AGP Executive Report

Skills for Industry: Togo is training 106 accounting teachers in Lomé on Sage 100 and taxation, aiming to modernize classroom instruction and better match graduates to workplace needs. Social Dialogue: Togo’s CNDS reconvened in Lomé to tackle new socioeconomic pressures and strengthen its role in preventing and resolving labor disputes. Ocean Governance: Togo’s National Assembly approved a bill to ratify the BBNJ high-seas biodiversity agreement, positioning the country to speak at the January 2027 conference. Agribusiness Finance: ProMIFA is improving credit access for vegetable growers by refining loan processes and beneficiary selection, as agriculture still gets only a tiny share of bank lending. Trade & Jobs: Togo Apparels Source (TAS) shipped textiles to the United States for the first time, building momentum for local manufacturing at the Adétikopé industrial platform. Energy Disruption: West African Gas Pipeline maintenance will temporarily suspend gas flows from Nigeria to Togo and Benin from Aug 28 to Sept 1, adding pressure to power supply. Regional Shipping Push: Dangote plans to acquire its own vessels after failing to secure shipping capacity for cement exports, arguing road routes through Benin and Togo add costly taxes.

Maritime Logistics & Trade: Dangote Cement says it’s moving toward acquiring its own vessels after failing to secure shipping capacity even for a 1,000-metric-tonne consignment to Ghana, while road routes through Benin and Togo add taxes and raise costs. Regional Air Connectivity: ASKY launches a new Kano–Niamey service from September 2, routed via Lomé, aiming to boost trade and mobility across West and Central Africa. Togo Social Dialogue: Togo’s CNDS reconvened in Lomé to tackle new socioeconomic pressures and improve how social dialogue prevents and resolves labor disputes. Ocean Governance: Togo’s National Assembly adopted a bill to ratify the BBNJ high-seas biodiversity agreement, positioning the country for the January 2027 conference. Agribusiness Credit: ProMIFA is strengthening credit access for vegetable growers, addressing how small farmers prepare loan applications and match financing terms. Energy Disruption Risk: WAGP maintenance will temporarily suspend gas flows from Nigeria to Togo and Benin from August 28 to September 1, adding pressure to gas-fired power supply. Textile Exports: Togo Apparels Source (TAS) shipped textiles to the United States for the first time, signaling growing export capacity from the Adétikopé industrial platform. Workplace Health Gap: A West Africa survey finds 62% of workers get no employer support for malaria prevention, urging stronger private-sector workplace action.

Togo Agribusiness Finance: Togo’s ProMIFA risk-sharing project is moving to improve credit access for vegetable growers, bringing together regional teams and partner lenders to streamline loan applications and beneficiary selection as agriculture still gets only a tiny share of bank lending. Textiles for Export: Togo Apparels Source (TAS) has shipped textile products to the United States for the first time from the Adétikopé Industrial Platform, adding momentum to Togo’s push to process more cotton locally and meet international standards. Power & Infrastructure: A planned West African Gas Pipeline maintenance shutdown will temporarily suspend gas flows from Nigeria to Togo and Benin from Aug. 28 to Sept. 1, raising concerns for gas-fired power generation even as Ghana continues receiving gas via the western section. Digital Public Services: Togo is reviewing its civil registration law to better fit decentralization and digitalization, building on online certificate requests already available through the national Services Publics platform. Regional Energy Ambition: Ghana says it plans to expand electricity exports to Nigeria, testing Accra’s bid to become a West African energy hub. Health at Work: A West Africa survey finds 62% of workers get no workplace malaria prevention support, with calls for stronger private-sector leadership in prevention.

Togo Agribusiness Finance: ProMIFA is helping vegetable growers in Togo get easier credit, with new meetings to align loan terms, beneficiary selection and application timelines—aiming to raise agriculture’s tiny share of bank lending (0.3% of portfolios) toward a 2027 target of 5%. Textiles Exports: Togo Apparels Source (TAS) has shipped its first textile products to the United States, adding momentum to the Adétikopé Industrial Platform’s push to meet international standards and expand jobs. Energy & Power Security: West African Gas Pipeline maintenance will temporarily suspend gas flows from Nigeria to Togo and Benin from Aug. 28 to Sept. 1, raising concerns for gas-fired power supply. Power Investment: Togo plans a 120 MW dual-fuel thermal plant in Lomé (gas primary, liquid backup) with World Bank support, with contractor selection expected late 2026. Mining & Investment Climate: Togo has resumed mineral exploration permit applications nationwide after a suspension, reopening the door for investors while regulatory reforms continue. Regional Business Context: A Global Finance ranking placed Nigeria among the world’s 60 poorest by GDP per capita (PPP), with Togo also in the lower tier—underscoring the wider economic pressure across West Africa.

