AGP Executive Report

Open Borders Push: Togo just abolished entry visas for all African Union nationals with valid passports, effective immediately (and the wider move to visa-free access for all African nationals for up to 30 days is already rolling out), with travellers still required to complete a pre-arrival travel declaration at least 24 hours before arrival. AfCFTA Momentum in Lomé: As the Biashara Afrika 2026 forum runs through May 20, President Faure Gnassingbé and AfCFTA leaders are pressing for fewer barriers and real market access—highlighting that intra-African trade hit a record $220bn in 2024. Regional Trade Meets Real Life: A Lomé workshop is also focused on turning AfCFTA promises into implementation, including how to make cross-border systems work. Sports & Culture: Togo launched the 31st Tour Cycliste International, while the Tour du Togo continues to draw regional cycling talent.

Digital Welfare Push: Lomé opened a four-day regional workshop on digitalizing social benefit payments, bringing officials and experts from 10 West and Central African countries plus BCEAO to discuss interoperable payment systems, financial inclusion, and modern ways to deliver welfare—highlighting Togo’s Novissi mobile-money cash transfers. Trade Momentum in Lomé: At Biashara Afrika 2026, President Gnassingbé and AfCFTA officials stressed that integration must create jobs and market access for youth, women, and SMEs, as intra-African trade hit a record $220bn in 2024. Environment Under Pressure: New FAO-linked figures show Togo lost about 330 hectares of primary forest from 2002–2025 and over 130,000 hectares of vegetation cover since 2001, with 772 fire alerts already logged in 2026.

AfCFTA Momentum in Lomé: Biashara Afrika 2026 opened in Togo’s capital with a clear message: Africa’s trade push is moving from talk to action, even as the world gets more fragmented. AfCFTA’s chief Wamkele Mene said intra-African trade hit a record $220bn in 2024 and could reach $230bn by 2027, with 50 countries ratified and 26 already trading under preferential rules. Local Business Climate: In parallel, Togo saw 5,710 new company registrations in early 2026—up slightly year-on-year—but the mix is shifting, with more corporate and foreign-backed formations and fewer women-led starts. Cotton-to-Textiles Plan: A workshop on the AfCFTA cotton, textile and apparel value chain urged vertically integrated manufacturing to cut raw exports and imported finished goods. Health Support in the North: A Chinese medical team ran a free clinic in Kara, donating medicines and treating 120+ people in Ketao. What’s Next: The forum runs for three days, with implementation details likely to dominate the sessions.

Africa Finance Spotlight: Luanda will host the Africa Financial Summit (AFIS) on Nov. 3–4, 2026, with organizers expecting 1,250+ banking, insurance, fintech, regulator and investor leaders to push financing, integration and digital transformation. Sport & Youth: Ghana’s Ride Afrique Pro Team has confirmed six cyclists for the 2026 Tour du Togo in Lomé (May 16–23), aiming to build a stronger African cycling ecosystem. AfroFest 10 Years: AfroFest marked its decade with “Akwaaba” (“welcome”), celebrating African unity through performances, fashion and food. Political Tension in Nigeria: A leaked “Abuja list” is roiling Adamawa APC primaries, naming Gov. Fintiri for Senate while Grace Bent’s name is reportedly missing. Football Discipline: Togo’s Djene Dakonam picked up a 10th LaLiga red card in Getafe’s loss to Elche. Ghana–Gambia Justice Push: Ghana renewed talks with Gambia over justice for the 2005 killing of migrants, including about 44 Ghanaians. Togo Health & Tech: A Chinese medical team held a free clinic in northern Kara, while Togo launched the Djanta Tech Hub to train digital entrepreneurs.

LaLiga Discipline Shock: Togo defender Djene Dakonam made unwanted history for Getafe, picking up his 10th red card in Europe’s top five leagues during a 1-0 loss to Elche—sent off in the 38th minute for serious foul play. Ghana–Gambia Justice Push: Ghana renewed talks with The Gambia on accountability for the 2005 killings of migrants, including about 44 Ghanaians, with Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa saying the issue of justice was on the agenda. AfCFTA Under Pressure: Biashara Afrika 2026 opens in Lomé tomorrow, spotlighting the gap between AfCFTA’s big market promise and the stubborn border realities that keep intra-African trade below 20%. Health Support in Northern Togo: A Chinese medical team in Kara held a free clinic and donated medicines to the Saint Martin Health Center in Ketao, serving 120+ patients. Banking Calm After Court: Ecobank Ghana moved to reassure customers after a Supreme Court ruling in a long-running interest dispute.

Bank Reassurance: Ecobank Ghana says it’s aware of a recent court ruling tied to claims against the bank, but insists its “financial position remains strong and resilient” and that services are running normally. Health in the North: A Chinese medical team in Kara held a free clinic and donated medicines to Saint Martin Health Center in Ketao, serving 120+ patients under the “100 Teams, 1,000 Villages” initiative. Maritime Shift: With tensions disrupting the Strait of Hormuz, shipping firms are rerouting around Africa—boosting demand for refueling and logistics in West Africa, including bunkering expansions such as Minerva in Mauritania and offshore services in Lomé. Togo Digital Push: Togo is rolling out more tech momentum, from a Djanta Tech Hub for entrepreneurs to plans for a unified digital platform for universal health insurance management.

