AGP Executive Report

Tropical Storm Gonzalo: A new Atlantic storm has formed and is expected to bring tropical-storm conditions to the Cabo Verde islands as it tracks north-northwest, with winds around 40 mph strengthening toward 45 mph and gusts up to 55 mph—so local coastal and marine communities should stay alert. Ocean observing funding: Canada, the EU and 29 other partners launched the OceanEye International Alliance to back the Global Ocean Observing System, securing over C$339m (€211m) in pledges, including €92m from the EU and C$82m from Canada—supporting safer navigation, weather forecasting, climate prediction and coastal resilience. Sea-level rise and statehood: At the UN General Assembly, leaders backed a declaration affirming a “presumption in favour of continued statehood” for countries threatened by rising seas, with Cabo Verde’s PM Francisco Carvalho calling it a “message of hope.” Hurricane season science: NOAA-linked satellite monitoring highlights how El Niño is driving a split this year—quiet Atlantic activity while the Pacific stays highly active—underscoring how much forecasters still learn about storm origins. ECOWAS jobs: ECOWAS opened recruitment across specialised agencies, including health, finance, energy and legal affairs, inviting qualified nationals from member states.

Tropical Storm Gonzalo Watch: Gonzalo formed late Thursday and is expected to bring tropical storm conditions to the Cabo Verde islands, tracking north-northwest with winds around 45 mph and a move toward post-tropical status early next week. Ocean Tech & Climate Data: Canada, the EU and 29 partners launched the OceanEye International Alliance to back the Global Ocean Observing System, with pledges topping €211 million (including Canada’s C$82m over five years and the EU’s €92m) to fund sensors, drones, vessels and data systems. Sea-Level Rights for Small Islands: At the UN General Assembly, a declaration backed by climate-vulnerable states—including Cabo Verde’s PM Francisco Carvalho—calls for a “presumption in favour of continued statehood” even as rising seas threaten territory. Maritime Skills on the Move: The Indian Navy’s sail training ship INS Sudarshini completed its first Atlantic crossing from Cape Verde to Antigua and is now in Alexandria for professional exchanges. Regional Water Governance: ECOWAS, UEMOA and CILSS met in Abidjan to review integrated water resources management plans and next steps for West Africa’s shared basins.

Tropical Storm Gonzalo: Gonzalo formed late Thursday and is now moving north-northwest toward the Cabo Verde islands, with tropical storm conditions expected; forecasts call for strengthening to around 45 mph winds and gusts near 55 mph before it turns post-tropical over open Atlantic waters. OceanEye Alliance: Canada, the EU and 29 other partners launched the OceanEye International Alliance to back the Global Ocean Observing System, pledging over €211 million total (including Canada’s C$82m over five years and the EU’s €92m) to fund sensors, drones, research vessels and data systems for safer navigation, better weather forecasts and coastal resilience. UN climate and sea-level rights: At the UN General Assembly, leaders backed a declaration affirming a “presumption in favour of continued statehood” for countries threatened by rising seas, with Cabo Verde’s PM Francisco Carvalho among co-facilitators. Maritime governance push: Belgium renewed its bid to host the permanent UN ocean biodiversity secretariat beyond national jurisdiction, highlighting Brussels’ role in coordinating science and policy. ECOWAS jobs and justice: ECOWAS opened recruitment across specialised agencies, while its Community Court of Justice urged journalists to press member states to actually implement regional rulings.

Tropical Storm Gonzalo: Gonzalo formed late Thursday and is now bringing tropical-storm conditions to the Cabo Verde islands, with forecasts calling for strengthening as it tracks north-northwest before turning post-tropical over open Atlantic waters. Ocean monitoring funding: Canada, the EU and 29+ partners launched the OceanEye International Alliance to back the Global Ocean Observing System, with pledges totaling over €211 million (including EU €92m and Canada C$82m) to support sensors, drones, research vessels and data systems. Ocean governance at UN: Belgium is pushing for Brussels to host the permanent UN ocean-biodiversity secretariat, highlighting a Cabo Verde-linked ocean event during the UN General Assembly week. Sea-level rise rights: At the UN, a declaration backed by climate-vulnerable states—including Cabo Verde—calls for a “presumption in favour of continued statehood” even as rising seas threaten territory. Maritime training, tech vs tradition: India’s INS Sudarshini completed its first Atlantic sail crossing (Cape Verde to Antigua), underscoring how seamanship skills still matter alongside modern naval tech. ECOWAS jobs: ECOWAS opened recruitment across specialised agencies, including health, finance, energy and legal affairs, for nationals from member states.

