AGP Executive Report

Sahel Security: A new C4ADS analysis using flight-tracking data says Russian-linked forces kept an “air bridge” to Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger active with at least 75 flights from Jan 2025 to July 2026, with Burkina Faso receiving the most. Climate & Health: UK researchers warn extreme heat and ageing are becoming compounding health risks, stressing the need for public services to prepare for climate-driven pressure on older people. Togo Policy & Courts: Togo is weighing reforms to commercial courts, protected areas and recognition of foreign public documents, including more digital court procedures like electronic rulings and video hearings. Togo Culture Under Threat: Togo and Benin launched a climate-risk assessment for the Koutammakou heritage site, warning thousands of traditional earthen homes face rising heat, rainfall shifts and material shortages. Regional Mobility: Chad announced visa-free entry for all African citizens from Jan 1, 2027, adding to a growing list that includes Togo. Aviation & Industry: ASKY’s Lomé expansion continues with new aircraft and a direct Lomé–Kano route, while Togo’s Do Pharma highlights local production of intravenous solutions.

Togo Business & Lawmaking: Togo is considering reforms that could reshape how companies operate, including updates to commercial courts, protected areas rules, and the recognition of foreign public documents, as the National Assembly’s extraordinary session reviews multiple bills. Health & Climate: A UK-linked discussion featuring Togo’s actuarial risk work highlights how climate change can hit health directly (heat, storms, flooding) and indirectly by straining healthcare systems and budgets. Civil Society Watch: CIVICUS and partners filed Universal Periodic Review submissions on civil society space that include Togo, focusing on freedoms of association, assembly, expression, and protections for human rights defenders ahead of the 2027 UPR session. Culture & Heritage: Togo and Benin launched a climate-risk assessment for the Koutammakou World Heritage cultural landscape, warning that thousands of traditional earthen homes are at risk and calling for stronger cross-border coordination. Sports (Regional): Togolese refereeing is in the spotlight at WAFCON 2026, with Togolese officials named for semi-final duties in Rabat. Security (Border-linked): Ghana police report intercepting 118 bags of cocoa allegedly headed toward Togo via the Bunkpurugu border, arresting four suspects.

Togo Law & Business Reforms: Togo’s National Assembly is set to consider bills that could reshape the business climate, including reforms to commercial courts (more digital procedures, e-rulings and videoconference hearings), stronger rules for protected areas, and recognition of foreign public documents. Regional Trade & Energy: Nigeria’s PENGASSAN is pushing for a freer, continent-wide market for Dangote Refinery products, arguing that removing cross-border taxes and duties would boost energy security from Nigeria to Togo and beyond. Togo Aviation Leadership: ASKY Airlines CEO Esayas Woldemariam Hailu highlights Lomé’s growth as a regional hub, with fleet expansion and new routes including Lomé–Kano. Border Security: Ghana police arrested four people and seized 118 bags of cocoa (11.8 tonnes) allegedly headed for Togo, with plantain used as a decoy. Culture & Climate: Togo and Benin launched a climate-risk assessment for the Koutammakou World Heritage site, warning that thousands of earthen homes are at risk and calling for tighter cross-border coordination. Sports Spotlight: Togolese referee Vincentia Amedome is set to officiate Morocco vs Cameroon at WAFCON 2026, while WAFU B U-20 honors include Nigeria’s Flying Eagles players linked to Togo’s region.

Cocoa Smuggling Crackdown: Ghana’s North East Regional Police arrested four people and seized 118 bags of cocoa beans (about 11.8 tonnes) at Bunkpurugu, saying the load was allegedly headed for neighbouring Togo, with plantain used as a decoy; suspects are in custody and face court. Regional Security & Cyber Capacity: ECOWAS is training 38 cybersecurity professionals in Lomé to strengthen incident-response cooperation across West Africa, hosted by Togo’s CERT.tg under the JPAC programme. Culture & Heritage Under Climate Pressure: Togo and Benin launched a joint climate-risk assessment for the Koutammakou World Heritage site, warning that thousands of traditional earthen homes (sikien) are at risk and calling for stronger cross-border management. Local Governance & Business Voice: Togo’s SME/SMI association leadership profile highlights Koku Vignon ABOKI’s role in representing small businesses and steering MSME Week efforts. Sports & Youth: Togolese-linked regional sports news includes WAFU B U-20 tournament coverage featuring Flying Eagles players, while ECOWAS cyber training and youth-focused regional forums keep the spotlight on capacity-building.

