AGP Executive Report

Visa Openness: Togo just scrapped entry visas for all African nationals with valid passports, allowing up to 30 days visa-free—effective May 18—with travellers still required to register online at least 24 hours before arrival and meet security, immigration and public-health checks. AfCFTA Push in Lomé: The move landed as Togo hosted Biashara Afrika 2026, where President Faure Gnassingbé and AfCFTA officials argued integration must translate into real jobs and trade, not just policy talk. Industrial Ambition: Economist Kako Nubukpo praised Togo’s Adétikopé Industrial Platform as a long-term industrial strategy. Cycling Spotlight: Togo launched the 31st Tour Cycliste International, aiming for stronger regional standing and possible UCI calendar inclusion. Regional Sports: The AFCON 2027 qualifiers draw in Cairo set Nigeria’s Group L (Madagascar, Tanzania, Guinea-Bissau) and Ghana’s group with Côte d’Ivoire.

Information War Exposed: Leaked files describe a covert “Company” network operating across 34 African countries, using disinformation, elite capture and engineered narratives to reshape politics. Togo Health Push: Lomé opened a mother-and-child hospital in Amou-Oblo (51 beds, two operating theatres) to cut maternal and infant deaths. Digital Welfare Talks: In Lomé, a World Bank-backed regional workshop is focused on digitalizing social benefit payments, with Togo’s Novissi cash-transfer model in the spotlight. Border Security Drive: Nigeria’s boundary authority is urging clearer demarcation across the Nigeria-Benin and Benin-Togo borders to boost security and cooperation. AfCFTA Momentum in Lomé: At Biashara Afrika 2026, leaders pushed trade inclusion and jobs, while AfCFTA officials cited intra-African trade hitting $220bn in 2024. Environment Under Pressure: FAO data says Togo lost over 130,000 hectares of vegetation cover since 2001, with fire alerts rising in 2026.

AfCFTA Momentum in Lomé: Togo is hosting the 3rd Biashara Afrika business forum, with President Faure Gnassingbé pushing AfCFTA into a “new phase” as protectionism and supply-chain shocks squeeze African economies; AfCFTA’s chief says intra-African trade hit a record $220bn in 2024 and could reach $230bn by 2027, while a cotton/textiles workshop targets more local processing and fewer raw exports. Sahel Security Reality Check: A new open-source “security map” argues the AES project has failed “systematically,” with Burkina Faso described as the worst case—over 90% of territory either controlled by jihadists or contested. Counterterror Update: US and Nigerian forces report coordinated airstrikes in Borno that killed 20+ IS militants after a prior joint operation eliminated a senior ISIS commander. Togo Business Watch: Company creation in Togo rose modestly in early 2026 (5,710 new firms Jan–Apr), but the mix is shifting toward more corporate and foreign-led registrations. Sports & Culture: Ghana’s Black Stars were placed in Pot 2 for the 2027 AFCON qualifiers draw, while Lomé’s AfCFTA week also spotlights regional trade and integration through events and forums.

Middle East Shock on Fertiliser: With the Iran–Gulf conflict disrupting fertiliser supply, African food systems face fresh strain—major buyers including Nigeria, Ghana, Togo and others rely on urea imports, raising the risk of higher costs and tighter farming inputs. Sports Politics: Ghana and Cape Verde have qualified for the 2026 World Cup, but both miss out on top seeds for the 2027 AFCON qualifying draw—an early warning sign after poor AFCON 2025 runs. Togo Trade & Policy Push: Lomé hosts Biashara Afrika (May 18–20), as AfCFTA implementation confronts border and logistics realities. Ghana–Gambia Justice Talks: Ghana renews efforts to secure accountability for the 2005 killing of migrants, including about 44 Ghanaians. Ecobank Calm-Down: Ecobank Ghana reassures customers after a Supreme Court ruling in a long-running dispute, saying services are operating normally. Togo Environment & Finance: Togo approves its first national air quality standards and moves to operationalise its financial services quality observatory. Football Discipline: Togo’s Djene Dakonam sets an unwanted record with a 10th LaLiga red card.

