AGP Executive Report

WAEMU Banking Liquidity: WAEMU banks are holding about four times the reserves required by regulation at the BCEAO, with excess reserves around CFA4.51 trillion, limiting how central bank rate cuts translate into cheaper credit. Cross-Border Payments Push: The BCEAO is preparing a six-month PAPSS pilot in Dakar, expected to involve 80+ WAEMU banks, to speed up intra-African payments and reduce reliance on dollar/euro settlement routes. Togo Inflation Watch: Togo’s annual inflation stayed at 0.1% in June, while monthly prices rose 1.2%, driven mainly by seasonal food costs and higher fuel/transport. Digital Banking in Togo: BCP group subsidiaries, including Banque Atlantique Togo, are rolling out app features like online account opening and transaction authentication to boost digital access. Intellectual Property for Farmers: FAO training in Lomé is helping entrepreneurs protect innovations via patents and trademarks, aiming to strengthen competitiveness and market access. Awandjelo Solar Oversight: Togo’s AT2ER seeks a consultant to monitor and evaluate the Awandjelo solar project in Kara, funded by BOAD, with a CFA100m contract. Regional Energy Integration: ECOWAS-backed progress continues on the Nigeria–Morocco African Atlantic Gas Pipeline, but security across the long corridor remains a key concern. Togo Security Claims: Togo opposition alleges Russian and Turkish private military presence in the north, urging transparency.

BCEAO Digital Payments Push: The BCEAO is preparing a six-month PAPSS pilot in WAEMU, expected to involve 80+ commercial banks, aiming to speed up cross-border payments and cut reliance on non-African payment channels. Togo Inflation Watch: Togo’s annual inflation held at 0.1% in June, while monthly prices rose 1.2%, driven mainly by seasonal food increases and higher fuel and transport costs. Banking Goes Mobile in Togo: BCP group subsidiaries, including Banque Atlantique Togo, are rolling out app features like fully online account opening and stronger transaction authentication to expand access and compete with mobile money. Regional Energy Deal: ECOWAS backed the Nigeria–Morocco gas pipeline, a $25bn project expected to run through 13 countries including Benin, Togo and Ghana, with construction targeted from 2028. ECOWAS Appointments: ECOWAS approved new leadership for 2026–2030, including Togo’s Yaouza Ouro-Sama as an ECOWAS Court judge and Ghana’s Amin Suleiman as Commissioner for Infrastructure, Energy and Digitalisation. Togo Security Claim: Togo opposition alleges hundreds of Russian and Turkish private military personnel in the north, urging transparency. Education Scam Crackdown (Region): Nigeria’s NSCDC says it dismantled a fake university in Lagos and rescued 106 youths, highlighting cross-border fraud risks.

Inflation Watch: Togo’s annual inflation held steady at 0.1% in June, even as monthly prices rose 1.2%, driven by seasonal food hikes and higher fuel and transport costs. Digital Banking Push: Banque Atlantique Togo and other BCP group banks are rolling out app features like online account opening, trusted-device registration and e-PIN authentication to deepen financial inclusion. Regional Payments Upgrade: The BCEAO is preparing a six-month PAPSS pilot with over 80 WAEMU banks to speed up cross-border payments and cut reliance on non-African rails. Energy & Power Projects: Togo is seeking a consultant to monitor and evaluate the Awandjelo 42MW solar project in Kara, funded by BOAD, with results tied to technical and social outcomes. ECOWAS Energy Deal: ECOWAS endorsed the Nigeria–Morocco African Atlantic Gas Pipeline, a 6,000km-plus corridor expected to benefit Togo and other Atlantic states. Cross-Border Security Concerns: Togo opposition groups allege Russian Africa Corps and Turkish private military personnel in the north, calling for transparency. Aviation Update: Brussels Airlines Flight SN278 turned back to Accra shortly after take-off due to a technical fault; passengers received support after cancellation. Youth Scam Crackdown: While reported from Nigeria, the fake-university scheme involved recruits from Togo and the region—106 youths were rescued in Lagos after paying up to ₦1.5m for “foreign admission.”

