AGP Executive Report

Disability Inclusion: ECOWAS handed over 670 assistive devices to children with disabilities in Nigeria, including wheelchairs, white canes and mobility aids, with Togo named as a partner in the first phase of the regional programme. Togo’s Economy & Jobs: The World Bank approved $323m in regional financing that includes Togo, targeting expanded electricity access, job creation and resilience in northern regions through community subprojects and energy initiatives. Women in Agriculture: Togo officially launched the International Year of the Woman Farmer, focusing on empowering rural women producers and improving access to land, credit and inputs, with FAO support and programmes like AGRISEF. Education Spending Spotlight (Region): Kano State topped ECOWAS education spending rankings in a University of Paris index, after declaring an education emergency and boosting budget execution. Learning Opportunities in Lomé: Free Russian language courses began in Lomé, with a two-month basic track and plans for year-long classes for future university applicants. Culture & Heritage: A feature on how Ankara fabric became tied to West African identity, tracing trade routes and fashion history across the region. Lifestyle/Entertainment: Kagurabachi’s anime preview is set to screen at Anime Expo 2026, blending manga hype with real-world metallurgy inspiration.

Disability & Inclusion: ECOWAS boosted its disability inclusion push by donating assistive devices to children with disabilities in Nigeria, with Togo set to benefit as part of a wider regional plan to expand access to assistive technology and support local systems. Humanitarian Relief: World Vision Ghana delivered hygiene and household relief supplies to flood-displaced families in Agortime-Ziope, including children, as heavy rains continue to strain vulnerable communities across the region. Public Safety & Climate Impacts: Flooding in Accra and wider West Africa disrupted roads, trapped residents and forced emergency responses, with authorities warning that extreme rainfall is becoming more frequent. Education & Mobility: Free Russian language courses kicked off in Lomé, with a two-month basic track for over 30 participants and plans to expand into year-long classes for future university applicants. Women in Agriculture: Togo officially launched the International Year of the Woman Farmer, spotlighting economic empowerment for rural women and access to finance and agrifood support. Jobs & Energy (Togo): The World Bank approved $323m in regional financing including Togo, targeting electricity access, jobs, and resilience—especially in northern regions. Regional Finance & Leadership (Togo): Profiles and updates highlighted BOA-Togo leadership and BOAD’s transformation agenda, underscoring ongoing investment priorities in West Africa. Culture & Heritage: A feature on how Vodún survived suppression and helped shape Benin’s democratic identity adds a rich cultural lens for readers.

Regional Aviation & Mobility: Nigeria’s aviation slowdown is reportedly pushing more West African travel demand toward Ghana, with Accra’s Kotoka International Airport growing as a transit hub even as Nigeria still leads international passenger movements. Climate & Public Safety: Heavy rains and flooding have hit West Africa hard, including Accra where roads, homes, and electricity were disrupted, while in Canada’s Saskatchewan wildfires and flooding are forcing emergency declarations across 13 communities. Women in Agriculture: Togo has officially launched the International Year of the Woman Farmer, spotlighting economic empowerment for rural women and support through programs like FNFI’s AGRISEF. Education & Language: Lomé has started free Russian language courses via the ART Association, with a two-month basic track and plans for year-long classes. Finance & Jobs: The World Bank approved $323m in regional financing that includes Togo, targeting electricity access, jobs, and resilience in northern regions. Culture & Heritage: Benin’s Vodún story is highlighted as a force that helped outlast suppression and shaped the country’s democratic identity. Cross-Border Human Rights: Lawyers have taken Ghana to the ECOWAS court over US “third-country” deportations, alleging people were sent onward to unsafe conditions, including via Togo. Health & Community Resilience: A Ghanaian epidemiologist warns border checks aren’t enough and calls for smarter, decentralised outbreak detection and stronger infection prevention systems.

Education & Opportunities: Lomé has started free Russian language courses via the ART Association (Alternative Russo-Togolaise), with 30+ participants set for a two-month basic track and plans for year-long classes in September. Women in Agriculture: Togo officially kicked off the International Year of the Woman Farmer, spotlighting economic empowerment and support for rural women through programs like FNFI’s AGRISEF and other agrifood initiatives. Finance & Jobs: The World Bank approved $323m in regional financing that includes Togo, aiming to expand electricity access and create jobs and resilience, especially in the north. Local Leadership & Banking: Profiles of BOA Togo leaders highlight leadership continuity and support for entrepreneurs, including financing for women and youth-led initiatives. Culture & Faith: Pope Leo XIV accepted the retirement of Togo’s Bishop of Kpalimé and appointed Mons. Edmond Yawo Amekuse as successor. Health & Safety (Region): Nigeria’s NDLEA seized 558,900 tramadol pills in a cross-border operation involving a truck from Togo.

