AGP Executive Report

Aviation & Trade: Ethiopian Airlines and ASKY plan a $100m aircraft maintenance base in Lomé, with a new joint MRO company targeting operations by end-2028—an investment that could deepen West Africa’s aviation services. Procurement & Compliance: Togo’s contractors’ association (GNEBTP-Togo) is expanding its public procurement compliance push to site and office staff as ARCOP enforcement tightens, warning that bid document manipulation can trigger long bans. Business Innovation: Togolese entrepreneur Medede Bidassa is scaling Laitify, a dairy-farming tech platform using sensors, QR traceability and AI recommendations—plus she’s backing girls into tech through Amazing Girls on Tech. Food & Agriculture: Togo will increase the use of locally grown produce in school canteens, aiming to boost nutrition and create steadier demand for farmers. Energy & Cost of Living: Togo raised retail fuel prices again—unleaded gasoline now CFAF 817/litre—citing oil-market pressure and regional inflation risks. Security & Crime (Regional): Lagos police arrested fraud syndicates targeting traders, including a recovered list of 125+ market operators allegedly marked for scams and kidnappings. Diplomacy & Markets: A Francophonie Summit push is framed as a practical South-South bridge—using Togo-Cambodia ties to open trade and investment routes between West Africa and Southeast Asia. UN Cartography (Africa-wide): The UN’s “Correct the Map” push, led by Togo and backed by the AU, is gaining traction as countries move toward more accurate equal-area mapping.

UN Cartography Push: The UN General Assembly adopted Togo-led “Correct the Map” resolution (164-1) urging wider use of more accurate equal-area projections like Equal Earth, with the US the only dissenting vote—an issue framed as economic and geopolitical fairness, not just geography. Togo Business & IP: INPIT in Lomé urged entrepreneurs to register trademarks and industrial designs early to curb counterfeiting and protect competitiveness under the OAPI system. Fuel & Inflation Watch: Togo raised retail fuel prices again—unleaded gasoline to CFAF 817/litre—citing oil-market pressure and broader WAEMU inflation risks. Aviation Oversight: ICAO is supporting Togo to strengthen airport safety oversight and emergency readiness as Lomé targets a bigger regional aviation role. Agribusiness Demand: Togo plans to boost school canteen use of locally grown foods to improve nutrition and create steadier demand for farmers. Security & Markets: Lagos police arrested fraud syndicate suspects targeting major markets, including a list of 125+ traders allegedly marked for scams and kidnappings. Regional Trade/Finance: BCEAO kept its policy rate at 3% while noting inflation pressures and oil-related risks.

UN Map Vote on Africa’s True Size: The UN General Assembly adopted Togo-led “Correct the Map” by 164 votes to 1 (with 6 abstentions), urging wider use of more accurate equal-area projections like Equal Earth instead of Mercator when relative size matters—an issue framed as bigger than cartography for education and global representation. BCEAO Holds Rates at 3%: The West African central bank kept its policy rate at 3% and marginal lending at 5%, citing contained inflation (0.4% in Q2) but warning oil and energy risks could push prices up. Togo Fuel Prices Rise: Retail gasoline jumped to CFAF 817/litre (from 725) and diesel to CFAF 766/litre (from 750), as Brent stayed above $100 amid Middle East shipping risks. Togo IP Protection Push: INPIT urged entrepreneurs in Lomé to register trademarks and industrial designs early to curb counterfeiting and strengthen competitiveness. Airport Safety Oversight: ICAO is supporting Togo with an airport safety oversight mission focused on compliance and emergency readiness. Food Safety Lab Boost: With World Bank backing, Togo’s LaNSA lab is expanding testing capacity to help producers meet export standards. Market Fire in Kpalimé: A blaze destroyed grain and food stocks at Château market, renewing calls for better market layout and fire prevention. Fraud Crackdown in Lagos: Police arrested members of fraud syndicates targeting 125 traders on a hit list, including alleged ransom cases.

