AGP Executive Report

Togo Housing & Jobs: Togo has moved into the implementation phase of its 20,000-unit housing program in Kpomé-Dalavé (Zio), after BOAD-financed studies were completed, with officials citing a wider 500,000-unit decent housing shortfall and aiming for thousands of jobs as construction scales. Industrial Growth: Adétikopé’s Industrial Platform (PIA) says it has pulled in about CFA350bn in cumulative investment over five years, hosting 25 partner firms and creating 6,580 direct jobs, with a push toward 20,000 jobs by 2030. Health Watch: Togo reports strong HIV treatment results (about 85% viral suppression) but researchers warn early signs of dolutegravir resistance among children and adolescents, urging continued vigilance. Local Governance Push: Germany and Togo launched the GNOZOU project in Kara, backed by CFA4.85bn, to strengthen decentralization, local planning, youth participation, and financial governance. EU-Backed Resilience: Plan International and the EU-backed Savanes Kpaadu project starts in Savanes with CFA1.9bn for community protection, violence prevention, education support, and small-business help for young people and women. Diplomacy & Mobility: The U.S. House approved a visa-free deal with Togo for holders of diplomatic and service passports. Regional Politics/Info Security: France’s disinformation watchdog Viginum alleges an Israeli firm, BlackCore, ran coordinated online smear operations targeting elections in Scotland and New York and also mentions activity linked to Togo—raising new questions for digital interference monitoring.

Housing & Urban Policy: Togo has moved into the implementation phase of its 20,000-unit housing program in Kpomé-Dalavé (Zio), following BOAD-financed studies, with the minister citing a wider 500,000-unit national shortfall and framing housing as a development cornerstone. Industrial Jobs Drive: Adétikopé’s Industrial Platform (PIA) says it has attracted 350 billion CFA francs in cumulative investment over five years, supporting 25 partner companies and 6,580 direct jobs, with targets of 20,000 jobs by 2030 and a second phase aiming to double units. HIV Program Watch: Despite an 85% viral suppression rate, Togolese researchers warn of early signs of resistance to dolutegravir among children and adolescents, urging vigilance as funding declines. Local Governance Funding: Germany and Togo launched the GNOZOU local governance project in Kara, backed by 4.85 billion CFA francs, to strengthen decentralization, planning, youth participation, and local economic development. Community Resilience: Plan International and the EU-backed Savanes Kpaadu project starts in Savanes with 1.9 billion CFA francs for civilian protection, violence prevention, education support, small-business help, and civil registration. Diplomatic Mobility: Togo’s visa-free deal for diplomatic and service passport holders was ratified by lawmakers, allowing visa-free stays up to 30 days per entry (90 days max per year). Regional Security & Digital Risk: France’s Viginum alleges Israeli firm BlackCore ran election interference operations reaching Scotland and New York, and also linked activity to Togo—raising new questions for Togo’s information-security posture. Sports Media & Rights: Lomé broadcaster New World TV signed with Orange to distribute sports content via Max it across nine countries, including 2026 World Cup coverage.

Foreign Digital Interference: France’s disinformation watchdog Viginum says Israeli firm BlackCore is suspected of meddling in elections beyond France, including New York City and Scotland, and of operating in Angola and Togo—while French officials still say they can’t identify who commissioned the operations. Local Governance & EU/Development Funding: Togo and Germany launched the GNOZOU project in Kara, a 4.85bn CFA, four-year push to strengthen decentralization, local planning, jobs, youth participation and civic engagement in Kara and Savanes. Community Resilience: Plan International and the EU rolled out “Savanes Kpaadu,” a 1.9bn CFA, 18-month program in Savanes focused on civilian protection, violence prevention, economic empowerment, school support, civil registration and help for survivors of gender-based violence. Security & Peacebuilding: At the World Bank’s Fragility Forum, Togo’s Sandra Ablamba Johnson outlined a three-pillar approach—early warning and coordination, armed forces protection, and community resilience—citing hundreds of completed community infrastructure projects. Media & Sports Rights: Lomé-based New World TV signed an Orange distribution deal to carry its sports channels via the Max it super-app across nine African countries, boosting access to major competitions including the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Nuclear Policy Moves: Togo’s National Assembly approved bills on joining key nuclear safety and radiological emergency conventions, and Lomé was selected to host NEISA 2027. Internet Governance in Lomé: Togo will hold its main Internet Governance Forum on 20 June, with pre-events on 18–19 June, focusing on digital sovereignty and AI/data challenges.

