AGP Executive Report

Malaria Drug Resistance Watch: New research in The Lancet Infectious Diseases says artemisinin resistance is spreading across East Africa, now “firmly established” in parts of Uganda, Rwanda, and along the Ethiopia–Eritrea–Sudan border—raising fears that first-line ACT treatments could lose effectiveness over time. Disaster Preparedness (IGAD): Action Against Hunger and ICPAC launched IMPAACT, a two-year, ECHO-funded effort to scale interoperable, government-led multi-hazard anticipatory action for 243,801 people across Ethiopia, Somalia, and Djibouti. Eritrea Rights Oversight: EEPA reports the UN Human Rights Council renewed the UN Special Rapporteur mandate on Eritrea for another year, with 23 countries voting in favour. Forensic Skills Training: Ethiopia announced a regional forensic science scholarship for IGAD member states, with Kenya eligible, aimed at strengthening police crime investigation and cybercrime response. Culture & Research: UNESCO-linked workshop in Asmara focused on implementing Eritrea’s 2003 Intangible Cultural Heritage Convention and preparing UNESCO nomination files. Agriculture (Date Palms): A report outlines Eritrea’s coastal date palm development project, including 50,000 seedlings planted and plans to expand in Red Sea regions.

UN Human Rights: The UN Human Rights Council extended the UN Special Rapporteur mandate on Eritrea after a vote with 23 countries in favour, keeping international monitoring alive amid ongoing abuse reports. Religious Freedom & Tech: A new 2026 Global Persecution Index says persecution of Christians is rising, driven by religious nationalism, transnational repression, state control of religious groups, and the growing use of Western-based technology for intimidation and “digital evangelism” under surveillance. Culture & Heritage: In Asmara, a workshop with UNESCO and Japan focused on implementing the 2003 Convention for safeguarding intangible cultural heritage and preparing UNESCO nomination files. Agriculture: Eritrea’s Date Palm Development Project reports about 50,000 seedlings planted along coastal regions, aiming to expand arid-zone production with economic and nutritional benefits. Human Capital: Eritrea’s College of Business and Social Science graduated 1,018 students, with emphasis on building professional capacity as AI-era skills become more important. Regional Tech/Skills: Ethiopia launched a forensic science scholarship programme for IGAD member states, offering police officers training in crime investigation.

Diplomacy Under Strain: A new analysis warns the UN-based international order is nearing collapse as states lean on hard power, making conflict prevention harder but still possible through smarter diplomacy and mediation. Religious Persecution Trends: A 2026 Global Persecution Index flags rising religious nationalism, transnational repression, and growing use of Western-based technology in persecution of Christians. Eritrea’s Cultural Tech for Heritage: In Asmara, UNESCO and partners ran a workshop on implementing the 2003 Intangible Cultural Heritage Convention, including research, documentation, and preparing UNESCO nomination files. Date Palm Push: Eritrea’s Date Palm Development Project reports about 50,000 seedlings planted along the Red Sea coast, aiming to expand coastal agro-development. UN Rights Oversight: The UN Human Rights Council renewed the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on Eritrea for another year, a win for independent monitoring advocates. Indie Games Funding: Google Play launched an equity-free Indie Games Fund for Africa with Sh129m to support small studios across 32 countries with mentorship and technical help. Humanitarian Health Watch: Coverage highlights malaria’s ongoing toll across Africa, with pregnant women facing especially high risks. Sports & Tech Culture: Google Play’s fund and Eritrea’s heritage workshop both point to growing momentum for local skills and digital-era capacity-building.

Intangible Heritage in Action: A workshop in Asmara (6–7 July) trained Eritrean experts and regional representatives on implementing UNESCO’s 2003 Convention for safeguarding intangible cultural heritage, including how to research, document, and prepare nomination files for UNESCO inscription. Agriculture & Nutrition: Eritrea’s Date Palm Development Project is scaling up coastal cultivation, with about 50,000 seedlings planted so far and a plan to expand across Northern Red Sea, Southern Red Sea, and other regions. Human Rights Oversight: The UN Human Rights Council renewed the mandate of the UN Special Rapporteur on Eritrea for another year, after a vote in Geneva that kept independent monitoring alive amid ongoing allegations of systematic violations. Sports Development: In Barentu, Gash Barka officials encouraged athletes linked to the Asmara Marathon 2026 and announced plans to research and develop young talent across the region. Tech & Jobs in Games: Google Play launched an Africa Indie Games Fund (Sh129m) to support small studios with equity-free funding and mentorship—an opportunity for regional creators to reach global audiences. Global Persecution Trends: A new ICC index highlights rising persecution tactics worldwide, including religious nationalism and increased use of digital tools for repression.

