AGP Executive Report

Maritime Safety: Bulgaria has ended its search for the crew of the Togo-flagged Alfa Watan, which sank after a drone attack in Bulgaria’s Black Sea economic zone. The crew remains missing, and the attackers have not been officially confirmed; Ukraine blamed Russia. Regional Justice: Togo’s Dr. Yaouza Ouro-Sama was sworn in as one of five new ECOWAS Court judges for a four-year term. ECOWAS Chair Bassirou Diomaye Faye urged the judges to act impartially and protect public trust in regional justice. Energy Cooperation: Lomé is hosting an ECOWAS workshop where experts from 12 member states are validating 2023–24 energy-efficiency data to support national energy systems and a regional report.

Black Sea Security: Drones struck two merchant ships in Bulgaria’s exclusive economic zone early Tuesday, with the Togo-flagged Alfa Watan sinking and its crew still missing, while the Palau-flagged Able was set on fire and 18 sailors were rescued; Bulgaria’s PM Rumen Radev called it an “absolutely unacceptable” breach of international and maritime law, as Ukraine’s Zelenskyy said Russia was behind the attack and Ukraine’s forces were not operating in the area. Regional Justice: ECOWAS sworn in five new judges for the Community Court of Justice—among them Dr Yaouza Ouro-Sama of Togo—appointed for a four-year non-renewable term. Togo Governance & Urban Planning: Togo marked 20 years of reforms in land, building permits, and urban planning, including stronger land-use frameworks, digitized permit procedures, and tighter rules on residential leases. Togo Economy/Administration: Togo moved to tighten wage bill control under an AfDB-backed governance project, and also took steps to improve tax relations with Chinese investors. Global Context: A Ukrainian drone attack also set a Liberian-flagged tanker ablaze off Russia’s Black Sea coast, rescuing 23 Indian crew members.

Black Sea Shipping Crisis: Bulgaria launched a major search after drones sank the Togo-flagged cargo ship Alfa Watan off Byala, while a second vessel (Able, Palau-flagged) was set on fire; 18 crew were rescued and two were seriously injured, as officials called the attack a blatant violation of maritime law and warned about wider risks to global shipping. Togo Governance & Public Finance: Togo’s Finance Ministry and ENA began an AfDB-backed training program (PAGDSP) to tighten payroll and wage bill control, improve public spending oversight, and support gender-responsive budgeting and private sector development. ECOWAS Energy Data in Lomé: ECOWAS experts met in Lomé to validate harmonized regional energy-efficiency data for 2023–2024, with Togo pushing universal electricity access by 2030 and highlighting ongoing electrification programs. DRC Mediation Track: AU facilitators held closed-door talks with AFC/M23 leaders in Goma as reports of defections and clashes continue in North Kivu, with Togolese President Faure Gnassingbé’s facilitation panel involved. Togo–China Tax Talks: Togolese tax authorities met Chinese investors to ease tax procedure difficulties and improve predictability, agreeing on bilingual guidance and dedicated focal points for tax and customs. Diplomacy Recognition: Foreign Minister Robert Dussey received a MIPAD “Most Influential 100” award in New York, tying it to Togo’s regional mediation role, including AU-led efforts on eastern DRC. Sports (Regional Youth): Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets named a 25-man squad for the WAFU-B U17 Championship, with Ghana, Togo and Benin in Group A and Nigeria facing Niger and Burkina Faso in Group B.

Togo–China Tax Reset: Togolese tax authorities met Chinese firms in Lomé to ease tax procedures and improve predictability, agreeing on 12 commitments including bilingual French-Chinese tax guides and dedicated OTR focal points for tax and customs. Diplomacy & Mediation: Foreign Minister Robert Dussey received the MIPAD “Most Influential 100” award in New York, while Togo continues AU-led mediation efforts for eastern DRC. Lomé–Russia Logistics Push: A Russian-Togolese intergovernmental commission advanced plans to position Lomé’s port as a Sahel transit gateway, with inspections of key sites like the autonomous port, airport and Adétikopé industrial platform. Regional Governance & Finance: Budget Minister Kodioro Moussa N’Guenore met Moody’s and S&P to discuss public finance reforms and debt sustainability. Sports (WAFU-B U17): Coach Eboboritse named 25 Golden Eaglets for the Ouagadougou tournament, with group clashes including Niger and Côte d’Ivoire. Public Health Watch: A Volta Region report highlights “medicine on the streets” drug hawking despite legal bans, pointing to enforcement and affordability gaps.