Awandjelo Solar Oversight: Togo’s rural electrification agency AT2ER is inviting an international consulting firm to monitor and evaluate the 42MWp Awandjelo solar project in Kara, funded by BOAD, with a CFA100m contract covering technical, economic, social and environmental performance; bids close July 31, 2026. Inflation Watch: Togo’s annual inflation held steady at 0.1% in June, with monthly prices up 1.2% mainly from seasonal food increases and higher fuel and transport costs. Regional Energy Deal: ECOWAS endorsed the Nigeria–Morocco Atlantic gas pipeline, a 6,000km corridor expected to benefit 13 countries including Togo, as leaders push deeper energy cooperation and integration. ECOWAS Appointments: ECOWAS approved new leadership for 2026–2030, including judges for the ECOWAS Court of Justice with Togo’s Yaouza Ouro-Sama named among them. Road Upgrade Prep: Authorities along RN1’s Togblékopé–Atakpamé (145km) are clearing the right-of-way, asking residents to remove temporary roadside structures by July 27 ahead of widening works. Agri-Business Support: 34 eco-enterprises in Plateaux were selected for training and financing readiness under FAO’s AFR100 project, targeting land restoration and stronger business plans. Cross-Border Security: NDLEA reports tramadol seizures tied to the Togo–Benin–Nigeria corridor, highlighting ongoing regional trafficking pressure.

Mental Health Expansion: WHO-led meeting in Lomé brings together experts from 26 West and Central African countries to push faster, rights-based, community-centred mental health care and closer integration into primary health services. Aviation Safety: Brussels Airlines Flight SN278 returned safely to Accra shortly after take-off due to a technical fault; the flight was cancelled and passengers received assistance. Regional Energy Integration: ECOWAS heads signed the intergovernmental agreement for the Nigeria–Morocco African Atlantic Gas Pipeline, with Togo’s foreign minister saying it will boost integration and energy connectivity. Togo Infrastructure & Business Support: RN1’s Togblékopé–Atakpamé section is moving toward widening, with local authorities starting roadside clearance notices; meanwhile, 34 eco-enterprises were selected for FAO-backed AFR100 training in Plateaux to restore degraded land and prepare business plans for financing. Cross-Border Security: NDLEA reports major tramadol seizures linked to a Togo–Benin–Nigeria network, including 1.63 million pills hidden in fabricated compartments and arrests tied to shipments bound for Kano. Climate & Flood Risk: A World Weather Attribution report says human-driven climate change made West African floods more intense, while rapid urban growth worsened impacts on poorer communities.

World Bank in Togo: Anna Bjerde visited Lomé this week, signing about $429m in new financing for transport, electrification, natural gas, lagging regions and digital ID, while stressing jobs and private-sector-led growth as Togo’s top development priority. Coastal resilience: The visit also covered the Port of Lomé and coastal protection plans under the West Africa Coastal Areas Management Program (WACA). Regional security & drugs: NDLEA says it intercepted 1.63m tramadol pills in two Kano-bound trailers, concealed in fabricated compartments, linked to a Togo–Benin–Nigeria trafficking syndicate; arrests included drivers and an 80-year-old suspect, with additional seizures tied to the same network. ECOWAS summit: West African leaders, including Togo’s Faure Gnassingbé, met in Sierra Leone for the 69th ECOWAS session focused on peace, governance, integration, trade and infrastructure. Climate shock: A new report warns West Africa’s deadly floods were intensified by human-driven climate change, with rapid urban growth worsening impacts on poorer communities.

ECOWAS Summit in Sierra Leone: West African leaders, including Togo’s Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, have arrived in Lungi for the 69th ECOWAS Ordinary Session, with focus on peace and security, democratic governance, economic integration, trade, infrastructure and sustainable development. Cross-border drug crackdown (Togo–Benin–Nigeria corridor): Nigeria’s NDLEA says it has intercepted 1.63 million tramadol pills hidden in fabricated compartments inside two trailers heading to Kano, arresting drivers and linking the haul to a transnational syndicate; the agency also reports earlier seizures from the same route. Togo business/industry spotlight: SNPT CEO Abalo Michel Kezie says Togo is modernizing phosphate extraction and processing at Kpémé through equipment renewal, aiming to add more value locally and strengthen the country’s position among Africa’s phosphate producers. Health & human rights (regional): WHO convened a Lomé meeting where mental health experts and policymakers from 26 countries pledged to expand rights-based mental health services through community care and stronger primary health integration. Air travel facilitation (regional): Ghana’s Accra airport is rolling out new security scanners so passengers won’t need to remove shoes, belts and laptops during screening from August, improving the travel experience.

