AGP Executive Report

UN Map Debate: The UN General Assembly endorsed a new “Equal Earth” world map, backing a Togo-led push to correct how Mercator projections shrink Africa’s perceived size. Regional Health & Policy: The Ouagadougou Partnership says Francophone West Africa’s family planning gains are at risk as global funding tightens, urging stronger national leadership and financing. Drug Enforcement Spillover: Nigeria’s NDLEA reports major interdictions, including the arrest of a newlywed man allegedly excreting 72 cocaine wraps and the seizure of 2.55 million opioid pills worth over ₦3bn, with two Togolese nationals among those detained. Finance for Women & Agribusiness: Ecobank (Lomé-based) announced a $2.6bn lending target by 2030 for women-led businesses and agricultural SMEs. Youth Peace Through Skills: JA Africa and Z Zurich Foundation plan to equip 20,000 young people across Togo and other Francophone states with entrepreneurship, digital skills, and work-readiness. Sports & Identity: Football coverage continues to link Togo to regional qualifiers and player eligibility debates.

Drug Enforcement: NDLEA arrested 25-year-old newlywed Lovely Chukwulobelu at Enugu’s Akanu Ibiam Airport after he allegedly ingested 72 wraps of cocaine while trying to fly to Portugal via Addis Ababa; in the same enforcement push, NDLEA seized 2.55 million opioid pills at Lagos’ MMIA (imported via Qatar Airways, RwandAir and Ethiopian Airlines) and reported additional drug arrests across Enugu, Lagos, Bauchi and Oyo. Finance & Women’s Empowerment: Lomé-headquartered Ecobank says it will build a $2.6bn loan portfolio by 2030 for women-led businesses ($2bn) and agricultural SMEs ($600m), pairing credit with training and digital tools. Togo-Linked Diplomacy & Policy: A UN General Assembly resolution backed by Togo on behalf of African states adopted a new “equal-area” world map to correct Mercator distortions. Regional Governance: ECOWAS lawmakers warned that climate stress—shrinking land and water—could fuel security crises and farmer-herder conflict. Youth & Civic Voice: A ONE Campaign study finds young Africans are confident speaking up, but fewer know how to turn concerns into sustained advocacy.

UN Map Resolution: The UN General Assembly adopted “Correction of the Map,” backing an equal-area world map that better reflects Africa’s true size; Togo led the push on behalf of African states, with 164 countries supporting and the US opposing. Regional Climate Governance: ECOWAS lawmakers in Accra warned that shrinking land and water are turning climate stress into farmer-herder conflict, displacement, and insecurity, urging a coordinated regional response. Lomé Finance Push: Ecobank (Lomé-headquartered) set a $2.6bn goal by 2030 to expand credit for women-led businesses ($2bn) and agriculture SMEs ($600m), including digital onboarding and guarantee-backed lending. Togo Business & Diplomacy: Togo and Rwanda signed MoUs and a framework agreement in New York to deepen political consultations and create a joint commission for cooperation. Sports (Togo in focus): Togo’s AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign continues with the team set to host Burundi after opening with a win over Burundi; meanwhile, Ghana’s Zuberu Sharani impressed on a Togo debut. Youth & Civic Voice: A survey across Togo and other countries found young people are confident speaking up, but fewer know how to turn it into sustained advocacy.

UN World Map Resolution: The UN General Assembly adopted Togo-backed “Correction of the Map,” using an equal-area projection to make countries’ sizes look proportional, with 164 countries supporting and the US opposing—aimed at changing how Africa is represented in education and tech. Togo-Rwanda Diplomacy: On Sept. 23, Lomé and Kigali signed memoranda and a framework agreement to deepen political consultations and create a joint commission for priority cooperation. Regional Climate Governance: ECOWAS Parliamentarians in Accra urged a Regional Climate Resilience Fund and stronger early-warning systems as climate change drives land/water stress, displacement, and insecurity; Togo featured in national reports. Women & Agriculture Finance: Ecobank says it will mobilize $2.6bn by 2030 to expand credit for women-led businesses and agriculture value chains, including digital payments in rural areas. Education & Exams: Nigeria’s NECO released 2026 SSCE results with 58.67% getting at least five credits and a reported drop in malpractice. AFCON Qualifiers (Togo): Togo opened AFCON 2027 qualifying with a 1-0 win over Burundi in Lome; Zambia hosts Togo next (Sept. 29) after Chipolopolo’s Algeria loss.

