AGP Executive Report

World Cup Warmups (Ivory Coast in focus): France coach Didier Deschamps said Arsenal defender William Saliba is “fine” and will be managed ahead of the tournament; Saliba is not expected to play in France’s friendly vs Ivory Coast in Nantes on Thursday. Electricity & Regional Trade: The World Bank says its West Africa power integration programme has built 4,000+ km of transmission lines linking 15 countries, boosting cross-border electricity trade and adding electricity access for 3 million+ people since 2019. Cocoa Prices Watch: Cocoa prices slid on demand worries and rising inventories, while El Niño fears could still threaten West African output; Ivory Coast shipments are also weighing on prices. Ivorian Football Spotlight: The Doue brothers will make World Cup history by playing for different teams—Desire for France and Guela for Ivory Coast. Immigration Pressure (US deportations): US authorities say 355 people from West Africa face deportation, including 14 from Ivory Coast. Local Economy & Compliance: Reports allege exporters are flouting Côte d’Ivoire’s raw rubber export ban via suspicious shipments routed through Tema.

World Cup Countdown: FIFA has finalized 48-team rosters for the expanded 2026 World Cup, with 1,248 players set to compete across North America. Côte d’Ivoire in Focus: Germany’s group-stage schedule includes a June 20 clash with Ivory Coast, while Philadelphia’s host fixtures list Côte d’Ivoire vs Ecuador on June 14 and a second Ivory Coast match on June 25. Local Sports Culture: A Côte d’Ivoire surfing community is pushing back against widespread fear of the ocean, teaching kids to swim and surf through free lessons. Migration & Human Stories: Ahead of Pope Leo XIV’s Spain visit, AFP reports on migrants reaching the Canary Islands after dangerous Atlantic crossings, including a young Senegal-bound survivor. US Visa Policy Impact: The US plans to cut Africa visa-processing posts from nearly 50 to 20 hubs, with Abidjan named among the remaining centers. Business & Innovation: In Abidjan, Ivoire Trade Center highlights women-led tech work building an Ivorian digital ecosystem.

World Cup Countdown: With FIFA’s final 26-man squads set, the 2026 tournament is now just days away, and Ivory Coast are being talked up as a real African dark horse—especially after strong friendlies and a squad packed with European-based talent. Matchday in Philadelphia: The U.S. host city spotlight turns to Philadelphia, which will stage six matches at Lincoln Financial Field, including Ivory Coast vs Ecuador on June 14 and a later clash against Curaçao on June 25. Germany’s Build-Up: Germany’s World Cup preparations include a Chicago tune-up against the U.S., with goalkeeper Manuel Neuer returning to the squad under coach Julian Nagelsmann. U.S. Visa Shock for Africa: The U.S. plans to cut visa-processing embassies and consulates across Africa from nearly 50 to 20 “hubs,” including Abidjan, which could reshape travel plans for Ivorians and the wider region. Coastline Culture Shift: Côte d’Ivoire’s surfing community is growing as more young people learn to swim, challenging long-held fears of the ocean.

Ivory Coast Football & Transfers: Liverpool’s new manager hunt is tied to Ivory Coast winger Yan Diomande, with reports linking the 19-year-old RB Leipzig star to Anfield after he triggered his £17m release clause; CIES values him at about £111m and Leipzig may still demand a huge fee as PSG also circles. US Visa Policy for Africa: The U.S. plans to cut visa-processing embassies and consulates across Africa from nearly 50 to 20 hubs, with Abidjan listed as one of the remaining processing sites—meaning applicants may face new travel and appointment hurdles. World Cup Build-Up (Ivory Coast as a dark horse): With 2026 World Cup momentum growing, Ivory Coast is being flagged as an African “dark horse,” praised for recent friendlies and a squad featuring top European-based talent. Regional Travel Deal: Côte d’Ivoire and Cameroon are reported to be moving toward a mutual visa-exemption arrangement, aiming to ease travel between Abidjan and Yaoundé for business and tourists.

