AGP Executive Report

Quality & Trade Readiness: Togo’s High Authority for Quality and the Environment (HAUQE) held a Lomé workshop to present findings from a benchmarking mission to Morocco and unveiled a roadmap to modernize Togo’s quality infrastructure—aimed at boosting standards in metrology, accreditation, certification and conformity assessment for better market access under AfCFTA. Agri-Business Exports: Togo’s Mango Interprofessional Council (CIFM) says it’s targeting European buyers from 2026, but admits weak producer coordination, marketing gaps and value-chain shortcomings still need fixing. Digital Push: Lomé will host the 5th Togo Tech Expo on July 29–30 at UniPod, focused on “digital sovereignty,” with panels on AI, cybersecurity and infrastructure plus startup pitches and a manifesto. Health Cooperation: Togo and Burkina Faso launched a cross-border seasonal malaria campaign (July 23–26) to protect children 3–59 months, tackling drug resistance and insecticide-resistant mosquitoes. Maritime Safety: A Togolese-flagged seafarer from Antique was killed in a drone attack in Ukraine’s Black Sea, highlighting risks for African crews. Regional Energy Integration: ECOWAS backed the Nigeria–Morocco African Atlantic Gas Pipeline, with Togo among the corridor countries, as security and cross-border protection remain key concerns. Lomé IP Support: FAO training in Lomé is helping entrepreneurs protect innovations via patents and trademarks to strengthen competitiveness.

Health & Borders: Togo and Burkina Faso launched a joint seasonal malaria prevention drive in Cinkansé, targeting children 3–59 months across both sides of the border to tackle drug-resistant malaria and insecticide-resistant mosquitoes. Banking & Monetary Policy: WAEMU banks are holding far more reserves than required at the BCEAO, limiting how rate cuts translate into cheaper borrowing since excess reserves earn no interest. Regional Security: Opposition in Togo raised alarms over reports of Russian mercenaries and Turkish private military personnel operating in the north amid jihadist incursions, urging transparency. Business & Jobs: Lomé entrepreneurs are training with FAO support on patents and trademarks to protect innovations and strengthen access to markets. Sports: Togo is set to make its Commonwealth Games debut in Glasgow, with the event running July 23–Aug 2. Regional Integration: ECOWAS backed the Nigeria–Morocco Atlantic gas pipeline, a $25bn project spanning multiple countries but raising security and protection questions along the route.

Intellectual Property for Farmers: About 30 Lomé entrepreneurs are in a two-day FAO training on protecting farm innovations with patents and trademarks, using prior-art searches to prove novelty and boost competitiveness. Togo Economy Watch: Togo’s annual inflation held at 0.1% in June, while monthly prices rose 1.2% mainly from seasonal food hikes and higher fuel/transport costs. Digital Finance Push: Banque Atlantique Togo and other BCP subsidiaries are rolling out app features in Togo, including online account opening, trusted-device registration, and an e-PIN for safer transactions. Solar Project Oversight: Togo’s AT2ER is seeking a consultant to monitor and evaluate the Awandjelo solar project in Kara, funded by BOAD, with a CFA100m contract and a July 31 deadline. Regional Payments Plan: BCEAO is preparing a six-month PAPSS pilot to speed cross-border payments across WAEMU, involving 80+ banks. Aviation Incident: Brussels Airlines flight SN278 from Accra to Lomé returned to Accra shortly after take-off due to a technical fault; passengers were assisted and the cause is under investigation. Security Concern in the North: Togo opposition groups allege Russian and Turkish private forces are operating in the north, calling for transparency.

Fake Admissions Crackdown: NSCDC says it dismantled a suspected fake “university” in a three-bedroom apartment in Badagry, Lagos, rescuing 106 youths (19–24) and arresting the proprietor; victims allegedly paid ₦200,000–₦1.5m, while foreign recruits from places including Togo paid $400–$500 for promised admission. Togo Inflation Watch: Togo’s annual inflation held at 0.1% in June for a fifth straight month, while monthly prices rose 1.2% on higher food, fuel and transport costs. Digital Banking Push: Banque Atlantique Togo and other BCP subsidiaries are rolling out app features in Togo like online account opening, trusted-device registration and e-PIN authentication. Regional Energy Moves: ECOWAS endorsed the Nigeria–Morocco gas pipeline, expected to run through Benin, Togo and 11 other countries, with construction targeted from 2028. Local Sports & Culture: Lomé hosted the AFRUS Chess Cup 2026 for International Chess Day, with the AFRUS Chess Club officially launched.

