AGP Executive Report

Corridor Race in East Africa: Dar es Salaam is tightening its grip as a gateway for landlocked trade, with China, the Gulf and Indian capital reshaping ports, railways and logistics as Tanzania targets 30 million tonnes by 2030. Regional Transport Upgrade: Tanzania’s MV Liemba is back in motion after a major overhaul—technical trials begin in phases, with commercial service planned for September 1. Shipping & Connectivity: TASHICO says it is moving from ship rehabilitation to commercialisation and expansion of routes linking Tanzania with Uganda, Burundi, DRC and Zambia, eyeing the Indian Ocean next. Capital Markets for Ordinary People: Tanzania launches Timiza Plus Fund and the Zan Timiza ETF to make investing easier and more accessible across East Africa’s fragmented product landscape. EAC Tech Push: EAC and Germany launch AI4EAC Challenge 2 for 20,000 participants, adding an Ebola response track and new partners. Local Industry Demand: Kenya’s paint sector warns capacity must keep up as construction and renovations could double demand every 6–7 years. Burundi Security Watch: Bujumbura police report three bodies found and 800+ arrests in intensified anti-crime operations.

Capital Markets Access: Tanzania’s Timiza Plus Fund and Zan Timiza ETF have opened for public subscription, aiming to make it easier for ordinary East Africans to invest beyond fragmented products. Regional Labour Mobility: Tanzania took over the EAC labour migration committee chair to push safe, orderly migration and skills-linked employment cooperation. Transport & Logistics: Tanzania’s MV Liemba is set to return to commercial service on Sept 1 after a Sh34bn overhaul, with trials led by DMG; TASHICO also signals a shift toward commercialisation and expanded lake routes linking Burundi and DRC. AI for Development: EAC and Germany launched the second AI4EAC Challenge for 20,000 East Africans, adding an Ebola response track and new strategic partners. Construction Inputs: Kenya’s paint industry warns of capacity pressure as demand could double every six to seven years with construction recovery. Digital Trust & IDs: A focus on foundational ID and biometrics highlights how trusted birth registration can strengthen service delivery and reduce fraud risks. Security & Urban Crime: Bujumbura police report three bodies found and 800+ arrests in high-risk areas as operations intensify. Maritime Trade Security: A new multinational maritime defence coalition lists regional states including Burundi’s neighbours, targeting navigation risks around Bab el-Mandeb and the Gulf of Aden.

FEASSA Rugby 7s: Cardinal Otunga High School (Mosocho) won the FEASSA rugby 7s title in Morogoro, finishing unbeaten with wins over Makerere College (27-7), Busiga College (41-0), and earlier victories including a 31-5 win over Tanzania’s Elerai. AI for Regional Development: The EAC and Germany launched the second AI4EAC Challenge, expanding to 20,000 participants across all eight EAC states and adding an Ebola response track, with $50,000 in prizes and new partners Equity Group Holdings and KIT. Maritime Trade & Logistics: Tanzania’s MV Liemba is set for relaunch after a Sh34 billion overhaul, with technical trials underway and commercial operations targeted for September 1; the project is led by DMG. Construction Materials Demand: Kenya’s paint industry faces capacity pressure as construction and renovations are expected to double paint demand every six to seven years, pushing firms to invest in new production lines. Burundi Security & Urban Crime: Burundi National Police reported three bodies found on Mwezi Gisabo Boulevard in Bujumbura and said more than 800 arrests have been made since early August amid intensified operations. Regional Shipping Connectivity: Tanzania’s TASHICO says it is commercialising and expanding routes, including plans to reopen links to Uganda, Burundi, DRC and Zambia, aiming beyond lake passenger transport. EAC Digital Trust: A regional push for foundational ID and biometrics is highlighted as key to trustworthy service delivery, with Burundi cited as an example of progress in civil registration and vital systems.