U.S. Visa Access in Africa: The U.S. State Department plans to cut the number of embassies and consulates that can process visas across Africa from nearly 50 to just 20 “hubs,” with the change expected in June, as part of a wider Trump push to tighten immigration and reduce temporary-visa overstay pathways. World Cup Focus (Ivory Coast): Sports betting odds put Ivory Coast as a long shot to reach the Round of 16, listed at +155 to “reach Round of 16” in early June pricing. Local Church & Flood Response: Ivory Coast’s Catholic bishops urged unity and warned about ethical risks tied to artificial intelligence, while also expressing solidarity with flood victims and calling for continued support to affected communities. Cocoa Market Watch: Cocoa prices jumped in May amid El Niño fears and West African weather risks, with analysts warning that hot, dry Harmattan winds could disrupt key growing periods in Ivory Coast and Ghana. ECOWAS Leadership (Senegal): Senegal nominated retired Air Force General Birame Diop as its candidate for ECOWAS Commission President ahead of a July 2026 summit.

World Cup Deadline: FIFA’s June 1 cutoff is here for final 26-man squads, with Group E set to feature Germany, Curaçao, Côte d’Ivoire and Ecuador—meaning Côte d’Ivoire fans are now in the final stretch before the tournament officially kicks off. Côte d’Ivoire Football & Church Voices: Côte d’Ivoire’s Catholic bishops have urged electoral reforms and warned about ethical risks tied to AI, while the wider World Cup build-up keeps spotlighting Ivory Coast’s place in Group E. Regional Politics: Senegal has nominated retired air force general Birame Diop as its candidate for ECOWAS Commission President ahead of the July summit. Economy & Credit: The AfDB says more African countries—including Côte d’Ivoire—could regain or reach investment-grade ratings as reforms take hold. Climate & Food Prices: A new analysis warns extreme weather could drive sharper food price shocks in Europe, with cocoa and other commodities already feeling the heat.

World Cup Visa Crisis: South Africa’s World Cup departure was delayed after visa problems for some players and officials, with Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie calling it “embarrassing and grossly unfair” as SAFA scrambled paperwork ahead of the June 11 opener vs Mexico. Côte d’Ivoire in the Spotlight: Group E at the 2026 World Cup includes Germany, Curacao, Ivory Coast and Ecuador, putting Ivory Coast’s campaign firmly in the early spotlight as teams lock in base camps and final rosters. African Football Momentum: The expanded 48-team World Cup brings a record 10 African nations, including Côte d’Ivoire, as the continent’s presence grows beyond past participation. Local Talent Watch: Ivorian midfielder Isaac Cissé is drawing European attention, with Belgian side Charleroi reportedly sending scouts to evaluate him after strong performances for Golden Arrows. Energy & Infrastructure Push: An Egyptian-led alliance with Algeria’s Sonelgaz is targeting renewable energy projects across Africa, with Senegal, Ivory Coast and Cameroon named among early destinations.

World Cup Roster Deadline: Teams have until June 1 to submit final squads, with FIFA set to announce all 48 teams on June 2—while friendlies continue, including the U.S. vs Senegal tune-up in Charlotte. Group E Spotlight (Ivory Coast): Group E includes Germany, Curacao, Ivory Coast and Ecuador, with Germany’s young stars and Ivory Coast’s transition threat flagged as key to the group’s twists. Ivory Coast Football Stock: RB Leipzig has reportedly set an opening €130m valuation for Yan Diomande, with his World Cup performance expected to raise his price further. Local Sports Moment: Scotland beat 10-man Curacao 4-1 in a Hampden friendly, setting up their World Cup return after nearly 30 years. Health & Security (DR Congo): DR Congo return to the World Cup after a 52-year absence as Ebola and militia fighting in the east continue to strain the country. Digital Ethics (West Africa): Ghana’s National Peace Council warns youth against online violent extremist narratives and recruitment tactics. Business & Trade (Africa): AfDB and WEF argue frontier markets need a shift from aid to private investment to build resilience.

