AGP Executive Report

Investment: Togo reported 47 approved projects worth about $619 million in ECOWAS’s 2025 investment report, which highlights regional efforts to modernise investment rules and digitise services. China ties: Togo and China signed 13 cooperation agreements during Faure Gnassingbé’s visit to Beijing, including a soybean export protocol; China also agreed to write off an unspecified portion of Togo’s debt. National peace: Togo’s Catholic bishops have called for a rosary novena from October 23 to 31, urging prayers for peace and security. Shared water resources: Togo and five other Volta Basin countries resumed ministerial talks after a seven-year break, as they seek to strengthen joint water management amid funding and staffing problems at the authority.

Peace and Church: Togo’s Catholic bishops have called for a national rosary novena from October 23 to 31, praying for peace and security. They also elected Bishop Jacques Danka Longa of Kara as conference president and Archbishop Isaac Jogues Gaglo of Lomé as vice-president. China Ties: Togo and China signed 13 agreements covering trade, technology and customs cooperation. The package includes a protocol to ease soybean exports to China; Beijing also agreed to write off an unspecified portion of Togo’s public debt and pledged free robotics and 6G training for top Togolese students. Regional Cooperation: Togo joined five other countries in resuming ministerial talks on managing shared Volta Basin water resources after a seven-year break. Ministers also reviewed funding problems that have disrupted the authority’s operations. Women’s Empowerment: Togo plans a complaint system for its $62.5 million SWEDD+ project, with channels including phone, text and WhatsApp. Organisers say complaints should be acknowledged within two days and resolved within 20.

China-Togo Ties: Togo and China signed 13 agreements during Faure Gnassingbé’s visit to Beijing, covering trade, technology and customs cooperation. Beijing also agreed to write off an unspecified portion of Togo’s debt; a new protocol could ease soybean exports to China, and two Chinese groups pledged free robotics and 6G training for top Togolese students. Women’s Empowerment: Togo is setting up a complaint system for communities covered by the $62.5 million SWEDD+ project, with complaints due to be acknowledged within two days and resolved within 20. Deportation: One Togolese national was among eight Africans sent by the United States to Sierra Leone under a third-country agreement. Their circumstances and status were not disclosed. Regional Security: UNHCR says displacement in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger has more than doubled since 2020, reaching 3.8 million people as attacks, climate shocks and funding shortages drive families from their homes.

Russia–Togo Ties: A photo exhibition on Russia–Africa summits opened in Lomé ahead of the Russia–Africa forum in Moscow later this month, with organisers saying it will showcase the history of bilateral relations. Public Safety: Police in Ghana’s Volta North Region arrested a man with three guns, including an AK-47; investigators say he traded suspected cannabis for the rifle with an unidentified man from Togo. Women’s Empowerment: Togo plans a complaint system for communities in the $62.5 million SWEDD+ project, with reports accepted in person, by phone or online and targeted for resolution within 20 days. China Cooperation: During Faure Gnassingbé’s visit to China, two organisations pledged free robotics and 6G training for top Togolese students. Togo also signed a plant-health protocol to support soybean exports to China.

Women’s Empowerment: Togo plans a complaints system for communities in its $62.5 million SWEDD+ project, with reports accepted in person or by phone, text, WhatsApp and email. Complaints should be acknowledged within two days and resolved within 20, with confidentiality safeguards for gender-based violence cases. China Ties: Faure Gnassingbé’s visit to China brought pledges of free robotics and 6G training for top Togolese students, plus a soybean-export protocol setting plant-health requirements for shipments to China. The two countries also elevated their relationship to a “community with a shared future.” Digital Skills: Togo has trained 30 digital content creators to combat misinformation and launched data collection to develop AI in local languages. Cross-Border Security: Ghanaian police say a man arrested in Kpando with several firearms allegedly traded cultivated cannabis for an AK-47 with an unidentified man from Togo; investigations are ongoing.

China Ties: Togo’s visit to Beijing delivered new cooperation pledges, including free robotics and 6G training for top students. Lomé and Beijing also signed a plant-health protocol for Togolese soybean exports and elevated ties to a “community with a shared future.” Togo reaffirmed China’s positions on Taiwan, Hong Kong and Xinjiang. Cross-Border Safety: A 15-year-old boy allegedly kidnapped in Ghana was found in Togo and placed in the care of Togolese authorities; arrangements for his return have not been announced. Regional Justice: Togolese judge Yaouza Ouro-Sama joined the new ECOWAS Court bench, led by President Charlyne Brumskine of Liberia and Vice-President Désiré Henri Aïhou of Benin.

