AGP Executive Report

Academic Freedom Watch: ACAF’s 2025 report flags 341 incidents across 28 African countries, with a 72% violation rate and stress points including state repression, university governance crises, and students hit hardest. Global Map of University Autonomy: A new V-Dem-based ranking shows Czechia leading academic freedom while Myanmar and Nicaragua sit at the bottom, and notes sharp declines in places like India since 2010. Comoros in the Maritime Security Mix: Saudi Arabia unveiled a Multinational Defensive Maritime Coalition for the Bab al-Mandeb/Red Sea/Gulf of Aden, with Comoros among the signatories, as Iran-linked and Houthi-linked attacks keep reshaping shipping routes. Strait of Hormuz Tensions: Lloyd’s List Intelligence reports another tanker aborted transit after explosions near Iran, amid talk of an Iran–Oman “deal” to reopen the strait. US Visa Bond Rule: The US made a permanent visa bond programme for citizens of 30 African countries, effective 3 August 2026, while 24 countries are exempt. Crypto Trading Event (Local Angle): MEXC launched “MEXC 0808: Stock Season” with a $500,000 prize pool and a 0-fee push, highlighting how trading costs are being marketed as a year-round feature. Education & Diplomacy: India’s Ambassador Manju Seth and UNESCO-linked voices at a global learning forum stressed inclusion beyond access—quality, affordability, and accessibility matter. Migration Pressure in Europe: Ceuta’s Trampolín beach remains an improvised waiting area for migrants as European border-control debates intensify.

Humanitarian Spotlight: Zayed for Good Foundation marked its 34th anniversary, saying it has reached 180+ countries with over Dh2 billion in humanitarian aid, blending relief with longer-term development across health, education, food security and infrastructure. Crypto Trading Event: MEXC launched MEXC 0808: Stock Season, an annual brand push built around “0-fee” trading, with early registration open and a $500,000 prize pool for the Aug. 8 campaign. Education & Diplomacy: At the World Inclusion Conference 2026, speakers including UNESCO’s MGIEP and India’s Ambassador Manju Seth argued that inclusion must go beyond access—covering affordability, quality and fairness—while education remains a tool for diplomacy and partnerships. Mobility Pressure in Europe: Calls to tighten Schengen rules are growing after Spain’s Ceuta migrant surge, with fears that future travel limits could hit Nigerians and other Africans who rely on residence-based mobility. Academic Freedom Map: A new ranking using V-Dem’s 2025 index shows Czechia leading on academic freedom while Myanmar and Nicaragua rank last, with declines noted in many countries since 2015. Global Heritage Update: The 48th UNESCO World Heritage Committee in Busan approved new inscriptions and set the next host for Istanbul, underscoring culture as a bridge in a divided world.

Crypto & Markets: MEXC launched “MEXC 0808: Stock Season,” an annual brand event built around “0 fees,” with a $500,000 prize pool and a report claiming U.S. stock trading on major crypto exchanges surged 337.4% month over month to $189.84B in June 2026. Migration & Safety: At Ceuta’s Trampolín beach, about 400 migrants wait in harsh conditions as NGOs bring food and water and people scramble for safe water and internet access while police keep the area under watch. Education Policy: A global discussion on inclusive learning and diplomacy highlighted how governments struggle to turn education commitments into measurable outcomes, with India’s Ambassador Manju Seth stressing inclusion beyond classroom access. Travel Rules: Calls to tighten Europe’s Schengen movement are raising fears for Africans, especially if proposals to restrict free movement to EU citizens gain traction. Heritage & Science: UNESCO’s 48th World Heritage Committee in Busan added 25 new sites and set records, including first-time listings for Comoros; meanwhile, researchers reported rediscovering a Madagascar palm species last seen nearly a century ago—relevant to Comoros’ shared biodiversity. Development Funding: Togo and four other African countries, including Comoros, received a $3.48M ADF grant to strengthen industrial and trade policy and support AfCFTA implementation.

