AGP Executive Report

World Cup Momentum: Brazil’s Carlo Ancelotti has recalled Neymar to its 26-man FIFA World Cup squad after nearly three years away, with the 34-year-old set to return from a knee-hit absence that kept him out of recent camps. Ivory Coast Football: Côte d’Ivoire’s World Cup kit is unveiled as the Elephants’ tournament build-up continues, while Curaçao—featuring Tahith Chong—has named its final 26-man squad under Dick Advocaat, with group games including Ivory Coast on June 25. AFCON Roadmap: Ghana and Zambia have both been placed in Pot 2 for the 2027 AFCON qualifiers draw in Cairo, as the tournament is set for Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. Digital Welfare in West Africa: Lomé hosted a four-day World Bank workshop on modernizing digital social benefit payments, bringing together officials from 10 countries and BCEAO. Sahel Security Warning: A new open-source “security map” claims the AES alliance has failed across much of the Sahel, especially in Burkina Faso.

World Cup Visa Relief: The United States has waived costly visa bond requirements for eligible FIFA World Cup 2026 travelers, including players, coaches and certain fans who bought tickets and registered through FIFA’s PASS system by April 15—though standard security checks still apply. Côte d’Ivoire Football Spotlight: Ivory Coast’s World Cup build-up continues with attention on squad choices and tournament momentum, as the wider Africa football calendar heats up. AFCON Roadmap: CAF has set the stage for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying draw in Cairo, with 48 teams split into 12 groups and special rules for the co-hosts Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. Curaçao World Cup Plans: Curaçao’s federation is set to unveil its final squad under coach Dick Advocaat, with group-stage matches including clashes against Germany, Ecuador and Côte d’Ivoire. Sports Beyond Football: Athletics also delivered headlines across Africa, including medals at the African Senior Championships in Accra. Merck Foundation Media Awards: Merck Foundation announced the 2025 Media Recognition Awards winners—124 journalists from 32 countries—honouring reporting on health and social issues.

World Cup Squad Debate: Ghana Sports Minister Kofi Adams says recalling veteran Andre Ayew for the 2026 Black Stars squad “is not a bad idea,” arguing Ayew’s experience could be like “an extra player and coach” as coach Carlos Queiroz prepares to name Ghana’s final squad on June 1. Ghana’s Group Path: The Black Stars are drawn in Group L with Panama, England and Croatia, starting June 17 vs Panama, then England on June 23 and Croatia on June 27. IMF Debt Watch: Ghana also remains Africa’s biggest IMF debtor by debt level, with IMF figures showing its IMF borrowing rising to SDR 2.72bn (about US$3.88bn) after additional Extended Credit Facility disbursements. Sports Round-Up: In athletics, Ghana’s Joseph Paul Amoah missed a medal in the men’s 200m final, finishing fifth, while Ivory Coast’s Cheikh Traore won gold.

Politics & Rights: Former Ivorian president Laurent Gbagbo condemned the imprisonment of political activists, urging their release at a PPA-CI event in Songon M’Brathé after an October 2025 court case tied to banned demonstrations. Football—World Cup Build-Up: Ivory Coast coach Emerse Faé has named his 26-man squad for 2026, with Sébastien Haller left out and Wilfried Zaha also omitted, as the Elephants prepare for Group E against Germany, Ecuador and Curacao. Travel—Visa Relief: The US has eased visa deposit rules for eligible World Cup ticket holders from Algeria, Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal and Tunisia, though fans still face strict conditions. Sports—Athletics: Nigeria added more medals at the Senior Athletics Championships in Accra, winning women’s 4x100m gold and taking men’s 4x100m silver, with further finals still to come. Health—Ebola Explained: A fresh explainer highlights how Ebola spreads, its symptoms, treatment options and the role of vaccines in ongoing outbreaks.

World Cup Squads: South Korea named Son Heung-min as captain for its 26-man World Cup squad, with coach Hong Myung-bo setting a clear target of reaching the round of 32 as Korea faces Mexico, Czechia and South Africa in Group A. Ivory Coast Selection Shock: Côte d’Ivoire coach Emerse Faé confirmed his 26-man squad, with Sébastien Haller left out and younger attackers like Ange-Yoan Bonny and Elye Wahi brought in for Group E against Germany, Ecuador and Curacao. Sports Transfer Buzz: Liverpool are reportedly plotting a major summer move for a right-sided forward, while Freiburg’s win over Leipzig secured European football ahead of their Europa final. Local Spotlight: Ghana’s men’s 4x100m relay took bronze at the Accra athletics championships, as Nigeria’s women broke the championship record to defend their title. Markets Watch: Raw sugar prices slid again as Brazil’s supply outlook improved, while cocoa continued its retreat after earlier highs.

