AGP Executive Report

Renewable Energy in Comoros: The Union of Comoros inaugurated three UAE-financed solar power plants (about 20 MW total) across Grande Comore, Anjouan and Mohéli, backed by battery storage (16 MWh) and new transmission lines—aimed at cutting diesel dependence and boosting reliable electricity (about 33.75 GWh/year). Women’s Digital Finance: AXIAN and the AfDB launched a digital finance programme for 34,000 women-led businesses, with training for 25,000 women including Comoros, using mobile money and digital lending plus financial literacy and skills support. STEM in Comoros: A Comoros visit by the nonprofit AnEmpoweredGirl helped teach “STEM Waypoint” lessons to 30+ students, supported by GaCo’s LEGO-based kits and circuit-focused “Sticky-Stickies.” Crypto Market Education: MEXC rolled out “Opportunity Compass” and “Trade Wall Street, Without Walls,” citing survey findings that many crypto users are moving into stocks but still face knowledge gaps. Green Card Data (Comoros): US DV-2026 data shows Comoros recorded 12 selected entrants (with spouses/children counted). Sports (Not Tech): Nigeria named Augustine Eguavoen interim coach for Super Falcons ahead of Olympic qualifiers vs Comoros.

Solar Power for Comoros: The Union of the Comoros inaugurated three UAE-financed solar plants (about 20 MW total) across Grande Comore, Anjouan and Mohéli, adding battery storage (16 MWh) and new transmission lines to cut reliance on imported diesel and boost cleaner, more reliable electricity. Women’s Digital Finance: AXIAN and the AfDB launched a digital finance programme for 34,000 women-led businesses, combining mobile money access, digital lending, financial literacy and skills training, with a training component reaching women including in Comoros. STEM in Comoros Classrooms: GaCo’s “STEM Waypoints” lessons were taught in Comoros by a visiting nonprofit, using LEGO Top Spinner kits and circuit-based “Sticky-Stickies” to bring hands-on learning to students. Energy & Tech Context: A wider Africa solar analysis highlights how much of the boom is “hidden” in distributed systems, while a Dar es Salaam port upgrade shows hybrid cargo equipment cutting fuel use and emissions. Sports & Tech Link: Nigeria named Augustine Eguavoen interim coach of the Super Falcons for Olympic qualifiers against Comoros—an unexpected but timely Comoros match-up.

Solar Power Upgrade: The Union of the Comoros inaugurated three UAE-financed solar plants (about 20 MW total) across Grande Comore, Anjouan, and Mohéli, adding battery storage (16 MWh) and new transmission lines to cut reliance on imported diesel and boost cleaner electricity output (about 33.75 GWh/year). STEM in Comoros: A U.S. FIRST Robotics team, GaCo, partnered with AnEmpoweredGirl to deliver “STEM Waypoint” lessons in Comoros for 30+ students, using LEGO Top Spinner kits and circuit-based “Sticky-Stickies” to spark learning in practical electronics and problem-solving. Women’s Digital Finance: AXIAN and the AfDB launched a digital finance programme for 34,000 women-led businesses across Africa, with a training component reaching women in Comoros alongside Madagascar, Tanzania, Senegal, and Togo. Tech & Markets Education: MEXC rolled out “Trade Wall Street, Without Walls” and “Opportunity Compass,” pointing to growing interest from crypto users in stocks and highlighting knowledge gaps as a key barrier.

Solar Power for Comoros: The Union of the Comoros inaugurated three UAE-financed solar plants (about 20 MW total) across Grande Comore, Anjouan and Mohéli, adding battery storage (16 MWh) and new transmission lines to cut reliance on imported diesel; the project is backed by Abu Dhabi Fund for Development and implemented by Masdar, with Global South Utilities managing it. Women’s Digital Finance: AXIAN and the AfDB launched a digital finance programme for 34,000 women-led businesses across Madagascar, Tanzania, Senegal (with training also reaching Togo and Comoros), using mobile money, digital lending and financial literacy support. STEM in Comoros: GaCo’s “STEM Waypoints” lessons reached Comoros students via a partnership with AnEmpoweredGirl, using LEGO Top Spinner kits and circuit-teaching tools to boost hands-on learning. Energy Tech Insight: A new study on mobile broadband pricing ranked the UK 46th globally by average cost per 1GB, highlighting how plan rules and fair-use limits can skew comparisons. Science Spotlight: A palaeontology student re-examined a 150-year-old museum coelacanth fossil using modern imaging and identified a previously unrecognized species, showing how museum collections still drive discoveries.

