AGP Executive Report

China Visit: Faure Gnassingbé begins an official visit to China today, his seventh, with meetings planned with President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang through October 16. Maritime Safety: The Togo-flagged cargo ship Alfa Watan sank after a drone strike in Bulgaria’s Black Sea waters. Its 10 crew members remain missing after search operations ended; Syria has called for an independent investigation. Digital Services: Togo has launched a month-long pilot to gather Ewe, Kabiyè and Moba texts, recordings and translations to train AI for local-language public services. Economy: Moody’s named Togo among eight sub-Saharan African countries with a positive credit outlook, while warning that debt costs and weak revenue remain risks. Togo is also moving to open its electricity market further to private investors. Football: Togo face Ghana in their WAFU Zone B U-17 opener in Ouagadougou on Saturday. In U-23 qualifying, Libya eliminated Togo 4-1 on aggregate and will meet Ghana next.

Digital Services: Togo has launched a one-month challenge to gather texts, recordings and translations in Ewe, Kabiyè and Moba, helping train AI for future public services in local languages. Energy Reform: The Cabinet has approved a bill to open more of the electricity market to private investment, including grid access for independent producers and businesses that generate their own power. Maritime Safety: A Togo-flagged cargo ship sank after a drone attack off Bulgaria. Ten crew members are missing, and rescuers have ended their search without finding survivors. Diplomacy: President Faure Gnassingbé is due to visit China from October 9 to 16. Economy: Moody’s has turned its outlook for sub-Saharan Africa positive, listing Togo among eight countries with positive outlooks while warning that debt costs and climate risks remain challenges. Regional Justice: Togo’s Yaouza Ouro-Sama has been sworn in as one of five new ECOWAS Court judges. Animal Health: ECOWAS experts meeting in Lomé are working to strengthen regional surveillance and control of diseases that threaten livestock and food security.

Maritime Safety: Togo-flagged cargo ship Alfa Watan sank after a drone attack in Bulgaria’s Black Sea economic zone. Its crew remained missing when the search ended; the perpetrators have not been confirmed. India condemned the attacks on commercial shipping. Regional Justice: Togo’s Yaouza Ouro-Sama was sworn in as one of five new ECOWAS Court judges for a four-year term. Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye urged the judges to uphold independence and integrity. Urban Development: Togo created SONADU by merging two public agencies to coordinate urban planning, housing and infrastructure. Economic Reforms: The government approved a draft law to open the electricity network further to private investment and plans to raise annual tax revenue to CFAF 2.1 trillion by 2031. A new decree also provides faster processing for some business visas. Football: Togo will host Algeria on November 17 in an AFCON 2027 qualifier, after the teams meet in Algeria on November 14.

Black Sea Shipping: The Togo-flagged cargo ship Alfa Watan sank after a drone attack in Bulgaria’s Black Sea economic zone. Its crew’s fate remains unknown, and Bulgarian authorities have ended their search. Energy Cooperation: Lomé is hosting an ECOWAS workshop where experts from 12 countries are validating 2023–24 energy-efficiency data to guide regional planning and investment. Regional Justice: Togo’s Dr Yaouza Ouro-Sama was sworn in as one of five new judges of the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice. The judges were urged to uphold impartiality and public trust. Youth Football: Togo is among seven countries competing in the WAFU Zone B U-17 Championship, which begins in Burkina Faso on October 10.

Black Sea Security: Drones hit two merchant ships in Bulgaria’s exclusive economic zone early Tuesday, with the Togolese-flagged Alfa Watan sinking and its crew still missing, while the Palau-flagged Able caught fire but 18 sailors were rescued; Bulgaria says it’s a “blatant violation of international law,” Ukraine blames Russia, and a major search-and-rescue operation is ongoing about 70–80 nautical miles off Byala. Regional Justice: ECOWAS swore in five new judges for the Community Court of Justice, including Dr Yaouza Ouro-Sama of Togo, for a four-year non-renewable term. Togo Development & Housing: Togo marked World Habitat Day by highlighting two decades of land and urban planning reforms, including stronger land tenure rules and digitized building permit procedures. Refugee Jobs in Lomé: ASKY and UNHCR signed a three-year partnership in Lomé to expand training, internships, and entrepreneurship opportunities for refugees across West and Central Africa, with an initial focus on Togo and five other countries. Togo in the Spotlight: Togo also marked 20 years of land, building permit, and urban planning reforms.

