AGP Executive Report

AFCON 2027 Qualifiers: Zambia coach George Lwandamina says Tuesday’s home clash vs Togo is the chance to revive Chipolopolo’s campaign after a 3-1 loss to Algeria, with captain Fashion Sakala insisting they’ll win at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium. Debate in camp: Former Zambia midfielder Charles “Chali Cool” Musonda pushes back on Lwandamina’s “population” argument, saying Zambia’s issue is talent selection and trust, not a lack of players. Diplomacy & travel: Togo and the UAE signed a visa-waiver deal for diplomatic passport holders in New York, aiming to ease official travel and speed up bilateral follow-ups. Sanitation push for Greater Lomé: Togo and Hungary discussed speeding up wastewater treatment plants in Aképé and Djagblé under a 2025 agreement. Digital regulation: Togo’s data protection authority and Mali’s counterpart agreed to share regulatory expertise, including cross-border complaint handling and cybersecurity cooperation. Mobile service quality: ARCEP’s 2026 QoS results show YAS leading overall service quality, with mixed mobile internet performance across Greater Lomé. Sports (Togo-linked): Nigeria’s Flamingos won the 2026 WAFU-B U-17 Girls Cup with a 4-0 final win over Togo, completing an unbeaten run.

WAFU Football: Nigeria’s Flamingos won the 2026 WAFU-B U-17 Girls Cup with a perfect run, beating Togo 4-0 in the final in Yamoussoukro; captain Chidera Harmony scored twice from penalties (15th, 35th), with Oluebube Umejiaku (67th) and Oluwakemi Adegbuyi (90th) completing the rout. Drug Enforcement: NDLEA arrested a newlywed businessman, Lovely Chukwulobelu, at Enugu’s airport after he allegedly ingested 72 wraps of cocaine meant for Portugal; in the same crackdown, NDLEA also seized 2.55 million opioid pills in Lagos. Small Business Tech (Togo): Lomé launched B Pilot, a web app that helps entrepreneurs track revenue/expenses, invoices, and quotes, with tiered pricing and data-protection claims. Mobile Network Quality (Togo): ARCEP’s 2026 monitoring says YAS leads overall service quality (75.15% vs 54.07% for MAT), though neither operator fully meets standards, with Greater Lomé performing better than the rest of the country. Youth & Peace (Francophone Africa incl. Togo): JA Africa and Z Zurich Foundation plan to equip 20,000 young people across Burkina Faso, DRC and Togo with entrepreneurship, financial literacy, digital skills and work readiness.

WAFU-B U-17 Girls Cup: Nigeria’s Flamingos crowned champions after a clinical 4-0 final win over Togo in Yamoussoukro, finishing unbeaten with five straight victories, 17 goals scored and just two conceded; captain Harmony Chidi scored twice from the spot, with Oluebube Umejiaku and Oluwakemi Adegbuyi adding the rest. Togo Football (AFCON 2027): Togo opened Group I qualifiers with a 1-0 home win over Burundi in Lomé, setting up a key second match against Zambia in Ndola on Tuesday. Regional Sports Update: Zambia’s Chipolopolo began with a 3-1 loss to Algeria and will host Togo at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium, with tickets still on sale via FAZ TechPay. Finance for SMEs: Ecobank (Lomé-based) says it will target a $2.6bn loan portfolio by 2030 for women-led businesses ($2bn) and agricultural SMEs ($600m), combining credit with training and digital tools. Drugs Crackdown (Nigeria): NDLEA reports major seizures and arrests, including a newlywed man allegedly excreting 72 wraps of cocaine at Enugu airport and the seizure of 2.55m opioid pills in Lagos.

UN Map Resolution: The UN General Assembly adopted “Correct the Map,” backing a new equal-area world map to better reflect Africa’s true size, after Togo pushed the resolution on behalf of African states. Banking & Jobs: Ecobank says it will target $2.6bn by 2030 for women-led businesses and agribusiness SMEs, with $2bn via its Ellevate programme and $600m for agriculture value chains. Climate Security: ECOWAS lawmakers warn that shrinking land and water are fueling farmer-herder conflicts, displacement and deeper poverty, turning climate stress into a regional security risk. Togo Football: Togo began AFCON 2027 qualifiers with a 1-0 win over Burundi in Lomé; Karim Dermane scored early, setting up a key trip to face Zambia next. Sports (Ghana U-23): Desmond Ofei named Ghana’s 26-man Black Meteors squad for U-23 AFCON qualifiers, with a tie that could include Togo. Business & Culture: A Lomé cosmetics founder says Togolese-made products can match imported brands, while AfroQuality opened a flagship Accra store to boost African brands across the region.