Energy Security: Comoros inaugurated three UAE-financed solar power plants across Grande Comore, Anjouan and Mohéli, totaling about 20 MW, with 16 MWh battery storage and new transmission lines to cut reliance on imported diesel; the projects are expected to produce around 33.75 GWh of clean electricity yearly and avoid roughly 20,900 tonnes of CO₂, funded by the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (about AED84.4 million). STEM & Education: GaCo’s “STEM Waypoints” lessons reached over 30 students in Comoros via a partnership with AnEmpoweredGirl, using LEGO Top Spinner kits and “Sticky-Stickies” circuit-learning tools. Women’s Digital Finance: AXIAN and AfDB launched a digital finance programme for 34,000 women-led businesses across Africa, with training support extending to Comoros among other countries. Science Discovery: A palaeontology student, Jack L. Norton, used modern imaging to re-examine a 150-year-old museum coelacanth fossil and identify a previously unrecognized species, highlighting how museum collections can still yield new findings. Crypto Markets: MEXC reported a surge in spot trading activity as major crypto prices rose, with activity spreading beyond BTC during the latest rally.

Renewables for Energy Security: Comoros President Azali Assoumani inaugurated three UAE-funded solar power plants (about 20 MW total) on Grande Comore, Anjouan and Mohéli, financed by ADFD and implemented by Masdar and managed by Global South Utilities, with battery storage (16 MWh) and new transmission lines; the projects are projected to generate ~33.75 GWh/year and cut CO2 by ~20,900 tonnes annually. STEM in Comoros: GaCo’s “STEM Waypoints” reached 30+ students in Comoros via AnEmpoweredGirl, using LEGO Top Spinner kits and “Sticky-Stickies” to teach practical circuit concepts. Women’s Digital Finance: AXIAN and the AfDB launched a digital finance programme for 34,000 women-led businesses across five countries, with training that includes Comoros, aiming to close digital and financing gaps. Blue Economy Skills: Tanzania’s Dar es Salaam Maritime Institute is scaling training for ship design and shipbuilding as blue economy investment grows—relevant for regional maritime capacity building. Science Discovery Spotlight: A palaeontology student’s re-examination of a 150-year-old museum coelacanth fossil using modern imaging identified a previously unrecognized species, showing how collections can still yield major breakthroughs. Global Heritage Milestone: UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee session in Busan inscribed Comoros for the first time and announced a new strategy for small island states.

Renewables in Comoros: President Azali Assoumani inaugurated three UAE-financed solar plants (about 20 MW total) on Grande Comore (12.86 MW), Anjouan (4.05 MW) and Mohéli (3.1 MW), backed by the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development and implemented by Masdar and managed by Global South Utilities; the deal (around AED 84.4 million) also adds battery storage (16 MWh) plus about 30 km of medium-voltage transmission lines, targeting roughly 33.75 GWh of clean power yearly for about 17,500 households and cutting around 20,900 tonnes of CO2 annually. Women’s digital finance: AXIAN and the AfDB launched a programme for 34,000 women-led businesses across Madagascar, Tanzania, Senegal (with training also reaching Togo and Comoros), using mobile money, digital lending and financial literacy via Mixx and MVola. Blue economy skills: Tanzania’s Dar es Salaam Maritime Institute is scaling training for ship design and shipbuilding as blue economy investment grows, ahead of its September 7–9 conference. STEM outreach in Comoros: GaCo’s FIRST Robotics team partnered with AnEmpoweredGirl to teach “STEM Waypoint” lessons to 30+ students in Comoros using LEGO kits and circuit-based “Sticky-Stickies.” Energy & ports tech: Dar es Salaam Port is adopting hybrid cargo-handling equipment to cut fuel use and emissions while boosting efficiency. Solar boom visibility: A new analysis says Africa’s solar expansion is largely “hidden” because much distributed PV isn’t counted in official stats, with 36 of 54 countries set for record installations this year. Comoros in global heritage: UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee added Comoros for its first inscription, with a new SIDS heritage strategy announced for 2026–2034.

Women’s Digital Finance: AXIAN and the African Development Bank (AfDB) launched a digital finance programme for 34,000 women-led businesses across Madagascar, Tanzania, Senegal, and more, using mobile money, digital lending, and alternative credit checks, with training for 25,000 women including in Comoros. Port Tech for Greener Trade: Dar es Salaam Port is rolling out hybrid cargo-handling equipment to cut fuel use and emissions while boosting efficiency, as part of broader port modernisation. Solar Boom, Hidden in Plain Sight: A new analysis says Africa’s PV growth is real but often undercounted because much of the expansion is distributed solar; 36 of 54 countries are set for record installations in 2026. Blue Economy Skills: Tanzania’s Dar es Salaam Maritime Institute (DMI) is scaling training, adding ship design and shipbuilding courses to match rising blue economy investment. Comoros STEM Teaching Link: Comoros-linked STEM lessons are being delivered through GaCo’s “STEM Waypoints,” supported by LEGO kits and circuit-based “Sticky-Stickies.” UNESCO Heritage Milestone: Comoros celebrated its first World Heritage inscription as UNESCO added 25 new sites, including a new SIDS strategy for 2026–2034. Maritime Security Watch: Reports highlight how Russia’s “shadow fleet” exploits weak African shipping registries, while unregistered small vessels enable drug trafficking and other sea crimes.

