AGP Executive Report

Regional Fisheries Policy: A five-day FAO-supported meeting in Lomé brings together CECAF, ECOWAS and Gulf of Guinea fisheries bodies to push better artisanal landing sites, stronger fish data collection, and a 2026–2028 work plan—aimed at tackling illegal fishing, climate pressure and maritime-space conflicts. Security Cooperation: Togo’s partnership with the North Dakota National Guard (U.S. State Partnership Program) is set to deliver a National Emergency Operations Center in Lomé, with training and technical support to strengthen disaster response and civil protection. Maritime Environment Law: Togo’s Senate approved accession to the OPRC-HNS 2000 hazardous-spill protocol and the IOPC Fund, strengthening preparedness and compensation mechanisms for major marine pollution incidents. Energy & Infrastructure: BCEAO launched a tender for solar PV systems for its Lomé and Kara sites, while a low-carbon pipe prefabrication plant in Adétikopé is starting operations to supply RAINE flood-management works and cut reliance on imports. Governance & Institutions: Togo’s early-warning push is highlighted as lessons from CREWS investments feed into the wider “Early Warnings for All” agenda, focusing on stronger institutions and scaled resilience. Business & Leadership: BSIC Togo’s CEO Tjima Diabate is profiled as the bank’s transformation drive lifts assets and ranks, and Togo also honored Ecobank co-founder Gervais Djondo and Afriland founder Paul Fokam.

Maritime & Aviation Policy: Togo’s Senate approved two bills to strengthen its marine pollution response and join the International Oil Pollution Compensation Fund, aiming to improve preparedness and protect coastal economic activities. Regional Air Integration: African ministers meeting in Togo adopted the Lomé Declaration to speed up Open Skies and the Single African Air Transport Market, pushing visa streamlining, lower aviation fees, digital upgrades, and cleaner aviation fuels. Infrastructure & Industry: A low-carbon pipe prefabrication plant began operations in Adétikopé to support the RAINE flood-management project, boosting local production and jobs. Security & Regional Spillover: A report highlights how rival Sahel jihadists—JNIM and ISSP—are expanding across West Africa, including an attack on Niger’s Niamey airport. Business & Finance: The AfDB became the first institutional shareholder in Lomé-based EBID, backing West Africa’s development financing with $30m equity and a $70m credit line. Togo’s Energy Transition: Togo signed agreements to advance Sustainable Aviation Fuel and build new Jet A1 storage capacity at Lomé’s airport. Climate Resilience: Togo shared lessons from early-warning investments under CREWS, showing how stronger institutions can unlock broader resilience financing.

Water & Flood Resilience: A low-carbon pipe prefabrication plant has started operations in Adétikopé, north of Lomé, to support the RAINE flood-management project, cutting reliance on imports and boosting local jobs and skills. Maritime Protection & Law: Togo’s Senate approved accession to the OPRC-HNS 2000 protocol and the 1992 IOPC Fund, strengthening preparedness and response to hazardous marine pollution and adding financial protection for major incidents. Climate Risk Preparedness: Togo highlighted lessons from its early-warning push, expanding CREWS into the broader “Early Warnings for All” agenda through stronger institutions and national frameworks. Aviation Decarbonization: Togo signed agreements to roll out Sustainable Aviation Fuel and build a 1,500-cubic-meter Jet A1 storage tank at Lomé’s airport, aiming to position Lomé as a greener aviation hub. Private Sector Leadership: AGET elected Charles Kokouvi Gafan as its new president, with a mandate focused on dialogue and advocacy ahead of Togo’s 2026–2031 roadmap. Regional Security Context: A major Sahel jihadist attack on Niamey’s airport shows how rival groups like JNIM and ISSP are expanding across West Africa.

