AGP Executive Report

UN Map Reform (Togo-led): The UN General Assembly backed Togo’s “Correct the Map” push, voting 164-1 (with six abstentions) to encourage use of more accurate equal-area projections like Equal Earth, after the Mercator map long made Africa look smaller; the US was the only no vote. Education Support: Togo plans to expand its SWEDD+ school kit drive for the 2026-2027 year, targeting over 150,000 girls across more than 1,500 communities, with a Sept. 9 launch in Blitta. Health Regulation: Togo approved a decree to create a National Agency to regulate medicines and other healthcare products, aiming to strengthen inspections and market surveillance. Tax & Financial Crime Training: Lomé hosted the OECD Francophone Academy on tax and financial crime, training investigators from nine countries. Energy Tender: Togo’s rural electrification agency opened a tender for a new solar power plant in Agoe Nyive, with prequalification due Sept. 15. Security Concern: Reports say foreign military actors are increasing in northern Togo, raising questions about sovereignty and the role of local forces.

UN Map Reform (Togo-led): The UN General Assembly adopted the “Correct the Map” resolution on Sept. 4, backing the Equal Earth projection to show Africa’s true relative size; the vote was 164-1 with the U.S. the only opponent, while six countries abstained. Togo’s Role: Togo pushed the measure on behalf of the African Group and says it’s about fairer global perception, not banning Mercator for navigation. Eye Health in Togo: A Vision Health Index by Lapaire reports 29.9% of tested patients in Togo need vision correction, but only 21% receive it. PPP Financing (Ecobank Togo): Ecobank Togo says PPPs need “predictability” in cash flows and repayment terms to be bankable. Regional Economy Link: Nigeria’s external trade surplus widened to N12.60tn in Q2 2026 as exports rose to N27.02tn; Togo is listed among top export partners. Agriculture Exports: Togo’s coffee and cocoa exports fell sharply in 2025-2026, with coffee down 40.9% and cocoa down 62.9%, despite higher production.

UN Map Reform (Togo-led): The UN General Assembly backed the “Correct the Map” push, voting 164–1 (with six abstentions) to encourage wider use of equal-area projections like Equal Earth so Africa isn’t shown smaller under Mercator; the resolution is non-binding and does not redraw borders, and Togo’s Foreign Minister Robert Dussey said a fair map changes how the world sees Africa. Diplomacy Fallout: India said any UN map must depict Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh according to India’s official position, while Pakistan rejected India’s stance and Moldova said its abstention was tied to concerns about political use of cartography. Togo Agriculture: Togo’s coffee and cocoa exports dropped sharply in the 2025–2026 season (coffee down 40.9%, cocoa down 62.9%) even as production rose, with plans to improve quality and traceability. Regional Farming Boost: Lomé hosted the launch of ECOWAS’s €20m agroecology innovation program, with Togo set to participate in three projects. Sports (CAF): CAF Champions League preliminary round first-leg results were released, with multiple African clubs recording wins and draws ahead of second legs.

UN Map Reform (Togo-led): The UN General Assembly adopted Togo’s “Correct the Map” resolution, backing wider use of equal-area projections like Equal Earth to better reflect Africa’s true size. The vote was 164 in favour, 1 against (the US), and 6 abstentions. Diplomatic Fallout: Ukraine abstained, saying the map’s treatment of Crimea is unacceptable, while Moldova said its abstention was solidarity with Ukraine. India’s Boundary Line: India voted for the resolution but warned that any UN map must depict Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh exactly as per India’s official map. Local Relevance for Togo: The resolution is expected to push schools and institutions to rethink map materials, and Togo is framed as a key driver of the shift. Regional Business Note: Separate from the UN vote, Nigeria’s petrol pricing debate continues as local refined fuel keeps a price edge over imports.

