AGP Executive Report

ECOWAS Women Trade Push in Lomé: Lomé hosted an ECOWAS regional fortnight (June 18–29) to back women small-scale cross-border traders, reviewing progress on key corridors and calling for borders to become drivers of development. Digital Sovereignty in Togo: ISOC-Togo held the 12th National Internet Governance Forum at the University of Lomé, focusing on governing AI, big data and digital sovereignty, with youth recommendations feeding into policy talks. New Deals with Saudi Arabia: Faure Gnassingbé met Saudi PIF governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan to explore fresh investments in agriculture, industry and ports, building on Saudi-funded rural water access projects. Finance Update: Togo’s digital banking usage hit 32.2% by end-March 2026, alongside lower average interest rates and growth in savings and microfinance. Aviation & Trade Links: Togo’s push for better air connectivity continues as regional partners discuss training and market integration, while Nigeria’s aviation reforms and cargo corridor news underline the wider West African logistics momentum. Football (U-17 WWCQ): Nigeria’s Flamingos beat Dream Star Ladies 3-0 ahead of their Benin clash, with the first leg in Ikenne and the return in Lomé.

Fuel Trade via Lomé: S&P Global says Nigerian fuel marketers are increasingly importing Dangote refinery products through Lomé’s offshore ship-to-ship hub, with March–May 2026 imports into Nigeria reportedly 70–80% Dangote-origin—showing Dangote’s growing role in regional fuel flows. Women’s Cross-Border Trade: ECOWAS launched a Lomé fortnight to back women small-scale traders, building on earlier corridor campaigns and aiming for more inclusive, secure regional commerce. Digital Sovereignty & AI Governance: ISOC-Togo held the 12th Togo IGF at the University of Lomé, focusing on governing AI, big data, and digital sovereignty, with youth recommendations feeding into discussions. Saudi–Togo Investment Talks: Faure Gnassingbé met Saudi PIF governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan to explore new investments in agriculture, industry, and ports, including follow-ups to Saudi-funded water and rural programs. Digital Banking Growth: Togo’s digital banking usage hit 32.2% by end-March 2026, alongside lower average interest rates and rising savings and microfinance activity. Aviation Integration Push: African ministers adopted the Lomé Declaration to speed up the Single African Air Transport Market, with Togo hosting the 2026 convention and expo.

Women & Trade in Lomé: ECOWAS has launched a two-week regional fortnight in Lomé to boost women’s small-scale cross-border trading, running June 18–29, with a focus on lessons from key trade corridors and policy support to make borders less of a barrier. Digital Sovereignty & AI Governance: ISOC-Togo held the 12th National Internet Governance Forum at the University of Lomé, bringing together regulators, UN partners and youth to discuss governing AI, big data and digital sovereignty. Aviation Integration Push: African ministers adopted the Lomé Declaration and Implementation Matrix to speed up the Single African Air Transport Market, with Togo signing an agreement with AFCAC to strengthen its role as an aviation hub. Finance Update: Togo reports digital banking usage reached 32.2% by end-March 2026, alongside lower average interest rates and growth in savings and microfinance. Health & Access: WHO highlights Togo’s mental health staffing gap—fewer than 10 psychiatrists for over 8 million people—while reforms and local initiatives aim to expand care. Diplomacy & Investment: Togo is deepening ties with Saudi Arabia and the Maghreb, pitching Lomé as a gateway for Africa’s next investment cycle and exploring new projects in agriculture, industry and ports.

Air Transport Push: African ministers adopted the Lomé Declaration and Implementation Matrix in Lomé to speed up the Single African Air Transport Market, aiming for cheaper, more connected air travel and fewer regulatory barriers. Fisheries Watch: Togo urged fishing stakeholders to respect the annual Gulf of Guinea fishing moratorium to protect breeding fish, as demand far outstrips local production. Mental Health Staffing: Togo is stepping up efforts to address a shortage of mental health specialists, with WHO noting very limited psychiatrist coverage and uneven access outside major centers. Ocean Protection: Togo is taking part in the UN Ocean Conference to strengthen marine conservation and ensure coastal community concerns shape marine protected areas. Trade & Investment: Faure Gnassingbé pitched Lomé as an investment gateway for integrated African productive ecosystems at a major Europe-focused summit. Fuel Flows via Lomé: S&P Global Energy reports Nigerian fuel marketers are increasingly importing Dangote refinery products through Lomé’s ship-to-ship hub, with products reportedly moving back into Nigeria. World Cup Culture: A Miami exhibition is spotlighting Africa’s soccer legacy during the World Cup, with African nations represented and tributes including Cape Verde.

