Election Tech & Governance: South Sudan President Salva Kiir fired National Elections Commission chair Abednego Akok Kacuol and named NEC secretary-general Gabriel Bol Deng Majok as replacement, just three months before the Dec. 22 general elections—raising fresh concerns about voter registration and whether the electoral timetable can hold. Digital Connectivity: MTN South Sudan pushed population broadband coverage from 76.6% to 85% after modernizing 500+ network sites, and cut diesel use by more than half by deploying hybrid solar-battery power at sites. Health & Learning Infrastructure: In Leer County, new World Bank-funded hospital wards and an isolation unit, plus classrooms for Mary John Primary School, were handed over to local authorities under the ECRP project. Food Security & Research: An Egypt-backed vocational academy in Juba is setting up South Sudan’s first agricultural research center and seed bank to preserve local varieties and support climate-resilient farming. Logistics & Tracking: Kenya’s KRA opened its electronic cargo monitoring system to private vendors, aiming to reduce transit delays along the Northern Corridor that includes South Sudan. Human Rights Tech Risk: A UN report warns of transnational repression and digital surveillance targeting people who cooperate with UN human rights work, urging states to stop intimidation and reprisals.
AGP Executive Report
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Elections Tech & Governance: South Sudan President Salva Kiir has fired National Elections Commission chair Abednego Akok Kacuol and named NEC secretary-general Gabriel Bol Deng Majok, just three months before the Dec. 22 polls—raising fresh worries about voter registration and the tight electoral timetable. Digital Connectivity: MTN South Sudan says it boosted broadband population coverage to 85% after modernizing 500+ sites, and it opened an ICT hub in Rumbek to train young people in digital skills. Health & Education Infrastructure: In Leer County, new World Bank-funded hospital wards and school classrooms were handed over under the ECRP project, with authorities warning against selling construction materials. Food Security & Research: An Egypt-backed vocational academy in Juba is pushing a first agricultural research center and seed bank, aiming to use modern tech for climate-resilient farming. Logistics & Tracking: Traders welcomed Kenya Revenue Authority’s move to open its electronic cargo monitoring system to private vendors, promising faster transit along the Northern Corridor. Finance & Inclusion: AI fintech Optasia reported revenue up 58% and launched microfinancing in South Sudan, extending credit to underserved customers. Energy & Industry (Regional): Kenya is in talks with Dangote for an 800-km crude pipeline to Lamu, supporting a major refinery plan that could reshape regional supply chains.
Election Integrity & Governance: South Sudan President Salva Kiir has removed NEC chair Prof. Abednego Akok Kacuol and appointed Gabriel Bol Deng Majok, just three months before the 22 December 2026 polls, raising concerns about whether the election timetable can still hold. Connectivity & Digital Skills: MTN South Sudan says it boosted population broadband coverage from 76.6% to 85% after modernising 500+ network sites, while also opening an ICT hub in Rumbek to train young people. Regional Internet Infrastructure: Somaliland is testing Berbera as an alternative digital gateway by linking its Berbera landings to terrestrial fibre reaching Ethiopia and South Sudan, aiming for more resilient cloud and AI access. Fintech for Inclusion: Optasia reports 58% revenue growth and says it has launched microfinancing in South Sudan as it scales AI-enabled credit. Public Health Tech: Congo’s Ebola outbreak is spreading to a seventh province, with UN officials warning it may not have peaked, as health teams use mobile data to track spread. Security & Mobility: KRA in Kenya has contracted 15 firms for electronic monitoring of transit cargo from Mombasa to curb diversion and theft.
