AGP Executive Report

Gambia Energy Deal: The Gambia signed a Petroleum Exploration, Development and Production Licence Agreement (PEPLA) with Eni for offshore Block A1, covering about 1,300 sq km in deep waters (1,250m–3,300m), giving Eni a new entry after earlier licence revocations and exits by other operators. Regional Trade Capacity: With WCO support, customs and economic operators from Nigeria, Comoros, Morocco, The Gambia and others are training to strengthen rules-of-origin expertise, aiming to make free trade agreements work better in practice. West Africa Fisheries Crackdown: West African states and partners stepped up action against illegal fishing, citing losses above US$2.3bn a year and highlighting the Dakar Declaration and joint enforcement operations involving Mauritania and Senegal. Power & Climate Risk: A new study warns Africa’s solar power pools face rising “synchronization” risk under climate change, meaning multiple countries could suffer low-output days at once. Mauritania in the Spotlight: Libya and Mauritania discussed boosting political and economic cooperation during an official visit, including plans for a joint higher committee. Security & Fraud (Cross-border): Nigeria’s Ogun State police arrested eight foreign nationals over a staged kidnapping/self-kidnapping scheme allegedly used to extort ransom from families abroad.

Renewables Trade: Nigeria exported solar panels worth N85.79bn in Q1 2026, with the US the biggest buyer (N34.23bn), as local renewable manufacturing investment helps the country shift from consumer to regional supplier. Offshore Energy Deal: The Gambia signed a Petroleum Exploration, Development and Production Licence Agreement with Eni for deepwater Block A1 (about 1,300 sq km), giving Eni rights to explore in water depths of 1,250–3,300m and marking a fresh push after years of stalled activity. Mauritania Energy Link: Russia is ready to share energy technologies with Mauritania for “technological sovereignty,” adding to the wider regional energy cooperation narrative. West Africa Fisheries: West Africa stepped up action against illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, with losses estimated above US$2.3bn annually and new coordination efforts like the Dakar Declaration. Security & Fraud: Ogun State police arrested eight foreign nationals in a staged “kidnapping” scheme allegedly used to extort ransom from families abroad, including a Mauritanian suspect. Climate Risk for Power Pools: A new study warns climate change could synchronize solar low-output events across African power pools, raising reliability risks for regional electricity trading. Diplomacy: Libya and Mauritania discussed boosting ties during an official visit, including preparations for a joint higher committee.

Mauritania–Libya Diplomacy: Mauritanian Foreign Minister Mohamed willed Merzoug met Libya’s Taher al-Baour during an official visit, agreeing to deepen political and economic cooperation and prepare a Libyan–Mauritanian Joint Higher Committee. Energy & Tech Cooperation: Russia says it is ready to share energy technologies with Mauritania to build “technological sovereignty,” including training and a possible business mission with major Russian energy firms. Uranium Investment Signal: Aura Energy is pushing for a 2026 final investment decision for Mauritania’s Tiris uranium project after talks tied to U.S. financing. Power Access Tracking: The AfDB launched MapAfrica to monitor Mission 300 electricity expansion in real time, listing Mauritania among priority countries. Trade Facilitation: With WCO support, customs officials from Mauritania and other West/Central African states are training peers on rules of origin under the EU-WCO Rules of Origin Africa Programme. Regional Fisheries Pressure: West Africa steps up action against illegal fishing, with losses estimated above US$2.3bn annually, including coordinated patrols involving Mauritania. Global Context for Business: UN warns Strait of Hormuz disruptions are driving energy and food shocks that can raise costs and strain aid and trade—relevant for regional importers and logistics.

Western Sahara & Polisario Leadership: The death of Lahbib Abdelaziz, a key Polisario National Secretariat figure, is reigniting questions over succession and internal balances as the independence movement faces diplomatic wear and an aging leadership. Trade Facilitation & Customs Capacity: With WCO support under the EU-WCO Rules of Origin Africa Programme, customs officials from Nigeria, Comoros, Morocco, The Gambia and others have completed Training of Trainers workshops to strengthen origin determination for preferential trade agreements. Anti-IUU Fishing: West Africa is stepping up action against illegal fishing, with coordinated patrols and the Dakar Declaration pushing stronger regional enforcement and shared monitoring as losses are estimated above US$2.3bn a year. Mauritania in Energy Diplomacy: Russia says it is ready to share energy technologies with Mauritania to build “technological sovereignty,” including education and a possible business mission with major energy firms. Electricity Access Tracking: AfDB launched MapAfrica to monitor Mission 300 progress toward connecting 300m more people to power by 2030, with Mauritania listed among priority countries. Regional Security & Fraud: Ogun State police in Nigeria arrested eight foreign nationals over a staged “self-kidnapping” scheme allegedly used to extort ransom from families abroad, including a Mauritanian suspect.

