AGP Executive Report

Togo Economy Watch: Togo’s GDP grew 3.8% year-on-year in Q1 2026, with the secondary sector up 5.1% (textiles, construction, chemicals leading) and services rising 2.8%, driven by transport, trade, and Port of Lomé logistics. International Labour Politics: Togolese ILO Director-General Gilbert Houngbo has launched a bid for a second term, facing Spain’s Yolanda Díaz and Peru’s Javier González-Olaechea ahead of the November 16 election. Maritime & Environment: Togo is co-sponsoring a proposal to review commercial whaling quotas at the International Whaling Commission, drawing criticism from whale conservation groups. Local Partnerships: Lacs 1 (Togo) and Cachoeira (Brazil) signed a sister-city deal focused on culture, tourism, education, youth and women’s empowerment, and plans for a “Brazil House” in Aného. Governance & Health Leadership: Professor Palokinam T. Pitche formally assumed office as DG of WAHO, bringing long experience from Togo’s AIDS programme and regional health work. Energy & Finance: Nigeria’s electricity subsidy hit N1.928tn in 2025 due to frozen tariffs—an issue that also shapes regional power costs and planning.

SCO+ Diplomacy in Bishkek: Togo’s Prime Minister Victoire Tomegah Dogbé is in Kyrgyzstan as the SCO+ summit gets underway, with leaders including UN chief António Guterres and heads of state from across Eurasia; President Faure Gnassingbé also thanked Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov for the warm welcome and said bilateral talks were productive. Academic Links: Togo’s education minister met Russian officials to expand academic exchanges, including mutual recognition of qualifications and dual-degree programmes under the Russia–Africa network university plan. Agriculture & Fertilizers: Belarus President Lukashenka discussed joint ventures with Togo on mineral fertilizer production, building on earlier plans to supply Togolese agriculture with machinery. Public Finance Reform: Togo launched the National Accounting Council (CNC-Togo) to strengthen financial reporting and push better accounting practices across public and private sectors. Road Project Audit: Togo is recruiting a consultant for a 45-day completion audit of the Lomé–Cotonou road resettlement plan, starting October 2026. Youth for Work: With BOAD support, KDA-Pro says it has mentored 43 young people (2023–2026) to improve workplace readiness. School Support: In Lomé, 100 low-income families received school kits ahead of the new term. Security & Drugs: NDLEA reports major drug seizures and arrests across West Africa, including thousands of suspects detained and large quantities of illicit drugs seized.

Diplomacy in Eurasia: Togo’s President Faure Gnassingbé is in Kyrgyzstan for the SCO summit, thanking President Sadyr Japarov and highlighting productive bilateral talks as Lomé seeks wider partnerships on peace, security and development. Regional security jitters: A fresh analysis links Niger’s Niamey unrest to wider coup risks across the Niamey–Lomé–Ouagadougou axis, raising concerns for Togo and Burkina Faso. Governance and finance: Togo launched the National Accounting Council (CNC-Togo) to strengthen financial reporting and push better accounting practices. Transport and safeguards: Togo is recruiting a consultant for a 45-day completion audit of the Lomé–Cotonou road resettlement plan under AfDB funding, starting October 2026. Jobs for youth: With BOAD support, KDA-Pro says 43 young people (18–30) completed a mentoring program preparing them for work, with plans to expand. Cross-border trade: TBN urges ECOWAS free movement to become real at the Ghana–Togo border so women traders face fewer restrictions. Sports: Togo’s Prime Minister Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé attended the opening of the VI World Nomad Games in Bishkek.

UN Labour Race: Peru has nominated former foreign minister Javier Gonzalez-Olaechea to lead the ILO, challenging Togo’s Gilbert Houngbo for a second term as the agency faces funding shortfalls and possible job cuts. US Immigration Update: New US visa and Green Card rules are set to take effect from September 2026, including changes for student/visitor visas and new public charge inadmissibility rules. ECOWAS Free Movement Push: TBN urges Ghana and Togo to make ECOWAS free movement real at the border, saying women traders still face heavy restrictions crossing for trade. Cross-Border Trade Pressure: Niger is turning more to Nigerian ports after Benin border disruptions, citing insecurity on routes through Burkina Faso and Togo. Sports & CAF Stakes: A Ghana MP warns CAF goodwill could be lost over the deteriorating Accra Sports Stadium ahead of major qualifiers. Togo in Focus Abroad: Togo’s Council of Ministers President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé arrives in Kyrgyzstan for the SCO Plus Summit and World Nomad Games. Deportation List: The US released an updated West Africa deportation list of 427 people, including 7 from Togo.

