AGP Executive Report

Trade & Logistics: TradeMark Africa appoints Baraka Mugisha Billy as DRC Country Director from Kinshasa, tasked with pushing critical-minerals trade reforms, digital border work, and export competitiveness as the EU-backed Lobito Corridor Trade Facilitation Programme scales up. Ebola & Public Health: DR Congo’s Ebola crisis keeps worsening: deaths hit 1,033 and confirmed cases rise to 2,536, with 47 affected health zones and sustained transmission; treatment capacity is strained in North Kivu. Mining Policy: Kinshasa is set to enforce local ownership stakes for miners on July 31, despite investor worries that rule changes could raise uncertainty; the government says it will consider industry concerns while keeping the deadline. Lithium Exports: DR Congo certifies its first-ever lithium export as Manono Lithium SAS ships concentrate from Kalemie toward China, a milestone for diversifying beyond copper and cobalt. Security & Agriculture: An ADF-linked attack in Ituri’s Mambasa territory killed at least 16, displacing residents and halting local economic and agricultural activity. Diagnostics: WHO adds the first molecular diagnostic test for Bundibugyo Ebola to its Emergency Use Listing to speed up confirmation and response.

Lithium Export Milestone: DR Congo has certified its first-ever lithium export, with Manono Lithium SAS (Zijin Mining and COMINIERE) shipping concentrate from Kalemie in Tanganyika—another step to diversify beyond copper and cobalt. Ebola Response & Mapping: New geospatial data for Ituri is being released to help responders coordinate settlements, health zones, and facility locations as the outbreak keeps spreading in remote areas. Ebola Toll Climbs: Health authorities report 1,033 deaths and 2,536 confirmed cases, with transmission still active across 47 health zones and treatment capacity under pressure in North Kivu. Security Shock in Ituri: At least 16 people were killed in an ADF-linked attack on villages in Mambasa territory, halting local farming and forcing displacement—complicating access for health and aid teams. Mining Policy Pressure: Kinshasa is set to enforce local ownership stakes for miners from July 31 despite investor concerns, while broader mining-law reforms are also raising questions for the sector. US-Congo Deal Disrupted: Reuters reports Ebola-related travel restrictions and quarantine rules are delaying parts of US-backed critical-minerals cooperation, including meetings tied to expansion plans.

Ebola Emergency: DR Congo’s Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak is surging and now “outpacing” response, with confirmed cases around 2,400+ and deaths near 930–1,000; WHO warns transmission is spreading beyond known chains and that insecurity and community resistance are blocking access, while a new WHO-listed molecular test aims to speed up diagnosis. Mining Rules vs Investors: Kinshasa is pressing ahead with a July 31 deadline for miners to offer Congolese ownership stakes, even as major producers warn the reforms and broader mining-law overhaul could raise regulatory uncertainty; talks are ongoing over how the decree will be applied. Critical Minerals Logistics: The US-backed Lobito Corridor keeps moving, with DR Congo approving the concession for its section—an effort to improve copper and cobalt exports and reduce reliance on China-linked routes. Business Disruption: Reuters reports the Ebola situation is already disrupting US–DRC critical-minerals talks, delaying travel and meetings tied to expanding cooperation. Industrial Output Milestone: Zijin’s Manono lithium project has begun shipping concentrate to China, marking DR Congo’s first-ever lithium exports as production ramps up.

Ebola Emergency: DR Congo’s Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak keeps accelerating, with confirmed cases now reported above 2,400 and deaths near 1,000 across DR Congo and Uganda; WHO warns transmission is outpacing response, while treatment capacity and frontline infections remain under pressure. Mining Local-Ownership Deadline: Kinshasa is set to enforce a long-delayed rule requiring mining firms to offer Congolese citizens 10% equity (including 5% for employees) starting July 31, despite investor concerns and unresolved implementation details. US-Congo Minerals Talks Disrupted: The health crisis is delaying travel and meetings tied to a US-backed critical-minerals partnership, complicating efforts to expand copper and cobalt cooperation and reduce reliance on China. Lobito Corridor Progress: DR Congo’s government approved the concession for its section of the Lobito Corridor, clearing a key step for the US-DRC critical-minerals infrastructure push linking DRC and Zambia to Angola’s Lobito port. Ebola Diagnostics Move: WHO added the first molecular diagnostic test for Bundibugyo virus to its Emergency Use Listing, aiming to speed up early detection and outbreak control.

