AGP Executive Report

Togo’s Phosphate Push: SNPT CEO Abalo Michel Kezie says the company is renewing equipment and boosting local value in phosphate mining and processing at Kpémé to create jobs and strengthen Togo’s position among Africa’s producers. Cotton Leadership: Nana Adam Nanfamé, a veteran of Togo’s cotton sector, is profiled for his long career from field offices to leading NSCT, including governance reforms after Olam’s 51% stake. Power Interconnection Talks: DRC and Tanzania resumed talks on a proposed 400kV electricity link, weighing three connection options and two grid-routing scenarios. Local Development via AU: Togo’s local governance ministry met AU officials to explore partnerships on capacity building, peace and security, and economic empowerment for women and youth. Health & Rights: WHO convened a Lomé gathering where 26 West and Central African countries pledged to expand rights-based mental health care through community services and primary health integration. Security & Regional Context: UN warns displacement is nearing 20 million across West and Central Africa as insecurity spreads toward the coast.

Mental Health in Lomé: WHO and partners gathered 26 countries in Lomé to push faster, rights-based mental health care, including community services and primary health care integration, noting gaps remain despite 29 countries having policies. Local Development Talks: Togo’s Territorial Administration ministry met the AU in Lomé to explore cooperation on local government capacity, peace and security, plus economic empowerment for women and youth. World Bank Boost for Togo: Togo signed five World Bank financing deals worth $429m for electricity access, social cohesion in the north, transport and logistics upgrades, and support for its unique ID program. Port of Lomé Upgrade: The Port of Lomé completed a new safety upgrade at an oil terminal, aimed at improving operations and risk management. Sports—WAFU U-20: Nigeria’s Flying Eagles begin their WAFU B title defence against Ghana on 27 July in Côte d’Ivoire, then face Togo on 30 July and Burkina Faso on 2 August. Justice—Child Stealing Case: A Togolese mason in Ghana was convicted for stealing a four-year-old boy from Kpedze and bringing him to Accra.

World Bank Deal for Togo: Togo and the World Bank Group signed five financing agreements worth $429m in Lomé to back electricity access, social cohesion in the north, and transport/logistics upgrades to strengthen Lomé’s role as a regional hub. AU Local Development Talks: Togo’s territorial administration has started discussions with the African Union to explore new partnerships for local development, including support for decentralization and youth and women’s economic empowerment. Cross-Border Trade Reality Check: Ghana’s informal cross-border trade hit GH¢31bn in the first three quarters of 2025, with activity involving Togo, Burkina Faso and Côte d’Ivoire outpacing formal trade—highlighting why regional movement rules matter. Security & Borders: Benin and Nigeria carried out a joint geospatial intelligence-led Customs operation along their border, making 37 seizures of illicit goods. Regional Sports: Nigeria’s Flying Eagles learned their WAFU B U-20 group path: Ghana, Togo and Burkina Faso in Group B in Côte d’Ivoire. Health & Climate Angle: A new study links severe West Africa flooding to human-driven climate change and rapid urban growth, warning of knock-on risks for livelihoods and disease.

AfCFTA Push: Nigeria’s industry minister says freer movement across Africa is key to boosting trade and investment, praising Togo’s steps to ease visa requirements for African travellers. World Bank Funding for Togo Vision 2040: Togo signed about CFA257.4bn (US$429m) in financing agreements with the World Bank Group in Lomé to back energy, social cohesion and logistics under the 2026-2031 roadmap. Demographic Dividend Budgeting: Togo is preparing to roll out Demographic Dividend-Responsive Budgeting (DDRB) for the 2027 budget, aiming to steer more spending to education, health, jobs and governance. Business & Industry in Lomé: Profiles highlight SNB’s managing director in Adétikopé and leadership at the Adétikopé Industrial Platform, both tied to investment and export-oriented growth. Football (WAFU B U-20): Flying Eagles were drawn in Group B with Ghana, Togo and Burkina Faso for the 2026 WAFU B U-20 Championship in Côte d’Ivoire. Maritime Security: A Russian strike hit a Togo-flagged vessel in Odesa, killing three crew and injuring five, raising concerns about attacks on civilian shipping. Education Results: Nigeria released 2026 Common Entrance (NCEE) results, with 10 top scorers at 202/210.