UNESCO World Heritage: The 48th UNESCO World Heritage Committee wrapped up in Busan, adding 25 new sites and approving 28 decisions in total, with major public turnout (over 120,000 at side events) and historic first-time listings that include Comoros. Biodiversity in the region: Researchers rediscovered Ravenea latisecta, a palm last recorded in Madagascar nearly a century ago, finding nearly all known individuals within protected areas—and noting the species’ tight link to Madagascar and the Comoros. Maritime security and energy routes: A second Qatari LNG tanker was hit near the Red Sea amid wider Iran–Houthis pressure on shipping lanes, while Chinese-linked vessels reportedly transited with no incidents—raising fresh risk for regional trade. Education and inclusion: Coverage from India’s World Inclusion Conference highlights how education policy and diplomacy must go beyond access to tackle affordability, quality, and digital inclusion. Visa access pressure: New debate around tighter European border controls and Schengen limits could affect Africans traveling or living in Europe, with rejection rates and policy proposals driving concern. Crypto market shift: A Comoros-based release says TradFi trading volume on crypto exchanges surged over 100-fold, with most activity in perpetual futures.

Academic Freedom Watch: A new V-Dem map (Academic Freedom Index 2025) ranks Czechia top for university autonomy, while Myanmar and Nicaragua sit at the bottom; it also flags sharp declines in places like the U.S. and India since 2010. Fifa Politics in Africa: African football chiefs back Gianni Infantino as he seeks re-election, after he dropped a controversial plan to sell a stake in future World Cup revenue. Maritime Security: A second Qatari LNG tanker was hit near the Red Sea as Iran-linked actions escalate; meanwhile, Chinese-linked vessels reportedly transited without incident while Saudi shipping diverts. Education & Inclusion: At India’s World Inclusion Conference, diplomats and UNESCO-linked experts argued that “internationalisation” must deliver measurable equity—access, affordability, quality, and digital inclusion. Comoros Energy Event: Registration is open for the 11th African Rift Geothermal Conference (19–24 Oct 2026) in Moroni, aiming to boost geothermal research, policy, and investment. Biodiversity in the Region: Researchers rediscovered the Madagascar palm Ravenea latisecta after nearly 100 years; the genus is found only in Madagascar and the Comoros, with most species endangered.

Maritime Security: A second Qatari LNG tanker was struck near the Strait of Hormuz as Iran escalated pressure, while 22 Chinese-linked vessels reportedly transited the Red Sea without incident—Saudi Arabia also moves to reroute shipping via the Cape of Good Hope. Education & Inclusion: At India’s World Inclusion Conference, UNESCO and diplomats pushed for education that’s fair in access, affordability, quality, and digital inclusion—not just international rankings. Mobility & Visas: New debate over Schengen rules and border tightening could hit non-EU Africans hardest, with high rejection rates cited for Comoros and other countries. Comoros in Global Heritage: UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee session in Busan added new sites and marked first listings including Comoros, alongside major expansions elsewhere. Geothermal in Comoros: Registration opened for the 11th African Rift Geothermal Conference (Moroni, 19–24 Oct 2026), focused on research, policy, drilling, financing, and risk reduction. Biodiversity Discovery: Researchers rediscovered Madagascar’s rare Ravenea latisecta after nearly 100 years, with the species also found in the Comoros. Digital Finance Trend: A MEXC–CoinGecko report says TradFi trading on crypto exchanges has surged over 100-fold, with many users now trading traditional assets on centralized platforms.

Comoros Tech & Energy: Registration is open for the 11th African Rift Geothermal Conference (ARGeo-C11) in Moroni, 19–24 October 2026, hosted by the Comoros Ministry of Energy, Water and Hydrocarbons and the Geological Bureau of Comoros, with partners including the African Geothermal Association and UNEP—aimed at accelerating geothermal research, policy, financing and risk mitigation. Biodiversity & Field Science: A new study rediscovered Madagascar’s rare Ravenea latisecta after nearly 100 years, finding remaining populations within protected areas in Andasibe–Mantadia; the palm genus Ravenea is shared by Madagascar and the Comoros, with most species endangered. UNESCO & Local Recognition: The 48th UNESCO World Heritage Committee session in Busan added 25 new sites and approved expansions, including the first World Heritage listings for Comoros (alongside South Sudan and São Tomé and Príncipe), highlighting how global heritage decisions can put Comoros on the international science-and-culture map. Digital Inclusion via Education Diplomacy: At India’s World Inclusion Conference 2026, UNESCO and diplomats discussed how education internationalisation should be judged by fairness, accessibility and digital inclusion—not just mobility or rankings. Mobility Rules That Hit Africans: Reporting on tightening European border and Schengen debate notes how proposals could affect visa access and movement rights for Africans, with Comoros mentioned among high-rejection contexts. Crypto Markets (Comoros-linked release): MEXC and CoinGecko published a report saying TradFi trading on centralized crypto exchanges surged over 100-fold from Jan 2025 to Jun 2026, with many users shifting to traditional assets on crypto platforms.