Ebola Surge in DRC: Confirmed Bundibugyo Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo have climbed past 2,400, with deaths nearing 1,000 and transmission still active across multiple provinces, as WHO warns the outbreak is outpacing response efforts amid insecurity and community resistance. New Diagnostics: WHO has added the first molecular test for Bundibugyo virus to its Emergency Use Listing, aiming to speed up early detection and improve surveillance. Vaccine Gap Pressure: With no licensed vaccine or approved treatment for this strain, multiple drug trials are racing to fill the gap, including a new post-exposure prophylaxis trial enrolling people with recent contact. Mining Law Reform vs Investors: DR Congo’s government says it will consider changes requested by mining companies to a proposed overhaul of the mining code, as executives warn that frequent rule shifts could deter investment. Lithium Exports Start: Congo has begun its first-ever lithium exports to China from Zijin’s Manono project, marking a major step for the country’s push beyond copper and cobalt. Critical Minerals Talks Disrupted: The Ebola outbreak is delaying travel and negotiations tied to a US-backed critical minerals partnership, complicating efforts to expand cooperation and reduce reliance on China. Lobito Corridor Momentum: DR Congo approved the concession for its section of the Lobito Corridor, a key rail route linking copper and cobalt regions to Angola’s port and strengthening industrial logistics for minerals. Air Quality Alerts: Wildfire smoke and heat have triggered air quality emergencies in parts of the region, with Kinshasa also appearing in global worst-air rankings.

Ebola Surge: DR Congo’s Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak has climbed to 2,423 confirmed cases and 967 deaths, with transmission still active in 47 health zones across five provinces as insecurity, population movement, and artisanal mining keep spreading the virus. Mining Law Tension: Kinshasa is weighing changes requested by mining companies to a proposed overhaul of the mining code, but industry groups warn that frequent rule shifts could scare off investors. Lithium Exports Start: Zijin’s Manono project has begun shipping spodumene concentrate to China, marking DR Congo’s first-ever lithium exports and a major ramp-up toward 2026 production targets. US-Congo Minerals Talks Hit a Wall: The Ebola outbreak is delaying travel and meetings tied to a US-backed critical-minerals partnership, complicating negotiations even as existing operations continue. Lobito Corridor Progress: DR Congo approved the concession for its section of the US-backed Lobito Corridor, a key logistics link for copper and cobalt exports that supports the wider US-DRC critical-minerals push. Tax Dispute Escalates: Congolese authorities sealed Kamoto Copper Company (Glencore) offices in Kolwezi over alleged unpaid taxes tied to transfer pricing, while Glencore says production is continuing. Air Quality Pressure: Kinshasa is among the world’s worst-hit cities in global air-quality rankings amid regional smoke and pollution spikes, underscoring health risks alongside the health crisis.

Ebola Update: DR Congo’s Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak has surged to 2,423 confirmed cases and 967 deaths, with 46 health zones still under active transmission; insecurity, population movement, artisanal mining and cross-border travel with Uganda and South Sudan are keeping spread ahead of response. Mining Law Tension: The government says it will consider mining-company requests as it reviews major changes to the 2018 mining code, but industry warns that frequent rule shifts could chill investment while expanding state powers over strategic minerals and exports. Critical Minerals Logistics: Congo has begun its first-ever lithium exports to China from Zijin’s Manono project, with concentrate shipments now in transit—an industrial milestone even as Ebola disrupts travel and delays US-backed critical-minerals talks. US-DRC Corridor Momentum: DR Congo’s approval of the Lobito Corridor concession for its section clears a key hurdle for the US-DRC strategic partnership, linking copper/cobalt belts to Angola’s Lobito port to strengthen supply routes. Tax Pressure on Copper: Congolese tax authorities have sealed Glencore’s Kamoto Copper Company offices in Kolwezi over alleged transfer-pricing tax liabilities, escalating a dispute that could draw more scrutiny to major copper-cobalt producers.

Ebola Surge: DR Congo’s Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak hit at least 930 deaths and 2,344 confirmed cases, with 37 new deaths reported in a single 24-hour stretch—while the strain still has no licensed vaccine or approved treatment, leaving trials as the only hope. Border & Aid Pressure: New U.S. and Congolese travel rules are warning of delays for humanitarian teams, potentially slowing the flow of clinicians needed for containment. Mining Law Shake-Up: The government says it will consider mining-company requests on proposed mining-law reforms that would expand state control over strategic minerals and stockpiles—an approach industry fears could unsettle investors. Tax Crackdown at KCC: DR Congo sealed Kamoto Copper Company (KCC) offices in Kolwezi in a Glencore tax dispute, escalating pressure around alleged transfer pricing and unpaid taxes. Lithium Exports Start: Congo began its first-ever lithium exports to China as Zijin’s Manono project ships spodumene concentrate, signaling a new push beyond copper and cobalt. Critical Minerals Deals Disrupted: Reuters reports Ebola is delaying U.S.-backed critical-minerals talks and visits, complicating efforts to build supply-chain alternatives to China. Infrastructure Competition: The Lobito Corridor keeps advancing as DR Congo approves its concession, strengthening a U.S.-DRC push to move copper and cobalt from the region to global markets.

