AGP Executive Report

Labour & Jobs: South Africa’s MultiChoice says about 10% of its workforce exited via voluntary severance as Canal+ reshapes the pay-TV group, while Enterprise Room expands SME support beyond consultancy to multiyear delivery. Policy & Compliance: South Africa’s VAT gap study flags a large underreported domestic VAT shortfall, and mining officials push back on claims of “policy uncertainty” amid MPRDA concerns. Workplace Rights: The ILO adopted the first binding employment standards for gig workers, aiming to stop platforms treating workers as contractors. Migration & Reintegration: Nigeria evacuates citizens from South Africa amid xenophobic attacks, with calls for structured reintegration and documentation on return. HR in Action: MTN Ghana employees support Street Academy through a staff-led birthday giving programme; Eswatini Mobile’s sales team gets quarterly refresher training. Skills & Growth: AAK launches the AAK Academy in Ghana to build technical capability in chocolate and agro-processing value chains. Business & Travel: Airbus highlights Johannesburg–Mumbai as a poorly served route after SAA’s withdrawal, pointing to market gaps for airlines.

Student Finance & Compliance: Tanzania’s HESLB honours 11 employers for timely loan deductions as recoveries hit a record high, while also pushing awareness ahead of the 2026/27 loan cycle. Jobs & Growth Planning: Tanzania targets 6.3% growth and 1.7m jobs in 2026, with Sh86.3tn earmarked under its 2026/27 development plan. Higher Education Integrity: Liberia’s UMU rolls out QR-code certificates to curb academic fraud and speed up credential verification for employers and agencies. Workforce & Skills: TECH Global University claims 99% of graduates land roles matching their qualification within a year, betting on practical, competency-led degrees. Local Economy & Manufacturing: Coca-Cola HBC plans US$1.28bn investment in Egypt by 2030, adding PET capacity and jobs. Public Sector Pay Relief: Pakistan’s FY26-27 budget proposes salary and pension increases plus a higher minimum wage, alongside expanded social support. Migration & Labour Rights: South Africa’s xenophobia fallout continues as officials report repatriations, while journalists and rights voices warn media framing can fuel anti-migrant violence. Tourism Jobs: Cape Town Tourism wins three Gold awards at the International Tourism Film Festival Africa, highlighting tourism’s job impact.

World Cup & Jobs/HR Angle: Mexico kicked off the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a 2-0 win over South Africa at the Azteca, but the match was marred by a record three red cards—an international reminder of how major events can shift attention, tourism and short-term work demand across host cities. Employment Compliance: South Africa’s proposed Employment Services Amendment Bill pressures employers to tighten hiring checks for foreign nationals, with document requirements and record-keeping aimed at enforcement and fines up to R100,000. Youth Employment Crisis: A South Africa youth jobs piece flags a “polycrisis” with 4.7m young people (15–34) unemployed and warns imports and early AI adoption could worsen job losses. Migration & Workplace Protection: Nigeria’s foreign affairs minister defended ongoing evacuations from South Africa and urged stronger protection for migrants, while South Africa’s crackdown plans raise the stakes for employers. Social Protection Backlog: Home Affairs birth certificate delays are trapping families out of schooling and services, with a growing backlog reported. Disability & Inclusion: Malawi’s albinism report highlights discrimination and barriers to work, linking stigma to poverty and ongoing fear. Public Sector Accountability: Joburg mayor Dada Morero faced scrutiny over major write-offs and mismanaged spending, with calls for faster reforms to restore service delivery. Workplace Safety: Vivo Energy Ghana marked 15 years without a workplace injury, spotlighting HSSEQ preparedness as a people-first HR priority.

