AGP Executive Report

Heat & Health in the Sahel: A strong El Niño is projected to hit the Sahel hardest, with Niger and Chad among the most exposed—limited electricity and heavy reliance on farming leave millions vulnerable to extreme heat, with tens of thousands of extra deaths forecast. Bankable Tech Projects: United Bank for Africa urged African leaders to turn big ideas into investable, commercially sustainable infrastructure—citing the need for solid institutions, reliable revenue, and accountable delivery, including telecom financing in Chad. Cross-Border Security Tech: A push is growing for African special operations forces to “get connected” for faster coordination and intelligence sharing as threats cross borders. Regional Infrastructure Watch: In Cameroon’s north, Chinese firms hold about 66% of major road contract value, but progress is slow on several projects—an efficiency lesson that matters for neighboring Chad’s own infrastructure push. Conflict Spillovers: Reporting on Sudan highlights the UAE’s outsized role in sustaining war dynamics, with Chad named among external RSF supporters.

Climate Risk in the Sahel: A strong El Niño is forecast to push extreme heat hardest across Africa’s Sahel, with Nigeria, Sudan, Niger, and Chad projected to see about 66,800 extra deaths from September 2026 to February 2027—made worse by poverty, drought-linked farming, and limited electricity for cooling. Heat Preparedness Push: A separate projection warns Southern Africa could face major heat-related mortality through early 2027, urging governments to plan now for extreme temperatures. Bankable Projects for Africa’s Tech-Enabled Growth: UBA’s CEO says Africa needs more than ideas—projects must be rigorously prepared, institution-ready, and commercially sustainable to attract long-term capital, including in places like Chad where UBA has financed telecom infrastructure. Regional Security Networks: Coverage highlights calls for African special operations forces to connect and coordinate across borders as threats evolve. Infrastructure Watch in Cameroon: Chinese firms hold about 66% of major road contracts in northern Cameroon, but progress is slow on several projects—an execution lesson relevant to regional infrastructure delivery.

Climate & Health: A strong El Niño is forecast to push extreme heat hard across Africa’s Sahel, with Nigeria, Sudan, Niger, and Chad among the worst hit—projected to add about 66,800 deaths from September 2026 to February 2027, including 31,400 in Nigeria and 8,000 in Chad—while low electricity access and drought-linked livelihoods leave many without cooling options. Finance for Tech-Ready Projects: United Bank for Africa (UBA) is urging governments and investors to turn Africa’s development ideas into bankable, commercially sustainable projects, stressing rigorous preparation, credible institutions, and dependable revenue—highlighting its financing work across the region, including in Chad. Regional Security Tech & Coordination: A push is growing for African special operations forces to connect and coordinate across borders, with interoperability and trust framed as key to responding to evolving threats. Infrastructure Watch: In Cameroon’s Adamawa and Far North regions, Chinese firms hold about 66% of major road contract value, but progress is slow on multiple projects—raising questions about delivery and supervision. Geopolitics & Conflict: A report argues the UAE has played a major, destabilizing role in Sudan’s war, with Chad named among RSF external supporters. Defense & Safety Tech: Azerbaijan’s ADEX 2026 and Securex Caspian exhibitions spotlight new military and internal security technologies. Wildlife Storytelling: National Geographic’s “Africa: Earth’s Wild Home” aims to move beyond familiar safari icons by using new research and access to tell broader, more surprising animal and environment stories.

Heat & Health: A strong El Niño is projected to drive major extra heat deaths, with the Sahel worst hit; Nigeria, Sudan, Niger, and Chad are flagged for the biggest tolls, and Chad’s low electricity access makes cooling harder. Climate Forecasting: The Climate Impact Lab estimates 451,000 additional heat deaths globally in the first nine months of the event, with 239,000 more from Sep 2026–Feb 2027, calling it a “postcard from the future.” Bankable Tech & Infrastructure: UBA’s CEO urges Africa to turn opportunities into commercially viable, investable projects—pushing better project preparation, credible institutions, and dependable revenue to unlock long-term capital, including examples from Chad. Regional Security Tech: African special operations leaders are pushing for stronger cross-border coordination and interoperability, arguing “your network is your net worth” as threats evolve. Cross-Border Roads: In Cameroon’s northern regions, Chinese firms hold about 66% of major road contract value, but progress is slow on several projects—raising delivery and supervision concerns. Media & Science Storytelling: National Geographic’s “Africa: Earth’s Wild Home” aims to move beyond familiar wildlife stereotypes by using new research and access to tell fresher animal and place stories.

