AGP Executive Report

Xenophobia Context: A new piece argues South Africa’s anti-foreigner backlash didn’t start there, pointing to earlier tensions across the region and warning it will likely recur unless root causes are addressed. Regional Peace Talks: The DRC committed to avoid hostile rhetoric and attacks against Rwanda after a high-level London meeting involving the U.S., Qatar, Togo (as AU mediator) and the AU, as trust-building efforts continue in eastern Congo. Lomé Security & Capacity: Togo and North Dakota partners ran disaster-response training in Lomé, aimed at boosting incident response and civil protection. ECOWAS Aviation Reform: African ministers adopted the Lomé Declaration to speed up Open Skies and the Single African Sky, including cheaper air travel and stronger air cargo links. Lomé Fisheries Meeting: A five-day regional artisanal fisheries forum in Lomé (with FAO support) focuses on landing sites, data collection, and a 2026-2028 work plan. Energy & Finance in Lomé: AfDB took a $30m equity stake in Lomé-based EBID, alongside a $70m credit line for renewable energy. Public Procurement Integrity: A World Bank official highlights governance risks in fast-tracked public investment—capacity, planning, and monitoring matter most. Togo Renewable Power: BCEAO launched a tender for solar PV systems at branches in Lomé and Kara.

Public Procurement & Integrity: A World Bank procurement expert says Togo’s push for faster public investment must be matched with stronger planning, technical capacity, and real monitoring to curb corruption risks. Regional Finance for Energy: AfDB becomes the first institutional equity holder in Lomé-based EBID with a $30m stake and a $70m credit line to back renewable energy and expand access. Digital Health Partnership: Malaria Consortium and eGov Foundation deepen work on digital public health tools to improve coverage and resilience. Fisheries in Lomé: Regional artisanal fisheries leaders meet in Lomé to tackle landing sites, better data, and sustainability priorities. Cashew Price Clarification: Ghana’s TCDA rejects claims of a GH¢25/kg producer price, saying 2026 pricing is calculated from market indicators and set through consultation. Volta Basin Climate Action: Ministers urge faster ecosystem restoration and stronger cross-border governance to protect the Volta Basin amid climate and development pressures. BCEAO Solar Tender: BCEAO launches a tender for solar PV systems for branches including Lomé and Kara, with bids due July 31. Togo–U.S. Disaster Response: North Dakota and Togo’s civil protection agencies run tabletop training in Lomé to boost incident response capacity. Lomé Aviation Push: African ministers adopt the “Lomé Declaration” to speed up Open Skies and make air travel more affordable. Low-Carbon Pipes for RAINE: A low-carbon pipe plant starts in Adétikopé to support flood management infrastructure under the RAINE project.

Banking Leadership: IB Bank Togo’s new DG Robert Aimé Diallo takes charge of growth and consolidation, bringing years of risk, audit and corporate banking experience from Société Générale Burkina Faso. Disaster Preparedness: In Lomé, North Dakota and Togo’s civil protection teams joined a tabletop drill to sharpen incident response, building toward a stronger national emergency operations setup. Artisanal Fisheries in Focus: A Lomé meeting with FAO, CECAF and ECOWAS tackles landing-site development, better fisheries data, and a 2026–2028 work plan to protect fish stocks and curb illegal fishing. Energy & Industry: BCEAO launches a tender for solar PV systems at branches in Lomé and Kara, while a low-carbon pipe plant in Adétikopé begins operations to support the RAINE flood-management project. Terror & Security Context: Coverage highlights how jihadist groups keep expanding across the Sahel, with attacks reaching major infrastructure like airports. Trade & Finance: Cameroonian billionaire Paul Fokam’s Afriland First Holding launches Africa Diamond Invest from Togo, pushing deeper into regional securities services.