Roads & Farming: Tarmacked roads in Kenya’s Mwea rice scheme are easing transport for farmers, cutting travel time and costs and reducing post-harvest losses. Energy Payments (Region): Nigeria’s power regulator says Togo, Niger and Benin owe Nigeria $11.16m for 2025 electricity supply; $73.91m was invoiced and $62.75m paid (84.90% remittance). Health (Togo): WAHO launched Health Service User Support Centres in Lomé to let patients report concerns, get guidance, and use feedback to improve care quality. Sports (Togo-linked): In WAFU Zone B Women’s Champions League, Ghana’s Ampem Darkoa advanced after beating Niger’s Garde Nationale 4-0; they face Togo’s ASKO in the semi-finals. Geopolitics (Togo): Togo’s Prime Minister Faure Gnassingbé is listed among leaders attending the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Bishkek on Sept 1.

Energy & Cross-Border Payments: Nigeria’s power regulator says Togo, Benin and Niger still owe about $11.16m for 2025 electricity supply, with only 84.9% of invoiced amounts recovered. Healthcare Accountability in Lomé: West African Health Organisation (WAHO) launched Health Service User Support Centres in Togo, Benin and The Gambia, giving patients a place to report issues, seek guidance and access mediation. Electricity Theft Probe: Nigeria’s government ordered a science-based investigation into major power losses on the Ikorodu–Sagamu corridor, where unaccounted electricity is put at around 100MW and losses estimated at N120bn yearly. Regional Security & Diplomacy: Togo’s Prime Minister Faure Gnassingbé is listed among leaders attending the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Bishkek on September 1. Sports (Regional): Togo’s ASKO de Kara is set to face Ghana’s Ampem Darkoa Ladies in WAFU Zone B women’s qualifiers, with semi-final matchups taking shape.

Healthcare Accountability: WAHO has launched Health Service User Support Centres in Benin, The Gambia and Togo, including a Lomé launch on 21 August, giving patients a dignified place to raise concerns, seek guidance, and support dialogue and mediation. Power Payments: Nigeria’s NERC says Togo, Benin and Niger owe Nigeria $11.16m for 2025 electricity supply, with only 84.90% of $73.91m recovered so far, raising pressure on cross-border energy bills. SCO Summit in Bishkek: Leaders from 17 countries and UN chief António Guterres are set to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit on September 1, with Togolese Prime Minister Faure Gnassingbé among the expected participants. Regional Security Talks: Russia’s ambassador to Niger says gunmen tried to enter the Bravia Hotel in Niamey where AES parliament members were staying, with the attempt repelled amid wider Sahel security tensions. Sports & Culture: Togolese Prime Minister Faure Gnassingbé is also in the SCO spotlight, while Ghana’s Ampem Darkoa advanced in WAFU B Women’s Champions League qualifiers and Togo’s music industry continues to push digital distribution through professionals like Nihtael. Economy & Agriculture: Togo’s 2026-2027 cotton season is underway with planted acreage at 115,980 hectares (110.5% of target), aiming for 105,000 tons of seed cotton.

Regional Diplomacy: Togo’s Prime Minister Faure Gnassingbé is set to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Bishkek on September 1, alongside leaders including Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin, Narendra Modi, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and UN Secretary-General António Guterres. Power & Payments: Nigeria’s electricity regulator says Togo, Niger and Benin owe Nigeria $11.16m for 2025 electricity-related services, with international customers paying only 84.9% of invoiced amounts. Tech & Learning: Google expands its free Google AI Plus offer to students in 27 African countries, adding Togo and other Francophone West African markets. Sports (Women’s Football): Ghana’s Ampem Darkoa Ladies beat Niger’s AS Garde Nationale 4-0 in the WAFU B Women’s Champions League and qualify for the semi-finals; they’ll face Togo’s ASKO in the next round. Media & Work: A SYNJIT survey warns Togo’s private media journalists face low pay, insecure contracts, delayed earnings and limited health/social coverage.