Climate & Health: A strong El Niño is expected to hit Africa’s Sahel hardest, with projections of about 66,800 extra deaths from extreme heat in Nigeria, Sudan, Niger, and Chad between September 2026 and February 2027—made worse by poverty, drought-linked farming risk, and limited electricity for cooling. Disaster Watch: A weekly disaster roundup flags major flooding in India, Nepal, and Thailand, plus Hurricane Polo in Mexico and Hurricane Nolo affecting Hawai’i with heavy rain, winds, and landslide risk. Finance for Tech-Ready Growth: UBA’s CEO urges Africa to turn big opportunities into bankable, commercially sustainable projects, stressing rigorous preparation, credible institutions, and dependable revenue—while noting UBA’s telecom financing in Chad. Security Tech & Coordination: Coverage highlights the push for connected African special operations forces, arguing cross-border threats require shared intelligence and interoperability. Regional Infrastructure: In Cameroon’s northern regions, Chinese firms hold about 66% of major road contract value, but progress is slow on several projects. Geopolitics: Separate reporting argues the UAE plays a major role in Sudan’s war dynamics, while another piece calls for West Africa to rethink security and strategy amid shifting global power.

Super El Niño Heat Risk: New Climate Impact Lab projections warn the Sahel could see the biggest heat toll, with 66,800 additional heat-related deaths from Sept 2026 to Feb 2027—31,400 in Nigeria, 17,500 in Sudan, 10,000 in Niger, and 8,000 in Chad—pushing governments to act fast with heat warnings, cooling centres, and protections for outdoor workers. Electricity Access Gap: Afrobarometer data shows fewer than half of Africans get reliable power; in Chad only 3% report electricity that works “most” or “all” of the time, leaving most people without even basic cooling options. Banking & Tech-Ready Infrastructure: UBA’s CEO urges Africa to turn opportunities into bankable projects, stressing rigorous preparation, credible institutions, and dependable revenue—an approach that matters for telecom and other tech-enabled infrastructure, including UBA’s recent financing in Chad. Regional Security & Connectivity: Coverage highlights how insecurity and crumbling roads are choking the Cameroon–Chad–Nigeria trade corridor, while African special operations leaders push for better cross-border coordination. Defense & Security Expos: Azerbaijan’s ADEX 2026 and Securex Caspian in Baku spotlight fast-moving defense and internal security tech—useful context for regional technology and security procurement.

Super El Niño Heat Risk: A new Climate Impact Lab projection warns the Sahel could face the biggest life losses from extreme heat, with Nigeria, Sudan, Niger, and Chad among the hardest hit—about 66,800 extra deaths across the region from September 2026 to February 2027, including 31,400 in Nigeria and 8,000 in Chad. Electricity Access Gap: Afrobarometer data shows fewer than half of Africans get reliable grid power, with Chad among the worst—only about 3% reporting electricity that works most or all of the time—pushing many households toward solar and other alternatives. Sahel Disaster Watch: A weekly disaster roundup flags compounding flooding and storm impacts globally, underscoring how fast extreme weather can escalate. Regional Security & Trade Pressure: Insecurity is choking the Cameroon–Chad–Nigeria trade corridor as attacks and kidnappings surge along key highways, threatening freight and everyday movement. Finance for Delivery: UBA’s CEO urges Africa to turn opportunities into bankable, well-prepared projects with credible execution—highlighting telecom financing in Chad.

Banking & Infrastructure Finance: UBA’s CEO Oliver Alawuba urged Africa to turn big ideas into “bankable” projects, stressing rigorous preparation, credible institutions, dependable revenue and accountable delivery—plus financing tools like lending, guarantees and syndicated deals, with Chad cited in UBA’s telecom financing. Climate & Public Health: A new Climate Impact Lab projection warns this “Super El Niño” could drive about 451,000 extra heat deaths globally (modeled, not counted) through early 2027, with Africa’s Sahel hit hardest—flagging Nigeria, Sudan, Niger and Chad. Energy Access: Afrobarometer data shows fewer than half of Africans get reliable electricity; Chad sits at the bottom for reliability, while many households turn to alternatives like solar. Regional Security & Tech-Adjacent Ops: Coverage highlights the push for better coordination among African special operations forces as cross-border threats grow, with interoperability and trust emphasized. Trade & Connectivity Risks: Insecurity is choking the Cameroon–Chad trade corridor as attacks and kidnappings surge along key highways, threatening freight and everyday commerce.