Regional Refugee Pressure: A DW Africa report spotlights how Burkina Faso’s jihadist war is spilling into northern Ghana classrooms, with schools strained by underfunded refugee arrivals. Security in the Sahel: Mali has declared parts of forest zones “off-limits” to civilians, aiming to cut off jihadist bases used for road attacks. Aviation & Decarbonisation in Togo: Togo Oil Company and Lomé-Tokoin Airport Company signed deals to roll out Sustainable Aviation Fuel and build a 1,500m³ Jet A1 storage tank at Gnassingbé Eyadéma International Airport. Digital Sovereignty: ISOC-Togo held the 12th Togo IGF on governing AI, big data and digital sovereignty, feeding recommendations from youth and school forums. Regional Trade for Women: ECOWAS launched a Lomé fortnight to empower women cross-border traders, reviewing progress across key corridors. Business & Governance: AfDB became EBID’s first institutional shareholder, backing Lomé-based EBID with $30m equity and $70m credit. Private Sector Leadership: Togo’s AGET elected Charles Gafan Elected President, pushing stronger dialogue with government ahead of the 2026–2031 roadmap. Diplomacy & Investment: Togo and Saudi Arabia discussed new co-investments in agriculture, industry and ports, building on existing Saudi-funded water and rural projects.

Aviation & Trade: Togo’s Lomé is in the spotlight as regional air and logistics deals move forward, including the push for cheaper air travel across Africa via the Lomé Declaration and ongoing upgrades tied to making the airport a hub. ECOWAS Women’s Trade: Lomé hosted an ECOWAS regional fortnight (June 18–29) to back women small-scale cross-border traders, with Togo’s economy minister calling for borders to become drivers of development. Digital Governance: ISOC-Togo held the 12th Togo IGF on digital sovereignty and AI governance, building on youth recommendations and the Tunis Agenda. Finance & Inclusion: Digital banking use in Togo hit 32.2% by end-March 2026, alongside lower average interest rates and growth in savings and microfinance. Diplomacy & Investment: Togo and Saudi Arabia discussed new investments in agriculture, industry and ports, including solar water systems supported by Saudi funding. Business Leadership: Charles Gafan Kokouvi was elected president of Togo’s Association of Large Enterprises, pledging stronger dialogue with government as Togo prepares its 2026–2031 roadmap. Church & Youth: Togo’s Catholic bishops urged fidelity to liturgical norms and reviewed plans for National Youth Days in Atakpamé (July 30–Aug 2).

Private Sector Leadership: Charles Kokouvi Gafan was elected president of Togo’s Association of Large Enterprises (AGET), pledging stronger dialogue with government as Togo prepares its 2026–2031 roadmap. Women in Trade: ECOWAS launched a Lomé-based regional fortnight to boost women’s small-scale cross-border trading, with Togo’s economy minister backing efforts to make borders less of a barrier. Digital Sovereignty: ISOC-Togo held the 12th Togo Internet Governance Forum on governing AI, big data and geopolitics, feeding recommendations from youth and school forums into national policy talks. Finance & Inclusion: Togo reported digital banking usage reaching 32.2% by end-March 2026, alongside lower average interest rates and growth in savings and microfinance. Diplomacy & Investment: Faure Gnassingbé met Saudi PIF officials to expand co-investments in agriculture, industry and ports, while Lomé also intensified Maghreb outreach with Tunisia and Algeria. Aviation Integration: African ministers adopted the Lomé Declaration to push cheaper, more connected air travel across Africa, aligning with SAATM and the Yamoussoukro Decision.

