AGP Executive Report

Gambia–Nigeria Education Finance: The Gambia says officials from its new Tertiary and Higher Education Trust (THET) Fund will study Nigeria’s TETFund model, after a delegation led by Prof. Pierre Gomez met TETFund’s Sonny Echono in Abuja, with cooperation focused on research and capacity building. Tech & Skills Cooperation: NASENI and The Gambia agreed to develop a Memorandum of Understanding to deepen technology development, TVET, research, innovation, skills and technology commercialisation, following a ministerial visit to NASENI’s centres including solar and drone-related work. Border Tech in the Region: NACSA joined West Africa Border Security Week in Accra, where digital identity, biometrics, document checks and data-driven border control tools were showcased by technology partners. Public Sector Digital Auditing: An African auditors’ training in Zanzibar urged use of AI, data science and cybersecurity to strengthen fraud detection and protect public funds as governments move services online. Health Research: Scientists report a malaria-control approach that lets mosquitoes live but blocks the parasite inside them, aiming to counter insecticide resistance. Environment & Coastal Risk: Liberia’s EPA warns uncontrolled sand mining is worsening coastal and riverbank erosion, with a West Africa initiative also covering The Gambia. Education Results: WAEC released 2026 WASSCE results in The Gambia, with 1,556 candidates earning credits in at least five subjects including English and Mathematics.

Development Finance Debate: A new Gambia-focused piece asks a hard question: who will actually pay for the country’s development, and how to build enough domestic financial capacity to choose priorities without permanent external constraints. Regional Currency Watch: Another analysis revisits the ECO single-currency idea, weighing trade benefits against the loss of monetary independence seen in Europe’s euro experience. Education Funding (Gambia–Nigeria): The Gambia plans a study tour of Nigeria’s TETFund to learn how to run its own THET Fund, with cooperation aimed at research and capacity building. Tech for Governance: Auditors across Africa are urged to use AI, data science and cybersecurity tools to strengthen fraud detection as governments move more services online. Border Tech: NACSA joins West Africa’s Border Security Week in Accra, where biometric and digital identity tools are showcased for “intelligent border management.” Malaria Research: A study highlights a new approach to malaria control—using bed nets that deliver antiparasitic compounds to stop the parasite inside mosquitoes. Environment (Sand Mining): Liberia’s EPA warns uncontrolled sand mining is accelerating coastal and riverbank erosion, with a West Africa initiative also involving The Gambia. Science & Society: A fact-check debunks a viral AI-made satellite claim about Gambian military camp encroachment into Senegal.

Education & Skills: WAEC released 2026 WASSCE results in The Gambia, with 1,556 candidates scoring at least five credits (907 female, 649 male) out of 20,610 registered, while 994 records are still being processed. Higher Education Financing: The Gambia plans a study tour of Nigeria’s TETFund to guide its own THET Fund, with officials stressing research and capacity-building collaboration. Tech for Governance: An African audit training in Zanzibar urged public audit institutions, including The Gambia’s National Audit Office, to use AI, data science and cybersecurity to detect fraud and protect public resources. Border Tech & Security: NACSA joined West Africa Border Security Week in Accra, where biometric, identity verification and digital border-control tools were showcased. Malaria Science: Researchers report a new malaria-control approach using bed nets that deliver antiparasitic compounds via mosquito contact, aiming to tackle insecticide resistance. Environment & Coastal Risk: Liberia’s EPA warns sand mining is accelerating coastal and riverbank erosion, with a West Africa initiative also targeting The Gambia. Maritime Sustainability: Coverage highlights concerns over illegal Chinese fishing in African waters, including calls for stronger transparency and enforcement.

Education Results: WAEC released The Gambia’s 2026 WASSCE results, with only 1,556 candidates earning credits in at least five subjects including English and Mathematics, out of 20,610 registered students. AI for Integrity: African public audit institutions, including The Gambia’s National Audit Office, are being urged to use AI, data science and cybersecurity tools to strengthen fraud detection as governments shift to digital systems. Tech & Skills Cooperation: NASENI and The Gambia agreed to develop a Memorandum of Understanding to deepen cooperation in technology development, TVET, research, innovation and skills commercialisation. Higher Education Funding Model: The Gambia plans a study tour of Nigeria’s TETFund to learn how to run its new THET Fund and improve research and capacity development. Border Tech Focus: NACSA joined West Africa Border Security Week in Accra, where digital identity, biometrics and document examination technologies were showcased for “intelligent border management.” Malaria Research: Scientists reported a new malaria-control approach using treated nets that let mosquitoes live but disrupt the parasite inside them, aiming to tackle insecticide resistance.

