AGP Executive Report

Lomé–Russia Logistics Push: Lomé is set to anchor a new Russia-linked transport corridor to move goods toward Togo and Sahel markets, with officials inspecting the Autonomous Port, Lomé airport and Adétikopé industrial platform during the Sept 29–Oct 1 intergovernmental commission. Airport Accountability: A sewage pipe rupture at Gnassingbé Eyadéma International Airport left passengers covered in waste and triggered outrage, with Lomé airport confirming the plumbing incident and renewed calls for accountability. Disaster Relief in Volta: President John Dramani Mahama visited Hohoe after the Sept 28 floods, linking the disaster to extreme weather from climate change and delivering relief items and support. Space for Agriculture: Togo and Kyrgyzstan launched cooperation after Kyrgyzstan’s first satellite, sharing Earth-observation data for crop, drought and water monitoring. Digital Foreign Affairs: Togo digitized 16 foreign affairs and consular procedures, letting users apply online and track status. Regional Investment Drive: EBID launched EIF 2027 in Lomé to mobilize capital for West Africa’s transformation. Culture & Youth Diplomacy: Francophone youth met in Lomé to shape recommendations for the Phnom Penh summit. Togo–Russia Education Links: A Russian language course kickoff in Lomé aims to open cultural and professional opportunities for young Togolese.

Lomé Airport Sanitation Crisis: Lomé’s Gnassingbé Eyadéma International Airport confirmed a sewage overflow in the boarding area on Sept. 30, after viral claims that passengers were splashed with fecal matter; SALT says teams contained the spill and passengers continued activities, but details on any affected flights remain unclear. Hohoe Flood Relief: President John Dramani Mahama visited Hohoe after the Sept. 28 River Dayi floods that submerged over 400 homes and displaced 5,000+ people, linking the disaster to climate-driven extreme weather and presenting relief items and support pledges. Togo–Russia Cooperation: Lomé and Moscow expanded ties after the first intergovernmental joint commission in Lomé, targeting mining, energy, agriculture, trade, transport, IT, science and education, with further draft agreements to be finalized. Space for Agriculture: Togo announced expanded space cooperation with Kyrgyzstan following the launch of its first national satellite, promising Earth-observation data and training for crop, drought and water monitoring. Digital Foreign Affairs Services: Togo digitized 16 foreign affairs and consular procedures, letting users apply and track status online. Francophone Youth in Lomé: A two-day RIJF consultation in Lomé gathered youth to shape recommendations for the Francophonie Summit in Phnom Penh, with employment and entrepreneurship topping priorities. ECOWAS Investment Forum Push: EBID launched EIF 2027 in Lomé to mobilize capital for West Africa’s transformation ahead of April 7–8, 2027.

Flood Response in Hohoe: President John Dramani Mahama visited Hohoe after the Sept. 28 River Dayi floods, saying climate change is driving unpredictable extreme weather. He sympathised with victims, presented relief items, and urged communities to wait for assessments as over 400 homes and 5,000+ residents were displaced. Lomé Airport Sanitation Crisis: Lomé’s airport operator SALT confirmed a plumbing overflow in the boarding area on Sept. 30 after viral claims of sewage splashing passengers. Cleaning teams were deployed and passengers continued activities, but the incident has sparked fresh calls for accountability. Togo–Russia Cooperation: Lomé and Moscow expanded ties after their joint commission meeting, targeting mining, energy, agriculture, trade, transport, IT, science and education, with investment and customs cooperation among draft agreements. Space Tech for Agriculture: Togo signed a partnership with Kyrgyzstan to use satellite data for crop monitoring, drought detection and water/forest tracking, with training for Togolese specialists. Francophone Youth in Lomé: A two-day RIJF consultation gathered youth to shape recommendations for the Phnom Penh Francophonie Summit, with employment and entrepreneurship topping priorities. ECOWAS Investment Forum 2027: EBID launched preparations for EIF 2027 in Lomé (April 7–8), aiming to mobilise capital for energy, SMEs, climate and green industrialisation.

Hohoe Flood Relief: President John Dramani Mahama visited Hohoe after the Sept. 28 River Dayi flooding, saying extreme weather linked to climate change is making rainfall patterns harder to predict; he handed relief items and urged victims to wait for assessments as officials called for building materials to help families rebuild. Lomé Airport Sewage Crisis: Lomé’s airport operator SALT confirmed a plumbing overflow in the boarding area after viral claims of passengers being splashed with sewage; teams were deployed to contain the spill, but SALT did not confirm the worst allegations. Francophone Youth in Lomé: The Francophone Youth Network (RIJF) held a two-day consultation to shape youth recommendations for the upcoming Francophonie summit in Phnom Penh, with employment, entrepreneurship, training and access to financing top priorities. Togo Space Push: Togo expanded cooperation with Kyrgyzstan in space technology after Kyrgyzstan launched its first satellite, aiming to use Earth observation data for agriculture, drought monitoring and water/forest tracking. Digital Government Services: Togo digitized 16 foreign affairs and consular procedures, letting users apply online and track status remotely. ECOWAS Investment Forum 2027: EBID launched preparations for EIF 2027 in Lomé (April 7–8), aiming to mobilize capital for energy transition, SMEs, climate finance and green industrialization.