Aviation Safety: A Brussels Airlines flight (SN278) bound for Lomé returned to Accra minutes after take-off due to a technical fault, landing safely with no injuries; engineers are investigating the cause. Inflation Watch (Togo): Togo’s annual inflation held steady at 0.1% in June, while monthly prices rose 1.2%, driven mainly by seasonal food costs and higher fuel/transport. Digital Finance in Togo: Banque Atlantique Togo and other BCP group banks are rolling out app features like online account opening and e-PIN authentication, as competition with mobile money grows. Regional Energy: ECOWAS endorsed the Nigeria–Morocco African Atlantic Gas Pipeline, a 6,000km-plus corridor expected to pass through Togo and other states, boosting regional gas access. Road & Local Economy (Togo): Preparations begin for widening the Togblékopé–Atakpamé stretch of RN1, with roadside structures to be cleared by July 27. Sports & Culture (Lomé): Lomé hosted an International Chess Day tournament, launching the AFRUS Chess Club and crowning Kokou Arsène Gédéon Lokossou. Education Scam (Nigeria, regional impact): NSCDC in Lagos says it dismantled a fake “distance-learning university” in a three-bedroom apartment, rescuing 106 youths and arresting the proprietor.

ECOWAS Appointments: ECOWAS leaders approved new statutory and specialised posts for 2026–2030, including Togo’s Yaouza Ouro-Sama as Chief Registrar of the ECOWAS Court and new commissioners across the bloc. Atlantic Gas Deal: ECOWAS also signed off on the $25bn Nigeria–Morocco African Atlantic Gas Pipeline, a 6,000–6,900 km project expected to start construction in 2028 and deliver first gas in 2031, with Togo among the coastal transit states. Togo Road Prep: Authorities along the Togblékopé–Atakpamé RN1 widening route have begun clearing roadside right-of-way, asking residents to remove temporary structures by July 27. AFR100 Support: Togo selected 34 eco-enterprises in the Plateaux region for FAO-backed AFR100 training, with boot camps and mentoring to help them restore degraded landscapes and prepare financing plans. Coastal Risk Debate: Activists are warning against delays in Southern Volta coastal defence, arguing erosion protection decisions are being treated like a “price tag” issue. Regional Security: NDLEA reports major tramadol seizures linked to the Togo–Benin–Nigeria corridor, arresting drivers tied to a transnational syndicate.

Road Safety & Infrastructure: Togo’s RN1 (Togblékopé–Atakpamé) is set for widening, with Zio 1 municipality launching a public notice asking residents and businesses to remove temporary roadside structures by July 27, 2026. Climate Resilience: A new study warns West African floods are now more intense and more likely due to human-driven climate change, with rapid urban growth worsening damage in coastal cities including Togo. Agribusiness & Jobs: In Plateaux, 34 eco-enterprises were selected for training and support under FAO’s AFR100 project, aiming to restore degraded land while preparing businesses for financing. Regional Energy Integration: Togo joined talks on an integrated West African gas market, highlighting heavy reliance on gas for electricity and the push to expand supply beyond the single WAGP route. International Cooperation: Kara region signed a cooperation agreement with France’s Mayotte Departmental Council covering health, education, environment, culture, and local economic development. ECOWAS Politics: ECOWAS leaders met in Sierra Leone for the 69th summit, with Togo’s Faure Gnassingbé attending as the bloc tackles peace, governance, integration, trade, and development. Cross-Border Crime: Nigeria’s NDLEA says it seized 1.63 million tramadol pills in two trailers linked to a Togo–Benin–Nigeria trafficking network, arresting drivers and targeting modified compartments. Youth Sports: Nigeria’s Flying Eagles arrived in Abidjan for the WAFU B U-20 Championship, starting title defence against Ghana’s Black Satellites on July 27, with Togo’s Junior Sparrow Hawks next.

World Bank Deal for Togo: World Bank MD Anna Bjerde visited Togo and discussed priorities focused on jobs for youth, backed by new financing agreements worth about $429m for transport, electrification, natural gas, lagging regions, and digital ID, plus work on coastal protection and the Port of Lomé. Regional Security at ECOWAS: West African leaders, including Togo’s Faure Gnassingbé, gathered in Lungi, Sierra Leone for the 69th ECOWAS summit, with focus on peace and security, governance, integration, trade, infrastructure, and sustainable development. Cross-Border Drug Crackdown: Nigeria’s NDLEA reported major seizures of 1.63 million tramadol pills in two Kano-bound trailers linked to a Togo–Benin–Nigeria syndicate, arresting drivers and tying the haul to earlier interceptions. Togo’s Industry Leadership: SNPT CEO Abalo Michel Kezie highlighted efforts to modernize phosphate extraction and expand local value through equipment renewal and stronger processing. Cotton Sector Spotlight: Nana Adam Nanfamé was profiled for decades of work modernizing Togo’s cotton value chain, including reforms at NSCT.

