AGP Executive Report

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.

UN Map Overhaul: The UN General Assembly backed Togo-led “Correct the Map” resolution, voting 164–1 (with six abstentions) to encourage wider use of equal-area projections like Equal Earth instead of Mercator, which many say makes Africa look smaller; the move is non-binding and does not ban Mercator for navigation. Togo’s Push: Foreign Minister Robert Dussey framed it as “a fair world begins with a fair map,” and Togo says it plans to update school geography materials by year-end. Fuel Governance: Togo will start nationwide inspections under its automated fuel marking system from October 1 to curb fraud and protect tax revenue, with chemical tracer testing at depots and stations. Business Quality Drive: Lomé hosted Q-Boost talks under the AfPQ/GIZ effort to help SMEs adopt ISO 9001-style quality management and improve certification for market access. Investment Pipeline: Togo launched a PPP Club in Lomé to connect government and private investors, structure projects, and support financing. Data for Policy: INSEED begins the third Harmonized Survey on Household Living Conditions (EHCVM-3) from September 7 to December 2026 to refresh poverty and living-conditions indicators. Trade Diversification: Togo continued outreach with Asian and Eurasian partners at the SCO+ summit, including talks with Vietnam, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan and Cambodia to expand investment and trade.

UN Cartography Push: The UN General Assembly has voted to move away from the Mercator world map toward the Equal Earth projection, after Togo—backed by the African Union—argued the old map shrinks Africa’s perceived size; the resolution passed 164-1 (with 6 abstentions) and is not legally binding, but could reshape school materials and digital mapping. Household Data for Policy: Togo’s INSEED is rolling out the third Harmonized Survey on Household Living Conditions (EHCVM-3) from Sept. 7 to Dec. 2026 with WAEMU and the World Bank, to update poverty and living-conditions indicators. Fuel Integrity Drive: From Oct. 1, Togo will expand nationwide inspections under its automated fuel marking system to curb fraud and protect tax revenues, using chemical tracers tested via mobile labs. SME Quality Boost: Togo’s quality authority (HAUQE) is pushing ISO 9001-based support through its Q-Boost program to help micro, small and medium firms improve certification and market access. Investment & Partnerships: Togo launched a Public-Private Partnership Club in Lomé to help structure and finance PPP projects, while also stepping up economic ties with Asian and Eurasian partners ahead of and around the SCO+ summit. Women’s Finance in Focus: Togo is among countries targeted by AfDB/AXIAN’s digital finance program aimed at scaling support for tens of thousands of women-led enterprises.

Public Health & Policy: The Speak Up for COPD coalition launched a new Joint Declaration urging governments to close the diagnosis, treatment and prevention gaps for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, highlighting that most patients worldwide remain undiagnosed. Agribusiness & Trade: West Africa can become self-sufficient in rice, says Togo’s Deputy Minister John Dumelo, calling for deeper regional cooperation across the rice value chain to cut import dependence. Cartography & Education: Togo’s foreign minister Robert Dussey says the UN General Assembly will vote on phasing out the Mercator map in favour of equal-area projections that better reflect Africa’s true size, with potential knock-on effects for classrooms and digital tools. Power & Finance: Nigeria’s NDPHC says it faces over N300bn in stranded capacity losses and more than N400bn in unpaid electricity market liabilities, pushing for regulatory and legislative intervention. Women’s Finance: AfDB and AXIAN launched a digital finance push for women entrepreneurs in Togo and four other countries, combining lending, training and business support. Cybersecurity: Togo’s ANCy opened applications to build a roster of local cybersecurity talent for audits, incident response and training. Local Industry: Togo Soja shipped its first 2026 export batch of processed shea butter, reinforcing the push to move up agricultural value chains. Business Promotion: The Made in Togo Fair returned to Aného for its second stop, aiming to connect local producers with distributors and new markets. Health Leadership: Togolese public health expert Prof. Palokinam Pitche assumed office as WAHO Director-General.