Ebola Watch (Uganda): Uganda’s Ebola outbreak is “under control” as Africa CDC reports 19 cases and active follow-up of 792 contacts, while WHO flags the wider regional emergency linked to DRC. AGOA Reform (Minerals & Jobs): African governments are pushing for a “second-generation AGOA” that supports mineral processing, technology transfer, infrastructure and skills—aiming to create jobs and move beyond raw exports. Workplace & Labour (South Africa): Cartrack and the family of employee Gcina Dhladhla meet to clarify events after her death, while Samwu and Msunduzi continue talks amid a waste workers’ strike disrupting rubbish collection. Migration & Work Rights (South Africa): Home Affairs confirms repatriation of 268 Nigerians, with more flights planned as protests target undocumented foreign nationals. Skills & Safety (South Africa): New building inspectors enter the sector to strengthen compliance after deadly collapses, including Ormonde and George. Energy & Employment (Africa): Standard Bank says renewable finance in Africa grew fast in 2025, stressing job creation as the energy transition scales. Cybercrime Coercion (West Africa): Research highlights how fear and psychological pressure can drive forced labour in cybercrime academies. Sports & Youth (Kenya/Uganda): Kenya’s STRI4Society Week spotlights science-to-jobs pathways, while Uganda’s budget targets oil value-add and industrial growth.

Film & HR in the creative economy: Ghanaian casting director Mawuko Kuadzi made history by winning the new Best Casting Director category at the Ghana Movie Awards, with his work on The Fisherman—a reminder that casting is talent management, not just production. Workplace fairness & AI: A new look at generative AI bias warns that resumes and hiring feedback can be skewed by identity-related terms, including disability advocacy signals. Public sector accountability: South Africa’s Department of Public Works faces a R50m settlement over a property lease signed for a facility that was never occupied, as investigations also target leasing failures and EPWP abuse. Skills & employability: South Africa’s cybersecurity skills shortage is leaving organisations exposed; MiDO Academy argues for training pathways based on potential, not only elite credentials. Jobs policy push: Ghana’s 24-hour economy plan aims to create 1.7m productive jobs by 2028 by expanding markets and support services across all districts. Migration & labour enforcement: South Africa’s immigration crackdown and workplace inspections are set to intensify, with employers facing penalties for hiring undocumented foreigners. Circular economy: South Africa’s wine sector gets a lighter, recycled PET Eco-Flat bottle designed to cut transport emissions and logistics costs. Economic risk watch: The Reserve Bank warns South Africa’s financial system is more vulnerable amid the Middle East conflict, tighter conditions and weaker growth prospects.

South Africa Immigration Crackdown: A Western Cape construction compliance sweep found 79 undocumented workers at a major building site, with officials also probing labour law violations and how foreign nationals were hired. Xenophobia Fallout: AFP reports anti-migrant violence in Mossel Bay and Durban has left homes torched and hundreds fleeing, with displaced families seeking refuge. Jobs & Reintegration: Nigeria’s repatriation push continues as more citizens seek evacuation ahead of the June 30 deadline, while South Africa tightens enforcement against illegal immigration and employers. Workplace Accountability: South Africa’s Public Works department says a ghost employee audit flagged about 60 alleged “paid but not real” workers, with disciplinary and legal action expected. Mining Transparency: Ghana’s Chamber of Mines and GHEITI will measure how much mining profits the state actually keeps, challenging the widely repeated “5%” claim. Creative Economy Jobs: Zimbabwe stakeholders validated a study on how cultural and creative industries contribute to GDP and employment, with the sector estimated at 5.92% of GDP in 2024. Hiring Watch: Emirates Group announced 2026 job openings across engineering, cargo, IT, HR and commercial roles, with many closing dates in June and July.

