AGP Executive Report

Extreme Heat Watch: AFP analysis of Copernicus data says about 900 million people worldwide endured their hottest July on record in 2026, with 33 countries breaking records; in the Sahel, Mauritania, Niger and Burkina Faso were among the worst hit, while drought and wildfires also struck parts of France and Spain. Solar Eclipse Guide: Europe is set for a total solar eclipse on Aug. 12; partial coverage is expected across parts of the Maghreb including Mauritania, but viewers are warned to use certified eclipse glasses. Mauritania Skills & Jobs: A Canary Islands “Cluster” pilot backed by the Spanish Embassy in Nouakchott trained Mauritanian women in fashion, aiming to boost textile entrepreneurship and reduce dangerous Atlantic migration. Energy Workforce Training: IHRDC appointed IDM Industries as its in-country representative for Mauritania, bringing competency management and e-learning programs to the country’s energy and mining sectors. Digital Connectivity: Ookla reports Tunisia’s 5G speeds eased after launch, and notes 5G rollout has begun in Mauritania alongside Libya, while regulators push 5G fixed wireless access. Data Center Benchmarking: A sector ranking highlights Morocco’s data center strength, with Uptime Institute’s constructed-facility certifications seen as the real test of resilience. Deradicalization in Practice: Reporting points to Mauritania’s use of state-certified Islamic female spiritual guides (“mourchidates”) deployed in prisons and youth spaces to counter violent extremism.

Climate & Heat Risk: AFP analysis of Copernicus data says about 900 million people worldwide endured their hottest July on record in 2026, with 33 countries breaking records; in the Sahel, Mauritania, Niger and Burkina Faso were among those hitting new highs. Astronomy for Mauritania: A total solar eclipse on Aug. 12 will be visible as a partial eclipse across parts of North Africa, including Mauritania, with safety warnings to use certified eclipse glasses. Energy Training in Mauritania: IHRDC appointed IDM Industries as its in-country representative to bring competency management and e-learning to Mauritania’s energy and mining workforce, including support linked to the GTA LNG project. Uranium & Mining Momentum: Coverage of ASX juniors highlights Aura Energy’s progress on its Tiris uranium project in Mauritania, including work on processing and plans tied to nuclear utility interest. Digital Infrastructure & Connectivity: Ookla reports Tunisia’s 5G speeds eased after launch, while noting operators in Libya and Mauritania have begun rolling out 5G services. Skills & Jobs (Textiles): A Canary Islands-backed cluster initiative trained Mauritanian women in fashion and entrepreneurship, aiming to create jobs and reduce dangerous Atlantic migration routes.

Mauritania Energy Skills: IHRDC appointed IDM Industries as its in-country representative for Mauritania, bringing competency management and e-learning training to the country’s energy and mining workforce, with regular visits to support local programs. Mauritania Mining Build-Out: Aura Energy’s Tiris project update highlights continued uranium-focused progress in Mauritania, including work on processing flowsheets using proven technology and steps toward further development. Mauritania Climate & Water Tech: A Morocco-led effort is using AI plus aquatic drones, ecological sensors, spectrometry and satellite imagery to detect toxic algal blooms early—an approach that matters for water-scarce regions like Mauritania where late detection can damage freshwater supplies. Regional Heat Pressure: Copernicus-based AFP analysis reports record July temperatures affecting about 900 million people, with Sahel countries including Mauritania among those breaking monthly records—raising urgency for climate resilience and monitoring. Digital Infrastructure Watch: Ookla reports Mauritania is among North African markets beginning 5G rollouts, while Tunisia’s 5G speed slowdown shows how network demand can quickly stress capacity. Security & Community Prevention: Reporting on Mauritania’s use of state-certified Islamic female spiritual guides (mourchidates) points to a homegrown deradicalization model deployed in prisons, schools and youth centers.

