AGP Executive Report

Ebola Alarm: WHO’s Public Health Emergency call over the DRC–Uganda Ebola outbreak is now reshaping travel and readiness, with Africa CDC warning 10 more countries—including Tanzania, Kenya and Zambia—are “at risk,” and a $314m+ regional response appeal launched as cases rise. Travel Pressure: India has issued an advisory urging citizens to avoid non-essential travel to the affected countries, while the US added a second airport for Ebola screening. Politics Watch: Chadema says it won’t cooperate with Tanzania’s criminal investigation commission, calling it biased. Sports: Junior Starlets and Uganda’s Teen Cranes head into a decisive second-leg qualifier after a 1-1 first draw in Kampala, with the winner set to face Tanzania or South Africa next. Business & Infrastructure: Tanzania’s Mkuju River uranium project is moving into a main industrial complex build phase, while Parliament approved a 2.5tri/- works budget to push road projects.

WHO Tension, NYC Twist: The U.S. has fully pulled out of the World Health Organization, but New York City has moved the other way by joining the WHO-linked Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network, a move framed as public health necessity and criticized as a political workaround. Uranium Push: Tanzania’s Mantra Tanzania says it has started preparations for the main industrial complex at the Mkuju River uranium project, building on data from its 2025 pilot plant. Courtroom Tax Fight: BRAC Tanzania Finance has lost its appeal and must pay VAT and excise duty, with the Court of Appeal ruling it counts as a financial institution under tax law. Unity Warning: Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba urged Tanzanians to reject “agents of division,” including claims he says are being staged to spark panic. Trade Barriers: Tanzania says it is tackling non-tariff barriers with Kenya and reports progress on issues like stamp duties and road charges. Ebola Alarm: A former CDC chief warns a fast-growing Ebola outbreak in Central Africa could spread widely, potentially reaching the region. SME Credit Boost: Norfund and BII are backing NMB Bank with US$80m to expand lending to small businesses and agriculture.

Human Rights Crackdown: The U.S. has sanctioned a senior Tanzanian police commander, Faustine Jackson Mafwele, over alleged torture and sexual assault of activists—raising the dispute from a domestic political fight to an international accountability issue. Ebola Alarm: In the DRC, anger over Ebola deaths has spilled into violence, with protesters torching hospital isolation tents after officials refused to release a body. Lake Victoria Focus: Tanzania’s PM urged EAC partners to protect Lake Victoria, calling it a shared lifeline for livelihoods and trade. Roads on the Move: In Dar es Salaam’s Segerea, the Bima–Mawenzi–Kimanga road upgrade is now in the 2026/27 plan, including concrete pavement. Disability Inclusion: Government says public servants with disabilities will get stronger workplace protections and safer, disability-friendly conditions. Urban Planning: Tanzania is pushing tighter control of peri-urban sprawl to build resilient cities before problems become expensive. Tourism & Trade: Kenya’s nuclear plant protests continue, while Tanzania and Kenya keep trading barbs over duties and market access.

Ebola Crisis Turns Violent in DRC: A crowd torched isolation tents at Rwampara General Hospital near Bunia after officials refused to release the body of a young man believed to have died of Ebola, injuring a healthcare worker as police fired warning shots; the charity says the six patients from the tents are now receiving care. Trade Tech Push: East African revenue authorities are accelerating digital customs and cargo tracking to cut delays and non-compliance, with Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda rolling out integrated clearance systems. Tanzania Rights Under US Sanctions: The US sanctioned senior Tanzanian police official Faustine Jackson Mafwele over alleged torture and sexual assault of activists, turning the post-election crisis into an international accountability fight. Environment Jobs Drive: Tanzania is launching recycling efforts for solid and liquid waste in Arusha, pitching a new jobs engine alongside climate action. Dodoma Policy Focus: Tanzania’s industry ministry says 2026/27 priorities will center on industrial growth, innovation and private sector development.