ECOWAS Cybersecurity Push: Accra hosted the 4th ECOWAS regional hackathon (June 8-11), with Ghana’s CSA and a local firm, 00SEC, designing the challenges for teams from 12 member states—an explicit bid to build homegrown digital security capacity. Togo Nuclear Agenda: Togo’s National Assembly approved bills on nuclear safety and radiological waste/accident conventions, laying groundwork for stronger oversight as Lomé prepares to host NEISA 2027. EU–Togo Governance Talks: Lomé hosted the 4th EU–Togo political dialogue, with both sides reviewing peace and security, democracy and human rights steps, and reaffirming support for rule of law and civil society engagement. France–Togo Development Priorities: France and Togo agreed 2026-2028 cooperation priorities after highlighting major AFD-backed results in water, electricity access, training centers, and rural roads. Regional Trade & Security Context: AfCFTA projects intra-African trade could reach $250bn this year, while Gulf of Guinea insecurity and community-led approaches remain central themes in regional policy discussions. Visa Update: South Africans gained visa-free access to Togo, lifting the Henley total to 101 destinations.

Togo Nuclear Push: Lawmakers in Lomé unanimously approved bills to let Togo join key nuclear safety and radiological risk conventions, aiming to tighten oversight for peaceful nuclear use and emergency readiness. Togo Hosts NEISA 2027: Togo was selected to host the Nuclear Energy Innovation Summit for Africa in Lomé in 2027, as the country explores diversifying its energy mix and expanding electricity access. EU-Togo Political Dialogue: Foreign Minister Robert Dussey and EU Ambassador Gwilym Ceri Jones co-chaired the 4th EU-Togo political dialogue, with talks covering peace and security, democracy, human rights follow-up, and deeper economic cooperation. Maritime Economy: On World Oceans Day, Togo’s maritime minister said the sea underpins nearly 70% of economic activity and over 75% of tax revenue, pointing to Port of Lomé traffic growth and transshipment gains. Lomé Tech Governance: Lomé will host Togo’s national internet governance forum on AI and digital sovereignty, preceded by youth and school-level sessions. Regional Security & Trade: Border communities were urged to protect boundary pillars and support security, while Biashara Afrika ended with Togo announcing visa-free entry for Africans holding valid African passports.

Nuclear Governance Push: Togo’s National Assembly has unanimously approved, on first reading, four bills to let the country accede to key nuclear safety and radiological risk conventions, aiming to strengthen oversight across nuclear and radioactive activities. NEISA 2027 in Lomé: Togo will host the 2027 Nuclear Energy Innovation Summit for Africa (NEISA 2027), bringing together regulators, investors and policymakers to advance nuclear energy planning and training as Togo explores options to diversify its energy mix. EU Political Dialogue: In Lomé, Togo and the EU held their 4th political dialogue, focusing on peace and security, democracy and governance, and economic cooperation, with renewed emphasis on rule of law and support for security capacity building. France-Togo Cooperation: France and Togo reviewed their development partnership and set 2026–2028 priorities, highlighting major AFD-backed results in water, electricity access, training and rural roads. Maritime Economy: On World Oceans Day, Togo’s maritime minister said nearly 70% of economic activity and over 75% of tax revenues are tied to the maritime sector, with the Port of Lomé described as the economy’s “lung.” Aviation Integration: Lomé is set to host the AFCAC African Air Transport Convention & Expo 2026 (June 15–19), expected to drive implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market. Cybersecurity Regional Drive: Teams from 12 West African countries are competing in an ECOWAS cybersecurity hackathon in Accra, including Togo, as governments race to defend against rising cybercrime. Visa-Free Trade Move: At Biashara Afrika 2026 in Lomé, Togo announced visa-free entry for African nationals holding valid African passports for up to 30 days, aligning with AfCFTA goals.