Climate & Food Security: Kenya’s grain belt is reeling from a dry spell that cut maize and wheat output, pushing up farm-gate prices and forcing record grain imports—while regional exportable surpluses tighten. Green Port Tech: Dar es Salaam Port is rolling out hybrid cargo-handling equipment that sharply cuts fuel use and emissions while boosting efficiency. Solar Boom (Hidden in Plain Sight): A new analysis says Africa’s PV growth is real but often “invisible” in official stats, with most installations coming from distributed solar. Women’s Digital Finance: AfDB and AXIAN launched a programme to support 34,000 women-led businesses across five countries, using mobile money platforms plus training. Blue Economy Skills: Tanzania’s Dar es Salaam Maritime Institute is scaling ship design and shipbuilding training to match rising blue economy investment. STEM in Comoros: GaCo’s “STEM Waypoints” lessons reached Comoros students via a partnership, using LEGO kits and circuit-based teaching tools. Comoros on the World Heritage Map: UNESCO added Comoros as a new World Heritage country, with a SIDS strategy unveiled for 2026–2034. Maritime Security & Shipping Risks: Reports highlight how unregistered small vessels and weak registry checks enable trafficking and sanctions evasion across African shipping lanes.

Solar & Grid Reality: A new Ember and African Tech Futures Lab analysis says Africa’s solar boom is bigger than official numbers show, with 36 of 54 countries on track for record PV installs in 2026 and about three-quarters of 2023–2025 deployment happening via distributed solar that often goes uncounted. Women’s Digital Finance: AfDB and AXIAN launched a women-led business programme for 34,000 enterprises across Madagascar, Tanzania, Senegal and Comoros, using digital lending plus financial literacy and skills training through Mixx and Mvola. Blue Economy Skills: Tanzania’s Dar es Salaam Maritime Institute is scaling up training for ship design and shipbuilding as blue economy investment grows, ahead of a September 7–9 international conference. STEM Learning in Comoros: GaCo’s “STEM Waypoints” programme reached Comoros via a partnership with AnEmpoweredGirl, delivering hands-on lessons to 30+ students using LEGO kits and circuit-style “Sticky-Stickies.” Health Data & SRHR Monitoring: SADC states met in Harare to strengthen implementation and reporting of sexual and reproductive health and rights—Comoros was the only member state not represented. Crypto Market Pulse: MEXC data links a surge in storage and memory stock futures activity to the latest U.S. tech earnings season, while spot trading activity rose as BTC pushed above $80,000.

Solar & Power: A new Ember and African Tech Futures Lab analysis says Africa’s solar boom is largely “hidden” in official stats, with 36 of 54 countries set for record PV installs in 2026 and about three-quarters of 2023–2025 deployment happening via distributed solar. Women’s Finance: AfDB and AXIAN launched a digital finance programme for 34,000 women-led businesses across Madagascar, Tanzania, Senegal, and Comoros, using mobile platforms for lending plus training. Blue Economy Skills: Tanzania’s Dar es Salaam Maritime Institute is scaling up training for ship design and shipbuilding as blue economy investment grows, ahead of a major regional conference. STEM in Comoros: Comoros-linked outreach continues as GaCo’s “STEM Waypoints” lessons were taught to 30+ students in Comoros using LEGO kits and circuit-based “Sticky-Stickies.” Health Policy (SRHR): SADC met in Harare to push implementation and reporting of sexual and reproductive health programmes—Comoros was the only member state not represented. Heritage: UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee added 25 sites, including Comoros’ first inscription, with a new SIDS strategy for 2026–2034.

STEM in Comoros: GaCo’s “STEM Waypoints” lessons reached 30+ Comoros students via AnEmpoweredGirl, using LEGO Top Spinner kits and “Sticky-Stickies” (a Makey-Makey-style circuits teaching tool), showing how hands-on robotics-style learning is spreading across the Indian Ocean. UAE Scholarships (Comoros link): The UAE International Student Scholarship Programme has supported 668 students since 2016, including Comoros students; 330 are still studying and 338 have graduated, with engineering and technology the biggest focus. Health Monitoring in Southern Africa: SADC states met in Harare to speed up implementation and reporting of sexual and reproductive health and rights—Comoros was the only member state not represented. UNESCO Heritage Milestone: The 48th World Heritage Committee added 25 sites; Comoros celebrated its first inscription and a new SIDS heritage strategy (2026–2034) was announced. Maritime Security & Illicit Trade: Reports highlight how small unregistered vessels enable drug trafficking and sea crimes, while Russia’s “shadow fleet” exploits weak African shipping registries to evade sanctions. Crypto Market Pulse: MEXC data shows storage and memory stocks dominated U.S. tech earnings trading, while spot trading activity surged as BTC pushed above $80,000.