Geothermal for Comoros: Registration is open for the 11th African Rift Geothermal Conference (ARGeo-C11) in Moroni, 19–24 October 2026, aiming to speed up geothermal research, policy, drilling, financing, and capacity building with partners including UNEP and the African Geothermal Association. UNESCO World Heritage momentum: The 48th UNESCO World Heritage Committee session in Busan wrapped up with record participation and new listings, including the first World Heritage listings for Comoros and São Tomé and Príncipe, plus major expansions and a criteria update. Biodiversity rediscovered: A Madagascar study has tracked down Ravenea latisecta palms last recorded nearly 100 years ago, with the species found across protected areas in Andasibe–Mantadia; the genus is shared with Comoros and is largely endangered. Crypto market shift in Comoros: MEXC and CoinGecko released a report showing TradFi trading volume surging over 100-fold on centralized crypto exchanges, with many users already moving into traditional assets via crypto platforms. Visa friction for Africans: Coverage highlights rising Schengen rejection rates and calls to restrict free movement to EU citizens, raising concerns for African residents who rely on long-term permits to travel across Europe. Maritime tech & fraud: A report warns that Iranian and Russian “shadow fleets” use fake websites mimicking African maritime authorities (including Comoros) to generate false documents and evade sanctions.

Visa Freedom Gap: A new look at global mobility shows how passports shape access to travel, with Afghanistan among the lowest visa-free options and Schengen rejection rates running high for many applicants, including Comoros (61.3%). Migration & Borders: Europe’s debate over restricting Schengen free movement for non-EU residents is intensifying after migration surges into Spain, raising fresh concerns for Africans who rely on residence-based travel rights. Geothermal for Comoros: Registration is open for the 11th African Rift Geothermal Conference (19–24 Oct 2026) in Moroni, aiming to boost geothermal research, policy, drilling know-how, and investment across Africa. UNESCO Heritage Momentum: The 48th UNESCO World Heritage Committee session in Busan added 25 new sites, including historic milestones for South Sudan, Comoros, and São Tomé and Príncipe, while also expanding protections for major landscapes. Digital Finance Trend: A Comoros-based release highlights how centralized crypto exchanges are pulling more TradFi trading onto crypto platforms, with rapid growth in volumes and futures activity. Biodiversity Find: Researchers rediscovered a Madagascar palm species (Ravenea latisecta) after nearly 100 years, with populations found across protected areas—an important reminder that Comoros and Madagascar share unique plant diversity.

Geothermal for Comoros: Registration is open for the 11th African Rift Geothermal Conference (ARGeo-C11) in Moroni, 19–24 October 2026, bringing together researchers, policymakers, and investors to speed up geothermal development across Africa. Biodiversity in the Indian Ocean: A new study has rediscovered the rare palm Ravenea latisecta in Madagascar after nearly 100 years, with the species also found in the Comoros—highlighting how much botanical work still remains. UNESCO World Heritage momentum: The 48th UNESCO World Heritage Committee session in Busan added 25 new sites, including historic milestones like the first World Heritage listings for Comoros, and approved major expansions and updates. Health tech in practice: A narrative review looks at digital health and community-based care to prevent and manage diabetic foot disease in resource-limited settings—an issue that matters for long-term outcomes and amputations. AfCFTA industrial policy support: The African Development Fund approved a $3.48m grant for five countries including Comoros to strengthen industrial and trade policies and improve AfCFTA implementation, with training and climate- and gender-aware policy tools. Maritime security tech: A report says Iranian and Russian “shadow fleets” use fake websites mimicking African maritime authorities to generate false ship documents and evade sanctions.