ECOWAS Women’s Trade Push in Lomé: A two-week ECOWAS regional fortnight opened in Lomé (June 18) to back women small-scale cross-border traders, with Togo’s economy minister saying borders should become drivers of integration, not barriers. Digital Sovereignty Forum: ISOC-Togo held the 12th Togo IGF at the University of Lomé, focusing on governing AI, big data and geopolitical dynamics, with youth recommendations feeding into the national agenda. Togo–Saudi Investment Talks: Faure Gnassingbé met Saudi PIF governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan in Rome to explore new co-investments in agriculture, industry and ports, including follow-on support for solar water systems in rural communities. Digital Banking Uptick: Togo reported digital banking usage reaching 32.2% by end-March 2026, alongside lower average interest rates and growth in savings and microfinance. Aviation Integration Moves Forward: Togo signed an agreement with AFCAC under SAATM and hosted talks tied to the Lomé Declaration aimed at cheaper, more connected air travel across Africa. Fisheries Moratorium Reminder: Authorities urged compliance with the annual fishing ban to protect breeding fish, as demand far outstrips domestic production.

Dangote Fuel via Lomé: S&P Global Energy says Nigerian fuel marketers are increasingly importing Dangote refinery products through Lomé’s offshore ship-to-ship hub, with 70–80% of Nigeria’s waterborne imports (Mar–May 2026) linked to Dangote—showing Lomé’s growing role in regional fuel trade. Women’s Cross-Border Trade: ECOWAS launched a Lomé regional fortnight to back women small-scale traders, building on earlier corridor campaigns and pushing borders to become “drivers of development” rather than barriers. Digital Sovereignty & AI Governance: ISOC-Togo held the 12th Togo IGF in Lomé, focusing on governing AI, big data and geopolitical pressures on digital sovereignty. Togo–Saudi Investment Talks: Faure Gnassingbé met Saudi PIF governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan to expand co-investments in agriculture, industry and ports, including support for rural water access via solar systems. Single African Sky Push: African ministers adopted the Lomé Declaration to speed up cheaper, more connected air travel across Africa, reinforcing SAATM and the Yamoussoukro Decision. Togo Fisheries Moratorium: Authorities urged compliance with the annual fishing moratorium as demand outstrips local production and illegal fishing worsens stock recovery. Togo Digital Banking Up: Digital banking usage hit 32.2% by end-March 2026, alongside lower average interest rates and growth in savings and microfinance.

ECOWAS Women’s Trade Push (Lomé): Lomé is hosting a two-week ECOWAS event on women’s small-scale cross-border trade, running June 18–29, bringing together traders, banks, regional bodies and policymakers to review progress on key corridors and tackle barriers to women’s participation. Digital Sovereignty & AI Governance: ISOC-Togo held the 12th National Internet Governance Forum in Lomé, with discussions on governing AI and big data amid geopolitical pressures, feeding recommendations from youth and school-level governance forums. Togo–Saudi Investment Talks: President of Togo’s Council Faure Gnassingbé met Saudi PIF governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan in Rome to explore co-investments in agriculture, agro-industry, manufacturing and ports, including follow-ups to Saudi-funded rural water and solar projects. Single African Air Transport Momentum: African ministers adopted the Lomé Declaration and implementation matrix at AFCAC’s 2026 air transport convention, pushing the Single African Air Transport Market and the “single African sky” from policy to operational reality; Togo also signed an SAATM-related agreement with AFCAC. Digital Banking Uptick: Togo reported digital banking usage reaching 32.2% by end-March 2026, alongside lower average interest rates and growth in savings and microfinance. Maritime & Fisheries Conservation: Togo urged compliance with the annual fishing moratorium to protect breeding stocks, while also advancing ocean protection and marine conservation efforts ahead of UN Ocean Conference discussions. Diplomatic Outreach: Togo expanded Maghreb engagement with Tunisia and Algeria, signing a Tunisia MoU on consultations and exploring deeper academic cooperation.

