AGP Executive Report

AI in Browsers: Google is rolling out “Ask Gemini in Chrome” to Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa, with Burundi included in the wider Africa rollout—pushing more AI help for search and understanding across the region. Ebola Preparedness: Africa CDC urges stronger border exit screening as the DRC outbreak grows; the US also added $20M to boost Ebola readiness in Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda and South Sudan, including surveillance, lab testing and border screening. Digital Trade: East Africa’s digital customs push is speeding cross-border commerce with online declarations, digital certificates and smarter border management—aimed at cutting delays and costs for traders, including small businesses in Burundi. Cross-Border Support for Traders: Women and youth traders at the Kobero–Kabanga One Stop Border Post received support to reduce non-tariff barriers and improve access to trade information under the EAC Simplified Trade Regime. Culture + Tech: Burundi hosted Africa’s first AFRICA ON MAPPING Festival, using video mapping and projection technology to turn Bujumbura’s historic sites into immersive art spaces. Banking Research: CRDB Bank CEO Dr Abdulmajid Nsekela officially became Dr after a UNISA PhD focused on corporate governance, information integrity and financial performance in East African banks.

Ebola Preparedness Boost: The U.S. announced an extra $20M (about Ksh2.59bn) for Ebola readiness in Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda and South Sudan, targeting stronger emergency centres, surveillance and testing, border screening, and infection control. Border Health Tech: Africa CDC is also urging member states to tighten exit screenings at borders without resorting to travel bans, while calling for faster lab confirmation tools in high-risk areas. Digital Trade for East Africa: East African countries are pushing digital customs reforms—online declarations, cargo tracking, and integrated border management—to cut delays and costs at crossings, with Burundi included in the regional push. Cross-Border Support at Kobero–Kabanga: Women and youth traders between Tanzania and Burundi received new support at the one-stop border post to improve access to trade information and reduce non-tariff barriers. Regional Tech & Connectivity: Google’s Ask Gemini in Chrome is rolling out to Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa and also includes Burundi, expanding AI help for searching and understanding information. Culture + Tech in Burundi: Bujumbura hosted Africa’s first AFRICA ON MAPPING Festival, using video mapping and projections on historic buildings to blend art, dance, poetry and technology. EAC–Singapore Trade Talks: Singapore will negotiate a free trade agreement with the EAC bloc of eight countries, including Burundi, aiming to open market access and cooperation in the digital economy.

Ebola Preparedness Boost: The U.S. announced an extra $20M (Ksh2.59bn) for Ebola readiness in Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda and South Sudan, targeting emergency operations, surveillance/testing, border screening and infection control as the DRC outbreak grows. Visa Barriers for Health Experts: AFP reports that midwifery specialists from Africa and Asia, including Burundi, were denied visas for a major conference in Portugal, risking delays in evidence-based guidance for reducing pregnancy and childbirth deaths. Digital AI for Africa: Google is rolling out “Ask Gemini in Chrome” to Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa, expanding built-in AI help across dozens of African locales including Burundi. Trade & Tech at Borders: Women and youth cross-border traders at the Kobero–Kabanga OSBP (Tanzania–Burundi) received support to cut non-tariff barriers and improve access to trade information under EAC simplified trade rules. Regional Tech Trade Deal: Singapore will negotiate a free trade agreement with the East African Community bloc, with Burundi included, and says it could open cooperation in the digital economy and emerging technologies. Culture Meets Tech in Burundi: Burundi hosted the AFRICA ON MAPPING Festival in Bujumbura, using video mapping and projections to turn historic buildings into interactive digital art spaces.

Ebola Preparedness Boost: The U.S. announced an extra $20M (about Ksh2.59bn) to strengthen Ebola readiness in Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda and South Sudan, targeting emergency operations, surveillance/testing, border screening and infection control. Border Health Tech: Africa CDC is urging member states to tighten border exit screenings for the DRC-linked Ebola outbreak, while avoiding travel bans and pushing faster lab diagnostics. Digital Learning & Skills: Namibia ranked 4th for lifelong learning participation, with the ILO pointing to training gaps and the need for policies that help people keep adapting amid rapid tech change. AI for Everyday Browsing: Google is rolling out “Ask Gemini in Chrome” to Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa, bringing built-in AI search help to more African users. Trade Facilitation Tech: East Africa’s digital customs reforms are expanding cross-border commerce, with online declarations and cargo tracking helping cut delays for traders. Burundi Creative Tech: Burundi hosted the AFRICA ON MAPPING Festival in Bujumbura, using video mapping and projection tech to turn historic buildings into interactive art spaces. EAC Integration: Singapore will negotiate a free trade agreement with the East African Community bloc, including Burundi, aiming to open market access and digital economy cooperation.

