AGP Executive Report

Gulf of Guinea Security: UNDP says coastal insecurity must be tackled through community-led prevention, warning that threats are tied to local socioeconomic fragilities, illicit economies and farmer-herder tensions, and calls for stronger local ownership across Togo, Benin, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire and Burkina Faso. Cross-Border Trade & Compliance: In Aflao, the Trans-Border Business Network trained 300+ women traders on tax compliance and safe practices at the Ghana–Togo frontier, urging use of approved border posts to avoid seizures and heavy penalties. Climate Finance in Lomé: A green diplomacy conference returns to Lomé on June 30, focusing on climate resilience, circular economy, ESG finance and human capital, linking to Togo’s climate law and green budget push. Digital Sovereignty: Togo’s Internet Governance Forum is set for June 19 in Lomé, with discussions on AI, big data and geopolitical pressures shaping digital sovereignty. Protected Areas Partnership: Togo and Team Europe launched a five-year protected-area programme in Sokodé to restore ecosystems, support agroecology and build inclusive green jobs. Ebola Preparedness: Ghana’s deputy health minister flagged PPE, staffing and degraded border health facilities at Aflao and Elubo amid an Ebola outbreak in DRC/Uganda.

Sahel Power Shift: A week of analysis shows the Sahel moving from a French-led counterinsurgency model to an open geopolitical contest, with Russia gaining space after Barkhane’s end and France’s Mali drawdown. AfCFTA Trade Push: Nigeria’s NACCIMA led a road trip to Togo to map cross-border trade bottlenecks ahead of Biashara Afrika 2026, flagging delays, multiple checkpoints, and other non-tariff barriers. Togo Regional Security: The UN convened partners in Lomé to launch a Gulf of Guinea conflict-prevention platform (2026–2029), targeting violent extremism, trafficking, displacement and tensions, with Togo among the focus countries. Togo Digital Governance: Togo’s Internet Governance Forum is set for June 19 in Lomé, with discussions on AI, data, and digital sovereignty. Protected Areas Partnership: Togo and Team Europe launched a five-year protected-area partnership in Sokodé to link conservation with local green jobs and resilient livelihoods. Human Trafficking Crackdown (Nigeria): NSCDC rescued 24 victims, including two pregnant women and a toddler, and paraded three suspects in Badagry.

US Visa Overhaul: The U.S. plans to cut visa-processing embassies and consulates across Africa from nearly 50 to 20 hubs, with Lomé among the retained processing cities—meaning applicants may have to travel if their country loses full services. Customs & Trade Facilitation: Ghana’s Customs acting commissioner urged stronger Ghana–Togo border cooperation at Aflao, pushing professionalism and trader guidance to boost legitimate trade and revenue. Banking & Dividends: Ecobank shareholders in Lomé approved a $40m dividend payout—the first since 2022—after record 2025 profits and improved subsidiary returns. Health Regulation: ECOWAS medicines regulators in Lomé backed a 2026–2030 sustainability plan to strengthen regulatory convergence and access to quality medicines. Environment & Development: Togo and Team Europe launched a five-year protected-areas partnership in Sokodé, linking conservation with local green jobs and governance. Agriculture & Jobs: Togo kicked off a 2026 coffee and cocoa seedling drive, distributing nearly 400,000 seedlings to revive plantations. Digital Policy: Togo’s Internet Governance Forum will run June 19 in Lomé, focusing on AI, data sovereignty and digital rights. Business at the Port: Ghana’s frozen foods exporters’ group opposed reintroducing the CTN/Smart Port Note system, warning of major added costs.