Mauritania–Libya Diplomacy: Mauritanian Foreign Minister Mohamed willed Merzoug met Libya’s Taher al-Baour during an official visit, focusing on expanding political and economic cooperation and preparing a Libyan–Mauritanian Joint Higher Committee. Energy & Industry: Russia’s Deputy Energy Minister Roman Marshavin said Moscow is ready to share energy technologies with partners including Mauritania to build “technological sovereignty,” alongside training and a possible business mission with major Russian firms. Uranium Investment Signal: Aura Energy is pushing for a 2026 final investment decision for its Tiris uranium project, with U.S. financing talks flagged as a strategic breakthrough. Electricity Access Tracking: The AfDB launched Mission 300’s Progress Tracker (MapAfrica), listing Mauritania among priority countries for projects aimed at connecting 300 million people to power by 2030. Regional Energy Risk: A study warns climate change could synchronize solar low-output events across African power pools, raising reliability risks for regional grids. Trade & Food Security Shock: UN agencies say Strait of Hormuz disruptions are already driving up energy and transport costs, worsening hunger risks in vulnerable countries. Business/Transport Link: Air Sénégal resumed ATR72-600 services on regional routes, with one aircraft previously stored at Nouakchott in Mauritania. Security & Cross-border Fraud: Ogun State police in Nigeria arrested eight foreigners, including a Mauritanian, over a staged self-kidnapping scheme used to extort ransom from families abroad.

Fake Kidnap Fraud Exposed (Ogun, Nigeria): Ogun police arrested eight foreign nationals, including a 23-year-old Mauritanian, Cheik El-Mehdi, over an alleged staged abduction and ransom extortion scheme targeting families abroad, with suspects tracked to a hideout in Adiyan Town, Agbado. Energy Access & Electrification Tracking (Africa): AfDB launched MapAfrica to monitor Mission 300 progress toward connecting 300 million people to electricity by 2030, listing active projects across countries including Mauritania. Uranium & Tech Cooperation (Mauritania): Russia’s deputy energy minister said Moscow is ready to share energy technologies with Mauritania to build “technological sovereignty,” alongside education and possible business missions with major firms. U.S. Forced-Labour Tariff Risk (Trade): The U.S. proposed a 12.5% tariff on imports from eight African economies, including Mauritania, tied to forced-labour enforcement gaps—still under review. Regional Diplomacy (Libya–Mauritania): Libya and Mauritania discussed boosting political and economic cooperation and preparing a joint higher committee meeting during an official visit. Humanitarian Pressure (Sahel): UN OCHA warned about 24 million people needing aid across the Sahel as violence, displacement, and climate shocks worsen, with funding at a decade low.

Mauritania–Libya Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Taher al-Baour met Mauritania’s Mohamed willed Merzoug in Libya to push political and economic cooperation, activate prior agreements, and prepare a Libyan–Mauritanian Joint Higher Committee. Uranium & Finance: Aura Energy says it is negotiating with the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation for up to $170m to back Mauritania’s Tiris uranium project, with feasibility work due in Sept and a possible final investment decision by year-end. Energy Cooperation: Russia’s deputy energy minister told Mauritania it can access Russian energy technologies to build “technological sovereignty,” alongside plans for training and a possible business mission. Electricity Access Tracking: AfDB launched Mission 300’s public progress tracker (MapAfrica), listing Mauritania among priority countries for grid and decentralized solar projects. Trade Risk for Mauritania: The U.S. proposes a 12.5% tariff on exports from Mauritania (and seven other African economies) over forced-labour compliance gaps—still under review. Health Cooperation: Egypt and Mauritania discussed expanding medical training, pharmaceuticals, preventive healthcare, and medical tourism ties. Regional Context: UN warns the Strait of Hormuz disruption is driving higher energy and aid costs, hitting vulnerable economies hard.

U.S.-Mauritania Energy Ties: Russia says it’s ready to share energy technologies with Mauritania to build “technological sovereignty,” including training and possible business missions with major firms. Uranium Investment Watch: Aura Energy is pushing ahead on Mauritania’s Tiris uranium project, negotiating up to $170m with the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation and aiming for a feasibility study in September and a final investment decision by year-end. Electricity Access Tracking: The AfDB launched a public Mission 300 progress tracker (MapAfrica) to monitor grid and mini-grid projects, listing Mauritania among priority countries. Trade Pressure on Exports: The U.S. proposes a 12.5% tariff on exports from Mauritania and seven other African economies over forced-labour compliance gaps—still under review. Regional Business Environment: Jeune Afrique/The Africa Report’s 2026 Africa Performance Index places Nigeria fifth and Ghana eighth, highlighting governance, influence, and innovation—useful context for investors watching West Africa. Sahel Humanitarian Risk: UN says about 24m people need aid across the Sahel as violence and climate shocks worsen, with funding at a decade low.