Midwifery Access Blocked: At an ICM conference in Portugal, at least 20 key midwifery speakers from Africa and Asia—including Burundi—were denied visas at the eleventh hour, risking delays to evidence-based guidance for saving mothers and newborns. Ebola Preparedness Boost: Africa CDC is pushing stronger border exit screening as the DRC outbreak grows, while the U.S. added $20M (about Ksh2.59bn) to support Ebola readiness in Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda and South Sudan, including surveillance, lab testing and infection control. EAC Trade Tech Moves: Google’s Ask Gemini in Chrome is rolling out to Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa (with Burundi listed among supported locales), and the EAC is advancing digital customs reforms to speed cross-border clearance. Regional Integration Deal: Singapore will negotiate a free trade agreement with the EAC bloc of eight, aiming to expand market access and cooperation in the digital economy. Health Systems & Skills: Merck Foundation continues cancer-care capacity building across multiple African countries including Burundi, training oncology specialists to tackle late diagnosis and workforce gaps. Environment Watch: As EACOP nears completion, a report warns the pipeline threatens wetlands and wildlife corridors, with long-term risks for communities and biodiversity.

Mobile Connectivity: Viettel has approved a $560M push into the Dominican Republic, creating Viettel Dominicana to compete as the country’s fourth mobile operator—an expansion that also highlights Viettel’s existing footprint across Africa, including Lumitel in Burundi. Ebola Preparedness (Burundi in focus): With the DRC outbreak involving the Bundibugyo strain and no approved vaccine, the region is tightening borders and labs; the U.S. added $20M (about Ksh2.59B) for Ebola preparedness in Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda and South Sudan, targeting emergency operations, surveillance, testing, infection control and point-of-entry screening. Regional Health Coordination: The EAC approved a regional technical task force on Ebola and other dangerous diseases, deploying mobile labs across partner states (including Burundi) and moving to harmonise screening and traveller health measures. Digital Trade & Borders: East Africa’s digital customs push is speeding cross-border commerce, while at the Kobero–Kabanga OSBP, women and youth traders in cereals and horticulture received support to cut non-tariff barriers and improve access to trade information. AI in Browsers: Google’s Ask Gemini in Chrome is rolling out to Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa, bringing built-in AI search help to more African users. Tech & Culture in Burundi: Burundi hosted the AFRICA ON MAPPING Festival in Bujumbura, using video mapping and performance to turn historic buildings into immersive digital art spaces.

Ebola Response Boost: The DRC’s Bundibugyo-strain Ebola outbreak is still escalating, with the health ministry reporting 598 cases and 115 deaths as of 9 June, while the EU commissioner warned the region is “sitting on a volcano” after a visit to Bunia. US Funding for Preparedness: The US announced an extra $20 million (about Ksh2.59bn) to strengthen Ebola readiness in Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda and South Sudan, pushing direct support above $220 million, with plans to upgrade emergency operations centres, surveillance, lab testing, border screening and infection control. Regional Coordination in EAC: EAC health ministers agreed to harmonise Ebola surveillance and protective measures across airports, ports and land borders, and to set up a regional technical task force, with mobile labs already deployed in several partner states including Burundi. AI in Browsers: Google’s Ask Gemini in Chrome is rolling out to Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa, with Burundi included in the wider Africa availability list—another step toward more local AI access. Trade Tech at Borders: East African cross-border traders at Kobero–Kabanga OSBP received support to cut non-tariff barriers and improve access to trade information under the EAC simplified trade regime. Digital Customs Push: East Africa’s digital customs reforms are speeding up clearance and reducing delays, helping goods move faster across the region. EAC-Singapore FTA Talks: Singapore will negotiate a free trade agreement with the EAC bloc of eight countries, including Burundi, aiming to expand market access and cooperation in the digital economy. Cancer Care Training: Merck Foundation continues building oncology capacity in Burundi and other African countries through clinical training scholarships and cancer awareness initiatives.

Ebola Preparedness in the Region: WHO has declared the DRC/Uganda Ebola outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, and Burundi is listed among high-risk countries—prompting stronger border screening and coordination. EAC Cross-Border Response: East African Community ministers agreed to harmonise Ebola surveillance and protective measures at airports, ports, and land crossings, and to set up a regional technical taskforce; mobile labs are being deployed across partner states including Burundi to speed up testing and case detection. Funding for Labs and Training: Germany’s KfW pledged KSh150 million (about €1m) to support mobile laboratories, diagnostics, and lab personnel training for the regional Ebola response, while the U.S. also increased support with screening and surveillance operations at points of entry in Burundi and neighboring countries. Digital Trade Boost for Burundi Traders: At the Kobero–Kabanga OSBP, women and youth cross-border traders received support to cut non-tariff barriers and improve access to trade information under the EAC simplified trade regime. Culture-Tech in Burundi: Burundi hosted the AFRICA ON MAPPING Festival in Bujumbura, using video mapping and projections to turn historic buildings into immersive storytelling spaces. EAC–Singapore Trade Talks: Singapore will negotiate a free trade agreement with the EAC bloc of eight countries, including Burundi, with potential links to digital economy and emerging technologies.