Eritrea UN Oversight: The UN Human Rights Council renewed the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on Eritrea for another year, a win for Eritrean civil society and EU-backed monitoring amid continued rights concerns. Health & Malaria: A new report highlights how malaria remains deadly and hard to prevent across Africa, with pregnant women facing especially high risks and 2025 showing rising cases and deaths. Tech & Games: Google Play launched an equity-free Indie Games Fund for Africa, putting about $1m (Sh129m) into support for independent studios across 32 countries, including technical mentorship to boost global reach. Humanitarian Tech Angle: Coverage on water stress maps shows how heavily some countries rely on unsustainable freshwater withdrawals—an issue that links directly to climate resilience and public health planning. Sports Tech/Community: Eritrea’s Revolution School golden jubilee was marked in Toronto, while local marathon encouragement efforts in Barentu pushed athlete development and youth scouting.

Eritrea Education & Youth: Eritrea marked the 50th anniversary of the ‘Revolution’ School with a Golden Jubilee celebration in Toronto, featuring a candlelight vigil for martyrs, a photo exhibition, and virtual history briefings—highlighting the school’s role in building national consciousness and producing competent youth. Human Rights Oversight: The UN Human Rights Council renewed the mandate of the UN Special Rapporteur on Eritrea for another year, after a vote in Geneva backed by the EU and Eritrean civil society, keeping independent monitoring alive amid ongoing rights concerns. Tech & Skills Pipeline: Eritrea’s College of Business and Social Science in Asmara graduated 1,018 students in degree and diploma programs, with a focus on strengthening professional capacity as science and technology advance toward AI. Regional Tech/Innovation Signals: Google Play launched an equity-free Indie Games Fund for Africa with $1m (Sh129m) for independent studios across 32 countries—an opportunity that could boost Eritrean-linked creative tech ambitions if local studios qualify.

UN Human Rights Oversight: The UN Human Rights Council renewed the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on Eritrea for another year, after a vote in Geneva that kept independent monitoring alive despite opposition. Eritrea & Regional Tech/Skills: Asmara’s College of Business and Social Science held its 19th graduation, with 1,018 students completing programs ranging from accounting and law to library science and information—an AI-era push for stronger human resources. Climate & Land Restoration: China’s Great Green Wall effort reports 66 billion trees planted (with 34 billion more planned), while coverage highlights how Africa is also scaling its own desertification fight. Water Stress Data: A new global map shows extreme water stress in several countries, underscoring how freshwater withdrawals are outpacing renewable supplies. Digital Creativity Funding: Google Play launched an equity-free Indie Games Fund for Africa, committing about $1m to independent studios across 32 countries, including Kenya. Sports Tech & Talent Pipeline: NSN’s rebranded cycling team enters the Tour de France with a Swiss license and a focus on sprint success, featuring Eritrean rider Biniam Girmay.

UN Rights Oversight: The UN Human Rights Council renewed the mandate of the UN Special Rapporteur on Eritrea for another year, a diplomatic win for Eritrean civil society after a vote in Geneva that kept independent monitoring alive. Eritrea–Regional Diplomacy: EEPA reports on Egypt and Eritrea strengthening bilateral relations, while also flagging wider regional human-rights concerns. Human Stories: A heartbreaking court case in Scotland centers on Amen Teklay, a 15-year-old whose final weeks were captured in a clip shared by his community before his death. Climate & Land Restoration: China’s Great Green Wall effort—66 billion trees planted so far—adds to the global conversation on how large-scale reforestation can fight desertification, with Africa pushing its own corridor initiatives. Tech & Skills in Eritrea: Eritrea’s College of Business and Social Science in Asmara graduated 1,018 students, with leadership stressing the need to build professional capacity as AI and technology advance. Games for Africa: Google Play launched an equity-free Indie Games Fund for Africa (Sh129m), aiming to help independent studios scale across 32 countries.