Transport & Trade: Tanzania’s MV Liemba is set to return to service after a Sh34 billion overhaul, with technical trials underway and commercial operations planned for September 1—an important boost for lake transport links that also serve Burundi and the wider region. Security & Public Safety (Bujumbura): Burundi National Police report three bodies found on Mwezi Gisabo Boulevard and say more than 800 arrests have been made since early August as operations intensify in high-risk areas. Digital Economy & Skills: The EAC and Germany launched AI4EAC, aiming to train 20,000 East Africans, with a dedicated Ebola Response track for AI models supporting detection and preparedness. Health Systems & Workforce: A World Bank-backed regional Training of Trainers program in Dar es Salaam is strengthening frontline capacity across Eastern and Southern Africa, including Burundi, by integrating non-communicable disease surveillance into field epidemiology training. Energy & Industry (Regional): Burundi’s installed power capacity is reported to have risen sharply after commissioning the Mulembwe hydro plant, adding momentum to the country’s clean energy push. ICT & Business Recognition: Viettel was named the world’s most awarded organization at the 2026 International Business Awards, highlighting continued telecom investment and innovation.

Transport & Trade Links: Tanzania’s DMG has completed the TSh 34bn overhaul of the 111-year-old MV Liemba and started technical trials, with officials saying the ship should return to service on 1 September—an important boost for regional passenger-cargo links that also serve Burundi and the wider Great Lakes. Logistics & Security: Kenyan truckers have grounded cargo bound for the DRC after killings of drivers on the Beni–Kisangani route, threatening Northern Corridor flows from Mombasa. Regional Rail Push: Kenya and Tanzania renewed efforts to extend their SGR lines to reach landlocked neighbours, including Uganda and Burundi, as both seek new funding and faster connectivity. Industry & Local Content: Burundi’s regional manufacturing agenda gets a boost as ministers urge value addition and import substitution, while factory visits highlight local sourcing and export potential. Energy & Infrastructure: Africa’s clean power momentum continues, with Burundi cited for capacity gains after commissioning the Mulembwe hydro plant. Digital Trust & ID: Coverage also points to how foundational ID and biometrics can strengthen trustworthy public services, with Burundi mentioned as a source of optimism. Youth & Governance: Burundi hosts youth peace and security dialogue marking the 20-year African Youth Charter, pushing for real decision-making power beyond attendance.

Agribusiness & Gender: A new push argues women’s control of land, finance, mechanisation and decision-making is key to stabilising Africa’s food systems, noting women’s near-half share of the agri-food workforce in sub-Saharan Africa and their role in seed biodiversity. Digital Identity: Burundi is cited as an example of optimism around birth registration and national ID systems, with biometrics needing to be securely bound at creation to prevent fraud and protect service delivery. Trade & Processing: China’s zero-tariff policy for imports from 53 African countries is already boosting sales and market access, with fresh produce leading and early moves toward higher-value processing. Regional Logistics: Truckers in Kenya are grounding cargo to the DRC after killings on the Northern Corridor, threatening transit volumes through Mombasa. Energy & Infrastructure: Africa’s clean power momentum is highlighted, including Burundi’s hydro capacity gains after Mulembwe commissioning. Youth, AI & Health: The EAC and Germany launch an AI challenge to train 20,000 young people, including an Ebola response track. Burundi Finance & Water: CRDB Bank Burundi turns its marathon into a clean-water campaign, linking sport with community support.

Digital Identity & Biometrics: Burundi’s push toward trustworthy digital services gets a spotlight as new reporting stresses that biometric credentials must be accurately handled, scaled, and securely bound to foundational IDs from the start to prevent fraud and downstream costs. Road Safety & Services: Burundi’s Traffic and Road Safety Police says production and distribution of biometric driver’s licenses has resumed after a long shortage, with applicants told to wait for SMS instructions to reduce crowds and travel, while police warn against people demanding money to “expedite” applications. Trade & Value Addition: China’s zero-tariff rollout for imports from 53 African countries is already boosting sales and market access, with fresh produce and processed goods moving more quickly into Chinese shelves and processing lines—an opportunity for regional exporters to scale up. Energy & Industry: A clean-energy roundup notes Burundi’s installed generating capacity rising from 60MW to over 109MW after commissioning the Mulembwe hydro plant, reinforcing momentum for power-dependent industry and services. Regional Logistics: Kenya–DRC cargo flows face disruption as truckers pause routes over killings and insecurity along the Northern Corridor, raising pressure on transit reliability for landlocked trade.