Tax & Compliance: South Africa’s SARS set 2026 filing dates and will expand auto assessments, with notifications for selected taxpayers from 1–12 July 2026, aiming to reduce manual returns. Public Procurement & Jobs: Kenya’s MPs ordered the termination and blacklisting of contractors behind delays in a Ksh45.5bn water and sanitation programme across 58 towns, which is expected to create about 15,000 jobs. Skills & Work: Uganda’s outsourcing push earned it a top-25 spot globally, but writers warn rankings won’t automatically cut unemployment without scaling real job creation. Trade & Industry: Kenya is courting Chinese investors to build local tea processing and value-add operations, moving beyond bulk exports. Labour & Migration: South Africa’s Ramaphosa faced criticism that his migration plan lacks detail as anti-immigrant protests grow, while employers are warned about violating immigration and labour laws. Local Business Protection: Nigeria’s Senate moved to halt textile material imports and urged funding and cotton expansion to revive local mills and jobs. Economy Watch: South Africa’s GDP grew 0.5% in Q1, but 2026 growth may stay muted as fuel-driven input costs bite. Energy & Industry: South Africa’s industrial gas users warned of a “gas cliff” when Sasol limits Mozambique-linked supply to Secunda from June 2028, risking jobs and output. Environment & Public Health: ECOWAS urged action on plastic pollution and waste disposal during a regional beach clean-up in Ghana. Finance & Housing: Nigeria’s housing drive reported 1,859 families accessing N128bn mortgages under the MOFI Real Estate Investment Fund.

EU Clean Energy Push: The EU launched a Trans-Mediterranean Renewable Energy and Clean Tech initiative, aiming to mobilise up to €25bn by 2035, support 15GW of renewables and create 100,000+ clean-energy jobs across partner countries. South Africa Growth vs Jobs: South Africa’s GDP grew 0.5% in Q1 2026, but economists warn the real test is job-rich growth as fixed investment remains weak. Joburg Budget Pressure: City of Johannesburg defended its R97.1bn budget, saying debt collection is improving (90% in April) as the DA challenges targets. Migration and Work Impacts: Nigeria is set to evacuate citizens from South Africa amid anti-foreigner violence, while South Africa tightens immigration enforcement and employers face tougher penalties—raising HR and labour compliance stakes. Nigeria Digital Economy Regulation: Nigeria’s Senate advanced a bill to regulate virtual asset service providers, aiming to curb fraud and bring crypto activity into the formal economy. Workplace Rights Win: South Africa’s MISA overturned an unfair dismissal case, awarding compensation after a dispute tied to workplace cash practices. Skills and Hiring Pipeline: Kenya secured a commitment for 1,000 seafarer jobs by 2030 through Norway’s maritime industry, with the first batch due by year-end.

South Africa Immigration Crackdown: President Cyril Ramaphosa acknowledged rising anti-migrant tensions and warned that only authorised officials will act, as protests and xenophobic fears grow and governments prepare tougher enforcement. Labour Market Compliance: South Africa is set to tighten labour and immigration rules, including heavy penalties for employers hiring undocumented workers, as officials move to curb illegal migration. Energy & Jobs Risk: South Africa’s industrial strategy flags de-industrialisation drivers like unreliable electricity and logistics bottlenecks, while business groups warn the gas “cliff” could hit industrial output unless supply is secured fast. Healthcare Access: Western Cape began a phased rollout of Lenacapavir injections for HIV prevention in high-burden communities, offering an alternative to daily PrEP. Localisation Push: South Africa’s Localisation Support Fund helped shift R200m of previously imported products to local suppliers, aiming to strengthen domestic supply chains. Trade & Agriculture: South Africa posted a record Q1 agricultural trade surplus of $1.55bn as imports fell and horticulture exports held steady. Fintech Growth: Coverage highlights how Africa’s fintech boom is expanding access and tackling cash-heavy banking frictions, with Nigeria cited as a key market. Human Trafficking Warning: Kenya’s job scams and trafficking surge is linked to youth unemployment, with lawmakers hearing about repatriations of trafficked victims.