Black Sea Security: Bulgaria launched a major search after drones struck two merchant ships in its Exclusive Economic Zone, sinking the Togo-flagged Alfa Watan with its crew still missing, while the Palau-flagged Able was set on fire and all 18 crew were evacuated; two sailors were seriously injured and taken to hospital as Sofia convened emergency talks and the EU warned attacks on civilian shipping are “unacceptable.” Togo Governance & Wages: Togo’s Finance Ministry and ENA began an AfDB-backed PAGDSP training for over 2,000 participants across 20 public institutions, starting with payroll control and wage bill management to tighten spending and improve oversight. Energy Data for Investment: In Lomé, ECOWAS energy experts are meeting to harmonize regional energy-efficiency data for 2023–2024, supporting Togo’s push for universal electricity access by 2030. DRC Mediation: AU facilitators held talks with AFC/M23 leaders in Goma as reports of defections and clashes continue in North Kivu. Sports (Regional U-17): Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets named a 25-man squad for the WAFU B U-17 Championship in Burkina Faso, where Togo is also drawn in the group.

Digital Economy & AI: Togo AI Lab has tested its “Voice of Togo” platform with 30 selected participants ahead of a public launch under the National Local Language Challenge, collecting feedback to improve the tool for future contributors. Payments & Finance: BCEAO will require interoperable person-to-person instant transfers across UEMOA to use its PI-SPI platform from Nov. 2, 2026, with 175 institutions already authorised and Togo among the covered markets. Trade & Logistics: The Port of Lomé is sending an A2PL delegation to Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali to strengthen Sahel corridor trade links, while separate coverage highlights Lomé’s growing role in Sahel logistics and a new Lomé–Moscow transport corridor plan. Tax & Investment: Togolese tax authorities met Chinese investors in Lomé to ease tax procedure difficulties and improve predictability, agreeing on 12 commitments including bilingual tax guides and focal points for audits. Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Robert Dussey received a MIPAD “Most Influential 100 Hall of Fame” award in New York, tied to Togo’s regional mediation initiatives. Public Health & Safety: A Volta Region report warns of “medicine on the streets” drug hawking despite legal restrictions, while Ghana’s Hohoe flood relief coverage underscores climate-linked extreme weather impacts. Sports: Togo’s football news includes reactions to recent results and youth tournament coverage across West Africa.

Shea Sector Push: Togo kicked off the 2026-27 shea marketing season in Kara, prioritizing local processors with a supply moratorium before any surplus export, payment-tracking, quality controls, and a minimum farmgate price of CFAF 300/kg. Digital Skills for Youth: Ecobank Togo launched a Lomé program for 100 students (80 top high school graduates plus 20 from Ablogamé), training them in AI, cybersecurity, finance, employability and leadership, and giving each of the 80 a laptop and 1 year of internet. Payment Systems Expansion (BCEAO/UEMOA): The BCEAO authorized 175 institutions across WAEMU to join the PI-SPI interoperable instant payments platform, with Togo among the participants (17). Togo-Russia Logistics Talk: A Russian-Togolese intergovernmental commission meeting in Lomé discussed a transport corridor positioning the Port of Lomé as a Sahel logistics gateway, with inspections at key sites including the autonomous port and Adétikopé industrial platform. LGBT Deportations Watch: A Reuters investigation highlighted cases including a Togolese man deported to a third country where same-sex relations are criminalized, raising concerns about the protection system.