Customs & Trade Facilitation: Ghana’s GRA Customs acting commissioner Aaron Kanor pushed stronger Ghana–Togo collaboration at the Aflao border, urging professionalism and trader guidance to boost legitimate trade while collecting revenue. Banking & Shareholder Returns: Ecobank shareholders in Lomé approved a first dividend since 2022—$40m—after 2025 profits rose and more subsidiaries now earn above their cost of equity. Health Regulation: ECOWAS medicines harmonisation advanced in Lomé as the WA-MRH steering committee approved a 2026–2030 sustainability plan to strengthen regulatory convergence and access to quality medicines. Digital Policy in Lomé: Togo’s Internet Governance Forum returns June 19, with discussions on digital sovereignty amid AI, big data and geopolitics. Environment & Jobs: Togo and Team Europe launched a five-year Sokodé partnership to protect areas while building a greener, locally driven economy. Aviation Momentum: Lomé is set to host the African Air Transport Convention & Expo (June 15–19), positioning Togo as a growing aviation hub. Tax & Agriculture: OTR set a 2026 revenue target of 1,338.9bn CFA and will debate taxpayer trust; meanwhile Togo distributed 398,240 seedlings to revive coffee and cocoa. US Visa Processing Shift: The US plans to cut visa-processing posts in Africa to 20 hubs, with Lomé included—meaning more applicants may face travel and higher costs. Port Costs Debate: Ghana’s frozen foods exporters warned against reintroducing CTN/Smart Port Note, saying it could raise shipping costs for businesses and consumers.

Customs & Trade Facilitation: Ghana’s GRA Customs acting commissioner Aaron Kanor used a maiden visit to the Aflao border to push stronger Ghana–Togo customs collaboration, urging officers to balance revenue collection with smooth trade and to avoid harassment. Banking & Shareholder Returns: Ecobank shareholders in Lomé approved a $40m dividend payout for the first time since 2022, after 2025 profits rose and more subsidiaries improved returns. Digital Policy in Lomé: Togo will host its 2026 Internet Governance Forum on June 19, with sessions on digital sovereignty, AI, data governance and youth inclusion. Security & Regional Cooperation: The UN launched a Gulf of Guinea Prevention Facility (2026–2029) in Lomé to coordinate action on violent extremism, trafficking, displacement and local tensions across five countries including Togo. Agriculture Revival: Togo distributed nearly 400,000 coffee and cocoa seedlings to restart production, including cocoa, coffee and agroforestry plants. Tax Administration: Togo’s Revenue Office set a 2026 tax target of 1,338.9bn CFA francs and is holding a Lomé forum to tackle strained relations between taxpayers and the tax authority. Aviation Spotlight: Lomé is set to host the African Air Transport Convention & Expo 2026, positioning Togo as an aviation hub for African connectivity. US Visa Processing Shift (Togo included): The US plans to cut visa-processing missions across Africa from nearly 50 to 20 hubs, with Lomé listed among the remaining centres.

Digital Policy & Sovereignty: Togo will host the 2026 Internet Governance Forum in Lomé on June 19, with pre-events for students and youth on June 17-18, focusing on AI, big data, cybersecurity, digital rights and “digital sovereignty.” Green Economy & Conservation: Togo and Team Europe (EU and Luxembourg) launched a five-year partnership in Sokodé to strengthen protected-area management, restore ecosystems, and create local green jobs through ecotourism and community forestry. Security & Regional Prevention: The UN launched a Gulf of Guinea conflict-prevention platform in Lomé, aiming to coordinate action across five countries on governance, civilian protection and local economic development. Trade & Customs Pressure: Ghana’s Exim Frozen Foods Association warns against reintroducing the Cargo Tracking Note/Smart Port Note, saying it could add €187.2m–€382.8m annually in costs for shippers and raise consumer prices. US Visa Access Changes (Togo Included): The US plans to cut visa-processing posts in Africa from nearly 50 to 20 hubs; Lomé is listed as one of the hubs, meaning applicants may face new travel and logistics depending on where they apply from. Agriculture Revival: Togo distributed 398,240 seedlings (coffee, cocoa and agroforestry) to restart production and boost resilience under its coffee and cocoa development plan. Finance & Banking: Ecobank says 25 of its 34 African subsidiaries now earn above their cost of equity and approved a proposed $40m dividend; it also welcomed a new shareholder after WAEMU regulator approval of Bosquet’s acquisition of Nedbank’s stake. Aviation Spotlight: Lomé is set to host the African Air Transport Convention & Expo 2026 (June 15-19), positioning Togo as a growing aviation hub for African connectivity and trade.