Ebola Alarm: A former CDC chief has warned the 2026 Ebola outbreak could become a “very significant pandemic,” with spillover risks reaching Tanzania, South Sudan and Rwanda as officials scramble to tighten cross-border readiness. Public Health & Aid: Humanitarian experts say shrinking aid budgets could turn today’s crisis into a wider catastrophe, pushing care for infectious diseases, maternal health and malnutrition to breaking points. Tanzania Infrastructure Push: Dodoma is seeing major policy momentum as the government launches a legislative review to make Form Four compulsory, while the Works Ministry unveils a nearly US$985m connectivity drive and signals more road financing through bonds. Digital Finance: Tanzania’s corporate bond market has crossed Sh2 trillion after EFTA’s oversubscribed listing, and UBX is expanding payments capacity with ACI Worldwide. Energy & Diplomacy: Tanzania and Rwanda sign an energy cooperation memo, and the president reiterates nuclear as a complement for industrialisation. Politics & Justice: Chadema responds to political-party allegations, and courts continue high-profile sentencing, including a 30-year drug trafficking case.

Film & Culture: Tanzania has started talks with Cannes Film Festival leadership to boost local participation from 2027, including a possible Tanzania pavilion, training for young creatives, and co-production links. Capital Markets: Equity for Tanzania Limited’s corporate bond listing drew heavy demand, pushing Tanzania’s corporate bond market past Sh2 trillion as oversubscription signals growing investor appetite. Education Reform: The government has launched a legislative review to make Form Four compulsory, after gaps were flagged in the old 1978 National Education Act. Health Funding: Benjamin Mkapa Hospital launched a Sh7 billion drive to fund 100 bone marrow and kidney transplant cases for underprivileged patients. Infrastructure Finance: Works Minister Abdallah Ulega says road projects will increasingly be funded through infrastructure bonds, targeting major corridors nationwide. Governance & Safety: PM Mwigulu Nchemba issued six Lake Victoria directives on rescue readiness and conservation, tied to the MV Bukoba disaster memory. Justice & Crime: A Tanzanian court sentenced an Iranian national to 30 years over Indian Ocean drug trafficking. Social Risk: Dar es Salaam reports point to an underground abortion network operating through informal contacts, raising fresh concerns over unsafe procedures.

Rare Earth Rush: Tanzania says rare earth deposits in Njombe’s Mkiu Village could spark a new critical-minerals push, with officials pointing to neodymium and praseodymium demand from EVs, wind power and electronics. Fuel-Fear Warning: Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba warns the Iran conflict could hit Africa through fuel and fertiliser shocks, pushing up prices and worsening food insecurity. Lake Victoria Alarm: The EAC released its first Lake Victoria Basin report, flagging worsening pollution and ecosystem decline and urging urgent action to save the lake. Banking Momentum: Equity Group reported a 24% jump in Q1 net profit to Sh19.1bn, targeting 100 million customers by 2030 as regional units drive growth. Digital Finance Bet: Checker raised $8m to expand stablecoin liquidity infrastructure for African banks and neobanks. EAC/Ports Politics: Coast activists defend KPA’s hiring after claims of irregular recruitment. Ebola Watch: DRC health officials say an Ituri outbreak has reached 136 deaths as authorities race to contain spread.

Biometric ticketing push: Dar es Salaam’s Dart is weighing facial and palm recognition for BRT riders to cut losses and stop commuters getting stuck with lost smart cards. Roads and recovery: Tanzania says it has spent Sh556.93bn fixing El Niño and Cyclone Hidaya damage, with 97.6% of 81 emergency bridge/road projects now implemented. Education quality alarm: A new study warns teacher trainees often enter practicum placements unprepared, with weak mentorship and classroom support dragging learning outcomes. Fraud fallout: A retired teacher in Manyara says she lost Sh46m after an ATM card was allegedly swallowed and money withdrawn through agents. Regional energy momentum: Tanzania has endorsed the next phase of the $4bn East African Crude Oil Pipeline, clearing trenching along the 1,443km route toward Tanga. Health crisis: DRC’s Ebola outbreak in Ituri is worsening, with 543 suspected cases and 136 deaths reported as authorities race to find the source.