China-Togo Ties: During Faure Gnassingbé’s visit to Beijing, China and Togo agreed to deepen ties, with Premier Li Qiang highlighting cooperation in infrastructure, agriculture and finance, and China’s offer to expand imports from Togo. Land Administration: Togo appointed Méméssilé Gnazo as the first head of its National Land and Property Agency, tasked with building a central land registry and improving property rights. Regional Power: The West African Power Pool says the next phase of its cross-border electricity market is expected to launch early next year, following talks in Lomé. Trade and Information: Togo is working with Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger to harmonize customs rules, a move that could ease transit through Lomé, and trained 30 digital creators to spot misinformation. Maritime Safety: A Togo-flagged cargo ship was among vessels struck in recent Black Sea attacks; its 10 crew members were reported missing and presumed dead.

China-Togo Ties: Faure Gnassingbé met Chinese Premier Li Qiang in Beijing as the two countries deepen their partnership. Agreed priorities include infrastructure, agricultural modernization and finance, with China also inviting more Togolese exports under its zero-tariff policy. Regional Power: The West African Power Pool expects to launch the second phase of its electricity market early next year, aiming to expand cross-border trade and improve supply. Its board met in Lomé and backed reforms to strengthen the market’s independence and finances. Digital Togo: Togo is gathering recordings and text in Ewe, Kabiyè and Moba to build AI tools for public services. Separately, the media regulator trained 30 online creators to spot misinformation and verify digital content. Trade Routes: Togo and Sahel Confederation countries are working to harmonize customs rules and link systems, with better cargo tracking intended to support transit through Lomé. ECOWAS Justice: Liberia’s Charlyne Brumskine was elected court president; Togolese judge Yaouza Ouro-Sama is among the five members of the new college.

China Ties: Togo and China have upgraded relations to a “community with a shared future,” following Faure Gnassingbé’s meeting with Xi Jinping in Beijing. The focus now turns to converting closer ties into investment, jobs and technology transfer. Digital Services: Togo is collecting voice recordings and text in Ewe, Kabiyè and Moba to develop AI tools that could make public services easier to use in local languages. Prices: Consumer prices dipped 0.1% in September as cheaper food offset rising fuel, housing and transport costs; prices were still 2.4% higher than a year earlier. Regional Power: The West African Power Pool expects to launch the second phase of its electricity market early next year, after discussing the plan at a board meeting in Lomé. Animal Health: Seven West African countries adopted joint strategies in Lomé to tackle livestock diseases and improve outbreak monitoring.

China Partnership: Togo and China have upgraded ties to a “community with a shared future,” with cooperation spanning agriculture, technology and maritime affairs. Trade reached $5.43 billion in 2025, but Lomé faces the challenge of turning closer ties into jobs, investment and skills. Digital Careers: Togo AI Lab is guiding young people toward data and AI jobs through workshops, while Lomé prepares to host an Afric’innov summit on AI and startup support in November. Port and Ocean Strategy: Faure Gnassingbé says Lomé wants more economic value from port activity, not simply higher cargo traffic. Togo has also backed Xiamen’s bid to host the high-seas biodiversity agreement’s secretariat. Regional Justice: Togolese judge Yaouza Ouro-Sama is among five new ECOWAS Court judges; Liberian Justice Charlyne Brumskine was elected court president. Youth Football: Togo lost 1-0 to Ghana in its WAFU U-17 opener and is due to face Benin on Friday.

China Ties: Faure Gnassingbé and Xi Jinping agreed to elevate relations to a “community with a shared future,” with China promoting zero-tariff access for Togolese exports and cooperation in digital technology, energy and industrialisation. Ecobank also signed a deal to improve yuan payments between China and Africa. Lomé Port & Oceans: Gnassingbé says Togo wants more local jobs and processing from port activity, not just higher cargo volumes. Togo also backed Xiamen’s bid to host the high-seas biodiversity treaty secretariat. Regional Trade: Togo is working with the Sahel states on customs links to secure goods in transit, with Lomé a key starting point for shipments to the region. Development Finance: A Togolese delegation is at the IMF and World Bank meetings in Bangkok, seeking support for development priorities amid tight financing conditions. Mental Health: A study of 576 women in Togo found 30% would first turn to a hairdresser when facing difficulties, while fewer than 1% would approach a health professional.