Digital Policy & Sovereignty: Togo will host its 2026 Internet Governance Forum in Lomé on June 19, with pre-events for schools and youth on June 17-18, focusing on AI, big data, cybersecurity, digital rights and “digital sovereignty.” Environment & Jobs: Togo and Team Europe (EU and Luxembourg) launched a five-year protected-areas partnership in Sokodé to restore ecosystems, support agroecology, and build local green jobs through ecotourism and community forestry. Security in the Gulf of Guinea: The UN convened Lomé talks on conflict prevention and launched a Gulf of Guinea Prevention Facility (2026-2029) to coordinate action across five countries, including governance, civilian protection and local livelihoods. Trade Facilitation Debate: Ghana’s EFFAG is pushing back on reintroducing the Cargo Tracking Note/Smart Port Note, warning it could raise shipping costs for traders and consumers by tens to hundreds of millions of euros annually. Regional Integration: Ethiopia and Togo are reviewing AfCFTA progress under AFIRM to tackle legal and operational bottlenecks and speed up implementation. Finance & Inclusion: AED and the EU set up a 655 million CFA revolving fund to help IFAD-Aquaculture graduates start fish-farming businesses. Banking Update: Ecobank says 25 of 34 African subsidiaries now earn returns above their cost of equity and is proposing a $40m dividend; WAEMU regulator also approved Bosquet’s acquisition of Nedbank’s Ecobank stake. US Visa Processing Shift: Reports say the US will cut visa-processing embassies/consulates in Africa from nearly 50 to 20 hubs, with Lomé listed among the remaining centres.

Aviation & Trade Integration: Lomé will host the African Air Transport Convention & Expo 2026 (15–19 June), with AFCAC laying out speakers and priorities to push the Single African Air Transport Market and boost Africa’s aviation integration. AfCFTA Implementation Check: Ethiopia and Togo are reviewing AfCFTA progress and bottlenecks under AFIRM, focusing on turning commitments on trade in goods into practical reforms. US Visa Processing Overhaul (Lomé Included): The US plans to cut visa-processing embassies/consulates in Africa from nearly 50 to 20 hubs, with Lomé named as one of the full-processing sites—meaning applicants from non-hub countries may face travel and higher costs. Togo Tax Pressure Point: Togo’s Revenue Office sets a 2026 target of 1,338.9 billion CFA francs and is tackling strained trust with taxpayers at a Lomé tax forum. Coffee & Cocoa Revival: Togo distributed 398,240 seedlings (coffee, cocoa and agroforestry) to restart productivity and resilience. Aquaculture Financing: AED and the EU launched a 655 million CFA revolving fund to help IFAD-Aquaculture graduates start fish-farming businesses. EdTech Push: ATD backed nine Togolese edtech startups to expand into international markets, with training and a path toward eLearning Africa.

U.S. Visa Overhaul for Africa: The State Department plans to cut visa-processing embassies and consulates across Africa from nearly 50 to 20 hubs, with Lomé named as one of the full-processing centres—meaning applicants in non-hub countries may have to travel farther and pay more for interviews and submissions. Lomé Tax Forum: Togo’s Revenue Office (OTR) faces a tough 2026 collection target as strained trust with taxpayers becomes a central theme at a Lomé tax forum. Coffee & Cocoa Revival: Togo has distributed nearly 400,000 seedlings to restart coffee and cocoa production, including 177,200 cocoa and 106,540 coffee seedlings. Ecobank Moves: Ecobank’s value is improving across Africa, with 25 subsidiaries now earning above their cost of equity, while regulators approve Bosquet’s acquisition of Nedbank’s Ecobank stake. Aquaculture Financing: AED and the EU set up a 655 million CFA franc revolving fund to help IFAD-Aquaculture graduates launch fish-farming businesses. Local Business & Jobs: Fest’Immo SolarDayZ in Lomé drew nearly 5,000 visitors, while ATD-backed incubation helped nine Togolese edtech startups target international markets.