Industrial Policy: South Africa’s dtic unveiled a new Industrial Development Strategy anchored on “3Ds” — decarbonisation, diversification and digitalisation — with actions to slow deindustrialisation, including scaling renewables and grid upgrades alongside gas and nuclear investment. Migration & Work: Anti-migrant protests spread around Johannesburg after Ramaphosa warned vigilantes; Nigeria also plans more repatriation flights as South Africa tightens enforcement, including tougher penalties for employers of undocumented workers. Jobs & Skills: Ghana launched a strategy to scale outsourcing and digital services, positioning the country as an Africa digital hub through public-service digitalisation and AfCFTA market integration. SME Growth: A South African piece flags the “30 to 100 employee” growth trap where leadership, hiring and accountability lag behind scale. Blue Economy: Ghana’s HELP Foundation urged stronger marine protection on World Oceans Day, citing overfishing, pollution and illegal fishing as threats to jobs and food security. Tech & Mobility: A Kenyan startup is building eco-ride bicycles from bamboo, aiming for greener transport and youth livelihoods.

Immigration Crackdown & Jobs: South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa laid out a five-point plan to tackle illegal immigration, including tougher workplace inspections, dedicated immigration courts, and intensified identification and deportation of undocumented foreign nationals—while stressing unemployment and weak service delivery are not caused by migrants alone. Employer Accountability: Ramaphosa warned employers who knowingly hire undocumented workers could face harsher penalties, including jail, as the state moves to stop vigilante enforcement and xenophobic violence. Youth Employment Gap: New labour data highlights how education levels shape youth job prospects, with unemployment highest among young people without matric and lowest among university graduates. Ghana Evacuation Wrap: Ghana’s final batch of 342 evacuees arrived in Accra after South Africa’s xenophobia-related incidents, with officials urging returnees to heal and rebuild. Nigeria Tax Debate: Nigeria’s CETA Bill heads to third reading, raising fears it could increase costs for manufacturers and affect jobs and investment. Health Workforce Pressure: Congo’s Ebola response continues to strain underpaid frontline health workers, as WHO rolls out a $518m plan for DRC. Road Accident Fund Reform: South Africa is exploring a hybrid funding model for the Road Accident Fund and a new no-fault benefits framework to ease fiscal pressure.

Migration Crackdown & Public Safety: President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed South Africans on illegal immigration, stressing border security, respect for immigration laws, and action against irregular migration while rejecting citizens taking enforcement into their own hands. Xenophobia Evacuation Jobs (Ghana): Ghana’s foreign affairs minister Samuel Ablakwa said returnees from South Africa passed security screening with no criminal links, while government and partners secured about 200 jobs (including 100 via Engineers and Planners) to help evacuees reintegrate. Diaspora Value: Ablakwa highlighted record US$7.8bn remittances in 2025, arguing diaspora support underpins Ghana’s economy and justifies protection for citizens abroad. Employment Shock in SA: eThekwini’s EPWP funding freeze (about R8.5m) threatens nearly 9,000 workers after Auditor-General concerns over irregular payments and ghost beneficiaries. Anti-Corruption in Policing: Gauteng police launched disciplinary action after a viral video involving an officer allegedly returning cash tied to a bribe. Youth Credit Shift (Kenya): Sacco-led lending is expanding as banks exclude young borrowers, with affordable loans and grants reaching youth enterprises in counties like Machakos. Labour & Governance (Nigeria): A report argues Nigeria’s rural development is still blocked by local council funding controls, calling for stronger checks as funds flow directly to councils.

Ghana Jobs & Reintegration: Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Ablakwa says 345 evacuees have arrived in Accra and that about 200 jobs are already secured by local firms to help returnees reintegrate after xenophobic attacks. Xenophobia & Diplomacy: South Africa warns Ghana against “public spectacles” during evacuations, as international agencies report no surge in assisted returns—suggesting mass flight is not yet happening. AI & Work: A BCG study finds 74% of non-managerial white-collar workers use AI and often save a full workday weekly, but companies struggle to turn that time into measurable value. Finance & Credit: Fitch upgrades South Africa’s credit rating from BB- to BB for the first time in two decades, citing fiscal consolidation—yet access to credit remains a concern. Food & Jobs: ECOWAS and AGRA push for more investment to transform West Africa’s rice sector, aiming to strengthen food systems and create livelihoods. Health Supply Shock: Kenya’s contraceptive stockpile crisis continues after a US aid disruption left millions of women waiting for family planning supplies.

