AGP Executive Report

US Trade Pressure: The U.S. proposes a 12.5% tariff on imports from Algeria, Angola, Egypt, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Nigeria and South Africa, citing weak enforcement against forced-labour goods—another hit to Africa’s trade stability. Mauritania Uranium Push: Aura Energy says it’s on track for a final investment decision by end-2026 for the Tiris uranium project, after signing an MoU with a “major” nuclear utility and advancing its feasibility work. Ebola Vaccine Funding: CEPI backs Moderna and partners with about $60m to speed Ebola Bundibugyo vaccine development amid the DRC outbreak, with trials potentially starting within months but security risks remain. Clean Cooking Finance: AfDB launches a Clean Cooking Program under the Rome Process/Mattei Plan with an initial EUR 25m, aiming to reach about one million households and cut millions of tonnes of CO2. ICT for Teachers: Japan/UNESCO-IICBA support delivers ICT equipment to 15 colleges of education across West Africa, including Mauritania, to boost digital literacy and teacher training.

Uranium Development: Aura Energy says it has a “clear run” to a final investment decision by year-end for its Tiris uranium project in Mauritania, aiming for FID by end-2026 after signing a memorandum with a “major international nuclear utility” covering potential funding, offtake and technical collaboration, while its bankable feasibility study is still on track for September 2026. Public Health Tech: CEPI is backing Moderna and two other groups with about $60m to accelerate Ebola Bundibugyo vaccine development, with hopes for rapid trial readiness, while noting security challenges in eastern DR Congo. Clean Cooking Energy: The AfDB launched a Clean Cooking Program under its Rome Process/Mattei Plan Financing Facility, with an initial EUR 25m envelope targeting about one million households and millions of tonnes of CO2 cuts. Education & Digital Skills: Japan and UNESCO’s capacity-building support helped distribute ICT equipment to 15 colleges of education across West Africa, including Mauritania, to boost teacher training and digital literacy. Climate & Land Degradation: A new report warns desertification is advancing, with the Sahara pushing south into the Sahel and more land becoming permanently drier.

ICT for Education: A regional project supported by Japan and UNESCO’s capacity-building arm handed ICT equipment to 15 colleges of education across West Africa, including Mauritania, aiming to boost teacher training and digital literacy. Ebola Vaccine Funding: CEPI is set to provide about $60m to Moderna and partners to accelerate Ebola Bundibugyo vaccine development, with trials complicated by security in eastern DR Congo. Clean Cooking Finance: The AfDB launched a Clean Cooking Program under its Rome Process/Mattei Plan Financing Facility, targeting around one million households and millions of tonnes of CO2 cuts—relevant for Mauritania’s energy and household needs. Mauritania Uranium Push: Aura Energy says it’s nearing a final investment decision for the Tiris uranium mine, with an announcement expected by year-end and a bankable feasibility study due in September. Digital Infrastructure: Orange-led consortium signed an MoU for Via Africa, a 20,000km subsea cable linking Europe to West Africa with landing points including Mauritania, promising more resilient connectivity. Desertification Watch: A new report highlights Sahara expansion and “permanently drier” land trends, underscoring climate pressure across the Sahel and Mauritania.

Mauritania Energy & Mining: Aura Energy says it is on a “clear run” toward a final investment decision by year-end for its Tiris uranium project, aiming to make it Mauritania’s first uranium mine in decades, with a bankable feasibility study due in September and funding options spanning strategic equity, project debt and other capital sources. Public Health: CEPI will provide about $60m to Moderna and two other groups to speed up Ebola Bundibugyo vaccine development after the outbreak in eastern DR Congo was declared a public health emergency, with trials complicated by security conditions. Digital Infrastructure: Orange-led consortium signs an MoU to build Via Africa, a 20,000-km subsea cable linking Europe to West Africa and extending toward southern routes, with landing points including Mauritania and other coastal markets to improve resilience against cable failures. Research & Education Links: University of Tifariti joins the second Bridge to Africa program in the Canary Islands, pushing shared academic pathways and cooperation across research, environment, health and sustainable development. Regional Tech Policy: EU moves to build its first joint critical minerals stockpile, initially targeting tungsten, rare earths and gallium—an effort that could shape supply chains relevant to African mining partners.

