AGP Executive Report

Construction & Equipment Trade: Hitachi Construction Machinery Europe is reshaping its dealer network across Northwest and Central West Africa, with MDA taking expanded territories and Movicortes extending coverage to include Guinea-Bissau, while Hitachi also plans direct support for mining customers in Morocco and Mauritania. Mining & Labour Stability: Barrick has signed a new collective bargaining agreement with unions at its Loulo-Gounkoto gold complex in Mali, averting a threatened strike and addressing overtime, mission expenses and labour-agreement implementation. Food & Fisheries: An Oceana-led peer-reviewed study says more equitable fishing access deals could keep nutrient-rich bottom-trawl catch in West African countries, naming Guinea-Bissau among those that could see major improvements in calcium intake. Finance for Industry & Infrastructure: BOAD approved 157.5 billion FCFA in new financing across agriculture, infrastructure and industry, including a 30 billion FCFA road project tranche in Guinea-Bissau to improve the RN1 axis.

Sports & Trade Links: Nigeria’s Super Eagles were thrashed 3-0 by Guinea-Bissau in Bissau, a result that underlines how quickly momentum can swing in regional competitions that also drive travel, hospitality and match-day commerce. Local Football Focus: Guinea-Bissau’s win kept them on top of Group L, with goals from Franculino Djú, Mama Baldé and Álvaro Djaló, while Nigeria’s coach Eric Chelle urged a fast reset ahead of Tanzania. Fishing & Nutrition: A new Oceana-led study says more equitable fishing access deals could keep nutrient-rich bottom-trawl catches in West Africa, highlighting Guinea-Bissau as a major potential beneficiary for calcium and other micronutrients. Infrastructure & Industry Finance: BOAD approved 157.5 billion FCFA in new financing, including 30 billion FCFA for road works in Guinea-Bissau and support for agriculture and industry—key inputs for local production and logistics. Energy & Exploration: Chevron says it will ramp up exploration, including blocks in Guinea-Bissau, pointing to continued interest in regional upstream activity. Maritime Context: World Maritime Day reminders stress safer shipping and cleaner marine operations—directly relevant to Guinea-Bissau’s port and logistics sector.

Finance & Energy: Itafos secured an amendment and extension to its existing credit facilities, refinancing a $100m term loan (with $82.5m outstanding) and adding a new $140m commitment plus a $30m letter of credit facility, boosting liquidity as it continues operations. Fisheries & Nutrition: A new Oceana-led study says more equitable fishing access deals could keep nutrient-rich bottom-trawl catches in West Africa; it flags Guinea-Bissau as among the biggest potential beneficiaries for calcium intake. Infrastructure & Industry (BOAD): BOAD approved 157.5bn FCFA in new financing, including 30bn FCFA for road works in Guinea-Bissau and support for agriculture, energy, hydrocarbons, and private sector projects. Maritime & Trade: World Maritime Day highlights shipping safety and marine protection, with over 80% of global trade moved by sea. Security & Governance: Reports warn jihadist expansion is pushing into West Africa’s coastal belt, driven by weak governance and illicit economies. Sports (Local relevance): Nigeria’s AFCON qualifier vs Guinea-Bissau turned into a 3-0 win for the Djurtus, with goals by Djú, Mama Baldé, and Álvaro Djaló.

Fisheries & Nutrition: A new Oceana study says bottom-trawling fleets export nutrient-rich fish from West Africa, including Guinea-Bissau, worsening calcium and other micronutrient deficiencies; it argues more equitable fishing access deals could keep more seafood in-country and help millions. Development Finance: BOAD approved 157.5 billion FCFA in new financing, including 30 billion FCFA for road works in Guinea-Bissau (RN1 axis) and support for agriculture, energy and private-sector projects. Energy & Oil Exploration: Chevron plans a major exploration push, including exploration blocks in Guinea-Bissau, with exploration spending rising sharply and more wells planned. Security & Trade: A report on West African cocaine trafficking says the region’s role is shifting, with Guinea-Bissau no longer the main gateway as trafficking patterns expand across coastal states. Jobs & Regional Institutions: ECOWAS opened recruitment across specialised agencies, including health, finance, energy and legal affairs, inviting qualified nationals from member states. Sports (Local relevance): Nigeria’s AFCON qualifier build-up includes Guinea-Bissau as the next opponent, keeping regional attention on matches that affect Guinea-Bissau’s football calendar.

