AGP Executive Report

Eritrean Education & Skills: Mai-Nefhi College of Engineering and Technology in Asmara held its 19th commencement, awarding degrees and diplomas to 297 graduates (25% female), spanning fields from Computer Science and Engineering to Chemical, Marine, Mining, and Agricultural Engineering, with a push to turn training into resilient, service-focused work. Agriculture & Veterinary Training: Hamelmalo College of Agriculture also graduated 375 postgraduate students, including first-time doctoral cohorts in Veterinary Science, as Eritrea links higher learning to food security and sustainable natural-resource management. Heritage Safeguarding: UNESCO convened 45 heritage professionals and officials in Asmara to strengthen national capacity under the 2003 Convention, using the Ge’at tradition as a case study for documenting intangible heritage and preparing nomination files. National Exams: Eritrea announced National School Leaving Examination results for 2025/26: 21,561 candidates sat, and 4,831 (22.4%) qualified for degree and diploma programs, with guidance to keep studying for those who didn’t pass. Intangible Culture & Community: The UNESCO workshop emphasized community participation in safeguarding traditions across generations, reinforcing Eritrea’s focus on protecting living heritage.

Education & Skills: Mai-Nefhi College of Engineering and Technology in Asmara held its 19th commencement, awarding first degrees and diplomas to 297 graduates (25% female), spanning engineering fields like Computer Science, Electrical/Electronics, Marine, Mining, and more. Agriculture & Health: Hamelmalo College of Agriculture also graduated 375 postgraduate students, including first-time doctoral veterinary science graduates, as Eritrea pushes for stronger food security and sustainable resource management. Workforce Training: The National Confederation of Eritrean Workers ran a training-of-trainers program in Asmara, covering training materials, research for pre-training, and feedback methods to strengthen workplace capacity. Heritage Protection: UNESCO and Eritrean partners trained 45 heritage professionals in Asmara on safeguarding intangible cultural heritage under the 2003 Convention, using Ge’at as a case study for nomination preparation. STEM Pipeline: Results for Eritrea’s 2025/2026 National School Leaving Examination were announced, with 22.4% of 21,561 candidates qualifying for degree and diploma programs. Research & Discovery: Satellite imagery helped archaeologists identify 280 prehistoric stone burial monuments across the Atbai Desert region, revealing connected cattle-herder communities 4,500–6,500 years ago.

Internet Access Costs: A new global look at connectivity finds Eritrea among the worst places to get online, with reports that even 1GB can cost about $338—pricing most people out of basic digital life. Agriculture Education: Hamelmalo College of Agriculture held its 19th commencement in Asmara, graduating 375 postgraduate students across agronomy, animal science, plant pathology, horticulture, veterinary science, and food science & technology, including first-time doctoral veterinary science cohorts. Heritage Safeguarding: UNESCO and partners trained 45 heritage professionals in Asmara on safeguarding intangible cultural heritage under the 2003 Convention, using the Ge’at meal tradition to guide documentation and nomination preparation. Cultural & Community Life: Festival Eritrea is set to return at the Expo Grounds in Asmara, spotlighting music, dance, exhibitions, crafts, food, and forums that link communities at home and abroad. Regional Tech/Policy Watch: An AfCFTA push urges South Sudan to speed up ratification so businesses can access a wider continental market.

Maritime Security: Analysts warn Iran may escalate pressure around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, linking Red Sea shipping to wider regional chokepoint risks that could disrupt trade routes near Djibouti and Eritrea. Heritage & Training: UNESCO and partners in Asmara trained heritage professionals on safeguarding intangible culture under the 2003 Convention, using the Ge’at tradition to guide documentation and UNESCO nomination work. Agriculture Education: Hamelmalo College of Agriculture held its 19th graduation, awarding 375 postgraduate students across agronomy, veterinary science, plant pathology and food science—aimed at boosting Eritrea’s food security and sustainable resource management. Science & Skills Pipeline: Mai-Nefhi College of Science graduated 300 students in fields including physics, chemistry, mathematics and earth science, with a push toward research and innovation. Internet Affordability: A new global look at connectivity costs flags Eritrea as one of the hardest places to get online, with data pricing far beyond what most people can afford. AI Governance: A UN-backed independent AI panel says the technology is advancing faster than governments can manage, urging stronger governance as capabilities spread.