Mauritania Energy Skills: IHRDC named IDM Industries as its in-country representative for Mauritania, bringing competency management, e-learning, and instructor-led training to the country’s energy and mining workforce, including support tied to the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim LNG ecosystem. Climate & Heat Risk: AFP analysis of Copernicus data says record July temperatures hit regions home to about 900 million people worldwide, with nearly 400 million affected in Africa—Sahel countries including Mauritania among those breaking monthly heat records. Space & Skywatching: A Jordanian astronomy group says a partial solar eclipse will be visible in parts of the Maghreb, including Mauritania, while warning viewers to use certified eclipse glasses; the same update highlights a 6-planet alignment and an ISS transit for the region. Data & Connectivity: Ookla reports Tunisia’s 5G speeds eased after launch, and notes operators in Mauritania have begun rolling out 5G services—useful context for regional network upgrades. Carbon Tracking: A study comparing satellite observations with official reporting flags possible undercounting of emissions from industrial sites, naming a large iron mine in Mauritania as a major gap. Deradicalization in Mauritania: Reporting highlights Mauritania’s use of state-certified female spiritual guides (mourchidates) deployed in prisons and youth spaces to counter extremist recruitment with theological counseling.

Energy & Skills: IHRDC has appointed IDM Industries as its in-country representative in Mauritania, bringing competency management, e-learning, and instructor-led training to the country’s energy and mining workforce, including projects tied to the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim LNG push. Climate Pressure: AFP analysis of Copernicus data says around 900 million people across the Sahel, Europe and beyond lived through the hottest July on record, with Mauritania among countries breaking monthly heat records—raising fresh alarms on food and water stress. Solar Science & Public Interest: A total solar eclipse on Aug. 12 will be visible across parts of Europe and Africa, with partial coverage reaching the evening in Africa—fueling renewed skywatching and science outreach. Digital Infrastructure: Ookla reports Tunisia’s 5G speeds eased after launch, while Libya and Mauritania have begun rolling out 5G services—highlighting how network demand shapes real-world performance. Mining Emissions Watch: A satellite-based study flags possible undercounted carbon from industrial sources, naming a large iron mine in Mauritania as a gap versus official records. Security & Community Resilience: Reporting highlights Mauritania’s use of state-certified female spiritual guides (mourchidates) to help deradicalize youth in prisons, schools and community spaces.

Textile & Jobs: Ten Mauritanian fashion brands showcased designs at the Spanish Embassy in Nouakchott, finishing a Canary Islands-backed training push under a “Cluster” initiative aimed at creativity, entrepreneurship, and stronger, more professional textile value chains—plus tech support to help reduce reliance on dangerous Atlantic migration routes. Space Science: Mauritania’s “Eye of the Sahara” (Richat Structure) is explained through modern geology, clarifying why the famous concentric rings are not a meteor crater but a natural dome visible from space. 5G in North Africa: Ookla reports Tunisia’s 5G speeds eased after launch as traffic rose, while Mauritania is also starting 5G rollouts—useful context for regional connectivity and capacity planning. Mining & Powering Tech Supply: Coverage highlights how African critical minerals are drawing investment; Mauritania’s uranium project (Tiris) is cited as progressing, underscoring the link between local resources and global tech demand. Climate Monitoring: Satellite and emissions research flags gaps between reported and observed pollution, naming a large iron mine in Mauritania as a case where industrial sources may be underestimated. Security & Youth De-radicalization: A report spotlights Mauritania’s state-certified female spiritual guides (mourchidates) working in prisons and youth spaces to counter extremist recruitment with mainstream religious education.