UN Map Resolution: The UN General Assembly adopted Togo-backed “Correction of the Map,” using an equal-area projection to make countries’ sizes look proportional, aiming to counter the Mercator map’s “Africa looks smaller” effect. Youth & Advocacy: A ONE Campaign survey across Kenya, Senegal, Togo, Ghana, Tanzania and Zambia finds 89% of young people feel confident speaking up, but only 53% have taken part in advocacy—highlighting a skills-to-policy gap. AFCON 2027 (Togo): Togo opened its qualifiers with a 1-0 win over Burundi, with Karim scoring; the matchday slate also includes Togo vs Burundi and other key fixtures across the region. Diplomacy: Togo and Rwanda signed MoUs in New York to deepen political consultations and set up a joint commission for cooperation. Regional Mobility: Coverage highlights Togo’s May 2026 visa-free policy for African nationals (up to 30 days) as part of a wider push against visa barriers in intra-African travel. ILO Leadership Race: Former Togo PM Gilbert Houngbo, seeking re-election at the ILO, proposes a resilience fund as the agency faces a liquidity crisis. ECOWAS Climate Push: ECOWAS Parliament urged a regional climate resilience fund and stronger early-warning systems after a seminar featuring Togo’s national report.

Togo-Rwanda Diplomacy: Togo and Rwanda signed two MoUs and a framework agreement in New York to deepen political consultations and create a joint cooperation commission, reinforcing South–South partnership. ECOWAS Climate Push: The ECOWAS Parliament wrapped up a seminar in Accra urging urgent regional action on climate change, calling for a Regional Climate Resilience Fund, stronger early-warning systems, and faster renewable energy and agroforestry. Togo UN Cartography Row: Foreign Minister Robert Dussey rejected claims that Togo’s “Correct the Map” UN initiative serves Russia, saying it targets equal-area representation rather than borders. Lomé Aviation Plans: ASKY says it aims for 30 aircraft and 40 destinations within five years, including intercontinental routes from Lomé and a planned USD 100m MRO facility. Regional Sports (Togo in focus): AFCON 2027 qualifiers feature Togo vs Burundi today, as the international break continues across Africa. Finance & Agriculture (regional): Ecobank targets $2.6bn by 2030 for women-led businesses and agriculture, with Lomé-based leadership driving the plan.

UN Map Row: Togo’s Foreign Minister Robert Dussey pushed back on claims that the UN “Correct the Map” resolution serves Russia, saying it’s about cartographic projection and not borders, as the General Assembly backed the move with 164 votes. Digital Governance: Togo’s media regulator HARC has started talks with influencers and platform managers under its new digital mandate, stressing training first while warning that social media can spread misinformation, violate privacy, and erode trust. Aviation & Trade: ASKY says it’s targeting 30 aircraft and 40 destinations in five years, including intercontinental routes, and plans a USD 100m Lomé MRO facility. Regional Finance & Industry: Lomé will host FANAF’s insurance markets forum on unpaid premiums under CIMA rules (Nov 2–3). Public Service & Education: Togo-related items also include continued government push on standards and vocational training, while Nigeria’s NECO results show 58.67% of candidates hit five credits including English and Math.

UN Cartography Fight: Togo’s “Correct the Map” push to replace Mercator won UN General Assembly support (164 votes in favor, 1 against, 6 abstentions), with Foreign Minister Robert Dussey saying it changes projections, not borders. Digital Media Regulation: Togo’s HARC has started talks with influencers and platform managers under its new digital mandate, stressing training first while warning against misinformation, privacy violations and hate content. Regional Climate Pressure: ECOWAS Parliament urged faster regional action on climate-driven droughts, floods and coastal erosion, calling for a Regional Climate Resilience Fund and stronger early-warning systems. Jobs and Institutions: The ILO leadership race is heating up amid a $363m deficit, with Togo’s Gilbert Houngbo facing rivals in Geneva. Education Results: Nigeria’s NECO released 2026 SSCE Internal results: 84.70% scored five credits and above, with malpractice down sharply. Aviation and Trade: ASKY says it targets 30 aircraft and intercontinental routes from Lomé by 2028, while Togo is pushing quality standards and certification to help firms meet AfCFTA market rules.