Intangible Heritage Training in Asmara: UNESCO brought 45 heritage professionals, museum specialists, researchers and officials to Asmara (6–7 July) to strengthen skills under the 2003 Convention, using Eritrea’s Ge’at traditions to train participants on documenting practices and preparing UNESCO nomination files. Agriculture Higher Education: Hamelmalo College of Agriculture held its 19th commencement, graduating 375 students (including first-time doctoral graduates in Veterinary Science), with the Land, Water and Environment Minister urging graduates to support food security and sustainable resource management. Science & Skills Pipeline: Mai-Nefhi College of Science graduated 300 students across Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, with a call for graduates to become researchers and innovators. National Exams: Eritrea announced 2025/2026 National School Leaving Examination results: 21,561 sat; 4,831 (22.4%) qualified for degree/diploma programs. AI Governance Watch: A UN independent scientific panel warns AI is advancing faster than governments can manage, urging clearer global oversight. Internet Affordability: A report highlights Eritrea’s extreme digital divide, where 1GB of data can cost about $338, pricing most people out of basic connectivity. Archaeology from Space: Satellite imagery identified 280 large burial monuments in the Atbai Desert region, linking connected cattle-herder communities across thousands of years.

UNESCO Intangible Heritage Training (Asmara): UNESCO brought 45 heritage professionals, museum specialists, researchers and officials to Asmara (6–7 July) to strengthen Eritrea’s capacity under the 2003 Convention, using the Ge’at meal tradition as a case study for documenting practices and preparing nomination files. Agriculture Higher Education (Asmara): Hamelmalo College of Agriculture held its 19th commencement, graduating 375 students (including first-time doctoral Veterinary Science graduates), with a focus on improving access to nutritious food and sustainable natural resource management. Internet Access Cost (Global): A new report highlights Eritrea as the least affordable place to get online, where 1GB of data can cost about $338—pricing most people out of basic connectivity. AI Governance Warning (UN): An independent UN scientific panel says AI is advancing faster than governments can manage, urging the world to separate “science from slop” while noting that policy decisions remain with governments. Archaeology via Satellites (Horn/Red Sea region): Satellite surveys identified 280 prehistoric stone burial monuments in the Atbai Desert, mapping a shared cattle-herding burial tradition across a vast stretch toward modern Eritrea. Health & Education (Asmara): The National School Leaving Examination results were announced: 22.4% of 21,561 candidates qualified for degree/diploma programs, with guidance for both passers and non-passers to stay engaged.

Internet Access & Affordability: A new global ranking flags Eritrea as the hardest place to get online, with data pricing so steep that 1GB can cost about $338—far beyond what most households can manage. AI Governance: The UN’s independent scientific panel warns AI is advancing faster than governments can regulate, urging policymakers to separate solid science from hype while noting the panel won’t make recommendations. Health & Malaria Research: New mapping research finds artemisinin resistance is spreading across East Africa, including along the Ethiopia–Eritrea–Sudan border, raising concerns that first-line malaria treatments may lose effectiveness. Education & Skills: Mai-Nefhi College of Science in Asmara graduated 300 students across biology, chemistry, earth science, mathematics, physics, and statistics, with a push for graduates to become researchers and innovators. National Exams: Eritrea’s 2025/2026 National School Leaving Examination results were announced, with 22.4% of 21,561 candidates qualifying for degree and diploma programs. Archaeology from Space: Satellite surveys identified 280 ancient stone burial monuments in the Atbai Desert, pointing to connected cattle-herder communities 4,500–6,500 years ago. Workforce Training: The National Confederation of Eritrean Workers ran a training-of-trainers program in Asmara, covering training design, materials, and feedback for workplace application. Sports (Local Pride): Eritrean cyclist Biniam Girmay continues to feature on the Tour de France sprint stages, including a podium finish in recent coverage.

Internet Access Costs: A new global affordability ranking says Eritrea has the world’s least attainable internet for ordinary people, with 1GB priced at about $338—far beyond what most households can manage. Education & Skills: In Asmara, Mai-Nefhi College of Science graduated 300 students (49% female), urging them to become researchers and innovators for Eritrea’s development. School Results: The National School Leaving Examination for 2025/2026 was announced: 4,831 of 21,561 students (22.4%) qualified for degree and diploma programs. Workforce Training: The National Confederation of Eritrean Workers ran a training-of-trainers program in Asmara, covering training materials, modalities, and feedback loops to strengthen workplace education. Health & Malaria Risk: Research highlights rising artemisinin resistance across East Africa, including along the Ethiopia–Eritrea–Sudan border, raising concerns about future malaria treatment effectiveness. AI Governance: A UN-backed independent panel warns AI is advancing faster than governments can govern, calling for better oversight as capabilities grow. Public Safety & Preparedness: Action Against Hunger and IGAD ICPAC launched a multi-hazard anticipatory action initiative to protect hundreds of thousands across the Greater Horn using coordinated, science-based early action. Archaeology via Satellites: Satellite surveys identified hundreds of previously unknown 4,500–6,500-year-old burial monuments across the Atbai Desert region stretching toward modern Eritrea.