Monetary Policy: BCEAO kept its main policy rate at 3% (marginal lending 5%, reserve ratio 3%) as inflation stayed contained, but warned oil and energy risks could push prices up. Fuel Prices: Togo raised retail fuel prices again—unleaded gasoline to CFAF 817/litre (from 725), diesel to 766 (from 750)—as Brent hovered around $106 amid Middle East shipping risks. Aviation Safety: Togo is hosting an ICAO technical assistance mission to review airport safety oversight and compliance, supporting Lomé’s push to strengthen its role as a regional aviation hub. Intellectual Property for SMEs: INPIT convened entrepreneurs in Lomé to stress early trademark and industrial design protection to curb counterfeiting and boost access to finance. Food Safety & Exports: With World Bank support, Togo’s LaNSA lab is being equipped to speed up and expand testing (heavy metals, mycotoxins, pesticide residues), helping producers meet sanitary standards. Trade Regulation: Fabric importers in Lomé urged clearer rules and better dialogue with tax authorities to reduce unfair competition and inspection disputes. Market Fire: A fire damaged Kpalimé’s Château market, destroying grain and food stocks; authorities are reviewing market layout and fire-prevention measures. PPP Push: Togo launched a PPP Club to improve project delivery and investor certainty, stressing PPPs are not a way around budget limits. Nuclear Ambitions: Togo is in London for the World Nuclear Symposium, positioning nuclear as a long-term energy security and skills-building opportunity.

UN Map Shift for Africa: The UN General Assembly adopted Togo-led “Correct the map” resolution (164-1, with the US the only no vote), pushing wider use of equal-area projections like Equal Earth so Africa appears closer to its real relative size—an issue now spilling into schools, media and digital platforms. Togo’s Nuclear Push: President Faure Gnassingbé used the World Nuclear Symposium in London to argue Africa is ready to partner on nuclear, but needs skills, regulation and financing—framing nuclear as an energy-security and industrialisation option. Food Safety Upgrade: With World Bank support under the FSRP, Togo is strengthening LaNSA, boosting testing for nutrition, heavy metals, mycotoxins and pesticide residues to help producers meet export standards. Trade Rules Under Review: Fabric importers in Lomé are asking for clearer regulation, fairer competition and better dialogue with tax authorities after complaints over inspections and retail access. Coast Protection Progress: WACA-Togo reports 25 of 26 groynes completed along the Agbodrafo–Goumoukopé–Gbodjomé–Kpémé stretch, extending protected coastline to 26 km. Energy Policy Watch (Nigeria): Nigeria’s planned electricity subsidy phase-out from 2027 is under scrutiny as analysts ask what the subsidy covers and whether inefficiencies are being addressed. Banking Leadership: Absa Bank Kenya appoints Yusuf Omari as CFO after long service, signalling continued focus on retail growth. PPP Financing Drive (Togo): Togo launched a PPP Club to improve project preparation, risk-sharing and investor certainty—while stressing PPPs are not a shortcut around budget limits. Market Fire (Kpalimé): A fire destroyed part of Château Market in Kpalimé, wiping out grain and food stocks; authorities are investigating causes and reviewing market layout and fire-prevention.

Food Safety & Trade: Togo’s National Food Safety and Phytosanitary Laboratory (LaNSA) is getting upgraded equipment with World Bank support under the West Africa Food System Resilience Program, boosting faster and wider testing (heavy metals, mycotoxins, pesticide residues) to help producers meet export standards. Agribusiness Finance: Togo expanded farmer support in the first half of 2026, including Ecobank input loans (nearly 900 farmers, CFAF 170m) and seed/plant kits plus training through ProMIFA and PRIMA-Togo. Coastal Protection: WACA-Togo says 25 of 26 groynes along the Agbodrafo–Goumoukopé–Gbodjomé–Kpémé stretch are completed, extending protection to 26 km with an investment of CFAF 33.48bn. Education for Girls: Togo launched its second school kit campaign for girls under SWEDD+, now targeting 150,000+ girls across 1,500+ localities. Nuclear Ambition: President Faure Gnassingbé urged Africa to lead in nuclear development, stressing the continent’s “capital problem” and the need for skills, regulation and value chains as Togo attends the World Nuclear Symposium in London. Market Fire: A fire destroyed parts of Kpalimé’s Château Market, wiping out grain and food stocks; investigations continue and authorities are revisiting market layout and fire-prevention measures. Tech & Payments: Togolese fintech SOLIMI CEO Gaëlle Matina Egbidi highlights growth in prepaid Visa cards topped up via mobile money, while also leading TogoTech. Banking Leadership: Yusuf Omari was appointed CFO at Absa Bank Kenya after 17 years at the bank, signaling continued push in retail banking. Trade Regulation: Fabric importers in Lomé are calling for changes to trade rules, citing unfair competition, tax inspection disputes and difficulty securing retail space. Energy/Infrastructure Note: Ghana’s PURC reports thermal power still dominates electricity generation (74.33% in July), underscoring the region’s ongoing energy-cost pressures.

