AGP Executive Report

Renewables & Jobs: South Africa’s Nesa Power Group secured R150m mezzanine debt from Maia Capital Partners to expand its solar PV and battery storage portfolio under long-term power purchase agreements, with the company linking the funding to growth and job creation. Gaming Investment: Google Play launched a $1m Indie Games Fund for African studios across 32 countries, offering equity-free capital plus mentorship and technical support to help developers scale and reach global audiences. Automotive Manufacturing: Chery formally inaugurated its takeover of Nissan’s Rosslyn plant in South Africa, targeting local vehicle production from mid-2027 and expected to create about 3,000 jobs. Migration & Work Disruption: South Africa’s anti-immigrant protests continue to drive mass repatriations and border congestion, with thousands more foreign nationals seeking to leave and governments ramping up evacuation plans. HR/Skills & Youth: UNISA hosted an intergenerational dialogue marking 30 years of the Constitution, urging young people to defend democracy while resisting illegal “shortcuts” amid tough graduate job prospects. Roads & Property Values: A South African infrastructure push from gravel to tar is boosting nearby property values, as improved access reduces transport friction and unlocks development. Diaspora Bridge-Building: Nigeria’s NiDCOM chair Abike Dabiri-Erewa urged Africans in the diaspora to act as “bridge builders” through innovation, investment and knowledge transfer. Creative Economy: Lagos and UNDP backed efforts to expand Africa’s leather market and creative enterprise through partnerships, training and market access. Energy Access (Nigeria): Nigeria inaugurated its Africa Minigrids Programme, aiming to extend clean power to underserved communities and support rural jobs and enterprise growth.

UIF Governance Crisis: Business Unity South Africa (BUSA) has withdrawn from UIF structures at NEDLAC and removed its reps from the UIF board, citing years of maladministration, delays in benefit payments and “unsustainable” dysfunction—calling for administration and a forensic probe. Anti-Immigrant Backlash in SA: South Africa’s June 30 protests have passed, but the fallout continues: ANC says immigration enforcement must stay with the state, while KZN Premier Ntuli escalates workplace inspections and tougher action against employers hiring undocumented foreign nationals. Jobs and Development Finance (Nigeria): Bank of Industry (BoI) unveiled its maiden 2025 impact report, disbursing about N644.9bn to enterprises and reporting 1.68m jobs supported across value chains. Energy Access (Nigeria): Power Minister Tegbe launched the Nigeria pilot phase of the Africa Mini-Grid Programme, with 23 mini-grids delivered so far. Creative Skills (Benin): Kunle Afolayan’s KAP Film & Television Academy and Benin’s SOPA launched a fully sponsored 12-week Pan-African filmmaking bootcamp for young creatives. Tax Compliance (SA): SARS warns that missing filing deadlines can trigger penalties and interest, even as many taxpayers are auto-assessed.

South Africa Xenophobia & Jobs: Nigeria says 700 more Nigerians will be evacuated from South Africa as xenophobic violence forces mass departures, bringing the total to nearly 1,300; Kenya also urges its citizens to respect local laws and keep documents valid as repatriation ramps up, while KZN warns employers against hiring undocumented migrants. UIF Governance Crisis: Business Unity South Africa quits UIF structures and calls for the UIF and Compensation Fund to be placed under administration, citing corruption, backlogs and governance failures. Labour Mobility Pact: Kenya and Italy sign an MoU to expand lawful employment, protect migrant workers, and boost skills development through safe migration pathways. Digital Skills & Work: Dubai’s Digital School expands to support 500,000+ learners across multiple African countries, with teacher support and pathways into the job market. Ports & Trade Jobs: APM Terminals Nigeria pushes “smarter, greener” ports and electrification to strengthen sustainable trade and investment. Agriculture Jobs: Nigeria launches distribution of 1M hybrid cocoa seedlings to revive production, raise farmer incomes and create value-chain employment. Tech Investment: Apple meets Ethiopia’s innovation and investment officials to align with “Digital Ethiopia 2030,” aiming to accelerate the country’s digital economy. Energy Transition: Experts urge integrated power systems for Africa’s electricity access push, while Ghana debates a just transition that protects jobs and energy security.