Artisanal Fisheries in Lomé: A five-day CECAF/ECOWAS-backed meeting with FAO support opened in Lomé to push better landing sites, stronger fisheries data, and a 2026–2028 work plan—aimed at tackling illegal fishing, climate pressure, and conflicts over maritime space. Security Cooperation: Togo and the North Dakota National Guard are deepening ties under the U.S. State Partnership Program, including work toward a National Emergency Operations Center in Lomé to improve disaster response. Aviation and Regional Integration: Ministers adopted the Lomé Declaration to speed up Open Skies and the Single African Sky, targeting cheaper air travel, fewer barriers, and stronger cargo links. Energy and Industry: BCEAO launched a tender for solar PV systems across UEMOA sites, including Lomé and Kara, while a low-carbon pipe plant opened in Adétikopé to support the RAINE flood-management project. Business and Finance: Togo honored Ecobank co-founder Gervais Djondo and Afriland founder Paul Fokam; BSIC Togo named Tjima DIABATE as CEO, and AfDB became EBID’s first institutional shareholder to boost development finance. Regional Trade: The AfDB/EBID push and West Africa’s gas hub ambitions underline a wider push to strengthen infrastructure and energy supply.

Aviation Reform Push: African ministers adopted the Lomé Declaration to speed up Open Skies and the Single African Sky, aiming to cut barriers, taxes, and visa frictions while improving air cargo and safety. Water & Flood Resilience: Togo’s Adétikopé low-carbon pipe plant has started operations to support the RAINE flood management project, boosting local production for sanitation and water infrastructure. Digital Sovereignty in Focus: ISOC-Togo held the 12th Togo IGF on governing AI, big data, and digital sovereignty, building on youth recommendations. Regional Trade for Women: ECOWAS launched a Lomé event on women’s small-scale cross-border trade, reviewing progress across key corridors and tackling remaining barriers. Business & Finance: The African Development Bank became the first institutional shareholder in EBID with a $30m equity plus $70m credit line, strengthening development financing across West Africa. Private Sector Leadership: Togo’s AGET elected Charles Gafan Elected President, pledging stronger dialogue with government as the 2026–2031 roadmap nears. Security Watch (Sahel): A report highlights rivalry between JNIM and ISSP as attacks spread across the Sahel, including a major airport strike in Niger.

Water & Industry: A low-carbon pipe prefabrication plant has started operations in Adétikopé to speed up Togo’s RAINE flood-management project, cutting imports and boosting local jobs, with output aimed at thousands of jacking pipes for Greater Lomé’s sanitation and water works. Security & Sahel Spillover: JNIM and ISSP are locked in a rivalry that’s spreading jihadist violence across the Sahel, including an attack on Niamey’s airport that killed soldiers and civilians and disrupted flights. Food Security: With El Niño likely to intensify soon, FAO maps where drought risks are highest, warning of major impacts on crops and pasturelands in the Sahel and other vulnerable regions. Early Warning Systems: Togo’s experience shows how targeted investment in meteorological and civil protection early warnings can unlock resilience funding and strengthen institutions. Digital Governance: ISOC-Togo held the 12th Togo IGF on digital sovereignty and AI governance, building on youth recommendations. Regional Trade for Women: ECOWAS launched a Lomé fortnight to empower women small-scale cross-border traders, spotlighting barriers and policy priorities. Finance & Development: AfDB became EBID’s first institutional shareholder, injecting $30m equity and $70m credit to back high-impact projects across West Africa. Business Leadership: AGET elected Charles Gafan Elected President, setting a new push for stronger private-sector dialogue ahead of Togo’s 2026–2031 roadmap.