Connectivity & Energy: MTN South Sudan says it has pushed population broadband coverage from 76.6% to 85% after modernizing 500+ network sites, boosting availability to 99% and cutting diesel use by 50% through hybrid solar-and-battery power at sites. Digital Skills: MTN also opened an ICT hub in Rumbek (Lakes State) to train young people and support local job seekers with tech resources and a collaborative workspace. Customs Tech for Trade: Kenya’s KRA contracted 15 firms to provide electronic monitoring, tracking, and seals for transit cargo moving from Mombasa, aiming to curb diversion and theft as South Sudan’s transit market grows. Fintech in South Sudan: Optasia reports strong growth and says it has launched microfinancing in South Sudan, as it scales AI-enabled lending and mobile financial services across multiple countries. Public Health Alert: UN officials warn Ebola in Congo may not have peaked, with transmission still rising in some areas even as case growth slows in others. Policy & Governance: An op-ed argues South Sudan should leverage China’s AI path to bridge the digital divide, while another piece warns credible elections are no longer possible without stronger safeguards.
Digital Skills in South Sudan: MTN South Sudan opened an ICT hub in Rumbek (Lakes State) to train young people in digital skills, support entrepreneurs, and offer a shared space for building solutions to local challenges. Fintech Growth Signals New Lending Risks: Optasia, an AI-enabled credit fintech, reported 58% revenue growth to $185.3m and said it has expanded deployments including South Sudan—raising the stakes for how fast credit models scale and what new risks come with them. Regional Energy Tech Push: Dangote-linked plans in Kenya’s Lamu area are moving ahead, with officials targeting late-September groundbreaking and immediate construction, while Uganda’s refinery decision is still pending—highlighting how refinery timelines could shift regional industrial power and fuel markets. Ebola Watch in Congo: Congo’s Ebola outbreak has spread to a seventh province, Sud-Ubangi, with lab testing pointing to the Bundibugyo strain—an urgent reminder that health systems and lab capacity are now part of the tech story. Conservation for Cross-Border Nature: A Nairobi declaration urges countries to integrate migratory bird route conservation into development planning and finance, after reports showed 45% of migratory species are declining.
Digital Skills for Youth: MTN South Sudan launched an ICT hub in Rumbek (Lakes State) to train young people in digital skills, support entrepreneurs, and back local innovation. Opposition Security Claims: SPLM-IO says it has “verified details” of an assassination plot targeting suspended First Vice President Riek Machar, calling for international protection. Fintech Growth in the Region: Optasia reported H1 2026 revenue up 58% to $185.3m, driven by mobile and financial services, and said it launched microfinancing in South Sudan. Public Health Alarm (Ebola): Congo’s Ebola outbreak has spread to a seventh province, with testing identifying the Bundibugyo strain; health leaders warn the response is constrained by staffing needs. Conservation & Biodiversity: More than 100 organizations signed the Nairobi Flyways Declaration to integrate migratory bird route conservation into development planning and finance. Girls’ Protection Push: South Sudan pledged stronger protection for girls against forced marriage and gender-based violence, with calls for community reporting and education.
ICT Skills & Innovation: MTN South Sudan launched an ICT hub in Rumbek (Lakes State) to train young people and support local entrepreneurs with digital learning resources, innovation programmes, and a shared space for building solutions. Digital Policy: The African Union’s Data Governance Capacity Building and Engagement programme opened in Juba, aiming to help South Sudan domesticate the AU Data Policy Framework and strengthen legal and institutional foundations for better data management. Education & Workforce: South Sudan’s Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology announced 75 TVET scholarships for South Sudanese students to study in Ethiopia (2026–2027), with applications running Sept 7–22 and an entrance exam set for Oct 16. Girls’ Protection: At a girls’ rights conference in Juba, the government pledged stronger action against forced marriage and gender-based violence, calling for community reporting and wider awareness through radio and outreach. Health Security (Region): Congo’s Ebola outbreak has expanded to a seventh province, with authorities reporting detection of the Bundibugyo strain and warning the spread is accelerating.