Fisheries & Nutrition: A new Oceana-led peer-reviewed study warns that bottom-trawling fleets export nutrient-rich fish from West Africa instead of feeding local people, and says countries including Guinea-Bissau could see major gains if more equitable fishing access kept catch in-country. Oil & Gas Exploration: Chevron says it will boost exploration spending next year, including work tied to Guinea-Bissau blocks, with plans for more wells and greater use of AI. Security & Trade: Reports on West Africa’s cocaine surge highlight shifting routes and hubs, with Guinea-Bissau no longer described as the main gateway as trafficking spreads across the region. ECOWAS Jobs: ECOWAS opened recruitment for nationals across multiple agencies, listing vacancies in sectors like health, finance, energy and legal affairs. Ocean Governance: A Norway development-policy piece argues that sustained investment in shared seas helps West African countries tackle illegal fishing and protect livelihoods. Sports (Regional Focus): Nigeria’s AFCON qualifier coverage repeatedly flags an upcoming clash with Guinea-Bissau, as teams and coaches set up selection and strategy.

Oil & Gas Investment: Chevron says it will boost exploration spending by more than 50% next year, planning about 20 exploration wells plus appraisal drilling, and it already holds exploration blocks including Guinea-Bissau—an update that matters for local energy prospects and jobs. Crime & Justice: The UN Crime Congress in Abu Dhabi adopted the Abu Dhabi Declaration, setting priorities for international action on crime prevention and criminal justice over the next five years. AFCON Qualifiers (Regional Football): Nigeria’s coach Eric Chelle credited Moses Usor and Moses Simon for sparking a 2-1 comeback win over Madagascar, with Nigeria now turning attention to their next match against Guinea-Bissau—raising the stakes for West African football momentum. Maritime & Fisheries: A report warns foreign fishing fleets export much of the catch, worsening food and nutrition gaps in low-income countries, with West Africa highlighted as heavily affected. ECOWAS Jobs: ECOWAS opened recruitment across specialised agencies, including sectors like energy, agriculture, health, finance and legal affairs, inviting qualified nationals from member states.

AFCON Qualifiers (Nigeria–Guinea-Bissau focus): Super Eagles coach Éric Chelle says Moses Usor and Moses Simon gave Nigeria the “one-on-one” energy to complete a 2-1 comeback win over Madagascar, and he explained he subbed Samuel Chukwueze for tactical reasons after the winger showed signs of fading. Nigeria’s next match is against Guinea-Bissau, with Chelle facing a selection headache as attackers push for starts. Oil & Gas (regional exploration): Chevron plans a major exploration push next year, boosting exploration budgets by over 50% and drilling about 20 exploration wells, with exploration blocks including Guinea-Bissau—signalling renewed interest in frontier acreage. Maritime & Trade (shipping safety): World Maritime Day highlights the role of commercial shipping in global trade and renewed focus on safer, cleaner, and more efficient maritime logistics. Security & Fisheries (West Africa pressure): Reports warn foreign fishing fleets and illicit economies are draining nutrients and undermining food systems, while West Africa’s coastal belt faces growing jihadist expansion linked to weak governance. ECOWAS jobs: ECOWAS opened recruitment across specialised agencies, including sectors like agriculture, energy, health, finance, and legal affairs, for qualified nationals from member states.

Oil & Gas Investment: Chevron says it will boost oil and gas exploration spending by more than 50% next year, planning about 20 exploration wells plus appraisal drilling, with Guinea-Bissau listed among its exploration areas—alongside Egypt and others—while also expanding use of AI and advanced seismic work. Security & Justice: The UN 15th Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice in Abu Dhabi adopted the Abu Dhabi Declaration, setting a five-year framework for international action on crime prevention, criminal justice and rule of law. Maritime & Food Systems: A new analysis warns foreign fishing fleets are exporting much of the catch, worsening micronutrient gaps in low-income countries, with West Africa highlighted as heavily affected. ECOWAS Jobs: ECOWAS opened recruitment for nationals across 12 sectors (including health, finance, energy and legal affairs) for roles in specialised agencies, stressing it charges no recruitment fees. Sports (AFCON Qualifiers): Nigeria’s Eric Chelle says he made a tactical half-time change that brought on Moses Usor, who scored in a 2-1 comeback win over Madagascar; Nigeria’s next match is vs Guinea-Bissau.