AES Parliament in Niamey: The Confederation of Sahel States (AES) formally installed its confederal lawmakers in Niamey, with 45 legislators (15 each from Burkina Faso, Niger and Mali) set to lay foundations for stronger parliamentary cooperation. DRC Peace Roadmap: In Geneva, the DRC government and the Rwanda-backed M23 agreed a sequenced roadmap for comprehensive peace talks under the Doha Framework, including a mechanism to handle ceasefire-violation reporting and implementation challenges. Maritime Skills for West Africa: Ghana’s Maritime Authority launched a five-day training to upgrade seafarer examiners and assessors, with Togo among participating countries. Togo Civil Registry Digital Push: Togo is reviewing its civil registration law to better fit decentralization and online services, building on pilot e-certificate requests launched via the national Services Publics platform. Lomé Power Expansion: Togo plans a 120 MW dual-fuel thermal plant at the Lomé Thermal Power site, using natural gas with liquid fuel backup, with contractor selection expected late 2026. Mineral Permits Resume: Togo reopened applications for mineral exploration permits after a suspension, aiming to attract investment while continuing regulatory reforms. French Filmmakers Case: Togo provided details on the detention of two French filmmakers and a Togolese fixer over “false declarations,” citing drone use and filming outside authorized areas. Football Pre-Season Fallout (Ghana): Aduana FC walked off an Nsenkyire Cup match after refereeing protests, risking forfeiture and penalties.

Civil Registration Digital Push: Togo is reviewing its 2009 civil registration law to better fit decentralisation, digital public services and data interoperability, with reforms expected before year-end after pilot online certificate requests began in 2025. Power for Growth: Togo plans a 120 MW dual-fuel (gas-first, liquid backup) modular plant at the Lomé Thermal Power Plant site, backed by the World Bank, to support rising demand and improve reliability; contractor selection is targeted for late 2026. Mining Investment Restart: After a suspension, Togo has resumed mineral prospecting authorisations and exploration permits nationwide under an Aug. 18 order, reopening applications under existing rules while regulatory reform continues. Press Freedom & Justice: Togo provided more details on the detention of two French filmmakers and their Togolese fixer over “false declarations,” citing filming outside authorised areas and an undeclared drone; rights groups and CPJ are calling for charges to be dropped and releases. Regional Energy Moves: Ghana says it wants to supply electricity to Nigeria as it builds an energy hub, noting existing cross-border power links that already include Togo.

Minerals & Investment: Togo has reopened applications for mineral prospecting authorizations and exploration permits after a months-long suspension, following an Aug. 18, 2026 order by Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Delegate Robert Koffi Messan Eklo; permits can be applied for nationwide under existing rules, with the Directorate General of Mines and Geology reviewing bids, and exploration permits set for three years (renewable twice) while prospecting authorizations are non-exclusive for two years (renewable once). Media & Justice: Togo’s government provided more details on the detention of two French filmmakers and their Togolese fixer, saying they face charges of “false declarations” linked to filming outside authorized areas and the use of an undeclared drone in sensitive zones, with prosecutors involved after the crew appeared in court. Climate Finance: Togo launched three tools in Lomé to boost private-sector climate investment, including a digital platform for climate data and funding opportunities, a green & climate booklet for businesses, and a communications plan under the NAP Readiness project supported by the Green Climate Fund and FAO. Marine Governance: Workshops in Lomé are shaping Togo’s position ahead of the first BBNJ Agreement Conference of the Parties in Jan. 2027, as the country advances ratification of the treaty on marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction.

Togo Justice & Media Freedom: Togo’s government says it has “serious” evidence in the case of two French filmmakers and their Togolese fixer detained since late July, arguing the drone use was authorised only for limited areas—while rights groups and CPJ renewed calls for release. DR Congo Peace Process: DRC and the M23 rebels agreed a roadmap after five days of Switzerland talks, including a ceasefire monitoring mechanism and a standard way to report violations, though fighting continues. Regional Power Trade: Ghana says it is ready to start supplying electricity to Nigeria as it pushes to become a West African energy hub, building on existing cross-border links with Togo and others. Banking & Social Investment: Burkinabè-led Coris Bank International commits $712m to hospitals and schools in Burkina Faso, a major education and health push. Cybersecurity Cooperation: Nigeria and the UK deepen cyber partnership to tackle AI-driven threats and financial cybercrime, with a focus on building lasting local capacity. Maritime Security: Somali piracy risk rises again with hijackings off Yemen and Somalia, including an Eritrea-flagged tanker. Togo Climate Finance: Togo launches three tools to boost private-sector climate investment, including a digital platform for climate data and financing opportunities.

