AGP Executive Report

Aviation & Integration: Lomé will host the AFCAC African Air Transport Convention & Expo 2026 (June 15–19), bringing together governments, airlines, regulators and investors to push the Single African Air Transport Market, cut taxes and charges, expand air cargo, and speed up digital and sustainable aviation fuel plans. Maritime Economy: On World Oceans Day, Togo’s Maritime Economy minister said the maritime sector underpins nearly 70% of economic activity and over 75% of tax revenue, with the Port of Lomé handling 30.6m tonnes in 2024 and transshipment driving growth. Trade & Borders: At Biashara Afrika 2026 in Lomé, President Faure Gnassingbé announced visa-free entry for all Africans with valid African passports for up to 30 days, aiming to boost AfCFTA-style free movement. Cross-Border Compliance: In Aflao, Ghanaian customs officials and the Trans-Border Business Network trained 300+ women traders on safe, legal crossings and tax compliance, warning that using unapproved routes can trigger heavy penalties. Finance: Ecobank shareholders in Lomé approved a first dividend since 2022—$40m for 2025—after record 2025 results. Security & Development: UNDP urged Gulf of Guinea conflict prevention to be rooted in local communities, citing socioeconomic fragilities alongside arms and illicit economies.

Cross-Border Trade Support: In Aflao, the Trans-Border Business Network trained 300+ women traders on safe trading and tax compliance, urging use of approved routes to protect livelihoods. Customs Crackdown on Extortion: Ghana’s GRA Customs Commissioner assured traders of action against illegal demands at the border, stressing only four official checkpoints and that goods exported to Togo face no customs duty. AfCFTA Integration Push: At Biashara Afrika 2026 in Lomé, Togo announced visa-free entry for all Africans with valid African passports for up to 30 days, aiming to boost intra-African trade under AfCFTA. Banking Returns in Lomé: Ecobank shareholders in Lomé approved a first dividend since 2022, with a $40m payout for 2025 after strong results. Climate Finance in Lomé: A green diplomacy conference is set for June 30 in Lomé, focusing on ESG finance, climate resilience, and mobilizing funding for adaptation and development.

Ecobank Dividend Boost: Ecobank Transnational Incorporated shareholders in Lomé approved a $40m dividend for 2025, the first payout since 2022, after reporting record 2025 results and strong capital headroom. Climate Finance & Green Policy: A Lomé conference on green diplomacy and ESG finance (June 30) will push climate finance as a lever for economic development, linking to Togo’s climate law and green budgeting. Gulf of Guinea Security: UNDP says Gulf of Guinea conflict prevention must be rooted in local communities, citing socioeconomic fragilities alongside arms and illicit economies. Cross-Border Trade Compliance: In Ketu South, women traders face fines up to 300% of duty for using unapproved border routes; a workshop in Aflao urged use of official posts and tax compliance. Electric Mobility Investment: Spiro secured $215m equity to expand EVs and battery-swapping across African markets, including Togo. Health Lab Training: JICA and Ghana’s NMIMR are training healthcare professionals from Togo and other countries in modern lab skills to fight infectious diseases.

Banking & Markets: Ecobank shareholders meeting in Lomé approved a $40m dividend for 2025, the first payout since 2022, after record FY2025 results (profit before tax $801m) and a capital adequacy ratio of 16.7%. Climate Finance in Lomé: A green diplomacy conference makes its second stop in Lomé on June 30, pushing climate adaptation and ESG finance as drivers of economic development, with Togo citing a growing climate funding gap. Security & Community Prevention: UNDP says Gulf of Guinea insecurity must be tackled through community-led approaches, linking threats to local socioeconomic fragilities, illicit economies and small arms. Health Capacity Building: JICA and Ghana’s Noguchi institute are training lab professionals from Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Togo and Zambia to strengthen infectious-disease diagnostics and lab management. Trade & Cross-Border Bottlenecks: NACCIMA’s road trip to Togo highlights delays, multiple checkpoints and non-tariff barriers that raise the cost of cross-border trade. Energy & Environment: A study warns that charcoal and fuelwood dependence is accelerating forest loss and health risks, including in Togo.