Internet Access in Eritrea: A new global affordability roundup says Eritrea is the hardest place to get online, with 1GB costing about $338—far beyond what most households can manage. Education & Science: Mai-Nefhi College of Science in Asmara graduated 300 students (49% female), urging them to become researchers and innovators. AI Governance: A UN-backed independent AI panel warns AI is advancing faster than governments can manage, pushing for better public understanding while noting it won’t make policy recommendations. Public Training for Workers: In Asmara, the National Confederation of Eritrean Workers ran a training-of-trainers program covering pre-training research, materials, and feedback loops. Health & Malaria: Research flags rising artemisinin resistance across East Africa, including along the Ethiopia–Eritrea–Sudan border, raising concerns for future treatment effectiveness. Archaeology via Satellites: Satellite mapping uncovered 280 prehistoric burial monuments in the Atbai Desert, linking connected cattle-herder communities across a vast stretch of the region. Human Rights Watch: An EEPA update says the UN Special Rapporteur mandate on Eritrea was extended by the Human Rights Council.

Internet Access & Cost: A new global affordability roundup puts Eritrea at the very bottom for connectivity, citing extreme pricing that makes even small data use unaffordable for most people. AI Governance: An independent UN scientific panel warns AI is advancing faster than governments can manage, urging clearer separation of real science from hype. Health & Malaria: Research flags rising artemisinin resistance across East Africa, including along the Ethiopia–Eritrea–Sudan border, raising fears that first-line malaria treatments may weaken. Education & Skills: In Asmara, Mai-Nefhi College of Science graduated 300 students, with a push for graduates to become researchers and innovators. School Results: Eritrea’s National School Leaving Examination results for 2025/26 were announced, with 22.4% qualifying for degree/diploma programs. Space-Based Archaeology: Satellite imagery helped identify hundreds of previously unknown 4,500–6,500-year-old burial monuments across the Atbai Desert region stretching toward Eritrea. Climate Resilience: Action Against Hunger and IGAD’s ICPAC launched a multi-hazard anticipatory action initiative to protect people across the Greater Horn, using coordinated science-based planning. Human Rights Watch: EEPA reports Eritrea-related UN human rights scrutiny continues, with a special rapporteur mandate extended.

Internet Access Costs: A new global affordability roundup flags Eritrea as one of the hardest places to get online, citing a staggering price for mobile data (1GB costing about $338), widening the digital divide. Higher Education & Science: Mai-Nefhi College of Science in Asmara graduated 300 students across biology, chemistry, earth science, math, physics and statistics, with a push for graduates to become researchers and innovators. AI Governance: A UN-backed independent scientific panel warns AI is advancing faster than governments can manage, urging better separation of facts from misinformation while noting it won’t make policy recommendations. Health Research: New findings link alcohol intake and smoking as top shared risk factors for breast cancer and atrial fibrillation, suggesting large prevention gains from population-wide behavior change. Malaria Drug Resistance: Research maps rising artemisinin resistance across East Africa, including along the Ethiopia–Eritrea–Sudan border, raising concerns about future treatment effectiveness. Climate Adaptation Tech: Action Against Hunger and IGAD-ICPAC launched an ECHO-funded anticipatory action initiative to scale multi-hazard preparedness systems across the Greater Horn. Eritrea’s Heritage Work: An Asmara workshop supports Eritrea’s implementation of UNESCO’s 2003 intangible heritage convention, including research, documentation and nomination file preparation.

Education & Skills: Asmara announced National School Leaving Examination results for 2025/2026: 4,831 of 21,561 students (22.4%) qualified for degree and diploma programs, with female and male participation nearly equal; officials urged passers to follow college rules and non-passers to stay in education. Health & Research: New research flags rising artemisinin resistance across East Africa, including along the Ethiopia–Eritrea–Sudan border, warning that first-line malaria treatments could lose effectiveness if spread continues. Higher Education: Mai-Nefhi College of Science graduated 300 students (49% female) across Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, with a call for graduates to become researchers and innovators. AI Governance: A UN scientific panel warns AI is advancing faster than governments can manage, pushing for better global oversight as capabilities improve rapidly. Regional Justice & Humanitarian Risk: EEPA reports Sudan’s counter-terrorism court sentenced Hemedti and others to death, while WHO warns cholera could worsen amid ongoing fighting and rainy-season conditions. Agriculture & Nutrition: Eritrea’s Date Palm Development Project says about 50,000 seedlings have been planted along the Red Sea coast, aiming to expand a crop suited to arid zones. Climate Adaptation: Action Against Hunger and IGAD ICPAC launched a two-year, ECHO-funded anticipatory action initiative to protect people across the Greater Horn using coordinated, science-based early planning.