World Bank Financing for Togo: Togo and the World Bank Group signed five deals worth $429m to boost electricity access, regional power integration, national ID systems, social cohesion in the north, and transport/logistics to strengthen Lomé’s role as a trade hub. Local Development via AU Talks: Togo’s territorial administration has started discussions with the African Union to support local governments, focusing on capacity building, peace and security, and economic empowerment for women and youth as decentralisation expands. Phosphate Industry Modernisation: SNPT’s CEO Abalo Michel Kezie says Togo is upgrading phosphate extraction and processing through equipment renewal and a push to add more value locally while managing environmental pressures. Power Interconnection Talks (DRC–Tanzania): SNEL and Tanesco resumed talks on a proposed 400kV link, reviewing three grid connection options and two technical scenarios, with a prefeasibility study funded via USAID’s East Africa Energy Program. Health & Rights-Based Mental Care: WHO convened a Lomé gathering where experts from 26 countries pledged to scale community-centred, rights-based mental health services and close policy and service gaps. Security & Trade Facilitation: A WCO-led Benin–Nigeria operation using geospatial intelligence reported 37 seizures across narcotics, pharmaceuticals, petroleum products and consumer goods, underscoring smarter border enforcement. Regional Integration Push: Nigeria’s trade minister highlighted freer movement across Africa—discussed at a forum held in Togo—as key to unlocking AfCFTA trade and investment. Malaria Prevention Campaign: Togo launched a nationwide campaign to distribute mosquito nets to fight malaria. Drug Trafficking Crackdown (Regional): NDLEA reported major tramadol seizures tied to the Togo–Benin–Nigeria corridor, including 1.63m pills hidden in fabricated trailer compartments and multiple arrests.

US Immigration Pushback: A South Carolina bill would permanently bar nationals from 39 mostly Black and brown countries, but Antigua and Barbuda’s ambassador says it should not target friendly states without “objective facts.” Fuel Market Pressure in West Africa: Nigeria’s petrol price rises are linked to Dangote’s dollar-based sales and renewed US–Iran tensions, squeezing fuel importers’ margins and raising concerns about monopoly-style pricing. Togo’s Phosphate Modernisation: SNPT CEO Abalo Michel Kezie says equipment renewal and deeper local processing are key to turning volatile phosphate markets into jobs and industrial value. World Bank Boost for Togo: Togo signed $429m in financing for electricity access, social cohesion in the north, and transport/logistics upgrades to strengthen trade corridors. Regional Power Talks: DRC and Tanzania resumed talks on a 400kV interconnection with three grid-link options under review. Customs Tech for Border Security: Benin and Nigeria concluded WCO-led Operation GEOCONTROL using geospatial intelligence, recording 37 seizures along the border corridor. Mental Health in Lomé: WHO and partners in Lomé secured commitments from 26 countries to expand rights-based, community-centred mental health care. Togo–AU Local Development: Togo’s territorial ministry met the AU to explore partnerships supporting decentralisation, local capacity building, and youth and women’s economic empowerment.

Mental Health Commitments: Health experts and policymakers from 26 West and Central African countries met in Lomé and pledged to expand rights-based, community-centred mental health care, aiming to close gaps against WHO’s 2030 targets. World Bank Boost for Togo: The World Bank signed five financing deals worth $429m (about CFA257.4bn) for electricity access, social cohesion in the north, and transport/logistics upgrades to strengthen Togo’s role as a regional hub. Togo-AU Local Development Talks: Togo’s territorial administration began discussions with the African Union on partnerships for local development, including capacity building and economic empowerment for women and youth. Budget Reform for Youth: Togo is preparing to integrate demographic dividend-responsive budgeting into the 2027 budget, building on a 2026 pilot that already targets human capital spending. Port of Lomé Safety Upgrade: The Port of Lomé completed reconstruction of two oil-jetty dolphins to improve safety and resilience for petroleum operations. Savanes Humanitarian Support: AfDB is considering a $1m emergency grant for refugees, IDPs and host communities in Savanes amid ongoing Sahel spillover pressures. Cross-Border Security Tech: Benin and Nigeria concluded a geospatial intelligence-led Customs operation that led to 37 seizures along the border corridor.