UN Crime Congress: The 15th UN Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice in Abu Dhabi adopted the Abu Dhabi Declaration, setting priorities for crime prevention and justice over the next five years. Sports & Industry (AFCON): Nigeria’s coach Eric Chelle said he substituted Samuel Chukwueze for Moses Usor for tactical reasons, with Usor scoring quickly as Nigeria beat Madagascar 2-1—setting up a key next match against Guinea-Bissau. Oil & Gas (Guinea-Bissau link): Chevron plans to boost oil and gas exploration spending by more than 50% versus 2025, drilling about 20 exploration wells next year, and it lists Guinea-Bissau among its exploration block countries. Maritime & Food Security: A new report warns that foreign fishing fleets export much of the catch, leaving West Africa short on key nutrients—highlighting pressure on coastal food systems and jobs. ECOWAS Jobs: ECOWAS opened recruitment for nationals across multiple agencies, including sectors like health, energy, finance, and agriculture.

AFCON Qualifier Focus: Nigeria coach Eric Chelle says Samuel Chukwueze was subbed at half-time against Madagascar purely for tactics, with the AC Milan winger “a little bit tired,” and the move paid off as Moses Usor scored on his debut to complete the comeback. Guinea-Bissau Match Build-Up: With Nigeria’s next qualifier against Guinea-Bissau on Tuesday, Chelle faces a selection headache as attackers push for starting spots, while players like Moses Simon and new call-up Emmanuel Fernandez add fresh options and energy. Energy & Extraction Watch: Chevron plans to boost oil and gas exploration next year, drilling about 20 exploration wells and expanding activity in frontier regions including Guinea-Bissau, alongside Egypt and others. Fisheries & Food Security: A new report warns that foreign fishing fleets export much of the catch, leaving nutrient-poor coastal communities—especially in West Africa—short on key vitamins and minerals. Maritime & Trade Context: World Maritime Day highlights the role of shipping in global trade and calls attention to safer, cleaner maritime logistics.

Oil & Gas Investment: Chevron says it will boost exploration spending by more than 50% versus 2025, with plans for about 20 exploration wells next year plus appraisal drilling, and it is using more AI and advanced seismic to improve success rates; the company also holds exploration blocks including in Guinea-Bissau, keeping attention on future offshore activity. Climate & Peace Governance: Eswatini’s King Mswati III urged the UN to enforce compliance on signed peace agreements and called for climate justice and delivery of climate finance, linking broken promises to renewed conflict risk. Maritime & Fisheries Pressure: A new analysis warns that foreign bottom trawlers export much of their catch, worsening micronutrient gaps in West Africa, where coastal communities rely heavily on sardines—raising stakes for local food systems and ocean governance. ECOWAS Jobs: ECOWAS opened recruitment for nationals across multiple agencies, including sectors like health, finance, energy, agriculture and legal affairs, with an emphasis that it charges no recruitment fees. Security & Illicit Trade: Reporting highlights how cocaine trafficking continues to expand across West Africa, with Guinea-Bissau no longer the only key gateway as seizures rise in other coastal states.

AFCON Qualifiers (Sports): Nigeria kick off their 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign with a home game against Madagascar in Uyo, then travel to Bissau to face Guinea-Bissau—raising the stakes for every point in Group L. Squad Updates (Sports): Rangers defender Emmanuel Fernandez is in the spotlight ahead of the opener, while Moses Simon is one cap away from 100 appearances; Victor Osimhen is sidelined through injury. Leadership Talk (Sports): Alex Iwobi praised Fulham captain Calvin Bassey for leading by example, as Nigeria look to blend experience with a squad refresh under coach Eric Chelle. Maritime & Fisheries (Industry/Trade): Norway’s development rethink highlights ocean investment as strategic, pointing to West Africa’s push to curb illegal fishing and protect shared fish stocks. Food Security & Fishing (Industry/Trade): A study warns that foreign bottom trawlers export much of the catch, worsening micronutrient shortages in West Africa where coastal communities rely heavily on sardines. Cocaine & Ports (Security/Trade): Reports say West Africa’s cocaine seizures have surged, with Guinea-Bissau no longer the only main gateway—while trafficking networks increasingly exploit regional ports and borders. ECOWAS Jobs (Regional Economy): ECOWAS opened recruitment across specialised agencies, including health, finance, energy and legal affairs, urging applicants from member states to apply through official channels.

