AGP Executive Report

Press Freedom & Regulation: Morocco’s parliament approved Draft Law No. 09.26 to restructure the National Press Council, but ARTICLE 19 warns the process lacked meaningful consultation and may weaken independence, especially around council appointments. Media Sustainability & Platform Power: Nigeria’s FCCPC has been ordered to investigate big tech firms (Meta, Google/Alphabet, X) and generative AI platforms over claims of anti-competitive conduct and unlawful exploitation of Nigerian media content, following a petition from the Nigerian Press Organisation. Publishing & Author Rights: Nigerian-American author Tomi Adeyemi says she won’t watch Paramount’s upcoming film adaptation of Children of Blood and Bone, citing a “reason” and pointing to how post-merger creative-approval protections can become hollow. Journalism & Elections: Nigeria’s Guild of Editors set the agenda for credible polls with the Lateef Jakande Memorial Lecture on July 23, focusing on “The Media, INEC, Voters and Path to Credible Elections.” Books & Community Development: Ghanaian author Rev. Builderman launched seven books in Accra and urged citizens to fund and fix local problems together, not just wait for government. Events for Readers: FESPA won AEO “Organiser Team of the Year,” highlighting its print-community and sustainability efforts.

Publishing & Books: Nigerian-American author Tomi Adeyemi has publicly denounced the film adaptation of her YA bestseller Children of Blood and Bone, telling the lead actress not to use her name and saying she won’t watch the movie—another high-profile author–studio rupture in Africa-linked publishing IP. Media & Trust: CogniRep Strategies says it has launched Nigeria’s first AI-powered media marketplace aimed at improving transparency and verified cross-border media engagement between the US and Africa, with tools for media monitoring and a “Clean Media Marketplace.” South Africa Accountability: The Madlanga Commission faces fresh outcry after Tax Justice SA challenged why Carnilinx CEO Adriano Mazzotti was never prosecuted despite alleged admissions on illicit tobacco trading and alleged SARS-related misconduct. Competition Policy: South Africa’s Competition Commission moves to seek a 10% revenue dock against Audatex over claims of discriminatory pricing affecting historically disadvantaged firms. Nigeria Press Milestone: Daily Times @100 Heroes Awards unveiled 90 nominees across 35 categories ahead of its centenary, with a N10m journalist prize. Youth & Public Service: Nigeria’s youth development permanent secretary Dr Maryam Keshinro received an African Trailblazer Merit Award for strategic public service and NYSC reforms.

Press Freedom & Ethics: South Africa’s government congratulated new SANEF leadership, backing its role in press freedom and ethical journalism amid an ongoing SIU dispute over the forum’s former chair. Digital Learning Access: Kenya’s WITIA launched a smart library at Mbukoni Comprehensive School in Machakos, donating 2,300 curriculum-aligned books and upgrading classrooms to narrow the digital divide. Electoral Integrity & Misinformation: Nigeria’s media, journalists and CSOs launched #CheckBeforeYouPost ahead of Osun 2027 elections, warning coordinated misinformation can sway voters and erode trust. Book Culture & Language Learning: Zimbabwe’s Radiant Publishing released Asizwananeni – Ngatinzwananei, a bilingual Ndebele–Shona bridge for learners and teachers. Black History Archives: The Amistad Research Center marked 60 years preserving Black history, holding 15 million pages and 33,000 books. Namibia Art & Heritage: Namibia’s “Giants of Africa” exhibition used contemporary work by emerging artists to reimagine historical figures and power.

Publishing & Rights: Nigeria’s IPI and CPJ renewed calls for the immediate release of journalist Stanley Ugagbe, alleging he was abducted in Abuja after Secret Reporters published an investigation, with security operatives reportedly seizing his devices. Books & Film Adaptations: Tomi Adeyemi says she won’t watch Paramount’s film adaptation of Children of Blood and Bone, urging fans to support the trilogy via independent bookstore Books of Wonder and distancing herself from the project. African Food Publishing: Ozoz Sokoh became the first Nigerian cookbook author to win a James Beard Foundation Award (Emerging Voice in Books) for Chop Chop: Cooking the Food of Nigeria, spotlighting Nigerian cuisine as cultural history. Sports & Culture (Morocco/France): Morocco reached the World Cup quarter-finals after a 3-0 win over Canada in a match marked by eight yellow cards; France also advanced after beating Paraguay 1-0, setting up a Morocco-France quarter-final. Local Media & Community: A South African Lions Club initiative urged early action against drug abuse among young people, linking prevention to school and family guidance.