Single African Air Transport Market: Togo and AFCAC signed an agreement in Lomé to push the SAATM, aiming to make Africa’s skies more open and boost routes, passenger traffic, and airport revenues. Mental Health Access: Togo is stepping up efforts to tackle a shortage of mental health specialists, where WHO notes fewer than 10 licensed psychiatrists serve a population of over 8 million. Fisheries Conservation: Togo urged fishing stakeholders to respect the annual Gulf of Guinea moratorium to protect young fish and help recover stocks amid demand far outstripping local production. Ocean Protection: Togo is taking part in the UN Ocean Conference to translate commitments into marine protection and sustainable use, with a focus on coastal communities and protected areas. Investment Pitch: President Faure Gnassingbé told European and Middle Eastern investors that Lomé can serve as an entry point for Africa’s next investment cycle through integrated productive ecosystems. Business Digital Boost: Togo launched a digital toolkit to help small businesses grow, with European support. Disaster Preparedness: Togo tested its national crisis response system with a multi-hazard simulation in flood-prone Bas-Mono.

Digital Economy Boost: Togo’s Agence Togo Digital (ATD) launched a Boite a Outils Digitaux des TPME platform to help small businesses grow, with a digital maturity check, a software catalogue, verified IT advisers and practical resource libraries, backed by Germany/Luxembourg/EU support via GIZ ProDigiT. Health & Regional Preparedness: Togo is set to benefit from a $14.26m West African health systems strengthening grant approved for WAHO, including a cross-border “One Health” lab in Togo and stronger disease surveillance across seven ECOWAS countries. Agriculture Training: SIGMA Scientific Group in Lomé and France’s École Supérieure des Agricultures (ESA) signed an agreement to train agricultural engineers, starting in the 2026-2027 academic year. Disaster Readiness: The government launched “Mia Dzrado 2026,” a multi-hazard emergency simulation in Bas-Mono to test coordination and the national emergency operations system. Trade & Culture: China will be guest of honor at Togo’s La Marmite Festival (Aug 12-16) with fonio highlighted as a featured local crop. Jobs & Skills: An employment fair in Lomé on June 20 will host 3,000+ graduates and students with about 50 companies.

Health & Regional Cooperation: Togo is set to benefit from a new $14.26 million West African health systems strengthening program approved by the AfDB, with plans including a cross-border “One Health” lab and stronger disease surveillance across seven ECOWAS countries. Agriculture & Training: SIGMA Scientific Group (Lomé) and France’s École Supérieure des Agricultures signed an agreement to train agricultural engineers, with a preparatory cycle starting in the 2026-2027 academic year. Disaster Preparedness: Togo launched “Mia Dzrado 2026,” a multi-hazard emergency simulation in Bas-Mono to test coordination for floods, cholera, accidents, fires and chemical spills. Food Security: As the lean season approaches, WFP and the government are stepping up support in northern Togo after projections warned of acute food insecurity risk for about 332,000 people if conditions worsen. Governance & Transparency: TI-Ghana renewed calls for stronger RTI Act enforcement to improve access to public information and accountability in anti-corruption efforts. Trade & Customs: WAEMU aligned origin determination rules with HS 2022 after a Lomé workshop, aiming to improve compliance and revenue collection. Culture & Events: China is named guest of honor for Togo’s La Marmite Festival (Aug 12–16), with fonio highlighted as the featured local crop.

Jobs & Youth Employment: Togo will host an employment fair in Lomé on June 20, bringing over 3,000 graduates and final-year students to meet around 50 companies, with workshops to help first-time job seekers bridge the skills gap. Food Security (Lean Season): As northern Togo enters the lean season, WFP and the government are stepping up support after projections warned nearly 332,000 people could face acute food insecurity between June and August 2026 without assistance. Film & Audiovisual Funding: Togo’s National Fund for Support to the Film and Audiovisual Industry (FoNSICA) is set to move toward operations, following stakeholder review of its financing and governance framework. Governance & Public Spending: A World Bank-backed capacity session in Lomé focused on fraud and corruption risks in development projects, stressing accountability in public procurement. Trade & Cooperation: Tunisia and Togo signed an MoU for regular foreign-ministry consultations, with AfCFTA cooperation at the center, including Tunisian olive oil/dates and Togolese cocoa. Regional Connectivity: At the African Air Transport Convention in Lomé, leaders renewed calls to remove travel and mobility barriers to boost AfCFTA trade. Women’s Economic Empowerment: A Women’s Center is planned in Aného (Lacs 1) to train and support women’s entrepreneurship, funded through UNFPA-Togo and the municipality.