Electricity Payments: Nigeria’s regulator says Togo, Niger and Benin still owe Nigeria $11.16m for 2025 electricity supplied under bilateral deals, with international customers paying only 84.9% of $73.91m invoiced. Banking Sector: Togo’s banks posted a CFAF 20.5bn loss in 2025 after a regulator-ordered cleanup of problem loans, even as income and operating profit rose. Cotton Push: Togo’s 2026-2027 cotton season is ahead of plan: 115,980 hectares planted by July 31 versus a 105,000-hectare target, as the sector targets 105,000 tons of seed cotton. Media Jobs: A SYNJIT survey warns Togo’s private media workers face low pay, insecure contracts, delayed wages, and limited social protection. Aviation & Trade Links: ASKY launches a new Kano–Niamey route from Sept. 2 via Lomé, aiming to boost passenger connections across West and Central Africa. Regional Diplomacy: Qatar welcomed the first field verification mission under the EJVM+ ceasefire process in eastern DR Congo, with Togo noted as an AU mediator.

Togo Cotton Push: Togo’s 2026-2027 cotton season is gaining momentum, with 115,980 hectares planted as of July 31—110.5% of the 105,000-hectare target—aiming for 105,000 tons of seed cotton this season. Media Rights: A SYNJIT survey of 69 Togolese journalists (Apr–May 2026) flags precarious work: 91.3% earn under CFAF 100,000 monthly, many face unstable contracts, delayed pay, and limited CNSS/health coverage. Clean Cooking Funding: Togo signed a financing deal to raise $8.5 million (over CFAF 4.7 billion) to scale improved cookstoves, with 107,000 households already reached in Maritime, Plateaux, and Centrale. Private Investment Reform: The Council of Ministers adopted reforms dissolving SAZOF and expanding API-ZF powers to manage industrial zones and streamline investment incentives. Regional Energy Watch: Benin, Togo, and Niger reportedly owe Nigeria $11.16 million in 2025 electricity bills, highlighting payment gaps in cross-border power deals. Culture & Talent: The CRAFTARA Festival opened in Accra, featuring artisans from Togo and other West African countries, while Togo’s Miku Ito?—and Togo’s own Chinese Bridge finalist Wang Jiayi won a continental title.

DRC Ceasefire Verification: Qatar says its first field verification mission under the Expanded Joint Verification Mechanism Plus (EJVM+) reached Minembwe in eastern DRC on Aug. 24, calling it a practical step to operationalize the Doha ceasefire framework and thanking DRC, AFC/M23, the US, Switzerland, MONUSCO, and Togo’s AU mediation role. Aviation & Trade Links: ASKY announced a new Kano–Niamey route starting Sept. 2, routed via Lomé, aiming to boost passenger connections and revive a historic trade corridor. Togo Investment & Free Zones: Togo’s Council of Ministers dissolved SAZOF and expanded the mandate of API-ZF to manage industrial zones and improve investment approvals, transparency, and oversight. Clean Cooking Financing: Togo signed a deal to raise $8.5m (over CFAF 4.7bn) for improved cookstoves, targeting wider rollout from 2026 toward 2032 to cut firewood use and emissions. Local Economy & Jobs: Togo’s CNDS reconvened to tackle new socioeconomic pressures on labor relations and dispute prevention. Sports (Regional): Ghana’s U-23 route in CAF U-23 qualifiers includes a potential Togo-Libya tie, with the winner facing Ghana in later rounds.

Togo Investment & Free Zones: The Council of Ministers adopted decrees dissolving SAZOF and expanding the powers of API-ZF, aiming for a more efficient investment-promotion system with clearer oversight and easier access to industrial zone sites. Clean Cooking Finance: Togo signed a deal in Lomé to raise $8.5 million (over CFAF 4.7 billion) to scale improved cookstoves nationwide, building on a pilot that has already reached about 107,000 households. Social Dialogue: Togo’s CNDS reconvened in Lomé to tackle new socioeconomic pressures and strengthen how it prevents and resolves labor disputes. Marine Biodiversity: The National Assembly approved a bill to ratify the BBNJ high-seas biodiversity agreement, positioning Togo to play a stronger role in January 2027 talks. Skills for Teachers: Togo trained 106 accounting teachers in Lomé on Sage 100 and taxation to better match classroom work with real workplace needs. Banking Snapshot: Orabank Togo leads the market by total assets, with Ecobank and Coris Bank close behind, showing a still-competitive banking landscape.

