AGP Executive Report

Climate Disaster Response in Senegal: Senegal’s Prime Minister Ahmadou Al Aminou Lo says a regional emergency plan will be activated in Dakar after deadly weekend rains, with constant monitoring, rapid help for affected families (water and food), and extra surveillance of roads, drainage, and power and water networks. Climate Justice & Women’s Climate Fight: A Women’s Climate Assembly gathering in Saly highlights how women across West and Central Africa are pushing for climate justice, defending land, forests, water and seeds, and demanding climate reparations. Girls at Risk as Climate Shocks Grow: A Plan International study linking floods, droughts, cyclones and extreme heat to higher child marriage, teen pregnancy and violence includes Senegal among surveyed countries, warning that climate shocks are breaking education and health access. Senegal Startup Spotlight: ECOWAS Startup Awards crowned Nigeria’s HubPharm Africa, while Senegal’s Gaynako took first runner-up—showing regional momentum for innovation and private-sector support. Senegal Clean-Up Ahead of School: In Dakar’s Medina Gounass, students and residents cleaned a dilapidated elementary school and cleared waste and drains, reflecting wider concerns about sanitation and public education during the rainy season. Senegal’s Water Diplomacy: President Bassirou Diomaye Faye backed Egypt’s Nile approach, stressing shared water management through consultation and avoiding harm, and pointed to Senegal River cooperation as a model. Ocean Futures: A feature explores how maritime heritage can shape ocean governance and coastal resilience. Senegal’s Gold Processing Step: Dynacor says it achieved its first gold pour at its Galam pilot plant in Senegal, aiming to ramp up production and support permitted small-scale mining.

Senegal–Algeria Energy Talks: Senegal and Algeria agreed to deepen cooperation across hydrocarbons and electricity after meetings in Algiers, with a focus on exploration, refining, training, and technology links between Sonatrach and Petrosen. Climate Risk to Girls: A new global study warns climate disasters are pushing up child marriage, teen pregnancy, and violence against girls, with Senegal included among the countries analyzed. Water Investment Push: At UNGA in New York, Namibia’s President Nandi-Ndaitwah urged African leaders to turn water commitments into bankable projects to close the continent’s water investment gap ahead of the 2026 UN Water Conference in Abu Dhabi. Local Clean-Up in Dakar: Residents, students, and environmental groups cleaned Medina Gounass Elementary School in Dakar, tackling blocked drains and plastic waste as the rainy season worsens sanitation problems. Regional Energy Industry Moves: Liberia signed a deal to build an oil shorebase in Buchanan with Nigeria’s LADOL—aimed at keeping more logistics and waste services jobs in-country, including lessons learned from past operations that relied on regional providers like Senegal.

Climate & Gender: A new global study says climate disasters are pushing more girls into child marriage, teenage pregnancy and violence, with floods, droughts and extreme heat disrupting health and education services. Water Diplomacy: Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye backed Egypt’s Nile position, calling for shared river management through consultation and dialogue, while also discussing trade and investment ties. Regional Development Finance: AUDA-NEPAD founding states agreed to set up the Alamein Investment Platform by Feb 2027 to plug funding gaps, alongside plans for a continental SME facility. Senegal Energy & Air Quality: Senegal’s power cuts in September renewed calls to expand gas for electricity, while a Swiss-backed EcoCar Solaire project tested a solar-electric retrofit to cut emissions from Dakar’s minibuses. Environment, Rights & Business: In Dakar, the Africa Business and Human Rights Forum urged responsible business conduct to protect a clean, healthy environment, and AfDB/OPEC Fund training focused on stronger environmental and social safeguards. Local Action: Volunteers and students in Dakar’s Medina Gounass cleaned a dilapidated school, tackling blocked drains and plastic waste ahead of the new school year.

Community Clean-Up in Dakar: Students, teachers and volunteers in Medina Gounass teamed up to clean a dilapidated elementary school, clearing drains and collecting plastic and household waste ahead of the new school year—spotlighting how sanitation problems worsen during the rainy season. Water Investment Push: Namibia’s Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah urged bigger, bankable funding for Africa’s water sector at UNGA, linking water to food security, poverty reduction, climate resilience and sustainable development. Senegal’s Power Cuts & Gas Plan: Senegal’s energy minister said September outages show the need to shift from diesel toward gas, with plans for about 340 km of gas pipelines and a renewed push to attract investors. Clean Transport in Dakar: A Swiss-funded project tested a first solar-electric retrofit for Dakar’s diesel “car rapides,” aiming to cut noise and emissions by replacing engines with swappable batteries charged via solar. Business, Rights & the Environment in Dakar: The Africa Business and Human Rights Forum concluded in Dakar, calling for stronger action to protect a clean, healthy, sustainable environment through responsible business conduct. Safeguards for Projects: AfDB and OPEC Fund strengthened environmental and social safeguards training for regulators and partners, including topics like biodiversity, resettlement and gender-based violence. Whale Sanctuary Vote Fails: A South Atlantic whale sanctuary bid fell short at the IWC70 vote, with Senegal among countries opposing the measure.