Climate & Health: A new Climate Impact Lab projection warns that this year’s “Super El Niño” could trigger about 451,000 additional heat-related deaths worldwide in the first nine months, with 239,000 more from Sep 2026–Feb 2027 alone; the Sahel is expected to take the hardest hit, including 31,400 in Nigeria and 8,000 in Chad. Energy Access: Afrobarometer data shows fewer than half of Africans get electricity that works reliably, with Chad at just 3% reporting reliable supply—pushing many households toward alternatives like solar. Security Tech & Coordination: Experts say African special operations forces need better cross-border connectivity and interoperability, using networks as a “net worth” to counter evolving threats. Regional Trade Tech/Infra: Insecurity is choking the Cameroon–Chad–Nigeria trade corridor as attacks and kidnappings surge along key highways, while road projects face slow delivery and management issues. Investment & Tech Capacity: Switzerland’s ambassador highlights long-term investment ties with Nigeria and regional cooperation, including cultural and preservation partnerships that can support broader tech and skills exchange.

Climate & Health: A “Super El Niño” is forecast to push extreme heat through early 2027, with Climate Impact Lab projecting about 451,000 extra heat-related deaths worldwide in the first nine months—about 239,000 more from Sep 2026 to Feb 2027—hitting the Global South hardest, including major risks for Nigeria and Chad. Energy Access: Afrobarometer data shows fewer than half of Africans get reliable electricity, with Chad among the lowest (about 3% reporting power that works most/all of the time), and many households turning to solar. Security Tech & Coordination: African special operations forces are urged to build stronger cross-border connectivity and interoperability, with “Silent Warrior 2025” highlighting that “your network is your net worth.” Regional Trade Under Pressure: Insecurity is choking the Cameroon–Chad–Nigeria trade corridor as attacks and kidnappings surge along key highways, threatening freight and everyday commerce. Infrastructure & Procurement: Chinese firms hold about 66% of major road contract value in Cameroon’s northern regions, but progress is slow on several projects. Finance & Governance: CCA-Bank is reorganizing oversight and expansion roles as it prepares to scale across Africa, including more technology and shared services.

Heat Risk for Chad and Neighbors: A new Climate Impact Lab report warns “Super El Niño” could add about 451,000 heat-related deaths worldwide by Feb 2027, with the Sahel hit hardest—projecting extra deaths in Chad (about 8,000), plus Nigeria, Sudan and Niger—pushing calls for heat warnings, cooling centers, and protections for outdoor workers. Electricity Access Gap: Afrobarometer data shows fewer than half of Africans get reliable grid power; in Chad only about 3% report electricity that works most or all of the time, while Nigeria also ranks near the bottom on citizens’ confidence in electricity delivery. Cameroon–Chad Trade Under Strain: Insecurity is choking the Cameroon–Chad–Nigeria trade corridor as attacks and kidnappings surge along key highways, and bad rainy-season road conditions make the lifeline even harder to use. Regional Tech/Infrastructure Watch: Chinese firms hold about 66% of major road contract value in Cameroon’s northern regions, but progress is slow on multiple projects—raising concerns for delivery timelines that matter for cross-border connectivity. Sudan Conflict Spillover: A report argues the UAE is a major external driver of Sudan’s war, including via RSF-linked gold flows that help sustain fighting—an issue with direct regional knock-on effects for Chad.

Heat Risk: A new Climate Impact Lab report warns “Super El Niño” could add about 451,000 heat-related deaths worldwide by Feb 2027, with the Sahel hit hardest—projecting extra deaths in Nigeria (31,400), Sudan (17,500), Niger (10,000) and Chad (8,000). Energy Access: Afrobarometer data shows fewer than half of Africans get reliable electricity; in Chad only 3% report power that works most or all of the time, while Nigeria also ranks near the bottom. Transport & Security: Insecurity is choking the Cameroon–Chad trade corridor as Boko Haram-linked attacks and kidnappings surge along the Yaoundé–Kousséri–N’Djamena highway, worsening already-poor road conditions. Infrastructure Contracts: Chinese firms hold about 66% of major road contract value in Cameroon’s Adamawa, North and Far North, but progress is slow on several projects. Regional Conflict Tech: Coverage on Sudan highlights how foreign backers—especially the UAE—are tied to the RSF/SAF war economy, including gold flows that help sustain fighting.