World Cup Focus: Scotland beat 10-man Curacao 4-0 in a warm-up, while Group E also features Ivory Coast—where the squad is set to face Germany and Ecuador as preparations intensify ahead of June kick-off. Local Sports & Talent: Liverpool’s summer plans are thrown into doubt as Ibrahima Konate is poised to leave on a free transfer, adding pressure on Arne Slot’s rebuild. Ivory Coast Player Watch: Yan Diomande’s stock is rising after a breakout season at RB Leipzig, with reports valuing him at €130m and linking him to major European clubs—while he heads to the World Cup with Ivory Coast. Business & Trade: ISUZU Motors South Africa has started shipping the first new D-MAX units from its Gqeberha plant to more than 30 African markets, including Ivory Coast, boosting regional mobility and trade. Human Rights & Courts: The ECHR has received appeals against Italy over alleged failure to execute an ICC arrest warrant tied to alleged torture claims involving a Sudanese and an Ivory Coast claimant. Faith & Tech Ethics: Ivorian Catholic leaders renewed calls for technology to serve humanity, warning against reducing people to data and algorithms.

World Cup Focus (Ivory Coast): Ivory Coast’s 2026 World Cup campaign is set to kick off in Philadelphia on June 14 against Ecuador, with another Group E match in the same city on June 25 vs Curaçao—both spotlighting the Elephants’ push to finally go beyond the group stage. Squad Watch: Reports list Emerse Faé’s 26-man Ivory Coast squad, featuring leaders like Franck Kessié and Ibrahim Sangaré alongside Yan Diomande and Amad Diallo. Player Stock: Yan Diomande’s rise is also driving transfer talk, with RB Leipzig reportedly valuing him at €130m as Europe weighs moves—while his immediate priority remains the World Cup. Regulatory/Business (Canada-Africa): Allied Gold says it has received key Canadian and ECOWAS/COMESA clearances for its proposed arrangement with Zijin Gold, extending the outside date to July 29, 2026. Rights & Law (Europe): The ECHR has received two appeals against Italy over alleged failure to execute an ICC arrest warrant tied to alleged torture claims involving a Sudanese man and an Ivory Coast national. Security (Online Extremism): Ghana’s National Peace Council warns youth against online violent extremist narratives, urging vigilance as recruitment shifts to digital platforms.

World Cup Spotlight for Côte d’Ivoire: Côte d’Ivoire’s World Cup campaign is set to be front and center in Philadelphia, with the Elephants scheduled to face Ecuador on June 14 and Curacao on June 25 at Lincoln Financial Field. Transfer Buzz (Ivory Coast star): RB Leipzig have reportedly set an opening valuation of €130m for winger Yan Diomande, with Liverpool and PSG among the clubs watching as he focuses on the World Cup. Group E Context: Germany’s coach Julian Nagelsmann says Nick Woltemade is being used in the wrong role at Newcastle, and expects a more advanced setup for the World Cup where Germany will face Curacao, Côte d’Ivoire and Ecuador. Football & Society: A New York investigation targets FIFA over World Cup ticket pricing and seat-map changes after purchase, while Canada’s World Cup mood is described as more community-focused despite cost concerns. Business/Creative Economy: IFC has engaged Aninver to develop an IP Reform Playbook for Africa’s creative industries, aiming to help governments and creators better protect and monetize music, film, fashion and sport.

World Cup spotlight for Côte d’Ivoire: Philadelphia’s FIFA World Cup run includes two Elephants matches at Lincoln Financial Field—Côte d’Ivoire vs Ecuador on June 14, and Curaçao vs Côte d’Ivoire on June 25—plus a city-wide FIFA Fan Festival at Lemon Hill from June 11 to July 19. Ivory Coast squad focus: Côte d’Ivoire head into the 2026 finals after an unbeaten, clean-defence qualifying campaign, and their 26-man squad under Emerse Faé features leaders like Franck Kessié and Ibrahim Sangaré alongside attackers such as Simon Adingra and Amad Diallo. Cocoa and the economy: A new report highlights how climate shocks and supply pressure keep cocoa prices volatile, with Côte d’Ivoire’s flooding and El Niño fears cited among key drivers. Business and development: Morocco has topped Africa’s industrialisation index for the first time, overtaking South Africa, while Ghana’s develoPPP Ventures reopens applications with up to €100,000 in non-dilutive funding (plus performance support), including Côte d’Ivoire in the broader regional innovation push.