Regional Refugee Pressure: A DW Africa report spotlights how Burkina Faso’s jihadist violence is spilling into northern Ghana, with thousands of refugee children enrolling in schools that are already stretched and often under-resourced. Food & Integration in Lomé: Festival la Marmite (FESMA) returns for its 5th edition in August, with fonio and China as guest of honor, as organizers pitch food as a tool for social cohesion and business growth. Energy & Trade Hub Push: Togo is positioning itself as a regional gas hub, with plans tied to LNG imports and cross-border energy links, while regional partners eye faster supply for growing demand. Finance for Development: The AfDB becomes the first institutional shareholder in Lomé-based EBID, injecting $30m equity and $70m credit to back projects, including renewables. Digital Sovereignty: ISOC-Togo held the 12th Togo IGF on governing AI, big data and digital sovereignty, bringing together regulators, academia and partners. Women Cross-Border Trade: ECOWAS launched a Lomé fortnight to empower women small-scale traders, reviewing progress and tackling barriers across key corridors. Aviation Integration: Ministers adopted the Lomé Declaration to make African air travel more affordable and connected, reinforcing SAATM and the Yamoussoukro Decision. Business Leadership: AGET elected Charles Kokouvi Gafan as president, aiming to strengthen dialogue between government and large enterprises.

ECOWAS Women Trade Push in Lomé: A regional fortnight launched in Lomé (June 18) aims to back women small-scale cross-border traders, with ECOWAS and Togo’s economy minister calling for borders to become “drivers of development” rather than barriers. Digital Sovereignty in Focus: ISOC-Togo held the 12th Togo IGF at the University of Lomé, debating digital sovereignty and AI governance, building on youth and school forums. New Business Leadership in Togo: Charles Kokouvi Gafan was elected president of AGET (June 19), promising stronger dialogue between large enterprises and government as Togo prepares its 2026–2031 roadmap. Togo–Saudi Investment Talks: Faure Gnassingbé met Saudi PIF governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan to explore co-investments in agriculture, industry and ports, including follow-on support for rural water access. Finance Update: Digital banking use in Togo hit 32.2% by end-March 2026, alongside lower average interest rates and growth in savings and microfinance. Aviation Integration Moment: African ministers adopted the Lomé Declaration to push cheaper, more connected air travel across the continent, with Togo hosting the process.

Aviation & Trade: Lomé’s airport and West African air cargo plans are in the spotlight as RwandaAir expands freight links and Nigeria flags off a new cargo corridor, while African ministers adopt the Lomé Declaration to push cheaper, more connected air travel across the continent. ECOWAS Women’s Trade: Lomé hosts an ECOWAS regional fortnight on women’s small-scale cross-border trade, aiming to make borders less of a barrier and more of a growth driver. Digital Economy: Togo reports digital banking usage reaching 32.2% by end-March 2026, alongside lower average interest rates and growth in savings and microfinance. Business Leadership: Charles Gafan Elected President of Togo’s Association of Large Enterprises, promising stronger dialogue with government as a 2026–2031 roadmap nears. Diplomacy & Investment: Togo and Saudi Arabia discuss new investments in agriculture, industry and ports, while Togo also intensifies ties with the Maghreb. Regional Infrastructure Reality Check: A look at the Abidjan–Lagos highway highlights how poor roads, congestion and border delays still slow trade and integration.

Women in Trade: ECOWAS launched a regional fortnight in Lomé to back women small-scale cross-border traders, with Togo’s economy minister saying borders should become drivers of development, not barriers. Digital Sovereignty: 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 the talks. Investment Push: Togo and Saudi Arabia discussed new co-investments in agriculture, agro-industry, manufacturing and ports, including follow-ups on a solar water systems programme funded by Saudi support. Finance Uptick: Digital banking use in Togo hit 32.2% by end-March 2026, alongside lower average interest rates and growth in savings and microfinance. Fisheries & Oceans: Togo urged compliance with the annual fishing moratorium and is also taking part in the UN Ocean Conference to strengthen marine protection and sustainable resource management. Health Needs: Calls are growing to rehabilitate and re-equip Nkwanta South Government Hospital to meet higher healthcare standards. Regional Air Connectivity: African ministers adopted the Lomé Declaration to speed up affordable, connected air travel across the continent, reinforcing SAATM and the Yamoussoukro Decision.