World Bank Financing for Togo: Togo and the World Bank Group signed five agreements worth $429m (about CFA257.4bn) in Lomé to back energy access, regional power integration, social cohesion in the north, and transport/logistics upgrades to strengthen trade corridors and Togo’s logistics role. Local Development via AU Talks: Togo’s Ministry of Territorial Administration began discussions with the African Union on partnerships to support local governments, including capacity building and economic empowerment for women and youth, as Togo pushes decentralization. Demographic Dividend Budgeting: Togo is preparing to roll out demographic dividend-responsive budgeting for the 2027 budget, aiming to steer more spending toward human capital like education, health, jobs, and entrepreneurship. Port of Lomé Safety Upgrade: The Port of Lomé completed reconstruction of two oil-jetty dolphins to improve safety and resilience, supporting petroleum product flows for Togo and landlocked neighbors. Savanes Humanitarian Support: The AfDB is considering a $1m grant for an emergency project for refugees, internally displaced people, and host communities in Savanes, amid spillover from Sahel insecurity. Fuel Market Pressure (Regional): S&P reports that rising global petrol costs are squeezing importers in West Africa, while Dangote’s pricing is limiting arbitrage into Nigeria—an issue that also affects regional supply dynamics. Security Watch: The UN warns extremist threats are spreading across West Africa and the Sahel, increasingly targeting coastal states around the Gulf of Guinea.

World Bank Financing: Togo and the World Bank signed five agreements worth $429m (about CFA257.4bn) to boost electricity access, social cohesion in the north, and transport/logistics to strengthen trade corridors and Lomé’s role as a logistics hub. Budget Reform for Youth: Togo is preparing to roll out demographic dividend-responsive budgeting for the 2027 national budget, aiming to steer more spending toward education, health, jobs, entrepreneurship and governance. Humanitarian Pressure in Savanes: The AfDB is considering a $1m grant for emergency support to refugees, internally displaced people and host communities in Savanes, where Sahel spillovers are straining services. Port Safety Upgrade: The Port of Lomé completed repairs to two oil-jetty dolphins to improve safety and resilience for petroleum product handling. Business Leadership Spotlight: Profiles highlight SNB’s managing director Patrick van Schie and the Adétikopé Industrial Platform’s president Tushar Khairnar, both tied to investment and industrial growth. Regional Mobility Push: Nigeria’s trade ministry urged freer movement across Africa to speed up AfCFTA implementation, praising Togo’s visa-removal steps. Care Economy Lens: UN Women called for care-economy reforms after a report showed Liberia’s unpaid care work contributes about $530m annually—yet remains underfunded in policy. Maritime Risk: A Russian strike on a Togo-flagged vessel in Odesa killed three sailors and injured five, underscoring risks to civilian shipping and global food security.

Togo’s Budget Overhaul for Youth: Togo is moving to integrate Demographic Dividend-Responsive Budgeting (DDRB) into its public finances, with a workshop preparing the approach for the 2027 national budget. The pilot already covers five ministries and shows human capital spending at CFA316.6bn (78.2% of combined budgets), targeting education, health, jobs, entrepreneurship and governance. Humanitarian Pressure in Savanes: The AfDB is considering a $1m grant for an emergency project for refugees, internally displaced people and host communities in northern Savanes, citing over 55,000 refugees and 16,000 IDPs and high food insecurity and unsafe shelters. Port of Lomé Upgrade: The Port of Lomé has completed reconstruction of two dolphins at its oil jetty, improving safety and resilience for tanker berthing and supporting petroleum product flows to Togo and landlocked neighbors. Togo-Luxembourg Deals: Togo and Luxembourg signed three agreements in Lomé for environmental protection financing (INCLURE), development cooperation (PIC) and cybersecurity support (TogoCyber+). Regional Mobility Push: Chad announced visa-free entry for all African nationals from Jan 1, 2027, joining a growing list of countries easing intra-Africa travel. Climate Risk for West Africa: A scientific assessment says climate change significantly intensified the extreme 3-day rainfall that drove deadly floods across Ghana, Togo and Côte d’Ivoire, making such events far more likely.