World Cup squads & build-up: Côte d’Ivoire’s “Elephants” head to the 2026 FIFA World Cup after an unbeaten, clean-defence qualifying run, with coach Emerse Faé naming a 26-man squad mixing European-based leaders like Franck Kessié and Ibrahim Sangaré with attacking options including Simon Adingra, Amad Diallo and Yan Diomande. Cocoa & jobs pressure: Cocoa futures jumped sharply as heavy flooding in Côte d’Ivoire disrupted access to farms, while El Niño fears add longer-term supply risk. Industrialisation spotlight: A new African Development Bank index puts Morocco first in Africa’s industrialisation race for the first time, with Côte d’Ivoire listed among the top industrial economies. Football beyond the pitch: A feature highlights how football helped Côte d’Ivoire find unity and peace after years of civil war, with the national team still seen as a bridge for reconciliation.

World Cup, Côte d’Ivoire spotlight: Côte d’Ivoire will open its 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign in Mexico/US/Canada after an unbeaten, clean-goal qualifying run, and Ivorians are framing the tournament as more than sport—football helped the country rebuild unity after years of civil war, with Didier Drogba’s era often cited as a turning point. Cocoa and livelihoods: Cocoa futures jumped sharply as heavy flooding in Côte d’Ivoire disrupted access to farms, while El Niño fears add pressure for a weaker outlook ahead of the main harvest. Energy prices in the region: Togo kept fuel prices steady despite higher global oil costs, raising questions about how long subsidies can last as Côte d’Ivoire and others adjust pump prices. Football affordability: Ghana’s official Black Stars shirt is reported to cost over 30% of an average monthly formal wage, with Ivory Coast also near that level—highlighting how tournament spending hits fans differently. Security and trade shock beyond Ivorian borders: Mali’s Eid al-Adha is marred by an al-Qaida-linked blockade that has driven up sheep prices and fuel shortages in Bamako.

Cocoa Market Shock: Cocoa futures jumped nearly 10% after Ivory Coast flooding cut farmers’ access to plantations, while El Niño fears and Strait of Hormuz disruptions added pressure on supply expectations. Ivory Coast Football Buzz: RB Leipzig insists Ivory Coast winger Yan Diomande is staying despite Liverpool interest, with a contract dispute now before the Court of Arbitration for Sport. World Cup in Focus (Ivory Coast): FIFA’s 48-team World Cup is set to kick off June 11, with Germany vs Côte d’Ivoire scheduled in Toronto on June 20 as fans plan venues and base camps across North America. Local Sports & Talent: South Korea midfielder Hwang In-beom says he’s fit for the World Cup but needs match sharpness; meanwhile, Ivory Coast’s Yan Diomande’s rise is highlighted as a “crazy” path from Florida to the tournament. Regional Economy Watch: AfDB expects Africa’s growth to slow to 4.2% amid Middle East tensions pushing up fuel and food costs.

World Cup Logistics: FIFA has finalized base camps for all 48 teams, with 39 in the US, seven in Mexico and two in Canada—Ivory Coast set to train in Chester, Pennsylvania. Ivory Coast Football Spotlight: Germany’s World Cup build-up is in its final stretch, while Liverpool’s summer planning keeps circling around Ivory Coast winger Yan Diomande as Mohamed Salah’s Anfield exit looms. Energy & Jobs: Italian giant Eni wants to speed up its $4bn offshore Baleine expansion in Côte d’Ivoire, aiming to lift output sharply as crude prices improve project economics. Cocoa Pressure: Cocoa production is expected to rise 10.5% in 2025/26, but farmers still face a painful price shock after a major cut to the farmgate price. Telecom Trust: Orange Côte d’Ivoire held direct talks with customers, regulators and consumer groups to tackle rising complaints and rebuild confidence. Regional Economy: Togo’s GDP per capita is now about $1,400, putting it within reach of lower-middle-income status.