ECOWAS Trade for Women: Lomé is hosting a two-week ECOWAS push to boost women’s small-scale cross-border trade, running June 18–29, with a focus on making borders less of a barrier and more of a development driver. Digital Sovereignty: ISOC-Togo held its 12th National Internet Governance Forum in Lomé, centering “digital sovereignty” and AI governance, and feeding recommendations from youth and school forums into national talks. Togo–Saudi Investment Talks: President Faure Gnassingbé met Saudi PIF governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan in Rome to explore new co-investments in agriculture, agro-industry, manufacturing and ports, building on existing Saudi-backed water and rural development support. Finance & Inclusion: Togo reported digital banking usage reaching 32.2% by end-March 2026, alongside lower average interest rates and growth in savings and microfinance. Maritime & Fisheries: Togo urged compliance with the Gulf of Guinea fishing moratorium and is also engaging in UN ocean conference discussions on marine protection and sustainable resource management. Regional Air Connectivity: African ministers adopted the Lomé Declaration to speed up affordable, connected air travel across Africa and move the “single African sky” from policy to implementation. Diplomacy: Nigeria’s Mahmood Yakubu assumed duty as ambassador to Qatar, with a reception that included envoys from across Africa including Togo. Health Needs: Calls are growing to rehabilitate and re-equip Nkwanta South Government Hospital to meet international standards.

Women in Trade: ECOWAS launched a Lomé fortnight to back women small-scale cross-border traders, running June 18–29, with a focus on making borders less of a barrier and more of a growth driver. Digital Sovereignty: ISOC-Togo held the 12th Togo IGF at the University of Lomé, debating how Togo should govern AI, big data and digital sovereignty, building on youth recommendations. Investment Push: Faure Gnassingbé met Saudi PIF’s Yasir Al-Rumayyan in Rome to explore new Saudi-backed investments in agriculture, industry and port operations, including ongoing rural water projects. Digital Finance: Togo’s digital banking use hit 32.2% by end-March 2026, alongside lower average interest rates and growth in savings and microfinance. Air Connectivity Agenda: African ministers adopted the Lomé Declaration to speed up cheaper, more connected air travel across the continent, aiming to turn commitments into real routes and lower costs. Fisheries & Oceans: Togo urged compliance with the Gulf of Guinea fishing moratorium and is also participating in the UN Ocean Conference to strengthen marine protection and planning for marine protected areas. Health Needs: Calls continue to upgrade Nkwanta South Government Hospital with modern theatre and diagnostic equipment to improve care and reduce referrals.

ECOWAS Women Trade Push: ECOWAS launched a Lomé-based regional fortnight to back women small-scale cross-border traders, spotlighting barriers they face and urging policies to boost their role in regional integration. Single African Sky Momentum: African ministers adopted the Lomé Declaration and Implementation Matrix to speed up cheaper, more connected air travel across Africa, aiming to remove regulatory barriers and turn the “single African sky” into real routes and lower costs. Togo Fisheries Conservation: Togo urged fishing stakeholders to respect the annual Gulf of Guinea moratorium to protect breeding fish, as demand far outstrips local supply and illegal fishing remains a key driver of shortages. Ocean Protection Talks: Togo is taking part in the UN Ocean Conference to strengthen marine protection and ocean governance, including how to design marine protected areas with coastal communities in mind. Lomé Investment Pitch: Faure Gnassingbé told European and Middle Eastern investors at FII Priority Europe that Lomé can serve as a gateway for integrated productive ecosystems, not isolated projects. Health Infrastructure Pressure: Calls are growing to rehabilitate and re-equip Nkwanta South Municipal Hospital in Oti Region as buildings deteriorate and equipment shortages strain care. Disaster Preparedness Drill: Togo ran “Mia Dzrado 2026,” a multi-hazard emergency simulation in flood-prone Bas-Mono to test coordination and improve resilience. Regional Security & Influence: Ukraine’s intelligence says Russia is expanding “Russian Houses” across Africa, with Togo named among planned influence sites. Gulf of Guinea Trade Link: A report highlights how the Abidjan–Lagos Highway could cut delays and costs by linking Abidjan, Accra, Lomé, Cotonou and Lagos.