Maritime Shift: With tensions disrupting the Strait of Hormuz, global shipping is rerouting around Africa—pushing demand for refueling, repairs and marine fuel along West Africa. New players are moving in, including Minerva Bunkering expanding into Mauritania (Nouadhibou, Nouakchott), as firms like Vitol and Monjasa already scale operations from Dakar and even Lomé. Togo Telecom: YAS Togo has overtaken Canalbox in 2025 fixed-fibre QoE rankings, leading on download/upload speeds and streaming success, though Canalbox still edges latency. Health & Environment: Lomé hosted a regional child nutrition conference that ended with the Lomé Declaration, while Togo approved its first national air quality standards. Digital & Finance: Togo is preparing a unified digital platform for universal health insurance management, and pushing to make its financial services quality watchdog fully operational. Regional Trade: AfCFTA invited a Ghanaian editor to Lomé’s Biashara Afrika 2026 forum.

Child Nutrition Push in Lomé: A regional conference in Lomé (May 11–13) ended with the “Lomé Declaration,” a joint action framework for cutting malnutrition across 22 West and Central African countries, targeting six commitments over the next three years as leaders warned that stunting and anaemia remain widespread. Fibre Internet Race: In Togo’s 2025 fixed broadband QoE rankings, YAS Togo jumped to first place over Canalbox, with higher download/upload speeds and better web and YouTube success rates—though Canalbox still leads on latency. Air Quality Standards: Togo approved its first national air quality standards after a workshop in Lomé, covering major pollutants from fine particles to ozone and heavy metals. Roadmap Consultations: Government consultations continue for Togo’s 2026–2031 national roadmap, with Maritime Region meetings reviewing progress on the 2020–2025 plan. Digital Health Upgrade: Work is underway to launch a unified digital platform for universal health insurance reimbursements under AMU. Trade & Connectivity: AfCFTA invited a Ghanaian editor to Biashara Afrika 2026 in Lomé, while Germany signaled support for modernizing the Port of Lomé and fighting Gulf of Guinea piracy.

Child Nutrition Push in Lomé: A regional conference in Lomé (May 11–13) ended with the Lomé Declaration, a joint action framework built around six commitments to cut malnutrition and protect early childhood development across 22 West and Central African countries. Telecom Update: In Togo’s 2025 fixed-fibre rankings, YAS Togo overtook Canalbox in overall quality-of-experience, scoring higher on downloads, uploads, and streaming success—though Canalbox still leads on latency. Environment: Togo approved its first national air quality standards, covering major pollutants from fine particles to ozone and heavy metals. Health Systems: Government teams are preparing a unified digital platform to run universal health insurance reimbursements under the AMU. Maritime & Security Planning: Consultations continue for Togo’s 2026–2031 national roadmap, with a Maritime Region session reviewing progress and priorities. Trade & Integration: AfCFTA invited a Ghanaian media editor to Biashara Afrika 2026 in Lomé (May 18–20). Digital Entrepreneurship: Togo launched the Djanta Tech Hub to train bilingual tech entrepreneurs.

Backlash Over Africa Summit: French President Emmanuel Macron is facing sharp criticism after he interrupted an Africa Forward Summit panel in Kenya, demanding the audience “restore order” and accusing attendees of disrespecting speakers—an outburst that quickly went viral across social media. Pan-African Politics in the Spotlight: The same summit also sparked a wider debate after Macron claimed “We are the true Pan-Africanists,” reigniting questions about France’s role in Africa. Togo Digital Push: In Lomé, Togo launched the Djanta Tech Hub to train and support bilingual digital entrepreneurs, while health authorities prepare a unified digital platform for universal health insurance reimbursements. Togo Economy & Trade: Togo also announced the 21st Lomé International Fair for Nov. 27–Dec. 13, 2026, with CETEF aiming to build on last year’s big turnout. Security Watch: Meanwhile, Ghana’s CID reported major crime breakthroughs, including arrests tied to child exploitation and a murder suspect linked to Togo.

France-Africa Backlash: French President Emmanuel Macron’s “We are the true Pan-Africanists” claim and his on-stage demand for silence at the Africa Forward Summit in Kenya have sparked a fresh wave of criticism, with many calling it paternalistic—while he also announced a $27 billion push for Africa. Debt Pressure: At the same summit, unions and civil society warned that debt payments are swallowing development money, even as leaders promise new financing. Togo Digital Push: Togo is preparing a unified digital platform for universal health insurance reimbursements, and has launched the Djanta Tech Hub to train bilingual digital entrepreneurs. Lomé Port & Security: Germany says it will support Lomé port modernization and urged stronger action against piracy and illicit trafficking in the Gulf of Guinea. Ghana Crime Crackdown: Ghana’s CID says it has dismantled child exploitation networks and made major arrests, including a suspect linked to a murder case in Togo. Maritime Tension: Somali pirates are reportedly demanding up to $10M for seized tankers, including a Togolese-flagged vessel carrying Egyptian sailors.