Visa-Free Push for Africa: Togo’s President Faure Gnassingbé announced visa-free entry for all Africans holding valid African passports (up to 30 days), a move framed as a practical AfCFTA step. Lomé Aviation Agenda: Lomé will host the AFCAC African Air Transport Convention & Expo (June 15–19), aiming to advance the Single African Air Transport Market, cut taxes/charges, and boost cargo and sustainable fuels. Maritime Economy Spotlight: Togo’s maritime minister says nearly 70% of national economic activity and over 75% of tax revenue depend on the sea, with Port of Lomé traffic rising to 30.6m tonnes in 2024. Labour Migration Shock in the Gulf: Kuwait restricts domestic-worker recruitment to 10 approved countries and bans 27 others, including Togo, raising fresh concerns about regional labour rules. Cross-Border Trade Compliance: A women-led Ghana–Togo frontier workshop warns traders that using unapproved routes can trigger customs fines up to 300% of duty. Ecobank Dividend in Lomé: Ecobank shareholders in Lomé approved a final 2025 dividend after years without payouts, citing improved performance.

Visa-Free Push for Africa: At Biashara Afrika 2026 in Lomé, President Faure Gnassingbé announced Togo will grant visa-free entry to all Africans with valid African passports for up to 30 days, aiming to boost AfCFTA-style free movement. Border Trade Compliance: In Aflao, the Trans-Border Business Network trained 300+ women traders on safe cross-border practices and tax compliance, warning that using unapproved routes can trigger heavy customs penalties. Gulf of Guinea Security Approach: UNDP urged more community-led conflict prevention in the region, saying insecurity is tied to local socioeconomic fragilities, not just military threats. Health Coverage Rollout: Togo’s National Social Security Fund (CNSS) launched nationwide issuance of Universal Health Insurance (AMU) cards for eligible retirees and dependents, with benefits set to start in January 2026. Regional Capacity Building: NMIMR and JICA are training healthcare lab professionals from Togo and other countries to strengthen infectious-disease diagnosis and lab quality. Kuwait Domestic Worker Rules: Kuwait updated its domestic worker recruitment list—allowing hiring from 10 countries while banning recruitment from 27, including Togo—raising new concerns for West African workers seeking overseas jobs.

Visa Policy & AfCFTA Momentum: Togo’s government announced at Biashara Afrika 2026 in Lomé that it will grant visa-free entry to all African nationals with valid African passports for up to 30 days, aiming to boost intra-African trade and AfCFTA implementation. Health & Social Protection: Togo’s National Social Security Fund (CNSS) is rolling out Universal Health Insurance (AMU) cards nationwide for retired workers and eligible dependents, with registration running through Oct. 15 and full benefits set to start Jan. 1, 2026. Climate & Governance: A Lomé-hosted green diplomacy conference is set to push climate finance, ESG-linked investment, and local capacity-building, tying into Togo’s climate law and green budgeting efforts. Security in the Gulf of Guinea: UNDP is urging a community-led approach to conflict prevention across coastal states, including Togo, stressing that insecurity is driven by local socioeconomic fragilities as well as arms and illicit economies. Cross-Border Trade Compliance: Women traders in Ghana’s Ketu South are being trained to use approved Ghana–Togo border routes and follow customs rules, warning that breaches can trigger fines up to 300% of duty. Regional Finance Watch: Ecobank shareholders in Lomé approved a $40m dividend for 2025, marking the bank’s first payout since 2022.

Ecobank Dividend Restart: Ecobank Group shareholders in Lomé approved a $40m dividend for 2025, the first payout since 2022, after record 2025 results (profit before tax $801m) and a capital adequacy ratio of 16.7%. Climate Finance & Green Policy: A Lomé conference on green diplomacy and ESG finance (June 30) will push climate adaptation as an economic sovereignty tool, linking to Togo’s climate-change law and green budget practice. Gulf of Guinea Security: UNDP says Gulf of Guinea insecurity must be tackled through community-led prevention, citing local socioeconomic fragilities alongside arms and illicit economies. Trade Facilitation at the Border: In Aflao, a women-focused trade group trained 300+ traders on tax compliance and safe cross-border practices, warning that unapproved routes can trigger heavy penalties. Health Coverage Expansion: Togo’s CNSS is rolling out Universal Health Insurance (AMU) cards nationwide for eligible retired workers and dependents, with benefits set to start January 1, 2026. Cross-Border Health Preparedness: Regional border readiness is under scrutiny as Ebola preparedness gaps are flagged around border posts, including PPE and staffing shortfalls.