Ebola Vaccine Push: CEPI is backing Moderna and two other groups with about $60m to speed up a vaccine for Ebola Bundibugyo, aiming for trials within months as eastern DR Congo faces a public health emergency amid security hurdles. Digital Infrastructure for West Africa: Orange and partners signed an MoU for Via Africa, a 20,000-km subsea cable linking Europe to West Africa (including Mauritania) to cut outage risk and boost connectivity for data-hungry services. Mauritania in the Tech Cooperation Mix: China-Africa cooperation highlights Mauritania’s livestock tech project using juncao and alfalfa varieties for sandy environments, showing how agricultural know-how is being adapted locally. Academic Links Across Africa: The Bridge to Africa program opened at the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria with a delegation from Tifariti University, focusing on research, environment, health, and shared strategies. Higher Education Ownership: An Africa-Europe Erasmus+ conference in Tunis urged African universities to move from junior partners to co-designers of research and digital transformation. Mining & Critical Minerals: EU plans for a joint critical minerals stockpile (tungsten, rare earths, gallium) signal supply-chain urgency that could benefit regional mining players.

Subsea Connectivity Boost: Orange-led consortium signed an MoU for Via Africa, a 20,000km subsea cable linking Europe to West Africa (including Mauritania) and extending toward southern routes, aiming to cut outage risk as cable faults disrupt banking, fintech, and telecoms. Digital Cooperation: China–Africa tech ties keep expanding beyond hardware into smart agriculture, AI training, and desertification control; in Mauritania, Chinese experts introduced juncao and alfalfa for sandy livestock systems. Academic Links: University of Tifariti joined the second Bridge to Africa program at the University of Las Palmas, pushing shared research and sustainable development partnerships between Africa and the Canaries. Critical Minerals Push: The EU is building its first joint critical minerals stockpile, starting with tungsten, rare earths and gallium, signaling more supply-chain investment that could ripple into African mining projects. Climate & Land Use: UN reporting highlights Sahara expansion into the Sahel, intensifying desertification pressures that threaten livelihoods and ecosystems.

Digital Infrastructure: Orange-led consortium signed an MoU to build Via Africa, a 20,000km subsea cable linking Europe to West Africa (including Mauritania) and extending south, aiming to cut outages and boost connectivity resilience. Agri-Tech & Climate Resilience: China-Africa tech cooperation highlights desertification control and livestock support in Mauritania via juncao and alfalfa varieties suited to sandy environments. Research & Education Links: University of Tifariti joined the second Bridge to Africa program in the Canary Islands, pushing shared strategies on research, environment, health, and sustainable development. Academic Pathways: Erasmus+ talks in Tunis focus on shifting Africa-Europe higher education from mobility-only to co-designed research and digital transformation. Mining & Critical Minerals: EU moves toward a joint critical minerals stockpile (tungsten, rare earths, gallium), signaling new supply-chain urgency that could shape regional projects. Connectivity for Industry: West Africa Energy Summit urged using energy for industrialization and development, not just exports—an access and reliability push for businesses. Environment & Drylands: UN reporting warns the Sahara is expanding southward, with drylands becoming “permanently drier,” raising stakes for Sahel livelihoods. Public Health & Security: DR Congo’s World Cup return comes amid Ebola in the east and ongoing militia violence, with WHO warning the outbreak may be wider than reported.

Digital Connectivity: Orange and partners signed an MoU for Via Africa, a 20,000-kilometre subsea cable linking Europe to West Africa (including Mauritania) and extending south, aiming to cut outage risks by adding route diversity along the Atlantic corridor. Science & Education Links: The University of Tifariti joined the second Bridge to Africa program at the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, pushing university-to-university research and policy cooperation across Africa and the Canaries. Agritech & Climate Resilience: China–Africa tech cooperation highlights desertification control and livestock support in Mauritania via juncao and alfalfa suited to sandy environments, alongside broader AI and digital training efforts. Energy Security: A West Africa energy summit stressed using oil and gas to drive industrialization and reliable power while preparing for the cleaner-energy transition. Regional Tech/Policy Context: Morocco told the UN decolonization panel the Sahara file should leave its agenda, pointing to Security Council-led autonomy talks—an issue that can shape regional governance and cross-border cooperation. Global Tech Culture: The week’s biggest tech pop-culture hit was 007 First Light, a new Bond video game blending stealth action with AI-themed villains.