Regional Security & UN Response: The UN launched a Gulf of Guinea conflict-prevention platform in Lomé, rolling out a 2026-2029 Prevention Facility to coordinate action across Togo and four other countries on governance, civilian protection, and local jobs as Sahel-linked insecurity spills south. Trade & Border Bottlenecks: NACCIMA led a Lagos-to-Togo road trip to Biashara Afrika 2026, flagging delays, multiple checkpoints, and non-tariff barriers that raise costs for exporters crossing borders. ECOWAS Health Regulation: In Lomé, WA-MRH steering talks approved a 2026–2030 sustainability plan to strengthen medicines regulation and improve access to quality-assured products across ECOWAS. Digital Policy in Togo: Togo IGF 2026 is set for June 19 in Lomé, with sessions on AI, data, cybersecurity, digital rights, and “digital sovereignty,” plus youth and student forums June 17-18. Banking in Lomé: Ecobank shareholders approved a $40m dividend payout at its Lomé AGM, after record 2025 profits. Energy & Climate: Togo and Team Europe launched a five-year protected-areas partnership in Sokodé to restore ecosystems and build an inclusive green economy.

World Cup Build-Up: FIFA says it will collect items after every match at the 2026 World Cup, continuing a long-running museum trail that already includes historic memorabilia like Pelé’s 1958 tracksuit. ECOWAS Security & Peace: 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. Banking Returns: Ecobank shareholders in Lomé approved a $40m dividend payout for 2025, marking the first distribution since 2022 after record profits and improved efficiency. Digital Policy in Lomé: Togo will host its Internet Governance Forum on June 19, with discussions on AI, data, and digital sovereignty. Aviation Spotlight: Lomé is set to host the African Air Transport Convention & Expo (June 15–19), positioning Togo as a growing aviation hub. Energy & Health: Liberia commissioned its first grid-connected solar plant, while ECOWAS medicines regulators in Lomé approved a 2026–2030 sustainability plan to strengthen access to quality medicines.

Ecobank Dividend Boost in Lomé: Ecobank Group shareholders approved a US$40m dividend payout for 2025 at the bank’s AGM in Lomé, marking the first dividend since 2022 after record 2025 results, including profit before tax of $801m and improved efficiency. Togo Digital Policy Push: Togo’s Internet Governance Forum (June 19 in Lomé) will bring together public, private and civil society actors to debate digital sovereignty and governance challenges in the AI and big-data era. Security and Community Protection: 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. Protected Areas, Local Jobs: Togo and Team Europe launched a five-year partnership in Sokodé to strengthen protected-area management while supporting an inclusive green economy through restoration, climate adaptation and community value chains. Regional Volunteering Forum: Lomé hosts the 8th ECOWAS Forum of National Volunteer Agencies (June 2–4), focused on turning volunteering knowledge into practical tools and better data. Aviation Spotlight for Lomé: AFCAC confirmed plans for the African Air Transport Convention & Expo 2026 (June 15–19) in Lomé, targeting Africa’s air transport liberalization and connectivity.

Banking in Lomé: Ecobank shareholders approved a $40m dividend for 2025—the first payout since 2022—after record results, including $801m profit before tax and a lower cost-to-income ratio of 48.3%. Digital policy in Togo: Lomé will host the 2026 Internet Governance Forum on June 19, with sessions on AI, data, cybersecurity, digital rights and “digital sovereignty,” plus youth and student forums on June 17-18. Environment & jobs: Togo and Team Europe launched a five-year partnership in Sokodé to strengthen protected-area management and build an inclusive green economy through restoration, climate adaptation and community-led value chains. Security & borders: A UN-backed regional dialogue in Lomé launched a Gulf of Guinea Prevention Facility (2026-2029) to coordinate action on violent extremism, trafficking, displacement and local tensions. Health capacity: Biomedical lab scientists and technicians from six countries, including Togo, are training in modern diagnostics and lab management to respond to emerging infectious diseases.