Digital Transformation: South Africa and Google Cloud used the first-ever Google Cloud Summit on the continent to push Africa’s cloud and AI ambitions, with leaders framing it as an economic shift, not just a tech event. Immigration & Jobs: South Africa’s anti-foreigner protests continue to roil workplaces and the informal sector, with looting and arrests reported after marches; economists warn the labour-market fallout could hit spaza shops and local livelihoods hardest. Governance & Security: Commentary and reporting argue the SANDF is being stretched beyond resources as expectations for border and domestic support grow, turning defence into a governance problem. Youth Employment Policy (Nigeria): Omoyele Sowore says he would abolish JAMB and scrap NYSC, replacing it with a voluntary National Job Corps aimed at skills and jobs. Mining & Policy Certainty (Ghana): Ghana’s Chamber of Mines warns that frequent policy shifts and lease uncertainty could scare off investment as the sector seeks stable rules for value retention. Climate Finance & Nature Jobs: A Ghana panel calls for innovative financing to unlock nature-based solutions for resilience, jobs and equity. Payments & Inclusion: Grey Payments launches local-currency deposit services in Ghana and Kenya to cut costs and boost SME access to digital finance. Ebola Risk: UN warnings put Africa’s jobs and economies at risk if the Ebola outbreak spreads, with projected multi-billion-dollar costs.

Jobs & Economy (Nigeria): The World Bank approved a $1.25bn financing package for Nigeria under its 2026–2032 plan, aimed at reforms across power, digital, agriculture, trade and revenue to boost investment and private sector-led job creation. Public Health & Work (DR Congo): The UN warned Ebola could cost Africa up to $3.6bn and push hundreds of thousands more into poverty, with knock-on damage to jobs, education and healthcare from travel and trade restrictions. Digital Skills & Employment (Kenya): ILO and Microsoft launched a digital skills and employment programme for refugee and host-community youth in Kenya, training 1,700 learners in Turkana and Garissa with certifications and career support. Digital Transformation (South Africa): Google Cloud’s inaugural Africa summit in Johannesburg spotlighted new infrastructure and applied AI initiatives, with leaders linking cloud and AI to growth and job creation. Workplace Equity (South Africa): South Africa’s employment equity report flags persistent racial, gender and disability gaps in top management and senior roles. Labour Rights (South Africa): A domestic worker won a R1.8m death benefit after a tribunal and pension adjudication battle over pension dependants. Migration & HR Risk (South Africa): Nationwide anti-illegal immigration protests disrupted businesses and livelihoods, with police operations and arrests reported as looting hit shops and employers faced sudden workforce and operating shocks.

South Africa Jobs & Work: Stats SA says the labour market shed 120,000 jobs between March 2025 and March 2026, with full-time and part-time work both falling—another warning sign for an already strained economy. South Africa Immigration & HR Risk: As anti-illegal immigration protests played out across cities, authorities reported largely peaceful marches but also incidents of looting and violence; meanwhile, labour experts warn employers that hiring undocumented foreign workers can trigger fines up to R100,000 and even prosecution. South Africa Protests & Security: Johannesburg’s CBD saw heavy policing and SANDF patrols after a tense day of demonstrations, with officials stressing law-and-order and protection for all residents. Kenya Funding & Jobs: The World Bank approved a Sh97bn Kenya reform loan, with support aimed at governance, procurement, social protection and livelihood support for refugees and host communities. Kenya Trade Facilitation: East Africa’s Taveta–Holili border is seeing record trade volumes as MSMEs use EAC simplified certificates to access duty-free treatment for qualifying exports. Kenya Creative Economy: Google launched a Ksh129.5m fund for independent game studios across Africa, offering equity-free support and mentorship for global scaling. DRC Ebola: Ebola in the DRC hit 1,333 confirmed cases and 399 deaths, with agencies warning the outbreak could spill into wider economic and job losses if response capacity isn’t surged. Nigeria Economy Ranking: Nigeria topped the IMD 2026 economic performance ranking in Africa, ahead of South Africa, Ghana and Kenya—fuel for policy debate on jobs and competitiveness. Nigeria/Engineering Education: Modibbo Adama University won Nigeria’s Engineering Olympiad 2026, taking home N50m and engineering equipment—spotlighting youth talent pipelines. Kenya Agriculture Investment: Kenya unveiled a Sh1.081trn agri-food investment plan (NASIP 2026–2030) to drive crops, livestock, irrigation, agro-processing, digital agriculture and climate resilience.