World Cup squads take shape: Côte d’Ivoire became the first African nation to confirm its 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with coach Emerse Faé naming a Group E squad that includes Nicolas Pépé and new/returning options like Ange-Yoan Bonny and Elye Wahi, while dropping Wilfried Zaha. Group E focus: The Elephants will open against Ecuador before facing Germany and Curacao. Ticket safety warning (US hosts): Fans heading to Gillette Stadium are urged to avoid fraud—only tickets transferred and stored inside the official FIFA app will work, with extra checkpoints planned. Politics and sport collide: South Korea’s coach backed Son Heung-min to rediscover his scoring touch as he leads an experienced squad into Group A. Regional sport momentum: At the African Senior Athletics Championships in Accra, Nigeria’s women broke the 4x100m record for gold, while the men took silver behind Ivory Coast.

World Cup Squad Drop: Côte d’Ivoire coach Emerse Fae has named a 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the Elephants drawn in Group E against Germany, Ecuador and Curacao—kickoff vs Ecuador on June 15, then Germany (June 20) and Curacao (June 25). Key Names & Switches: The list includes major stars and fresh faces, notably Inter’s Ange-Yoan Bonny and Nicolas Pépé returning, while Wilfried Singo, Evan Ndicka, Franck Kessié and Seko Fofana are all in. Opposition Politics: In Abidjan, Laurent Gbagbo has been reappointed head of his party PPA-CI after earlier plans to step back, with his political future tied to whether he can return to the electoral roll. Sports Elsewhere: Ghana’s men’s 4x100m relay won bronze at the African Senior Athletics Championships in Accra, while Riffa staged a comeback to beat Bahrain Club 3-2. Visa Relief for Fans: The US has waived visa deposits for ticketed supporters from several African World Cup countries, including Côte d’Ivoire, though conditions and other travel hurdles remain.

Flood Control in Abidjan: A newly built drainage project in Abobo is already easing seasonal flooding, with rainwater draining fast and roads staying clean after heavy downpours. World Cup Squads: Ivory Coast coach Emerse Fae has named his final 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup, with the Elephants drawn in Group E against Germany, Ecuador and Curacao. France Selection Drama: Didier Deschamps defends France’s squad choices after Eduardo Camavinga’s omission, saying injuries and form shaped the decision. Visa Relief for Fans: The Trump administration is suspending the $15,000 visa bond for ticket-holding fans from Algeria, Cape Verde, Ivory Coast, Senegal and Tunisia who registered via FIFA Pass—though travel costs and other hurdles remain. Local Faith Leadership: A newly appointed auxiliary bishop for Abidjan pledges humble service, promising to serve “to the end.” Mining Pressure: Ghana’s mining chief warns investors are shifting to Côte d’Ivoire as Ghana’s royalties and taxes rise.

World Cup Visa Relief: The Trump administration has suspended the $15,000 visa bond requirement for World Cup ticket-holding fans from five African nations—Algeria, Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal and Tunisia—if they register via the FIFA Pass system, easing a major cost barrier that had threatened attendance. Tournament Build-Up in the US: Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field is being temporarily transformed for the 2026 World Cup, including a short-term name change to “Philadelphia Stadium,” with Côte d’Ivoire set to play Ecuador there on June 14. France Squad Shock (and a reminder): Didier Deschamps unveiled France’s 26-man roster, leaving out Real Madrid’s Eduardo Camavinga and explaining it came down to form, injuries and squad balance. Local Health, Global Fans: Toronto Public Health is handing out 500,000 free World Cup-themed condoms through its CondomTO campaign, using soccer-style slogans like “Block those shots!” Curacao Coaching Twist: Curacao has reappointed veteran Dick Advocaat just weeks before its World Cup debut, after Fred Rutten’s exit.

World Cup Travel Relief: The Trump administration has suspended a $15,000 visa bond deposit for ticket-holding fans from World Cup-qualified countries, including Côte d’Ivoire, easing a rule that had demanded refundable payments for visitors from 50 countries. Cocoa Shockwaves: Cocoa prices jumped 24% month-to-date in May as Ivory Coast faces fresh supply worries tied to below-average rains and farmer protests over unpaid deliveries. EU Deforestation Rules: The EU Commission says it is pressing ahead with its long-delayed EUDR deforestation law, despite concerns about reduced scope and readiness for monitoring systems. Local Development Push: Côte d’Ivoire signed a cooperation deal with Brazil’s CODEVASF to modernise livestock and fisheries and build more local animal protein. Sports Build-Up: Ghana’s U-17 campaign begins with a tough opener against Algeria as preparations wrap in Morocco.

World Cup Travel Relief: The Trump administration has suspended the US visa-bond requirement for eligible fans from World Cup-qualified countries who hold FIFA tickets—waiving deposits of up to $15,000 for Algeria, Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal and Tunisia, as long as they opted into the FIFA Pass system for faster visa appointments. World Cup Countdown: The tournament starts June 11, with squads due to be finalized by June 1 and announced June 2, while Group E already includes Germany, Curaçao and Côte d’Ivoire. Local Spotlight: Côte d’Ivoire’s football presence is also felt off the pitch as organizers in Philadelphia unveil the transformed Lincoln Financial Field—new grass and branding—ahead of the first match there on June 14 (Ivory Coast vs Ecuador). Health & Policy: In Ghana, President Mahama commissioned a PET-CT scan facility and said blanket tax exemptions for imported medical equipment are ending, with future requests handled case-by-case.