Togo Media & Justice: Togo says it has “serious” grounds against two detained French filmmakers and their Togolese fixer, citing “false declarations” tied to drone use in sensitive areas; Reporters Without Borders and CPJ are calling for their immediate release as the case drags on in pre-trial detention. Togo Economy & Prices: Togo’s inflation edged up to 0.3% in July 2026 (from 0.1% in June), with monthly prices rising 0.5%, driven by energy, transport and housing costs. Climate Finance Push: Togo launched three tools in Lomé to boost private-sector climate investment, including a digital climate information and investment platform and a green/climate booklet under the NAP Readiness project. Maritime Conservation: Workshops in Lomé are preparing Togo’s position ahead of the first BBNJ Agreement COP in Jan 2027, as the country moves toward ratification. Regional Trade & Security: Ghana and Russia-backed talks are pushing ECOWAS-AES normalization steps, while piracy risk rises again off Yemen and Somalia with hijackings reported in the Gulf of Aden and Puntland waters.

Press Freedom & Justice: Togo is facing fresh international pressure as the Committee to Protect Journalists urges authorities to drop charges and release two French filmmakers, Gaël Mocaër and Sebastian Perez Pezzani, plus their Togolese fixer, Komi Mawufemo Vedomey, after weeks in detention over a documentary shoot in northern Togo. Climate Finance & Private Sector: Togo launched three tools in Lomé to boost private-sector climate investment, including a digital climate information and investment platform, a green & climate booklet for businesses, and a communications plan under the NAP Readiness project. Marine Biodiversity: Workshops in Lomé are preparing Togo’s position ahead of the first BBNJ Agreement COP in January 2027, as the country moves toward ratification of the marine biodiversity treaty. Inflation Watch: Togo’s average annual inflation rose to 0.3% in July 2026 (from 0.1% in June), with monthly prices up 0.5%, driven mainly by energy, transport, and housing costs. Regional Trade & Energy: Ghana says it is ready to supply electricity to Nigeria as it expands cross-border power exports across West Africa. Port Competition: Ghana’s Tema Port closed 2025 as the region’s top container gateway, edging past Lomé and widening its lead over Abidjan. Business & Finance: Fidelity Bank Ghana calls for harmonised customs systems and better trade data to remove barriers for traders and women entrepreneurs. Security & Trade Risks: Somali piracy is surging again, with hijackings reported off Yemen and Somalia, raising pressure on maritime trade routes.

Press Freedom in Togo: CPJ and RSF report two French journalists, Gaël Mocaër and Sebastian Perez Pezzani, plus Togolese fixer Komi/Fred Vedomey, have been held since July 27 while filming in northern Togo; Pezzani was provisionally released for medical reasons but with passport confiscation, while Mocaër and Vedomey remain in detention as charges over “false declarations” draw international scrutiny. Regional Diplomacy: Russia’s Lavrov and Ghana’s FM Samuel Ablakwa say they’ve agreed measures to normalize ties between ECOWAS and the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), with security and counterterrorism in the Sahel at the center. Togo Climate & Private Sector: Togo launched three tools to boost private-sector participation in climate investment, including a climate information/investment digital platform and a green & climate booklet, under the NAP Readiness project. Marine Conservation: Lomé hosts workshops to shape Togo’s position ahead of the first BBNJ Agreement COP in Jan 2027, as the country advances ratification. Togo Economy: INSEED says July 2026 inflation rose to 0.3% (from 0.1% in June), driven mainly by energy, transport, and housing costs. Trade & Ports: Ghana’s Tema Port closed 2025 as the top container gateway in West Africa, edging past Lomé and Abidjan, underlining intensifying Gulf of Guinea competition.

Press Freedom Under Pressure: CPJ urges Togo to drop charges and release French journalists Sebastian Perez Pezzani and Gaël Mocaër, plus Togolese fixer Komi Mawufemo Vedomey, after 26 days in detention following their July 27 documentary filming in northern Togo; one journalist was provisionally released for medical reasons but with passport confiscation. Climate Finance for Business: Togo launched three tools in Lomé to boost private-sector participation in climate investment—an online climate information and funding platform, a Green & Climate booklet for businesses, and a communications plan—under the NAP Readiness project supported by the Green Climate Fund and FAO. Marine Conservation Push: Togo is running workshops to shape its position ahead of the first BBNJ Agreement COP in January 2027, as it moves toward ratification of the treaty on marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction. Macroeconomic Snapshot: Togo’s average annual inflation rose to 0.3% in July 2026 (from 0.1% in June), driven mainly by energy, transport, and housing costs. Jobs & Skills: CNP-Togo and the Mastercard Foundation back 500 year-long internships for young people, offering companies access to candidates and a full year to assess them.