Subsea Connectivity: Orange-led consortium signed an MoU for Via Africa, a 20,000km Atlantic subsea cable linking Europe to West Africa and extending toward Southern Africa, with landings including Mauritania and Senegal—aimed at reducing outages and boosting resilience as cable cuts keep disrupting telecoms and digital services. Digital Skills & Research Links: The University of Tifariti joined the second Bridge to Africa program at the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, while African universities push for shared academic pathways and more equal project roles in Erasmus+ cooperation. Agritech for Drylands: China-Africa tech cooperation highlights desertification control and livestock support in Mauritania via juncao and alfalfa varieties suited to sandy environments, alongside smart agriculture pilots like perennial rice. Energy Pressure: Early heatwaves and the Iran war are described as a “perfect storm” for energy shortages, with rising demand straining power systems. Mining & Critical Minerals: Mining On Top Africa 2026 in Paris spotlights Africa’s mining sovereignty and partnerships, while the EU moves toward a critical minerals stockpile (tungsten, rare earths, gallium) to cut reliance on China. Regional Politics: Senegal’s government collapse after President Faye fired PM Sonko adds uncertainty for investors amid IMF and budget pressures. Security & Online Influence: A report on Sudan’s conflict describes a large bot-and-sockpuppet influence operation spanning countries including Mauritania, showing how tech can shape narratives.

Digital Infrastructure: Orange-led consortium signed an MoU for “Via Africa,” a new 20,000-kilometre subsea cable linking Europe to West Africa and extending along the Atlantic corridor toward South Africa, with landings including Mauritania and Senegal—aimed at reducing outages and boosting resilience for data-hungry services. Research & Education: University of Tifariti joined the second Bridge to Africa program at the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, pushing university-to-university cooperation across research, environment, diplomacy and sustainable development. Higher Education Policy: African institutions urged “shared academic pathways” in Erasmus+ discussions in Tunis, shifting partnerships toward co-development, research collaboration and digital transformation. Critical Minerals: The EU is building its first joint critical minerals stockpile, starting with tungsten, rare earths and gallium, with ports like Rotterdam discussed for storage—part of a broader push to cut reliance on China. Agritech & Climate Resilience: China-Africa tech cooperation highlights desertification control and livestock support in Mauritania via juncao and alfalfa suited to sandy environments. Security & Tech Influence: A UNESCO fellow investigation describes a long-running bot and sockpuppet influence operation tied to Sudan-related online narratives, with activity reported across Mauritania and the region. Environment: UN reporting warns the Sahara is expanding southward, with more land becoming permanently drier—an urgent Sahel-facing science and policy challenge.

Subsea Connectivity: Orange-led consortium signed an MoU for Via Africa, a 20,000-kilometre Atlantic subsea cable linking Europe to West Africa (including Mauritania) and extending toward South Africa, aiming to cut outage risk by adding route diversity. Digital Cooperation: China–Africa tech ties keep expanding beyond trade, with projects ranging from smart agriculture to AI training and desertification control; in Mauritania, Chinese experts introduced juncao and alfalfa for sandy livestock systems. Higher Education Links: University of Tifariti (Mauritania) joined the second Bridge to Africa program in the Canary Islands, while African institutions push for shared academic pathways in Erasmus+ planning. Energy & Development: West Africa energy leaders argue the region’s oil and gas push must become a development moment—industrialization, infrastructure, and reliable access—not just exports. Climate Pressure: A new report highlights desertification momentum, with the Sahara expanding southward into the Sahel, raising stakes for water and land management. Humanitarian Logistics: The Global Sumud Land Caravan says activists are detained or lost contact near Libya’s Sirte checkpoint while trying to deliver aid to Gaza.

Subsea Connectivity Boost: Orange-led consortium signed an MoU for Via Africa, a 20,000km Atlantic subsea cable linking Europe to West Africa (including Mauritania, Senegal, Guinea, Côte d’Ivoire and Nigeria) with further south extensions planned—aimed at cutting outage risk from frequent cable faults. Academia & Research Links: A Mauritania delegation from the University of Tifariti joined the second Bridge to Africa program at the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, pushing university-to-university cooperation on research, environment, education and sustainable development. Africa-EU Higher Education Shift: An Erasmus+ conference in Tunis highlighted a push for shared academic pathways, with African institutions moving toward co-development and agenda-setting in partnerships. Digital Skills & Food Tech: China-Africa tech cooperation continues to expand, including smart agriculture and desertification control; in Mauritania, Chinese experts promoted juncao and alfalfa suited to sandy livestock systems. Climate & Land Pressure: A new report warns desertification is advancing—Sahara expansion into the Sahel is accelerating, threatening livelihoods and ecosystems across drylands. Humanitarian Tech in Crisis: A Gaza-bound Global Sumud Land Caravan reported lost contact with part of its convoy near Libya’s Sirte checkpoint, underscoring risks for aid logistics.