Film & Culture Funding: Togo is moving toward making its National Film and Audiovisual Fund (FoNSICA) operational, after a stakeholder review of the financing framework covering legal, administrative and technical rules, with funding expected from levies, permit-linked fees, a dedicated production tax, plus donations and grants. Food Security: As the lean season approaches, the WFP and the Togolese government are stepping up measures in northern Togo; projections warn nearly 332,000 people could face acute food insecurity between June and August 2026 without support, though no crisis alert has been issued. Trade & Health Cooperation: Tunisia and Togo signed an MoU in Tunis to institutionalize foreign-ministry consultations, with AfCFTA trade priorities (Tunisian olive oil and dates; Togolese cocoa) and joint work on digital health, higher education and research. World Bank Oversight: A World Bank-backed capacity session in Lomé focused on governance and integrity for projects, stressing how procurement failures, delays and cost overruns can directly weaken results for citizens. Governance & Development Finance: The World Bank also flagged slower Sub-Saharan growth in 2026 due to energy shocks and weaker demand, even as reforms and trade access support recovery. Regional Connectivity: At the African Air Transport Convention in Lomé, leaders renewed calls to cut travel barriers so African entrepreneurs can move temporarily for business without visa delays. Environment Funding: Togo is among countries eligible for AFR100 grants of up to $50,000 for land restoration projects, with applications open until June 19.

AfCFTA & Air Connectivity: Leaders at the African Air Transport Convention & Expo in Lomé urged Africa to cut travel and mobility barriers so entrepreneurs can move for business without visa delays, stressing that better air links are key to AfCFTA’s trade goals. Togo Housing & Jobs: Togo’s 20,000-unit housing program has entered its operational phase, with officials highlighting progress and wider housing finance support. Women’s Economic Empowerment (Aného): A Women’s Center is planned in Aného, funded with CFA 70 million, to train women in skills like agro-processing, IT, and entrepreneurship and link them to microfinance. Media & Food Security (North Togo): PAM and the government are mobilizing to tackle food insecurity in northern Togo, where recent figures point to acute insecurity risk without assistance. Environment & Funding: FAO’s AFR100 opens grants up to $50,000 for Togolese land restoration projects, with applications due June 19. Sports on Togo’s Screen: New World TV says it has partnered with Orange to stream premium sports via Orange’s Max it app across nine African countries. Diplomacy: Libya and Togo discussed strengthening bilateral ties and regional stability in talks between foreign ministers in Tripoli.

Food Security: In northern Togo, the World Food Programme says there’s no new food crisis alert, but the Harmonized Framework estimates about 332,000 people could face acute food insecurity (Phase 3) from June to August without assistance. Construction & Jobs: At Lomé’s first “Media Days,” Togo’s building and public works contractors pushed for sector reform, saying delays and cost issues often involve the whole project chain, not just contractors. Women’s Empowerment: A Women’s Center is set to open in Aného (Lacs 1) to train women for trades like agro-processing, sewing and IT, and to link them with microfinance and credit. Air Transport & Regional Ties: President Kagame is in Togo for the African Air Transport Convention and Expo in Lomé, as leaders back faster connectivity to boost Africa’s economy. Land Restoration Funding: FAO’s AFR100 grants offer up to $50,000 for ecosystem restoration projects in Togo, with applications open until June 19. Security & Migration: Nigeria reports a joint security sweep in Ogun State that arrested 46 suspected undocumented foreign nationals, including four Togolese. Togo-Libya Diplomacy: Togo’s foreign minister Robert Dussey met Libya’s Taher Al-Baour in Tripoli to strengthen bilateral cooperation and support African stability. Weather Watch: GMet forecasts rain and thunderstorms in parts of Ghana, with a Togo rain system expected to affect eastern areas later today.

Border Security in Focus: Concerns are rising around the Aflao border enclave as poor lighting and weak security presence are blamed for harassment and attacks on travellers heading to Ghana or transiting to Togo, with a hiring-car driver reportedly killed while trying to protect a passenger. Regional Diplomacy: Togo’s Foreign Minister Robert Dussey met Libya’s Taher Al-Baour in Tripoli to discuss strengthening bilateral ties and backing African stability. Migration Crackdown: Nigeria’s army says it arrested 46 suspected illegal immigrants in Ogun State, including 4 Togolese nationals, after a June 11 operation; suspects were handed to immigration for further action. Tech & Investment: AXIAN Telecom secured €170m financing to expand and modernise telecom networks across Africa, including Togo. Sports & Culture: A boxing nutrition and physiotherapy workshop in Accra drew 40 coaches from Ghana and Togo, while community groups also rallied to repair a key bridge in Ranau.