Ebola & Mobility Rules: The U.S. and DRC have overlapping Ebola travel restrictions that could delay doctor and nurse rotations, with aid groups warning the added waiting time may slow the fastest-growing outbreak response. Critical Minerals Deal Disruption: Reuters reports the Ebola surge is also delaying travel and meetings tied to a U.S.-backed critical minerals partnership, complicating investor and supplier engagement even as existing mines keep operating. Lithium Exports Start: DRC began its first-ever lithium exports to China as Zijin’s Manono project shipped spodumene concentrate, with 2026 output targets set for ramp-up. Lobito Corridor Progress: Kinshasa approved the concession for the DRC section of the Lobito Corridor, clearing a key hurdle for the U.S.-DRC strategic partnership to move copper and cobalt to Angola’s port. Mining Sector Pressure: Reuters says DRC tax authorities sealed Glencore’s Kamoto Copper Company offices over a transfer-pricing dispute, while the Chamber of Mines warns proposed mining law reforms could dent investor confidence. Health Trial in Ituri: A trial of Gilead’s obeldesivir as post-exposure prophylaxis is enrolling people in Ituri, aiming to prevent Ebola after high-risk contact.

Lithium Exports: Zijin’s Manono project has begun DRC’s first-ever lithium shipments to China, with spodumene concentrate now in transit after the May 2026 start-up of its processing plant, as the country pivots beyond copper and cobalt toward a new critical-minerals export stream. Ebola Disruption: The WHO says DRC’s Ebola outbreak is outpacing response efforts, with confirmed cases now above 2,100 and deaths reported at 800+; the crisis is also delaying US-backed critical-minerals talks as travel restrictions and quarantine rules slow investor and government visits. US–DRC Minerals Race: Kinshasa says it prefers “complementarity” over rivalry, arguing it needs multiple partners to develop copper, cobalt, lithium and other resources—while the US pushes projects like the Lobito Corridor to reduce China-dominated supply chains. Lobito Corridor Progress: The DRC government has approved the concession for its Lobito Corridor section, clearing a key step for implementation and strengthening the infrastructure-to-minerals pipeline linking DRC and Angola’s port. Mining Policy & Tax Pressure: Reuters reports the DRC is escalating enforcement in the Glencore Kamoto Copper Company dispute by sealing administrative offices over a multi-billion-dollar tax and transfer-pricing standoff, while President Tshisekedi warns against heavy-handed revenue actions that could spook investors. Conservation Signal: The environment minister reaffirmed that the Congo Basin logging moratorium will not be lifted, backing forest protection efforts that matter for long-term land and resource governance.

Ebola & Mobility Curbs: DR Congo’s Ebola tally has topped 2,180 confirmed cases with 864 deaths, while the WHO warns the outbreak is outpacing response amid insecurity; the U.S. is also tightening travel, including a rule that Americans can’t return on commercial flights unless they spend 21 days in a third country. Critical Minerals Deal Delays: The same health crisis is disrupting U.S.-backed critical minerals talks and visits, delaying meetings and supplier/investor travel even as DR Congo remains central for cobalt and copper. Lobito Corridor Progress: Kinshasa has approved the concession for the DR Congo section of the Lobito Corridor, a key logistics link from Angola’s Lobito port to the DRC copper-cobalt belt, aimed at boosting export capacity and reshaping mineral supply routes. Mining Sector Pressure: DR Congo tax authorities have sealed Glencore’s Kamoto Copper Company administrative offices over a multi-billion-dollar tax/transfer-pricing dispute, though operations reportedly continue. Mining Law Reform Warning: Industry groups warn proposed mining code changes that expand state control could dent investor confidence. Environment & Industry Risk: A logging moratorium is reaffirmed by the environment minister, keeping new industrial logging concessions on hold—important for Congo Basin forest protection that underpins long-term climate and land-use stability.

Ebola Disrupts Industry: DRC’s confirmed Ebola cases have topped 2,180 with 864 deaths, and the outbreak is now derailing logistics and delaying U.S.-backed critical-minerals talks as travel restrictions and quarantine rules postpone visits by investors and suppliers. U.S.-DRC Minerals Push: Washington is also blocking Americans from flying home via commercial routes unless they spend 21 days in a third country, adding friction to efforts to expand cobalt and copper cooperation. Lobito Corridor Momentum: Despite the health crisis, the DRC approved the concession for its Lobito Corridor section, clearing a key step for the rail-and-port route linking Congo and Zambia to Angola’s Lobito port. Mining Policy Pressure: Reuters reports the DRC is tightening mining oversight and has escalated enforcement in the Glencore-Kamoto Copper Company standoff, while President Tshisekedi warned against heavy-handed revenue actions that could spook investors. Congo Basin Protection: The environment minister reaffirmed the logging moratorium won’t be lifted, a signal for forest-linked climate and land-use risks that also affect long-term industrial planning.