UN “Correct the Map” Push: The UN General Assembly adopted a Togo-led resolution encouraging use of more accurate world maps, backing the Equal Earth projection over Mercator to better reflect the true relative size of continents—especially Africa. The vote passed 164–1 with six abstentions; the United States was the lone “no,” calling it unnecessary. Togo’s Domestic Follow-Through: Togo’s foreign minister says the change is scientific and gradual, with plans to revise school geography materials by end-2026 rather than instantly replacing all official maps. Diplomatic Ripples: Ukraine abstained, arguing the UN map shades Crimea in a way that separates it from Ukraine. Regional Reactions: India supported the resolution but warned that any UN map must depict Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh according to India’s official position. Finance for Women: Separately, AXIAN and the African Development Bank launched a digital finance programme for 34,000 women-led businesses across Madagascar, Tanzania, Senegal, Togo and Comoros, using mobile money and training to close lending gaps.

UN Map Reform (Togo-led): The UN General Assembly adopted Togo’s “Correct the Map” resolution, backing the 2018 Equal Earth projection over the centuries-old Mercator map. The vote was 164 in favour, 1 against (the United States), and 6 abstentions, with the change expected to influence education, textbooks and digital mapping—while Mercator remains allowed for navigation. Education & Policy Impact (Togo): Togo says it will update its school geography books by the end of 2026 to reflect the new projection. African Union Support: The African Union hailed the move as a step toward fairer representation, arguing Mercator has “symbolically minimised” Africa. Global Debate: Washington called the effort an “ideological agenda” and said it distracts from “genuine problems,” while supporters frame it as “cognitive justice.” Business & Society (Togo): Masina Ategou was named Best Promoter of the Year 2026 at the Togo Show Business Awards, highlighting growth in the local entertainment sector. Women’s Finance (Regional): AXIAN and AfDB launched a digital finance programme for 34,000 women-led businesses across five African countries, including training for 25,000.

UN World Map Reform: The UN General Assembly adopted the “Correct the Map” resolution, backed by 164 countries and led by Togo with support from the African Union, urging wider use of the Equal Earth projection to show Africa’s true relative size more accurately; the US cast the only vote against, while six countries abstained. Cartography & Education: The vote targets distortions linked to the centuries-old Mercator projection, which supporters say has long made Africa look smaller than it is (Africa is about 14 times larger than Greenland on Mercator). Diplomatic Fallout: Washington criticized the move as ideological, while the AU welcomed it as a step toward fairer global representation, with the resolution remaining non-binding and not banning Mercator for navigation. Sports (Tennis): In Accra, Ghana’s Gwendolyn Duvor Klu won the ITF Juniors Tournament, beating Togolese player and doubles partner Winner Gakpo 6-2, 6-2.

UN Map Reform: The UN General Assembly has backed Togo-led “Correct the Map” resolution, endorsing the Equal Earth projection to show Africa at its true relative scale and shrink North America and Europe on standard world maps; Vote Details: 164 countries supported it, the United States voted against, and six abstained; Why It Matters for Togo: Togo’s Foreign Minister Robert Dussey said maps shape education and perceptions and are “never neutral,” pushing for wider use of Equal Earth in schools, textbooks, and digital platforms; Mercator Critique: The long-used Mercator projection (built for navigation) is criticized for distorting land sizes—Africa can appear close to Greenland despite being about 14 times larger; Global Response: The African Union welcomed the vote as a step toward fairer, more faithful cartographic representation.

Household Living Conditions Survey: INSEED will run the EHCVM-3 household living conditions survey nationwide from Sept. 7 to Dec. 2026, with support from WAEMU and the World Bank, to update poverty and access indicators on income, spending, education, healthcare and jobs. Fuel Marking Crackdown: Togo’s automated petroleum product marking system (SAM) moves into nationwide inspections from Oct. 1, using chemical tracers and mobile lab testing to curb fraud and protect tax revenue, with fines up to CFAF 10 million. Quality Boost for SMEs: HAUQE’s Q-Boost program is pushing ISO 9001-style quality management for micro, small and medium enterprises, aiming to improve certification and market access. Investment Push via PPP Club: Togo launched a Public-Private Partnership Club in Lomé to help structure and finance PPP projects, bringing together government, banks, investors and technical partners. Diplomacy for New Economic Ties: On the sidelines of SCO+, President Faure Gnassingbé held talks with Vietnam, Belarus and Kyrgyzstan, and Lomé also began consultations with Cambodia to expand trade, investment and digital cooperation. UN Map Debate (#CorrectTheMap): The UN General Assembly is set to vote on adopting more proportionally accurate world maps, with Togo backing the push to replace the Mercator projection’s distortions that make Africa look smaller.