Agribusiness & Food Security: Togo expanded farmer financing and support in the first half of 2026, including Ecobank input loans of nearly CFAF 170 million for about 900 farmers, seed and cuttings kits for 2,059 farmers under ProMIFA, and training via “learning wheels,” while Japan also signed a CFAF 800 million rice support deal to stabilize prices for vulnerable households. Education for Jobs: Togo plans career-oriented classes from 2026-2027, starting in upper primary and science-focused middle/high schools, with sessions led by professionals from local businesses and the diaspora. Judicial Modernization: The government is moving to merge judicial officers and auctioneers into a single “court commissioner” profession, aiming to improve justice delivery and align with WAEMU reforms. Social Inclusion: A draft law adopted by the Council of Ministers strengthens protections for people with disabilities across health, education, work, accessibility and social protection, including safeguards for women and children. UN Global Policy (Togo-led): The UN General Assembly backed the “Correct the Map” resolution led by Togo and supported by the African Union, encouraging use of the Equal Earth projection to better reflect Africa’s true size, with the US voting against. Transport & Safety (Regional): Ghana’s transport minister challenged commercial motorcycle riders to prove legalisation won’t increase crashes as a road safety campaign was launched.

UN Map Reform: The UN General Assembly adopted Togo-led “Correct the Map” resolution backing the Equal Earth projection to better reflect Africa’s true size, passing 164 votes to 1 (the US opposed) and encouraging governments and schools to update how the world is shown. Food Security Deal: Japan will provide CFAF 800 million (200 million yen) to Togo under its 2026 Kennedy Round to buy rice for sale at subsidized prices for vulnerable households. Education for Jobs: Togo plans career-oriented classes from 2026-2027, with early exposure to work via sessions led by local business and diaspora professionals, plus science-focused pathways. Health Regulation: Togo approved a decree to create a National Agency to regulate medicines and other healthcare products, aiming to strengthen inspections and curb substandard/falsified drugs. Tax & Financial Crime Training: Togo hosted the OECD Francophone Academy on tax and financial crime, supporting domestic revenue mobilization efforts. Port & Trade Watch: APM Terminals is revisiting Nigeria’s Badagry port development with plans for a new greenfield container terminal. Regional Business: Japan Motors Ghana appointed Amine Kabbara as Managing Director, following growth in sales and marketing.

UN Map Vote: Togo, leading the African Group, helped win UN General Assembly backing for the “Correct the Map” resolution, encouraging use of the Equal Earth projection to portray Africa’s true size; 164 countries voted in favour, the US voted against, and six abstained. Education & Jobs: Togo will introduce career-oriented classes from 2026-2027, starting in upper primary and science-focused middle/high schools, with early exposure to occupations via professionals, company visits and science weeks. Tax & Financial Crime: Togo hosted the OECD Francophone Academy in Lomé, training officials on detecting and investigating tax and financial crimes, money laundering and illicit flows. Health Regulation: Togo approved creation of a National Agency to regulate medicines and other healthcare products to strengthen inspections, market surveillance and fight substandard or falsified drugs. Justice Reform: Togo plans to merge judicial officers and auctioneers into one profession of court commissioner to modernize court operations. Social Inclusion: A draft law adopted by Togo’s Council of Ministers strengthens protections for people with disabilities, including access to health, education, work and public life. Girls’ School Kits: Togo will expand its SWEDD+ school kit distribution to over 150,000 girls for 2026-2027, rolling out nationwide from Sept. 9. Trade/Regional Context: Nigeria’s Q2 2026 trade data show non-crude oil exports overtaking crude for the first time, with a wider trade surplus—an indicator of shifting export structure across the region.