Universal Health Coverage Push: Togo’s CNSS has started a nationwide rollout of AMU health insurance cards for retired workers and eligible dependents, including people receiving pensions through CNSS-Togo after working across West Africa; registration runs until Oct. 15, with a grace period into Dec., and full AMU benefits set to begin Jan. 1, 2026. Regional Trade & Border Friction: NACCIMA sent a delegation on a road trip to Togo to map cross-border trade bottlenecks, citing delays, multiple checkpoints, and administrative hurdles that raise costs for exporters. Digital Governance in Lomé: Togo will host its Internet Governance Forum on June 19, with youth and student tracks (June 17-18) focused on AI, data, and digital sovereignty. Gulf of Guinea Security Coordination: The UN launched a Gulf of Guinea Prevention Facility (2026-2029) in Lomé to coordinate action across five countries on governance, civilian protection, and local economic development. Health Regulation in ECOWAS: In Lomé, WA-MRH steering talks approved a 2026–2030 sustainability plan to strengthen medicines regulation and access across ECOWAS. Cross-Border Security Concern: Ghana’s interior minister flagged the Ghana–Togo border’s porousness and unofficial routes, calling for tighter coordination to curb illegal migration and smuggling.

Regional Security & Borders: Togo’s Gulf of Guinea focus stays sharp as the UN launches a 2026-2029 prevention facility in Lomé, aiming to curb violent extremism, trafficking, displacement and communal tensions across five countries, including Togo. Digital Governance: Togo will host its Internet Governance Forum in Lomé on June 19, with pre-events for students and youth, centering “digital sovereignty” amid AI and big data. Protected Areas & Green Economy: Togo and Team Europe (EU and Luxembourg) kick off a five-year partnership in Sokodé to strengthen protected-area management, restore ecosystems, and build inclusive green jobs through ecotourism and community forestry. Public Health Regulation: ECOWAS medicines regulators meet in Lomé to approve a 2026–2030 sustainability plan for the WA-MRH initiative, pushing regulatory convergence and access to quality-assured medicines. Finance & Business: Ecobank shareholders in Lomé approve a $40m dividend payout for 2025, returning to distributions after a pause since 2022. Energy & Climate: Togo-linked coverage highlights wider regional momentum on solar and resilience, while a study warns charcoal and firewood demand is driving forest loss in places including Togo.

US Courts Immigration Crackdown: A federal judge in Rhode Island struck down Trump-era USCIS policies that paused asylum, work permits, green cards and citizenship decisions for applicants from 39 “high-risk” countries, including Benin, Nigeria and Togo—calling the delays unlawful and leaving people in legal limbo. Gulf of Guinea Security: The UN convened Lomé talks on conflict prevention for coastal West Africa and launched a Gulf of Guinea Prevention Facility (2026-2029) focused on governance, civilian protection and local economic development, with Togo among the five priority countries. Togo Digital Governance: Togo’s Internet Governance Forum (June 19 in Lomé) will bring together government, private sector and civil society to discuss digital sovereignty amid AI, big data and geopolitical pressures. Ecobank Returns to Dividends: Ecobank shareholders in Lomé approved a $40m dividend payout for 2025, marking the first distribution since 2022 after record profits. Protected Areas Partnership: Togo and Team Europe launched a five-year programme in Sokodé to strengthen protected-area management and build an inclusive green economy. AfCFTA Implementation Review: Ethiopia and Togo are assessing AfCFTA progress and bottlenecks under AFIRM to turn commitments into practical reforms. Port Policy Fight (Ghana): Ghana’s frozen foods exporters oppose reintroducing the Cargo Tracking Note/Smart Port Note, warning of major added costs for shippers and consumers.