UN Map Overhaul: The UN General Assembly backed Togo-led “Correct the Map” efforts to replace Mercator with Equal Earth, with 164 votes in favor and the US the only no—aimed at showing Africa’s true relative size. Digital Media Regulation: Togo’s HARC has started talks with influencers and platform managers under a new digital mandate, starting with training and awareness before enforcement. Labour Leadership Crisis: In Geneva, the ILO’s top-post race put Togo’s Gilbert Houngbo in the spotlight as candidates battled over a $363m deficit and planned job cuts. Quality & Business Compliance: Togo’s quality and environment authority is pushing standards and certification support for firms to improve market access. Education Tech Push: Togo will deploy 101 “Fab Managers” to schools and innovation centers to expand hands-on science and digital fabrication learning. DRC Mediation: AU and UN leaders reaffirmed support for Togo-led mediation in the DRC-Rwanda dispute. Diplomacy: Moldova and Togo formally established diplomatic relations. Regional Security: Ghana, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire and Togo discussed stronger cross-border intelligence sharing to tackle organised crime.

Togo–DRC Mediation: The AU and UN co-chaired a high-level meeting on Sept. 20, reaffirming “continued support” for Togo-led mediation in the DRC-Rwanda dispute, with a six-month roadmap running through end-2026. Diplomacy: Moldova and Togo formally established diplomatic relations in New York, with both sides pointing to new cooperation opportunities. Education & Innovation: Togo will deploy 101 Fab Managers to science-focused middle/high schools and CRITs after specialized training and internships, pushing project-based learning and digital fabrication. Business & Standards: Lomé-based HAUQE met business leaders under its “Brick Fast Quality” initiative to speed up compliance with quality standards and certification for AfCFTA market access. Digital Finance Security: An ITU-backed push highlights how regulators can better secure digital financial services against mobile money fraud and cyber threats. Regional Security Cooperation: Ghana, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire and Togo discussed stronger cross-border intelligence sharing to tackle transnational organised crime and improve border management. Global Map Politics (Togo role): The UN endorsed the “Correct the Map” shift toward Equal Earth, backed by Togo and the African Group, challenging Mercator’s distortions.

DRC Mediation: The AU and UN formally endorsed Togo-led mediation in the DRC-Rwanda dispute, with a roadmap through end-2026 and renewed emphasis on preventive diplomacy. Diplomacy: Moldova and Togo established diplomatic relations in New York, while Rwanda and Togo signed three agreements to deepen political dialogue and institutional cooperation. Education & Innovation: Togo will deploy 101 “Fab Managers” to science-focused schools and CRITs after specialized training, aiming to boost practical, tech-driven learning. Economic & Governance Moves: Togo is rolling out SIHAM to improve farmers’ access to agricultural information, moving to a mandatory green budgeting framework, and launching a new portal to link SMEs with banks and microfinance. Energy & Industry: Togo is tendering for smart meters and pushing cheaper, more predictable power for industry. Regional Security Debate: Reports claim Lomé has become a discreet sanctuary for Chadian rebel figures, raising concerns about asylum-for-control dynamics. International Spotlight: The UN General Assembly backed Togo’s “Correct the Map” push to move away from Mercator’s distorted view of Africa. Sports (Context): AFCON 2027 qualifiers begin with 48 teams chasing 21 non-host tickets, shaping the regional political calendar around football.

Togo–Rwanda Diplomacy: Rwanda and Togo signed three landmark agreements in New York on political consultations, a joint commission for cooperation, and broader sector collaboration—aimed at regularising dialogue and expanding practical ties. UN Cartography Push: Togo’s “Correct the Map” drive cleared a major UN hurdle on Sept. 4, backing a new world map projection to better reflect Africa’s size and challenge long-running distortions. TVET Reform in Lomé: Togo’s education ministry says it will make vocational training more job-focused, prioritising stronger private-sector roles, graduate tracking (via InserJeune), and digital transformation. Energy for Industry: Togo’s regional neighbours are also moving on power costs; Ghana’s deputy energy minister outlined tariff cuts, debt clearance, and gas supply steps to lower electricity prices for businesses—relevant to the wider West African industrial agenda. ECOWAS Court & Media: The ECOWAS Community Court urged journalists to press member states to comply with regional judgments, spotlighting enforcement gaps. Sports/Identity Spillover: Football coverage continues to link Togo and the region, including Adebayor’s claims about Marvin Senaya’s choice of Ghana and Ghana’s AFCON qualifying fixtures.