Geothermal Conference in Comoros: Registration is open for the 11th African Rift Geothermal Conference (ARGeo-C11) in Moroni, 19–24 October 2026, hosted by the Comoros Ministry of Energy, Water and Hydrocarbons and the Geological Bureau of Comoros, with partners including UNEP and the African Geothermal Association—focused on research, drilling, policy, financing, and risk reduction for geothermal power. UNESCO World Heritage Updates: The 48th UNESCO World Heritage Committee session in Busan added 25 new sites and approved major expansions and a criteria revision, including historic milestones such as the first World Heritage listings for Comoros and São Tomé and Príncipe—plus notable additions like Mount Olympus and the Normandy Landing Beaches. Biodiversity Rediscovery: A Madagascar palm species, Ravenea latisecta, was rediscovered after nearly 100 years, with confirmed populations found in protected areas—highlighting how much botanical work still remains, especially since Ravenea palms are shared with the Comoros. Digital Health Research: A narrative review looks at diabetic foot prevention and management using digital health and community-based care in resource-limited settings, pointing to gaps in specialist capacity and the need for better continuity of care. Maritime Tech & Sanctions Evasion: A report says Iranian and Russian “shadow fleet” operators use fake websites that impersonate African maritime authorities and registries (including Comoros) to generate false documents and evade oil sanctions.

Comoros Energy & Research: Registration is open for the 11th African Rift Geothermal Conference (ARGeo-C11) in Moroni, 19–24 October 2026, hosted by the Comoros Ministry of Energy, Water and Hydrocarbons and the Geological Bureau, with partners including UNEP and the African Geothermal Association; the theme is unlocking geothermal potential through research, policy, financing, and risk mitigation. UNESCO Heritage (Comoros milestone): The 48th UNESCO World Heritage Committee session in Busan added 25 new sites and approved 28 decisions overall, including the first World Heritage listings for South Sudan, Comoros, and São Tomé and Príncipe, alongside major expansions and a criteria update. Digital Health (diabetic foot): A narrative review highlights how digital health and community-based care could improve diabetic foot prevention and management in resource-limited settings where specialist services and continuity of care are scarce. Biodiversity (Madagascar–Comoros link): Researchers rediscovered a rare Madagascar palm (Ravenea latisecta) after nearly 100 years; the genus Ravenea is found in Madagascar and the Comoros, with many species endangered. Cybersecurity & Maritime Tech: A report says Iranian and Russian “shadow fleets” use fake websites that mimic African maritime authorities and registries to generate bogus documents and evade sanctions. Crypto & Finance (Comoros mention): MEXC and CoinGecko released a report on how centralized exchanges are pulling more traditional asset trading onto crypto platforms, with the release coming from Mutsamudu, Comoros. Policy Watch (Europe mobility): A renewed push to restrict non-EU travel in response to migration into Spain could affect Africans who rely on Schengen mobility via residence and work rights.

Geopolitics & Mobility: A fresh push in Europe to restrict Schengen free movement could hit millions of Africans who live legally in EU states, after calls to “reserve Schengen” for EU nationals gained momentum following irregular migration into Spain. Heritage & Governance: UNESCO’s 48th World Heritage Committee session in Busan wrapped up with record participation and 25 new World Heritage listings, including historic milestones for South Sudan, Comoros, and São Tomé and Príncipe. Local Energy & Research: Registration is open for the 11th African Rift Geothermal Conference (19–24 Oct 2026) in Moroni, aiming to accelerate geothermal development through research, policy, and investment. Biodiversity Discovery: A Madagascar study rediscovered Ravenea latisecta after nearly 100 years, highlighting that Ravenea palms are found only in Madagascar and the Comoros—most are endangered. Digital Health: A narrative review spotlights digital health and community-based care to prevent and manage diabetic foot disease in resource-limited settings. Cybersecurity & Trade Risks: A report warns that “shadow fleet” sanctions evasion relies on fake websites mimicking African maritime authorities to generate false documents.