Shea Sector Reform: Togo kicked off its 2026–27 shea marketing season in Kara, prioritizing supplies for local processors via a moratorium on exporting surplus, payment-tracking, quality controls, and training; the minimum farmgate price was set at CFAF 300/kg. Public Finance & Credit Ratings: Budget Minister Delegate Kodioro Moussa N’Guenore met Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s in Lomé to discuss public finance reforms and debt sustainability, aiming to strengthen Togo’s credibility with investors. Togo–Russia Logistics Push: Lomé and Moscow moved into an “operational phase” after their intergovernmental commission, with plans to broaden cooperation across mining, energy, agriculture, trade, transport, IT, science and education—while positioning the Port of Lomé as a Sahel logistics gateway. UEMOA Procurement Overhaul: UEMOA finance ministers adopted a directive to speed up public procurement across member states, including Togo, requiring national transposition to make the reforms work on the ground. Youth & Space for Development: Lomé hosted Francophone youth consultations ahead of the Phnom Penh summit, while Togo expanded cooperation with Kyrgyzstan on space-based Earth observation to support agriculture, drought monitoring and water/forest tracking.

Togo–Russia Logistics Pivot: Lomé is moving into the spotlight as Russia’s proposed transport corridor aims to route Russian goods through the Port of Lomé toward Togo and Sahel markets, with a Russian delegation inspecting the Autonomous Port, Gnassingbé-Eyadéma airport and the Adétikopé industrial platform during the Lomé–Moscow intergovernmental commission. Bilateral Cooperation Expansion: Togo and Russia 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: UEMOA finance ministers adopted a directive to speed up public procurement across member states, including Togo, requiring national transposition to implement the results-based framework. Youth & Francophonie Agenda: RIJF opened a Lomé consultation to shape youth priorities for the 20th Francophonie Summit in Phnom Penh, with employment and entrepreneurship topping the list. Space for Agriculture: Togo announced expanded cooperation with Kyrgyzstan in space technology after Kyrgyzstan launched its first national satellite, promising Earth-observation data and training for Togolese specialists. Disaster Response (Regional): President John Dramani Mahama toured Hohoe flood victims in Ghana, linking the disaster to extreme weather and climate change and delivering relief items.

Togo–Russia Trade & Logistics: Lomé is moving from diplomacy to operations as a Russian-Togolese intergovernmental commission in late September set up a transport corridor linking the Port of Lomé to Sahel markets, with inspections of the Autonomous Port, Gnassingbé-Eyadéma airport and the Adétikopé industrial platform. Togo–Russia Cooperation (Broader Sectors): The same commission roadmap expands ties in mining, energy, hydrocarbons, agriculture, trade, transport, IT, science and education, with draft agreements still to be finalized. UEMOA Procurement Reform: UEMOA finance ministers adopted a directive to speed up public procurement across member states, including Togo, requiring national transposition to make the new framework work. Francophone Youth in Lomé: The International Francophone Youth Network opened consultations to shape youth recommendations for the 20th Francophonie Summit, with employment and entrepreneurship topping priorities. Space for Agriculture: Togo announced expanded space cooperation with Kyrgyzstan after its first national satellite launch, aiming to use Earth observation data for crop monitoring, drought detection and training. Hohoe Flood Response (Regional Climate Link): Ghana’s President Mahama visited Hohoe flood victims, linking the disaster to extreme weather and noting rainfall impacts from Togo’s Dayi river flows.

Lomé Airport Sanitation Crisis: Viral reports of sewage splashing at Gnassingbé Eyadéma International Airport turned into a wider scandal after accounts described a pipe rupture and terminal contamination, sparking demands for accountability and repairs. UEMOA Procurement Push: Finance ministers in Dakar adopted a UEMOA directive to speed up public procurement across member states, including Togo, with results-based targets that still require national legal transposition. Togo–Russia Economic Rapprochement: Lomé and Moscow expanded cooperation after their first intergovernmental joint commission, focusing on mining, energy, agriculture, trade, transport, IT, science, education, and investment protection. Space for Agriculture: Togo signed a cooperation expansion with Kyrgyzstan to use satellite Earth-observation data for crop monitoring, drought detection, yields, and water/forest tracking. Hohoe Flood Response: President John Dramani Mahama visited Hohoe after the September 28 floods, linking the disaster to climate-driven extreme weather and delivering relief items. Francophone Youth in Lomé: A two-day RIJF consultation gathered youth to shape recommendations for the Francophonie Summit in Phnom Penh, with employment and entrepreneurship topping priorities. US Visa Bond Rule: The US announced visa bonds up to $20,000 for citizens of 50 countries; India is not listed, but the policy affects many African states.