Tropical Storm Gonzalo Near Cabo Verde: The McIntyre Golden Globe Race fleet is bracing for worsening solo-sailing conditions as Tropical Storm Gonzalo forms, with reports of 30–35 knot winds and up to 5-metre seas; Gonzalo is moving north-northwest and could strengthen, bringing fast-changing, confused seas for skippers. Ocean Data Push: At the UN General Assembly, the EU and Canada launched the OceanEye International Alliance for the Global Ocean Observing System, pledging about €211–€220 million to expand sensors, drones, research vessels, and close ocean data gaps. Sea-Level Rise Rights for Islands: A UN declaration backed by climate-vulnerable states—including Cabo Verde’s PM Francisco Carvalho—calls for a “presumption in favour of continued statehood” even as rising seas threaten territory. Atlantic Storm Watch: The Atlantic remains unusually quiet on hurricanes, but Tropical Storm Fay has regained strength and Invest 90L is being monitored as El Niño shifts activity. ECOWAS Hiring & Media Accountability: ECOWAS opened recruitment across specialised agencies, while its Community Court of Justice urged journalists to press member states on enforcing regional judgments.

Ocean Tech Funding: The EU and Canada have launched the OceanEye International Alliance for the Global Ocean Observing System, backed by almost €220 million in pledges to expand ocean monitoring with ships, sensors, drones and data-processing support. Atlantic Storm Watch: Tropical Storm Fay has regained strength in the Atlantic, while Invest 90L is being watched for possible tropical development as El Niño keeps Atlantic activity low but Pacific storms high. West Africa Water Governance: ECOWAS, UEMOA and CILSS met in Abidjan to review integrated water resources management and push recommendations for the next ministerial monitoring round. Electricity Access Reality Check: An Afrobarometer survey finds fewer than half of Africans get reliable grid power, with Cabo Verde among the highest performers and rural/poor households most underserved. ECOWAS Court & Media: The ECOWAS Community Court is training journalists to pressure member states to better enforce regional rulings. Health Systems Preparedness: West African lab scientists warn that outbreak detection and diagnostics need urgent strengthening after Ebola and COVID-19 exposed weak surveillance. Cabo Verde in US Exchange Rules: The US State Department lists Cabo Verde among countries where some exchange visitors may face a two-year home-country requirement before certain immigration benefits.

Water Governance in West Africa: ECOWAS, UEMOA and CILSS opened a key Integrated Water Resources Management meeting in Abidjan, reviewing how regional water resolutions are being implemented and setting up next steps for ministerial monitoring. Ocean Data Funding: Canada and the EU launched the OceanEye International Alliance for the Global Ocean Observing System at the UN General Assembly, with pledges totaling about $339m to boost ocean observation for safer navigation, forecasting and the blue economy. Electricity Access Reality Check: A new Afrobarometer profile says fewer than half of Africans get reliable grid power, with rural and poorer households hit hardest; Cabo Verde is among the highest performers. Regional Justice Push: The ECOWAS Community Court of Justice trained journalists to help drive compliance with court rulings, citing an enforcement gap. Tech & Policy for Africa: TICON Africa returns in Zambia to focus on practical AI rollout, digital governance, cybersecurity and skills pipelines. Health Research Priorities: West African lab scientists urged stronger disease outbreak detection and diagnostic capacity, warning health systems are weakening. US Exchange Visitor Rules: The US State Department published skills lists that can require some African exchange visitors—including Cabo Verde—to return home for two years before certain immigration benefits.

Ocean Tech Funding: Canada and the EU just launched the OceanEye International Alliance for the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS), securing about $339M in pledges to boost ocean monitoring for safer navigation, weather forecasting, climate prediction, coastal protection, and the “blue economy.” Energy Access Reality Check: A new Afrobarometer survey finds fewer than half of Africans get reliable electricity; rural and low-income households are hit hardest, while Cabo Verde ranks among the top performers for reliable supply. Regional Justice & Media: The ECOWAS Community Court of Justice is training journalists to push member states to actually implement court rulings, warning enforcement is still “below expectation.” Water Governance: West Africa’s water leaders met in Abidjan to review progress under regional water coordination frameworks, aiming to strengthen cross-border water management. Health Systems Preparedness: West African lab scientists are urging stronger disease outbreak detection and diagnostic capacity, warning health systems are weakening after Ebola and COVID-19. Cabo Verde in US Exchange Rules: The US State Department published its Exchange Visitor Skills List, including Cabo Verde, where some exchange participants may face a two-year home-country requirement before certain immigration benefits.