Comoros Energy & Research: Registration is open for the 11th African Rift Geothermal Conference (ARGeo-C11) in Moroni, 19–24 October 2026, aiming to speed up geothermal development with talks, short courses, and policy and investment sessions. UNESCO & Local Tech Links: The 48th UNESCO World Heritage Committee session in Busan wrapped up with 25 new World Heritage listings and major expansions, and it also marked historic first listings including Comoros—an opportunity for better digital documentation and public access to heritage data. Digital Health Review: A new narrative review highlights how diabetic foot prevention and community-based care can reduce amputations in resource-limited settings, where specialist capacity and continuity of care are often weak. Biodiversity Discovery: Researchers rediscovered Ravenea latisecta in Madagascar after nearly 100 years; the palm genus is shared with Comoros, underscoring the region’s conservation value. Crypto Markets Watch: A MEXC–CoinGecko report says TradFi trading on centralized crypto exchanges has surged over 100-fold, with many users moving into traditional assets via crypto platforms. Maritime Security: A report warns that “shadow fleet” sanctions evasion relies on fake websites mimicking African maritime authorities, including Comoros-linked registries, to generate false documents. Online Gambling Trust (Caution): Rainbet’s trust claims cite an Anjouan licence, provably fair games, and Gamecheck checks—but the piece stresses players must still verify local legality and remember the house advantage.

Comoros Tech & Energy: Registration is open for the 11th African Rift Geothermal Conference (ARGeo-C11) in Moroni, 19–24 October 2026, hosted by the Comoros Ministry of Energy, Water and Hydrocarbons and the Geological Bureau of Comoros, with partners including UNEP and the African Geothermal Association—aimed at accelerating geothermal research, policy, financing and risk mitigation. UNESCO & Heritage: The 48th UNESCO World Heritage Committee session in Busan wrapped up with record participation and the adoption of 25 new World Heritage listings plus site expansions and a criteria revision; notably, South Sudan, Comoros and São Tomé and Príncipe received first-time listings, while the committee also approved major additions like Mount Olympus and the Normandy Landing Beaches. Digital Health Research: A narrative review highlights how digital health and community-based care could improve diabetic foot prevention and management in resource-limited settings where specialist services and continuity of care are scarce. Biodiversity Discovery: Researchers report the rediscovery of the Madagascar palm Ravenea latisecta after nearly 100 years, with confirmed populations found in protected areas—an important reminder that botanical exploration is still incomplete. Crypto & Markets: A new MEXC–CoinGecko report says TradFi trading volume on centralized crypto exchanges has surged over 100-fold, with many users now trading traditional assets via crypto platforms. Maritime Security: A report warns that “shadow fleet” operators (Iran and Russia) use fake websites impersonating African maritime authorities to generate false documents and evade sanctions. Online Gambling Trust Claims: Rainbet’s trust pitch centers on an Anjouan licence, provably fair game systems, and Gamecheck verification, but the piece stresses players must still confirm local legality and remember the house advantage remains.

AfCFTA Industrial Push: The African Development Fund approved a $3.48m grant (about 2 billion CFA francs) for Togo, Cameroon, Chad, Comoros, and Madagascar to strengthen industrial and trade policies and improve implementation of the AfCFTA, including studies that factor in climate change, gender, and SMEs. UNESCO World Heritage: The 48th UNESCO World Heritage Committee session in Busan added 25 new sites and marked historic first listings for Comoros (alongside South Sudan and São Tomé and Príncipe), with major expansions and a criteria update also adopted. Geothermal in Comoros: Registration opened for the 11th African Rift Geothermal Conference (ARGeo-C11) in Moroni on 19–24 Oct 2026, aiming to boost geothermal research, policy, investment, and capacity-building. Digital Health Research: A narrative review highlights how digital health and community-based care could improve diabetic foot prevention and management in resource-limited settings. Biodiversity Find: Researchers rediscovered the rare palm Ravenea latisecta in Madagascar after nearly 100 years; the genus is found only in Madagascar and the Comoros, with many species endangered.