Climate & Health: A new Climate Impact Lab report warns this year’s “Super El Niño” could add about 451,000 heat-related deaths worldwide between June 2026 and Feb 2027, with the biggest toll in Africa’s Sahel—about 66,800 extra deaths, including 31,400 in Nigeria and 8,000 in Chad. Energy Access: Afrobarometer data shows fewer than half of Africans get reliable electricity; in Chad only 3% report power that works “most” or “all” of the time, pushing many households toward alternatives like solar. Regional Security & Trade: Insecurity is strangling the Cameroon–Chad–Nigeria trade corridor, with attacks and kidnappings along the highway route threatening freight and daily commerce. Governance & Stability: A peace-and-security analysis argues West Africa’s democratic setbacks—linked to coups across the region—are reshaping the security landscape and challenging ECOWAS’s role. Finance & Tech-Enabled Expansion: CCA-Bank is reorganizing to separate Cameroon oversight from wider expansion, with plans spanning banking, insurance, financial markets, and technology.

Climate & Health: A new University of Chicago Climate Impact Lab report warns this “Super El Niño” could add about 451,000 heat-related deaths worldwide between Sept 2026 and Feb 2027, with the Sahel hit hardest—about 8,000 extra deaths projected in Chad (and 31,400 in Nigeria, 17,500 in Sudan, 10,000 in Niger). Energy Access: Afrobarometer data shows fewer than half of Africans get reliable electricity; Chad is among the lowest, with only about 3% reporting power that works most or all of the time, pushing many households toward alternatives like solar. Security & Trade: Insecurity is choking the Cameroon–Chad–Nigeria trade corridor, as kidnappings and attacks surge along the Maroua–Kousséri–N’Djamena route, threatening freight and everyday commerce. Regional Politics: A conference in Abidjan highlights how coups across West Africa—including in Chad—have deepened democratic recession and strained ECOWAS’s ability to manage peace and security. Tech & Global Agenda: A weekly international roundup flags how conflicts, energy shocks, climate risks, and artificial intelligence are increasingly tied together on the road to the UN General Assembly.

Heat Disaster Watch: A new Climate Impact Lab report warns this “Super El Niño” could add about 451,000 heat-related deaths worldwide between June 2026 and Feb 2027, with the Sahel hit hardest—projecting 66,800 extra deaths across the region, including 31,400 in Nigeria and 8,000 in Chad—plus knock-on risks like drought, wildfires, and flooding. Electricity Reality Check: Afrobarometer data shows fewer than half of Africans get reliable grid power; in Chad, only about 3% report electricity that works most or all of the time, pushing many households toward alternatives like solar. Chad in the Security Mix: A peace-and-security analysis flags Chad’s 2020s coups as part of a wider democratic recession across West Africa, stressing how regional stability is being reshaped by global power shifts. Trade Under Pressure: Insecurity is choking the Cameroon–Chad–Nigeria trade corridor, with kidnappings and attacks along key highways disrupting freight and everyday commerce. Policy & Tech Angle: The week’s global agenda also highlighted how artificial intelligence is entering discussions on security and governance, alongside climate and humanitarian pressures.

Climate & Health: A new Climate Impact Lab report warns this “Super El Niño” could add about 451,000 heat-related deaths worldwide between now and Feb 2027, with the biggest hit in Africa’s Sahel—about 66,800 extra deaths, including 31,400 in Nigeria and 8,000 in Chad. Public Safety Tech: The same study says targeted heat warnings, cooling centers, and protections for outdoor workers could prevent tens of thousands of deaths. Energy Access: Afrobarometer data shows fewer than half of Africans get reliable electricity; Chad is among the worst, with only about 3% reporting power that works most or all of the time—pushing many households toward alternatives like solar. Regional Tech & Trade: Insecurity is disrupting the Cameroon–Chad–Nigeria trade corridor, with attacks on the road and chokepoints threatening movement of goods to places like N’Djamena. Investment & Diplomacy: Switzerland’s ambassador highlights long-term investment ties with Nigeria and regional cooperation that also touches Chad, including plans around migration and security.