Tour de France 2026: UAE Team Emirates’ depth delivered again as Isaac del Toro won stage two, with Pogacar and the team setting up the general classification fight; meanwhile, stage three is set to run with an adapted route and no spectators in the French portion due to Pyrenean wildfires. Eritrea & skills: Asmara’s College of Business and Social Science held its 19th commencement, graduating 1,018 students and stressing the need to build professional capacity as AI and tech advance. Games for Africa: Google Play launched an equity-free Indie Games Fund for Africa, committing Sh129m to support small studios across 32 countries, including Eritrea’s region. Sports development in Eritrea: Barentu’s Gash Barka administration encouraged Asmara Marathon 2026 winners and said research will help identify and develop young athletes. Regional investment: Equity Group led a cross-border trade and investment mission to Tanzania with participation including Eritrea, aiming to boost manufacturing, agriculture, and logistics under AfCFTA. Water stress data: A new global map highlights how countries are using far more water than nature can replenish, with implications for climate and agriculture planning.

Eritrean Tech & Skills: Asmara’s College of Business and Social Science held its 19th commencement, graduating 1,018 students (536 degree holders) across fields from accounting and law to tourism and hotel management, with 47% of graduates female—an explicit push toward building human capacity as AI reshapes work. Digital Creativity Funding: Google Play launched an equity-free Indie Games Fund for Africa, putting Sh129m (about $1m) into independent studios across 32 countries; selected teams get $50k–$200k plus mentorship to scale and reach global audiences. Sports Tech & Talent Pathways: NSN Cycling Team rebranded after protests tied to its former Israel-Premier Tech identity, now operating under Swiss registration and aiming for Tour success with Eritrean rider Biniam Girmay—while stage two of the 2026 Tour saw Isaac del Toro win as UAE Team Emirates delivered a strong team performance. Local Sports Encouragement: In Barentu, Gash Barka officials backed Asmara Marathon 2026 winners and announced plans to research and develop young athletes. Water & Climate Data: A new global map highlights extreme water stress in multiple countries, underscoring how climate-linked demand pressures can strain agriculture and daily life.

Education & Skills: Asmara’s College of Business and Social Science held its 19th commencement, graduating 1,018 students (536 degree holders) across accounting, management, public administration, economics, finance, law, library science, anthropology, sociology, geography, history, tourism and hotel management, with 47% of graduates female—while officials stressed building human capacity alongside fast-moving science and technology. Digital Creativity Funding: Google Play launched its first Indie Games Fund for Africa with Sh129 million (about $1m) to support independent studios across 32 countries, offering equity-free grants plus technical support and mentorship to help games reach global audiences. Tech for Eritrea’s Future: A profile highlights pharmacist Nuru Abdu Ahmed’s push to make Eritrea Africa’s pharmaceutical hub, framing skills and innovation as key to turning national vision into practical industry growth. Water & Climate Data: A new global map shows which countries face the highest water stress, warning that some nations are using far more freshwater than nature can replenish—an issue that matters for agriculture and development planning. Sports Tech & Talent Pathways: Eritrean runner encouragement and marathon results in Barentu point to growing local focus on athlete development, including plans to research and nurture young talent.

Education & Skills in Eritrea: Asmara’s College of Business and Social Science held its 19th commencement, graduating 1,018 students (536 degree holders) across fields like accounting, management, public administration, economics, law, library science, and tourism—47% of graduates were female, with officials stressing the need to build human resources alongside fast-moving science and technology. Local Innovation Spotlight: Eritrean pharmacist Nuru Abdu Ahmed shared his goal of turning Eritrea into Africa’s pharmaceutical hub, framing the work as a practical pathway for national development through health-sector expertise. Digital Games Funding (Africa): Google Play launched an equity-free Indie Games Fund for Africa with Sh129m (about $1m) for independent studios across 32 countries, offering grants plus technical support and mentorship to help games reach global audiences. Water Stress Data: A new global map highlights extreme water stress—Kuwait tops the list—using UN FAO measures of freshwater withdrawals versus renewable resources, underscoring growing pressure on agriculture and daily life as climate patterns shift. Sports Tech & Talent (Eritrea link): NSN Cycling Team’s Tour de France plans put Eritrean sprinter Biniam Girmay at the center, with the team aiming for stage wins and the green jersey.