Border Tech & Security: NACSA joined West Africa Border Security Week in Accra, focusing on “Intelligent Border Management” and showcasing biometrics, digital identity, document checks, and data-driven security with partners like Motorola Solutions and Integrated Biometrics. Education Outcomes: WAEC’s 2026 WASSCE results show only 1,556 Gambian candidates earned credits in at least five subjects including English and Maths, out of 20,610 registered. AI for Accountability: African auditors are being urged to adopt AI, data science, and cybersecurity to better spot fraud and misuse of public funds. Gambia–Nigeria Tech Skills Link: NASENI and The Gambia agreed to a MoU to deepen TVET, research, innovation, and technology commercialisation after a ministerial visit to NASENI facilities. Tertiary Funding Model: Gambia’s new THET Fund will study Nigeria’s TETFund, with officials planning a study tour to learn how the agency supports research, infrastructure, and capacity development. Higher-Ed Funding Guidance: Gambia also plans to understudy TETFund operations as it builds its own tertiary financing system. Malaria Research: A new approach suggests nets can help stop malaria without killing mosquitoes outright by targeting the parasite inside the insect. Digital Trust & Misinformation: A fact-check says a viral claim about Gambian military camp encroachment into Senegal is false and the satellite image is AI-generated.

Gambia-Nigeria Education Tech Link: The Gambia’s Minister of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, Prof. Pierre Gomez, led talks with Nigeria’s TETFund to set up a study tour for Gambia’s new THET Fund, modelled on TETFund, with a focus on research and capacity building. NASENI Skills Push: NASENI says it has started work with The Gambia on a Memorandum of Understanding to boost TVET, research, innovation and technology commercialisation, highlighting areas like solar energy, drones, advanced manufacturing and agricultural mechanisation. Border Tech & Misinformation: A viral claim that Senegal-Gambia border tensions involved an AI-made satellite map was flagged false by fact-checkers, urging caution with social media “satellite” posts. Malaria Science: Researchers report a new malaria-control approach using bed nets that let mosquitoes live but disrupt the parasite inside them, aiming to counter insecticide resistance. STEM & Innovation Culture: Access Bank-backed STEM Africa Fest continues to draw thousands of young learners into hands-on science and tech activities. Banking & Digital Finance: Access Bank Gambia won Euromoney’s “Best Bank in the Gambia” award for a third straight year, reinforcing its push for digital innovation and inclusion.

Education Funding Push: The Gambia says it will understudy Nigeria’s TETFund, sending officials to learn how the tertiary education financing model works after creating its own THET Fund, with collaboration focused on research and capacity development. Border Tech & Misinformation Check: A viral claim that a Gambian military camp in Bullock encroached into Senegal was flagged false after checks showed the satellite image was AI-generated and didn’t match the real location. Malaria Research: New findings highlight a malaria-control approach that targets the parasite inside mosquitoes using treated bed nets, aiming to help where insecticide resistance is weakening traditional nets. STEM & Innovation Spotlight: Access Bank’s STEM Africa Fest is highlighted as a large-scale push to get young people hands-on with science and technology, including drones, robotics and AI activities. Space Watch: A total solar eclipse on Aug 12 is expected to be visible across parts of Europe, with the UK seeing major coverage.

Gambia-Nigeria Education Tech Link: The Gambia says it will send officials from its new THET fund to understudy Nigeria’s TETFund, after a visit by MoHERST Minister Prof. Pierre Gomez to TETFund HQ in Abuja, with a focus on research and capacity development. Border Tech & Misinformation Check: A viral satellite claim that a Gambian military camp in Bullock encroaches into Senegal was flagged false after findings showed the image was AI-generated and didn’t match the real location. Malaria Research: A new study backs a bed-net approach that doesn’t kill mosquitoes outright, but delivers antiparasitic compounds to stop Plasmodium development—aimed at tackling insecticide resistance. Solar Science for the Public: A total solar eclipse on Aug 12 will be visible across parts of Europe, with the UK seeing the biggest coverage. STEM & Youth Innovation: Access Bank’s STEM Africa Fest highlights hands-on science and AI learning for thousands of children, reinforcing tech education across the region. Health Innovation: A vaccine trial reported strong results against shigellosis, showing major protection in a rigorous human study.

Gambia-Nigeria Education Tech Link: Gambia’s MoHERST, led by Prof. Pierre Gomez, has kicked off plans for officials of the new THET fund to study Nigeria’s TETFund model, aiming to strengthen tertiary financing, research and capacity development. Border Tech & Misinformation: A viral claim that a Gambian military camp in Bullock encroached into Senegal was fact-checked as false, with the shared satellite image flagged as AI-generated and not matching the real location. Public Health Research: Scientists warn climate change could shift malaria into new regions, with Kenya among places expected to see higher transmission as temperatures and rainfall patterns change. Digital Trust & Payments: UNDP says it’s moving blockchain from pilots to production digital public infrastructure, citing cost reductions in pilots including The Gambia and stressing governance and interoperability as the key hurdles. STEM for Youth: Access Bank’s STEM Africa Fest continues to draw thousands of children into hands-on science and tech activities, reinforcing the push for practical learning. Health Innovation: A new shigella-based vaccine trial reported strong protection against deadly diarrheal disease, pointing to a potential breakthrough for child health. Recognition for Local Innovation: Access Bank Gambia won Euromoney’s “Best Bank in the Gambia” award for a third straight year, highlighting digital innovation and financial inclusion.