Dodoma Marathon: NBC has officially flagged off the seventh NBC Dodoma Marathon for July 26, 2026, aiming for a record 15,000 runners and tying the race to healthcare support, including maternal and infant death reduction. Banking Pressure: Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba has criticised banks for selling borrowers’ collateral even after partial repayments, calling it unfair and urging faster, borrower-friendly rules for using movable assets. Energy & Weather: Tanzania’s meteorology authority warns of strong winds along the coast for five days starting May 20, while fuel-price strain continues to push demand for vehicle gas conversion. AI Push: Kenya opened “AI Everything Kenya x GITEX Kenya” to position East Africa as an AI investment hub, not just a tech showcase. Refinery Race: Aliko Dangote’s East Africa mega-refinery plan keeps shifting sites as Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda jockey for influence. Markets & Regulation: CMSA urged bond issuers to follow rules, as iTrust’s 13% bond launch draws attention to Tanzania’s capital markets. Sports: CAF’s AFCON 2027 qualifiers draw is set in motion, with Tanzania participating as host.

Fertilizer crunch hits the EU: With Iran-war disruptions choking the Strait of Hormuz, the EU is preparing for a fertilizer shortage by leaning on a long-term plan that includes using cow manure—after officials ruled out quick fixes like suspending tariffs on Russian and Belarusian imports. Elections watch: Pre-election international observers have started arriving in Zambia ahead of August 2026 polls, with the Electoral Commission saying the SADC team will monitor nomination proceedings to boost transparency. Dodoma infrastructure: Tanzania has signed the $200m Dodoma Integrated and Sustainable Transport (DIST) contract, targeting upgrades on key corridors like Dodoma–Chamwino to ease congestion as the capital expands. Energy and health pressure: Tanzania’s Ebola readiness is being tightened at border posts, while fuel-price strain is driving a surge in vehicle gas conversions. Banking momentum: Kenya’s Equity Group reports Q1 profit up 24% to Sh19.1bn, citing regional growth and heavier use of digital channels.

Power & Ports: Indian billionaire Gautam Adani’s US fraud case is reported to have been dropped, clearing the way for his bid tied to South Africa’s R440bn power-grid expansion, while Aliko Dangote warns West and Central Africa face a port crunch that can leave cargo waiting up to three weeks. Tanzania Finance: The Bank of Tanzania and HESLB launched a financial education drive for higher-learning students, aiming to close money-management gaps and improve how loan beneficiaries use funds. Clean Cooking Push: LPG competition is heating up as Tanzania targets 80% clean cooking by 2034, with adoption already above 20% and firms battling for household market share. Culture & UNESCO: UNESCO is advancing a roadmap to strengthen World Heritage higher education in African universities, with Tanzania’s Mweka among pilot institutions. Sports & Travel: Air Tanzania eyes new UK routes to Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar, and the AFCON 2027 qualifiers draw is set for Cairo. Fraud & Trust: A UK fraudster was sentenced for duping a blind pensioner into a fake Tanzania “diplomatic mission,” highlighting how scams keep exploiting trust.

Air Tanzania Expansion: Tanzania has allocated TZS283.05bn (about $109m) to boost Air Tanzania, including aircraft purchases, maintenance upgrades and a new Dar es Salaam passenger terminal plan. Zanzibar Budget Pressure: Lawmakers are pushing back on Zanzibar’s Sh181.8bn 2026/27 agriculture plan, saying it’s too “theoretical” and risks more food imports. Health Pact Talks: Tanzania and the US have started talks in Geneva on a new health cooperation agreement aimed at stronger health security and local medical supply production. Clean Cooking Push: LPG competition is heating up as clean cooking adoption rises, with firms racing to expand distribution and win households. Regional Energy Politics: Uganda’s Museveni backed a proposed $15–17bn regional refinery idea championed by Dangote, while insisting Uganda’s Hoima refinery stays on track. Kenya Fuel Shock Spillover: Kenya’s fuel-price protests have shut schools and paralyzed transport, turning Nairobi into a “walking city.”