AFCON 2027 Qualifiers (Togo): Togo kicked off Group I with a 1-0 win over Burundi in Lomé, thanks to Karim Dermane’s 17th-minute goal, setting up a big second match against Zambia in Ndola on Tuesday. AFCON 2027 Qualifiers (Zambia/Algeria): Zambia were beaten 3-1 by Algeria in Tizi Ouzou; interim coach George Lwandamina said injuries and mistakes hurt, but insisted Zambia must win at home—adding, “Togo won’t have it easy.” Finance & Energy (Togo): BOAD approved CFAF 82 billion for Togo—CFAF 45 billion for agricultural mechanization and irrigation (ProMAI) and CFAF 37 billion to expand petroleum storage at Lomé’s COMPEL SA. Climate Finance: ADFD published a knowledge paper on scaling climate finance and accelerating the global energy transition, highlighting blended finance and partnerships. Health & Rights (Regional): The Ouagadougou Partnership urged stronger leadership and sustainable funding to protect family planning gains across Francophone West Africa. UN World Map Update: The UN General Assembly adopted “Correction of the Map,” backing a new equal-area world map—Togo had supported the resolution.

Medical Tourism & Visas: Togo’s High Commission says India is still the top medical tourism destination, but Africans cite opaque costs, visa follow-up hassles, and language barriers—while India expands online visa options. AFCON Qualifiers (Togo): Togo opened its 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign with a 1-0 win over Burundi, and debutant Zuberu Sharani impressed with a key assist in the victory; Algeria also started strong with a 3-1 win over Zambia, topping Group I on goal difference. UN “Correct the Map”: The UN General Assembly ratified a new equal-area world map, backing Togo’s push to better reflect Africa’s true size and reduce the “Mercator” distortion used in education and tech. ECOWAS Climate Push: ECOWAS Parliament urged action on climate change, calling for a regional climate resilience fund and stronger early-warning systems, with Togo among countries sharing national impacts. Finance for Women & Agriculture: Ecobank pledged $2.6bn by 2030 for women-led businesses and agricultural value chains, while BOAD approved CFAF 82bn for Togo’s agriculture and petroleum storage. Togo-Rwanda Ties: Togo and Rwanda signed MOUs to deepen cooperation, including political consultations and a joint commission framework.

Agribusiness Finance: Ecobank says it will mobilize US$2.6bn by 2030 to back women entrepreneurs and agricultural value chains, including US$2bn for women-led businesses via Ellevate and US$600m for agribusiness SMEs across Africa. Energy & Agriculture Investment: BOAD approved CFAF 82bn for Togo—CFAF 45bn for the ProMAI agricultural mechanization and irrigation push, and CFAF 37bn to expand petroleum storage at Lomé’s COMPEL. Togo–Rwanda Ties: Togo and Rwanda signed MOUs and a framework agreement in New York to deepen cooperation, including regular political consultations and a joint commission to coordinate priority projects. Climate Action (ECOWAS): ECOWAS Parliament urged regional action on climate change after a seminar in Accra, recommending a Regional Climate Resilience Fund and stronger early-warning systems, with Togo among countries reporting. Sports (AFCON Qualifiers): Friday’s schedule includes Togo vs Burundi and Burkina Faso vs Benin, as AFCON 2027 qualifiers continue across the continent.

Lomé Business & Policy: Togo will host the 12th FANAF Insurance Markets Forum on November 2–3, focusing on unpaid premiums under CIMA rules and pushing stronger market discipline across member states. ECOWAS Climate Push: ECOWAS Parliament lawmakers in Accra urged urgent regional action on climate change, calling for a Regional Climate Resilience Fund, better early-warning systems, agroforestry, renewable energy, and stronger oversight of climate commitments. Togo Diplomacy & Maps: Foreign Minister Robert Dussey rejected claims that Togo’s UN “Correct the Map” push benefits Russia, saying it’s about fair cartographic representation, not border changes. Aviation & Trade: ASKY says it aims for 30 aircraft and 40 destinations in five years, with intercontinental routes and a planned Lomé MRO facility. Education & Youth (Regional): Ecobank announced $2.6bn by 2030 for women-led businesses and agribusiness, while sports coverage highlights Togo-linked regional youth football and coaching developments.