Mauritania Tech & Security: Female Islamic spiritual guides (mourchidates) are being used across Mauritania’s prisons, schools and youth centers to counter radicalization and steer young people toward mainstream religious arguments, with the country noted as relatively peaceful since an AQIM attack in 2011. Digital Public Infrastructure: UNDP is pushing blockchain from pilots into wider deployment as part of digital public infrastructure, focusing on governance, interoperability and trust; pilots in several countries reportedly cut blockchain-based digital payment distribution costs sharply. Telecom in North Africa: Ookla reports Tunisia’s 5G speeds eased after launch as traffic rose, while 5G fixed wireless access adoption surged—operators in Libya and Mauritania are also rolling out 5G. Climate Monitoring: Satellite checks found major gaps in reported emissions from oil, gas and some mining sites; researchers flag an unrecorded large iron mine in Mauritania and an unrecorded gold mine in Egypt. Local Digital Economy Links: Oman’s OCCI is engaging Mauritania to expand cooperation in digital economy, AI, smart cities, IoT and cybersecurity. US Visa Policy Impact: The US made a visa bond programme permanent, requiring some African applicants to post refundable bonds before B1/B2 visas.

Mauritania’s anti-extremism model: Female state-certified spiritual guides (mourchidates) are being used in prisons, schools and youth centers to counter radical messaging and steer young people toward mainstream Islamic learning. Digital public infrastructure: UNDP says blockchain is moving from pilots to broader deployment as part of digital public infrastructure, focusing on governance, interoperability and trust (including decentralized identity and payments). Mining and tech investment: Aura Energy reports progress on its uranium-focused Tiris project in Mauritania, advancing processing work and partnerships tied to nuclear utility interest. 5G rollout watch (region): Ookla finds Tunisia’s 5G speeds eased after launch as traffic rose; it also notes operators in Libya and Mauritania have begun rolling out 5G. Data centers (region): A new ranking highlights Morocco’s surge in certified data center construction, while stressing that “constructed” resilience certification matters most. Climate monitoring: Satellite checks suggest some northern Africa oil and gas and even major mines may be emitting more CO2 than official records show, including a large iron mine in Mauritania. Digital economy cooperation: OCCI’s Mauritania visit targets AI, smart cities, IoT and cybersecurity partnerships to help Omani firms expand regionally. Immigration policy shift (US): The US makes a visa bond programme permanent, potentially affecting many African travelers with refundable deposits up to $20,000.

Mauritania Tech & Science: Aura Energy says it made strong progress on its Tiris uranium project in Mauritania, finalising a processing flowsheet built on proven technology and advancing talks with an international nuclear utility for possible equity, offtake and technical collaboration. Digital Public Infrastructure: UNDP is pushing blockchain beyond pilots into wider deployment for digital public infrastructure, arguing the remaining hurdles are governance, interoperability and trust; it also launched a Government Blockchain Academy to help countries assess and adopt systems. Connectivity in North Africa: Ookla reports Tunisia’s 5G speeds eased after launch as traffic rose, while Libya and Mauritania have begun rolling out 5G services—useful context for regional telecom planning. Climate Monitoring: Satellite checks suggest oil, gas and some industrial sites emit more CO₂ than official records show, with gaps linked to an iron mine in Mauritania and a gold mine in Egypt. Security & Community Resilience: A report highlights Mauritania’s use of state-certified female spiritual guides (mourchidates) in prisons and youth spaces to counter radicalization. Regional Tech Cooperation: OCCI (Oman) met Mauritania’s side to explore digital economy, AI, smart cities, IoT and cybersecurity cooperation. Global Context (Data): World Bank income mapping shows major shifts over 30 years, including countries moving up income tiers—useful background for development policy discussions.

Space Science: A Concorde flight plan was accepted to chase a historic eclipse from nearly 17 km altitude, letting researchers study the solar corona in infrared and invite teams from France, the UK, the US, and beyond. Deradicalization & Youth Programs (Mauritania): Mauritania’s use of state-certified Islamic female spiritual guides (mourchidates) is highlighted as a practical approach to counter extremist recruitment in prisons, schools, and youth centers. Digital Public Infrastructure (UNDP): UNDP is moving blockchain from pilots to wider deployment as part of digital public infrastructure, focusing on governance, interoperability, and trust. Telecom (North Africa): Ookla reports Tunisia’s 5G speeds eased after launch as traffic rose, while 5G fixed wireless access adoption accelerated; Mauritania is also noted for beginning 5G rollouts. Data Centers (Morocco): Uptime Institute’s certified-build rankings spotlight Morocco’s strong data center construction footprint, with certification of constructed facilities emphasized over design-only claims. Mining & Critical Minerals (Mauritania): ASX juniors report progress on African projects, including Aura Energy’s Tiris uranium work in Mauritania. US Visa Policy Impact: The US makes its visa bond program permanent, potentially affecting many African travelers applying for B1/B2 visas. Climate Monitoring (Mauritania): A satellite-based study flags undercounted industrial emissions, naming a major iron mine in Mauritania as a likely gap. Digital Economy Cooperation (Mauritania): Oman’s chamber joins Mauritania-focused talks on digital transformation and AI, including smart cities, IoT, and cybersecurity.

