AGP Executive Report

African Atlantic Gas Pipeline Momentum: ECOWAS leaders signed the intergovernmental agreement backing the $25bn Nigeria–Morocco Atlantic gas pipeline, targeting 30 bcm/year and linking multiple West African states to Morocco and onward to Europe—while security and cross-border coordination remain key questions. Mauritania Mining Governance: Mauritania’s Mines Minister Eddi Ould Zeine said mining permits must drive production and value creation, not speculation, as reforms aim to attract credible investors and boost local processing. US Tariffs Hit Mauritania: The U.S. imposed a 12.5% tariff on imports from Mauritania (and others) over forced-labour enforcement gaps, raising new compliance pressure for trade flows. Migration Tragedy Off Mauritania: UNHCR reported at least 143 refugees and migrants missing or dead after a boat sank off Mauritania, underscoring the deadly Atlantic smuggling route. Germany–Nigeria Energy Push: Germany’s FM Johann Wadephul visited Nigeria, stressing energy cooperation and highlighting Nigeria’s role in Europe’s jet fuel supply, with broader business ties on the agenda. AI Policy Watch: Mozambique moved to formalize AI governance via a national strategy covering regulation, cybersecurity, and oversight.

West Africa Energy Deal: ECOWAS has signed the intergovernmental agreement backing the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline, a $25bn, ~6,800–6,900 km corridor meant to move up to 30 bcm/year of gas across 13 countries toward Morocco and Europe, with Mauritania included in the route. US Trade Pressure: The U.S. imposed a 12.5% tariff on Nigeria and seven other African countries, including Mauritania and Morocco, citing weak enforcement against goods linked to forced labour. Mauritania Mining Governance: Mauritania’s mines minister says permits are for exploitation and value creation, not speculation, after cancelling an exploration permit and approving a new one, alongside reforms and a one-stop shop to speed investment. Migration Tragedy Off Mauritania: UNHCR reports nearly 150 migrants dead or missing after two Atlantic crossings near Mauritania, including a boat that drifted for 25 days after running out of fuel. Morocco–Mauritania Connectivity: Morocco’s $1bn Tiznit–Dakhla expressway is operational, improving road links to Mauritania and feeding plans for a Dakhla Atlantic port. Maritime Sanctions Evasion: A report says Iranian and Russian “shadow fleets” use fake websites mimicking African maritime authorities to generate false documents and evade sanctions.

Mining Governance: Mauritania’s Minister of Mines and Industry, Eddi Ould Zeine, says mining permits must drive exploitation and value creation—not speculation—after permit cancellations and approvals, alongside reforms to attract credible investors and simplify procedures via a one-stop shop. Trade & Tariffs: The US imposed a 12.5% tariff on imports from Nigeria and seven other African countries, including Mauritania, citing weak enforcement against goods linked to forced labour—raising compliance pressure for regional exporters. Regional Energy Deal: ECOWAS endorsed the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline, with an intergovernmental agreement signed in Freetown to move the $25bn Nigeria–Morocco corridor forward; the route is set to run along West Africa’s Atlantic coast, including Mauritania, targeting up to 30 bcm/year. Migration & Safety: UNHCR reports nearly 150 migrants dead or missing after separate boat incidents off Mauritania, including a Gambia-to-Spain attempt that left survivors after 25 days at sea. Security Outlook: Coverage warns Mauritania faces spillover risks as violence in Mali escalates, with cross-border pressures growing along the southeastern frontier.

Mining Governance: Mauritania’s Minister of Mines and Industry, Eddi Ould Zeine, says mining permits are for exploitation and value creation—not speculation—after permit cancellations and approvals, alongside reforms to regulate the sector and simplify investment via a one-stop shop. Regional Energy Deal: ECOWAS leaders signed the Intergovernmental Agreement for the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline (AAGP), a ~6,900 km corridor aimed at moving up to 30 bcm/year from Nigeria and West Africa to Morocco and onward to Europe, with Mauritania listed among participating states. ECOWAS Appointments: ECOWAS approved new officials for 2026–2030, including commissioners, judges for the ECOWAS Court of Justice, an auditor-general, and the West African Health Organisation director-general. US Trade Pressure: The US imposed a 12.5% tariff on imports from Nigeria and seven other African countries, including Mauritania, citing forced-labour enforcement gaps under Section 301. Migration Risk: UNHCR reports at least 143 refugees and migrants missing or presumed dead after a boat sank off Mauritania’s coast, underscoring the deadly Atlantic smuggling route. Security Watch: Coverage flags rising instability pressures on Mauritania as violence in Mali spills across borders and threatens hard-won security gains.