Made in Togo Fair in Aného: CETEF has brought the nationwide Made in Togo Fair to Aného for its second stop, running Sept. 2–6, to help local producers, artisans and entrepreneurs meet buyers, distributors and partners—boosting sales ahead of the city’s Epé-Ekpé festivities. Women’s Digital Finance Push: AfDB and AXIAN will roll out a digital finance program for women-led SMEs in Madagascar, Tanzania, Senegal, Togo and the Comoros, combining digital lending with financial literacy, digital skills and business support. Cybersecurity Talent Drive: Togo’s ANCy opened applications (until Oct. 30) to build a roster of cybersecurity professionals for audits, incident response, training and research under the 2024–2028 national strategy. Agri-Exports Move Up the Value Chain: Togo Soja shipped its first 2026 export of processed shea butter, as the government uses export taxes to encourage local processing of cashew, soybeans and shea. Health Leadership: Prof. Palokinam Pitche has assumed office as WAHO Director-General, bringing over 25 years of public health and regional health systems experience. Regional Finance & Trade: WAEMU banking data shows Lomé’s holding companies dominate, while Togo’s broader push for better digital agriculture tools is gaining regional interest, including from Chad. International Diplomacy: Togo is among SCO+ participants in Bishkek, with President Faure Gnassingbé calling for UN reform and more financing for the Global South. Marine Protection Debate: Togo cosponsored a proposal to review commercial whaling quotas at the IWC, drawing criticism from conservation groups.

Togo Bonds & Budget Execution: Togo is back in the WAEMU retail market with a CFAF 40bn public bond offering (5- and 7-year tranches) to fund 2026 public investment, while a mid-2026 review puts reform implementation at 68.4% and budget execution at 63.3%, with progress flagged in finance governance, digital development, SME support and decentralisation. Banking Hub in Lomé: Despite holding just 6.6% of WAEMU banking assets, Lomé hosts banking holding companies with CFAF 24.13tn in assets—about 40% of the region’s holding-company total—highlighting Togo’s role in regional finance. Economic Growth Snapshot: Togo’s economy grew 3.8% year-on-year in Q1 2026, led by a stronger secondary sector (notably textiles and construction) and services driven by transport, trade and Port of Lomé activity. Extractives Jobs: New ministry-linked estimates suggest Togo’s extractive sector could support 25,000–28,000 jobs (direct and indirect), with artisanal mining a major contributor. Health Financing Push: ECA’s ACS opened a workshop in Togo to help health ministries build economic accounts showing health spending as an investment. Trade & Policy Signals: Togo shared digital agriculture experience with Chad, and cosponsored a proposal to review commercial whaling quotas—drawing criticism from conservation groups. Regional Business Context: West Africa’s ports and customs frictions remain a cost driver, with reports pointing to delays, congestion and corridor disruptions that hit trade competitiveness.

WAEMU Banking Concentration: Togo may hold only 6.6% of WAEMU banking assets, but Lomé hosts the region’s biggest banking holding companies, with four groups controlling CFAF 24.13tn—about 40% of all holding-company assets in WAEMU. Public Finance & Reform Push: Togo is back in the market with a CFAF 40bn retail bond offer (5- and 7-year tranches) and reports a 68.4% reform implementation rate by end-June 2026, alongside 63.3% budget execution. Growth Snapshot: INSEED says Togo’s economy expanded 3.8% year-on-year in Q1 2026, led by industry (notably textiles) and logistics around the Port of Lomé. Extractives Jobs: The extractive sector supports an estimated 25,000–28,000 workers, combining direct, indirect and artisanal roles. Food & Digital Agriculture: Togo shared its digital agri tools with Chad, including SIHAM and TG-ALERTE+, reaching over 80,000 bulletins in 2024. International Agenda: At SCO+, Togo’s PM called for a more equitable world order, UN reform and better financing for developing countries. Marine Protection Debate: Togo co-sponsored a proposal to review commercial whaling quotas at the IWC, drawing criticism from conservation groups.

Togo Bond Market: Togo is selling CFAF 40 billion in BRVM-listed government bonds to fund 2026 public investment, offering two retail-friendly tranches (5-year at 6.50% and 7-year at 6.70%), with strong demand already seen in recent auctions. Budget & Reform Delivery: The government reports a 68.4% reform implementation rate by end-June 2026, with progress across finance governance, land tenure, digital development, SME support, decentralisation and environmental protection. Growth Watch: Togo’s economy expanded 3.8% year-on-year in Q1 2026, led by a faster secondary sector (notably textiles and construction) and services driven by transport, warehousing and Port of Lomé logistics. Extractives Jobs: New ministry estimates suggest Togo’s extractive sector could support 25,000–28,000 workers when direct, indirect and artisanal mining roles are combined. Public Finance Capacity: Togo is pushing to improve financial reporting by activating a National Accounting Council. Lomé-Cotonou Road Oversight: Togo is recruiting a consultant to audit the resettlement action plan for the Lomé–Cotonou road rehabilitation, with a 45-day review starting October 2026. Regional Diplomacy & Business Links: Togo’s Prime Minister is in Bishkek for the SCO summit, while Togo also moves to deepen South-South local ties via a sister-city deal between Lacs 1 and Brazil’s Cachoeira.