Women in Farming: Togo officially launched the UN/FAO International Year of the Woman Farmer, spotlighting rural women’s economic empowerment and tackling barriers to land, credit, inputs and advisory services. Development Finance: The World Bank approved two regional packages totaling $323m, with Togo included, to expand electricity access, create jobs and boost resilience in northern regions. Banking Leadership: BOA-Togo’s CEO Youssef Ibrahimi and board chair Lassiné Diawara were profiled, highlighting support for entrepreneurs and women-led initiatives. Agrifood & Inclusion: Assilassimé Solidarité’s executive director Yawo Foly Adzomada described microfinance for vulnerable groups, including training in agroecology. Culture & Faith: Pope Leo XIV accepted the retirement of Togo’s Bishop of Kpalimé and appointed Mons. Edmond Yawo Amekuse as successor. Public Life & Safety: Flooding in Accra disrupted transport, schools and electricity, while Ghana’s epidemiologist Prof. Kenu urged smarter, decentralised outbreak systems beyond border checks. Cross-border Justice: Lawyers sued Ghana at the ECOWAS court over “third-country” deportations that allegedly left people at risk, with claims of deportees being sent onward to Togo.

World Bank Funding for Togo: The World Bank approved two regional packages totaling $323m, with Togo included, to expand electricity access, create jobs, and boost resilience in northern regions through the COSO and RAISE projects. Women in Farming: Togo officially launched the UN/FAO International Year of the Woman Farmer, focusing on empowering rural women and tackling barriers to land, credit, inputs, and advisory services. Microfinance & Inclusion: Assilassimé Solidarité’s executive director, Yawo Foly Adzomada, highlights how the Lomé-based social microfinance model supports vulnerable groups with credit, savings, training, and agroecology support. Catholic Church Leadership: Pope Leo XIV accepted the retirement of Bishop Benoît Comlan Messan Alowonou of Kpalimé and appointed Mons. Edmond Yawo Amekuse as successor. Drug Trafficking Crackdown: Nigeria’s NDLEA intercepted 558,900 Tramadol pills smuggled from Togo via Benin and arrested suspects in Lagos. Digital Civic Space (RFLD): RFLD joined partners in Harare for NAFASI’s first consortium meeting, centering gender mainstreaming and protecting Africa’s digital civic space. Culture & Titles: Falelatai saw 65 new Lupematasila and Ailao titleholders, with chiefs stressing service to family and village.

World Bank Funding for Togo: The World Bank approved two regional packages totaling $323m, with Togo included, to expand electricity access, create jobs, and boost resilience—especially in northern areas affected by insecurity. Women in Farming: Togo officially launched the UN/FAO International Year of the Woman Farmer, pushing economic empowerment and support for rural women through programs like FNFI’s AGRISEF. Microfinance Leadership: Assilassimé Solidarité’s executive director, Yawo Foly Adzomada, leads a social microfinance model offering group lending, training in agroecology, and support for vulnerable groups. Catholic Church Update: Pope Leo XIV accepted the retirement of Kpalimé’s Bishop Benoît Comlan Messan Alowonou and appointed Mons. Edmond Yawo Amekuse as successor. Health & Safety in the Region: A Ghana epidemiologist warned that border checks alone won’t stop outbreaks, urging decentralised labs and community “sentinels.” Cross-border Human Rights Fight: Lawyers sued Ghana at the ECOWAS court over US “third-country” deportations, alleging people were sent back to unsafe conditions, including via Togo. Drug Trafficking Crackdown: Nigeria’s NDLEA seized 558,900 tramadol pills and arrested suspects in Lagos after a truck route from Togo through Benin. Local Business & Jobs: BOA-Togo leadership profiles highlighted ongoing support for entrepreneurs and women-led initiatives.

World Bank Funding for Togo: The World Bank approved two regional packages totaling $323m, with Togo included—supporting northern community resilience, electricity access, jobs for young people and women, and thousands of local subprojects. Microfinance & Women’s Support: Yawo Foly Adzomada leads Assilassimé Solidarité, a Lomé-based microfinance model offering group lending without collateral, plus training in agroecology and support for widows, single mothers, people with HIV and persons with disabilities. Women Farmers Take Center Stage: Togo officially launched the International Year of the Woman Farmer, spotlighting economic empowerment for rural women and programs that expand access to land, inputs and inclusive finance. Sanitary Pads, Less Period Poverty: Nordiq Hygiene Care in Ghana is creating jobs through local sanitary pad production and supplying schools to help keep girls in class. Catholic Leadership in Togo: Pope Leo XIV accepted the retirement of Bishop Benoît Comlan Messan Alowonou of Kpalimé and appointed Mons. Edmond Yawo Amekuse as successor. Health, Safety & Community Resilience: Across the region, public health experts stress smarter outbreak-ready systems, while cross-border drug trafficking crackdowns highlight how Togo-linked routes can fuel illicit flows.