Cocoa Smuggling Crackdown: Ghana police arrested four people and seized 118 bags of cocoa beans (about 11.8 tonnes) at Bunkpurugu, saying the load was hidden under plantain and headed toward Togo. Cybersecurity Boost in Lomé: ECOWAS trained 38 cybersecurity professionals in Lomé to build a pool of certified incident-response auditors, hosted by Togo’s CERT.tg, to strengthen cross-border defenses. Youth Focus Across the Sahel: Niger’s president urged a “responsible generation” at the Youth Connekt Sahel 2026 forum, with Togo’s youth minister among regional participants. Togo Agriculture Support: Pro-SADI expanded farm input access for about 12,600 small producers in Kara and Savanes since 2024, including fertilizer, certified seeds, pumps and wells for rice, corn and vegetables. Regional Travel Policy: Chad announced visa-free entry for all African citizens starting January 1, 2027, joining countries including Togo that already allow visa-free entry for Africans with valid passports.

Visa & Travel Policy: The US Mission in Nigeria says the planned shift of routine visa processing to a regional hub from August 1, 2026 will not close or disrupt operations at the Abuja embassy. Regional Mobility: Chad will scrap entry visa requirements for all African citizens from January 1, 2027, joining a growing list that includes Togo’s visa-free entry for Africans with valid passports announced in May. Agriculture & Food Security (Togo): Togo’s Pro-SADI project supported about 12,600 small producers in Kara and Savanes since 2024, boosting access to fertilizer, certified seeds, pumps and wells for rice, corn and vegetables. Youth & Sports (Togo-linked): Togo’s striker Kodjo Laba won the ADNOC Pro League Golden Boot with 25 goals, while Togolese football remains in the spotlight as Nigeria’s Flying Eagles miss U-20 AFCON after a 4-1 loss to Burkina Faso. Culture & Community: A new cohort of 40 women political leaders was launched across Africa and the Caribbean, aiming to strengthen democratic governance and women’s leadership.

Togo Agriculture & Food Security: Togo’s Pro-SADI programme has supported about 12,600 small producers since 2024 in Kara and Savanes, boosting access to fertilizer, certified seeds, motor pumps, and wells for rice, corn, and vegetables, with results reviewed in Dapaong alongside FAO and the agriculture ministry. Regional Mobility Policy: Chad announced it will scrap entry visa requirements for all African citizens from January 1, 2027, joining a growing list of countries easing travel; Togo already allows visa-free entry for Africans with valid passports. Sports—U-20 Shock for Nigeria: Nigeria’s Flying Eagles were thrashed 4-1 by Burkina Faso in the WAFU Zone B U-20 final, ending their hopes of qualifying for the 2027 U-20 AFCON and the 2027 World Cup. Diplomacy—DRC Peace Step: Qatar-backed Doha talks saw the release of 15 detainees from the DRC, handed over to the AFC/M23 with ICRC transport, aiming to build confidence in eastern Congo. Public Policy—Military Pay Rise (Nigeria): Nigeria approved a new armed forces pay structure effective September 1, 2026, raising monthly pay for top ranks and privates.

HIV Funding Pressure: Togo spent CFA19.37 billion on HIV programs in 2025, with international partners covering 86.44%, and health officials say declining support means the country must secure more domestic resources; Togo is preparing a 2027–2029 Global Fund request worth CFA56 billion for HIV, TB and malaria. Local Delivery Push: Togo’s governors and prefects met in Blitta to set second-half 2026 priorities to improve how public policies land on the ground, focusing on coordination, decentralization, security, and better territorial management. Diplomatic Update: Togo’s newly appointed ambassador to China, Afèignindou GNASSINGBE, presented credentials in Beijing, accepted by Assistant Foreign Minister Hong Lei. Roadworks Disruption (Bishkek): In Bishkek, a section of Togolok Moldo Street will close from Aug. 9 for heating network repairs, with nearby intersections reopening as work continues. Cultural Heritage (Kara): Togo’s Evala wrestling rite in Kara draws attention as authorities hope it can be recognized by UNESCO, with initiates performing traditional rituals before wrestling. Regional Peace: Qatar’s Doha Peace Process saw the DRC release 15 detainees to the AFC/M23 movement, with the ICRC transporting them via Uganda.