Security in the region: Police in Kwara, Nigeria, say they foiled a kidnapping and extortion plot in Okuta, arresting two Togolese suspects, Yakubu Ismaila and Hadiza Kosia, after a ₦22m ransom demand and threats to kill a victim’s brother. Border and immigration enforcement: Nigerian Army troops raided a suspected hideout in Epe, Lagos, arresting 24 foreign nationals (including six Togolese) and handing them to the Nigeria Immigration Service for further action. Transport crackdown in Ghana with Togo links: Ghana’s DVLA says its clone-detection system has led to the impoundment of 85 illegally imported vehicles, with many traced to Togo. Education update: Nigeria released 2026 National Common Entrance Examination results, with 10 top scorers tied at 202 marks. Togo development: Togo is preparing to roll out demographic dividend-responsive budgeting for the 2027 national budget, aiming to steer more spending to education, health, jobs and governance. Port upgrade in Lomé: The Port of Lomé completed safety works at its oil terminal, rebuilding dolphins to improve berthing safety and resilience.

Togo–Luxembourg Cooperation: Togo signed three agreements in Lomé with Luxembourg to fund environmental work (INCLURE), support development planning, and strengthen cybersecurity through TogoCyber+. Climate & Flood Risk: A new West Africa study says extreme rainfall is now about five times more likely due to climate change, with deadly floods hitting coastal areas including Togo. Sports (WAFU B U-20): The WAFU B U-20 draw sets up Nigeria’s Flying Eagles against Ghana’s Black Satellites, Togo’s Junior Sparrow Hawks, and Burkina Faso’s Young Stallions in Group B, with the tournament serving as a qualifier for Ghana-hosted AFCON U-20. Business & Investment: A Japanese business delegation will visit Togo from July 19–22, with a Lomé B2B meeting on July 20 to explore partnerships. Culture: Kpalimé’s KIFFMU festival wrapped up with multiple awards for Togolese filmmakers and artists. Public Safety (Regional): Kwara State police in Nigeria disrupted a kidnapping and extortion plot, arresting two suspects linked to threatening calls.

Floods & Climate: Scientists say last month’s West Africa floods were supercharged by global heating, with intense rain overwhelming drainage across Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Togo and Nigeria, displacing thousands and killing dozens. Investment & Diplomacy: Togo will host a Japanese business delegation in Lomé from July 19–22 to explore partnerships and investment as the country finalizes its 2026–2031 roadmap. Culture Spotlight: Togolese filmmakers won multiple awards at the Kpalimé International Film and Music Festival (KIFFMU), highlighting growing local talent. Agriculture Recovery: Togo’s coffee and cocoa sector committee distributed 4,850 seedlings to farmers in Kpélé-Elé after bushfires, aiming to restore plantations and boost resilience. Health & Jobs: A drip irrigation project in Konjiehi is set to improve incomes for 30+ farmers and support climate-smart farming. Sports (Regional Youth): WAFU B U-20 draw puts Ghana’s Black Satellites in Group B with Nigeria, Togo and Burkina Faso, with qualification for the 2027 U-20 AFCON at stake.

Malaria Fight in Togo: Togo has kicked off a nationwide free distribution of 5,658,350 insecticide-treated mosquito nets, following a door-to-door census to register households. Health officials say malaria remains a major burden, with 2.1 million cases and 993 deaths recorded in 2024, and children under five making up about 70% of deaths. AI for Languages: Togo is rolling out an AI project to preserve and promote local languages, aiming to build open datasets and train models for translation and digital public services across 50 languages. World Bank Engagement: World Bank Managing Director of Operations Anna Bjerde will visit Togo on July 16–17 to discuss reforms, jobs, logistics corridors, and climate resilience, including work around the Port of Lomé and WACA. Regional Security Talk: Togo is also in the wider spotlight of West African security cooperation, with Accra hosting ASEC 2026 and a West African Religious Affairs Symposium that includes Togo and other partners. Cross-border Trade Reality: Ghana’s latest report shows informal trade with Togo, Burkina Faso and Côte d’Ivoire hit GH¢31billion in 2025’s first three quarters, underscoring how border commerce shapes livelihoods.

Malaria Prevention: Togo has launched a nationwide campaign to distribute 5,658,350 free insecticide-treated mosquito nets, with door-to-door registration done earlier this year; the first phase runs July 14–18 (Maritime, Plateaux, Centrale, Savanes) and the second July 26–30 (Kara and Greater Lomé), as malaria remains a major public health burden. Language & AI Push: Togo unveiled an AI project at the AI for Good Global Summit in Geneva to preserve and promote national languages, aiming to build open datasets and AI models for translation and digital public services across 50 languages. World Bank Visit: World Bank Managing Director of Operations Anna Bjerde will visit Togo on July 16–17 to discuss reforms, jobs, logistics and climate resilience, including work around the Port of Lomé and WACA. Culture & Youth: Sandrine Agbo was crowned Togo’s 2026 top orator at the Joutes Verbales Francophones in Lomé, winning multiple prizes and a training/mentoring opportunity. Regional Trade: Togo and Benin are coordinating to reduce barriers on cross-border agricultural corridors under PRIMA, targeting smoother movement of goods and boosting trade. Diplomacy: Russia says it is close to opening embassies in Togo (along with The Gambia and Comoros) after technical arrangements.