Migration & Jobs Pressure in South Africa: Residents in Daveyton marched under “Mabahambe” demands, blaming undocumented foreigners for unemployment, crime and service strain, while authorities monitored to keep protests lawful. Xenophobia Fallout: Mozambique reported deaths of its citizens amid anti-foreigner attacks, as bused families fled violence and sought safety. Workforce Disruption: South Africa’s National Skills Fund suspended a R354m engineering internship programme, leaving about 800 young people facing an uncertain future. Labour & Compliance: South Africa’s Home Affairs flagged payroll fraud, while a separate probe found luxury vehicle registrations linked to fraudulent traffic numbers, with Gauteng hardest hit. Ghana Jobs & Skills Push: Ghana pitched itself to London as an outsourcing and digital services hub, aiming to scale exportable tech work and AI-enabled roles. Business & Policy: Nigeria’s FCCPC move to break Optasia’s airtime/data lending monopoly could unlock N3tn in annual revenue and new jobs. Economic Outlook: IMF projections point to strong 2026 growth across Africa, with Nigeria growing but not topping the fastest list.

Davis Cup Push: Eight nations head to Nairobi (June 17–20) for the Davis Cup Africa Group IV, with Kenya aiming for promotion and a boost to player development at the Nairobi Club. Healthcare Pay & Access: South Africa moves to mandatory pay-gap disclosure for companies, while experts warn the “missing middle” is being priced out of private cover—raising pressure on the public system. Workplace Benefits: Exxaro is among firms shifting to fully employer-funded healthcare for lower-paid staff, as companies rethink benefits amid inequality and productivity losses. Employer-Driven Talent: BMW’s SA IT hub is now a global software engine used across 134 countries, creating thousands of tech jobs. Mental Health Load: New data shows South Africa’s mental health burden is rising fast, with far more members claiming treatment than a decade ago. Xenophobia & Repatriation: Nigeria says 1,094 citizens have registered to voluntarily return from South Africa as attacks escalate, with screening and penalty waivers for eligible cases. Local Pharma Drive: Nigeria’s pharma manufacturers target 70% local medicine production ahead of the 2026 expo. Assistive Tech Gap: A new report finds most Africans who need assistive devices still can’t access them, limiting education and employment.

Migration & Jobs Fallout: South Africa’s xenophobic violence has triggered a fresh regional response, with Nigeria starting screening to repatriate over 1,000 nationals from South Africa, echoing Ghana’s evacuation after protests and attacks; South Africa says it will tighten enforcement against undocumented migrants while urging citizens not to take matters into their own hands. Workplace & HR Compliance: South Africa’s PSIRA says it asked the SIU to investigate a controversial UIF-funded security training tender before a formal proclamation was signed, as the probe targets alleged maladministration and irregular spending tied to thousands of learners. Finance Access: A South Africa credit crisis is framed as an access problem, with consumers pushed toward illegal lenders and informal borrowing when formal credit is blocked. Affordable Housing: Developers argue affordable housing should be aspirational and built for the “missing middle” (teachers, healthcare workers, artisans and young professionals), not just emergency relief. Africa Investment & Industry: Africa Finance Corporation secured a record $2bn syndicated loan to scale energy, transport and industrial projects across the continent. Food & Agriculture Jobs: Ghana’s Komenda Sugar Factory remains idle for nearly a decade, and sugarcane farmers plan a protest demanding government action. Skills & Mobility: Zambia’s tourism push at ZATEX targets 2.5m visitors and $1bn revenue, with an emphasis on jobs and intra-Africa travel links.