U.S. Trade Pressure on Mauritania: Washington is considering a 12.5% tariff on imports from Mauritania (along with Algeria, Angola, Egypt, Libya, Morocco, Nigeria and South Africa) after forced-labour compliance concerns, adding fresh risk for exporters. Nuclear Investment in Mauritania: Aura Energy says it’s negotiating with the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation for up to $170m to back its Tiris uranium project, aiming for a final investment decision by end-2026. Electricity Access Tracking: The AfDB launched a public Mission 300 Progress Tracker (MapAfrica) to monitor projects adding power to 300m people by 2030, with Mauritania listed among priority countries. Energy Cooperation: Egypt and Mauritania discussed deeper healthcare ties, including medical training and pharmaceutical collaboration. Regional Business & Transport: Air Sénégal restarted revenue service for one ATR72-600 on domestic and regional routes, signaling a push to stabilize connectivity. Migration Watch (Atlantic Route): New rescues off Mauritania highlight intensifying irregular migration flows, with hundreds of people intercepted in days. West Africa Anti-IUU Fishing: Regional efforts under the Dakar Declaration stepped up patrols and cooperation to curb illegal fishing losses.

Mauritania Energy & Mining: Aura Energy says it is advancing the Tiris uranium project toward a final investment decision by end-2026, with talks underway for up to $170m financing from the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation and a memorandum with a “major” nuclear utility, while a bankable feasibility study is still due in September. Energy Cooperation: Russia’s deputy energy minister told Mauritania it is ready to share energy technologies to support “technological sovereignty,” alongside proposals for training and a possible business mission with major Russian energy firms. Power Access: The AfDB launched a public Mission 300 Progress Tracker (MapAfrica) to monitor electricity expansion across Africa, listing Mauritania among priority countries and tracking grid and decentralized solar projects. Trade Policy Risk: The U.S. is proposing a 12.5% tariff on exports from Mauritania (and seven other African economies) over forced-labour compliance gaps, a move that could reshape Mauritania’s export competitiveness in the U.S. market. Health & Human Capital: Egypt and Mauritania discussed deeper healthcare cooperation, including medical training, pharmaceuticals, preventive health and medical tourism. Regional Business Context: UNCTAD warns Strait of Hormuz disruptions could sharply raise oil import bills for vulnerable economies, with Mauritania flagged among the most exposed.

Uranium & Energy Finance: Aura Energy says it is on track for a final investment decision on Mauritania’s Tiris uranium project by end-2026, after signing an MoU with a “major” nuclear utility and advancing talks with the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation for up to $170m, with a feasibility study due in September. Electricity Access: The AfDB launched a public Mission 300 Progress Tracker (MapAfrica) to monitor electrification across Africa in real time, listing Mauritania among priority countries and tracking grid and decentralized solar projects. Trade Policy Shock: The U.S. is considering a 12.5% tariff on exports from eight African economies, including Mauritania, tied to forced-labour compliance checks—potentially reshaping export flows if approved. Regional Diplomacy: Bangladesh has started steps to open a diplomatic mission in Harare, while Mauritania’s ambassador to Egypt met with Egypt’s health minister to expand medical training, pharmaceuticals, preventive healthcare and medical tourism. Migration & Maritime Risk: New interceptions off Mauritania’s Atlantic coast highlight intensifying irregular migration pressures, with hundreds of migrants rescued over days. Business & Connectivity: AfDB and partners continue pushing electrification and infrastructure momentum as Africa’s development debate increasingly turns to mobilizing domestic savings for investment.

Mauritania Energy & Investment: Aura Energy says it is in talks with the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) for up to $170m financing for its Tiris uranium project, with a feasibility study due in September 2026 and a final investment decision targeted before year-end—an important step toward Mauritania’s first uranium mine. U.S.-Africa Trade Pressure: Washington is proposing a 12.5% tariff on imports from Algeria, Angola, Egypt, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Nigeria and South Africa over forced-labour compliance gaps, adding fresh uncertainty for exporters ahead of a public comment process. Regional Energy Access: The AfDB launched the Mission 300 Progress Tracker (MapAfrica) to monitor electrification across Africa in real time, listing Mauritania among priority countries and tracking grid and decentralized solar projects. Health Cooperation: Egypt and Mauritania discussed expanding ties in healthcare, including medical training, preventive health and pharmaceutical collaboration. Migration & Security Spillovers: A surge of Atlantic-route interceptions off Mauritania highlights intensifying irregular migration pressures, while U.S. deportation lists include 12 Mauritanians among 355 West Africans. Sahel Humanitarian Strain: UN OCHA warns about 24m people needing aid across the Sahel as violence, displacement and climate shocks worsen, with funding at its lowest level in a decade.