Aviation & Trade: Lomé will host the African Air Transport Convention & Expo 2026 (June 15–19), with 500+ participants and a push to advance the Single African Air Transport Market and boost connectivity. Digital Governance: Togo’s Internet Governance Forum lands in Lomé on June 19, with sessions on AI, data, cybersecurity, digital rights and youth policy. Security & Protection: The UN convened a regional dialogue in Lomé and launched a Gulf of Guinea Prevention Facility (2026–2029) to coordinate action on governance, civilian protection and local jobs. Banking: Ecobank shareholders in Lomé approved a $40m dividend payout for 2025, after record profits. Local Economy: Togo’s ADTPME opened applications to back 50 agro-industrial SMEs and value-chain operators. Environment & Jobs: Togo and Team Europe launched a five-year protected-areas partnership in Sokodé to link conservation with inclusive green jobs. Tax: Lomé’s tax forum will debate whether tax is civic duty or disillusionment as OTR targets 1,338.9bn CFA for 2026.

Aviation & Trade in Lomé: Lomé is set to host the African Air Transport Convention & Expo 2026 (15–19 June), a continental push to advance the Single African Air Transport Market, with 500+ participants and senior AU/AfCFTA/AUDA-NEPAD speakers. ECOWAS People-to-People: Lomé will also host the 8th Annual Forum of National Volunteer Agencies (2–4 June), focused on turning volunteering “from knowledge to action” with better data and regional harmonisation. Tax & Business Climate: Togo’s Revenue Office targets 1,338.9bn CFA francs for 2026, and a Lomé tax forum will tackle whether tax is a civic duty or a source of disillusionment amid strained public-private relations. Agro-Industry Support: ADTPME has opened applications to back 50 agro-industrial SMEs, with technical and financial support across crops, livestock and aquaculture value chains. Coffee/Cocoa Revival: Togo’s coffee and cocoa committee launched a 2026 seedling drive, distributing 398,240 seedlings to renew plantations and boost farmer resilience. Regional Finance: Ecobank shareholders in Lomé approved a $40m dividend payout for 2025, marking a return to dividends since 2022.

Ecobank in Lomé: Ecobank Transnational Incorporated shareholders approved a $40m dividend for 2025—the first payout since 2022—after record 2025 results (profit before tax $801m, +21%). Banking shake-up: WAEMU’s banking regulator cleared Bosquet Investments to buy Nedbank’s 21.22% Ecobank stake, bringing former board chair Alain Nkontchou back as a shareholder. Togo agribusiness push: ADTPME opened applications to back 50 agro-industrial SMEs under PAJEC, targeting value-chain players from cassava and cocoa to livestock and aquaculture. Coffee & cocoa revival: Togo distributed 398,240 seedlings (177,200 cocoa, 106,540 coffee) to renew plantations and support its zero-deforestation push. Aquaculture finance: AED and the EU launched a €1m (about 655m CFA) revolving fund for IFAD-Aquaculture graduates to start fish-farming businesses. Regional integration: More African countries are easing travel rules; Togo and Ghana have moved toward visa-free access for African passport holders, adding momentum to AfCFTA. Health safety: Togo joined a regional forum in Nairobi on safe nuclear and radiation use in healthcare.

Agribusiness Support: Togo’s ADTPME has opened a call to back 50 agro-industrial SMEs, targeting value-chain players in crops like cassava, maize, cocoa/coffee inputs, and livestock/aquaculture, with technical and financial support under PAJEC. Coffee & Cocoa Revival: The coffee and cocoa committee distributed 398,240 seedlings starting June 1—177,200 cocoa, 106,540 coffee and 114,500 agroforestry—to renew plantations and support zero-deforestation goals. Tax & Business Climate: Lomé’s OTR set a 2026 revenue target of 1,338.9bn CFA francs and will host a June 5 forum debating whether tax is civic duty or disillusionment, amid reported strained ties with taxpayers. Aquaculture Finance: AED and the EU launched a one-million-euro (about 655m CFA) revolving fund for IFAD-Aquaculture graduates to start and scale fish farming. Banking & Investment: Ecobank shareholders in Lomé approved a $40m dividend and regulators cleared Bosquet’s acquisition of Nedbank’s Ecobank stake; Ecobank also reported improving subsidiary profitability. Energy & Regional Trade: The World Bank says West Africa’s power programme has built 4,000+ km of lines across 15 countries, boosting electricity access for 3m+ people and cross-border trade. Right to Information: A new West Africa research push on access-to-information laws highlights implementation gaps in Liberia, Ghana, Togo and Sierra Leone.