Burundi Infrastructure & Services: Burundi’s Traffic and Road Safety Police (PSR) says biometric driver’s licenses production and distribution will resume after more than two years, with applicants told to wait for a text message on collection dates and offices, while police warn against “expediting” scams and favoritism fears. Border & Land Management: Authorities in Bujumbura warn that natural border lines with Rwanda and DRC may be shifting as riverbank erosion and human activities affect the Rusizi and Ruhwa rivers, citing an inspection mission and calling for attention from district administrators. Local Governance & Costs: In Muyinga, residents are protesting new contributions they say are being imposed to fund the Buhumuza provincial headquarters, arguing they already financed the former provincial office before the 2025 administrative reform. Regional Trade & Logistics: Kenyan long-distance truckers have grounded cargo to the DRC after killings on the Beni-Kisangani route, threatening Northern Corridor flows via Mombasa. Energy & Industry: A clean-energy snapshot highlights Burundi’s installed capacity rising from 60MW to over 109MW after commissioning the Mulembwe hydro plant, alongside other renewables progress across the region. EAC Digital Innovation: The EAC and Germany launched AI4EAC, an AI innovation challenge aiming to train 20,000 East Africans and fund practical solutions, including a dedicated Ebola response track.

Burundi Transport & Services: Burundi’s Traffic and Road Safety Police (PSR) says biometric driver’s licenses are back in production and distribution after more than two years, with applicants told to wait for SMS instructions to collect documents and warned against “expediting” scams. Borders & Land Use: Authorities in Bujumbura warn that gradual border shifts with Rwanda and the DRC may be driven by riverbank erosion and human activities along the Rusizi and Ruhwa rivers, after a border demarcation inspection. Water & Community Finance: CRDB Bank Burundi’s third CRDB Marathon in Bujumbura turned sport into a clean-water push, with the First Lady backing the bank’s social responsibility drive. Regional Rail & Logistics: Kenya and Tanzania renewed efforts to link their standard gauge railways to landlocked neighbours, including plans that could connect toward Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi. EAC Digital Push: The EAC and Germany launched AI4EAC, aiming to train 20,000 young people and innovators, with an Ebola-focused challenge track. Energy & Industry: A clean-energy snapshot highlights Burundi’s hydropower gains after Mulembwe’s commissioning, alongside broader renewable expansion across East Africa. Trade Disruption: Truckers in Kenya reportedly grounded cargo bound for the DRC after killings on the Beni-Kisangani route, threatening Northern Corridor flows. Manufacturing Support: Uganda’s industry minister toured factories to assess value addition and import substitution, including exports to Burundi and the wider region.

EAC & Germany AI Push: The EAC and Germany launched the AI4EAC challenge to train 20,000 East Africans, with a new Ebola Response track and $50,000 in prizes to spur practical AI solutions across the region. Youth, Governance & Peace: Burundi is hosting the 20-year African Youth Charter dialogue in Bujumbura, with leaders and youth pressing for real decision-making power, not just attendance, as youth peace and security stays on the agenda. Burundi Energy & Power: Africa’s clean-energy momentum highlights Burundi’s Mulembwe hydro plant commissioning, lifting installed capacity from 60MW to over 109MW. Transport & Trade Security: Truckers are grounding cargo to the DRC over killings and insecurity along the Beni-Kisangani route, threatening Northern Corridor freight flows that include Burundi. Northern Corridor Greener Freight: UNEP and NCTTCA secured funding to implement the Northern Corridor Green Freight Strategy 2030, including emissions tracking and electrification studies at the Port of Mombasa. Burundi Business Services: CRDB Bank Burundi’s annual marathon in Bujumbura raised support for clean water access, linking sport with community development. Burundi Admin & Services: After a long shortage, Burundi’s PSR says biometric driver’s licenses production and distribution will resume, while authorities also warn about favoritism risks. Borders & Land Use: Burundi authorities warn that erosion and riverbank activities along the Rusizi and Ruhwa could gradually shift natural borders with Rwanda and the DRC.