Diplomacy: Togo’s Foreign Minister Robert Dussey met Libya’s counterpart Taher Al-Baour in Tripoli to discuss stronger bilateral ties and support for African stability. Innovation & Energy: A Togolese PhD researcher, Koami Soulemane Hayibo, is developing foam-based floating solar panels aimed at improving performance in colder climates. Security at the Border: Aflao’s hiring-car union warns that poor lighting and weak patrols are making the border enclave a high-risk area, with travellers facing harassment and attacks; a driver was reportedly killed recently. Regional Tech & Cybersecurity: Nigeria won the $10,000 grand prize at the 4th ECOWAS Regional Cybersecurity Hackathon in Accra, with teams from 12 member states including Togo tackling threats like ransomware and phishing. Governance & Housing: Togo’s 20,000-unit housing program is entering an operational phase, alongside housing finance expansion efforts. Digital Interference Watch: France’s Viginum accuses Israeli firm BlackCore of meddling in elections, naming targets that include Togo among other places.

Foreign Influence Watch: France’s digital watchdog Viginum says Israeli firm BlackCore ran online disinformation and influence operations targeting elections and political figures in Scotland, France, Angola, Togo and New York City, including fake accounts aimed at Scottish First Minister John Swinney and pro-Palestine-linked campaigns. Border Security in Focus: At Ghana’s Aflao border, union officials warn that poor lighting and weak security presence are leaving travellers vulnerable to harassment and attacks, calling for restored streetlights and more police/military patrols. Local Relief Effort: Zabzugu MP Alhassan Umar Abaako disbursed GH¢250,000 to 66 fire victims from the February 2026 Zabzugu Market blaze, with support also reaching traders who regularly do business with Togo. Togo Development & Jobs: Togo’s 20,000-unit housing program in Kpomé-Dalavé moves into implementation after BOAD-funded studies, while the Lomé-based CRRH-UEMOA rebrands as AFINHAB to expand housing finance; Adétikopé’s industrial platform reports CFA350bn in investment and 6,580 jobs over five years. Health Watch: CARESP reports early signs of dolutegravir resistance among Togolese children and adolescents, even as HIV viral suppression remains high.

Digital Interference Watch: France’s cyber watchdog Viginum links Israeli firm BlackCore to online disinformation campaigns, alleging it targeted elections in France, Scotland, New York City, Angola and Togo, including coordinated fake social media activity aimed at figures like Scotland’s John Swinney. Togo Border Security: Aflao border enclave reported plunged into darkness, with travellers to Ghana and Togo facing harassment and attacks; a union secretary blames poor lighting and weak security presence and calls for urgent streetlight restoration. Housing & Finance: Togo begins implementing its 20,000-unit housing program in Kpomé-Dalavé after BOAD-funded studies; meanwhile CRRH-UEMOA rebrands as AFINHAB to expand housing finance across UEMOA. Jobs & Industry: Adétikopé Industrial Platform says it has attracted about CFA350bn in investment, supports 25 partner firms, and created 6,580 direct jobs, with plans to scale up. Health: CARESP reports early signs of dolutegravir resistance among some Togolese children and adolescents, even as HIV viral suppression remains high. Regional Integration: Togo’s visa-free move for African citizens is framed as a boost to AfCFTA-style mobility and trade.

Togo Housing Push: Togo has entered the implementation phase of its 20,000-unit housing program in Kpomé-Dalavé (Zio), after BOAD-financed studies were completed, with the plan framed as a major development priority. Housing Finance Upgrade: Lomé’s CRRH-UEMOA has rebranded as AFINHAB to expand housing finance across UEMOA, aiming for broader solutions as the region faces a large housing deficit. Industrial Jobs Drive: Togo’s Adétikopé Industrial Platform says it has pulled in about CFA350bn in investment over five years, creating 6,580 direct jobs, with targets rising toward 20,000 jobs by 2030. HIV Treatment Watch: Despite strong HIV viral suppression results, researchers warn of early signs of resistance to dolutegravir among Togolese children and adolescents, urging continued vigilance. Visa-Free Diplomacy: Togo’s visa-free deal for holders of diplomatic and service passports has been ratified by Nigeria’s House of Representatives. Regional Integration: Togo’s move to waive visas for African citizens is highlighted as a boost for AfCFTA-style connectivity and people-to-people ties. Digital Interference Alarm (Global, incl. Togo): France’s Viginum accuses an Israeli firm, BlackCore, of election meddling via fake accounts, citing operations linked to Scotland, New York, Angola and Togo.