Togo’s “Correct the Map” push hits the UN: The UN adopted the “Correct the Map” resolution on Sept. 4, backing a more accurate world projection; Togo’s FM Robert Dussey presented the initiative, backed by the African Union, arguing the change is about how the world is seen—not geography. Togo energy governance: The government launched an international tender for 5,200 smart-meter devices for CEET under the World Bank’s IDEA program, aimed at revenue protection and better utility performance. Togo public finance snapshot: Togo’s public debt ratio fell to 60.2% of GDP by June 2026 (from 62.8% end-2025) even as the debt stock rose, reflecting faster GDP growth and continued fiscal consolidation. Agriculture and exports: Togo’s mango output stayed above 35,000 tons in 2025, but only about 15% was exported—highlighting a large domestic market gap. Regional peace and security: UN and AU leaders called for stronger African peace mechanisms and preventive diplomacy, reaffirming support for Togo-led mediation in eastern DR Congo. Maritime security spillover: Multiple tanker incidents in the Strait of Hormuz—including a Togo-flagged vessel—underscore ongoing risks to shipping and energy routes.

US Immigration: A Washington Post investigation says President Trump’s “remigration” network has secured at least $410m for “third-country” deportation deals covering 31 countries, including flights to places like Eswatini and Costa Rica. 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.” US Visa Rules: The US State Department published Exchange Visitor “Skills Lists” imposing a two-year home-country physical presence rule on nationals from dozens of African states, including Benin, Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya and Ethiopia. AU–UN Diplomacy: AU Commission Chair Mahmoud Ali Youssouf and UN chief António Guterres met in New York to push peace and security cooperation, debt sustainability and fairer global finance, with Togo-backed mediation in eastern Congo highlighted. Togo in Global Debate: Togo’s “Correct the Map” push helped win a UN vote endorsing equal-area map projections over Mercator, with the US the lone rejection. Local Governance & Peace: Oti Regional Peace Council sensitised Jasikan and Kadjebi Assembly Members on conflict prevention and early warning. Sports: Zambia’s Chipolopolo arrived in Algeria for AFCON 2027 qualifiers, with Togo set to host Zambia on 29 September. Health Systems: West African medical biologists in Lomé urged stronger early epidemic detection as Ebola remains a continental emergency in DR Congo. Women’s Jobs in Transport: CCI-Togo launched a Femmes-Actions project to train women for transport, logistics and port-related roles, starting with 10 participants.

Peace & Local Governance: The Oti Regional Peace Council has sensitised Assembly Members in Jasikan and Kadjebi on peacebuilding, conflict prevention, and early warning, urging them to share emerging tensions quickly and work with traditional, religious, youth and women’s groups plus security agencies. Public Health & Regional Preparedness: West African medical biologists meeting in Lomé called for stronger early epidemic detection, warning that weakened health systems risk delayed responses, with Ebola in DR Congo cited as a key lesson. Togo’s Policy & Economy: Togo’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry launched a Femmes-Actions-CCI-Togo project to train young women for transport, logistics and cargo-handling, starting with 10 participants and planning placements. International Diplomacy: The UN endorsed the “Correct the Map” push for more accurate equal-area projections, with Togo’s foreign minister highlighting the campaign as about fair representation. Sports (Regional): Zambia’s Chipolopolo arrived in Algeria ahead of a 2027 AFCON qualifier, with Togo set to host Zambia soon after.

Togo’s “Correct the Map” wins UN backing: Togo, pushing the “Correct the Map” campaign at the UN, helped secure a 164-1 vote for Equal Earth and other equal-area projections over the Mercator map that understates Africa’s size; Foreign Minister Robert Dussey called it a matter of fairness in how Africa is seen. Health security in Lomé: West African medical biologists meeting in Lomé urged governments to strengthen early epidemic detection and lab capacity, warning that weaker health systems leave the region exposed to fast-moving outbreaks like Ebola. Women into transport jobs: Togo’s Chamber of Commerce (CCI-Togo) launched a Femmes-Actions-CCI-Togo project in Lomé to train and place young women in transport, logistics and cargo handling, starting with 10 and scaling up. Business & finance leadership profiles: Togo First highlighted senior figures across the economy—UbiPharm Togo’s managing director, the Treasury and Public Accounting DG, and AFINHAB’s managing director—reflecting ongoing institutional focus on governance and housing finance. Regional spillover to watch: Iran-linked reports claim a Togo-flagged tanker was struck in the Strait of Hormuz, underscoring how Middle East shipping risks can quickly reach African-linked trade.