East African Rail Push: Kenya and Tanzania renewed efforts to link their SGR lines to landlocked Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi, with Kenya targeting completion of the Malaba section by June 2027 and Tanzania expanding westwards from Dodoma toward Kigoma, plus plans for future links that could reach Rwanda and Burundi. Burundi Energy Upgrade: Africa’s clean power momentum includes Burundi’s installed capacity nearly doubling to over 109MW after commissioning the Mulembwe hydro plant. Northern Corridor Security Shock: Kenyan truckers are grounding cargo bound for the DRC after killings on the Beni-Kisangani route, threatening freight flows through the Mombasa corridor that serves Burundi and other neighbors. Local Industry & Jobs: Uganda’s industry minister David Bahati highlighted factory value-add and export links across the region, including exports reaching DR Congo, South Sudan, Rwanda and Burundi. Road Safety Services: Burundi’s Traffic and Road Safety Police resumed production and distribution of biometric driver’s licenses after a long shortage, while warning against favoritism and scams. Border Risk Watch: Burundi authorities warn that erosion and riverbank activities along the Rusizi and Ruhwa rivers could gradually shift natural borders with Rwanda and the DRC. Youth, Peace & Governance: In Bujumbura, Burundi hosted discussions marking 20 years of the African Youth Charter, pushing for real youth participation through laws, budgets and institutions. Clean Water Through Sport: CRDB Bank Burundi used its Bujumbura marathon to raise support for clean and safe water access.

Northern Corridor Security Disruption: Kenyan long-distance truckers are grounding cargo bound for the DRC after killings of four drivers on the Beni-Kisangani route, with associations urging avoidance of the area until security improves—raising risks for trade through the Port of Mombasa, a key transit gateway for Burundi and the wider region. Local Industry Push: Uganda’s industry minister David Bahati toured factories to highlight local sourcing, jobs and export potential, including firms exporting to DR Congo, South Sudan, Rwanda and Burundi—an example of how value addition and import substitution can be supported. Burundi Transport Services: After more than two years of shortage, Burundi’s Traffic and Road Safety Police says biometric driver’s licenses are resuming, with collection organized via text messages and warnings against favoritism and “expediting” scams. Border and Land Risks: Burundi authorities warn that erosion and human activity along the Rusizi and Ruhwa rivers could gradually shift natural borders with Rwanda and the DRC. Clean Freight Agenda: UNEP and Northern Corridor partners launched funding to cut emissions and improve efficiency on the corridor, including electrification studies and more women in freight transport.

EAC Health Tech Push: The East African Community is launching an AI and youth innovation programme to tackle the growing ebola threat, aiming to build AI tools for detection, preparedness and response as cases in the region rise. Bujumbura Water & Finance: CRDB Bank Burundi’s annual marathon returned as a “water for all” drive, with the First Lady backing the push to improve access to clean, safe water through sport-linked community support. Burundi Transport Services: After more than two years of shortage, Burundi’s Traffic and Road Safety Police says biometric driver’s licenses will resume production and distribution, with SMS-based collection details and warnings against favoritism and pay-for-fast processing. Borders Under Pressure: Burundi authorities warn that erosion and human activity along the Rusizi and Ruhwa rivers could gradually shift natural borders with Rwanda and the DRC. Judicial Infrastructure Plan: Burundi plans a major judicial overhaul, investing over 60.5 billion francs to build courts and prosecutor offices across provinces and districts to bring justice closer to citizens. Regional Trade & Logistics: UNEP and the Northern Corridor partners back cleaner, more efficient freight transport, targeting lower logistics costs and greater women’s participation along the corridor serving Burundi and neighbors.