ILO Leadership Race: Togo’s Gilbert Houngbo has officially launched his bid for a second term as ILO Director-General, facing Spain’s Yolanda Díaz and Peru’s Javier González-Olaechea, with the election set for November 16, 2026. Digital Governance & AI Rules: La Francophonie held its first Digital Governance Forum in Geneva, pushing Francophone Africa to shape AI governance through language-led coordination and stronger digital sovereignty. Public Finance & Banking: A new National Accounting Council (CNC-Togo) was launched to improve financial reporting quality and trust, while another report highlights how delayed public payments are tightening credit for SMEs and worsening the banking credit crunch. Infrastructure Oversight: Togo is recruiting a consultant for a 45-day completion audit of the Lomé–Cotonou road resettlement plan under an AfDB-financed project. Trade & Regional Corridors: Niger is increasingly routing trade through Nigerian ports as border disruptions and insecurity affect routes via Togo and Burkina Faso. Ports Corruption Fight: Vincent Bolloré has filed a criminal complaint in Paris accusing magistrates of criminal association tied to the collapse of a 2021 plea bargain in the Togo ports corruption case. Sports & Business Branding: 22Bet named Ghana legend Stephen Appiah as Global Ambassador, adding him to a regional football network that already includes Togo’s Emmanuel Adebayor.

Togo–Road & Safeguards: Togo is recruiting a consultant to run a completion audit of the Lomé–Cotonou road rehabilitation and coastal protection project’s Resettlement Action Plan, covering compensation and support to affected communities; the 45-day assignment starts in October 2026, with applications due Sept. 15. Youth & Jobs: With BOAD support, Togo’s KDA-Pro mentoring programme has trained 43 young people (18–30) across four cohorts to prepare for work, with skills focused on professional presence and personal branding. Financial Governance: Togo launched the National Accounting Council (CNC-Togo) to strengthen the reliability and consistency of financial reporting and promote better accounting practices across public and private sectors. Diplomacy & Trade Links: President Faure Gnassingbé used the SCO summit in Bishkek to thank Kyrgyzstan and push for wider trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian ties. Border Trade Reality: TBN urged Ghana and Togo to make ECOWAS free movement work on the ground for women cross-border traders, citing persistent border restrictions. Regional Security Context: Russia’s growing military role in the Sahel includes reported direct support to Niger’s junta during a mutiny, highlighting the uranium-rich region’s strategic stakes.

ECOWAS Border Trade Push: TBN, a women-focused trade group, urged Ghana and Togo governments and the ECOWAS Commission to make free movement real at the Ghana–Togo border, saying women traders still face heavy restrictions despite ECOWAS rules. Regional Power Payments: Nigeria’s NERC says Togo, Benin and Niger owe Nigeria $11.16m for 2025 electricity supply; $73.91m was invoiced and $62.75m paid (84.9% remittance), keeping cross-border liquidity a key business risk. SCO Summit in Bishkek: Leaders including Togo’s PM Faure Gnassingbé are set to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Bishkek on September 1, as the bloc expands ties across Eurasia and the Global South. Visa Processing Update: The US Embassy in Abuja will keep handling diplomatic and official visas (A and G, plus C) even as routine visa services moved to Lagos from August 1. Sahel Security Spillover: Reports say Niger’s parliament session was disrupted after a mutiny, with gunmen attempting to enter a hotel hosting lawmakers, highlighting instability that can quickly disrupt regional trade corridors.