Ebola Preparedness: WHO has declared the DRC and Uganda Ebola outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, and Burundi is listed among high-risk countries; regional response is ramping up with risk-based travel screening at points of entry using APIS-style passenger data, plus lab and surveillance support. Regional Health Coordination: East African Community (EAC) ministers agreed to harmonise Ebola surveillance and protective measures across airports, ports and land borders, and to set up a regional technical taskforce; mobile labs are being deployed to speed up testing and case detection. Funding for Labs & Response: Kenya is set to receive KSh647M via Africa CDC and WHO for a six-month “one plan, one budget, one team” response, while Germany’s KfW pledged €1M to support mobile laboratories, diagnostics and lab training across the region. Trade Tech & Borders: Women and youth traders at the Kobero–Kabanga One Stop Border Post (Tanzania–Burundi) received support to reduce non-tariff barriers and improve access to trade information under the EAC simplified trade regime. Digital Economy & Integration: Singapore will negotiate a free trade agreement with the EAC bloc of eight countries, including Burundi, aiming to boost goods/services and open cooperation in the digital economy and emerging technologies. Burundi Tech & Culture: Burundi hosted Africa’s first AFRICA ON MAPPING Festival in Bujumbura, using video mapping and performance tech to turn historic buildings into interactive storytelling canvases.

Ebola Response in East Africa: The EAC is pushing a coordinated fight against the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak, agreeing to harmonise surveillance and protective measures at airports, ports and land borders, and setting up a regional technical taskforce; mobile labs are already deployed across partner states, while Kenya and partners are rolling out a joint preparedness and response plan with support for labs, infection control, clinical care and community engagement. Digital Trade for Burundi and Neighbours: East Africa’s “digital customs” push is speeding up cross-border commerce with online declarations, electronic cargo tracking and digital certificates—aimed at cutting delays and costs for traders, including Burundi’s small-scale businesses. Border Support for Women Traders: At the Kobero–Kabanga One Stop Border Post, women and youth cross-border traders received financial and institutional support to reduce non-tariff barriers and improve access to trade information under the EAC simplified trade regime. Cancer Care Training in Burundi: Merck Foundation is expanding oncology capacity across Africa, including Burundi, by funding clinical training scholarships and building the first cancer care teams to tackle late diagnosis and specialist shortages. Burundi’s Tech Meets Art: Burundi hosted Africa’s first AFRICA ON MAPPING Festival in Bujumbura, using video mapping and projection technology to turn historic buildings into immersive storytelling spaces. Mining Regulation Talk: East African energy regulators are debating whether to expand mandates to include mining, reflecting the region’s push to secure critical minerals for the energy transition. Global Policy Shock: Kuwait restricted domestic worker recruitment to only 10 approved countries and banned 27 others, a move that could disrupt labour flows for workers from several East African states.

Ebola Response in East Africa: The EAC is pushing a coordinated regional fight against the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak, agreeing to harmonise surveillance and protective measures at airports, ports and land borders, and setting up a regional technical task force; Cross-Border Preparedness: Mobile laboratories are already deployed across Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan and the DRC to speed up testing and case detection, while Kenya is set to receive KSh647M from Africa CDC and WHO for a joint preparedness and response plan; U.S. Support: Washington says its Ebola assistance package has topped $162M, including IOM border screening and surveillance support in Burundi and other affected countries; Trade & Border Support for Burundi: Women and youth traders at the Kobero–Kabanga OSBP received cash and institutional backing to cut non-tariff barriers and improve access to trade information; Digital Culture in Burundi: Burundi hosted the AFRICA ON MAPPING Festival in Bujumbura, spotlighting video mapping and tech-driven storytelling at major historic venues.

Digital Arts in Burundi: Bujumbura hosted the AFRICA ON MAPPING Festival (June 1–6), using video mapping, dance and poetry to turn landmarks like the Old East building and the French Institute of Burundi into immersive digital canvases. Cross-Border Trade Support: Women and youth traders at the Kobero–Kabanga OSBP (Tanzania–Burundi) received new support from the East African Business Council and AGRA to cut non-tariff barriers and improve access to trade information. Ebola Preparedness for the Region: East African Community health ministers agreed to harmonise Ebola surveillance and protective measures at airports, ports and land borders, and to set up a regional technical taskforce; mobile labs are being deployed to speed up testing and case detection. Ebola Funding and Labs: Kenya received a joint Africa CDC–WHO preparedness and response plan for the Bundibugyo outbreak, while Germany’s KfW pledged €1m to support mobile laboratories, diagnostics and lab training across the region. Health Tech & Safety: A regional forum in Nairobi focused on strengthening safe use of nuclear and radiation technologies in healthcare, with regulators from multiple countries including Burundi. Transport & Connectivity: Kenya’s KeNHA began feasibility work for the Mau Summit–Eldoret–Malaba highway (PPP), aiming to improve links between Kenya, Uganda, Burundi and the DRC.