African Air Transport Push: African ministers adopted the Lomé Declaration and Implementation Matrix in Lomé to fast-track cheaper, more connected air travel, reinforcing the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) and the Yamoussoukro Decision. SAATM Implementation in Togo: Togo signed an agreement with AFCAC to strengthen its role in opening Africa’s skies, with expectations of more African airline operations into Lomé and higher airport revenues. Ocean Protection Diplomacy: Togo is taking part in the UN Ocean Conference to translate marine-protection commitments into practical steps, including how coastal communities will shape marine protected areas. Fisheries Pressure & Moratorium: Togo urged fishing stakeholders to respect the annual Gulf of Guinea moratorium as demand far outstrips local production, with illegal and destructive fishing cited among key causes of the supply gap. Investment Pitch to Europe/Middle East: President Faure Gnassingbé made a case at FII Priority Europe for financing integrated productive ecosystems, positioning Lomé as a gateway for Africa’s next investment cycle. Disaster Preparedness Drill: The government launched “Mia Dzrado 2026,” a multi-hazard emergency simulation in flood-prone Bas-Mono to test coordination and response systems. Regional Security Concern: A report warns Russia is expanding “Russian Houses” across Africa, with Togo named among planned influence sites.

Single African Air Transport Market: African ministers adopted the Lomé Declaration and Implementation Matrix to fast-track the Single African Air Transport Market, with Togo’s President Faure Gnassingbé pushing for “operational reality” beyond speeches at AFCAC’s 2026 air transport event in Lomé. SAATM Deal in Lomé: Togo also signed an agreement with AFCAC to strengthen its role in opening Africa’s skies and boosting intra-African routes through Gnassingbé Eyadéma International Airport. Ocean Protection Talks: Togo joined the UN Ocean Conference to advance marine conservation and plan marine protected areas, stressing coastal community concerns. Investment Pitch Abroad: Faure Gnassingbé urged European and Middle Eastern investors to back integrated productive ecosystems and positioned Lomé as a gateway for Africa’s next investment cycle. Fisheries Conservation: Togo urged compliance with the Gulf of Guinea fishing moratorium as demand outstrips local supply and illegal/overfishing pressures fish stocks. Health Infrastructure: Health officials called for urgent rehabilitation and re-equipping of Nkwanta South Hospital to meet international standards. Disaster Preparedness: Togo launched the “Mia Dzrado 2026” multi-hazard simulation in flood-prone Bas-Mono to test emergency coordination. Plastics Policy Pressure: Polystyrene foam ban fallout is already sparking pushback over compensation and transition timelines. Regional Data Planning: Lomé hosted experts preparing for the 2030 Population and Housing Census cycle.

Togo’s Disaster Readiness: The government launched “Mia Dzrado 2026,” a multi-hazard emergency simulation in flood-prone Bas-Mono, testing coordination across civil protection, security forces, local authorities and partners. Agriculture & Skills: SIGMA Scientific Group and France’s École Supérieure des Agricultures signed an agreement to train agricultural engineers in Togo, supporting the push to produce 2,000 engineers by 2030. Population Data Planning: Census directors and statisticians gathered in Lomé for the 2030 Population and Housing Census Cycle workshop, focusing on digital data collection and stronger data protection. Food Security Ahead of Lean Season: WFP and the Togolese government are stepping up measures in northern Togo as projections warn up to 332,000 people could face acute food insecurity without assistance. Culture & International Ties: China will be guest of honor at Togo’s La Marmite Festival in Lomé, with organizers highlighting fonio and new training and competitions. Governance & Integrity: A World Bank-backed capacity session in Lomé tackled fraud and corruption risks in public projects, stressing accountability in procurement and contract delivery.