Netflix Adaptation: Netflix has picked up Lucy Clarke’s thriller The Surf House, set in Morocco, for a screen drama directed by Ed Lilly, with casting still under wraps. Cybercrime & Publishing Tie-in: Nigeria’s EFCC chair Ola Olukoyede says “Yahoo boys” stole over ₦7.2m from a serving judge’s account after midnight debit alerts, recovered before 6pm—highlighting why financial-crime awareness matters for readers and publishers. Kenya Education Crisis: BBC reports rural school closures and mass pupil drop-offs in Kitui, where Kaliluni Primary now has only a handful of children and broken classrooms. Ghana Book Launch: Rev. Acheampong E. S. Builderman launched six books in Accra, urging Christians to write, read and listen critically, alongside a seventh title from his wife. Nigeria Budget Accountability: Atiku Abubakar challenges Nigeria’s government to explain IMF-flagged “missing” 2% of GDP in budget spending, calling it institutional corruption. Insurance Industry Push: NAICOM urges Nigerian insurers to boost trust, enforce compulsory coverage and innovate ahead of the July 31 recapitalisation deadline.

Publishing & Literacy (Nigeria): First Lady Oluremi Tinubu donated 140,000 copies of seven girl-child and health-focused books to public school libraries nationwide, with the Ministry of Education calling it a boost for literacy and values-based learning. Media Accountability (South Africa): The Special Investigating Unit says SANEF misrepresented details in its statement over the Makhudu Sefara/NLC funds probe, stressing that Unscripted Communications was “never a subject” of the investigation. Beauty Media (Africa): African Hair & Beauty Magazine says its May/June 2026 issue hit 1,021,658 online downloads, a first for an African beauty publication. Culture & Fashion (West Africa): A feature traces Ankara’s contested origins, linking the fabric’s spread to Dutch production and West African trade routes, with Accra highlighted as a key distribution point. Cybercrime & Books/Publishing (Nigeria): EFCC chair Ola Olukoyede recounts “Yahoo boys” stealing over N7.2m from a judge’s account, shared during the launch of books by a retired judge on electronic evidence. Sports & Books/Reading Culture (Africa): World Cup coverage continues to spotlight African teams’ knockout runs, with Egypt advancing after penalties and setting up a Round of 16 clash.

Supreme Court, Nigeria: Nigeria’s Supreme Court overturned an Appeal Court order to confiscate General Hydrocarbons’ oil vessel (FPSO Tamara Tokoni), ruling the lender’s dispute is contractual rather than admiralty—an important signal for how collateral cases move through the courts. Publishing & research integrity, South Africa: A report warns of cloned academic journals used to siphon university funds, with researchers and institutions sometimes caught in a harmful incentives loop—raising fresh pressure on publishers, editors and funders to tighten checks. Education & AI, Africa: An IDRC-backed piece highlights AI in education across Africa, from sign-language translation tools in Kenya to locally edited, culturally relevant children’s books produced in Mali. Books & culture, Africa: Coverage spotlights how African illustrators are reinventing comics by blending folklore with modern formats, expanding representation and global reach. Media & security, Nigeria: EFCC chair Ola Olukoyede says “Yahoo boys” wiped over ₦7.2m from a judge’s account, while Tinubu urges media to avoid amplifying terrorist narratives. Sports-to-media, Africa: World Cup Round of 32 viewing guides and African teams’ momentum dominate attention, including Cape Verde’s upset hopes against Argentina.

World Cup Records: Spain’s goalkeeper Unai Simón set a World Cup shutout record, not conceding for 519 straight minutes after blanking Austria 3-0, extending Spain’s clean-sheet run. Governance & Publishing Events (Nigeria): Bel Media Consult named former INEC commissioner Mike Igini chairman for the July 30 “Bel Dialogue” in Asaba, focused on “Democracy That Works” and accountability. Education Books (Nigeria): First Lady Oluremi Tinubu donated 140,000 copies of storybooks (with her foreword) to Nigeria’s education ministry for distribution to public school libraries, backing girl-child learning. Publishing/Books & Culture (Africa diaspora): A Reuters-style feature highlights how the World Cup is drawing Black audiences and players across Europe and Africa, with attention on African teams and fan culture. Regional Governance Reward (Nigeria): Akwa Ibom received a World Bank SABER reward of $6.2m for transparency and good governance under the 2024 assessment.