Youth & Peacebuilding: Guinea-Bissau-linked regional diplomat Jim Okolo received a UN Award for Youth Mobilisation, highlighting youth empowerment and peacebuilding work across West Africa. Maritime & Fisheries Pressure: Norway’s development rethink urges ocean investment, pointing to West Africa’s fight against illegal fishing as a model—while foreign fleets still drain nutrients from coastal communities. Food Security & Illegal Fishing: A new study warns that foreign bottom trawlers export seafood abroad, worsening micronutrient gaps, with West Africa among the hardest hit. Cocaine & Ports Risk: Reports say West Africa’s cocaine seizures keep rising and the region is increasingly a consumer market; Guinea-Bissau is no longer the only “gateway,” but trafficking pressures remain tied to maritime routes. Waste Management Reform: Nigeria, Guinea-Bissau and Sierra Leone are moving to overhaul waste frameworks with stronger laws, better coordination, and inclusion of informal waste workers. Green Minerals Cooperation: Guinea-Bissau’s natural resources ministry backs deeper international cooperation on sustainable mining standards and supply chains.

AFCON 2027 Qualifiers: Nigeria’s Super Eagles begin their campaign with a push for a win over Madagascar, with coach Eric Chelle using the opening matches to refresh the squad ahead of the trip to Bissau to face Guinea-Bissau. Regional Security & Governance: A UN appeal highlights the need to enforce peace agreements and prevent unconstitutional political shifts that can derail stability and economic development. ECOWAS Jobs: ECOWAS has opened recruitment across its specialised agencies, including health, finance, energy and legal affairs, urging qualified nationals to apply with no recruitment fees. Waste Management Reform: Nigeria, Guinea-Bissau and Sierra Leone are moving to overhaul waste frameworks, with calls for stronger laws, better coordination and formal recognition of informal waste workers. Maritime & Logistics Risk: Reports warn that attacks on civilian shipping and port infrastructure are raising risks for international logistics corridors, underlining the importance of safer maritime operations. Green Minerals Cooperation: China Mining Conference discussions stress deeper standards alignment and sustainable practices in minerals supply chains, with Guinea-Bissau’s natural resources ministry taking part.

Waste Management Reform: Nigeria, Guinea-Bissau and Sierra Leone are moving to overhaul waste management frameworks after a UNEP-backed project, with stakeholders pushing for stronger laws, better coordination, and formal recognition of informal waste workers to protect public health and the environment. Green Minerals Cooperation: Guinea-Bissau’s Natural Resources Minister is among officials calling for deeper green minerals cooperation to strengthen supply chains, with China-backed efforts focused on aligning standards across exploration, extraction, processing and recycling. Fuel Price Pressure in the Region: Ghana’s fuel prices jumped sharply versus the WAEMU average during a September global energy shock, and the comparison includes Guinea-Bissau—highlighting how regional pricing can diverge in practice. Oil & Gas Investment Watch: Chevron says it plans to expand exploration in Egypt and also includes Guinea-Bissau in its wider push, with more wells planned next year as spending rises. Maritime Security for Trade: A Russian drone attack killed the captain of a Tanzanian-flagged vessel in the Black Sea and Ukraine warns of growing risks to civilian shipping and logistics corridors.

Oil & Gas Investment: Chevron says it plans to boost exploration activity in Egypt and also includes Guinea-Bissau in its wider expansion, with plans for 20 exploration wells and 5–6 appraisal wells next year. Waste Management Reform: Nigeria, Guinea-Bissau and Sierra Leone are moving to overhaul waste management frameworks after a UNEP-supported project, with stakeholders pushing for stronger laws, better coordination, and formal recognition of informal waste workers. Green Minerals & Supply Chains: Guinea-Bissau’s Natural Resources Minister joined discussions on deeper international cooperation in green minerals, focusing on standards alignment and sustainability across exploration, processing and recycling. Maritime Security: A Russian drone attack in the Black Sea killed the captain of a Tanzanian-flagged civilian vessel and injured three crew, underscoring rising risks to shipping and logistics routes. Health & Community Support: GHANCOY (ECOWAS) donated antibiotics and other medical supplies to Guinea-Bissau’s military hospital to support patients who cannot afford care.