ECOWAS Summit in Sierra Leone: Vice President Kashim Shettima and other West African leaders arrived in Lungi for the 69th ECOWAS Ordinary Session, with Togo’s Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé among attendees. The agenda covers peace and security, democratic governance, economic integration, trade, infrastructure and sustainable development. Drug Crackdown Across the Togo–Benin–Nigeria Route: Nigeria’s NDLEA says it intercepted 1.63 million tramadol pills hidden in fabricated compartments in two trailers heading to Kano, arresting two 22-year-old drivers, and linking the haul to a transnational syndicate operating along the corridor. Regional Security Push: In Benue State, Nigerian troops with the Benue State Civil Protection Guard killed two suspected terrorists and rescued three kidnapped victims during an intelligence-led operation in Katsina-Ala. Togo-Linked Health & Policy Spotlight: In Lomé, WHO convened a West and Central Africa meeting on rights-based mental health services, with 26 countries pledging to expand community-centred care. Diplomacy and Maritime Safety: Egypt condemned Somaliland’s purported Jerusalem mission and urged Somalia to intensify efforts to secure the release of eight Egyptian sailors held by Somali pirates, involving a Togo-flagged tanker hijacked in May.

Togo–Health Diplomacy: Lomé hosted a four-day WHO-backed learning gathering where 26 West and Central African countries pledged to expand rights-based mental health care, push community services, and better include people with lived experience in policy. Togo–Local Development: Togo’s Ministry of Territorial Administration began talks with the African Union on cooperation for local development, including capacity building, peace and security, and economic empowerment for women and youth. Togo–Industry Leadership: SNPT chief Abalo Michel Kezie outlined efforts to modernize Togo’s phosphate sector with equipment renewal, more local value creation, and sustainable mining and processing. Togo–Cotton Governance: Nana Adam Nanfamé, long-time cotton sector leader, was profiled as chairman of NSCT’s board, highlighting reforms and modernization across Togo’s cotton value chain. Regional Power Talks: DRC and Tanzania resumed talks on a proposed 400-kilovolt power link, weighing three connection options and two grid-routing scenarios. Security in the Region: Benue State (Nigeria) reported an intelligence-led operation that killed two suspected terrorists and rescued three kidnapped victims. Cross-border Trade & Customs: Benin and Nigeria concluded an eight-day geospatial-intelligence customs operation that produced 37 seizures along the border corridor. Climate Risk: A new study warns that human-driven climate change worsened flooding across coastal West Africa, with impacts likely to ripple into food security and water-borne disease risk.

Displacement Crisis: UNHCR says forced displacement and statelessness across West and Central Africa are nearing 20 million, with Nigeria, Burkina Faso and Cameroon driving most internal displacement. Security in Benue: Nigeria’s Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE, with Benue Civil Protection Guard, raided Katsina-Ala hideouts, killing two suspected terrorists and rescuing three kidnapped victims, while recovering arms and ammunition. Togo–World Bank Boost: Togo signed five World Bank financing deals worth $429m to expand electricity access, social cohesion in the north, and transport/logistics to strengthen trade corridors under Vision 2040. Mental Health in Lomé: WHO convened a Lomé meeting where 26 countries pledged to scale rights-based mental health care through primary health integration and community services. Local Development Talks: Togo’s territorial administration began talks with the African Union on partnerships for local government capacity building, peace and youth/women empowerment. Nelson Mandela Day in Lomé: ART held a Mandela-themed evening on his legacy and African unity. Regional Trade Push: Nigeria’s industry minister backed freer movement across Africa to support AfCFTA, praising Togo’s visa-removal steps.

World Bank Financing for Togo: Togo signed five World Bank Group agreements worth $429m in Lomé to fund electricity access and regional power links, social cohesion in the north, and transport/logistics upgrades to modernize trade corridors and strengthen Lomé’s role as a logistics hub. Local Development via AU Talks: Togo’s Ministry of Territorial Administration began discussions with the African Union to explore partnerships on local development, including capacity building and support for women and youth, as the country pushes decentralization through its 117 municipalities. Energy Skills Push (Pan-African Fellows): Energy Transition Africa selected 15 professionals from eight countries for its Pan-African Fellows programme, aiming to tackle Africa’s energy challenges by strengthening institutions and training new expertise. Security and Cross-Border Crime: UN warns extremist threats are spreading toward coastal states in West Africa and the Gulf of Guinea, while Nigeria and Benin reported a geospatial-intelligence-led Customs operation that made 37 seizures along their border corridor. Togo in the News Beyond Borders: A Russian strike in Odesa reportedly hit a Togo-flagged civilian vessel, killing three crew and injuring five. Sports (Regional Youth Football): Nigeria’s Flying Eagles will defend the WAFU B U20 title against Ghana on July 27 in Côte d’Ivoire, with Togo’s Junior Sparrow Hawks next on July 30.