South Africa Anti-Immigration Protests: Nationwide marches marked the 30 June deadline for undocumented foreigners to leave, with heavy police and military deployment in Joburg and Durban, shuttered shops, and reports of looting and attacks that have pushed thousands to flee or hide. Humanitarian Pressure on Healthcare: Doctors warn xenophobic violence and displacement are blocking access to clinics, creating a looming humanitarian crisis for migrants and asylum seekers. Jobs and Cost of Unrest: Stats SA says SA’s formal sector shed 80,000 jobs in Q1 2026, while protesters cite affordability and public-service strain; March and March leaders vow weekly demonstrations. Legal/Policy Updates: Aarto Phase 2 rollout is set to proceed after a court challenge failed, while KZN police debunk a fake “R10,000 fine” notice about harbouring undocumented migrants. MENA Growth Model: The IMF and UM6P urge MENA to rethink growth models amid shocks, structural reforms, and the need to create jobs. Nigeria iDICE Funding: Nigeria’s BOI appoints Kuramo Capital to manage the DICE Fund of Funds, targeting $170.6m to back digital and creative startups and jobs. Skills for Work: Telkom Foundation’s RT15 ICT learnership certified 150+ youth with industry-ready training. Climate Jobs in SA: Amazon buys 1.95m carbon credits from South Africa’s spekboom restoration project, aiming to restore land and create thousands of jobs.

Workforce & Youth Policy: Nigeria’s FEC approved major NYSC reforms, including a new uniform, civilian leadership structure, digital call-up, safer deployment and skills-based training to boost employability. SME Finance: Kenya’s KDC unveiled an Sh18.5bn (plus Sh51.8bn) financing pipeline targeting long-term capital for SMEs and sectors like manufacturing, automotive and climate finance—aimed at job creation. Regional Trade & Jobs: SACU leaders agreed to set up a Regional Innovative Funding Mechanism with an initial N$5bn to back development projects across member states, with a push for industrialisation and competitiveness. Labour Market Shock: British American Tobacco plans to cut about 9,000 jobs globally in an AI-driven restructuring; South Africa’s white-collar staff may also face further cuts after earlier production shutdown plans. Migration & HR Risk (South Africa): South Africa braces for June 30 anti-immigration protests as police deploy to prevent violence; thousands of migrants have started fleeing and repatriations are accelerating, while rights groups warn of statelessness and attacks on journalists. Health & Workplace Compliance: South Africa’s Tobacco Bill moves forward as Parliament advances stricter smoke-free indoor rules and expands regulation to vaping—implications for employers and retailers. Education & Child Protection: SAHRC says sexual violence prevention in schools is failing due to poor coordination, incomplete staff vetting and weak enforcement of reporting laws. Women’s Economic & Health Agenda: A report highlights endometriosis in Nigeria as a long-misdiagnosed crisis that can cost women years, jobs and fertility—calling for earlier diagnosis and better care access.

World Cup & Careers Spotlight: Canada’s Stephen Eustaquio struck in stoppage time to beat South Africa 1-0 and reach the Round of 16, with coach Jesse Marsch calling players “Canadian heroes” after the historic first knockout win—though the public speech sparked debate online. South Africa Migration & HR Risk: As June 30 anti-illegal immigration protests loom, South Africa is tightening security while migrants report fear and intimidation; Malawians in Johannesburg say the government has not responded to repatriation needs, leaving hundreds camped outside the consulate. Policy to Practice (Maritime): WISTA Africa urges governments and regulators to turn blue-economy maritime policies into measurable outcomes, linking trade corridors and AfCFTA to inclusive growth. Tax & Benefits (SA): SARS will start issuing auto-assessments from 1 July 2026; Medshield says members should understand medical aid tax credits to reduce tax bills. Workplace & Justice (Zimbabwe): A Harare labour dispute has led to a writ of execution against Kukura Kurerwa Bus Company to recover unpaid salaries and terminal benefits. Business Performance (Zambia): Zambeef reports a 108.3% jump in first-half profit, citing better margins, steadier electricity and currency support.