Ecobank Leadership: Togolese finance executive Cathia Lawson-Hall was elected to Ecobank Transnational Incorporated’s board for a three-year term, adding to her long track record across major boards and audit roles. Regional Volunteering: Lomé hosts the 8th Annual Forum of National Volunteer Agencies in the ECOWAS region, focusing on moving from knowledge to action for volunteering across West Africa. Sports & Identity: Marvin Senaya says he’s proud after a strong showing for Ghana’s Black Stars against Wales, following his nationality choice over Togo. Football Finance Pressure: Hearts of Oak SC faces a FIFA threat over unpaid hotel bills in Togo, with a deadline set for payment. Trade & Customs: Ghana’s GRA Customs says it is on track for its 2026 revenue target, with visits to key checkpoints including Aflao. Housing & Energy Expo: Fest’Immo SolarDayZ 2026 in Lomé drew nearly 5,000 visitors, spotlighting affordable and sustainable housing and the energy transition. Digital Education Push: ATD-backed incubation supports nine Togolese edtech startups aiming for international markets, with further participation planned in eLearning Africa. US Visa Processing Overhaul: The US plans to cut Africa’s visa-processing embassies from nearly 50 to 20 hubs, and Lomé is listed among the remaining centres.

ECOWAS Volunteering Forum in Lomé: Lomé hosts the 8th Annual Forum of National Volunteer Agencies in the ECOWAS region (June 2–4), focused on turning volunteering “from knowledge to action” with practical tools and reliable data. Togolese Tech & Education Push: The Agence Togo Digital (ATD) backs nine edtech startups after a training and incubation drive, with participants set to take part in eLearning Africa in Accra. Real Estate & Solar Boom: Fest’Immo SolarDayZ 2026 in Lomé drew nearly 5,000 visitors and brought together housing, energy, finance and tech players under the theme “Rethinking Housing in Togo.” Customs Revenue Drive: Ghana’s GRA Customs Division says it is on track for its GH¢68bn target, citing progress at Volta Region checkpoints including Aflao. U.S. Visa Processing Overhaul (Lomé Included): The U.S. plans to cut visa-processing embassies/consulates in Africa from nearly 50 to 20 hubs, with Lomé named among the remaining processing cities—meaning applicants may need to travel farther. Sports—Ghana-Togo Link: Ghana’s Marvin Senaya, who chose Ghana over Togo, impressed in a 1-1 friendly vs Wales, while Hearts of Oak face a FIFA threat over unpaid hotel bills in Togo.

US Visa Overhaul for Africa: The U.S. plans to cut visa-processing embassies and consulates in Africa from nearly 50 to 20 “hubs,” with Lomé listed among the remaining full-processing centres—expected to take effect in June—meaning applicants from non-hub countries may have to travel farther and pay more. Trade & Transport Ripple Effects: With the Strait of Hormuz disruption pushing more shipping around the Cape, analysts say West African routes and ports like Lomé’s could see knock-on benefits as container traffic patterns shift. Climate Resilience Funding: Togo is set to receive over $67m in new funding under global climate funds to strengthen resilience, including projects targeting flood and coastal risks. Customs & Border Cooperation: Ghana’s customs leadership called for tighter Ghana–Togo coordination at the Aflao corridor to boost revenue while easing legitimate trade. Digital Infrastructure: SIN and ST Digital have agreed to launch private cloud services at the Lomé Data Centre, aiming to strengthen Togo’s digital sovereignty. Culture & Education: Wycliffe marked the Bible’s translation into its 800th language, including work involving languages spoken in Togo.