UN Map Reform: The UN General Assembly backed Togo’s “Correct the Map” push, voting 164-1 (with six abstentions) to encourage use of the Equal Earth equal-area projection, while the US stood alone against it—an effort framed as correcting long-running cartographic distortions. Education & Gender: Togo will expand the SWEDD+ school kit programme for 2026-2027, targeting over 150,000 girls across more than 1,500 communities, up from about 101,334 kits delivered in 2025-2026. Health Regulation: Togo approved creation of a National Agency to regulate medicines and other healthcare products, aiming to strengthen quality control, inspections, market surveillance and pharmacovigilance. Tax & Financial Crime Capacity: Lomé hosted the OECD Francophone Academy (third edition), training officials from nine countries on tax fraud, illicit financial flows and related investigations. Trade & Logistics Watch: Ghana’s Tema Port Terminal 3 is facing congestion as 70% of containers face full physical inspections, raising clearance delays and costs—an issue with direct regional trade implications for Togo-linked supply chains.

UN “Correct the Map” Win for Togo: The UN General Assembly adopted the Togo-led “Correct the Map” resolution by 164 votes to 1, backing wider use of the Equal Earth projection to show Africa’s true relative size; the US was the lone no vote, while the move is non-binding and does not replace Mercator or redraw borders. Regional Trade & Finance Signals: Nigeria’s Q2 2026 merchandise trade hit N41.44tn, with exports at N27.02tn and a trade surplus of N12.60tn, as crude oil stayed the top export and non-crude gains lifted export composition; top partners included India, Spain, Netherlands, the US and Togo. Electricity Debt Watch (Cross-border): Nigeria’s international electricity customers—Benin and Togo included—owe about $28.33m (N37.44bn) for ancillary services over 2023-2025, with Togo accounting for 95% of the outstanding balance. Togo PPP Financing Focus: Ecobank Togo says PPP bankability hinges on predictable cash flows and repayment certainty over long project horizons. Togo Agribusiness & Exports: Togo’s coffee and cocoa exports fell sharply in 2025-2026 despite higher production, with plans to tighten quality, traceability and standards. Connectivity Upgrade (Liberia): CSquared, with Microsoft support, moved a Ganta broadband and digital skills programme from a grant pilot to commercial operations—an example of scaling digital access beyond subsidies.

UN “Correct the Map” Win for Togo: The UN General Assembly backed a Togo-sponsored resolution urging governments, schools and tech firms to use equal-area projections like Equal Earth when comparing landmass size, with 164 votes in favour and the US the lone vote against; the move targets distortions from the centuries-old Mercator projection that can make Africa look much smaller than it is. Vision Gap in Togo: Optical chain Lapaire’s Vision Health Index 2026 says about 29.9% of tested patients need vision correction, but only 21% receive it, leaving a sizable unmet need. PPP Financing Focus: Ecobank Togo says bankable PPPs hinge on “predictability” of cash flows and repayment over long project horizons. Agroecology Funding for West Africa: ECOWAS launched a €20m regional agroecology push in Lomé, with Togo involved in three projects. Coffee & Cocoa Exports Slide: Togo’s coffee and cocoa export volumes fell sharply in 2025-2026 despite higher production, with officials pointing to unregistered operators, smuggling and new European requirements.

