borno State’s governor meets AfDB President Sidi Ould Tah in Abidjan to deepen investment partnerships for post-conflict recovery and growth, including agriculture, energy, transport and youth jobs. Business & Talent: Ivorian designer Loza Maléombho expands her Pokou creative universe using AI and local IP, aiming to grow an African-owned digital and fashion brand.

AfDB Oversight & Delivery: After a year in office, AfDB chief Sidi Ould Tah is reshaping how the bank raises money and prepares projects, but the real test is whether the new approach can close Africa’s huge financing gaps. Cocoa Price Shock: Côte d’Ivoire will keep the farmgate cocoa price at 1,200 CFA francs/kg for the main harvest, disappointing farmers after months of sector turmoil and a near-60% cut earlier this year. Cocoa Finance Boost: FMO signed a €20m working capital facility with Ivory Cocoa Products to fund cocoa bean procurement in Côte d’Ivoire, supporting the supply chain during price pressure. Gold Exploration Update: Aurum Resources reported fresh high-grade gold intercepts from its BST1 deposit at Boundiali, reinforcing potential resource growth ahead of a major mineral resource update. Oil & Gas Investment: First steel has been cut for Wison New Energies’ FPSO hull for Eni’s Baleine Phase 3 project offshore Côte d’Ivoire, a step toward scaling production and domestic gas supply. Mobility Safety Tech: Yango says its safety upgrades helped cut reckless driving incidents in Côte d’Ivoire by 35% and reduced post-trip complaints after privacy tech rollouts. Creative Economy: Ivorian designer Loza Maléombho is using AI to relaunch her African intellectual property vision through “Pokou,” blending Baoulé heritage with digital experiences.

Cocoa Price Shock: Ivory Coast will keep the cocoa farmgate price at 1,200 CFA francs per kg for the main harvest, a move that disappoints farmers after months of sector turmoil and a near-60% cut in March. Ride-hailing Shake-up: Uber has shut down operations in Nigeria and Uganda effective Sept. 2, ending services after more than a decade in Nigeria and about ten years in Uganda, while saying the retreat is limited to those markets. Urban Mobility Safety: Yango says its 2024–2025 safety upgrades cut reckless driving incidents across Africa by 38%, with Côte d’Ivoire down 35%, alongside privacy tech and 24/7 emergency support. Creative Economy & IP: Ivorian designer Loza Maléombho is expanding beyond fashion with Pokou, an African creative universe blending Baoulé heritage and AI for digital experiences and intellectual property. Cocoa Belt Finance: In Côte d’Ivoire’s cocoa-growing Bringakro, women’s savings groups supported by Nestlé and the International Cocoa Initiative are helping fund borrowing, businesses, and household resilience. Oil & Gas Project: Wison New Energies has started first steel for Eni’s Baleine Phase 3 FPSO offshore Côte d’Ivoire, targeting major oil and gas output once on stream. Mining Update: Aurum Resources reports high-grade gold intercepts from ongoing drilling at Boundiali (BST1), supporting potential resource growth ahead of a future MRE update. Business & Markets: Foreign investors sold shares worth Sh4.55bn on Kenya’s Nairobi bourse in August as blue-chips rallied, a reminder of shifting regional capital flows.

Cocoa Price Shock: Ivory Coast will keep the cocoa farmgate price at 1,200 CFA francs per kg for the main harvest, Agriculture Minister Bruno Nabagne Kone confirmed, disappointing farmers who had hoped for a jump after a near-60% cut in March. The state will pay 1,200 CFA for well-fermented, dried and sorted beans. Ride-hailing Reshuffle: Uber abruptly shut down in Nigeria and Uganda from Sept 2 as part of a wider global restructure that also includes about 3,300 job cuts, while saying the move is limited to those two markets. Local Mobility Safety: Yango says its 2024–2025 safety rollout cut reckless driving incidents across Africa by 38%, with Côte d’Ivoire down 35%, and reduced post-trip complaints in the country by 11%. Creative Tech & IP: Ivorian designer Loza Maléombho is using AI to build Pokou, an African creative universe rooted in Baoulé history and local craftsmanship. Finance & Growth: Borno State’s governor met AfDB President Sidi Ould Tah in Abidjan to seek investment support for post-conflict recovery, including agriculture, energy, transport and youth enterprise. Mining Update: Aurum Resources reported high-grade gold intercepts from ongoing drilling at its Boundiali BST1 deposit in Côte d’Ivoire, supporting potential resource growth.