Togo-Russia Cooperation: Lomé and Moscow broadened ties after their first 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): UEMOA finance ministers adopted a directive to speed up public procurement across member states, including Togo, with national law transposition required for implementation. Space for Agriculture: Togo expanded space cooperation with Kyrgyzstan after the launch of Kyrgyzstan’s first satellite, aiming to use Earth-observation data for crop monitoring, drought detection, mineral exploration and renewable energy support. Francophone Youth in Lomé: A two-day RIJF consultation gathered youth to shape recommendations for the 20th Francophonie Summit, focusing heavily on employment, entrepreneurship, training and financing. Lomé Airport Sanitation Crisis: Viral reports of sewage splashing after a plumbing failure at Gnassingbé Eyadéma International Airport sparked public outrage and renewed calls for accountability and infrastructure maintenance. Disaster Response (Regional): President John Dramani Mahama toured Hohoe flood victims in Ghana’s Volta Region, linking the flooding to extreme weather patterns tied to climate change and pledging livelihood support.

Lomé Airport Sanitation Crisis: Lomé’s Gnassingbé Eyadéma International Airport faced backlash after viral claims that passengers were splashed with sewage; SALT says the issue was an overflow from a plumbing trap in the boarding area at 12:50 on Sept. 30, with teams deployed and no reported physical discomfort, while critics demand accountability. Climate & Disaster Response: President John Mahama visited Hohoe flood-affected communities, linking the River Dayi overflow to extreme weather patterns tied to climate change and delivering relief items for over 5,000 people displaced. Togo’s Diplomatic Digital Push: Togo digitized 16 foreign affairs and consular procedures, letting users apply and track status online for services covering diplomatic documents, consular cards, and document legalization. Regional Peace Diplomacy (DRC): Kinshasa sent a delegation to Lomé, Luanda and Brazzaville to build regional support for the FDLR voluntary surrender process, with AU mediator Faure Gnassingbé central to the talks. ECOWAS Investment Drive: EBID launched preparations for EIF 2027 in Lomé (April 7–8, 2027), pitching a capital-mobilization platform for energy, SMEs, climate and inclusive growth. International Human Rights: Ukraine’s Anton Symkovych and Moldova’s Victor Zaharia were elected to the UN Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture for 2027–2030, with Togo also among elected candidates.

Togo Digital Governance: Togo’s Foreign Affairs Ministry has digitized 16 administrative and consular procedures, letting users apply remotely and track status via public and consular platforms. Lomé Airport Accountability: SALT confirmed a plumbing overflow incident in Lomé’s boarding area after viral sewage claims, saying operations weren’t disrupted and no passengers were physically affected. Regional Diplomacy (DRC): A Kinshasa envoy told reporters that tensions around Makotipoko are being handled “at the required level,” with dialogue between the two states underway. ECOWAS Integration Push (Ghana): Ghana’s Foreign Affairs launched “ECOWAS for All” to boost public awareness of regional rights and opportunities. Togo’s Fuel Crackdown: From Oct. 1, Togo begins chemical marking inspections for fuels, with fines up to 10 million FCFA for tampering or dilution. ECOWAS Investment Forum Prep: EBID is gearing up for EIF 2027 in Lomé (Apr. 7–8), targeting capital for energy, SMEs, climate and green industrialization. Togo in UN Mapping Debate: Togo-backed UN resolution urges use of equal-area maps over Mercator for education and public displays. Dangote Refinery Diplomacy: Togo’s president attended the Lamu groundbreaking for Dangote’s $16bn, 700,000 bpd refinery, framed as a step toward energy sovereignty and industrial value-add.

Lomé Airport Incident: SALT denied reports of a “pipe explosion” and said a siphon overflow at Gnassingbé Eyadéma Airport on Sept. 30 caused only visual discomfort, with no injuries or flight disruption. Togo Energy Governance: Starting Oct. 1, Togo begins fuel chemical marking inspections at depots, stations and tank trucks, using mobile lab sampling; fines range from 1m to 10m FCFA and repeat offenses can double penalties. Regional Investment Push in Lomé: EBID kicked off preparations for the ECOWAS Investment Forum 2027 in Lomé (April 7–8), aiming to mobilize capital for energy, SMEs, climate and green industrialization. Monetary Payments Expansion: BCEAO published the Sept. 30 list of 175 authorized PI-SPI participants across the WAEMU, including fintech and e-money firms, expanding interoperable instant payments. UN Mapping Vote: The UN General Assembly endorsed a Togo-led push for equal-area maps over Mercator, with the US the only “no” vote. DRC Peace Diplomacy: Tshisekedi sent a fresh written message to AU mediator Faure Gnassingbé in Lomé, focusing on demobilization and renewed steps for eastern DRC stability. ECOWAS/Finance: EBID approved $100m for Nigeria’s Kano–Maradi rail phase two, plus other regional financing decisions.