China-Togo Relations: Faure Gnassingbé met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on Tuesday, where the two leaders announced a “community with a shared future” for a new era. Maritime Safety: New drone attacks off Bulgaria sank a merchant ship and left 11 sailors missing; authorities suspect Russian involvement but say they have no conclusive proof. The strikes follow last week’s sinking of the Togo-flagged Alfa Watan, whose crew was reported missing. Mental Health: A study of 576 women in Togo found 30% would first seek support from a hairdresser, while fewer than 1% would turn first to a health professional.

Black Sea Tragedy: Bulgaria has asked the EU and NATO for help investigating drone strikes that sank the Togo-flagged cargo ship Alfa Watan. Its 12 crew members remain missing. China Ties: President Faure Gnassingbé says China could help Togo and Africa strengthen maritime security, port logistics and the blue economy. During his visit, Lomé-based Ecobank also signed a deal to expand yuan payments between African businesses and China. Lomé Infrastructure: A tunnelling machine has begun work on a 7.5-kilometre underground drainage network expected to benefit about 230,000 residents and reduce flood disruption. Mobile Money: From November 2, verified users in the West African Monetary Union can hold up to CFAF 4 million with one e-money provider, double the previous cap. Regional Energy: WAPP board members re-elected TCN chief Sule Abdulaziz as chair at a meeting in Lomé, urging stronger funding and frameworks for regional electricity integration. Women’s Wellbeing: A study finds 11% of surveyed Togolese women turn first to hairdressers for personal support, highlighting their potential role in connecting clients to mental-health care.

Flood Control: Lomé has begun underground tunnelling for a 7.5-kilometre drainage network expected to protect about 230,000 residents from flooding. China Partnership: During Faure Gnassingbé’s China visit, Ecobank signed a deal to improve yuan payments between China and Africa, while talks explored agricultural technology. The trip has renewed questions about whether investment will deliver jobs and services in Togo. Mobile Money: From November 2, verified users in Togo and other WAEMU countries can hold up to CFAF 4 million per issuer, double the current limit; monthly deposits rise to CFAF 15 million. Energy: Togo plans a solar plant near Nangbéto, with capacity of up to 110 megawatts. Women’s Health: A new study highlights hairdressers’ role as trusted confidantes, as Togo has fewer than 10 licensed psychiatrists for over eight million people. Football: Togo’s U-17 side opened its WAFU Zone B campaign with a 1-0 loss to Ghana in Burkina Faso.

Youth Football: Togo opened its WAFU Zone B U-17 campaign with a 1-0 loss to Ghana in Ouagadougou. The Young Sparrowhawks next face Benin on October 16 as they chase a place at the 2027 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations. Energy: Togo plans a solar plant of up to 110 megawatts at Nangbéto, part of a wider 400-megawatt renewable energy programme. The West Africa Power Pool, meeting in Lomé, also re-elected Nigeria’s Sule Ahmed Abdulaziz as board chair for three years. Agriculture: Faure Gnassingbé’s China visit included a tour of Shaanxi’s smart-farming projects, as Togo explores water-saving technology and weighs how the model could benefit local farmers. Trade: A Lomé workshop trained local small businesses on AfCFTA rules, including how to qualify for tariff preferences and expand exports. Higher Education: The University of Lomé and Germany’s University of Rostock are launching a double-degree master’s programme in bioenergy, biofuels and green hydrogen.

U-17 Football: Togo lost 1-0 to Ghana in their opening WAFU Zone B match in Burkina Faso. David Kwarteng scored in the seventh minute; Ghana’s Abdul Latif Wunzalgu was named player of the match. China Visit: Faure Gnassingbé toured Shaanxi’s smart-agriculture projects, including a demonstration base and apple orchard, as Togo explores farming and water-saving technologies. Regional Justice: Togolese judge Yaouza Ouro-Sama was sworn in as one of five new ECOWAS Community Court judges, with a four-year term. Trade: A Lomé workshop trained 50 small businesses on AfCFTA trade rules and export opportunities. Women’s Wellbeing: A study of 576 women in Togo found 30% turn first to a hairdresser when facing difficulties, while fewer than 1% initially seek help from a health professional. Higher Education: The University of Lomé and Germany’s University of Rostock agreed to launch a double-degree master’s programme in bioenergy, biofuels and green hydrogen.