World Bank Financing for Togo: Togo signed five World Bank Group deals worth $429m (about 257.4bn CFA) in Lomé to expand electricity access, strengthen social cohesion in the north, boost transport and logistics for trade corridors, and fund an upgrade to its unique identification system. Local Development Talks: Togo’s territorial administration ministry has started talks with the African Union on new partnerships to support local governments, including work on capacity building and economic empowerment for women and youth. Vision 2040 Push: The financing is framed under Togo’s “Protect, Unite and Transform” agenda and linked to Vision 2040 and the 2026–2031 roadmap. Regional Security Watch: The UN warns extremist activity is rapidly expanding across the Sahel and West Africa, increasingly threatening Gulf of Guinea coastal states. Climate and Flood Risk: A new study says human-driven climate change and rapid urban growth worsened severe flooding across Ghana, Togo, Côte d’Ivoire and Nigeria, raising risks for livelihoods, food security, and water-borne disease.

Togo Budget Reform: Togo is moving to integrate Demographic Dividend-Responsive Budgeting into its public finances, with officials and UN partners preparing for DDRB inclusion in the 2027 national budget after a 2026 pilot that boosted human-capital spending focus. Humanitarian Support in Savanes: The AfDB is considering a $1m grant to back an emergency assistance project for refugees, internally displaced people and host communities in northern Savanes, where displacement and food insecurity are straining services. Port of Lomé Upgrade: The Port of Lomé has finished rebuilding two dolphins at its oil jetty to improve safety and resilience for tanker berthing, supporting petroleum imports and wider logistics modernization. Regional Security Watch: Russia’s strike on a Togo-flagged merchant ship in Odesa killed three crew and injured five, renewing concerns about attacks on civilian shipping and global food trade. Cross-border Crime Alerts: Nigeria’s 65 Battalion arrested 24 foreign nationals in Epe, including six Togolese, and Kwara police foiled a kidnapping and extortion plot, arresting two Togolese suspects.

Togo Budget Push: Togo is preparing to roll out Demographic Dividend-Responsive Budgeting into the 2027 national budget, aiming to steer more spending toward youth-focused human capital like education, health, jobs and entrepreneurship. Humanitarian Pressure in Savanes: The AfDB is considering a $1m grant to support refugees, internally displaced people and host communities in northern Savanes, where tens of thousands are affected by the Sahel spillover. Port of Lomé Upgrade: The Port of Lomé has finished rebuilding two dolphins at its oil jetty to boost safety and resilience for tanker operations, supporting petroleum imports for Togo and landlocked neighbors. Japan-Togo Business Links: A Japanese business delegation will visit Lomé July 19–22 for talks on partnerships and investment opportunities. Regional Security Watch: Nigeria’s army says it arrested 24 foreign nationals in an Epe hideout raid, including six Togolese, handing them to immigration for further action. Climate Risk for the Gulf of Guinea: Scientists report West Africa’s extreme rainfall is now about five times more likely due to climate change, with floods recently killing people across the region including in Togo.

Togo–Luxembourg Deal: Togo signed three cooperation agreements in Lomé with Luxembourg covering environmental financing (INCLURE), a long-term indicative cooperation program, and the TogoCyber+ push to strengthen cybersecurity in digital public services. Climate & Flood Risk: West Africa’s late-June floods were made about five times more likely by climate change, with the study citing deadly impacts across the Gulf of Guinea including Togo. Investment & Diplomacy: A Japanese business delegation will visit Togo July 19–22 for Lomé talks on partnerships and investment, as Togo finalizes its 2026–2031 roadmap. Culture Spotlight: Togolese filmmakers and artists won multiple prizes at the Kpalimé International Film and Music Festival (KIFFMU), boosting local film and tourism momentum. Security Watch: The UN warns extremist activity is escalating across West Africa and the Sahel, increasingly threatening coastal states in the Gulf of Guinea. Regional Trade Context: While not Togo-specific, new reporting highlights how border economies across the region rely heavily on informal cross-border commerce.