DRC Peace Mediation: Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi sent a fresh written message to Togo’s President Faure Gnassingbé in Lomé, urging urgent action to stabilize eastern DRC, with officials briefing Gnassingbé on demobilization efforts as clashes and ceasefire failures persist. Lomé Migration Talks: Lomé hosted continental consultations to set up an African Union advisory council on migration, aiming for a permanent mechanism to share data and shape mobility and border management; the process follows Togo’s recent visa easing for many African passport holders. Togo-Russia Business Push: The Togo Chamber of Commerce proposed longer-term partnerships with Russian firms, including a Togo-Russia Business Council, during the Togo-Russia intergovernmental commission session in Lomé. ECOWAS Investment Forum Prep: EBID began preparations for the 2027 ECOWAS Investment Forum in Lomé, with a pipeline of projects seeking financing and a focus on resilience and inclusive growth. Agriculture Prices: Togo set 2026/27 producer prices for coffee and cocoa to support farmers amid export declines. Regional Energy Spotlight (Togo in the room): Leaders including Togo’s Jean-Lucien Savi de Tové attended the groundbreaking of Dangote’s $16bn East Africa refinery in Kenya, despite land-dispute litigation and local protest claims.

Regional Energy Push: Five African heads of state joined Kenya’s William Ruto and Aliko Dangote to break ground on the $16bn Dangote East Africa Refinery in Lamu, targeting 700,000 barrels per day and aiming to cut East Africa’s fuel-import dependence; Togo’s Jean-Lucien Savi de Tové was among the leaders at the ceremony. Togo Agriculture Policy: Togo set 2026/27 producer prices for coffee at CFAF 1,300/kg and cocoa at CFAF 2,240/kg as exports fell sharply in the prior season, with authorities citing income support amid market volatility. Lomé Migration Talks: Lomé hosted consultations to prepare an African Union advisory council on migration, focusing on data-sharing, border management and free movement, alongside Togo’s recent visa easing for valid passport holders from across Africa. Security at Sea: Somali forces retook control of the hijacked MT Honour 25, where five crew members—including an Indian sailor—were reported killed; separately, a Togo-flagged tanker (MT Eureka) was released after months in captivity. Power & Sports Governance: A 0.2-second blackout at Zambia’s Levy Mwanawasa Stadium during a Togo match exposed floodlight backup weaknesses, with ZESCO saying full brightness can take up to 20 minutes. NDC Party Vetting: Ghana’s NDC cleared 15,000-plus aspirants for constituency executive elections, with about 480 set to run unopposed.

DRC Peace Diplomacy in Lomé: President Faure Gnassingbé met Congo’s Regional Integration Minister Floribert Anzuluni, who delivered a written message from Félix Tshisekedi on accelerating pacification in Eastern DRC, with focus on disarmament, demobilization and reintegration—reinforcing Lomé’s role as an AU mediation hub. Water Infrastructure Push: Togo launched the CFAF 27bn Kara Water Project, targeting 40,000 extra households (over 200,000 people total) with higher production capacity, new intake and treatment works to raise access in Kara from 50% to 75%. Migration Policy Talks: Lomé hosted consultations on the African Union’s planned Migration Advisory Council, with delegates shaping its mandate; Togo highlighted its visa-free entry for Africans with valid passports (up to 30 days). Tourism Numbers & Strategy: Togo reported 500,000+ tourist arrivals in 2024, urging longer stays and higher spending, alongside plans to expand licensed services and digital tools. Anié Market Fire Fallout: The Grand Marché blaze left hundreds of traders ruined, spotlighting chronic gaps in fire safety and preparedness and renewed demands for real reconstruction support. ASKY Fleet Update: ASKY said its last damaged Niamey B737 (ET-BBB) is back in service after major repairs, restoring regional capacity. AFCON Qualifiers (Togo-linked): Zambia beat Togo 2-0 in Group I, while broader qualifiers saw West Africa shocks as Nigeria and Ghana both suffered defeats.

Market Fire Fallout in Anié: The Grand Marché blaze left no deaths but hundreds of traders in Plateaux facing total losses, with renewed anger over repeated failures to modernize fire safety and protect livelihoods. UN Diplomacy: Togo’s FM Robert Dussey pushed for pragmatic, sovereignty-based multilateralism at the UN, arguing security must include prevention and African participation in decisions. Regional Security Context: Ethiopia accused Eritrea, Sudan and Egypt of backing Tigrayan fighters as clashes spread and civilians face displacement and strikes. Togo in Global Cartography Debate: A UN vote on “Correct the Map” backed by Togo and the AU drew attention after the US voted against, keeping the spotlight on how Africa is represented. Aviation Update: ASKY restored its last damaged B737 to service in Lomé after major repairs, boosting regional capacity. Tourism Data Push: Togo resumed work on a Tourism Satellite Account to improve how the state measures tourism’s economic contribution. Diplomatic Travel Deal: Togo and the UAE signed a visa-waiver for diplomatic passport holders to ease official travel and follow-up on bilateral projects.