ICT Skills for Youth: MTN South Sudan launched an ICT hub in Rumbek (Lakes State) to train young people and support innovation, entrepreneurship, and digital learning. Digital Policy & Data Systems: The African Union’s Data Governance Capacity Building and Engagement programme opened in Juba to help South Sudan domesticate the AU Data Policy Framework and strengthen legal and institutional foundations. Education & TVET Pathways: South Sudan’s Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology announced 75 TVET scholarships for South Sudanese students to study in Ethiopia for 2026–2027, with applications running Sept. 7–22 and an entrance exam set for Oct. 16. Girls’ Protection: Government officials in Juba pledged stronger protection for girls against forced marriage and gender-based violence, calling for community reporting and wider awareness through radio and outreach. Health Emergency Watch: Congo’s Ebola outbreak has expanded to a seventh province, with authorities reporting detection of the Bundibugyo strain and continued rapid spread.
ICT for Youth: MTN South Sudan launched an ICT hub in Rumbek, giving young people digital skills, training, and space to build solutions for local challenges. Digital Policy: An AU Data Governance Capacity Building programme began in Juba to help South Sudan domesticate AU data rules and strengthen legal and institutional foundations. Early Warning Systems: South Sudan’s disaster management ministry trained journalists on risk communication and last-mile early warning, stressing that alerts must be understood and acted on. Girls’ Protection: Officials in Juba pledged stronger action against forced marriage and gender-based violence, calling for community reporting and wider awareness through radio and outreach. Education Mobility: South Sudan’s higher education ministry announced 75 TVET scholarships for study in Ethiopia, with applications running until Sept. 22. Health Crisis Watch: Congo’s Ebola outbreak has reached a seventh province, with testing identifying the Bundibugyo strain and authorities warning the spread is continuing. Regional Tech & Connectivity: Kenya’s planned Mombasa–Lamu submarine cable aims to boost coastal data centre and cloud growth, with resilience built in via a parallel terrestrial route. Space Risk Debate: Analysts warn China’s space deals across Africa can carry financial and control risks under Belt and Road models.
Digital Skills for Youth: MTN South Sudan launched an ICT hub in Rumbek, Lakes State, offering digital learning, ICT training, and innovation support for students, entrepreneurs, and job seekers. Education & Workforce Pipeline: South Sudan’s Ministry of Higher Education announced 75 TVET scholarships for South Sudanese students to study in Ethiopia, with applications running Sept 7–22 and an entrance exam set for Oct 16. Civic Space & Digital Environment: A South Sudan civil society assessment by the South Sudan Human Rights Defenders Network rated the enabling environment for civil society “Weak” (2/5), citing gaps in implementation and barriers for civic actors, including in the digital space. Early Warning Systems: The Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs trained journalists on early warning and last-mile risk communication, stressing that warnings only work when communities understand and act on them. Health Tech Under Pressure (Regional): Congo’s Ebola outbreak has spread to a seventh province, with testing identifying the Bundibugyo strain, as response teams push to expand care and surveillance.
Ebola Response in Congo: Congo’s record Ebola outbreak has surged into a seventh province, with lab testing in Sud-Ubangi detecting the rare Bundibugyo strain and reports of a fatal case in Gwaka—raising fears of wider spread and renewed pressure on health systems. Health Workforce Bottleneck: WHO says the main limit is not only the virus but the shortage of trained staff, with thousands more treatment beds and roughly 9,000 workers needed to scale care fast enough. South Sudan Digital Skills: MTN South Sudan launched an ICT hub in Rumbek (Lakes State) to train youth and support innovation, entrepreneurship, and community problem-solving. Cross-Border Health Security: South Sudan and Uganda signed an MoU to strengthen disease surveillance and emergency response across their border, citing Ebola as a key shared risk. Early Warning for Hazards: South Sudan trained journalists on risk communication and last-mile early warning so communities can act before drought, floods, and disease outbreaks escalate. Education & TVET Access: South Sudan’s Higher Education ministry announced 75 TVET scholarships for study in Ethiopia, with applications running Sept 7–22. Civil Society Environment: A South Sudan civil society assessment rated the enabling environment “weak,” citing gaps in practical protection and a secure digital space.