Togo–Russia Logistics: Lomé is positioning itself as a Sahel gateway as Russia’s delegation met Togolese officials to plan a transport corridor linking the Port of Lomé with Sahel markets, with visits to the autonomous port, Gnassingbé Eyadéma airport and Adétikopé industrial platform. Togo–Russia Cooperation: A separate update says Lomé and Moscow will broaden ties across mining, energy, hydrocarbons, agriculture, trade, transport, IT, science and education, with investment and customs cooperation among draft agreements. Space for Agriculture: Togo is expanding cooperation with Kyrgyzstan in space technology after Kyrgyzstan launched its first satellite, with plans to share Earth-observation data to help monitor crops, drought and water resources. Public Procurement Reform (UEMOA): UEMOA finance ministers adopted a directive to speed up public procurement across member states, including Togo, requiring national transposition. Health (Ho): Ho Teaching Hospital reports 366+ of 500 breast cancer patients treated between 2012 and 2026, citing earlier diagnosis as key. Sports: In Mara’Monde 2026, Côte d’Ivoire beat Togo 4-1 in the final to retain the world crown.

Togo–Russia Trade & Logistics: Lomé is moving closer to becoming a Sahel logistics gateway as Russia’s transport corridor plans were presented in Lomé, with inspections at the Autonomous Port, Gnassingbé-Eyadéma airport and Adétikopé industrial platform. Togo–Russia Cooperation: The two countries also agreed to broaden ties across mining, energy, hydrocarbons, agriculture, trade, transport, IT, science and education, with draft agreements still to be finalized. UEMOA Procurement Reform: Finance ministers in Dakar adopted a directive to speed up public procurement across UEMOA states, including Togo, with national laws needed for rollout. Space for Agriculture: Togo is expanding cooperation with Kyrgyzstan in space technology, using satellite Earth-observation data to monitor crops, drought and water resources, and to train Togolese specialists. Hohoe Flood Response: President John Dramani Mahama visited Hohoe flood victims in Volta Region, linking the disaster to extreme weather and delivering relief items. Health Update: Ho Teaching Hospital reports strong progress in breast cancer care, with 366+ of 500+ patients treated successfully since 2012.

Air Transport Reform: Africa is moving away from old colonial-era flight routes and pushing free-route airspace to unlock more direct, cheaper intra-African flights, though progress on the AU’s SAATM plan remains slow. Togo–Russia Ties: Lomé and Moscow broaden cooperation after their joint commission, with draft deals in mining, energy, agriculture, trade, transport, IT, science and education. Space for Agriculture: Togo expands space cooperation with Kyrgyzstan to use satellite Earth-observation data for crop monitoring, drought detection, yields and water/forest tracking. Public Procurement Push (UEMOA): Finance ministers adopt a directive to speed up public procurement across UEMOA states, including Togo, plus a 2026–2035 social protection strategy. Hohoe Flood Response: President Mahama visits Hohoe flood victims in Volta Region, links the disaster to extreme weather from climate change, and delivers relief items. Health Update: Ho Teaching Hospital reports strong progress in breast cancer treatment, with many patients successfully treated after early reporting. Visa Bond Watch (US): The US expands a refundable visa bond for B1/B2 visas for citizens of 50 countries; India is not listed.

Togo-Russia Cooperation: Lomé and Moscow broadened ties after their joint commission in Togo, with plans spanning mining, energy, hydrocarbons, agriculture, trade, transport, IT, science and education, plus investment and customs cooperation drafts. Public Procurement Reform (UEMOA): Finance ministers in Dakar adopted a UEMOA directive to speed up public procurement across member states, including Togo, with national laws needed for rollout. Space for Agriculture: Togo is expanding space cooperation with Kyrgyzstan after the launch of Kyrgyzstan’s first satellite, aiming to use Earth-observation data to monitor crops, drought risks, yields and water resources. Health Update: Ho Teaching Hospital reports strong progress in cancer care, treating 366+ of about 500 breast cancer patients who came for treatment between 2012 and 2026. Disaster Response (Hohoe, Ghana): President John Mahama visited Hohoe flood victims, linking the disaster to extreme weather patterns and pledging livelihood support. Maritime Incident: Five Indian nationals were rescued after a Kuwait-flagged tanker was hit by a projectile in the Strait of Hormuz while sailing toward Lomé.