Ghana–Gambia Justice Push: Ghana’s foreign minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, says he has renewed talks with Gambia over accountability for the 2005 killing of more than 50 West African migrants, including about 44 Ghanaians, after a boat landing tied to a suspected coup attempt under Yahya Jammeh. Trade Reality Check: AfCFTA’s push for a single market hits the spotlight in Lomé as Biashara Afrika opens tomorrow, with leaders debating why intra-African trade still sits below 20% despite the big promise. Banking Fallout Watch: Ecobank Ghana is calming customers after a Supreme Court ruling that ends an 18-year dispute and confirms Daniel Ofori is owed 30% monthly compounded interest for part of the period. Togo Policy Moves: Togo approved its first national air quality standards and is continuing consultations for its 2026–2031 roadmap, while work continues on making its financial services watchdog fully operational. Maritime Pressure: With Hormuz disruption reshaping shipping, more firms are expanding along West Africa’s coast—turning ports like Lomé into key refuelling and logistics stops.

Ecobank Ghana Reassures Customers: Ecobank Ghana PLC says it is aware of a recent court ruling tied to claims against the bank, but insists its “financial position remains strong and resilient” and that services are operating normally. Maritime Shockwaves: With tensions around the Strait of Hormuz reshaping global shipping, more firms are pushing into West African ports for refuelling and logistics—turning places like Lomé and Dakar into key stopovers. Togo Governance & Environment: Lomé hosted a regional nutrition and early childhood conference that ended with the Lomé Declaration, while Togo also approved its first national air quality standards. Digital & Financial Oversight: Togo is urged to fully activate its financial services watchdog to strengthen consumer protection, as consultations continue for a 2026–2031 national roadmap. Security Watch: ECOWAS is moving toward a regional counterterror force, as West Africa remains under pressure from militant violence.

Hormuz Shock Spurs West Africa Shipping Boom: With tensions around the Strait of Hormuz reshaping global routes, maritime firms are rushing into West Africa for refueling, repairs and logistics—pushing demand for marine fuel and drawing new operators like Minerva Bunkering to Mauritania’s Nouadhibou and Nouakchott, alongside players already active in Dakar and Lomé. US-Nigeria Counterterror Move: In Sokoto, US and Nigerian forces killed a senior ISIS commander in a coordinated strike, underscoring a sharper Western counterterror posture in the region. Togo Health Modernization: Ghana’s SGMC commissioned a PET-CT and cyclotron facility, while in Togo authorities are preparing a unified digital platform to run universal health insurance reimbursements—aiming to connect hospitals, pharmacies, labs and insurers. Togo Governance & Environment: Lomé hosted a regional child nutrition conference that adopted a joint action framework, and Togo approved its first national air quality standards. Security & Trade Pressure: Somali piracy and tanker ransom demands continue to threaten maritime supply lines as rerouted shipping raises costs.

Human Trafficking Crackdown: Nigeria’s IGP Intelligence Response Team arrested 13 suspects and rescued 30 Malians from a transnational trafficking and fraud syndicate, after a petition from Malian citizens in Nigeria and a 17-day intelligence-led operation in Abuja. Maritime Safety & Disruption: In the US Virgin Islands, the Port of San Juan restricted a Togo-flagged vessel, Water Spirit Freight Services VI, after Coast Guard orders tied to obstruction concerns—raising fresh worries for cargo flows. Healthcare Upgrade: Ghana commissioned the Sweden-Ghana Medical Centre’s Nuclear Medicine Nuclear Medicine facility, including a PET-CT scanner and cyclotron, positioning advanced cancer diagnostics as a regional first. Togo Policy Push: Lomé continues rolling out its 2026-2031 roadmap through regional consultations, while Togo also approved its first national air quality standards and is preparing a unified digital platform for universal health insurance management. Regional Nutrition Focus: A Lomé conference adopted a joint action framework to tackle child nutrition and early childhood development across West and Central Africa.