World Cup Countdown: With the tournament now 30 days away, squads are rolling in and the spotlight is on Curaçao’s sudden coaching shake-up—Fred Rutten quit and Dutch veteran Dick Advocaat is back, set to lead the debutants at the oldest-coach-in-history mark when they face Germany on June 14. France-Africa Reset: At the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, Emmanuel Macron pledged €23bn (about KSh 3.5tn) for Africa, pitching a shift from aid to investment and stressing “sovereign equality” with Kenya’s William Ruto. Cocoa Tensions in Côte d’Ivoire: The Coffee and Cocoa Council is sending officials to M’Batto to calm protests by farmers over unsold beans they say are rotting and delayed payments. Connectivity Push: Orange and partners signed up for the Via Africa subsea cable linking Europe to South Africa, with landing points including Côte d’Ivoire. Cocoa Market Watch: Cocoa futures eased after a stronger dollar, but El Niño fears and supply worries keep prices supported.

Cocoa Crisis: Ivory Coast’s Coffee and Cocoa Council (CCC) is sending officials to M’Batto after protests by cocoa farmers over unpaid main-crop sales and “rotting” unsold stocks, with police tear-gassing demonstrators and delays now threatening morale ahead of the next harvest. EU Compliance Pressure: A new Trase analysis says only about 48% of Ivory Coast cocoa exports can be traced back to the actual farming cooperatives, raising fresh concerns as the EU anti-deforestation law tightens from December. Market Watch: Cocoa futures slipped as a stronger dollar triggered long liquidation, even as El Niño fears and reports of weak cherelle formation keep a floor under prices. Africa-Forward Summit: In Nairobi, France’s Macron announced €23bn ($27bn) in Africa investment, stressing “sovereign equality” as ties with former colonies remain strained. World Cup Build-Up: Curaçao confirmed Dick Advocaat’s return after Fred Rutten quit, while squads and fixtures keep rolling toward the June 11 kickoff.

Cocoa Compliance Crisis: Only 48% of Côte d’Ivoire’s 2024 cocoa exports can be traced back to the farms that grew them, raising fresh alarms as the EU’s anti-deforestation law kicks in from December. World Cup Countdown: With 30 days to go, FIFA squad lists are due by June 2, and Ivory Coast’s group-stage matches in Philadelphia are set to start June 14 vs Ecuador. Telecom Boost: MTN Group reported Q1 service revenue up 21.1% in constant currency and core earnings up 27.9%, with Côte d’Ivoire among the drivers. Regional Security Shock: Sky Mali has suspended domestic flights to northern and central areas after attacks by jihadist and separatist groups. Business & Food Pressure: Africa loses $89bn a year to illicit financial flows, while cocoa prices keep climbing on El Niño fears and crop worries.

World Cup Shock in Curaçao: Curaçao’s World Cup debut has been rocked again as coach Fred Rutten resigned just weeks before kickoff, with reports saying veteran Dick Advocaat is set to return—after players pushed for his comeback following Rutten’s two heavy warm-up defeats. Ivory Coast in the Spotlight: The Elephants face a pre-tournament injury scare as captain Franck Kessié was hurt in Saudi, while cocoa traders are watching El Niño fears that are already driving cocoa prices higher. Africa-Europe Push: At the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, Emmanuel Macron urged deeper cooperation on technology and energy, while leaders also renewed calls to rethink how risk is priced to unlock investment. Cocoa Farmers’ Worry: In Côte d’Ivoire, patchy rains are raising fears of a smaller, lower-quality mid-crop—an issue that could hit supply just as the harvest tightens. Diplomatic Moves: Alassane Ouattara says Côte d’Ivoire will open an embassy in Nairobi, matching Kenya’s plan to open in Abidjan.

Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi: France’s Emmanuel Macron opened the Africa–Europe push with a clear message: tech and AI need energy first, and both continents must invest to cut dependence on the US and China. Ivory Coast diplomacy: President Alassane Ouattara says Côte d’Ivoire will open an embassy in Nairobi after talks with William Ruto, as Kenya also plans a new mission in Abidjan. Cultural restitution: Macron called the return of looted African artworks “unstoppable” after France enacted a law to speed restitutions. Human trafficking crackdown: Ghana says 28 Ghanaians were rescued from a trafficking network operating through Côte d’Ivoire and repatriated, with investigations underway. World Cup countdown: With the tournament a month away, FIFA’s new debut-patch plan and rising security concerns are adding to the build-up noise. Local sports worry: Ivory Coast captain Franck Kessié is an injury doubt ahead of the Elephants’ pre-World Cup friendly vs France.