Ebola Watch (DRC): Ebola has been detected in South-Ubangi, the seventh DRC province, after lab confirmation of a positive case; local transmission isn’t yet confirmed, but the outbreak is already the deadliest in DRC history with thousands of cases and deaths reported. Ebola Response (Care bottleneck): WHO says the main obstacle is not the virus but a shortage of trained staff and treatment capacity, with thousands more beds and roughly thousands of additional health workers still needed to scale care. ICT for Youth (South Sudan): MTN South Sudan launched an ICT hub in Rumbek, Lakes State, to train young people and support innovation, entrepreneurship, and digital learning resources. Cross-border Health Security (South Sudan–Uganda): South Sudan and Uganda signed an MoU to strengthen disease surveillance, preparedness, and response for threats that can spread across their border. Digital Readiness (Juba): An AU-backed data governance capacity programme opened in Juba to help domesticate AU data policy and strengthen legal and institutional foundations. Early Warning (South Sudan): The government urged media to improve last-mile dissemination of early warnings so communities can act before hazards become disasters. TVET Skills (South Sudan): 75 TVET scholarships for South Sudanese students in Ethiopia were announced, with applications running until Sept 22. One Health (Somalia): A new analysis highlights how climate shocks, mobility, and overlapping outbreaks make One Health cross-sector action urgent in Somalia.
ICT Skills & Youth Innovation: MTN South Sudan launched an ICT hub in Rumbek, Lakes State, on Sept 8 to train young people, support entrepreneurs, and boost local digital innovation. Digital Policy & Data Systems: An AU-backed Data Governance Capacity Building and Engagement programme opened in Juba to help South Sudan domesticate AU data policy and strengthen legal and institutional foundations. Early Warning for Communities: South Sudan’s disaster management ministry trained journalists on early warning systems and last-mile risk communication, stressing that warnings must be trusted and acted on. Cross-Border Health Security: South Sudan and Uganda signed an MoU to improve disease surveillance, preparedness, and response across their shared border, citing Ebola risk as a key driver. Education Tech Pipeline: The Ministry of Higher Education announced 75 TVET scholarships for South Sudanese students to study in Ethiopia (applications Sept 7–22; exams Oct 16). Civil Society Digital Environment: A panel rated South Sudan’s enabling environment for civil society “Weak” (2/5), including gaps in the secure digital environment for civic actors. Ebola Care Bottleneck (Regional): DRC’s Ebola response warns the main constraint is not the virus alone, but shortages of trained staff to scale treatment capacity.
Digital Skills in Lakes State: MTN South Sudan launched an ICT hub in Rumbek (Sept 8) to train young people and support innovation, entrepreneurship, and digital learning for students, job seekers, and local innovators. AI on Fibre Networks: Liquid Intelligent Technologies Kenya says it’s moving beyond connectivity by layering AI, cloud, and cybersecurity services onto its fibre backbone, pointing to its AI factory in Cape Town and growing data-centre and cross-border connectivity focus across Africa. TVET Opportunities for South Sudan: The Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology announced 75 TVET scholarships for South Sudanese to study in Ethiopia (2026–2027), with applications running Sept 7–22 and an entrance exam set for Oct 16 at the University of Juba Main Campus. Civil Society Under Pressure: A South Sudan Human Rights Defenders Network expert panel rated the country’s enabling environment for civil society “Weak” (2/5) under an EU framework, citing gaps between legal protections and real-world implementation, including for journalists and civic actors. Cross-Border Health Security: South Sudan and Uganda signed an MoU to strengthen disease surveillance, preparedness, and response, stressing that public health threats don’t stop at borders. Ebola Response Bottleneck (DRC): DRC’s Ebola outbreak is expanding with major progress in treatment capacity, but WHO warns the key constraint is a shortage of trained staff and operational capacity to scale care fast enough. Data Governance in Juba: An AU-led Data Governance Capacity Building and Engagement programme opened in Juba to help domesticate the AU Data Policy Framework and strengthen legal and institutional foundations for digital governance. UNESCO Conservation Win: South Sudan’s Boma and Badingilo parks were highlighted as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with conservationists hoping the status will better protect migratory birds and broader biodiversity.