UN Map Diplomacy: Togo scored a major win at the UN General Assembly as 164 countries backed the “Correct the Map” resolution, pushing for wider use of equal-area projections like Equal Earth to better reflect Africa’s true size; the US was the lone vote against, while the move is non-binding and does not ban Mercator for navigation. Business & Finance Inclusion: AXIAN Group and the African Development Bank launched a digital finance programme for 34,000 women-led businesses across five countries, using mobile money, digital lending, alternative credit scoring, and training via Mixx and MVola. Fuel Market Watch: In Nigeria, local petrol from Dangote is reported to keep a price edge over imports, adding pressure to the debate on petrol import competitiveness. Regional Security: NDLEA warned of Mexican-linked criminal networks setting up industrial meth labs in Nigeria’s Ogun and Oyo forests, highlighting cross-border drug production risks. Culture & Economy: Masina Ategou was named Best Promoter of the Year 2026 at the Togo Show Business Awards, spotlighting growth in Togo’s entertainment industry.

UN Cartography Push: Togo-led “Correct the Map” resolution won UN General Assembly backing (164 votes to 1, with the US the lone no), urging governments, schools and tech platforms to use equal-area projections like Equal Earth instead of Mercator when accurate land-size comparisons matter. Local Impact: Togo’s foreign minister says the country will update school geography materials by end-2026, aiming to correct how Africa’s size is taught. Policy Context: The vote is non-binding and does not ban Mercator for navigation, but it signals a shift in global education and public information. Diplomatic Ripples: India backed the resolution while stressing it doesn’t endorse any map or affect political boundaries, and France announced it will drop Mercator for its official diplomatic maps. Finance & Inclusion: AXIAN and AfDB launched a digital finance programme for 34,000 women-led businesses across five countries, using mobile money and alternative credit assessment to close funding gaps.

UN Map Reform (Togo-led): The UN General Assembly backed Togo’s “Correct the Map” resolution, voting 164-1 (with 6 abstentions) to encourage a shift from the Mercator projection to equal-area options like Equal Earth, so Africa appears closer to its real size; the US was the lone no vote, calling it an “ideological agenda,” while Togo says maps shape education and perceptions. Education Impact in Togo: Togo’s Foreign Minister Robert Dussey says the country will update school geography materials by the end of 2026, aiming to move classrooms away from Mercator. Policy Context: The resolution is non-binding and does not ban Mercator for navigation, but it is expected to influence textbooks, public communication and digital mapping. Women’s Finance Push: AXIAN and the AfDB launched a digital finance programme for 34,000 women-led businesses across five countries, combining mobile products with training in digital skills and financial literacy. Agri & Climate Resilience: FAO Togo’s Dr. Oyétoundé Djiwa discussed how mechanization needs service centers for small farms, plus better monitoring for reforestation and reforms to improve women farmers’ access to land, finance and technology. Local Business & Culture: Masina Ategou was named Best Promoter of the Year 2026 at the Togo Show Business Awards for work supporting artists and expanding the entertainment ecosystem. Public Health Concern: In Togo’s Volta Region, authorities warn of children being targeted with cannabis-infused “toffees” and soft drinks, urging tighter security coordination and community reporting.

UN Map Overhaul: The UN General Assembly backed Togo’s “Correct the Map” push, adopting the Equal Earth projection to better reflect Africa’s true relative size; the resolution passed 164–1 with the US voting against and six countries abstaining, and it’s non-binding—so Mercator can still be used for navigation, but governments, schools, media and tech are encouraged to switch when accurate area matters. Togo Education Impact: Togo’s Foreign Minister Robert Dussey says the country will update school geography materials with Equal Earth before end-2026, turning the UN vote into a practical change for classrooms. Global Ripple: France also signaled it will drop Mercator for diplomacy maps, while the US called the effort a “radical ideological project,” keeping the debate alive. Agroforestry & Jobs Angle: In a separate Togo-focused interview, FAO’s Dr. Oyétoundé Djiwa says mechanization investments only pay off if service centers are organized for small farms, alongside monitoring reforestation and improving women farmers’ access to land, finance and technology. Entrepreneurship Spotlight: King Sena Bada III is profiled for blending entrepreneurship, traditional leadership and community development in Togo.