U.S.-Africa Trade Pressure: The U.S. is proposing a 12.5% tariff on imports from Algeria, Angola, Egypt, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Nigeria and South Africa over forced-labour enforcement gaps, a move that could reshape export flows if it takes effect. Mauritania Energy Deal Watch: Aura Energy says it’s in talks with the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation for up to $170m to back its Tiris uranium project, targeting a final investment decision by end-2026 after a feasibility study due in September. Regional Migration & Risk: New maritime interceptions off Mauritania highlight a continuing surge in irregular Atlantic migration, with hundreds of migrants rescued in days—another pressure point for regional economies and border systems. Sahel Humanitarian Strain: UN agencies warn about 24m people needing aid across the Sahel as violence, displacement and climate shocks deepen, while funding remains at its lowest level in a decade. Energy Shock Spillover: UNCTAD says Strait of Hormuz disruptions could add over $20bn a year to oil import bills for vulnerable economies, with knock-on effects for inflation and public finances. Diplomacy & Health Links: Egypt and Mauritania discussed expanding cooperation in healthcare, training and pharmaceuticals, signaling continued investment in human capital.

U.S.-Africa Trade Pressure: The U.S. is proposing a 12.5% tariff on exports from eight African economies—including Mauritania—over forced-labour compliance gaps, with the plan still under review after Section 301 investigations. Sahel Humanitarian Strain: The UN says about 24 million people across the Sahel need aid as violence, displacement and climate shocks worsen, while funding remains at its lowest level in a decade. Uranium Investment Watch (Mauritania): Aura Energy says it is advancing the Tiris uranium project toward a year-end final investment decision, with talks for U.S. financing via the DFC and a memorandum with a major nuclear utility. Energy Shock Risk: UNCTAD warns that disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz could add $20B+ to annual oil import bills for vulnerable economies, pushing up inflation and public finance stress. Regional Business & Health Links: Egypt and Mauritania discussed expanding cooperation in healthcare, medical training and pharmaceuticals, including a visit to Egypt’s drug manufacturing hub. Migration Off Mauritania: New reports highlight continued dangerous Atlantic irregular migration, with repeated rescues of hundreds of migrants in a short span.

U.S.-Africa Trade Shock: The U.S. proposes a 12.5% tariff on imports from eight African economies—Algeria, Angola, Egypt, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Nigeria and South Africa—over forced-labour and weak enforcement concerns, with a public comment period before any final move. Mauritania Energy Deal: Aura Energy says it is pushing toward a year-end final investment decision for its Tiris uranium project, with talks for up to $170m U.S. DFC financing and a memorandum of understanding with a major nuclear utility. Health Cooperation: Egypt and Mauritania discussed expanding healthcare ties, including medical training, preventive health and pharmaceutical collaboration. Humanitarian Pressure in the Sahel: UN OCHA warns about 24 million people need aid across the Sahel as violence, displacement and climate shocks worsen, while funding remains at its lowest level in a decade. AfDB Investment Push: AfDB President Sidi Ould Tah urges Africa to mobilize its own savings for productive investment, arguing the continent’s transformation needs over $400bn annually. Migration Off Mauritania: New maritime rescues off Mauritania highlight intensifying Atlantic irregular migration, with 911 migrants intercepted in five days.

Uranium Investment Push (Mauritania): Aura Energy says it is on track for a final investment decision by end-2026 for its Tiris uranium project after signing an MoU with a “major” international nuclear utility, with a bankable feasibility study due in September and funding options including potential cornerstone equity and project debt discussions. Energy Costs & Trade Risk (Regional): UNCTAD warns that Strait of Hormuz disruptions could add over $20bn a year to oil import bills for vulnerable economies, with Mauritania flagged as highly exposed to higher prices. Maritime Migration Pressure (Mauritania): New rescues off Mauritania’s Atlantic coast involved 911 migrants, including 181 Gambians, highlighting a persistent, intensifying irregular migration flow tied to limited local opportunities. Sahel Security Spillover (Mali/Region): Fighting around Mali’s Kidal escalates as the FLA and JNIM coordinate against the state, raising fears of wider instability across the Sahel. Health Funding (DRC): CEPI commits about $60m to accelerate Ebola Bundibugyo vaccine development led by Moderna and partners, as the outbreak in eastern DRC remains a public health emergency. US Deportations (West Africa): The US confirms deportation of 355 people from West Africa, including Mauritania (12), as names and photos are released.