US–Africa Tariffs: The U.S. imposed a 12.5% tariff on imports from Nigeria and seven other African countries, including Mauritania, citing weak enforcement against goods linked to forced labour—an action framed under Section 301 of the Trade Act. Western Sahara & Fertiliser: With a looming U.S. fertiliser crunch, Washington temporarily suspended tariffs on phosphate imports from Morocco, but critics say the supply chain relies on phosphate mined from occupied Western Sahara, raising sovereignty and market-stability concerns. Mauritania Mining Policy: Mauritania’s Mines Minister said mining permits must drive exploitation and value creation, not speculation, pointing to reforms and a U.S. critical-minerals cooperation framework to boost processing and local benefits. Regional Energy Deal: ECOWAS leaders signed the Intergovernmental Agreement for the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline, a roughly $25bn, ~6,900km corridor expected to move up to 30 bcm/year and link Nigeria to Morocco via multiple West African states including Mauritania. Migration Risk Off Mauritania: UNHCR reported nearly 150 migrants dead or missing after Atlantic crossings from Gambia and Senegal, underscoring the deadly smuggling route near Nouakchott and Nouadhibou.

Mining Governance: Mauritania’s Minister of Mines and Industry, Eddi Ould Zeine, says mining permits are for exploitation and value creation—not speculation—after cancelling an exploration permit and approving a new one, alongside reforms to improve regulation and investment procedures. Regional Energy Deal: ECOWAS leaders have signed the Intergovernmental Agreement for the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline, a ~6,900km corridor aimed at moving up to 30 bcm/year of gas from West Africa to Morocco and onward to Europe, with Mauritania included in the route. Diplomacy & Trade: Germany’s FM Johann Wadephul wrapped up a visit to Nigeria after starting in Mauritania, pushing deeper energy cooperation and business ties, including renewables and tech, as Europe seeks more reliable supply amid Hormuz-linked risks. Migration Tragedy: UNHCR reports nearly 150 deaths or missing people after two boat incidents off Mauritania while migrants tried to reach Europe, underscoring the deadly Atlantic route and ongoing smuggling dangers. Global Investment Watch: UNCTAD data shows China led Africa’s biggest new foreign-backed projects announced in 2025 (about $4.7bn across three major deals), even as total greenfield values fell.

African Atlantic Gas Pipeline: ECOWAS leaders signed the Intergovernmental Agreement for the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline (AAGP) in Freetown, backing the ~6,900 km corridor to move up to 30 bcm of West African gas annually from Nigeria to Morocco and onward to Europe, with Mauritania among the 13 coastal states on the route; Energy Diplomacy: Germany’s FM Johann Wadephul wrapped up a Nigeria visit after starting in Mauritania, pushing deeper trade and energy cooperation—citing Nigeria’s role in Europe’s jet fuel supply and plans to expand renewable collaboration; Migration & Human Cost: UNHCR reported nearly 150 deaths or missing after two boat incidents off Mauritania (July 14–18), as the Atlantic route to the Canaries remains one of the deadliest smuggling corridors; Labor Conditions Watch: A new 2026 ranking of Africa’s most overworked countries lists Mauritania among the top 10, highlighting long hours and pressure from living-cost and labor-market strain.

US Tariffs & Forced Labour: The U.S. has imposed a 12.5% tariff on Australian imports over forced-labour concerns, with 10% reserved for countries showing “some effort” to stamp it out—setting up a fresh round of trade friction. Sham Tariffs Watch: A separate report warns the next U.S. tariff wave could use “forced labour” as legal cover as older duties expire. West Africa Energy Deal: ECOWAS leaders signed the Intergovernmental Agreement for the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline, a ~$25bn, ~6,900km project to move up to 30 bcm/year from Nigeria through 13 countries (including Mauritania) to Morocco and onward to Europe. Germany–Nigeria Business Push: German FM Johann Wadephul, after a stop in Mauritania, urged deeper trade and investment with Nigeria—highlighting energy security, renewables, and tech/startups. Mauritania Migration Tragedy: UNHCR says nearly 150 migrants died or went missing after boats sank off Mauritania while heading for Europe, underscoring the deadly Atlantic smuggling route. Digital Health Policy Shift: A new review shows African countries moving from old eHealth plans to more integrated, often statutory digital health strategies. Travel Rules: Lebanon expanded visa-on-arrival for 13 African countries, including Mauritania, but with strict proof-of-funds and onward-travel checks.