HIV Funding Pressure: Togo spent CFA19.37 billion on HIV programs in 2025, with international partners covering 86.44%—and as support declines, Togo is preparing a 2027–2029 CFA56 billion request to the Global Fund to keep HIV, TB and malaria services on track. Flood Relief in Focus: After the June 28–29 torrential rains, Togo allocated over CFA1 billion for relief—soap, hygiene kits, household items and CFA40,000 cash per affected household for 26,603 people across 7,306 households. Local Governance: Togo’s governors and prefects met in Blitta to set second-half 2026 priorities, pushing better coordination, decentralization support, and stronger oversight of local public services. Urban Updates (Bishkek): In Bishkek, a section of Togolok Moldo Street will close from Aug. 9 for heating network repairs, with nearby intersections reopened and drivers urged to follow detour signs. Cultural Heritage (Togo): In Kara, the Evala wrestling rite is drawing attention as authorities seek UNESCO recognition, with initiation traditions including scars, ritual dancing, and wrestling bouts. Regional Diplomacy: Togo’s ambassador to the U.S., Frédéric Hegbe, chaired an ECOWAS ambassadorial meeting in Washington, stressing closer regional cooperation on peace and development.

Local Governance & Transport Disruptions: In Bishkek, a section of Togolok Moldo Street (Frunze to Abdymomunov) will be closed to vehicles from Aug. 9 as heating network repairs continue, with the Frunze–Panfilov intersection reopening the same day. Public Policy Implementation: Togo’s governors and prefects met in Blitta to set second-half 2026 priorities, focusing on better coordination, decentralization, local service oversight, and maintaining public order. Disaster Relief: Togo has allocated over CFA1 billion for late-June flood support, including hygiene items and a CFA40,000 cash transfer per affected household. Health & Funding: Togo says it spent CFA19.37 billion on HIV programs in 2025, with international partners covering 86.44%; as support declines, the country is preparing a CFA56 billion request for the 2027–2029 Global Fund cycle. Culture Spotlight: In Kara, the Evala wrestling rite of passage draws thousands of Kabye men and is being positioned for UNESCO recognition. Diplomacy: Togo’s newly appointed ambassador to China, Afèignindou GNASSINGBE, presented credentials to Assistant Foreign Minister Hong Lei.

HIV Funding Pressure: Togo spent CFA19.37 billion on HIV programs in 2025, with international partners covering 86.44%—but as support declines, the country is preparing a 2027-2029 Global Fund request of CFA56 billion to keep HIV, TB and malaria services on track. Local Policy Delivery: Governors and prefects met in Blitta to set second-half 2026 priorities, focusing on better coordination, harmonized administration, territorial management, public order, and stronger decentralization. Flood Relief: After late-June rains, Togo allocated over CFA1 billion for relief to 7,306 households, including hygiene kits, household items, and CFA40,000 cash transfers per household. Diplomacy Update: Togo’s newly appointed ambassador to China, Afèignindou GNASSINGBE, presented credentials accepted by Assistant Foreign Minister Hong Lei. Road Disruption (Bishkek): A section of Togolok Moldo Street will close for repairs starting Aug. 9 due to heating network reconstruction, with drivers urged to plan routes. Culture Spotlight: Northern Togo’s Evala rite of passage in Kara draws attention as authorities push for UNESCO recognition. Sports (Regional): Flying Eagles and Burkina Faso’s Young Stallions meet in the WAFU B U20 final for an AFCON ticket and trophy.

HIV Funding Pressure: Togo spent CFA19.37 billion on HIV programs in 2025, with international partners covering 86.44%, and is now preparing a CFA56 billion request to the Global Fund for 2027-2029 as support declines; HIV infections dropped 70% since 2010 and AIDS deaths fell 73%. Local Policy Delivery: Governors and prefects met in Blitta to set second-half 2026 priorities to improve how public policies land on the ground, tackling administrative, financial, security and decentralization gaps. Flood Relief: Togo has allocated over CFA1 billion for late-June flood response, including hygiene supplies and a CFA40,000 cash transfer per household for 26,603 people across 7,306 households. Road Updates: A section of Togolok Moldo Street will close for repairs on Aug. 9, with traffic changes around the Frunze and Panfilov intersection. Regional Church Appointments: Two African priests and religious figures were appointed consultors for a Vatican dicastery focused on institutes of consecrated life. Sports (Regional): CAF draws set up major preliminary ties for Ghana clubs, with Nations FC facing Mali’s FC Diarra and Medeama taking on TP Mazembe.