AI Governance: A UN-backed independent panel says AI is improving faster than governments can manage, warning that capabilities are doubling and that the world’s ability to govern it is lagging. Public Health: New research maps rising artemisinin resistance across East Africa, including along the Ethiopia–Eritrea–Sudan border, raising fears that first-line malaria treatments may weaken. Climate & Resilience: Action Against Hunger and IGAD’s climate center launch a two-year, science-based anticipatory action project to protect hundreds of thousands across the Greater Horn by acting earlier on predictable crises. Eritrea Education & Science: Mai-Nefhi College of Science graduates 300 students across biology, chemistry, earth science, math, physics, and statistics, with a push toward research and innovation. Agriculture: Eritrea’s date palm development project reports tens of thousands of seedlings planted along Red Sea coastal areas, aiming to expand coastal agro-economies. Connectivity Costs: A global affordability review flags Eritrea as having some of the world’s least attainable internet access, with extremely high per-data costs. Sports (Eritrean spotlight): Eritrean sprinter Biniam Girmay places on Tour de France sprint stages as Tim Merlier wins back-to-back finishes.

Eritrean Politics: A new analysis asks how Eritrea’s liberation movement slid into a one-party system under an octogenarian autocrat, tracing decades of organizational and political “pathologies” that left citizens with fear and paralysis. AI Governance: An independent UN scientific panel warns AI is advancing faster than governments can manage, urging the world to separate facts from hype while noting its mandate stops at documenting what science says. Malaria Research: New mapping research finds artemisinin resistance is now firmly established across much of Uganda and Rwanda and along the Ethiopia–Eritrea–Sudan border, raising the risk that first-line treatments may weaken. Local Science Education: Mai-Nefhi College of Science in Asmara graduates 300 students across biology, chemistry, earth science, math, physics and statistics, with a push toward research and innovation. Digital Access Costs: A global affordability report highlights Eritrea’s extreme internet pricing, where 1GB can cost $338, pricing most people out. Humanitarian Preparedness: Action Against Hunger and IGAD’s climate center launch a two-year anticipatory action program to protect 243,801 people across Ethiopia, Somalia and Djibouti. UN Rights Monitoring: EEPA reports the UN Special Rapporteur mandate on Eritrea was extended by the Human Rights Council. Agriculture: Eritrea’s date palm push reports 50,000 seedlings planted along the Red Sea coast, aiming to expand coastal agro-development. Sports (Eritrean Spotlight): Eritrean cyclist Biniam Girmay again features in Tour de France sprint finishes as Tim Merlier takes consecutive stage wins.

AI Governance: A UN scientific panel warns AI is advancing faster than governments can manage, with capabilities improving rapidly and governance lagging. Public Health: New research maps rising artemisinin resistance across East Africa, including along the Ethiopia–Eritrea–Sudan border, raising fears that malaria treatments could weaken over time. Education & Science: Mai-Nefhi College of Science in Asmara graduated 300 students across biology, chemistry, earth science, math, physics and statistics, urging them to become researchers and innovators. Digital Access: A global report highlights Eritrea’s extreme internet affordability gap, where even 1GB can cost far beyond what most households can pay. Agriculture: Eritrea’s date palm push is underway along the Red Sea coast, with tens of thousands of seedlings planted and plans to expand. Culture & Heritage: An Asmara workshop supports Eritrea’s implementation of UNESCO’s 2003 intangible heritage convention and preparation of nomination files. Human Rights: EEPA reports the UN Special Rapporteur mandate on Eritrea was extended by the Human Rights Council.

Tour de France Sprint Spotlight: Belgian Tim Merlier kept the momentum going with back-to-back sprint wins, taking Stage 7 in Bordeaux after a 175km run, while Eritrean Biniam Girmay finished third and stayed in the spotlight as Tadej Pogacar held the yellow jersey. Tour de France Stage 8 Buzz: Merlier then followed up with another late surge in Stage 8, beating Jasper Philipsen and again finishing ahead of Girmay, who said Merlier is “on fire” and admitted the sprint was chaos. Eritrea Tech & Access: A new global look at internet affordability flags Eritrea as an extreme case, where 1GB can cost about $338—pricing ordinary people out of basic connectivity. Science Education in Asmara: Mai-Nefhi College of Science in Asmara graduated 300 students across biology, chemistry, earth science, math, physics and statistics, with a push for graduates to become researchers and innovators. AI Governance Warning: A UN scientific panel says AI is advancing faster than governments can govern, urging the world to separate facts from hype. Health Risk for the Horn: Research warns artemisinin resistance is spreading across East Africa, including along the Ethiopia–Eritrea–Sudan border, raising fears that malaria treatments could weaken. Agriculture & Nutrition: Eritrea’s date palm push is underway along the Red Sea coast, with tens of thousands of seedlings planted and plans to expand. UN Rights Update on Eritrea: An independent UN Special Rapporteur mandate on Eritrea was extended by the Human Rights Council, with supporters citing the need for continued documentation.