Road Safety Update: Togo recorded 3,191 road accidents in the first half of 2026, with 314 deaths and 4,695 injuries, though accidents fell 6% year-on-year; speeding remains the top cause (60%), and motorcyclists are the most at-risk road users. Education & Skills: Togo is training 106 accounting teachers in Lomé on Sage 100 and taxation to better match classroom teaching with workplace needs. Social Dialogue: Togo’s CNDS reconvened in Lomé to tackle new socioeconomic pressures and strengthen its role in preventing and resolving labor disputes. Marine Conservation: The National Assembly adopted a bill to ratify the BBNJ high-seas biodiversity agreement, aiming to boost Togo’s voice ahead of the January 2027 conference. Sports (CAF U-23): The CAF U-23 AFCON qualifiers draw sets Togo vs Libya in the first round, with first legs due Sept. 28 and returns Oct. 6. Business/Trade (Regional): Dangote says it plans to acquire ships after shipping shortages and road transit costs (via Benin and Togo) hurt regional cement exports.

National Social Dialogue: Togo’s CNDS reconvened in Lomé to review its work and adapt to new socioeconomic pressures, with government, unions and employers discussing how to better prevent and resolve labor disputes and strengthen social cohesion. Maritime Biodiversity: Togo’s National Assembly adopted a bill to ratify the UN BBNJ Agreement on conserving marine life in areas beyond national jurisdiction, aiming to boost Togo’s voice ahead of the January 2027 conference. Road Safety: Togo recorded 3,191 road accidents in the first half of 2026, with 314 deaths and 4,695 injuries; accidents fell 6% year-on-year, but speeding remains the leading cause (60%). Agriculture Finance: ProMIFA is improving credit access for vegetable growers through meetings with partner banks and technical teams, targeting better loan terms and smoother applications. Sports (CAF U-23): The CAF U-23 qualifiers draw sets Togo vs Libya in the first round, with Ghana awaiting the winner in the second round. Regional Trade/Shipping: Dangote plans to acquire its own vessels after shipping capacity shortages and high road transit costs (including taxes in Benin and Togo) made regional exports harder.

CAF Football: Ghanaian FIFA referee Julian Nunoo has been appointed to officiate ASKO de Kara vs Niger’s AS Zam in the CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round (Sept 13, 2026, Stade de Kégué, Lomé), with Roland Nii Duodu Addy and Theophilus Aberenga Akugre as assistants and Equatorial Guinea’s Antonio Esono Maquina Bindang as match commissioner. Road Safety: Togo recorded 3,191 road accidents in the first half of 2026, with 314 deaths and 4,695 injuries; accidents fell 6% year-on-year, but speeding remains the top cause (60%). Energy Supply: Gas flows from Nigeria to Togo and Benin will be suspended Aug 28–Sept 1 due to West African Gas Pipeline maintenance, raising concerns for gas-fired power generation. Agriculture & Jobs: ProMIFA is improving credit access for vegetable growers by training teams and aligning financing products with farmers’ loan needs across several regions. Education & Innovation: Togo is preparing 101 FabLab managers for schools after a month-long training, aiming to boost hands-on science and technology learning. Health: A malaria workplace survey across 10 West African countries (including Togo) found 62% of workers get no employer support for malaria prevention. Sports Draw: The CAF U-23 AFCON qualifiers draw sets Togo vs Libya in the first round, with Ghana awaiting the winner in the second round.

U-23 AFCON Qualifiers: Ghana’s Black Meteors have been drawn to face the winner of the Togo–Libya first-round tie, with the second-round legs set for 9 and 17 November in Egypt. Sports Governance: Former World Cup winners and FIFA legends, including former Togo captain Emmanuel Adebayor, renewed calls for change at FIFA, accusing Gianni Infantino’s leadership of being “blinded by power.” Malaria at Work: A West Africa survey for World Mosquito Day found 62% of workers get no workplace malaria support, with employers urged to move from awareness to action. Agriculture Finance: Togo’s ProMIFA project is improving credit access for vegetable growers by aligning financing terms, beneficiary selection, and loan application support across regions. Education & Innovation: Togo is training 101 FabLab managers to run school digital fabrication labs, linking classroom science to hands-on projects. Energy Disruption: Gas flows from Nigeria to Togo and Benin will be suspended from 28 August to 1 September for West African Gas Pipeline maintenance, raising power-supply concerns. Maritime Training: Ghana’s Maritime Authority opened a regional training for seafarer examiners, assessors and instructors, with Togo among participating countries.