Water & Sports Sponsorship: CRDB Bank Burundi turned the CRDB Marathon in Bujumbura into a “One Step, Water for All” drive, with the First Lady backing the push for clean and safe water through public participation, sponsorships and partnerships. Road Safety & Services: After a long shortage, Burundi’s Traffic and Road Safety Police (PSR) says biometric driver’s licenses are back in production and distribution, with applicants told to wait for SMS instructions and warned against people demanding money to “expedite” files. Borders & Land Use: Authorities in Bujumbura warn that riverbank erosion and activities like farming, artisanal gold mining and brickmaking along the Rusizi and Ruhwa rivers could gradually shift Burundi’s borders with Rwanda and the DRC. Local Governance Costs: In Muyinga, residents protest new contributions they say are being demanded again for the Buhumuza provincial headquarters, arguing they already funded the former provincial office before the 2025 administrative reform. Judicial Infrastructure: Burundi plans a major justice overhaul, investing over 60.5 billion BIF to build local and first-instance courts plus prosecutor offices across its provinces and districts. Regional Trade & Transport: UNEP and the Northern Corridor partners launched support for cleaner, more efficient freight transport, targeting lower logistics costs and greener operations along the Mombasa–Uganda–Rwanda–Burundi corridor.

UN Leadership Watch: António Guterres will step down as UN secretary-general at year-end, with regional rotation expectations pointing to possible next leaders from Latin America or Africa, and two women frequently named as frontrunners: Rebeca Grynspan (UNCTAD) and Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett. Water & Community Finance: CRDB Bank Burundi’s annual marathon in Bujumbura doubled as a “Run for water” drive, with the First Lady backing efforts to expand access to clean, safe water through public participation and partnerships. Governance & Services: After a more than two-year shortage, Burundi’s Traffic and Road Safety Police says biometric driver’s licenses will resume production and distribution, while warning against favoritism and “expediting” scams. Borders & Risk: Burundi authorities warn that riverbank erosion and human activity along the Rusizi and Ruhwa rivers could gradually shift natural borders with Rwanda and the DRC. Youth, Trade & Skills: Reach A Hand Africa’s B!LL!Now Now Youth Summit in Kampala pushed for measurable youth access in areas like entrepreneurship, climate/green jobs, and responsible technology. Regional Transport & Industry: UNEP and the Northern Corridor partners launched funding to cut freight emissions and improve logistics efficiency, including electrification studies and more women in the sector.

Youth & Entrepreneurship: Reach A Hand Africa’s B!LL!Now Now Youth Summit in Kampala drew 1,000+ young delegates to push for measurable economic and civic access, with priorities including entrepreneurship, skills, the green economy, and responsible tech. Transport & Logistics: UNEP and the Northern Corridor Transit and Transport Coordination Authority launched support for the Northern Corridor Green Freight Strategy 2030, aiming to cut logistics costs and emissions and boost women’s participation in freight. Agribusiness Finance: EAC stakeholders warned that agricultural transformation is being held back by financing gaps and weak budget execution, even as the region rolls out the 2026–2035 agri-food investment plan. Industrial Regulation: Rwanda escalated its alcohol crackdown, suspending 52 imported brands and ordering recalls; the list includes products from Burundi and other regional suppliers, raising compliance pressure for beverage producers. Energy & Infrastructure: Russia signaled expanded cooperation with Africa on energy, industrial development, education and food security following Lavrov’s tour including Burundi. Climate Risk: El Niño forecasts are driving disaster-preparedness calls across East Africa, with flood and infrastructure damage risks highlighted for the coming rainy season.