June 30 Anti-Immigration Tensions: Human rights activist Uhuru Dempers urged calm ahead of South Africa’s planned anti-foreign protests and shutdown, warning against violence while noting regional repatriation plans are already being discussed. Workplace & Community Impact: Soweto hawkers and residents marched in Kliptown demanding regulation of undocumented traders, while unions and employers were told to plan for safety around the shutdown. Policy & Rights Response: Malawi’s Human Rights Commission wrote to South Africa’s counterpart seeking urgent joint action to protect Malawians and other foreigners. Xenophobia vs Jobs Debate: MTN chair Mcebisi Jonas and others pushed back on blaming migrants for unemployment, pointing to corruption and governance failures instead. World Cup & HR Angle: South Africa goalkeeper Ronwen Williams credited study and analyst support for penalty saves as Bafana prepare to face Canada in the Round of 32. ESG & Employment: Ghana’s ESG push continues to draw attention after Bank of Ghana’s Sustainable Banking Principles, while UBA mobilised staff across Africa for a wellness and clean-up drive. Business & Skills: Nigeria’s Radiant diGiLog rolled out an AI workforce productivity platform for SMEs, aiming to replace manual tracking. Local Jobs Demand: Namibia’s Neckartal irrigation project community asked for preferential employment.

AfCFTA & Women’s Leadership: UNDP will convene the HerAfCFTA Regional Conference on Women’s Leadership on 29 June, linking women-owned SMEs to AfCFTA’s push for value chains, investment and quality jobs. Work & Pay Equity: South Africa’s Living Wage South Africa Network says a “decent” salary is about R20,000 net monthly versus the R5,000 minimum wage, highlighting a dignity gap. Social Protection Backlash: South Africa’s Social Development Department faces scrutiny over a R4.8bn social grant underspend, with critics blaming exclusionary systems that delay or block vulnerable beneficiaries. Immigration Tensions & Jobs: South Africa braces for June 30 anti-immigrant marches; officials warn against vigilantism and intimidation as migrants, refugees and asylum seekers fear displacement. Leadership & Hiring in Nigeria’s Power Sector: Ikeja Electric appoints Ogochukwu Onyelucheya as Acting CEO from 1 July as Folake Soetan exits to broader group responsibilities. Skills & Inclusion: A Kenya education report spotlights mother-tongue instruction as a practical lever for comprehension and better learning outcomes. Workforce Development (Reintegration): SM Hotels’ Park Inn by Radisson North EDSA launches food and beverage training for Persons Deprived of Liberty to support employability and reintegration. Pensions & Inequality: Open Secrets’ “Who Owns South Africa?” report alleges a pension “cartel” controlling about R6tn in assets and points to R51bn in unclaimed benefits.

World Cup & Talent Pipeline: South Africa’s historic first World Cup knockout qualification sets up a high-stakes Round of 32 clash with Canada in Los Angeles, while coverage flags the ongoing challenge of exporting top local talent to Europe’s top leagues. Immigration & Work Rights: South Africa braces for June 30 anti-immigration protests as Malawians and other foreign nationals seek help at consulates and repatriation sites, with activists blaming policy and Home Affairs failures for undocumented status and job insecurity. Job Creation & Skills: Nigeria’s NCC chair pledges incentives to attract smartphone manufacturers to build factories locally, aiming to cut device costs and create thousands of jobs; in Ogun, an ADC candidate urges youth to become job creators using AI, entrepreneurship and vocational skills. SME Finance & Payments: Tanzania’s NMB and Mastercard launch an SME credit card offering short-term financing and cash-flow support. Corporate & Industrial Moves: Lafarge Africa rebrands as HBM Nigeria Plc, positioning the name change as part of a broader transformation and local economic push. Governance & Enforcement: Johannesburg cracks down on illegal billboards, physically removing non-compliant structures and naming offenders. Health & Prevention: A men’s health push highlights the value of annual check-ups and screenings.