SRHR Push in Policy: Dr Eunice Brookman-Amissah urged Togo and partners to embed sexual and reproductive health and rights into national health systems using evidence, human-rights standards, and data-driven delivery—plus more investment in nurses, midwives and primary care. Nutrition and Early Childhood: Lomé hosted a West and Central Africa nutrition conference that ended with the Lomé Declaration, a joint action framework to cut stunting and anaemia over the next three years. Cleaner Air Standards: Togo approved its first national air quality standards after a review of pollution sources and draft regulations, aiming to rein in risks from traffic, industry and waste. Financial Inclusion Watchdog: An Op-Ed warns Togo must fully activate its financial services quality observatory (OQSF-TG) to make inclusion translate into real consumer protection. Health System Digital Upgrade: Work continues on a unified digital platform for universal health insurance reimbursements under AMU. Maritime and Port Security: Consultations feed into Togo’s 2026–2031 roadmap, while Germany signalled support for Lomé port modernization and anti-piracy efforts.

Maritime Security Shock: Somali pirates are holding the Togo-flagged oil tanker MT Eureka and have reportedly raised their ransom demand from $3m to $10m, with families saying food and water are being restricted and armed guards increased—another reminder that the Hormuz-linked shipping squeeze is feeding piracy risk across the Gulf of Aden and Somalia. Togo Governance & Health: Togo is moving toward a unified digital platform to run universal health insurance reimbursements under the AMU, using a federated setup so existing systems can keep working while data exchanges connect hospitals, pharmacies, labs, insurers, and regulators. Local Economy & Trade: Togo also set dates for the 21st Lomé International Fair—Nov. 27 to Dec. 13, 2026—aiming to build on last year’s surge in exhibitors, visitors, and signed deals. Regional Finance: Africa’s finance leaders will meet in Luanda for AFIS 2026 (Nov. 3–4), signaling a push to mobilize capital and deepen integration beyond West Africa.

France-Africa Backlash: At Kenya’s Africa Forward Summit, Emmanuel Macron’s “We are the true Pan-Africanists” line is now colliding with fresh criticism after he interrupted a panel to demand silence, calling it a “total lack of respect” as videos went viral. Debt Pressure: A parallel thread at the summit and beyond: civil society and unions warn France’s role in Africa’s debt architecture leaves countries paying far more than they receive, with health and climate budgets squeezed. Togo Digital Health: In Lomé, Togo is preparing a unified digital platform for universal health insurance reimbursements and tracking, using a federated approach to connect hospitals, pharmacies, labs, and insurers. Togo Port & Security: Germany signals support for Lomé port modernization while Togo asks for help against piracy and illicit trafficking in the Gulf of Guinea. Ghana Crime Crackdown: Ghana’s CID says it has dismantled child exploitation networks and made major arrests, including a murder suspect linked to Togo. Maritime Risk: Somali pirates are again raising ransom demands for the hijacked MT Eureka, now reported at $10M, as shipping disruptions ripple into fuel costs.

Digital Identity & Tech: Neurotechnology says it’s now a certified MOSIP system integrator, aiming to deploy MOSIP-compliant ABIS, biometric SDK and manual adjudication tools worldwide. Justice & Safety: A Togolese man, Biola Muhammed, has been remanded in Ondo, Nigeria, over alleged sexual assault of a 13-year-old, with the case adjourned to August 4. Maritime Security: Somali pirates holding the Togo-flagged MT Eureka reportedly raised ransom demands to $10m, while families say food and water are being restricted and negotiations have dragged on. Health Policy (Ghana): President John Dramani Mahama commissioned a PET-CT scan facility and said Ghana will end blanket tax exemptions for imported medical equipment, moving to case-by-case approvals. Togo Governance & Economy: Togo plans a unified digital platform for universal health insurance management, and the 21st Lomé International Fair is set for Nov. 27–Dec. 13, 2026.