Energy & Power Reliability: Senegal’s September power cuts pushed the energy minister to argue for faster gas adoption, citing rising demand and a peak of 1,400 MW in August, plus fuel and technology gaps; the plan includes about 340 km of gas pipelines and a reshuffled offshore/onshore block map to attract investors. Clean Transport in Dakar: A Swiss-funded EcoCar Solaire project is testing a solar-electric retrofit for Dakar’s diesel “car rapides,” aiming to replace engines with swappable batteries charged by solar and cut emissions at scale. Business, Rights & the Environment: The Africa Business and Human Rights Forum in Dakar ended with a push for responsible business conduct to protect the right to a clean, healthy, sustainable environment. Safeguards for Development Finance: AfDB and OPEC Fund strengthened environmental and social safeguards via training covering land, resettlement, biodiversity, and community health and safety, including Senegal among participating countries. Wildlife Protection: A South Atlantic whale sanctuary bid failed again at the IWC, falling short of the 75% vote threshold despite strong support for whale conservation. Tax Justice for Sustainability: At PAC 2026 in Dakar, African tax experts reported $758.04m in recovered additional tax revenue in the first seven months of 2026, urging stronger systems to curb illicit financial flows. Senegal Energy Debate: Fortesa’s Rogers Beall argues Senegal’s onshore gas could power the next growth phase with affordable electricity and industrial jobs.

Senegal Energy & Environment: Senegal’s September power cuts have pushed the energy ministry to accelerate a shift from diesel toward gas, citing rising demand, fuel supply gaps and breakdowns; plans include about 340 km of gas pipelines and a revised offshore block map to attract investors. Clean Transport in Dakar: A Swiss-backed project, EcoCar Solaire, is testing solar-electric retrofits for Dakar’s diesel “car rapides,” aiming to cut pollution by replacing engines with swappable batteries charged by solar panels. Business, Rights & the Environment: The Africa Business and Human Rights Forum wrapped in Dakar, focusing on the right to a clean, healthy, sustainable environment through responsible business conduct. Safeguards for Development Projects: The AfDB and OPEC Fund strengthened environmental and social safeguards across Africa, including biodiversity, resettlement, and gender-based violence risk management—Senegal among participating countries. Marine Life: Senegal was listed among countries voting against a South Atlantic whale sanctuary bid at the IWC, as the proposal again failed to reach the required threshold. Water & Climate Resilience: A regional push for water security and disaster resilience continues, with discussions linking climate-driven water stress to food security and economic growth.

Climate & Energy: Senegal’s September power cuts are pushing the government to lean harder on gas, with plans for about 340 km of gas pipelines and a reshuffled offshore block map to attract investors. Clean Transport: A Swiss-backed EcoCar Solaire project in Dakar has completed a first test drive, aiming to replace diesel minibuses with solar-charged electric options to cut urban pollution. Water Security: The UAE and IWMI hosted a Kathmandu dialogue warning that parts of the Himalaya are nearing “water bankruptcy,” linking climate impacts to disaster resilience and food security. Biodiversity & Oceans: A South Atlantic whale sanctuary bid failed again at the IWC70 vote, with Senegal among countries opposing the proposal. Regional Finance & Tax Justice: In Dakar, African policymakers say stronger tax systems are already recovering money from illicit flows, citing $758.04m in extra tax revenue in early 2026. Infrastructure for Integration: AfDB and Germany’s BMZ are partnering to develop Africa’s railways, starting with a feasibility study for an African Rail Competence Centre. Local Land & Industry: Lamu residents near Kenya’s Dangote refinery project are raising unresolved compensation and resettlement concerns.

Energy & Air Quality: Senegal’s September power cuts have pushed the energy minister to argue for faster gas adoption, citing rising demand and reliance on diesel—while plans include ~340 km of gas pipelines and a refreshed offshore block map to attract investors. Clean Transport in Dakar: A Swiss-backed EcoCar Solaire project says Dakar’s first solar-electric bus has completed testing, aiming to retrofit Car Rapides with swappable batteries charged by solar to cut emissions. Food Systems & Resilience: At the Africa Food Systems Forum in Kigali, experts warned that post-harvest losses remain huge—up to 40% without cold storage—blaming weak refrigeration, roads, and power reliability. Tax Justice for Sustainability: In Dakar, PAC 2026 opened with calls to tighten tax systems and curb illicit financial flows, linking stronger revenue to schools, roads and social protection. Water Security: A UN-linked youth programme selected 100 Global Youth Water Envoys for the Abu Dhabi conference (8–10 Dec), co-hosted by the UAE and Senegal, to shape youth water statements. Governance & Environment: ECOWAS Court reform talks in Dakar focus on closing the gap between rulings and enforcement—key for regional stability and policy delivery.