Ebola Disrupts Industry Deals: WHO says DRC’s Ebola outbreak has surged past 2,100 confirmed cases, with conflict and community resistance slowing response—while the crisis is also delaying travel and meetings tied to a US-backed critical minerals partnership, adding friction to plans to expand copper and cobalt cooperation. US-DRC Critical Minerals Push: Despite the health shock, Washington and Kinshasa continue work on the Lobito Corridor and broader supply-chain diversification away from China-linked processing routes. Lobito Corridor Moves Forward: DRC’s Council of Ministers approved the concession for the country’s Lobito Corridor section, clearing a major hurdle for the US-backed project connecting DRC and Zambia’s copper-cobalt belts to Angola’s Lobito port. Mining Tax Pressure Hits Output: DRC tax authorities sealed Glencore’s Kamoto Copper Company (KCC) offices in Kolwezi over a multi-billion-dollar transfer pricing and tax dispute; Glencore says operations continue, but the standoff raises risks for global copper supply. Mining Law Reform Warning: Industry groups warn proposed mining code changes that expand state control could dent investor confidence. Environment & Conservation: DRC’s environment minister reaffirmed the logging moratorium won’t be lifted, backing Congo Basin forest protection—key for long-term land and climate stability.

Ebola Crisis Hits Industry: WHO says DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak has surged past 2,100 confirmed cases and is outpacing response, with insecurity and community resistance blocking access; the attack on an Ituri treatment centre underlines how fragile operations are. Mining Supply Chain Disrupted: Reuters reports the outbreak is delaying travel and meetings tied to a US-backed critical minerals partnership, complicating efforts to expand cooperation even as existing mines keep running. Lobito Corridor Momentum: DR Congo approved the concession for its Lobito Corridor section, clearing a key hurdle for the US-DRC critical minerals push and strengthening an alternative export route for copper and cobalt. Tax Pressure on Copper Giant: DRC tax authorities sealed Kamoto Copper Company (KCC) facilities in a widening $3B Glencore dispute, raising fears of production disruption and adding risk to global copper supply. US Travel Curbs: Washington moves to block US citizens from flying home from DR Congo without a 21-day third-country stay, reflecting how health measures are now shaping cross-border business.

Ebola Surge: WHO says DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak has topped 2,100 confirmed cases and is growing faster than response efforts, with conflict, insecurity, and community resistance blocking access; the epicenter in Ituri has also seen attacks on a treatment center. US Health & Travel Curbs: The US is restricting Americans from flying into the country and warning of up to 21 days of quarantine costs, while Ebola is also disrupting US-backed critical-minerals talks. Critical Minerals Diplomacy: DR Congo’s foreign minister rejects a US-vs-China framing, calling for “complementarity” as Washington pushes deeper access to copper, cobalt, lithium and other resources. Mining Pressure on Glencore: DRC tax authorities sealed Glencore’s Kamoto Copper Company offices in Kolwezi in a widening $3B dispute over alleged tax and transfer-pricing issues, raising fears of supply disruption even as operations reportedly continue. Investor Climate Warning: President Tshisekedi ordered revenue agencies to avoid heavy-handed enforcement that could spook investors. Mining Law Reform Debate: Industry warns planned mining-law changes that expand state control over strategic minerals could dent investor confidence. Ebola Response Trial: A new post-exposure prophylaxis trial (EBO-PEP) is enrolling nearly 1,000 people in Ituri to test an experimental antiviral approach. Congo Basin Environment: New research highlights how blackwater lakes in the Congo Basin store massive carbon, underscoring the stakes for forest and peatland protection.

Ebola vs. Mining Deal: A worsening Ebola outbreak in eastern DRC is disrupting travel and delaying meetings tied to a US-backed critical minerals partnership, as Washington warns Americans against travel and investors face quarantine and postponements. US Travel Curbs: The US is also blocking citizens in DRC from boarding commercial flights to the US until they’ve spent 21 days in a third country, citing Ebola risk. Tax Pressure on Copper: DRC tax authorities sealed Glencore’s Kamoto Copper Company (KCC) administrative offices in Kolwezi over a multi-billion-dollar dispute, escalating a standoff centered on alleged transfer pricing and unpaid taxes; Glencore says operations continue, but market risk rises. Mining Law Reform Debate: The Chamber of Mines warns proposed mining code changes that expand state control over strategic minerals could dent investor confidence. Congo Basin Forests: The environment minister reaffirmed the logging moratorium won’t be lifted, as CSOs push for lasting protection of Congo Basin forests. Security & Health in North Kivu: AFC/M23 rebels used an Ebola outbreak in areas they control to showcase parallel governance, raising concerns about fragmented containment.