UN Map Vote: Togo’s Foreign Minister Robert Dussey says the UN General Assembly will vote Friday on a resolution to phase out the Mercator map and promote more accurate “equal-area” maps that better reflect Africa’s true size. Cybersecurity Skills: Togo’s National Cybersecurity Agency (ANCy) has opened an expression-of-interest call to build a roster of local digital security experts, with applications due Oct. 30, 2026. Women’s Finance: The AfDB and AXIAN are rolling out a digital finance program for women-led businesses in Madagascar, Tanzania, Senegal, Togo and the Comoros, combining lending, training and business support. Local Trade & Industry: The “Made in Togo Fair” has reached Aného for its second stop, running Sept. 2–6 to connect producers with buyers and partners. Agribusiness Exports: Togo Soja shipped its first batch of processed shea butter for export on Sept. 1, as the country pushes more local processing before exports. Sports (WAFU U-17): The Golden Eaglets’ WAFU B U-17 group draw puts Nigeria against Côte d’Ivoire and Niger, while hosts Burkina Faso face Ghana, Benin and Togo.

Sports (Togo in focus): Ghana’s Black Maidens were drawn in Group B for the 2027 U-17 Girls AFCON qualifiers alongside Nigeria, Togo and Niger, hosted by Côte d’Ivoire starting 15 September 2026. Regional Youth Football: Ghana’s Black Starlets also face Burkina Faso, Benin and Togo in WAFU Zone B qualifying for the 2027 U-17 AFCON, with matches in October 2026. Health Leadership: Togolese public health expert Prof. Palokinam Pitche has assumed office as the new Director-General of WAHO, starting 1 September, bringing over 25 years of experience including Togo’s national AIDS response. Governance & Diplomacy: Togo’s President Faure Gnassingbé met Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko in Bishkek, with Belarus pledging support for Togo’s 2026-2031 roadmap, especially in agriculture, agro-industry and banking. Trade & Security: Togo launched a pilot electronic tracking system in Lomé to monitor petroleum transit to Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, aiming to tighten oversight of goods in transit. Economy (WAEMU finance): A new report shows Lomé dominates WAEMU banking holding-company assets, with four Togolese firms holding CFAF 24.13 trillion.

Petroleum Transit Oversight: Togo has started electronic tracking of petroleum products in Lomé under the SESS system, using specialized devices to monitor routes and flag deviations—aimed at tightening control of goods moving to Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger. Public Finance & Governance: Togo is tapping retail investors with a CFAF 40 billion bond offering on the BRVM, while reporting a 68.4% reform implementation rate and 63.3% budget execution by end-June 2026. Anti-Corruption Education: HAPLUCIA is moving anti-corruption teaching into universities, with nine manuals being validated in Kpalimé and courses planned from bachelor’s level upward. Health Leadership: Professor Palokinam T. Pitche officially assumed office as WAHO Director-General on September 1, bringing long experience from Togo’s AIDS programmes and regional health work. Regional Food Resilience: A Chad delegation visited Lomé to study Togo’s digital agriculture tools (SIHAM, TG-ALERTE+ and e-Agri conseil) to improve weather and farm risk planning. Sports (WAFU B): Ghana’s Ampem Darkoa Ladies set up a semi-final with Togo’s FC Dynamique after a perfect group run, with coach Charles Ankokye urging focus despite Dynamique’s slow start.