STEM in Comoros: GaCo’s FIRST Robotics Team 1629 partnered with AnEmpoweredGirl after a visit to Comoros, delivering “STEM Waypoint” lessons to 30+ students using LEGO Top Spinner kits and circuit-teaching “Sticky-Stickies” (a Makey-Makey-style tool). Education & Talent Mobility: The UAE’s International Student Scholarship Programme has supported 668 students since 2016, including Comorians, with 330 still studying and 338 graduates; engineering and technology make up the biggest share. Health Policy (Regional): SADC states met in Harare to speed up implementation, monitoring, and reporting for sexual and reproductive health and rights—Comoros was the only member state not represented. Heritage & Culture: UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee added 25 sites, bringing the total to 1,273; Comoros celebrated its first inscription and a new SIDS heritage strategy (2026–2034) was announced. Crypto Markets: MEXC data says BTC topped $80,000 and boosted spot trading sharply, while storage and memory stocks dominated U.S. tech earnings-related futures activity. Maritime Security: Reports allege Russia’s “shadow fleet” exploits African shipping registries via false flags and flag-hopping, while Kenya intercepted methamphetamine on a small unregistered vessel.

STEM in the Comoros: Garrett County Public High School’s FIRST Robotics team GaCo partnered with AnEmpoweredGirl during a visit to the Union of the Comoros, delivering “STEM Waypoint” lessons to 30+ students using LEGO Top Spinner kits and circuit-style “Sticky-Stickies” (a Makey-Makey-style tool). Education funding in the region: The UAE’s International Student Scholarship Programme says it has supported 668 students from Bahrain, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Syria, Chad, the Comoros and Tunisia since 2016, with 330 still studying across 11 UAE universities and 338 graduates—many in engineering and technology. Health systems & accountability: SADC member states met in Harare to push stronger implementation, monitoring and reporting for sexual and reproductive health and rights, with Comoros noted as the only member state not represented. Maritime security & tech: A report alleges Chinese COSCO ships have used concealed systems to gather signals intelligence, while separate coverage highlights how small unregistered vessels enable sea crimes and how Russia’s “shadow fleet” exploits weak African shipping registries. Heritage milestone: UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee session in Busan added Comoros as a first-time inscribed country and announced a new SIDS heritage strategy for 2026–2034.

Education & Skills: The UAE’s International Student Scholarship Programme (launched in 2016) has supported 668 students from seven MENA countries, including the Union of the Comoros, with 338 graduates; engineering and technology lead the fields, and current students receive tuition, monthly allowances and extra benefits. STEM Outreach: Comoros hosted AnEmpoweredGirl, which delivered GaCo’s “STEM Waypoints” lessons to 30+ students using LEGO Top Spinner kits and circuit-teaching “Sticky-Stickies.” Health Systems & Data: SADC states met in Harare to push stronger implementation, monitoring and reporting for sexual and reproductive health and rights—Comoros was the only member state not represented. Maritime Security & Trade: New reporting highlights how small, unregistered vessels and Russia’s “shadow fleet” exploit weak shipping oversight and registries, enabling oil flows and sea crimes—an issue with direct knock-on effects for regional shipping routes. Digital Finance: MEXC data shows storage and memory stock futures dominating during U.S. tech earnings, while spot trading activity surged as BTC topped $80,000. Heritage & Conservation: UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee added 25 sites, including Comoros’ first inscription, and announced a SIDS strategy for 2026–2034.

Maritime Security: Reuters reports COSCO has allegedly used concealed systems on its ships for signals intelligence around North America, Europe, and Asia, with China’s 2017 National Intelligence Law requiring support for state intelligence work. Health Tech & Access: Tanzania’s Muhimbili Orthopaedic Institute says it’s expanding specialist care, including AI-assisted brain surgery and online booking, and is preparing for AFCON 2027; it also highlights a major urology camp with minimally invasive prostate treatments (Rezūm and HoLEP). Comoros in Global Heritage: UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee session in Busan inscribed Comoros for the first time and announced a 2026–2034 World Heritage Strategy for Small Island Developing States with a $13m budget. Biodiversity Data for Islands: A new push argues African herbaria collections—especially in western Indian Ocean islands including the Comoros—must be digitised so researchers and policymakers can access plant records before more biodiversity is lost. Regional Trade & Finance: Tanzania and Comoros plan to deepen ties in trade, investment, financial services, and infrastructure, including easier movement of goods and people. Shipping Crime & Oversight: Reports on Russia’s “shadow fleet” and small unregistered vessels underline how weak maritime registry checks enable sanctions evasion and sea crimes.