Education & Exams: Nigeria’s NECO has released the 2026 SSCE Internal results: 84.70% of candidates scored five credits and above, while 58.67% achieved five credits including English and Mathematics; malpractice cases fell sharply to 1,406 from 3,878 in 2025. Regional Sports: Football coach Patrick Vieira is set to lead Senegal as Africa’s AFCON qualifiers begin, with 21 new coaches taking charge across the continent. Togo in Focus (Diplomacy): Togo’s FM Robert Dussey rejected claims that the UN “Correct the Map” resolution serves Russia, saying it only addresses cartographic representation, not borders. Togo in Focus (Business & Transport): ASKY says it aims for 30 aircraft and 40 destinations within five years, plus a USD 100m MRO facility in Lomé. Climate & Security: ECOWAS Parliament urged faster regional action on climate-driven droughts, floods and displacement, calling for a Regional Climate Resilience Fund and stronger early-warning systems. Togo in Focus (Energy): Togo held market engagement for a planned 120 MW dual-fuel power plant at the Lomé Thermal Power Plant site.

UN Map Vote: The UN General Assembly backed a “Correct the Map” push led by Togo to replace the Mercator projection with Equal Earth, with 164 countries voting yes and the US the only no—aiming to show Africa’s true size more fairly. Digital Media Oversight: Togo’s HARC has started talks with influencers and platform managers under a new digital mandate, focusing first on training and awareness while warning against misinformation, privacy violations and hate content. Energy & Industry: Togo began market engagement for a planned 120 MW dual-fuel power plant at the Lomé Thermal Power Plant site, with World Bank backing, as demand rises. Trade & Standards: Lomé and Accra business leaders meet in Accra for WABC 2026 to unlock cross-border partnerships, while HAUQE’s “Brick Fast Quality” drive pushes firms toward standards and certification for AfCFTA market access. Sports (Togo-linked): Ghana’s Black Maidens thrashed Togo 4-0 in the WAFU B U-17 Girls Cup, and the ILO leadership race puts Togo’s Gilbert Houngbo in the spotlight amid a $363m deficit.

Togo Quality Push: Togo’s High Authority for Quality and the Environment (HAUQE) is rolling out its “Brick Fast Quality” standards and certification drive in Lomé, aiming to help businesses meet conformity rules for trade and export access, with support from GIZ’s AfPQ project. Flood Health Response: The WHO provided emergency medical kits for 10,000 people across flood-affected areas in Greater Lomé and validated a new event-based surveillance guide to spot unusual health threats earlier. Trade Rules for SMEs: A four-day Lomé meeting is training private operators on rules of origin, so firms can prove local processing to qualify for preferential tariffs under regional and continental trade deals. Regional Mediation: The AU and UN reaffirm support for Togo-led mediation in the DRC-Rwanda dispute, with the process running under a roadmap through late 2026. Diplomacy: Moldova and Togo have established diplomatic relations after a New York agreement signed by their foreign ministers. Sports (WAFU B): Ghana’s Black Maidens beat Togo 4-0, while Ghana’s captain Seidatu Wahab says the team is focused on finishing strong against Niger.

UN Map Shift: The UN General Assembly has endorsed Togo-backed “Correct the Map,” voting 164-1 to move away from Mercator and show Africa closer to its real size. Health & Disaster Response: WHO delivered flood-response medical kits for 10,000 people and Togo validated a new event-based surveillance guide for faster outbreak detection. DRC Mediation: The AU and UN endorsed Togo-led mediation in the DRC-Rwanda dispute, with a roadmap running through late 2026. Diplomacy: Moldova and Togo officially established diplomatic relations in New York. Education & Jobs: Togo will deploy 101 Fab Managers to schools and innovation centers after specialized training, while TVET priorities include stronger private-sector links and graduate tracking. Trade Rules: Lomé hosts a meeting on rules of origin to help firms qualify for preferential tariffs. Sports: Ghana’s Black Maidens beat Togo 4-0 in the WAFU Zone B Girls Cup; AFCON 2027 qualifiers kick off with Togo vs Burundi on Friday.