Guinea-Bissau Politics: Voters approved a new constitution giving the president stronger powers and shrinking parliament to 65 seats, with the “yes” camp winning 70%—but opposition says the vote lacks legitimacy after the 2025 coup. Togo Diplomacy: Faure Gnassingbé urged a more equitable global order at the SCO+ summit in Bishkek, calling for UN reform and better financing for developing countries. Togo Finance: Togo is raising CFAF 40 billion via a retail bond offering (5- and 7-year tranches) to fund 2026 public investment. Anti-Corruption Education: HAPLUCIA is validating nine anti-corruption teaching manuals to bring ethics and corruption prevention into university curricula. Health Leadership: Professor Palokinam Pitche formally assumed office as WAHO Director-General, bringing long experience from Togo’s AIDS control programmes. Sports (WAFU B U-17): The Golden Eaglets will learn their group opponents Thursday as the WAFU B U-17 draw is set for Ouagadougou. Sports (WAFU B Women): Ampem Darkoa Ladies, backed by Ghana’s GFA boss Kurt Okraku, face FC Dynamique in the semi-finals after a perfect group run. Marine Policy: Togo cosponsored a proposal to review commercial whaling quotas, drawing criticism from whale conservation groups.

Togo Economy Watch: Togo’s GDP grew 3.8% year-on-year in Q1 2026, with the secondary sector up 5.1% (textiles, construction, chemicals leading) and services rising 2.8%, driven by transport, trade, and Port of Lomé logistics. International Labour Politics: Togolese ILO Director-General Gilbert Houngbo has launched a bid for a second term, facing Spain’s Yolanda Díaz and Peru’s Javier González-Olaechea ahead of the November 16 election. Maritime & Environment: Togo is co-sponsoring a proposal to review commercial whaling quotas at the International Whaling Commission, drawing criticism from whale conservation groups. Local Partnerships: Lacs 1 (Togo) and Cachoeira (Brazil) signed a sister-city deal focused on culture, tourism, education, youth and women’s empowerment, and plans for a “Brazil House” in Aného. Governance & Health Leadership: Professor Palokinam T. Pitche formally assumed office as DG of WAHO, bringing long experience from Togo’s AIDS programme and regional health work. Energy & Finance: Nigeria’s electricity subsidy hit N1.928tn in 2025 due to frozen tariffs—an issue that also shapes regional power costs and planning.

SCO+ Diplomacy in Bishkek: Togo’s Prime Minister Victoire Tomegah Dogbé is in Kyrgyzstan as the SCO+ summit gets underway, with leaders including UN chief António Guterres and heads of state from across Eurasia; President Faure Gnassingbé also thanked Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov for the warm welcome and said bilateral talks were productive. Academic Links: Togo’s education minister met Russian officials to expand academic exchanges, including mutual recognition of qualifications and dual-degree programmes under the Russia–Africa network university plan. Agriculture & Fertilizers: Belarus President Lukashenka discussed joint ventures with Togo on mineral fertilizer production, building on earlier plans to supply Togolese agriculture with machinery. Public Finance Reform: Togo launched the National Accounting Council (CNC-Togo) to strengthen financial reporting and push better accounting practices across public and private sectors. Road Project Audit: Togo is recruiting a consultant for a 45-day completion audit of the Lomé–Cotonou road resettlement plan, starting October 2026. Youth for Work: With BOAD support, KDA-Pro says it has mentored 43 young people (2023–2026) to improve workplace readiness. School Support: In Lomé, 100 low-income families received school kits ahead of the new term. Security & Drugs: NDLEA reports major drug seizures and arrests across West Africa, including thousands of suspects detained and large quantities of illicit drugs seized.

Diplomacy in Eurasia: Togo’s President Faure Gnassingbé is in Kyrgyzstan for the SCO summit, thanking President Sadyr Japarov and highlighting productive bilateral talks as Lomé seeks wider partnerships on peace, security and development. Regional security jitters: A fresh analysis links Niger’s Niamey unrest to wider coup risks across the Niamey–Lomé–Ouagadougou axis, raising concerns for Togo and Burkina Faso. Governance and finance: Togo launched the National Accounting Council (CNC-Togo) to strengthen financial reporting and push better accounting practices. Transport and safeguards: Togo is recruiting a consultant for a 45-day completion audit of the Lomé–Cotonou road resettlement plan under AfDB funding, starting October 2026. Jobs for youth: With BOAD support, KDA-Pro says 43 young people (18–30) completed a mentoring program preparing them for work, with plans to expand. Cross-border trade: TBN urges ECOWAS free movement to become real at the Ghana–Togo border so women traders face fewer restrictions. Sports: Togo’s Prime Minister Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé attended the opening of the VI World Nomad Games in Bishkek.