Togo Youth & Diplomacy: A new African Youth Survey 2026 says Togolese young people hold very positive views of major partners—100% for China, 97% for the U.S., and 87% for the EU—while also reporting some of the lowest worries about cross-border security threats. Water Finance Push: At the African Water Forum, Togo joined other countries in launching “Water Compacts,” with Chad’s National Water Pact pegged at $3.8bn over five years, signaling a shift toward investment-ready water plans. Regional Mobility & Trade: Chad announced visa-free entry for all African citizens starting Jan 1, 2027, joining Togo and other African states that have already dropped visa requirements. Sports (CAF Draw): Ghana’s Medeama and Nations FC learned their CAF opponents: Medeama face TP Mazembe in the Champions League prelims, while Nations FC take on Mali’s FC Diarra in the Confederation Cup prelims. U.S. Visa Policy: The U.S. made its visa bond program permanent, with a maximum refundable bond rising to $20,000 for citizens of 30 African countries, including Nigeria.

CAF Draw Watch: Ghana’s Medeama SC face DR Congo giants TP Mazembe in the CAF Champions League prelims, with Nations FC drawn against Mali’s FC Diarra in the Confederation Cup—both ties set for September home-and-away legs. Togo Football Path: If Nations FC progress, they’ll meet the winner of Niger’s AS Zam vs Togo’s ASKO de Kara in the next round. Port & Trade Link: Lekki Port is set to start a weekly MSC feeder service routing cargo via Lomé, boosting shipping options for Nigeria–Togo trade. AfCFTA Connectivity: Air Peace says it’s connecting business and travellers across West and Central Africa, including Lomé, as AfCFTA trade momentum grows. Governance & Security: ISS and partners backed a regional push for cooperation against violent extremism, with Togo among supporters. US Visa Policy: The US made a permanent visa bond program for some African countries, with Nigeria among those affected. Youth Sentiment: A survey reports Togolese youth rate China, the US and the EU very positively and show lower concern about cross-border security threats.

CAF Draws: Ghana’s Medeama will face DR Congo’s TP Mazembe in the CAF Champions League prelims, while Nations FC—making its debut—has been paired with Mali’s FC Diarra in the CAF Confederation Cup first round; Nations travel to Mali (Sept 4–6) before hosting (Sept 11–13), and winners could meet Togo’s ASKO de Kara. CAF Champions League Setup: Zamalek start against Djibouti’s AS Port, with Esperance and Renaissance Berkane awaiting their second-round opponents after the first-round qualifiers. U.S. Visa Bond Update: The U.S. has made its visa bond programme permanent, with a refundable maximum raised to $20,000 for citizens of 30 African countries (case-by-case by consular officers), while some countries are exempt. Togo Youth Spotlight: A new African Youth Survey 2026 ranks Togolese youth among the most positive toward China, the U.S. and the EU, and notes strong demand to make business creation easier. Togo Business Leadership: Sondou Adéwa takes over as president of Togo’s Union of Regional Chambers of Trades (UCRM) for a four-year term focused on artisans’ competitiveness and growth. Sports Off the Pitch: Togolese referee Vincentia Enyonam appointed for a CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Group C match between Malawi and Zambia.

Food Safety Crackdown (Ho): Ho Municipal authorities destroyed expired and unwholesome beverages and food products from two retail outlets and a warehouse linked to Madam Angela Nukunu, following a Ho District Court order after prosecution. Sports & Youth (Togo link): Togolese referee Vincentia Enyonam was appointed for the WAFCON 2026 Group C match Malawi vs Zambia in Rabat. Business & Trade (Togo): Sondou Adéwa took over as president of Togo’s Union of Regional Chambers of Trades (UCRM), pledging a four-year push to professionalize artisans and boost competitiveness. Cybersecurity (Togo): Palakiyem Assih was named board chairman of Cyber Defense Africa, after leading Togo’s CERT.tg. Culture & Community (Asogli): Asogli State announced the 2026 Yam Festival programme and a funeral ban from Aug 17 to Oct 4 to keep celebrations peaceful. Regional Security Spotlight: ISS and partners held talks with West African states and bodies to strengthen cooperation against violent extremism.