Togo’s TVET push: The education ministry says Togo will make vocational training more job-focused, with stronger private-sector links, better graduate tracking, and digital tools like InserJeune to match skills to employer needs. Energy for industry: Government says it’s working to cut and stabilize electricity generation costs for businesses, including tariff reforms, clearing legacy debts, and boosting domestic gas supply. Mango sector update: Togo’s mango output rebounded to about 35,600 tonnes in 2025, but exports remain small (around 15%), with more produce now going through processing like dried fruit, juice, and jam. Regional diplomacy: Rwanda and Togo signed three agreements in New York to deepen political dialogue and cooperation, including a joint commission and structured consultations. Sports—AFCON qualifiers: Togo will host Burundi on Sept. 25 as the 2027 AFCON qualifying round begins, with Ghana starting away at Côte d’Ivoire on Sept. 24. WAFU youth football: Ghana’s Black Maidens beat Togo 4-0 in the WAFU Zone B Girls Cup.

Mango Economy: Togo’s mango production stayed above 35,000 tons in 2025 (35,569), but only about 15% was exported (4,925 tons), leaving most marketed fruit for the domestic market. Public Finance: Togo’s public debt rose in stock terms to CFAF 4,458.1bn by June 30, 2026, while the debt-to-GDP ratio fell to 60.2% (from 62.8%) as GDP grew faster. Energy & Power: Togo launched an international tender for 5,200 smart metering devices for CEET—1,200 modems and 4,000 data concentrators—under the World Bank-backed IDEA project to protect utility revenue. International Diplomacy: UN and AU leaders pushed for reform of the global financial system and stronger African peace mechanisms, reaffirming support for Togo-led mediation in eastern DR Congo. Shipping Security: Two separate tanker incidents in the Strait of Hormuz were reported by UKMTO—an outbound LPG tanker hit by debris (crew safe) and another inbound tanker struck (two minor injuries). Sports (WAFU B U17): Ghana’s Black Maidens beat Togo 4-0 and now face Togo again with confidence, insisting they’ll stick to their game plan.

WAFU B U-17 Girls Football: Ghana’s Black Maidens say they’ll stick to their game plan as they prepare for their third WAFU B clash against Togo on Monday, with assistant coach Edna Quagraine and deputy captain Osman Rafia both stressing confidence, discipline, and learning from the tournament ahead of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. Maritime Security: UKMTO reports two minor injuries after a tanker in the Strait of Hormuz was hit by an unknown projectile; Iran’s IRGC also claims it struck a Togo-flagged tanker, “Trend,” during what it calls an “illegal passage,” while the ship reportedly continued under its own power. US Immigration Rules: The US State Department published an Exchange Visitor Skills List naming African countries whose nationals may face a two-year home-country requirement for certain visa benefits. AU–UN Cooperation: AU Commission Chair Mahmoud Ali Youssouf and UN chief António Guterres co-chaired talks in New York on strengthening AU–UN cooperation on peace, security, and global financial reforms, including support for mediation efforts led by Togo in eastern Congo. Togo Development & Governance: Togo begins final stakeholder review of its 2026–2031 government roadmap and is moving toward a mandatory green budgeting framework, alongside efforts to expand SME support and teacher recruitment.

Community Peacebuilding: The Oti Regional Peace Council has sensitised Assembly Members in Jasikan and Kadjebi on peacebuilding, conflict prevention, early warning and mediation, urging them to work with traditional leaders, religious groups, youth and women’s organisations to stop tensions before they escalate. Education Support: Kpando MP Sebastian Deh launched the “SMILE TO SCHOOL” initiative, distributing learning materials to newly admitted SHS students across four zones to ease costs for parents and guardians. Women in Transport Jobs: In Lomé, CCI-Togo began the “Femme Action” project training 10 young women in heavy truck driving, cargo-handling and logistics, with a three-month workplace immersion planned as the programme scales. Health Security: West African medical biologists meeting in Lomé called for stronger early epidemic detection and lab capacity to move from reactive responses to faster alerts, as Ebola remains a concern in the region. Togo Governance & Finance: Togo is moving from experimental green budgeting to a mandatory framework, while also pushing reforms to improve farmers’ access to financing and expand teachers through the 2026 recruitment exam. Regional/Global Watch: The UN endorsed a new world map approach (“Correct the Map”), with Togo backing the push to better reflect Africa’s true size.