Airport Sanitation Crisis: Lomé’s Gnassingbé Eyadéma International Airport faced backlash after viral claims of passengers being splashed with sewage; SALT says it was a plumbing overflow in the boarding area at 12:50 and insists no passengers were physically affected, while outrage continues over accountability. Digital Government: Togo digitized 16 foreign affairs and consular procedures, letting users apply remotely and track status via national and consular platforms. Education-to-Jobs Link: AED and Chinese contractor WIETC signed a three-year deal to align work-study training at Togo’s building and renewable energy IFADs with construction and energy workforce needs. Regional Finance Push: EBID launched EIF 2027 in Lomé to mobilize capital for West Africa’s transformation, with a focus on resilience, inclusive growth, and bankable projects. Women’s Lending: Ecobank committed $2.6bn for women-led businesses and agribusiness value chains by 2030, including support for South Sudan. International Spotlight: Togo’s role in UN cartography gained momentum after a UN vote backed “Correct the Map,” and Togo also appeared among elected experts to the UN Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture.

Fuel Quality Crackdown: Togo starts fuel chemical marking inspections from Oct. 1, with mobile lab checks and fines up to 10 million FCFA for dilution or tampering. Digital Government: Togo digitizes 16 Foreign Affairs administrative and consular procedures, letting users apply remotely and track status online. Lomé Airport Update: SALT confirms a plumbing overflow in the boarding area after viral sewage claims, saying teams contained it and no passengers were physically affected. Regional Integration: Togo’s Foreign Affairs launches the “ECOWAS for All” campaign to boost public awareness of ECOWAS rights and opportunities. Diplomacy & Mapping: Togo-backed UN vote endorses the Equal Earth map to better show Africa’s true size, with the U.S. the only vote against. Energy & Industry: Togo President Savi de Tové attended the Lamu groundbreaking for Dangote’s $16bn, 700,000-bpd refinery, aimed at boosting East Africa’s energy security. Sports: Patrice Neveu reacts to Togo’s 2-0 loss to Zambia, while Zambia’s Lwandamina urges the team to move on quickly.

UN Diplomacy & Identity: President John Mahama’s UNGA appearance in an agbada featuring the Adinkra symbol “Kramo Bɔne” is drawing attention to how West African cultural codes can carry political meaning on the global stage. Togo’s Economy & Payments: The BCEAO has published a new list of 175 authorized participants to open PI-SPI interoperable instant payments services, with Togo listed among the early movers. Lomé Airport Incident: SALT disputes viral claims of a “pipe explosion” at Lomé’s airport, saying a siphon overflow caused a mess but no injuries or flight disruptions. Fuel Integrity Drive in Togo: From Oct. 1, Togo begins chemical fuel marking inspections at depots, stations and tank trucks, with fines up to 10 million FCFA for tampering or dilution. Agriculture Prices: Togo sets 2026-2027 reference prices—cocoa at 2,240 FCFA/kg and coffee at 1,300 FCFA/kg—aiming to stabilize producer incomes. Flood Response in Hohoe: NADMO says Hohoe floods displaced 5,336 people across 10 communities, with relief items delivered and more support planned. Sports—AFCON Qualifiers: Togo coach Patrice Neveu says his side wasn’t respected after a 2-0 loss to Zambia, while Zambia’s Lwandamina stresses the three points matter most. Regional Energy Spotlight: ECOWAS Investment Forum 2027 preparations are underway in Lomé (April 7-8), and the Dangote Lamu refinery launch continues to spark debate over land and protests.

DRC Peace Talks in Lomé: Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi sent a fresh written message to Togo’s Faure Gnassingbé, urging urgent action to stabilize eastern DRC, with demobilization of armed groups and a push for a durable ceasefire at the center of the discussions. Togo Procurement Watch: ARCOP suspended a Maritime-region drinking-water procurement after a bidder’s appeal, pausing the process while the dispute is reviewed. Lomé Business Links with Russia: Togo’s Chamber of Commerce proposed a Togo-Russia Business Council and deeper partnership models during the Togo-Russia intergovernmental commission talks in Lomé. Energy & Education: University of Lomé and Germany’s Rostock University signed a dual-degree master’s deal in energy and green hydrogen, while EBID began preparations for the 2027 ECOWAS Investment Forum in Lomé. Agriculture Prices: Togo set 2026/27 coffee and cocoa producer prices ahead of the Oct. 1 season start. Flood Relief in Volta: NADMO delivered relief items to Hohoe flood victims, citing heavy rains upstream in Togo as a key cause.