Hohoe Flood Response: President John Dramani Mahama visited Hohoe after the Sept. 28 River Dayi floods, sympathised with displaced families and handed out relief items, linking the disaster to extreme weather patterns tied to climate change. Airport Sanitation Crisis: Lomé’s Gnassingbé Eyadéma International Airport operator SALT confirmed a plumbing overflow in the boarding area on Sept. 30 after viral sewage-splash claims, deploying cleaning teams while passengers continued activities. Digital Government Services: Togo digitized 16 foreign affairs administrative and consular procedures, letting users apply online and track status for services ranging from diplomatic documents to consular cards and certificates. Skills-to-Jobs Partnership: Togo’s education agency AED and Chinese contractor WIETC signed a three-year deal to align work-study training at building and renewable energy IFADs with real construction hiring needs. Regional Investment Push: EBID launched preparations for EIF 2027 in Lomé, aiming to mobilize capital for resilience, energy transition and inclusive growth across West Africa. UN Map Vote: The UN General Assembly backed a Togo-led resolution encouraging more accurate maps that better reflect Africa’s true size, passing 164–1 with the US the only “no.”

ECOWAS Investment Push (Lomé): The ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) launched preparations for EIF 2027 in Lomé, setting the April 7–8 forum agenda on resilience, energy transition, SME funding, climate finance and green industrialization, with success tied to investments mobilised and jobs created. Togo Digital Diplomacy: Togo digitized 16 foreign affairs and consular procedures, letting users apply remotely and track status via public and consular platforms. DRC Peace Diplomacy (Togo link): Kinshasa sent a new delegation to Lomé and other regional capitals to build support for the FDLR voluntary surrender process, with demobilization and cantonment at the center. Lomé Airport Incident: SALT confirmed a plumbing overflow disrupted Lomé airport’s boarding area after viral sewage claims, deploying teams to contain and clean the area. Regional Energy Spotlight (Dangote in Kenya): Aliko Dangote broke ground on a $16bn, 700,000-bpd Lamu refinery, dismissing Kenya protests and insisting it will be ready by 2030, with leaders including Togo’s president attending. Payments Upgrade (BCEAO): BCEAO published a new list of 175 authorized PI-SPI participants, expanding instant interoperable payments beyond traditional banks.

DRC Peace Diplomacy: A new written message from Kinshasa to Togo’s President Faure Gnassingbé has reignited debate over the stalled eastern DRC peace process, with demobilization of armed groups at the center of discussions. ECOWAS Investment Forum 2027: Lomé is gearing up for EIF 2027 (April 7–8) as EBID and partners launch preparations to mobilize capital for energy, SMEs, climate and green industrial projects. Payments Upgrade in West Africa: BCEAO published the updated list of 175 authorized institutions to offer interoperable instant payments (PI-SPI), including fintech and mobile money players—Togo has 17 participants. Lomé Digital Skills Boost: The OIF-backed Aného digital training push has nearly CFAF 300m in support, training youth for jobs and internships. Equal Earth Map Vote: The UN General Assembly endorsed a Togo-led push for more accurate world maps, with the US the only country voting against. Energy Watch: Dangote and regional leaders broke ground on a $16bn refinery in Kenya’s Lamu, while piracy incidents off Somalia left multiple seafarers dead and others rescued.

DRC Peace Diplomacy in Lomé: A fresh written message from DRC President Félix Tshisekedi to Togo’s Faure Gnassingbé has reignited debate on the stalled eastern DRC peace process, with officials discussing demobilization and reintegration of armed groups and what happens next for AU mediation. Regional Energy Push for Lomé: BOAD has approved CFAF 37bn (about $64m) to expand Lomé’s COMPEL petroleum storage by 170,000 cubic metres, strengthening Togo’s role as a Gulf of Guinea fuel and logistics hub. Women at Work: ITUC-Africa and the ILO used a Lomé conference to warn that protection for women workers against violence and harassment is slipping, urging stronger leadership and better union action. ECOWAS Investment Forum Prep: EBID has kicked off preparations for the second ECOWAS Investment Forum in Lomé (April 7–8, 2027), targeting a pipeline of projects seeking financing. Tourism Numbers: Togo says it recorded over 500,000 tourist arrivals in 2024, and is pushing for longer stays and higher spending.