Digital Identity Push: Neurotechnology says it’s now a certified MOSIP system integrator, aiming to deploy MOSIP-compliant ABIS and biometric SDK solutions worldwide. Togo Health Tech: Togo is preparing a unified digital platform (SIIG-AMU) to run universal health insurance and reimbursements, with a federated setup to connect hospitals, pharmacies, labs, insurers and more. Port & Security Talks: Germany and Togo discussed modernizing Lomé port infrastructure and boosting cooperation against piracy and illicit trafficking in the Gulf of Guinea. Business & Trade: The 21st Lomé International Fair is set for Nov. 27–Dec. 13, 2026, with CETEF also promoting earlier events like Made in Togo. Regional Crime Crackdown: Ghana’s CID announced major breakthroughs, including dismantling a child exploitation network and arrests tied to murder and cybercrime. Maritime Tension: Families of crew held by Somali pirates say demands for the Togolese-flagged tanker Eureka have reportedly jumped to $10M.

Murder Case Update: Ghana police say they have retrieved all buried body parts of 40-year-old trader Joyce Akua Ampomaa, allegedly killed by a 25-year-old fetish priest who reportedly lured her into a bush, attacked her with a cutlass, and buried remains in different locations; the parts are now at the Police Hospital Mortuary for autopsy as investigations continue. Digital Push in Togo: Togo has launched the Djanta Tech Hub in Lomé, a bilingual centre meant to incubate and accelerate digital entrepreneurs, with a planned nationwide network and support programs for early-stage ideas and active startups. Regional Spotlight on Malnutrition: In Lomé, the UN system says it reached over 2 million people in Togo in 2024–2025, with major focus on nutrition and early childhood development, including support in northern regions facing displacement. Diplomacy Buzz: French President Macron faces backlash after interrupting an Africa summit panel to demand silence, with clips spreading fast on social media.

Macron Backlash: French President Emmanuel Macron is drawing sharp criticism after he stormed a panel at the Africa Forward Summit in Kenya and demanded silence, saying the audience showed “total lack of respect” while speakers were interrupted—sparking online mockery and a wider debate about France’s “partnership of equals” pitch. Ghana Crime Crackdown: In a major case, Ghana Police arrested a suspect in the Legon Bypass murder of a car dealer, after he was taken into custody in Togo with Interpol help; investigators say the victim was lured, attacked, and the body and car were burned, with DNA testing now used to confirm identity. Togo Humanitarian & Nutrition: The UN in Togo says it reached over 2 million people in 2024–2025, nearly a quarter of the population, with support spanning nutrition, health, education, and social protection—highlighted during a regional nutrition conference in Lomé. Entrepreneurship Push: Togo has opened registration for the second Di-kéti entrepreneurship forum, running in June, aiming to connect young founders, investors, and policymakers.

Entrepreneurship Push: Togo has opened registration for the second Di-kéti entrepreneurship forum, running in June with sign-ups until May 20, bringing together entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers for panels, workshops, and funding opportunities. Humanitarian Impact: The UN says its work in Togo reached over 2 million people in 2024–2025, nearly a quarter of the population, including cash transfers, school feeding, and nutrition support—especially in northern Savanes where displacement is a challenge. Finance for Growth: In Lomé, BOAD and Ecobank announced new partnerships with Proparco to channel up to 500 million euros into African private sector and agriculture, including local-currency financing and credit guarantees. Regional Security & Crime: Nigeria’s NSCDC says it busted an alleged trafficking and fraud camp in Lagos, rescuing 17 victims and arresting four suspects linked to an internet marketing scheme. Roads & Governance: Togo is also rolling out fixed penalties for minor traffic offences to cut roadside bargaining and corruption during stops.

Human Trafficking Crackdown (Lagos): Nigeria’s NSCDC says it has busted an alleged trafficking and fraud camp in Badagry, Torikoh, arresting four suspects and rescuing 17 victims—mostly foreign nationals—after a complaint from a Central African Republic nurse who claims he was lured via Facebook, extorted, detained, and forced into a “network marketing” scheme linked to QNET. Africa–Europe Diplomacy (Eswatini): The Africa-EU Parliamentary Assembly opens its first-ever plenary in Eswatini, bringing together lawmakers from 79 OACPS states and 27 EU countries to push recommendations on peace, youth mobility, women in agriculture, and critical raw materials. Togo Nutrition Push (Lomé): In Lomé, West and Central African countries meet to tackle child malnutrition and early childhood development, with figures showing nearly one in three children affected by stunting. Togo Development (Kara): Also in Togo, UNDP delivered agricultural equipment to 11 cooperatives in Kara and Maritime to boost production and processing.