Maritime Crisis: Somali pirates have raised the ransom for the hijacked M/T Eureka (Togo-flagged) from $3m to $10m, with relatives saying food and water are being tightly restricted for eight Egyptian sailors. Security Push: ECOWAS is moving to set up a regional counterterror force, with a core counterterror brigade and troop commitments from Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Nigeria and Senegal. Regional Politics: Uganda’s Yoweri Museveni was sworn in for a seventh term, with AU leaders praising “peace and stability” and the inauguration drawing heads of state across the region. France Backlash: Macron faced sharp criticism after interrupting an Africa Forward Summit panel in Kenya to demand silence. Togo Spotlight: UN reporting says its system in Togo reached over 2 million people in 2024–2025, while Togo opened registration for the second Di-kéti entrepreneurship forum (June; registration until May 20). Crime Update: Ghana police say they’ve retrieved all buried body parts in a Central Region murder case involving an alleged fetish priest.

Africa Forward Summit Fallout: French President Emmanuel Macron is facing backlash after he stormed a panel in Kenya and demanded silence, saying the audience showed “total lack of respect” and disrupted speakers—sparking viral mockery and criticism even as he announced a $27bn Africa investment push. Uganda’s Power Continuity: In Kampala, Yoweri Museveni was sworn in for a seventh term, with AU leaders praising “peace and institutional continuity” despite strong opposition claims around the January vote. Maritime Security Shock: The UAE condemned the hijacking of a Togolese-flagged tanker (M/T Eureka) off Yemen, forcing it toward Somalia with eight Egyptian sailors onboard. Togo Development Pulse: Togo opened registration for its second Di-kéti entrepreneurship forum (June; sign-up until May 20) and the UN says it reached over 2 million people in 2024-2025, including 500,000+ in northern regions. Oil Market Pressure: Aramco warns that if the Strait of Hormuz stays closed, the market could lose 100m barrels weekly—putting Nigeria, Angola and Algeria on standby.

Uganda’s Power Continuity: Yoweri Museveni was sworn in for a seventh term in Kampala, with tight security and regional leaders in attendance, after winning the January election with 71.6% of the vote—his new five-year run runs to 2031. Togo’s Economic Push: Lomé opened registration for the second Di-kéti entrepreneurship forum, set for June, aiming to connect young entrepreneurs, investors and policymakers. UN Nutrition Scale-Up: The UN says it reached over 2 million people in Togo in 2024–2025, including more than 500,000 in northern areas facing displacement, through cash transfers, school feeding and nutrition support. Finance for Growth: Ecobank and BOAD, with Proparco, announced deals to channel up to 500 million euros into African private sector and agriculture. France vs US Debate: Activist Timi Frank urged African leaders to reject renewed France agreements and deepen ties with the US. Maritime Security: UAE condemned the hijacking of a tanker carrying Egyptian sailors off Yemen, with Egypt tracking the case.

Food Prices Shock: In Nigeria, pepper and tomatoes have vanished from reach as costs surge—50kg tomatoes reportedly jump from N62,000 to N152,000 and pepper can hit N120,000 for small sacks, squeezing households and small eateries. Immigration Crackdown: Cambodia deported 3,684 foreign nationals from 34 countries over online scams, including 1,968 Chinese linked to fraud rings. Security Ops: Nigeria’s NSCDC in Lagos says it rescued 17 victims and arrested four suspects in a Badagry trafficking/fraud scheme tied to “network marketing.” Business & Industry: Aliko Dangote is pushing a $50bn valuation for his 650,000 bpd refinery ahead of a major Nigeria listing. Sports Spotlight: Lagos hosts WTT Contender Lagos 2026 (May 19–24) with top nations and a $100,000 prize purse. Togo Angle: Lomé is hosting talks on the economic cost of child malnutrition, with UNDP also delivering agri equipment to cooperatives in Kara and Maritime.