Press Freedom Under Pressure: Burkina Faso’s Captain Ibrahim Traoré is accused of erasing investigative journalism after the disappearance of L’Événement editor-in-chief Atiana Serge Oulon, reviving fears that gains since Norbert Zongo’s era are being undone. Literary Translation & Global Reading: Johannesburg’s Bloomsday celebrations highlighted Sandile Ngidi’s isiZulu rendering of Molly Bloom’s monologue from Joyce’s Ulysses, underscoring how African-language translations keep major classics alive. Education Under Fire: A report from Northern Nigeria links insecurity to school closures, teacher displacement, and rising risks for girls, with violence pushing families to pull children out of class. Publishing/Access in Prisons: Berkeley’s Prisoners Literature Project continues mailing books to inmates, where requests range from dictionaries to banned classics like Ulysses, showing how reading survives behind bars. Governance & Public Services: Kenya’s Huduma Kenya says birth certificate fees are still in effect despite waiver plans, pointing to execution gaps in civil registration reforms. Local Publishing Loss: Edo North mourns retired vice principal Tajudeen Ojeifo, with tributes noting his long service in education and family ties to media publishing.

GIS & Publishing in Kenya: RCMRD library users in Nairobi are being directed to The Power of Where by Jack Dangermond, released for students and researchers and positioned as a simpler entry point into GIS learning. Court & Books/Media Crossovers (Nigeria): An Anambra State High Court granted Peter Obi leave to serve court processes on actor-turned-politician Kenneth Okonkwo via substituted service after personal service failed. Namibia Travel Writing: A new travel piece recounts an off-grid lodge stay in Namibia, including the surprise of a freshly built, fully flushing “ceramic loo” in the desert. Kenya Security & Social Media: DCI arrested Halima Ngache in Mombasa over an X account accused of tracking President William Ruto’s flight movements; phones and devices were seized for forensics. South Africa Harm Reduction Essay: A personal essay argues harm reduction saves lives in a system where drug use remains criminalised, while services like opioid substitution therapy are limited. South Africa Music Licensing: Samro sued Johannesburg venue Tempo Luxury over an alleged unpaid R1.7m music licence bill, spotlighting enforcement in nightlife copyright. Nigeria Finance Regulation: Nigeria’s CBN revoked the operating licences of Warri-based Creekline Microfinance Bank and 45 others for regulatory non-compliance. African Publishing Loss: Rosetta Miller-Perry, founder and publisher of the Tennessee Tribune and a major civil rights figure, has died at 91.

Streaming & Media Economics (Morocco): Morocco’s media shift is accelerating as streaming and social platforms pull audiences away from traditional TV, but monetisation still struggles with free-content habits and piracy. Human Trafficking Crackdown (Ghana): Upper East Regional Police arrested three suspects in Bolgatanga over alleged trafficking and forced prostitution of young girls, including claims of luring a victim from Nigeria with promises tied to the Ghana movie industry. World Cup & Access (DR Congo/US): DR Congo’s iconic “Lumumba Vea” fan was barred from the US for the England match due to Ebola-related travel restrictions, with a replacement taking his place. African Football Qualifiers (2027): The third window of the African qualifiers runs July 2–5 across Dakar, Douala and Luanda, with 16 teams chasing five World Cup spots. Press Freedom & Courts (Nigeria): Nigeria’s press access concerns grow after journalists were reportedly denied entry to cover Omoyele Sowore’s court proceedings, raising questions about open justice. Conservation TV Launch (Zimbabwe): ZBC unveiled “ZBC’s Wild Africa Adventures,” a continent-focused series spotlighting conservation efforts and wildlife protection.

Press Freedom Under Pressure (Uganda): CPJ says Ugandan security forces laid siege to Nation Media Group-Uganda, blocking access and shutting down printing and broadcasts, leaving the outlet “just digital” while it fears arrest or attacks. Public Health & Publishing/Knowledge: UN warns an Ebola outbreak in Central Africa could cost up to $3.6bn if not contained, with the Bundibugyo strain spreading from DRC into neighbouring Uganda. Local Books & Literacy (Angola): In Lubango, an early childhood educator launched a children’s book, “A Menina Mandela e o Lápis Brilhante e Colorido,” aiming to build reading habits from an early age. Community Learning (Nigeria): Lagos’ Path to Possibilities Resource Centre marked 10 years supporting underserved children with a free library, digital literacy and vocational training. Media Ethics & AI: A debate on ethical AI and content theft highlights growing tensions between creators and platforms using scraped work to train models. World Cup as Cultural Content: France’s Kylian Mbappé set new World Cup knockout scoring milestones, keeping African football audiences glued to sports media.