Single African Sky Push: African ministers adopted the Lomé Declaration and Implementation Matrix to fast-track the Yamoussoukro Decision and the Single African Air Transport Market, with Togo’s leaders urging the shift from promises to real routes, lower costs, and better connectivity. Fisheries & Ocean Protection: Togo called on fishers to respect the Gulf of Guinea moratorium as demand outstrips local supply, while also taking part in the UN Ocean Conference to strengthen marine conservation and marine protected areas. Investment Pitch for Lomé: Faure Gnassingbé urged European and Middle Eastern investors to fund integrated productive ecosystems, positioning Lomé as a gateway for Africa’s next investment cycle. Health System Pressure: Calls are growing to rehabilitate and re-equip Nkwanta South Hospital in Ghana’s Oti Region, highlighting how aging facilities and equipment gaps affect care. Food Security Ahead of Lean Season: WFP and Togo are preparing for lean-season risks in northern Togo, with projections warning of possible acute food insecurity without timely support. Film Sector Funding: Togo’s FoNSICA film and audiovisual fund is set to move toward operations after stakeholder review of its financing and governance framework. Public Resource Integrity: A World Bank-backed capacity session in Lomé focused on procurement integrity, fraud risks, and accountability for projects financed by the institution.

Togo–Tunisia Diplomacy: Tunisia’s and Togo’s foreign ministers, Mohamed Ali Nafti and Robert Dussey, signed an MoU to set up regular bilateral consultations for 2026–2027, with focus areas including digital health, higher education, cybersecurity, military cooperation, and electricity/water interconnection. Disaster Preparedness: Togo launched “Mia Dzrado 2026,” a multi-hazard emergency simulation in flood-prone Bas-Mono to test coordination across civil protection, emergency services, security forces, and partners. Food Security Ahead of Lean Season: WFP and the Togolese government are scaling up measures in northern Togo as projections warn nearly 332,000 people could face acute food insecurity between June and August 2026 without support. Public Finance Integrity: A World Bank-backed capacity session in Lomé urged stronger governance and anti-fraud controls for projects financed by the institution, stressing procurement and accountability. Regional Trade & Standards: WAEMU aligned origin determination rules to HS 2022 in Lomé, aiming to improve customs compliance and revenue collection. Oil Sector Oversight (Region): Nigeria’s NUPRC flagged infrastructure limits and asset integrity issues as key constraints to oil output growth while deepening ties with the revenue service.

Agriculture & Skills: SIGMA Scientific Group and France’s École Supérieure des Agricultures (ESA) signed an academic deal in Lomé to train agricultural engineers for Togo and West Africa, with a two-year preparatory cycle before an engineering degree. Disaster Preparedness: Togo launched “Mia Dzrado 2026,” a multi-hazard emergency simulation in flood-prone Bas-Mono to test coordination, the national emergency operations center, and response to scenarios from floods and cholera to chemical spills. Food Security: As the lean season approaches, WFP and the Togolese government are scaling up support in northern Togo, warning that about 332,000 people could face acute food insecurity between June and August 2026 without improved conditions. Public Finance Integrity: The World Bank opened a governance and anti-fraud capacity session in Lomé for project implementers and oversight bodies, stressing accountability in procurement and use of development funds. Trade Facilitation: WAEMU aligned its origin-determination rules with HS 2022 in Lomé, aiming to improve customs risk assessment and accurate revenue collection. Culture & Media: Togo’s FoNSICA film and audiovisual fund is moving toward operation after stakeholder review of its financing framework, including levies and a dedicated production tax. Regional Spotlight: South Africa’s Nomakhosazana Meth was elected vice-chair of the ILO government group, boosting its influence on global labour standards. Digital Interference Watch: France’s Viginum linked Israeli firm BlackCore to foreign election meddling that includes Togo, alongside claims involving Scotland and New York.