US Visa Overhaul for Africa: The U.S. State Department plans to cut visa-processing embassies and consulates across Africa from nearly 50 to 20 “hubs,” with the change expected in June—Lomé is listed among the remaining hubs, meaning many applicants from non-hub countries may have to travel farther and spend more for interviews and biometrics. Port and Shipping Ripple Effects: With disruptions tied to the Strait of Hormuz, shipping routes are shifting toward Africa’s Atlantic coast, and the Port of Lomé is among the beneficiaries as container transits around the Cape of Good Hope surge. Climate Finance for Resilience: Togo is set to receive over $67 million in new funding through GEF adaptation and resilience projects aimed at flood, coastal, food, and water security. Trade and Border Cooperation: Ghana’s customs leadership is pushing stronger Ghana–Togo border collaboration at Aflao to boost revenue while easing legitimate trade. Digital Sovereignty: Togolese state firm SIN and ST Digital are launching private cloud services at the Lomé Data Centre to strengthen local data control. Culture and Education Ties: Plans for a “Russian House” in Togo were discussed to expand Russian-language learning and cultural exchanges.

US Visa Overhaul: The U.S. plans to cut visa processing across Africa from nearly 50 embassies/consulates to just 20 “hubs,” with Lomé listed among the regional centres—meaning travellers from non-hub countries may face longer, costlier trips for interviews. Border Trade Focus: Ghana’s Customs leadership says it’s pushing to hit a GH¢68bn revenue target and urged tighter compliance at checkpoints like Aflao, while also calling for smoother Ghana–Togo customs cooperation to facilitate legitimate trade. Togo–Russia Cultural Push: Togo may host a “Russian House” to expand Russian-language teaching and cultural/education exchanges. Intra-Africa Trade Finance: Lomé-based Ecobank unveiled a $3bn programme to support intra-African trade under AfCFTA, alongside agro-industrial partnerships. Digital Infrastructure: SIN and ST Digital are set to launch private cloud services at the Lomé Data Centre to strengthen Togo’s digital sovereignty. Local Governance: Togo has set up a national committee to resolve administrative boundary disputes between municipalities, cantons and prefectures.

US Visa Policy Shock: The U.S. plans to cut the number of African embassies and consulates that can process visas from nearly 50 to just 20 “hubs,” with Lomé listed among the remaining sites, as the State Department tightens access under a broader immigration crackdown. Trade & Border Work: Lomé hosted an ECOWAS dialogue on free movement and cross-border trade, while Ghana’s customs acting commissioner urged stronger Ghana–Togo cooperation at Aflao and warned against harassment and extortion. Banking for AfCFTA: Ecobank, headquartered in Lomé, unveiled a $3 billion programme to finance intra-African trade and back agro-industrial partnerships, including support for women and young entrepreneurs. Digital Sovereignty: SIN and ST Digital signed to launch private cloud services at the Lomé Data Centre, aiming to keep more data processing in Togo. Local Economy Push: Sokodé opened a “Made in Togo” fair to boost locally made goods and SME market access. Environment & Resilience: Rotary and partners planted coconut along Togo’s coast in Aneho to help fight flooding and erosion.

Digital Sovereignty: Togolese state firm SIN and ST Digital have finalized a partnership to launch private cloud services at the Lomé Data Centre, aiming to host and process local data in Togo and reduce reliance on foreign infrastructure. Wildlife Crime: New reports link sophisticated trafficking networks to the illegal export of Brazil’s endangered golden lion tamarins, with seizures reported in Togo and other countries and cases involving forged passports. Climate & Resilience: The Rotary Club of Lomé Zenith and partners planted mangroves in Aneho to help curb flooding, coastal erosion, storms and mudslides. Church & Community: At the installation of the new Archbishop of Lomé, leaders stressed synodality—walking together, listening, and serving the common good—alongside a missionary outreach focus. Regional Mobility & Trade: Togo is pushing practical ECOWAS AfCFTA implementation, including efforts to cut border friction for free movement and cross-border commerce. Local Governance: Togo has set up a national committee to resolve administrative boundary disputes between municipalities, cantons and prefectures. Economy Watch: Togo’s GDP per capita is estimated around $1,400, putting the country near lower-middle-income status. Energy Prices: Togo raised fuel prices, with gasoline now at 725 CFA francs per liter, citing global oil pressures and subsidy limits. Pan-African Travel: Togo scrapped visa requirements for all African nationals (up to 30 days), with an online pre-arrival registration still required.