DRC Peace Talks in Lomé: Togo’s Faure Gnassingbé met DRC Regional Integration Minister Floribert Anzuluni, who delivered Tshisekedi’s message on accelerating disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration in eastern DRC—another sign Lomé is deepening its mediation role. Regional Migration Push: Lomé hosts consultations to set up an African Union Migration Advisory Council, with Togo highlighting its May 2026 visa easing for African passport holders and aiming to shape a permanent migration data-and-policy mechanism. Energy & Trade Finance: EBID launched preparations for the 2027 ECOWAS Investment Forum in Lomé, while BOAD approved CFAF 37bn to expand fuel storage at COMPEL by 170,000 m³—boosting Togo’s role as a Gulf of Guinea energy hub. Water for Kara: Togo launched a CFAF 27bn Kara water project to raise access for 40,000+ additional households and expand production capacity. Tourism Numbers: Togo reported 500,000+ tourist arrivals in 2024, urging longer stays and better visitor spending. Market Fire Fallout (Anié): A blaze destroyed Anié’s Grand Market, leaving traders with no deaths but major losses and renewed calls for real fire-safety and reconstruction support. Maritime Security: Puntland forces retook the hijacked MT Honour 25 after pirate violence killed five crew members, including an Indian sailor; a separate Togo-flagged tanker (MT Eureka) was released with crew unharmed. Women at Work: ITUC-Africa warned of weakening protection for women workers against violence and harassment, while the ILO urged stronger women’s leadership in Africa’s labour movement.

Eastern DRC Mediation: In Lomé, President Faure Gnassingbé met DRC Regional Integration Minister Floribert Anzuluni after receiving a message from Félix Tshisekedi, with talks focused on disarmament, demobilization and reintegration to push the AU peace process into a new phase. Water for Kara: Togo launched the CFAF 27bn Kara Water Project to boost drinking water access for 40,000 more households, raising city supply from 50% to 75% and expanding production and treatment capacity. Tourism Push: Togo says it topped 500,000 tourist arrivals in 2024 and is now pushing longer stays and better spending, while also accelerating its Tourism Satellite Account plan to improve how tourism’s economic value is measured. Greater Lomé Sanitation: Lomé and Hungary discussed wastewater treatment plants under a Greater Lomé sludge treatment push agreed in 2025, targeting improved fecal sludge management. Anié Market Fire: The Grand Marché d’Anié blaze left hundreds of traders ruined, with calls for real fire-safety and infrastructure upgrades after repeated failures to protect trading livelihoods. Regional Mobility Talks: Lomé hosts consultations on the AU Migration Advisory Council and free movement, building on Togo’s visa-free entry for African nationals with valid passports. UN Map Debate: Togo’s UN-led push to encourage more accurate world maps gained overwhelming support, with the US voting against.

DRC Peace Talks in Lomé: DRC Minister of Regional Integration Floribert Anzuluni delivered President Tshisekedi’s written message to Togo’s Faure Gnassingbé, with focus on a new phase of pacification in eastern DRC and progress in disarmament, demobilization and reintegration. Tourism Push: Togo says it topped 500,000 tourist arrivals in 2024 and is now pushing longer stays, better visitor spending, and a Tourism Satellite Account to measure tourism’s real economic weight. Migration Policy Consultations: Lomé hosts talks on the African Union’s Migration Advisory Council and free movement, with Togo highlighting its 30-day visa-free entry for African passport holders. Water for Kara: Togo launched a CFAF 27bn Kara water project to add supply for 40,000 more households, boosting access in Kara from 50% to 75%. Anié Market Fire Aftermath: The Grand Marché d’Anié blaze left traders ruined and has reignited demands for real fire-safety upgrades and reliable support beyond promises. UN Map Debate: Togo-backed UN action urges more accurate world maps, spotlighting Africa’s true size and challenging the US stance. Regional Business & Finance: Ecobank plans a $2.6bn portfolio for women-led businesses and agribusiness SMEs by 2030.

Togo Tourism & Diplomacy: Togo is pushing a Tourism Satellite Account in Davié to better measure tourism’s economic contribution, while also signing a visa-waiver deal with the UAE for diplomatic passport holders to ease official travel and follow-up on bilateral projects. Greater Lomé Sanitation: Togo and Hungary are moving to speed Greater Lomé’s fecal sludge treatment plans, with two new plants targeted for Aképé and Djagblé under a 2025 agreement. UN “Correct the Map” Push: Togo-led efforts at the UN General Assembly backed a new equal-area world map approach, after the US voted against it—an issue framed as “cognitive justice” and fairer representation for Africa. Youth & Policy Voice: A new survey across several countries including Togo finds young people are confident speaking up, but fewer know how to turn that into sustained influence. Regional Climate Pressure: ECOWAS lawmakers warn climate finance and shrinking land and water are fueling farmer-herder tensions and wider security risks. Sports & Politics Beyond Togo: Guinea-Bissau’s exiled Embalo says he will return and run for president in elections set for December 6.