Border & Misinformation: A viral TikTok/Facebook “satellite” claim that a Gambian military camp in Bullock, Foni, encroaches into Senegal was debunked as AI-generated and not showing the real location. Education Financing: The Gambia plans to send officials to Nigeria to understudy TETFund operations as it builds its own tertiary education trust fund model for research and capacity development. STEM & Public Tech: CJID’s Dubawa AI fact-checking tool is highlighted as a push to help journalists and the public spot misinformation before it spreads. Women & Health Leadership: Merck Foundation CEO Dr Rasha Kelej was honoured by ABCD Africa for impact on women’s empowerment, girls’ education and equitable healthcare. Capital Markets for Growth: Zeenab Foods launched a N25bn Series 3 commercial paper issuance to fund working capital in agro-processing and trading. Digital Governance: UNDP says blockchain is moving from pilots to production for public good, focusing on governance and trust. Local Climate Resilience: Gambian women are restoring mangroves around Banjul’s Tanbi Wetland, protecting livelihoods and coastal defenses. Higher Education Exchange: Nile University hosted The Gambia’s higher education minister on a NUC-coordinated study tour on innovation and digital learning.

British Academy Honour for Hassoum Ceesay: Gambian historian Hassoum Ceesay’s election as an International Fellow of the British Academy is being framed as a major step toward Gambians leading how their own history is researched, preserved, and interpreted. Border Tech & Governance: A new explainer on the Senegal–Gambia border densification programme clarifies it’s a technical demarcation exercise (adding missing or damaged pillars) meant to strengthen an already agreed boundary—aimed at reducing confusion during disputes. Public Health Vaccine Breakthrough: A vaccine candidate (WRSs2) tested in Atlanta showed about 89% effectiveness against shigellosis in a rigorous trial, offering hope against deadly diarrheal disease. Blockchain for Public Services: UNDP says it’s moving blockchain from pilots to production digital public infrastructure, citing progress in places including The Gambia while stressing governance, interoperability, and trust. Higher Education Linkages: The Gambia’s higher education minister visited Nile University in Nigeria as part of a NUC-coordinated tour focused on innovation, digital learning, and university-industry exchange. Local Climate Work in Banjul: Reporting highlights how women around the Tanbi Wetland rely on mangroves for livelihoods while also restoring the ecosystem that protects Banjul from erosion and flooding. STEM Education Push: Access Bank’s STEM Africa Fest is credited with reaching nearly 30,000 young people through hands-on science and technology activities. Mental Health Policy Gap (Regional): A call is renewed for faster implementation of mental health legislation to close the care gap—highlighting how policy execution matters as much as laws on paper.

Russia-Africa Tech & Energy Push: A Russian diplomat says Moscow is seeking a bigger role in Africa’s energy, security and industrial development, framing it as support for “economic and technological sovereignty” rather than political conditionality. Gambia Border Clarity: A Gambian explainer urges people to distinguish sovereignty disputes from the Senegal–Gambia border densification programme, which is meant to strengthen and clarify existing boundary markers. Blockchain for Public Services: UNDP says it’s moving blockchain from pilots to production “digital public infrastructure,” citing reduced payment distribution costs in pilots including The Gambia, while stressing governance and trust as the real hurdles. STEM for Youth: Access Bank’s STEM Africa Fest in Lagos drew thousands of children into hands-on robotics, drones, 3D printing and AI activities, showing how sustained corporate investment can scale learning. Malaria Map Shifts: A major study finds climate change is “moving” malaria—slightly reducing risk in today’s hottest hotspots while increasing it in cooler southern and East Africa. Mental Health Policy Gap: Nigeria’s mental health experts again call for immediate implementation of the National Mental Health Act, warning that stalled setup worsens a shortage of psychiatrists. Higher Education Linkages: Nile University hosted The Gambia’s higher education minister on a NUC-coordinated tour focused on innovation, digital learning and university-industry exchange. Local Mangrove Restoration: Reporting from Banjul highlights women-led mangrove and wetland restoration tied to livelihoods in Tanbi Wetland.