African Atlantic Gas Pipeline: ECOWAS leaders signed the Intergovernmental Agreement for the $25bn African Atlantic Gas Pipeline, backing the 6,900km corridor to move up to 30 bcm/year of gas from Nigeria through 13 West African coastal states (including Mauritania) to Morocco and onward to Europe, with NNPC and Morocco’s ONHYM jointly developing the project. Germany–Mauritania ties: German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul’s Africa trip started in Mauritania, where he met President Mohamed Ghazouani, with the agenda linking security, migration, and counterterrorism to broader economic cooperation. Migration tragedy off Mauritania: UNHCR says nearly 150 people died or went missing after boats sank off Mauritania while heading to Europe, including a case where a Gambia-to-Canaries vessel ran out of fuel and drifted for 25 days. Labor conditions spotlight: A new 2026 ranking lists Mauritania among Africa’s most overworked countries, adding pressure for stronger workplace protections. Digital health policy shift: A roundup shows more African countries moving from older eHealth strategies to binding digital health laws and integrated national digital transformation plans.

Energy Diplomacy: Germany’s Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul is in Africa (starting in Mauritania) and says Berlin will deepen energy cooperation with Nigeria, citing Nigeria’s growing role in Europe’s jet fuel supply and pushing expanded work on renewables and gas. Regional Energy Deal: ECOWAS leaders signed the Intergovernmental Agreement for the $25bn African Atlantic Gas Pipeline, a ~6,900km corridor meant to move up to 30 bcm/year of gas from Nigeria through 13 countries (including Mauritania) to Morocco and onward to Europe—next steps now hinge on implementation and security across the route. Migration & Human Cost: UNHCR reports nearly 150 migrants dead or missing after boats sank or drifted off Mauritania while trying to reach Europe, underscoring the deadly Atlantic smuggling route. Trade/Market Context: Global LNG trade hit a record in 2025, with 2026 facing uncertainty tied to Middle East disruptions—relevant backdrop for West Africa’s gas ambitions. Business/People-to-People: Wadephul also called for stronger education and cultural exchanges with Nigeria, including university partnerships and support for the Goethe-Institut in Lagos.

Regional Energy Deal: ECOWAS leaders signed the Intergovernmental Agreement for the $25bn African Atlantic Gas Pipeline, moving the Nigeria–Morocco project into a clearer implementation phase. The 6,900km hybrid offshore-onshore line is set to carry up to 30 bcm of gas annually across 13 West African countries, with Mauritania included, and link into Morocco’s Maghreb-Europe network toward European markets. Diplomatic Push: Germany’s foreign minister wrapped up a two-day visit to Nigeria, calling for deeper trade and investment ties—especially in IT and start-ups—while also noting Berlin’s focus on Africa amid US, Russia and China pressures. Mauritania Migration Crisis: UNHCR reported nearly 150 migrants dead or missing after boats sank or drifted off Mauritania’s coast, highlighting the deadly Atlantic route used by smugglers. Travel Policy: Lebanon expanded visa-on-arrival eligibility to 13 African countries, including Mauritania, with strict proof-of-funds and onward-travel requirements.

African Atlantic Gas Pipeline (AAGP): ECOWAS heads of state signed the Intergovernmental Agreement in Freetown, formally backing the Nigeria–Morocco Atlantic gas pipeline. The project targets up to 30 bcm/year over a ~6,900 km hybrid offshore-onshore route across 13 coastal countries, with 15 bcm earmarked for Morocco and Europe via the existing Morocco–Spain link; next steps include setting up a project company in Casablanca and a Pipeline Higher Authority in Abuja, then mobilising investors and moving toward a final investment decision. Mauritania–Europe trade & security: Germany’s foreign minister began a regional tour with a stop in Nouakchott, pushing deeper cooperation on trade, energy (including LNG and green hydrogen) and security, while highlighting Mauritania’s role in regional stability and refugee hosting. Migration & safety at sea: The UN refugee agency reported nearly 150 migrants dead or missing off Mauritania after two incidents (July 14–18), while Mauritania’s coast guard gave different missing figures—underscoring the risks on the Atlantic route to the Canary Islands. Regional governance: ECOWAS also approved new appointments for its institutions for 2026–2030, including commissioners and judges for the ECOWAS Court of Justice.