Maritime Safety in Focus: Russian strikes hit a Togo-flagged cargo ship in Odesa while it was unloading fertiliser, killing 5 crew members and injuring 10, with port infrastructure and nearby civilian facilities also damaged. Public Health: Togo launches a nationwide free mosquito net campaign on July 14, distributing 5,658,350 next-generation nets in two phases to cut malaria cases and deaths. Coastline Protection: Togo strengthens coastal safeguards with new laws that introduce “environmental crime,” set a 100-meter buffer zone from the high-water mark, and raise penalties for violations. Trade & Borders: Togo and Benin are working to ease cross-border agricultural trade by tackling corridor barriers under PRIMA, supported by IFAD and ECOWAS. Diplomatic Moves: Russia says it is advancing plans to open embassies in Togo and other African states, pending technical arrangements. Regional Football: Togo’s neighbours in youth football face key WAFU B U-20 battles, with Nigeria’s Flying Eagles urging discipline to secure AFCON qualification.

Maritime Safety in Focus: Russia struck a civilian merchant vessel flying the Togolese flag while it was unloading mineral fertilizers at Odesa port, killing three crew members and injuring five; Ukrainian officials say the hit sparked a fire and damaged port infrastructure and nearby civilian facilities. Cross-Border Crime: Ghana’s Northern Regional Police arrested two Nigerian nationals, Daniel Victor Eze and David Oko Ewa, over the alleged murder of a fellow Nigerian in Sanzirigu, Tamale, after they were intercepted while trying to flee into Togo. Regional Development & Climate: MIIF backed a clean-up drive in La Dade-Kotopon, donating sanitation tools as part of a wider push to reduce flooding and improve drainage. Sports (West Africa): Nigeria’s Flamingos booked a spot at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco after beating Benin 5-3 in Lomé to win 8-5 on aggregate, with Queen Joseph scoring a hat-trick. Football (Togo-linked): Togolese striker Laba Kodjo signed with Sharjah FC on a two-season deal.

Border Security Upgrade: Nigeria Customs and Benin’s customs are teaming up on geospatial technology to spot weak points, target patrols, and curb trans-border crime while easing legitimate trade along the Seme-Krake joint border corridor. Togo Diplomacy: Angola’s new ambassador to Togo, Rui Orlando Xavier, presented credentials to President Jean-Lucien Savi de Tové, pledging deeper cooperation across political, economic, cultural and multilateral areas. AfDB Leadership in Togo: Malika Dhif, representing Togo at the AfDB board, is highlighted for her role in shaping decisions affecting the three-country constituency. Capital Markets Spotlight: Sokhna M’Baye takes the helm of BOAD Market Solutions, expanding financial solutions for WAEMU capital-raising and infrastructure/energy-transition projects from Lomé. Roads & Trade Disruption (Tempane): A Kongo bridge collapse after heavy rains has stranded traders and commuters, cutting off access to Tempane and essential services. Football (Togo-linked): Nigeria’s Flamingos qualified for the 2026 U-17 Women’s World Cup after beating Benin 5-3 in Lomé on Saturday, winning 8-5 on aggregate; they’ll face Poland, Puerto Rico and Korea DPR in Group B in Morocco. Digital & AI for Africa: Africa secured eight seats on the AI for Good Global Commission, including Togo’s Minister Cina Lawson.