Togo–Luxembourg Deals: Togo signed three cooperation agreements in Lomé to fund environmental protection (INCLURE), support development planning, and strengthen cybersecurity through TogoCyber+. Investment Push: Togo will host a Japanese business delegation (July 19–22) for B2B talks in Lomé, aiming to deepen trade and unlock new partnerships. Maritime Risk for Togolese Flag: A Russian drone strike in Ukraine’s Odesa region killed three sailors on a Togolese-flagged general cargo vessel, underlining how conflict is disrupting shipping and raising insurance and security costs. Regional Fuel Economics: S&P reports Dangote Refinery is “capping” Nigeria’s domestic petrol prices despite higher global gasoline costs and freight, with Lomé values rising above Dangote’s sales prices. Border Trade Reality Check (Ghana): Ghana’s informal cross-border trade hit GH¢31bn in Q1–Q3 2025, about 6% of total trade, showing how informal flows shape West African markets and policy needs. Anti-Corruption Signal: A Mo Ibrahim Foundation study says Africa’s anti-corruption performance improved overall since 2020, though results vary widely by country. Togo Health Campaign: Togo launched a nationwide free mosquito net distribution drive to fight malaria.

Japan-Togo Investment Push: A Japanese business delegation will visit Lomé from July 19–22, 2026, for B2B talks on partnerships and joint projects, supporting Togo’s push to attract more foreign capital as it finalises its 2026–2031 roadmap. World Bank Engagement: World Bank Managing Director of Operations Anna Bjerde is set to visit Togo on July 16–17 to discuss reforms, jobs, logistics, economic corridors, and Port of Lomé priorities, including climate resilience and agriculture/energy/digital projects. Malaria Prevention Drive: Togo has started a nationwide free distribution of 5,658,350 insecticide-treated mosquito nets, following a door-to-door beneficiary census, as malaria remains a major health and economic burden. Regional Trade Reality Check (Ghana): Ghana’s informal cross-border trade with Togo, Burkina Faso and Côte d’Ivoire hit GH¢31bn in Q1–Q3 2025—about 6% of total trade—highlighting how much border commerce stays outside official records. Security Context: The UN warns extremist activity is rapidly expanding across West Africa and the Sahel, increasingly threatening Gulf of Guinea coastal states.

Malaria Fight in Togo: Togo has started a nationwide free distribution of 5,658,350 insecticide-treated mosquito nets, following a door-to-door beneficiary census, to cut malaria’s heavy toll (2.1m cases and 993 deaths in 2024). World Bank in Lomé: World Bank Managing Director of Operations Anna Bjerde will visit Togo on July 16–17 to discuss reforms, jobs, logistics corridors, trade and climate resilience, including the Port of Lomé and WACA. Trade Facilitation (Togo–Benin): Togo and Benin are coordinating to remove barriers to cross-border agricultural trade under PRIMA, aiming to boost trade flows by 30%. Coastline Protection: Togo strengthened coastal safeguards with new laws, including tougher penalties for “environmental crime” and a 100-meter buffer zone—implementation is the key challenge. Regional Investment Push: Afreximbank-backed industrial parks in Benin and Togo have attracted over $1bn in investment, reinforcing the shift toward local manufacturing. Security & Smuggling (Nigeria): Nigeria’s Ogun Customs seized contraband worth ₦4.6bn in six months, including 12 tonnes of cannabis linked to a Ghana–Togo–Benin–Nigeria route. Maritime Risk (Togo-flagged ship): A Russian strike in Ukraine’s Odesa region killed three crew on a Togo-flagged fertilizer vessel and injured five, underscoring how conflict reshapes shipping routes.