Tour de France, Eritrean angle: NSN Cycling Team’s rebrand is bringing a calmer Tour start after last year’s Israel-Premier Tech protests, with the Swiss-licensed team now based around Girona and Barcelona and pushing for stage wins built around Eritrean rider Biniam Girmay. Local sports development: Barentu’s Gash Barka administration encouraged winners from Asmara Marathon 2026, including repeat champion Nahom Ermias, and said research will help spot and develop young athletes. Digital creativity funding: Google Play launched an equity-free Indie Games Fund for Africa, putting Sh129m ($1m) into independent studios across 32 countries with mentorship and technical support. Tech & trade links: Equity Group led a Tanzania investment mission drawing investors including Eritrea, aiming to deepen cross-border trade under AfCFTA. Eritrea in health ambition: Pharmacist Nuru Abdu Ahmed shared his goal of making Eritrea Africa’s pharmaceutical hub, framing it as a youth-led national project. AI & energy context: A report links rising AI adoption with electricity demand, while geopolitics around key straits could reshape shipping costs and energy transitions.

Startup & Creative Tech: Google Play launched its first Indie Games Fund for Africa, putting Sh129m (about $1m) into equity-free support for independent studios across 32 countries, with grants of roughly $50k–$200k plus mentorship to help games reach global audiences. Regional Investment & Trade: Equity Group brought 50+ investors and business leaders to Dar es Salaam for a five-day cross-border trade and investment mission, including participants from Eritrea, aiming to unlock partnerships across manufacturing, agriculture, and logistics under AfCFTA. Sports Tech & Talent Spotlight: NSN Cycling Team rebranded from Israel-Premier Tech to Never Say Never and is now Swiss-registered, with the Tour de France presentation in Barcelona drawing far fewer protests than last year. Local Sports Development: Eritrea’s Gash Barka region encouraged winners from the Asmara Marathon 2026, including plans to research and develop young athletes. Tech & Society (Diaspora/Health): A profile highlights Eritrean pharmacist Nuru Abdu Ahmed’s push to make Eritrea Africa’s pharmaceutical hub, linking youth skills to health-sector growth.

Indie Tech Funding: Google Play launched its first Indie Games Fund for Africa, pledging Sh129m (about $1m) to equity-free support and mentorship for independent studios across 32 countries, with grants of roughly $50k–$200k aimed at scaling games and boosting global discoverability. Eritrea’s Health Ambition: Eritrean pharmacist Nuru Abdu Ahmed is pushing a vision to make Eritrea Africa’s pharmaceutical hub, framing it as a youth-led, sector-wide transformation effort. Sports & Community: In Barentu, Gash Barka officials encouraged athletes ahead of the Asmara Marathon 2026, including support for winners and para-cycling competitors. Regional Humanitarian Pressure: Reports highlight worsening refugee conditions in Uganda as funding cuts erode services for over 2 million refugees, while separate coverage describes deaths and abuse tied to crackdowns on Sudanese refugees in Egypt. AI & Energy Angle: Commentary links cheaper AI models to faster adoption and rising electricity demand, while geopolitics around key straits could reshape shipping costs and accelerate electrification.

Human Rights & Migration: EEPA reports Egypt has intensified crackdowns on Sudanese refugees, with allegations of deaths in overcrowded jails and abuse, while Kenya’s DRS office in Nairobi has reportedly stopped services since Oct 2025, leaving people without registration. Detention & Deportation: Separate reporting describes hundreds of Ethiopians in Saudi death-row conditions, including executions after guards read out names in Khamis Mushait. Refugee Funding Pressure: Uganda’s refugee system faces deep funding cuts, threatening food, education, healthcare, and livelihoods for over 2 million refugees. Tech & Jobs: Google launched a Ksh129.5 million equity-free Google Play Indie Games Fund for independent studios across 32 African countries, including mentorship and technical support. Eritrea Profile (Health & Skills): A feature spotlights Eritrean pharmacist Nuru Abdu Ahmed’s push to make Eritrea a pharmaceutical hub for Africa. Energy & Climate: Research coverage warns Africa’s electricity expansion will strain water resources and raise emissions, mapping power plants and their impacts through 2030. Cycling (Tour de France): Multiple guides and team previews keep attention on African riders, including Eritrean sprinter Biniam Girmay and team plans for Tour stages and the green jersey.