Deradicalization in Mauritania: Female state-certified mourchidates are being used in prisons, schools and youth centers to counter extremist recruitment with mainstream theological arguments and mental support. Mauritania’s tech diplomacy: Oman and Mauritania signed multiple MoUs on digital transformation, including an IoT smart water-meter pilot and cooperation on security, mapping and skills transfer. Education & engineering links: Morocco will export engineering sciences to Nouakchott via a new EMSI campus, offering programs from computer networks to intelligent systems aligned with Mauritania’s Higher Education Strategy 2030. Uranium & mining momentum: ASX juniors report progress across African projects, highlighting Aura Energy’s Tiris work in Mauritania and broader investment in critical minerals. Blockchain for public services: UNDP is moving blockchain from pilots to deployment in digital public infrastructure, focusing on governance, interoperability and trust. Connectivity update (region): Ookla finds Tunisia’s 5G speeds eased after launch as traffic rose, while operators in Libya and Mauritania begin rolling out 5G. Data centers (region): Uptime Institute’s tier certification gap shows why “built” rankings can differ from “actually resilient” capacity, with Morocco leading by certified facilities. Climate monitoring: Satellite checks suggest official emissions can miss major industrial sources, including a large iron mine in Mauritania. US visa policy: The US makes its visa bond program permanent, requiring up to $20,000 from many African applicants for B1/B2 visas.

Deradicalization in Mauritania: Female state-certified spiritual guides (mourchidates) are being used in prisons, schools, and youth centers to counter extremist recruitment with mainstream theological arguments and trust-building counseling. UNDP & Blockchain for public services: UNDP says blockchain is moving from pilots to production digital public infrastructure, focusing on governance, interoperability, and trust, with a new Blockchain Advisory Group and a Government Blockchain Academy. Mauritania uranium spotlight: Aura Energy reports progress on its Tiris uranium project in Mauritania, including a processing flowsheet built on proven technology. Digital economy cooperation (Oman–Mauritania): Oman’s OCCI and Mauritania partners signed MoUs on digital transformation, including an IoT smart water meter pilot and cooperation on security, surveillance, mapping, and skills transfer. Engineering education boost: Morocco is launching an engineering campus in Nouakchott with EMSI, offering programs from computer/network engineering to intelligent systems. 5G rollout watch (region): Ookla reports Tunisia’s 5G speeds eased after launch as traffic grew; it also notes 5G rollout activity in Mauritania. Climate data gap: A satellite study flags undercounted industrial emissions, pointing to a major iron mine in Mauritania and a gold mine in Egypt as likely “off the books” sources. US visa bond policy: The US makes its visa bond program permanent, potentially requiring up to $20,000 from citizens of many African countries before B1/B2 visas.