Oil & Exports: Uganda is nearing first oil exports with its new “Pearl Sweet” crude grade, but high wax content and a still-incomplete export pipeline could narrow buyers and raise heating costs. Nuclear for Shipping: Kenya’s nuclear regulator highlights a push toward small modular reactors and floating nuclear power for maritime use, as global licensing frameworks like ATLAS take shape. Ebola Tech & Health Capacity: DR Congo’s Ebola response is hitting a staffing bottleneck, with WHO saying thousands more trained workers are needed to scale treatment beds fast enough. Civil Society & Digital Rights: In Juba, a South Sudan expert panel rates the enabling environment for civil society “Weak” (2/5), citing gaps in legal implementation and a lack of secure digital space for civic actors. Skills Pipeline: South Sudan’s Ministry announces 75 TVET scholarships for South Sudanese students in Ethiopia, with applications running Sept 7–22 and an Oct 16 entrance exam. Cross-Border Health Security: South Sudan and Uganda sign an MoU to strengthen disease surveillance and emergency response across their shared border. UN Data Governance: An AU-backed data governance capacity programme launches in Juba to help domesticate the AU Data Policy Framework. Ecosystems & Conservation: UNESCO World Heritage status for South Sudan’s Boma and Badingilo parks spotlights migratory birds and could boost conservation support. ICT & Industry: MTN South Sudan launches an Aweil ICT hub, while South Sudan’s ICT minister meets Huawei leadership in Hangzhou.
Ebola Response Tech & Health Workforce: In DR Congo, WHO says the Ebola bottleneck is now people, not the virus—about 1,400 treatment beds are open, but roughly 1,600 more are needed, requiring around 5,000 additional trained staff to scale to 3,000 beds. Cross-Border Health Security: South Sudan and Uganda signed an MoU to boost disease surveillance, preparedness, and response along their shared border, citing Ebola as a test case for coordinated action. Civil Society Digital & Legal Environment: Juba-based experts rated South Sudan’s enabling environment for civil society “Weak” (2/5) under an EU framework, pointing to gaps between laws and real-world protection, including for journalists and human rights defenders. TVET Scholarships: South Sudan’s Higher Education ministry announced 75 TVET scholarships for study in Ethiopia (2026–2027), with applications running Sept 7–22 and an Oct 16 entrance exam at University of Juba Main Campus. UN Data Governance in Juba: An AU-led Data Governance Capacity Building and Engagement programme launched in Juba to help domesticate the AU Data Policy Framework and strengthen legal and institutional foundations. Conservation & UNESCO: South Sudan’s Boma and Badingilo national parks—now UNESCO World Heritage—are highlighted for migratory bird habitats, including massive seasonal stork movements. Cluster Munitions Civilian Toll: A new monitor report says cluster munitions caused 1,063 deaths or injuries worldwide in 2025, with civilians—87% of casualties—bearing the brunt. Starlink Licensing Watch: Starlink remains unlicensed in Ethiopia while satellite internet expands elsewhere in Africa, underscoring regulatory hurdles for rural connectivity.
Data & Policy in Juba: The African Union’s Data Governance Capacity Building and Engagement programme has opened in Juba, aiming to help South Sudan domesticate the AU Data Policy Framework and strengthen legal and institutional foundations for data management. Early Warning for Disasters: South Sudan’s Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs urged journalists to improve early warning dissemination, stressing that warnings only work when they reach at-risk communities, are understood, and trigger clear action. Cross-Border Health Security: South Sudan and Uganda signed an MoU to boost disease surveillance, preparedness, and response, with Ebola cited as a key reason countries must coordinate across porous borders. Energy Cooperation: South Sudan’s Energy Minister met Russia’s ambassador to discuss reactivating a stalled 2024 energy MoU, targeting hydropower, oil and gas, renewables, and technology transfer to ease electricity shortages. Civil Society Space: A panel rated South Sudan’s environment for civil society “Weak” (2/5), pointing to inconsistent protection and risks for defenders, journalists, and civic groups, including digital security concerns.