Regional Security & Borders: Togo’s Interior Minister Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak flagged security risks along the Ghana–Togo border in Aflao, citing dozens of unofficial routes and calling for tighter coordination among security agencies, including better lighting to prevent illegal crossings. Digital Governance: Togo will host its 2026 Internet Governance Forum in Lomé on June 19, with pre-events for students and youth, focusing on digital sovereignty amid AI, big data, and geopolitical pressures. Conflict Prevention (UN): The UN launched a Gulf of Guinea Prevention Facility (2026–2029) in Lomé, aiming to coordinate action across five countries on governance, civilian protection, and local economic development as Sahel-linked insecurity spreads to the coast. Green Economy Partnership: Togo and Team Europe (EU and Luxembourg) launched a five-year protected-areas partnership in Sokodé to strengthen management, restore ecosystems, and create local green jobs. Trade Integration: Ethiopia and Togo are reviewing AfCFTA progress under AFIRM, assessing legal and execution gaps to speed up trade in goods implementation. Finance Spotlight (Lomé AGM): Ecobank shareholders approved a $40m dividend payout in Lomé, marking the first distribution since 2022 after record 2025 profits.

Ecobank Dividend in Lomé: Ecobank Transnational Incorporated’s AGM in Lomé approved a $40m dividend for 2025, marking the first payout since 2022, after record 2025 profit before tax of $801m and improved capital buffers; the meeting also backed board changes including Cathia Lawson Hall. Digital Governance in Togo: Togo’s Internet Governance Forum (Togo IGF) is set for June 19 in Lomé, preceded by TogoSIG (June 17) and Youth IGF Togo (June 18), with a focus on AI, big data, digital sovereignty, cybersecurity, and youth inclusion. Security & Prevention in the Gulf of Guinea: The UN launched a Gulf of Guinea Prevention Facility (2026-2029) in Lomé to coordinate action across five countries on governance, civilian protection, and local economic development as Sahel-linked insecurity spills toward the coast. Protected Areas Partnership: Togo and Team Europe (EU and Luxembourg) launched a five-year partnership in Sokodé to strengthen protected-area management, restore ecosystems, and build an inclusive green economy with stronger local governance. Tax Pressure Debate: Togo’s Revenue Office (OTR) set a 2026 collection target of 1,338.9bn CFA francs and is pushing dialogue with taxpayers amid tensions, with a June 5 forum on whether tax is civic duty or disillusionment. Agriculture Push: Togo began a 2026 seedling distribution campaign, delivering 398,240 seedlings (cocoa, coffee, and agroforestry) to support plantation revival and climate-resilient farming. AfCFTA Implementation Review: Ethiopia and Togo are reviewing AfCFTA progress under AFIRM, aiming to turn identified legal and execution gaps into actionable reforms to boost intra-African trade.

Internet Policy & Youth Tech: Togo’s 2026 Internet Governance Forum will be held in Lomé on June 19, with pre-events for students (June 17) and youth (June 18), under the theme “digital sovereignty” amid AI, big data and geopolitics. Security & Regional Cooperation: The UN system launched a Gulf of Guinea Prevention Facility (2026–2029) in Lomé, aiming to coordinate action across five countries on governance, civilian protection and local economic development as insecurity spills from the Sahel. Green Economy Partnership: Togo and Team Europe (EU and Luxembourg) launched a five-year protected-areas partnership in Sokodé to strengthen management, restore ecosystems, build climate resilience and create local green jobs. Tax Administration Tensions: Togo’s Revenue Office (OTR) set a 2026 collection target of 1,338.9 billion CFA francs and is holding a Lomé forum debate on whether tax is civic duty or voluntary contribution amid strained relations with taxpayers. Agriculture Revival: Togo began distributing 398,240 seedlings (coffee, cocoa and agroforestry) to restart productivity and support its zero-deforestation push. AfCFTA Implementation: Ethiopia and Togo are reviewing AfCFTA progress under AFIRM, focusing on practical gaps in implementing trade commitments. Finance & Governance: Ecobank shareholders in Lomé approved a $40m dividend and regulators cleared Bosquet Investments’ acquisition of Nedbank’s Ecobank stake.