Banking & Business: Ecobank Transnational Incorporated elected Cathia Lawson-Hall to its board in Lomé (June 3), and shareholders approved a first dividend since 2022: $40m for FY2025. Power & Regional Trade: The World Bank says West Africa’s power integration push is boosting supply and cross-border electricity trading, with 4,000+ km of lines built across 15 countries including Togo. EV & Mobility: Spiro secured $215m in equity to expand battery-swapping EV infrastructure; it already operates in Togo and plans further growth into markets like DRC and Ethiopia. Lomé & Logistics: With disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz, shipping traffic is rerouting toward Africa’s Atlantic coast, a shift that could benefit ports such as Lomé. Local Economy & Skills: Togo’s Fest’Immo SolarDayZ drew nearly 5,000 visitors, while ATD-backed edtech incubation helped nine startups prepare for eLearning Africa. Community & Volunteering: Lomé hosts the 8th ECOWAS forum of national volunteer agencies (June 2–4), focused on turning volunteering knowledge into action.

Customs Revenue Drive: Ghana’s GRA Customs Division says it is on track to hit its GH¢68bn 2026 target, citing GH¢18.7bn collected by end of April and urging stricter compliance at checkpoints across the Volta Region, including tighter control of transit and free-zone “suspense” regimes. Togo Real Estate & Energy: Lomé’s Fest’Immo SolarDayZ 2026 wrapped up May 31 with nearly 5,000 visitors and about 60 exhibitors, focusing on “Rethinking Housing in Togo” and the energy transition. EdTech Push for Exports: Togo’s Agence Togo Digital (ATD) backed nine edtech startups through an incubation programme, with training in Vienna and Lomé and plans to showcase at eLearning Africa in Accra. Food Security Warning: The World Bank warns West Africa’s heavy reliance on imported rice costs about $5bn a year and calls for faster execution and financing of the ECOWAS rice roadmap. EV Investment for Lomé: Spiro, operating in Togo and six other countries, secured $215m in equity to expand battery-swapping and EV infrastructure. US Visa Hub Changes: The US plans to cut Africa’s visa-processing missions from nearly 50 to 20 hubs, including Lomé, which could shift costs and travel burdens for applicants. Climate Finance for Togo: GEF funds approved new LDCF/SCCF projects worth $67m+ for vulnerable countries, including Togo, targeting flood/coastal risks and food and water security.

US Visa Overhaul for Africa: The U.S. plans to cut visa-processing missions from nearly 50 to 20 regional hubs, with Lomé (Togo) named among the full-service locations—meaning applicants in non-hub countries may need to travel for interviews and biometrics. Climate Resilience Funding: The GEF’s LDCF/SCCF council approved new projects worth $67m for vulnerable countries, including Togo, to tackle flood/coastal risks, boost food and water security, and improve disaster preparedness. Port of Lomé Trade Impact: With the Strait of Hormuz disrupted since late February, shipping routes are shifting toward Africa’s Atlantic coast, and the Port of Lomé is among the beneficiaries as major lines reroute. Security Warning at the Border: Ghana’s Interior Minister Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak warned against identity fraud and illegal crossings linked to forged Ghanaian passports—an issue that also raises regional security concerns for cross-border movement. Clean Mobility Investment: Electric mobility firm Spiro secured $215m to expand battery-swapping and EV infrastructure across multiple African markets, including Togo.

US Visa Overhaul for Africa: The U.S. plans to cut visa-processing missions from nearly 50 to 20 regional hubs, including Lomé (Togo), Accra, Lagos, and others—meaning many applicants may have to travel farther and pay more for interviews and biometrics. Clean Energy & Mobility Investment: Spiro (operating in Togo among other countries) secured $215M in equity to expand its battery-swapping network and electric two-wheeler infrastructure across Africa. Climate Resilience Funding: Togo is among countries set to receive over $67M in new climate adaptation support to strengthen flood/coastal risk management and food and water security. Regional Mining Spotlight (WAMPEX): Ministers from Nigeria, Mali, and Ghana are confirmed for the 19th WAMPEX in Accra, underscoring policy and investment focus for West Africa’s mining and power sector. Identity & Security Alert: Ghana’s interior minister warned against identity fraud after Nigerians deported from Saudi Arabia allegedly produced Ghanaian passports on arrival in Abuja.