Digital Divide Push: Tanzania is rolling out a Sh29 billion plan to build 287 mobile and internet towers across underserved wards, aiming to connect about 2.97 million people in remote areas within 15 months. Energy & Trade Politics: The East African crude oil pipeline is now over 70% complete, with regulators saying construction is on track and testing at Chongoleani is underway—while the region’s big refinery debate keeps heating up as Dangote and Tanzania discuss a partnership model. IMF Relief for Tanzania: Tanzania has reached a staff-level IMF deal that could unlock about US$375.5m (KSh 48.6bn) once the board approves. Regional Football: CAF will hold the AFCON PAMOJA 2027 qualifying draw in Cairo on Tuesday, with Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda already qualified as co-hosts. Health Watch: A new Ebola outbreak in DRC has triggered WHO’s emergency alert, with cross-border risk rising amid conflict and mobility.

Digital Push: Tanzania is moving to close the rural connectivity gap with a Sh29 billion plan to build 287 communication towers, aiming to link nearly 3 million people in underserved wards across Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar. Political Rights Debate: Stakeholders are pushing back on Tanzania’s Political Parties Act, 2024, saying it gives the Registrar of Political Parties too much power and could curb political freedom. Energy Oversight: Regulators say progress on the East African Crude Oil Pipeline is on track, with construction now past 70% and checks focused on environmental safeguards and local commitments. Poverty Fight via Church Programs: In Ruvuma, Caritas-linked economic programmes are being promoted as a practical route to livelihoods, training and microcredit. AI for Disasters: Tanzania is integrating AI into its national disaster management system to shift from reacting after damage to predicting climate shocks earlier. AfCON PAMOJA 2027: CAF will hold the qualifying draw in Cairo Tuesday, setting groups for the first East Africa co-hosted tournament by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. Regional Politics & Information: A fresh warning is making the rounds about industrialised election manipulation using AI and deepfakes, with concerns that trust in democratic processes can be targeted, not just votes.

Dangote Refinery Talks: President Samia Suluhu Hassan met Aliko Dangote in Dar es Salaam as the East Africa refinery debate heats up again—Dangote is floating a regional partnership model and weighing options that could place the $15bn–$17bn, 650,000-bpd project in Kenya or Tanzania. Tanzania–Russia Push: Tanzania and Russia signed aviation and trade cooperation steps, with Air Tanzania set for direct Moscow flights later this year, while a tourism cooperation memorandum is slated for June. Tourism Momentum: Tanzania reported a 10.7% rise in 2025 tourist arrivals to 5.94m, with earnings up 12.82%, as officials credit sustained investment. Identity for Refugees: At ID4Africa, speakers urged governments to expand legal and digital identity for refugees and stateless people, warning that disconnected systems keep people excluded. Climate & Methane Unity: African parliamentarians in Nairobi called for one coordinated continental voice in global climate and methane talks. Local Economy Pressure: Tanzania was listed among Africa’s highest fuel-price countries in May, adding strain to households and transport.

Tourism Surge: Tanzania says tourist arrivals jumped 10.7% in 2025 to 5.94 million visitors, with international arrivals up 7.1% and domestic travel rising 13.1%, while earnings climbed 12.82% to $4.4bn. Aviation Deal: Air Tanzania (ATCL) is set to start direct flights to Moscow later this year as part of a Tanzania–Russia package agreed in Arusha, with more deals expected during President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s June visit. Digital Race: Africa is being urged to invest in its own satellite and digital infrastructure and to stop staying in “AI pilot mode,” as many firms struggle to scale projects into real returns. Energy Pressure: Tanzania is among the 10 African countries with the highest fuel prices in May, and fuel costs remain a regional headache after global shocks. Business & Culture: Vodacom is pushing smartphone financing for prepaid users, while Luangisa African Gallery in the US is strengthening ties with African heritage sites.