Subsea Connectivity Boost: Orange-led consortium signed an MoU for Via Africa, a new 20,000km Atlantic subsea cable to link Europe with West Africa (including Mauritania) and extend connectivity further south, aiming to cut outage risk by adding route diversity. AI & Digital Capacity: China–Africa tech cooperation highlights AI training and digital infrastructure support, while Mauritania is mentioned for livestock tech using juncao and alfalfa suited to sandy environments. Desertification Pressure in the Sahel: A new report flags accelerating dryland expansion, with the Sahara pushing south into Sahelian zones—raising stakes for land management and climate resilience. Food & Livestock Under Strain: West African livestock markets are pricing many traders out amid jihadist predation, export bans, climate shocks, and currency pressure, reshaping supply chains around Eid al-Adha. Regional Security & Tech Risks: Coverage also points to rising jihadist pressure across Mali and broader hybrid/cyber threats to critical infrastructure, underscoring the need for resilient systems.

Subsea Connectivity Boost: Orange-led Via Africa is set to build a 20,000km Atlantic subsea cable with a consortium including International Mauritania Telecom, aiming to cut outages and add resilience for West Africa’s fast-growing digital services. AI & Agriculture Cooperation: China-Africa tech ties keep expanding, with Mauritania among countries using juncao (fungi-and-grass) and alfalfa suited for sandy livestock systems, alongside wider smart farming and AI training efforts. Desertification Pressure in the Sahel: A new look at UN reporting warns the Sahara is pushing south, with drylands expanding and Sahel communities facing worsening land stress. Energy for Development: A West Africa energy summit argues the region’s next step is using oil and gas for industrialization and energy access, not just exports. Humanitarian Tech in Crisis Zones: A Gaza-bound Global Sumud Land Caravan reports activists detained and others losing contact in eastern Libya, highlighting how communications and logistics collide with conflict. Russia–Ethiopia Links: Russia and Ethiopia discussed expanding trade and scientific/technical cooperation, with Mauritania also referenced in recent diplomatic exchanges.

Gaming & AI Culture: IO Interactive’s 007 First Light launches May 27, and the buzz is already huge: players can expect 10 main missions plus a prologue, with Bond’s early MI6 training and globe-trotting stealth-action framed against a villain powered by militarised ChatGPT—reviewers call it the most “human” Bond story yet and the best 007 game in decades. Digital Infrastructure: Orange-led Via Africa is set to build a 20,000km subsea cable across the Atlantic to Europe and down West Africa, with Mauritania among the landing points—aimed at reducing repeat outages that hit banking, telecoms and fintech. Security & Influence: A week of coverage also highlights how online influence operations and jihadist pressure keep reshaping politics across the Sahel and beyond, including long-running bot networks tied to regional conflicts. Regional Tech Diplomacy: China-Africa tech cooperation continues to expand, from agriculture to digital capacity-building.

Sudan’s Online War: A new investigation says a long-running Middle East influence operation—built from hundreds of sockpuppet accounts and thousands of supporting bots—has been shaping political narratives for years, with activity spanning Sudan, Yemen, Tunisia, Mauritania, Libya, Syria, Egypt and the Gulf, and Sudan at the center. Digital Infrastructure: Orange and partners are pushing ahead with Via Africa, a 20,000km subsea cable meant to link Europe to West Africa (including Mauritania) and extend further south, aiming to cut outage risk by adding route diversity. Africa Tech Diplomacy: Coverage highlights Baku’s “digital government” push in Africa as a South-South model, while China-Africa tech cooperation continues to expand from AI training to agriculture. Security & Politics: Mali’s jihadist pressure and Russia’s Sahel setbacks remain in focus, alongside Arab states condemning Somaliland’s Jerusalem embassy move as illegal. Humanitarian Tech Under Strain: The Global Sumud Land Caravan reports detentions and lost contact with activists in eastern Libya as they try to reach Gaza by road.