ECOWAS Court & Media: The ECOWAS Community Court of Justice is training journalists across member states to push governments to actually implement its rulings, saying compliance is “below expectation” and public understanding of the court’s work is still weak. Health Systems & Outbreak Readiness: West African laboratory scientists are warning that disease detection and diagnostics need urgent strengthening, citing lessons from Ebola and COVID-19 and fears that weakening health systems could leave the region unready for the next major outbreak. Dementia Burden in Africa: WHO says dementia is rising fast across Africa, affecting about 1.9 million people now and costing families and societies an estimated $15.6 billion annually, with most care falling on unpaid caregivers. US Exchange Visitor Rules: The US State Department published skills lists that can trigger a two-year home-country physical presence requirement for exchange visitors from several African countries, including Cabo Verde and other West African states. Digital Tech Policy (TICON Africa): TICON Africa is set to tackle AI rollout, cybersecurity, data governance, and skills pipelines at its conference in Zambia (23–25 Sept), aiming for practical pathways. Maritime Security: Nigeria’s Navy says it will use more technology and tighter cooperation to curb illicit drugs and arms smuggling in the Gulf of Guinea, following a transatlantic maritime security symposium in Lagos.

Health & Vaccines: West African laboratory scientists warn that weakening health systems and patchy disease detection could leave the region unready for the next big outbreak, urging stronger surveillance and diagnostic capacity after lessons from Ebola and COVID-19. Regional Justice & Media: The ECOWAS Community Court of Justice is training journalists to push member states to actually implement its rulings, saying enforcement is still “below expectation.” Tech & Digital Policy: TICON Africa (23–25 Sept, Zambia) puts AI, cybersecurity, data governance, and digital skills on the agenda, aiming for practical policy pathways for Africa’s ICT growth. Immigration Policy (Cabo Verde in focus): The US State Department published its Exchange Visitor Skills List, including Cabo Verde, where some exchange visitors may face a two-year home-country requirement before certain US immigration benefits. Maritime Security: Nigeria’s Navy says it will use technology and tighter regional cooperation to curb illicit drugs and arms smuggling in the Gulf of Guinea. Public Health (Dementia): WHO says dementia is rising across Africa, costing families and societies heavily and noting most countries still lack national dementia plans.

Maritime Security Tech: Nigeria’s Navy says it will use technology and tighter cooperation with other agencies to curb illicit drug and arms smuggling across the Gulf of Guinea, sharing plans at a four-day transatlantic maritime security symposium in Lagos focused on implementing the Yaoundé Code of Conduct and joint maritime tasking. Health Systems & Labs: West African laboratory scientists warn that weakening health systems and limited diagnostic capacity leave the region exposed to fast-moving outbreaks, urging stronger disease surveillance and cross-border cooperation after lessons from Ebola and COVID-19. Dementia Research Push: WHO reports dementia is becoming a major public health challenge in Africa, affecting about 1.9 million people now and costing families and societies an estimated $15.6 billion annually, with Cabo Verde among countries highlighted for workshop discussions on prevention, diagnosis, and care. Digital Policy & AI: TICON Africa’s 4th conference in Zambia (23–25 Sept) will tackle AI rollout, cybersecurity, data governance, and skills—aiming for practical pathways for Africa’s ICT growth. Ocean Economy Cooperation: Officials at the 2026 Global Ocean Development Forum in Qingdao call for more international collaboration to develop a sustainable marine economy and improve ocean governance. US Residency Rules (Cabo Verde Included): The US State Department published Exchange Visitor Skills Lists that can trigger a two-year home-country physical presence requirement for certain nationals, with Cabo Verde named among affected African countries. iCloud+ Expansion: Apple says iCloud+ will add Apple Arcade and Apple TV access in 100+ countries, including Cabo Verde, with family sharing—though the US and some major regions are excluded.

Streaming Regulation: Brazil’s CazéTV surged during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but regulators are now investigating suspected predatory advertising as online sports streaming faces less oversight than TV. US Immigration Policy: The US State Department published Exchange Visitor Skills Lists covering Cabo Verde and other African nations under a two-year home-country physical presence rule for certain J-1 participants, and also released a separate list naming 44 countries affected by the requirement. Health & Research: WHO says dementia is a growing Africa-wide public health burden (about 1.9 million people affected; US$15.6 billion annually), while West African laboratory scientists urge stronger disease outbreak detection and diagnostic capacity to prepare for the next epidemic. Digital Identity & Governance: Liberia is moving to link its national ID with civil registration and vital statistics in a proposed $54m identity upgrade, echoing Cabo Verde’s push for integrated systems. Tech Policy & Skills: TICON Africa (23–25 Sept, Zambia) puts AI, cybersecurity, data governance, and talent pipelines at the center of Africa’s digital economy agenda. Tech Services Expansion: Apple expands iCloud+ in 100+ countries by bundling Apple Arcade and Apple TV access (Cabo Verde included), though the US and some major regions are left out.