Tourism Data Push: Togo’s Tourism Ministry resumed work in Davié to restart its Tourism Satellite Account plan, aiming to produce clearer, comparable statistics on tourism’s real economic contribution. Diplomatic Mobility: Togo and the UAE signed a visa-waiver deal for diplomatic passport holders, easing official travel and follow-up on bilateral projects. Sanitation Upgrade: Greater Lomé wastewater talks with Hungary point to speeding up agreed 2025 sludge treatment plants in Aképé and Djagblé to improve fecal sludge management. Regional Cooperation: Togo and Rwanda signed new cooperation memoranda in New York, setting up regular political consultations and a joint commission to drive shared initiatives. UN Map Debate (Togo-led): The UN General Assembly endorsed a new equal-area world map approach, backed by Togo and the African Union, arguing it corrects how Mercator distorts Africa’s perceived size. Youth Advocacy Gap: A new survey finds many young Africans in Togo and elsewhere feel confident speaking up, but fewer know how to turn that into sustained influence. Finance for Women & Farms: Ecobank says it will target a $2.6bn lending portfolio by 2030 for women-led SMEs and agricultural SMEs, combining credit with training and digital tools.

UN Map Overhaul: The UN General Assembly endorsed a new equal-area world map to replace Mercator, backing “Equal Earth” after Togo-led efforts—sparking debate over perception versus borders. HIV Funding Signal (Benin): Benin signed a €544,042 UNAIDS contribution for 2026–2027 at UNGA, with officials calling it a “mark of fidelity” to HIV gains. Women & Agribusiness Finance (Ecobank): Lomé-headquartered Ecobank says it will build a $2.6bn loan portfolio by 2030 for women-led SMEs and agricultural SMEs, combining credit with training and digital tools. Family Planning Pressure: Francophone West Africa’s Ouagadougou Partnership marks 15 years of progress but warns gains are fragile as health financing tightens. Climate Security in West Africa (ECOWAS): ECOWAS lawmakers in Accra urged action as droughts, floods and shrinking land worsen displacement and insecurity, calling for a regional climate resilience fund. Togo-Rwanda Ties: Togo and Rwanda signed MoUs and a framework agreement in New York to deepen political consultations and cooperation. Togo Visa-Free Move: A new report highlights Togo’s May 2026 visa exemption for African citizens for up to 30 days. Youth Advocacy Gap (Togo included): A survey finds young Africans are confident speaking up but struggle to turn voices into sustained influence.

Women & Agribusiness Finance: Ecobank says it will build a $2.6bn loan portfolio by 2030 for women-owned businesses ($2bn via Ellevate) and agriculture-focused SMEs ($600m), pairing credit with training and digital tools. HIV Funding Signal (Benin): At the UN General Assembly, Benin signed a €544,042 UNAIDS contribution for 2026-2027, with officials calling it a “mark of fidelity” to HIV progress. UN Map Debate (Togo-led): The UN adopted “Correct the Map,” backing equal-area projections to better reflect Africa’s size; Togo’s FM Robert Dussey says it changes representation, not borders, amid renewed scrutiny. Climate Security Push (ECOWAS): ECOWAS lawmakers in Accra warned that shrinking land and water are fueling displacement and farmer-herder tensions, urging a regional climate resilience fund and stronger early-warning systems. Togo-Rwanda Cooperation: Togo and Rwanda signed MoUs and a framework agreement to deepen political consultations and joint cooperation under South–South ties. Youth Voice (Survey): A study finds young Africans feel confident speaking up, but struggle to turn that into sustained advocacy and decision-maker influence.

UN Map Correction: The UN General Assembly adopted Togo-backed “Correction of the Map,” using equal-area projections to reflect Africa’s true size; Togo’s FM Robert Dussey says it changes representation, not borders, after the resolution drew debate tied to Russia-Japan map colors. Regional Climate Security: ECOWAS Parliamentarians in Accra warned that shrinking land and water are fueling displacement and farmer-herder tensions, calling for a Regional Climate Resilience Fund, early-warning systems, agroforestry and renewable energy. Women & Agribusiness Finance: Ecobank (Lomé) targets $2.6bn by 2030 for women-led businesses ($2bn) and agriculture SMEs ($600m), expanding its Ellevate programme with digital onboarding and guarantees. Togo-Rwanda Cooperation: Togo and Rwanda signed MOUs and a framework agreement in New York to deepen political consultations and create a joint cooperation commission. Education & Exams: Nigeria’s NECO released 2026 SSCE Internal results (58.67% with five credits including English/Math) and reported a 64.74% drop in malpractice. Aviation Growth: ASKY says it’s targeting 30 aircraft and 40 destinations, with intercontinental routes and an MRO facility planned in Lomé.