Water Security & Youth Mobilisation: The UN Water Conference in Abu Dhabi (8–10 Dec) will be supported by 100 Global Youth Water Envoys from 75 countries, with Senegal as a co-host, aiming to shape youth statements on water resilience. Tax Justice in Dakar: PAC 2026 opened in Dakar calling for stronger African ownership of tax systems and accountability to fund public services and sustainable development. Maritime Transparency: Nigeria’s NIMASA plans body cameras for officers during vessel boarding, backed by anti-corruption groups pushing for clearer enforcement and better data on reforms. Low-Carbon Transport Push: AfDB and Germany signed a rail partnership to cut transport costs and promote low-carbon, cross-border rail solutions, starting with feasibility work for a rail competence center. Environment & Water Infrastructure Finance: Mauritania and the UAE’s Abu Dhabi Fund for Development agreed $30m to expand drinking water supply to Kiffa and nearby towns from the Senegal River. Wildlife Conservation Spotlight: The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards topped 10,000 entries from 112 countries, backing wildlife rescue and habitat protection.

ECOWAS Court Reform: The ECOWAS Court of Justice wrapped a Dakar conference and now faces its toughest test: turning reform ideas into enforceable change, especially around judgment enforcement and member-state compliance. Water Diplomacy for Senegal: Ahead of the UN Water Conference in Abu Dhabi (co-hosted by the UAE and Senegal), 100 young “Global Youth Water Envoys” were selected to shape youth water statements and policy inputs. Climate & Water Tech Links: The UAE says it’s expanding cooperation with African partners on earth observation, satellite data, and capacity building, positioning space tools for water management and disaster response. West Africa Climate-Smart Farming: EBID approved a $10m pilot climate-smart agriculture facility for Togo, Ghana, and Senegal, aiming to boost resilience and climate-suited farming finance. Maritime Transparency: Nigeria’s NIMASA plans body cameras for vessel boarding enforcement officers, pushing for more transparency in maritime operations. Niger Press Freedom Alarm: Human rights advocate Alioune Tine condemned the disappearance of journalist Moussa Kaka in Niger and called for urgent investigation and accountability. Senegal Debt Watch: Coverage highlights Senegal’s $44bn debt dilemma and what it means for financing and policy choices. Energy & Land Tensions: The Dangote refinery push in Kenya continues despite court orders tied to disputed land, keeping environmental and community concerns in the spotlight.

Senegal Debt Watch: Senegal is under pressure to convince the IMF its debt is on a sustainable path before new financing unlocks. Reports point to misreported debts that pushed debt-to-GDP to around 130%, central government debt at 25.2 trillion CFA francs, and arrears still weighing on activity—while the government targets debt treatment within months. West Africa Water & Climate-Smart Farming: ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) approved a $10m facility to pilot climate-smart agriculture in Togo, Ghana and Senegal, aiming to boost resilience and financing access for better farming practices. UAE–Africa Space for Resilience: The UAE Space Agency signed deals with African partners to expand Earth observation, satellite data use, capacity building and disaster-focused innovation—framing space tech as a tool to protect harvests and manage water. Health Capacity in Senegal Region: Makerere University launched a continent-wide initiative to strengthen clinical trial and epidemic preparedness capacity across countries including Senegal, training thousands of African health researchers and workers. Energy & Land Tensions in the Region: Aliko Dangote says Kenya’s court order over Lamu refinery land won’t stop groundbreaking, while opposition continues—highlighting how energy projects collide with local land rights.

Senegal’s Debt Pressure: Senegal is racing to convince the IMF its debt is sustainable, after misreported debts pushed debt-to-GDP to about 130% and central government debt hit 25.2 trillion CFA francs ($44bn), with arrears still a drag—while a staff-level IMF deal targets debt treatment fast. Water Diplomacy: AMCOW’s Nelson Gomonda says World Water Week and AU focus on water and sanitation are key moments to push safer water and governance across Africa. Climate-Smart Farming Support: EBID approved a $10m climate-smart agriculture facility for Togo, Ghana and Senegal to help farmers adopt more resilient practices and unlock financing. Food Tech for Resilience: New AI crop-mapping work using Cambridge’s Tessera could help Senegal’s smallholders get better, faster crop statistics for food security planning. Mining & Sovereignty: Burkina Faso opened its first gold refinery, signaling a regional push to process and certify minerals at home—while stressing environmental and social responsibilities. Youth Water Leadership: The Arab Youth Center selected 100 global youth water envoys for training ahead of the UAE-Senegal co-hosted UN Water Conference in Abu Dhabi (Dec 8–10).