Higher Education Linkages: The Gambia’s Higher Education Minister, Prof. Pierre Gomez, visited Nile University of Nigeria on a NUC-coordinated tour focused on innovation, digital learning, entrepreneurship, and university-industry collaboration. Public Health Innovation: A new vaccine candidate, WRSs2, showed about 89% effectiveness against shigellosis in a rigorous trial, offering hope for reducing deadly diarrheal disease. Climate & Health: A major study says climate change is “moving” malaria—slightly suppressing it in today’s hottest hotspots, while increasing risk in cooler regions by 2100, including parts of southern and East Africa. Digital Governance: UNDP is pushing blockchain from pilots into production as part of digital public infrastructure, citing progress in places including The Gambia and focusing on governance and trust. Local Environment & Livelihoods: Women in the Tanbi Wetland are both harvesting and restoring mangrove-protected waterways that support crabs, oysters, and fish while strengthening coastal resilience. STEM for Youth: Access Bank’s STEM Africa Fest in Lagos drew thousands of children into hands-on science and tech activities, reinforcing the role of sustained corporate support for learning. Border Technical Work: A renewed push to complete the Senegal–Gambia border densification programme clarifies it’s about marking an agreed border, not changing sovereignty.

Higher Education Exchange: The Gambia’s Higher Education Minister, Prof. Pierre Gomez, visited Nile University of Nigeria on a NUC-coordinated tour focused on academic delivery, innovation, digital learning, and university-industry links. Public Health & Vaccines: A new WRSs2 vaccine trial in Atlanta reported 89% effectiveness against shigellosis, using a weakened shigella dose in a rigorous volunteer study. Mental Health Policy: Nigeria is still not implementing its National Mental Health Act, with experts citing stalled setup of the Department of Mental Health and a severe shortage of psychiatrists. Climate & Malaria: A major study says climate change is “moving” malaria—cooler regions may see rising risk while today’s hottest hotspots could see suppression or elimination. Digital Governance: UNDP is pushing blockchain from pilots to production as part of digital public infrastructure, stressing governance, interoperability, and trust. Environment & Livelihoods (Gambia): Tanbi Wetland women in Banjul are both harvesting and restoring mangrove-protected waterways that support crabs, oysters, and fisheries. STEM for Youth: Access Bank’s STEM Africa Fest continues to draw thousands of children into hands-on robotics, drones, 3D printing, and AI learning. Regional Borders: A Senegal-Gambia border densification programme is being reframed as a technical demarcation effort, not a change of sovereignty.

Gambia Education & Skills: The Gambia’s Higher Education Minister, Prof. Pierre Gomez, visited Nile University of Nigeria on a NUC-coordinated tour focused on academic delivery, innovation, digital learning and university-industry links. TVET Funding: President Barrow handed out over D83 million to 25 TVET institutions under the Skills, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Fund (World Bank-backed), targeting stronger training in areas like ICT, engineering and agriculture to boost youth employability. Public Health Innovation: A new vaccine candidate, WRSs2, tested in Atlanta, reported 89% effectiveness against shigellosis in a rigorous trial—an important step for diarrheal disease prevention. Climate & Malaria: A major study says climate change is “moving” malaria—slightly reducing risk in today’s hottest hotspots while increasing it in southern and East Africa. Digital Payments & Governance: UNDP is pushing blockchain from pilots to production as part of digital public infrastructure, stressing governance, interoperability and trust. STEM for Youth: Access Bank’s STEM Africa Fest in Lagos drew thousands of children into hands-on robotics, drones and AI learning. Aviation Funding Dispute: Nigeria’s aviation unions split over proposed changes to the Ticket Sales Charge sharing formula, as lawmakers push reforms. Visa Policy: The US made a visa bond programme permanent for citizens of 30 African countries, effective 3 August 2026. Local Livelihoods & Nature: In Banjul’s Tanbi Wetland, women-led mangrove harvesting and restoration efforts show how coastal ecosystems support jobs and resilience.

Vaccine Breakthrough: A new shigella-based vaccine trial in Atlanta reported about 89% effectiveness against shigellosis, using a weakened “live” dose and a placebo group that saw high rates of diarrhea and fever—an encouraging step for reducing deadly diarrheal disease. Higher Education Linkages: The Gambia’s Higher Education Minister, Prof. Pierre Gomez, visited Nile University of Nigeria on a NUC-coordinated tour focused on academic delivery, innovation, digital learning, and university-industry ties. Blockchain for Public Services: UNDP says it’s moving blockchain from pilots to real digital public infrastructure, citing reduced payment distribution costs in pilots including The Gambia, while stressing governance, interoperability, and trust. Local Climate Resilience: In Banjul’s Tanbi Wetland, women-led mangrove and crab/oyster livelihoods show how ecosystem restoration can protect coastal communities while sustaining income. TVET Skills Push (Gambia): President Barrow awarded over D83m to TVET institutions under the Skills, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Fund, targeting better training quality and youth employability across sectors including ICT and engineering. Malaria Map Shift: New research says climate change is “moving” malaria—cooler regions may see rising risk while today’s hotbeds could ease, changing where children are most vulnerable.