Togo’s Disaster Readiness: The National Civil Protection Agency (ANPC) is running “Mia Dzrado 2026,” a multi-hazard emergency simulation in flood-prone Bas-Mono, testing the National Emergency Operations Center and coordination across civil protection, security forces, local authorities, and humanitarian partners. Agriculture & Skills: SIGMA Scientific Group (Lomé) and France’s École Supérieure des Agricultures (ESA) signed an agreement to train agricultural engineers for Togo’s food-system and environmental transition, with a preparatory cycle starting in the 2026-2027 academic year. Population Planning: Census directors and statisticians are meeting in Lomé to prepare for the 2030 Population and Housing Census cycle, focusing on digital data collection, georeferencing, data protection, and capacity building. Food Security Ahead of Lean Season: WFP and the Togolese government are stepping up measures in northern Togo as projections warn nearly 332,000 people could face acute food insecurity between June and August 2026 without assistance. Governance & Integrity: A World Bank-backed capacity session in Lomé targets fraud and corruption risks in projects, stressing accountability in public procurement and oversight. International Engagement: Tunisia and Togo signed an MoU for regular foreign-ministry consultations, with AfCFTA trade cooperation and joint work for 2026-2027. Regional Policy Link: WAEMU aligned origin determination rules with HS 2022 in Lomé, aiming to improve customs compliance and revenue collection.

Food Security Comms: FAO urged West African governments to treat storytelling as a strategic tool, not a side task, as Togo and neighbors face climate shocks and rising food insecurity. Lean Season Response: With northern Togo heading into the lean season, WFP and the government are scaling up support after projections warned nearly 332,000 people could face acute food insecurity without help. Public Finance Integrity: The World Bank opened a Lomé session on fraud and corruption risks in development projects, stressing accountability in procurement and contract delivery. Diplomacy & Trade: Tunisia and Togo agreed to deepen foreign-ministry consultations, with AfCFTA trade focus on Tunisian olives/dates and Togolese cocoa, plus cooperation on digital health and research. Film Sector Funding: Togo’s FoNSICA film and audiovisual fund is set to move toward launch after stakeholders reviewed its financing framework and governance rules. Regional Aviation Integration: Nigeria’s aviation minister reiterated commitment to the Single African Air Transport Market during talks in Lomé.

National Film Funding: Togo is moving toward making its National Fund for Support to the Film and Audiovisual Industry (FoNSICA) operational, with a reviewed financing framework and stakeholder recommendations shaping the legal and governance setup. Food Security: As the lean season approaches, WFP and the Togolese government are stepping up measures in northern Togo after projections warned that about 332,000 people could face acute food insecurity without assistance. Diplomacy & Trade: Tunisia and Togo signed an MoU in Tunis to institutionalize foreign-ministry consultations, with AfCFTA trade expansion and priorities like digital health, research, and higher education on the agenda. Public Finance Oversight: The World Bank opened a Lomé capacity-building session for project implementers and oversight bodies, focusing on fraud and corruption risks, procurement integrity, and accountability in development spending. Governance & Economy: The World Bank also flagged slower Sub-Saharan growth in 2026 due to energy shocks and weaker demand, while noting reform gains in parts of the region. Security & Influence: Reports say Russia is expanding “Russian Houses” across Africa to boost influence, while a French watchdog alleges Israeli firm BlackCore meddled in elections including in Togo.

Anti-Corruption & Governance: France’s digital interference watchdog Viginum says Israeli firm BlackCore meddled in elections and political campaigns, naming targets including Togo, and urging urgent scrutiny of foreign online influence. Public Works & Finance: In Lomé, Togo’s building and public works contractors held “Media Days,” arguing sector delays and cost overruns stem from the whole project chain, while stressing domestic firms still struggle to access bank financing. Housing & Local Development: Togo’s 20,000-unit housing program has entered its operational phase, with officials pointing to implementation momentum. Regional Diplomacy: Libya and Togo discussed strengthening bilateral ties and cooperation to support African stability during a high-level visit to Tripoli. Security at Borders: Aflao border users report worsening insecurity linked to poor lighting and weak patrol presence, calling for streetlights and more police/military deployment. Regional Economy & Energy: Leaders at a West Africa gas summit in Accra pushed for better infrastructure and regional cooperation to turn gas wealth into jobs and prosperity, citing the West African Gas Pipeline as a model. Tech & Investment: AXIAN Telecom secured major EBRD financing to expand and modernize networks across Africa, including Togo.