Togo Inflation Watch: Togo’s average annual inflation edged up to 0.3% in July 2026 (from 0.1% in June), with monthly prices rising 0.5%—driven mainly by energy, transport, and housing-related costs, plus sharp jumps in imported tomatoes, peppers and yam. Press Freedom & Media Risk: Togo detained two French filmmakers, Gaël Mocaër and Sébastien Perez-Pezzani, and their Togolese fixer Fred Vedomey in pre-trial detention after arrests in Kara; Reporters Without Borders says they had work visas and permits, while authorities cite “false declarations.” Jobs & Youth Skills: CNP-Togo, with Mastercard Foundation support, is offering 500 year-long internships for young job seekers, paying 125,000 CFA francs monthly and giving firms a full year to assess trainees before hiring. Protected Areas & Enforcement: A new op-ed argues wildlife trafficking won’t be stopped by park management alone unless criminal networks and corruption outside protected areas are dismantled. Regional Business Signals: Nigeria’s NESG appointed Chevron Nigeria/Mid-Africa chief Jim Swartz to its board, as energy investment and policy dialogue stay in focus.

Press Freedom & Justice: Togo has detained two French journalists, Gaël Mocaër and Sébastien Perez Pezzani, plus their Togolese fixer Fred Vedomey, charging them with “false declarations” despite work visas and filming permits, with RSF and France calling for their release and warning of health concerns. Pre-Trial Detention: The trio remains in pre-trial detention near Lomé after an investigating judge ordered the move on Aug. 17, following their arrest while filming in Kara. Inflation Watch: Togo’s average annual inflation rose to 0.3% in July 2026 (from 0.1% in June), with prices up 0.5% month-on-month, driven mainly by energy, transport, and housing-related costs. Business & Jobs: CNP-Togo, with Mastercard Foundation support, is offering 500 year-long internships for young job seekers, paying 125,000 CFA francs monthly and giving companies a low-risk way to assess talent. Quality & Trade Readiness: HAUQE is running awareness sessions in Lomé on national standards and certification in agri-food, aiming to strengthen value chains and market access. Regional Economy Note: Togo moved up the World Bank income classification to lower-middle income, mainly due to a revised population estimate rather than a sudden jump in growth.

Cement Probe in Focus: Nigeria’s FCCPC has opened a major investigation into suspected cement price manipulation after a three-month cross-border study found cement costs in Nigeria rising sharply despite large local production capacity, with a 50kg bag reportedly climbing from about ₦9,300–₦9,700 in January 2026 to ₦13,000–₦15,000 in some areas by July; the regulator has summoned major producers and is comparing Nigeria’s pricing with Kenya, Tanzania and even Togo. Togo’s World Bank Reclassification: Togo has moved up in the World Bank’s income rankings, shifting to the lower-middle income bracket effective 1 July 2026, mainly driven by a population revision from the 2022 census rather than a sudden growth surge. Jobs for Youth: CNP-Togo, with Mastercard Foundation support, is rolling out 500 year-long internships under the TALENT2AFRICA program, offering monthly allowances to help young job seekers gain workplace skills. Quality Standards Push: In Lomé, HAUQE and partners are running awareness sessions on national agri-food standards and certification to help producers and processors meet market and health requirements. Drug Enforcement: Police in Ghana’s Upper East Region seized about 500 cartons of assorted Tramadol in Widana, with investigations pointing to cross-border trafficking links involving Togo and others. Regional Trade & Security: Talks on normalising relations between the Sahel bloc (AES) and ECOWAS are in the spotlight after Russia signaled a security cooperation memorandum, while ECOWAS-related efforts continue to target border frictions.

Youth Employment Push: CNP-Togo, with Mastercard Foundation support, is launching 500 year-long internships under “TALENT2AFRICA,” paying 125,000 CFA francs monthly and giving firms a low-risk way to assess talent for a full year. Cement Price Probe: Nigeria’s FCCPC says its three-month, cross-border study found signs of possible cement price manipulation and has issued summons to major manufacturers after prices reportedly jumped from about ₦9,300–₦9,700 in January to as high as ₦13,000–₦15,000 by July, despite large installed capacity; the regulator compared Nigeria with markets including Kenya, Tanzania and even Togo. Agri-Food Standards Drive in Lomé: Togo’s HAUQE and technical agencies are holding awareness sessions on national standards and certification for agri-food operators, covering 46 national standards and 31 certification programs since 2024 to improve compliance and market access. Drug Seizure in Upper East: Ghana’s police seized about 500 cartons of assorted Tramadol in Widana, arresting a suspect and pointing to a wider trafficking network using the area as a transit and distribution hub. Press Freedom/Detentions: France says two French nationals have been held in Togo since late July and are under judicial investigation. Culture & Heritage: Agortime’s 31st Kente Festival in Agortime-Ziope renewed calls to preserve traditional weaving and support youth jobs in the craft.