Water Diplomacy for 2026 UN Water Conference: The Arab Youth Center picked 100 young leaders from 75 countries for its Global Youth Water Envoys Programme, training them to feed youth priorities into the Dec 8–10 UN Water Conference in Abu Dhabi, co-hosted by the UAE and Senegal. Climate-Smart Farming Finance: ECOWAS’ EBID approved a $10m climate-smart agriculture facility pilot for Togo, Ghana and Senegal under WAICSA, aiming to help farmers adopt more resilient practices as climate impacts intensify. Senegal Food Security Tech: A Cambridge-developed AI mapping tool (Tessera) is being tested on Senegal’s groundnut basin, promising more accurate crop statistics for targeting support where ground data is scarce. Senegal Debt Pressure: A Reuters explainer says Senegal must convince the IMF its debt path is sustainable to unlock financing, with arrears and debt treatment options central to the talks. UNGA Power Shift: African leaders at UNGA81 demanded greater say in global rule-making and control over natural resources, arguing institutions lag behind today’s climate and energy realities.

Senegal Water & Climate Diplomacy: At UNGA81, the UAE urged de-escalation and said it will co-host the 2026 UN Water Conference with Senegal, pushing joint action on water, climate and food security. West Africa Water Governance: ECOWAS, UEMOA and CILSS adopted the Abidjan Declaration after the FREAO forum, aiming to strengthen shared river management, tackle water insecurity and climate pressures, and set Cabo Verde to host the next forum. Food Security Tech for Senegal: A new AI crop-mapping tool using Cambridge research could help Senegal’s smallholder farms get more accurate, up-to-date crop statistics for better targeting of support. Senegal Politics & Service Delivery: With local elections looming, Senegal’s government faces rising pressure over infrastructure and public services, as voters test how well the Diomaye Faye administration performs beyond Dakar. Biodiversity & Conservation Finance (Region): Namibia secured over US$63m for community-based conservation across more than 20 million hectares, a model relevant to wildlife-dependent livelihoods across West Africa.

Water Security & Food Systems: At UNGA81, Senegal’s MOCCAE joined UAE-led talks on “From Shock to Resilience,” focusing on keeping food and water systems running during regional disruptions and turning plans into bankable action. Regional Water Governance: ECOWAS, UEMOA and CILSS adopted the Abidjan Declaration at the West Africa Regional Water Forum, pushing stronger shared-river management and climate resilience, with Cabo Verde set to host the next forum. Senegal Budget Pressure: Senegal’s 2026 revised finance bill cuts growth from 5% to 2.7%, cites a 451.4bn FCFA revenue shortfall, and trims 555bn FCFA from investment—raising concerns for infrastructure and long-term development. Youth Olympics Legacy: Dakar’s 2026 Youth Olympics venues are upgraded across Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly, but the big question is who funds and maintains sports infrastructure after the Games. Child Online Safety: A UN panel hosted by Türkiye, with Queen Mathilde and UNICEF, urged stronger international standards so AI and digital systems don’t treat children as “guinea pigs.” Conservation Finance (Africa): Namibia secured over US$63m to support community conservancies across more than 20 million hectares, aiming to protect wildlife livelihoods.

Water Security Push: West Africa’s ECOWAS, UEMOA and CILSS adopted the Abidjan Declaration at the FREAO forum, aiming for stronger shared river management, climate resilience and better funding—next forum set for Cabo Verde. UN Water Partnership: Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye announced Senegal’s bid for the UN Security Council (2032-2033) while MOCCAE and partners at UNGA81 pushed “shock to resilience” planning for food, water and critical supply chains. Health & Immunisation: Africa CDC launched a Continental Immunisation Strategy 2026-2030 as coverage lags behind population growth and outbreaks rise, with financing pressure and vaccine hesitancy worsening gaps. Family Planning Gains at Risk: The Ouagadougou Partnership warned that progress in Francophone West Africa is fragile amid shifting global health funding, calling for stronger national leadership and regional cooperation. Senegal Budget Reality Check: Senegal’s amended 2026 finance bill cuts growth to 2.7% and trims investment by 555bn FCFA after a 451.4bn FCFA revenue shortfall—sparking debate in Dakar. ECOWAS Court Reform: The ECOWAS Court of Justice in Dakar backed an Appeal Division and stronger enforcement tools to fix long-running regional justice bottlenecks. Biodiversity Note: Niger reintroduced eight North African ostriches into the wild at the Gadabedji Biosphere Reserve, starting a push toward a self-sustaining population.