US Visa Policy: The US State Department has made permanent a visa bond programme for B1/B2 applicants from 30 African countries, requiring up to $15,000 (with some rules allowing up to $20,000) as a refundable guarantee before entry, effective 3 August 2026. Digital Economy (Mauritania–Oman): Oman and Mauritania signed five MoUs to push digital transformation, cybersecurity and tech training, including an IoT smart water meter pilot and cooperation on mapping, security and surveillance. Engineering Education: Morocco will open an engineering campus in Nouakchott via EMSI, offering programmes from computer networks to intelligent systems aligned with Mauritania’s Higher Education Strategy 2030. Climate Monitoring (Mauritania link): Satellite checks suggest oil, gas and mining emissions are undercounted, with a Mauritania iron mine flagged as a major “off the books” source. Security & Community Resilience: Mauritania’s deradicalization approach highlights state-certified Islamic female spiritual guides (mourchidates) working in prisons and youth spaces. Data Centers (North Africa): A report on Africa’s certified Tier III/IV data centers finds Morocco leading by build count, while certification of constructed resilience matters most.

Digital Economy & AI Partnerships: Oman and Mauritania signed five MoUs to boost digital transformation, cybersecurity, smart-city tech and training, including an IoT pilot for automated water meter reading and talks on security/surveillance mapping and tech services. Engineering Education: Morocco is setting up an engineering campus in Nouakchott with EMSI, offering programs from computer networks and automation to intelligent systems—aimed at strengthening Mauritania’s higher-education strategy and skills pipeline. Climate & Industry Monitoring: Satellite-based research found oil-and-gas and mining emissions in northern Africa and the Middle East can be far higher than official records suggest, flagging major gaps tied to a large iron mine in Mauritania and a gold mine in Egypt. Water-Tech for Health: Morocco is developing an AI system that combines aquatic drones, sensors, spectrometry and satellite imagery to detect toxic algal blooms early in reservoirs—before they threaten freshwater supplies. Security & Community Prevention: Mauritania’s use of state-certified female spiritual guides (mourchidates) is highlighted as a practical deradicalization approach as Sahel terror groups push toward coastal West Africa. Migration Reality Check: Coverage of the Ceuta crossings focuses on how fast misinformation and legal rulings can trigger mass movement—plus the human toll and the role of Morocco-Spain cooperation.

Digital Cooperation: Oman and Mauritania signed five MoUs to push digital transformation, cybersecurity and government tech, including an IoT smart water-meter pilot and a partnership exploring mapping, surveillance and tech skills transfer. Engineering Education: Morocco is set to expand its technical influence in Mauritania by launching an engineering campus in Nouakchott with programs spanning computer networks, automation, civil/electrical engineering and intelligent systems. Climate & Data Accuracy: Satellite checks suggest major oil and gas and even mining sites may be emitting more carbon dioxide than official records show, with a Mauritania iron mine flagged as a likely “off-the-books” source. Water Tech for Health: Morocco is developing an AI system that combines aquatic drones, sensors, spectrometry and satellite imaging to detect toxic algal blooms early in reservoirs—aiming to protect freshwater in water-scarce conditions. Security & Community Resilience: Mauritania’s relatively stable security is linked to state-certified Islamic female spiritual guides (mourchidates) working in prisons and youth spaces to counter radicalization. Migration Policy Debate: South Africa’s foreign minister rejects treating xenophobia as a South Africa-only issue, arguing for a continent-wide AU approach to migration root causes.

Climate Accountability via Satellites: A new satellite-based study says oil, gas and some mining activity across northern Africa and the Middle East emit far more carbon dioxide than official records show, flagging a major iron mine in Mauritania as a key “off the books” source. Digital Economy Cooperation (Oman–Mauritania): Oman and Mauritania signed five MoUs to push digital transformation, cybersecurity and tech services, including an IoT smart water meter pilot to improve water management. Engineering Education in Nouakchott: Morocco plans to open an engineering sciences campus in Nouakchott with programs spanning computing, automation, civil and electrical engineering, aligning with Mauritania’s higher-education modernization goals. Water Tech for Health (Morocco): Morocco is developing an AI system that blends aquatic drones, sensors, spectrometry and satellite imaging to detect toxic algal blooms early in reservoirs. Migration Pressure at Ceuta: Spain’s Ceuta saw a surge of crossings from Morocco after a court ruling limited immediate sea returns, with dozens reported dead—an urgent reminder of how fast legal and social signals can reshape tech-free border realities.