African Atlantic Gas Pipeline Deal: ECOWAS leaders in Freetown signed the Intergovernmental Agreement backing the $25bn Nigeria–Morocco African Atlantic Gas Pipeline, clearing the way for a project company in Casablanca and a governing authority in Abuja, with up to 30 bcm of gas a year (15 bcm for Morocco and Europe) and Mauritania among the sovereign backers. Regional Energy Integration: The pipeline—about 6,800–6,900 km along the Atlantic coast—moves the project from bilateral talks toward investor mobilization and a final investment decision, aiming to strengthen energy security and industrial growth across West Africa and the Sahel. Mauritania Migration Crisis: The UN refugee agency reported 144 people dead or missing and 387 rescued after two boat incidents off Mauritania (July 14–18), underscoring the deadly route toward the Canary Islands. EU-Africa Business Push in Mauritania: Germany’s foreign minister began a three-country Africa tour with a stop in Nouakchott, seeking deeper trade, energy and security cooperation and highlighting opportunities in LNG, renewables and green hydrogen. ECOWAS Governance Update: ECOWAS also approved new appointments for 2026–2030, including commissioners and judges for its Court of Justice, as the bloc resets key institutional leadership.

ECOWAS Energy Deal: West African leaders signed the Intergovernmental Agreement backing the $25bn Nigeria–Morocco African Atlantic Gas Pipeline, a hybrid offshore-onshore line expected to move up to 30 bcm of gas a year across 13 Atlantic countries, with 15 bcm earmarked for Morocco and European markets via the Morocco–Spain link; feasibility and FEED are done, construction is targeted for 2028, first deliveries around 2031, and the next step is a separate Morocco–Mauritania signing ceremony. Mauritania–Europe Cooperation: Germany’s foreign minister, Johann Wadephul, met Mauritania in Nouakchott to deepen ties in trade, energy and security, highlighting Mauritania’s LNG output with Senegal and potential green hydrogen cooperation, while praising Mauritania’s de-escalation approach and its large refugee hosting burden. Regional Security Coordination: Morocco and Mauritania agreed to expand cooperation on border control, migration management, organised crime and counter-terrorism to protect key trade and transport corridors linking North Africa and West Africa. Trade & Logistics Watch: Morocco reopened onion exports to African markets, but tomato and potato restrictions remain, as exporters reroute through the Rosso border crossing (Mauritania–Senegal), where congestion and ferry limits are straining freight flows.

ECOWAS Energy Deal: West African heads of state signed an intergovernmental agreement in Freetown backing the $25bn Nigeria–Morocco African Atlantic Gas Pipeline, a ~6,800–6,900 km project to move up to 30 bcm of gas a year through 13 countries, with 15 bcm aimed at Morocco and Europe; the next steps are setting up a project company in Casablanca and a governing authority in Abuja before investor mobilization and a final investment decision. Mauritania–Morocco Security Push: In Rabat, Morocco and Mauritania agreed to deepen coordination on border control, migration management, organised crime and counter-terrorism, reflecting Sahel-linked instability and the need to secure trade/transport corridors. Trade & Logistics Watch: Morocco reopened onion exports to African markets, but tomatoes and potatoes restrictions remain unclear as exporters reroute via the Rosso border crossing (Mauritania–Senegal), where congestion and ferry limits are straining freight flows. Mauritania Business Climate: IFC is reported to have invested $15m to expand Mauritania’s business tourism sector, while Mauritania also faces rising inflation tied to local commodity price surges. Connectivity: The Via Africa submarine cable system is moving forward with a consortium including Mauritania Telecom and Orange, aiming to strengthen Europe–Africa Atlantic connectivity.

ECOWAS Energy Deal: West African leaders signed an intergovernmental framework backing the $25bn Nigeria–Morocco Atlantic gas pipeline, with the project set to move up to 30 bcm of gas annually across 13 countries and feed Morocco and Europe via the existing Maghreb–Europe link. Project Next Steps (Mauritania in the mix): Morocco’s ONHYM and Nigeria’s NNPC say feasibility and FEED are done; the next milestones include creating a Casablanca-based project company and an Abuja-based Pipeline Higher Authority, with Morocco and Mauritania expected to sign separately before investors line up for the Final Investment Decision. Diplomacy & Business: Germany’s foreign minister is visiting Mauritania first, then Nigeria and South Africa, aiming to deepen security cooperation and unlock opportunities for German firms. Mauritania Tourism Finance: The IFC committed up to $15m to expand Grands Hôtels de Mauritanie’s Sheraton Nouakchott, supporting business tourism, jobs, and local supplier value chains. Inflation Watch: Mauritania’s local commodity prices rose sharply in June, lifting annual inflation on local goods to 10.2% and pushing overall consumer prices up 9.2% year-on-year. Oil & Gas Signals: Murphy Oil and Chariot have applied for offshore exploration blocks in Mauritania, as the government moves to renew upstream interest after recent exits by other operators. Connectivity Push: Via Africa, a new Europe–Africa submarine cable consortium is preparing route studies and procurement, with planned landings including Mauritania.