Cross-border Energy Payments: Nigeria’s power sector collected about $62.75m in 2025 from international buyers in Niger, Togo and Benin, a remittance rate of 84.90%, but Togo, Benin and Niger still owe Nigeria $11.16m for 2025 electricity supply. Power Sector Losses: Nigeria also reported N1.36trn in electricity that was generated but not paid for in 2025, with DisCos billing efficiency at 81.14% and collection efficiency at 77.60%. Petrol Pricing Pressure: Dangote Refinery raised its ex-depot petrol price to N1,265/litre, pushing pump prices higher in Abuja as NNPC and other stations adjusted upward. Regional Trade & Logistics: Nigeria’s ports modernisation push—aimed at fixing obsolete infrastructure, congestion and weak automation—was linked to losses of over N1trn annually and to shifting cargo flows across West Africa. ECOWAS & Security Narrative: ECOWAS unveiled books on its peacekeeping and peacemaking record, including “Fighting Bushfires,” as the bloc seeks to reinforce its role in conflict resolution. Togo in Regional Diplomacy: Togo’s Prime Minister Faure Gnassingbé is listed among leaders attending the SCO summit in Bishkek on September 1, alongside heads of state including Putin, Xi and Modi. Digital Skills Boost: Google expanded its free Google AI Plus offer to students across 27 African countries, including Togo, with access to Gemini tools and cloud storage.

ECOWAS Peacekeeping Record: The ECOWAS Commission has released four books on its peacekeeping and peacemaking interventions, including “Fighting Bushfires” and other after-action reviews, aiming to distil lessons for future conflict response. Cross-Border Power Payments: Nigeria’s NERC says Togo, Benin and Niger still owe about $11.16m for 2025 electricity and ancillary services, with only 84.9% of invoiced amounts paid—an issue that can ripple into regional energy reliability. Togo Banking Stress Test: Togolese banks posted a CFAF 20.5bn loss in 2025 after regulator-ordered cleanup of problem loans, even as income and operating profit rose—showing risk costs are now the main drag. Fuel Price Pressure in the Region: In Nigeria, Dangote Refinery’s latest ex-depot petrol price rise has pushed pump prices higher in Abuja, highlighting how refinery moves quickly hit consumers. SCO Summit Watch: Leaders including Togo’s PM Faure Gnassingbé are set to attend the SCO summit in Bishkek on Sept. 1, with major powers expected to meet amid shifting geopolitics. Digital Skills Boost: Google expands its free AI Plus offer to students across 27 African countries, including Togo, potentially widening access to AI tools for learning and productivity.

Power Payments Watch: Nigeria’s regulator says Togo, Benin and Niger still owe Nigeria $11.16m for 2025 electricity and ancillary services, with only 84.9% of invoiced amounts recovered—an issue that can ripple into regional power reliability. Banking Sector Stress: Togolese banks posted a CFAF 20.5bn ($36.4m) loss in 2025 after a regulator-ordered cleanup of problem loans, even as income and operating profit rose—risk costs drove the turnaround. Digital Skills & Jobs: A report highlights how youths are shifting from traditional apprenticeships to faster online careers, raising concerns about the future supply of skilled trades. Tech for Students: Google expanded its free AI Plus offer to students across 27 African countries, including Togo, giving access to Gemini tools and cloud storage. Regional Connectivity: ASKY announced a new Kano–Niamey route starting Sept. 2, routed via Lomé, boosting business travel links across West Africa. Energy & Trade Context: Coverage also points to cross-border trade frictions and the need for smoother customs cooperation to keep legitimate commerce moving.

Electricity Payments: Nigeria’s regulator says Togo, Benin and Niger still owe about $11.16m for 2025 power supply, with only 84.9% of $73.91m paid—another reminder of cashflow pressure in cross-border energy deals. Banking Sector Stress: Togo’s banks reportedly posted a CFAF 20.5bn ($36.4m) loss in 2025 after a regulator-ordered cleanup of problem loans, even as income and operating profit rose. Regional Security Debate: Coverage highlights how ECOWAS withdrawal and the Sahel’s AES security setup are reshaping the fight against jihadists—raising concerns that divided responses may let threats spread toward the coast. SCO Summit Watch: Togo’s Prime Minister Faure Gnassingbé is listed among leaders attending the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Bishkek on September 1, alongside major regional and global figures. Tech & Education: Google expands its free AI Plus offer to students across 27 African countries, including Togo, with Gemini access and cloud storage. Energy Prices in the Region: West African fuel prices are diverging after the Iran-war oil shock, with Togo reported as holding steady while some neighbors face sharper increases. Business & Trade: Nigeria and Niger customs are deepening cooperation to ease legitimate trade along the Kamba–Tungan Gyado corridor, citing insecurity and diplomatic frictions as key bottlenecks. Local Industry: Togo’s music ecosystem gets a spotlight through digital distribution and artist support work by industry professional Nihtael.