Digital Sovereignty Clash: Namibia’s regulator (CRAN) rejects Starlink’s licence bid, saying ownership and legal requirements weren’t met—reigniting debate on connectivity vs regulation. Migration & Workplace Risk: South Africa braces for June 30 anti-immigration protests as police warn against vigilantism and xenophobic violence; thousands of Malawians and other nationals are being processed or repatriated, with businesses urging vigilance. Jobs & Skills: Kenya begins repatriation of citizens from South Africa via “safe passage” for those with irregular status—raising HR and workforce continuity questions for employers. Africa-China Development: A South African industry insider says Africa–China cooperation is driving infrastructure, skills transfer and local capacity in transport, energy and agriculture. Corporate Turnarounds: African Bank reviews executive retirement age to extend interim CEO Zweli Manyathi’s tenure as it weighs branch consolidation and potential job impacts. Energy & Industry: Nigeria’s Tinubu backs renewed efforts against drug trafficking while also highlighting employment and skills in the Renewed Hope agenda. Workforce in Focus: MTN chairman Mcebisi Jonas links xenophobia to state failure, urging South Africans to reject division.

Immigration Crackdown Ahead of June 30: South Africa is on high alert as civil society groups push undocumented foreign nationals to leave by 30 June, with President Cyril Ramaphosa stressing everyone must be in the country lawfully while police warn against vigilantism, xenophobic violence and intimidation. Workplace & Jobs Pressure: Labour and immigration enforcement is being intensified, and authorities say deportations and border management are ongoing—while migrants in cities like Durban and Cape Town scramble to secure transport home. Public Safety Messaging: Police Deputy Minister Polly Boshielo told security agencies to act decisively against threats and hate speech tied to the protests. Regional Economic Link: South Africa also signed a US$14bn Afreximbank growth programme to back industrialisation, infrastructure and mineral beneficiation—aimed at creating jobs and expanding regional trade. HR & Talent Angle: With unrest risks rising, employers face heightened compliance scrutiny around immigration and labour laws.

Immigration Crackdown & Deportations: South Africa’s Parliament wants tighter coordination between Correctional Services and Home Affairs to identify the 27,880 foreign inmates in prisons and speed up deportations, as overcrowding bites. Anti-Migrant Violence Response: A coalition of 160 civil society groups is calling for the arrest of “vigilante” ringleaders behind xenophobic attacks, pushing for humanitarian coordination and prosecutions. Diplomatic Pushback: High commissioners from Bangladesh and Pakistan urged South Africa’s anti-immigration campaign “March and March” to extend the 30 June deadline, citing fear after lynchings. Public Sector Reform: Nigeria’s AIG PLP alumnus Taslim F. Lawan says reforms must focus on people, culture and behaviour change—not just policies. Trade & Jobs: Citibank convened West African leaders to deepen AfCFTA trade corridors, stressing cross-border payments and access to trade finance. Governance & Procurement: South Africa’s University of Venda faces a forensic probe after whistleblower claims of governance and procurement failures tied to a major construction cost jump. National Strategy: Zimbabwe unveiled National Development Strategy 2 (2026–2030) to drive inclusive growth and livelihoods under Vision 2030.

Immigration Crackdown & Protests: South Africa’s Ramaphosa unveiled a five-point immigration management plan, including stronger enforcement, employer inspections, immigration courts, and tighter border security, as authorities brace for June 30 anti-immigrant marches and warn of firm action against intimidation or violence. Labour & Union Response: The Motor Industry Staff Association urged workers to avoid the 30 June protest, saying it isn’t protected under the Labour Relations Act and could lead to discipline or dismissal; in Cape Town, immigrants plan to down tools, saying their safety is at stake. Workplace Disputes: Numsa says it’s ready for mediation with BAIC after a wage strike at the Gqeberha plant over alleged underpayment versus national bargaining rates. AI Talent Moves: Orange appointed Usman Javaid as chief AI officer to drive AI and agentic AI value across operations, while Anthropic hired Orange’s AI chief Steve Jarrett for Europe expansion into Africa. Pension Costs: Sanlam reports retirement savers are investing a higher share of salary as fees and administration costs fall. Jobs & Skills: A study flags a growing trend of experienced South African teachers seeking Australia, raising concerns for local STEM education capacity.