U-17 Women’s World Cup Ticket: Nigeria’s Flamingos booked qualification for Morocco 2026 after beating Benin 5-3 in Lomé, winning 8-5 on aggregate, with Queen Joseph firing a hat-trick and coach Akeem Busari praising the team’s attacking style and resilience. CAF Football Push: The Nigeria Football Federation backed President Tinubu’s role in securing Nigeria’s hosting rights for CAF’s 2026 Ordinary General Congress and Awards, while also setting ambitious targets for the Falcons and Falconets and calling for broader funding support across Nigeria’s leagues. Togo Diplomacy: Angola’s ambassador Rui Orlando Xavier presented credentials to Togo’s Head of State in Lomé, pledging deeper cooperation across political, economic, cultural and multilateral areas. AfDB Leadership (Togo): Malika Dhif, Togo’s representative on the AfDB Board, is highlighted for her role in strategic decisions affecting the constituency, alongside BOAD Market Solutions chief Sokhna M’Baye’s push to expand West Africa’s capital markets from Lomé. Local Disruption: In Kongo (Tempane District), a bridge collapse has stranded traders and residents, cutting off access to markets and essential services as floodwaters block alternatives. Visa Pressure on Region: The UK reaffirmed visa requirements for Nigerians and nationals of 100+ countries for short stays, while the US maintains full entry bans for four West African countries and partial restrictions for others including Togo.

U-17 Women’s Football: Nigeria’s Flamingos booked their place at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after a 5-3 win over Benin Republic in Lomé, winning 8-5 on aggregate and setting up Morocco as the tournament host. Diplomacy: Angola’s Ambassador Rui Orlando Xavier presented credentials to Togo’s Head of State in Lomé, pledging deeper cooperation across political, economic, cultural and multilateral areas. AfDB Leadership: Malika Dhif, Togo’s representative on the AfDB Board, was highlighted for her role in AfDB strategic decisions and her background in Morocco’s public finance administration. Finance & Markets: Sokhna M’Baye, now CEO of BOAD Market Solutions, is profiled for expanding capital-market solutions across WAEMU, including support for infrastructure and energy-transition projects. Infrastructure Shock: Traders and residents in Kongo/Tempane were stranded after the collapse of a key bridge following heavy rain, cutting off access to markets and essential services. Digital & AI Governance: Togo’s Minister Cina Lawson is listed among African leaders on the new AI for Good Global Commission, while broader coverage also points to Togo’s push to build AI capacity for multiple languages. Energy Demand Outlook: CEET projections say Togo’s electricity consumption could rise about 32% by 2030, driven by urban growth and industrial expansion.

U-17 Women’s World Cup Qualifier (Lomé): Nigeria’s Flamingos and Benin’s Amazons meet again at Stade de Kégué on Saturday, with Flamingos holding a 3-2 first-leg edge; coach Akeem Busari says his side will handle Benin’s home pressure, while CAF has named Ugandan Shamirah Nabadda as centre referee and Togolese Aissata Ameyo as match commissioner. Governance & Elections (Ghana, regional warning): CDD-Ghana’s Dr. Kojo Asante urges an end to third-term speculation around President John Dramani Mahama, stressing “Two terms mean two terms” after a Supreme Court suit seeks interpretation of Article 66(2). Energy Payments (Togo-linked): Nigeria’s electricity regulator NERC says Togo, Benin and Niger paid only $4.82m of a $17.48m Q1 2026 bill, leaving about $12.66m outstanding. Trade & Industry (Togo): At Adétikopé Industrial Platform, Togo exported 210,000 garments to the U.S. in 2025, supported by AGOA and Port of Lomé logistics. Public Procurement Integrity (Togo): Construction contractors in Lomé warn against fraudulent bid documents as ARCOP updates blacklist penalties. Mobile Money (Togo): Moov Africa Togo expands Moov Money with insurance and gift card services. Electricity Demand (Togo): CEET projects electricity demand rising about 32% to 2,753 GWh by 2030, driven by grid connections and industrial growth.

Commercial Justice Reform: Togo’s Cabinet has approved a bill to modernize commercial courts, adding digital procedures (electronic decisions and videoconference hearings), tighter deadlines, and a new insolvency chamber to speed up business disputes. Public Finance Push: The government also adopted a bill to create a Caisse des dépôts et consignations (Deposits and Consignments Fund) to mobilize domestic savings and channel them into long-term development projects. Biodiversity Funding Plan: In Lomé, government and partners are reviewing Togo’s biodiversity financing framework under UNDP’s BIOFIN initiative, aiming to validate financing mechanisms and shape a national biodiversity finance plan. Electricity Outlook: CEET projects Togo’s electricity demand will rise about 32% by 2030, driven by grid connections, industry, and the Adétikopé Industrial Platform. Trade & Industry: PIA exports hit 210,000 garments to the U.S. in 2025, while construction contractors warn against fraudulent bid documents amid tougher procurement sanctions. Mobile Money Update: Moov Africa Togo is expanding Moov Money with insurance and gift card services. Sports (Lomé): CAF appointed Togolese Aissata Ameyo as match commissioner for Benin vs Nigeria’s Flamingos U-17 Women’s qualifier in Lomé.