Global Health & Research: West African laboratory scientists in Lome urged governments to strengthen disease outbreak detection, expand diagnostics, and boost regional cooperation, warning health systems are weakening after Ebola and COVID-19. Public Health in Africa: WHO says dementia is rising fast across Africa, affecting about 1.9 million people and costing families and societies an estimated $15.6 billion annually, with most care done by unpaid caregivers. Cabo Verde Tech & Health Systems: WHO reports Cabo Verde is among countries pushing national traditional medicine research centres, while separate coverage notes Cabo Verde’s civil registration and identity integration as a model—Liberia now plans a similar NID-CRVS digital link. Digital Policy & AI: TICON Africa (23–25 Sept, Zambia) puts AI, cybersecurity, data governance, and skills on the agenda for practical ICT pathways. Regional Justice & Media: ECOWAS Court’s justice chief urged journalists to help enforce rulings by improving coverage and pushing member states to comply. Ocean & Marine Economy: Officials at Qingdao’s Global Ocean Development Forum called for stronger international cooperation to grow the marine economy sustainably.

Public Health & Lab Capacity: West African laboratory scientists in Lome are urging governments to strengthen disease outbreak detection, warning health systems are weakening and calling for better surveillance and diagnostic capacity after Ebola and COVID-19 lessons. Health Policy & Care Gaps: WHO says dementia is rising across Africa, affecting about 1.9 million people and costing families and societies an estimated US$15.6 billion annually, with most countries lacking national dementia plans. Traditional Medicine Research: WHO highlights a major evidence gap in traditional and complementary medicine, noting Cabo Verde and other states have committed to building national research centres and trial platforms. Digital Economy & AI Governance: TICON Africa (23–25 Sept, Zambia) will focus on AI rollout, cybersecurity, data governance, digital identity, and skills to turn ICT growth into real economic and social value. Regional Justice & Media: ECOWAS’ Community Court of Justice trains journalists and urges media to push member states to implement court rulings. Marine Economy Cooperation: Officials at a Qingdao ocean forum called for stronger international cooperation to develop a sustainable marine economy. Tech for Cabo Verde: Apple expands iCloud+ with Apple Arcade and Apple TV in over 100 countries, including Cabo Verde. Identity Systems: Liberia plans to link national ID with civil registration and vital statistics in a digital identity upgrade. Drug Trafficking Risk: New reporting says cocaine increasingly transits through West Africa, with seizures rising sharply in 2019–2025.

Disease Surveillance: West African laboratory scientists in Lome are urging governments to strengthen outbreak detection, expand diagnostic capacity, and boost regional cooperation after Ebola and COVID-19 exposed weak preparedness. Public Health Policy: WHO says dementia is rising across Africa, affecting about 1.9 million people and costing families and societies around $15.6 billion a year, with many countries still lacking national dementia plans. Traditional Medicine Research: WHO calls for more research into traditional and complementary medicine, noting evidence gaps and highlighting commitments that include Cabo Verde setting up national research centres. Digital & AI Governance: TICON Africa (23–25 Sept, Zambia) will focus on AI rollout, cybersecurity, data governance, and building skills for Africa’s digital economy. Regional Justice & Media: ECOWAS’ Community Court of Justice urges journalists to push Member States to implement rulings, saying enforcement is below expectations. Cabo Verde Tech/Health Systems: Cabo Verde is referenced in a broader identity-infrastructure push, as countries look to better link national IDs with civil registration and vital statistics. Ocean Economy & Marine Cooperation: A Qingdao forum calls for international cooperation to develop a sustainable marine economy. Tech for Cabo Verde: Apple expands iCloud+ in over 100 countries, including Cabo Verde, adding Apple Arcade and Apple TV access.

Disease Preparedness: West African laboratory scientists in Lomé urged governments to strengthen disease outbreak detection, expand diagnostic capacity, and boost regional cooperation, warning health systems are weakening after lessons from Ebola and COVID-19. Democracy & Rights: A 2026 Global State of Democracy report says Africa’s democratic performance declined sharply from 2020–2025, with conflicts, coups, and restricted elections driving most of the drop. Dementia Care: WHO says dementia is becoming a major public health challenge in Africa, affecting about 1.9 million people now and costing families and societies an estimated $15.6 billion annually, with many countries lacking national dementia plans. Traditional Medicine Research: WHO calls for more research into traditional and complementary medicine, noting evidence gaps and highlighting new commitments by several countries, including Cabo Verde, to build national research centres. Digital Health & IDs: Liberia plans to link its national ID with civil registration and vital statistics through a proposed digital identity upgrade, while Cabo Verde is cited as a model for integration. Tech & Connectivity: Apple expands iCloud+ in over 100 countries by bundling Apple Arcade and Apple TV, with Cabo Verde listed among the included markets. Regional Tech Policy: TICON Africa (23–25 Sept, Zambia) will focus on AI, cybersecurity, data governance, and skills to turn Africa’s digital growth into real economic and social value.