Ebola Response in East Africa: The EAC is pushing a coordinated fight against the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak, agreeing to harmonise surveillance and protective measures at airports, ports and land borders, and setting up a regional technical task force while deploying mobile laboratories across Burundi, Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda and more. Funding & Lab Capacity: Kenya is set to receive KSh647M via Africa CDC and WHO for a six-month “One Response” plan, while Germany’s KfW pledged Ksh150M to boost mobile labs, diagnostics and training. Vaccine Race: CEPI says up to $62M is being used to fast-track three vaccine candidates, with Oxford/Moderna/IAVI working toward human trials as cases rise. Public Health Pressure: The IRC warns the outbreak may be far worse than official figures, citing delayed detection and weak contact tracing. Burundi Angle: An open letter urges Burundi not to extradite a Kivu researcher to the DRC, amid fears of rights violations. Trade & Infrastructure: Tanzania’s Bagamoyo Port push and wider East African corridor plans keep spotlighting tech-enabled logistics and regional connectivity.

Ebola Response in East Africa: The EAC is pushing a coordinated fight against the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak, agreeing to harmonise screening at airports, ports and land borders and to set up a regional technical task force, while Africa CDC and WHO-backed plans in Kenya roll out a six-month “one plan, one budget, one team” approach with surveillance, lab testing, infection control and community engagement. Funding & Logistics: The U.S. has expanded support for regional preparedness with $162M+ and IOM border screening in Burundi, DRC, Rwanda, South Sudan and Uganda, while Germany’s KfW adds KSh150M (€1M) for mobile labs, diagnostics and lab training. Vaccine Race: CEPI has pledged $62M to fast-track Bundibugyo vaccine candidates, with Oxford, Moderna and IAVI in the race as experts warn contact tracing is too low. Burundi in the Mix: A Great Lakes open letter urges Burundi’s AU chair to oppose any extradition of researcher Babunga Benjamin Watuna to the DRC, amid fears of rights violations. Tech & Health Regulation: Kenya hosted a regional forum on safe nuclear and radiation use in healthcare, bringing together regulators including Burundi to strengthen oversight as disease threats rise.

Ebola Response in East Africa: The EAC is pushing a coordinated fight against the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak, with health ministers agreeing to harmonise surveillance and protective measures at airports, ports and land borders, and to set up a regional technical task force; the plan also leans on mobile laboratories, faster testing, infection prevention, risk communication, and community-focused response as cases and suspected deaths rise in DRC and Uganda. Burundi in the Mix: Burundi is named among countries at high risk, and U.S.-funded IOM screening and surveillance operations are reported at points of entry and control across the region, including Burundi. Health Tech & Regulation: Kenya is hosting a regional forum on safe nuclear and radiation use in healthcare, bringing together regulators from multiple countries (including Burundi) to strengthen oversight as disease threats grow. AU Funding Pressure: The African Union Commission says it is operating with only about 30% of required staffing due to budget deficits, with 2027 expected to be an austerity budget. Food & Fertilizer Shock: A new study warns global food supply losses could worsen when climate shocks stack with energy-driven fertilizer price spikes.

Ebola Response in East Africa: EAC health ministers agreed to harmonise Ebola surveillance and protective measures at airports, ports and land borders, and to set up a regional technical task force as the Bundibugyo outbreak in DRC and Uganda accelerates; Regional Lab Capacity: Kenya is set to receive KSh647m from Africa CDC and WHO for a joint preparedness and response plan, while the EAC says mobile laboratories are being deployed across partner states to speed up testing and case detection; Funding Boost: Germany’s KfW committed Ksh150m to support mobile labs, diagnostics and training for the regional Ebola effort; Burundi Tech & Health Safety: A regional forum hosted by Kenya’s nuclear regulator (with Burundi among participants) focused on safe nuclear and radiation use in healthcare—timely as outbreaks raise pressure on health systems; Trade & Connectivity: Kenya’s role as a gateway into Burundi and other landlocked markets was highlighted in a South Africa–Kenya business push, alongside regional infrastructure planning like the Mau Summit–Eldoret–Malaba highway feasibility work.