Cocoa & Agri-Finance: FMO signed a €20m working-capital facility with Ivory Cocoa Products to fund cocoa bean procurement in Côte d’Ivoire, with a four-year structure split into a €15m committed and €5m uncommitted tranche. Cocoa Prices Watch: Côte d’Ivoire kept cocoa prices unchanged despite disappointment in the market, as supply and quality concerns continue to move global pricing. Gold Mining: Aurum Resources reported high-grade gold intercepts at its BST1 deposit in Boundiali, Côte d’Ivoire, including 5.63m at 31.79 g/t and 0.50m at 104.13 g/t, supporting potential resource growth ahead of a major update. Oil & Gas Investment: Wison New Energies started first steel for the hull of an FPSO for Eni’s Baleine Phase 3 offshore Côte d’Ivoire, targeting 90,000 bpd oil and 160 MMcfd gas capacity. Mobility & Safety: Yango says reckless-driving incidents fell 35% in Côte d’Ivoire (2024–2025) alongside privacy-protecting call tech, anti-fraud tools and 24/7 urgent support. Trade/Industry Logistics: Klaveness Dry Bulk completed a milestone clinker shipment from Vietnam to Ivory Coast, reflecting shifting sourcing and larger vessel use as West African port capacity expands.

Cocoa & Agribusiness: Ivory Coast’s cocoa sector is still feeling the squeeze as reports point to disappointment after the country kept cocoa prices unchanged, while industry players push for more processing capacity to capture more value locally. Finance & Trade: FMO signed a €20m working capital facility with Ivory Cocoa Products to back cocoa bean procurement in Côte d’Ivoire, a move aimed at stabilising supply and supporting farmers through the procurement cycle. Gold Mining: Aurum Resources reported fresh high-grade gold intercepts from its BST1 deposit at the Boundiali project, reinforcing resource growth potential ahead of a major mineral resource estimate update. Oil & Gas: Wison New Energies cut first steel for the hull of the FPSO for Eni’s Baleine Phase 3 offshore Ivory Coast, signalling progress on a project designed for large-scale oil and gas output with gas piped to the domestic market. Mobility & Services: Uber has exited Nigeria and Uganda as part of a global restructure, underscoring how operating costs and local market realities are reshaping ride-hailing footprints across Africa. Safety & Mobility Tech: Yango says its 2024–2025 safety rollout helped cut reckless driving incidents across Africa, with Côte d’Ivoire seeing a 35% decline and fewer post-trip complaints after privacy-protecting call tech expanded.

Gold Exploration: Aurum Resources reports fresh high-grade gold intercepts from 22 diamond holes at its BST1 deposit in Côte d’Ivoire’s Boundiali project, extending mineralisation down dip and keeping the system open for a potential resource upgrade ahead of the next major estimate update. Oil & Gas Investment: Wison New Energies has cut first steel for the hull of Eni’s Baleine Phase 3 FPSO offshore Côte d’Ivoire, a project designed for 90,000 bpd oil and 160 MMcfd gas, with gas tied to the domestic market once online. Cocoa Policy: Ivory Coast will keep the farmgate cocoa price unchanged at 1,200 CFA francs per kilo for the main harvest, disappointing farmers after earlier hopes of a rebound. Mining Development: Kobo Resources says drilling at its Kossou Gold Project has extended gold mineralisation at the Road Cut Zone, with results including 1.0m at 68.60 g/t Au, targeting an inaugural MRE in Q4 2026. Regional Business & Mobility: Uber has exited Nigeria and Uganda with immediate effect as part of a global restructure, leaving Côte d’Ivoire’s ride-hailing market to Yango since 2025. Tourism Promotion: Côte d’Ivoire is debuting at China’s Tianjin Culture and Tourism expo to attract Chinese visitors and investors, after recording about 5,000 more Chinese arrivals last year.

Cocoa Price Watch: Ivory Coast will keep the 2026/27 farmgate cocoa price unchanged at 1,200 CFA francs/kg, disappointing farmers after hopes of a rebound; the sector supports millions and the decision follows earlier crisis-era cuts. Mining & Investment: Kobo Resources says drilling at its Kossou Gold Project in Côte d’Ivoire extended high-grade gold mineralisation north and at depth, with an inaugural MRE targeted for Q4 2026. Mobility & Jobs: Uber has exited Nigeria and Uganda effective Sept 2, cutting about 3,300 jobs globally and leaving only Egypt, Ghana, Kenya and South Africa in Africa—another blow to ride-hailing livelihoods. Regional Trade & Infrastructure: Morocco is pushing ahead with the US$1.6bn Dakhla Atlantique port and logistics network to capture Sahel and West African trade flows, competing with established hubs including Abidjan and Lomé. Environment & Risk: West Africa’s recurring floods are increasingly driven by climate change and urbanisation, with experts urging cities to adapt better to reduce damage.