South Sudan Energy: Russia and South Sudan discussed reviving a stalled 2024 energy deal, aiming to tackle electricity shortages through hydropower, oil and gas, renewables, and technology transfer. Human Rights & Civic Space: A new expert panel rates South Sudan’s environment for civil society “weak,” scoring 2/5 and warning that uneven enforcement leaves defenders, journalists, and NGOs exposed to restrictions and intimidation, including on digital security. ICT & Connectivity: MTN South Sudan launched an Aweil ICT hub in Bahr el Ghazal, pushing local digital access and skills. Conservation & Tech for Nature: South Sudan’s Boma and Badingilo parks gained UNESCO World Heritage status, spotlighting bird migration and biodiversity—an opportunity for better monitoring and conservation support. Regional Tech Signals: Starlink remains unlicensed in Ethiopia, showing how regulation—not satellite coverage—can block broadband rollout across the Horn. Health Data Innovation: Congo’s Ebola response is using mobile-phone data to track spread, a model South Sudan could learn from for future outbreaks.
Satellite Connectivity & Regulation: Starlink is live across much of Africa, but Ethiopia remains stuck in a licensing deadlock after the regulator denied any licence talks—leaving rural households and clinics without legal access while neighbours can buy kits. Mobile Data Costs: A new study by Broadband Genie ranks the UK 46th globally for average mobile broadband cost at about $0.27 per 1GB, highlighting how pricing comparisons can miss local realities like network performance and purchasing power. South Sudan Energy Tech: South Sudan is trying to restart a stalled 2024 energy deal with Russia, aiming to revive RusHydro cooperation for hydropower, oil and gas, renewables, and technology transfer to ease chronic electricity shortages. UN Arms & Drones in Sudan: A UN fact-finding mission demands enforcement and extension of the Darfur arms embargo across Sudan, warning that foreign fighters, transnational networks, and drones are expanding the war’s reach and harming civilians. South Sudan Public Broadcasting: President Kiir orders urgent reforms at the South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation ahead of elections, pushing for stronger capacity and professionalism as the country prepares to vote. Ebola Tracking via Phones (DRC): Congo officials are using mobile-phone data to track Ebola spread as cases pass 6,000, showing how telecom data can support faster outbreak response. ICT & Local Connectivity (South Sudan): MTN South Sudan launches an Aweil ICT hub in Bahr el Ghazal, expanding local digital services and training.
South Sudan Energy Tech: South Sudan is moving to revive its stalled 2024 energy deal with Russia, with talks in Juba focused on hydropower, oil and gas, renewables, and technology transfer to ease electricity shortages. Digital Skills & Connectivity: MTN South Sudan launched the Aweil ICT Hub in Northern Bahr el Ghazal to train young people in digital skills and support local innovation and jobs. Public Broadcasting & Elections Readiness: President Kiir ordered urgent reforms at the South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC) ahead of December elections, pushing for stronger capacity and professionalism after a progress report from the information ministry. Human Rights Tech (Satellites): A new look at the Satellite Sentinel Project highlights how satellite imagery is used to monitor conflict and human rights abuses in Sudan. Regional Security Tech: UN reporting says foreign networks are supplying weapons, training, drones, and logistics that are fueling Sudan’s war—raising risks for the wider Horn. Biodiversity & Conservation: South Sudan’s Boma and Badingilo parks gained UNESCO World Heritage status, spotlighting migratory birds and conservation support.
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