Press Freedom Under Pressure: Uganda’s military raided Nation Media Group outlets, shutting TV/radio and print titles, prompting global media freedom groups to urge President Museveni to restore operations. Publishing & Tender Scrutiny: South Africa’s Basic Education Minister said no one has been suspended over the R285m Lighthouse Publishers textbook tender, while an independent external probe is set to continue. Digital Publishing & Courts: Nigeria’s Federal High Court granted Omoyele Sowore N200m bail with strict surety and passport conditions, but DSS operatives later seized him again, reigniting concerns over press and political freedoms. Creative Economy Bottlenecks: Nigeria’s creative sector says unreliable power and poor internet are the biggest barriers to growth, with NECLive’s 2026 report calling broadband and electricity the “foundation” for competitiveness. Election Transparency Push: Peter Obi urged INEC to publish candidates’ academic certificates to boost trust and curb forged credentials. Queer Inclusion & Community: A feature on LGBTQ+ asylum seekers highlights how churches in Nigeria and beyond are supporting people fleeing persecution. World Cup Culture: Ivory Coast striker Yan Diomande said he’s focused on the tournament, while coverage also spotlights African World Cup fan tributes to Patrice Lumumba.

Media Freedom Under Pressure: South Africa’s June 30 anti-immigration protests are already triggering intimidation of foreign nationals and journalists, with media groups warning that targeting reporters and demanding footage be deleted is undermining democratic reporting. Political Party Turmoil: Nigeria’s APC faces fresh controversy after allegations of candidate substitution tied to protests and ticket uncertainty ahead of 2027, with the party denying lists circulating online. Court Moves in Yobe Dispute: Nigeria’s Federal High Court granted substituted service in a Yobe North senatorial ticket case involving Senator Ahmad Lawan, setting the matter for hearing later in July. Book Spotlight (South Africa): Jacana’s Soweto Uprising: A documentary history by Julian Brown is named Book of the Month, using archives and contemporaneous sources to retell the 16 June 1976 uprising. Cultural Publishing (Zimbabwe/Mozambique): Othnell Mangoma Moyo releases Matepe Book 1: The Thunderstorm in the Deze, Echo of the Ancestors, documenting Zimbabwean and Mozambican matepe traditions and oral knowledge.

Press Freedom Under Fire (Uganda): The Federation of African Journalists condemned Uganda’s army for storming and shutting down NTV Uganda and Spark TV, with Nation Media Group saying its sites were under military siege and broadcasts cut off. Media Accountability (Kenya): A media review of Citizen TV’s coverage of the Utumishi Girls Academy fire highlights both public-interest reporting and the need to protect children’s rights under Kenya’s media conduct rules. Copyright & Education (South Africa): South Africa’s Constitutional Court upheld the Copyright Amendment Bill’s fair use framework but struck down education copying provisions, sending them back to Parliament. Publishing/Print Industry (Egypt): Canon showcased commercial print tech at TechnoPrint Expo 2026 in Cairo, pitching faster turnaround and short-run digital printing for Egypt’s modernising print sector. Tax Literacy (South Africa): A SARS-focused explainer pushes tax understanding as a way to reduce overpayment and plan legally. Digital Publishing Shift (South Africa): Media24 reported widening losses and a move from print to digital-first operations, including job cuts tied to closing print editions.

Uganda Media Crackdown: Army chief Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba ordered Nation Media Group’s NTV Uganda and Daily Monitor to halt operations, with soldiers stationed at Kampala offices and outlets shut down amid claims of “biased reporting,” raising fresh alarms for press freedom. Maritime Digital Services: Nigeria’s NIMASA launched a Seafarer Discharge Book Management Portal in Lagos to streamline verification, processing and issuance, aiming to cut bottlenecks and boost safety and competitiveness for Nigerian seafarers. Payments Push: Nigeria’s bank communications body ACAMB urged wider QR code and digital payment adoption after discussions with NIBSS, stressing coordinated public messaging during service disruptions. Road Enforcement Debate: As South Africa’s Aarto rollout nears (1 July), municipalities and SALGA seek court action to pause further implementation, citing readiness gaps. Gold Financing Update: South Africa-focused West Wits cleared a key loan condition after repaying a US$12.5m Nebari facility, paving the way for a larger US$53m senior loan and ramp-up at Qala Shallows. Publishing & Books: Idaho’s Nampa School District trustees adopted a new middle-school curriculum but kept three potentially controversial titles off the list of required books, including Holocaust graphic novel Maus. Sports & Culture: Canada beat South Africa 1-0 in World Cup Round of 32 via Stephen Eustáquio’s stoppage-time volley, ending Bafana Bafana’s historic run.