ECOWAS Court Challenge: Lawyers have filed a suit at the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice in Abuja over reports that Ghana accepted “third-country” US deportees and then sent them back—sometimes to neighbouring Togo without documents—arguing this violates protections against persecution and torture. Accra Flood Disruption: Heavy rains have flooded parts of Accra, submerging roads and homes, trapping residents, disrupting electricity and transport, and prompting emergency response calls. Togo Banking Leadership Spotlight: Profiles highlight BOA-Togo’s CEO Youssef Ibrahimi and board chair Lassiné Diawara, stressing support for entrepreneurs and women-led agribusiness. Women Farmers in Focus (Togo): Togo has launched the International Year of the Woman Farmer, spotlighting economic empowerment and access to finance and inputs for rural women. Public Health Systems Talk (Ghana): An epidemiologist warns border checks alone won’t stop outbreaks, urging decentralised labs and community-led surveillance. Drug Trafficking Crackdown (Nigeria–Togo link): NDLEA says it seized 558,900 tramadol pills and arrested suspects in Lagos after a truck route from Togo via Benin. Catholic Church Update (Togo): Pope Leo XIV accepted the retirement of Kpalimé’s bishop and appointed Mons. Edmond Yawo Amekuse as successor. Local Governance Training (Togo): Officials from Plateaux, Maritime and Greater Lomé began training in Kpalimé to strengthen municipal budget management and controls. Sports & Culture: A West African athletics meet is set for mid-August in Lagos, while Crunchyroll confirmed it will stream the Togo-linked “Kagurabachi” anime worldwide from April 2027.

Women in Agriculture: Togo has officially launched the UN/FAO International Year of the Woman Farmer, spotlighting how rural women can be empowered in agrifood systems—while tackling barriers to land, credit, inputs and tech. Banking Leadership: Lassiné Diawara’s long-running influence at BOA Togo and Serge Ekue’s BOAD reforms are in focus, with BOAD’s Djoliba 2021–2025 plan reportedly exceeding targets and a new 2026–2030 push underway. Local Governance & Skills: Togo begins a second training round for local budget management, aiming to improve credible budgets, spending controls and accountability as decentralization expands. Church Update: Pope Leo XIV accepts the retirement of Bishop Benoît Comlan Messan Alowonou of Kpalimé and appoints Mons. Edmond Yawo Amekuse as successor. Sports & Youth: A Dynamic Athletics Meet is set for mid-August in Lagos with athletes from Benin, Togo, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana and Nigeria; meanwhile, the U-17 Flamingos’ camp continues with friendlies ahead of qualifiers, including a match in Lomé. Public Health & Safety: Flooding in Accra left roads blocked and residents trapped, while health experts stress smarter, decentralised outbreak systems beyond border checks. Culture Pop: Crunchyroll confirms it will stream “Kagurabachi” globally from April 2027, with an early world tour and new cast details.

Catholic Church Leadership in Togo: Pope Leo XIV accepted the retirement of Bishop Benoît Comlan Messan Alowonou of the Diocese of Kpalimé and appointed Mons. Edmond Yawo Amekuse as his successor, a change announced by the Holy See and Togo’s Episcopal Conference. Local Governance & Budgets: Togo has started a five-day training in Kpalimé for authorizing officers and treasury officials from Plateaux, Maritime and Greater Lomé to strengthen municipal budget credibility, spending control, cash flow and internal oversight as decentralization deepens. Public Health & Clean Water Data: A new global map highlights how safe drinking water remains out of reach for over 2 billion people, with access far below 20% in several low-income countries—useful context for Togo’s lifestyle and health priorities. Trade Finance for SMEs: A report flags a $74bn trade finance gap across Africa, hitting small businesses hardest; it also points to Lomé’s recent push to expand financing for SMEs, women-led firms and young entrepreneurs. Culture & Learning in Lomé: Lomé is hosting a French-speaking orthopaedic congress on trauma care in Africa, bringing together hundreds of doctors and researchers for workshops and discussions. Sports & Youth: Togo’s U-17 Flamingos continue preparations with a big friendly win, ahead of upcoming qualifiers. Global Pop Culture: Crunchyroll confirmed it will stream “Kagurabachi” worldwide from April 2027, with an early global screening tour.

Water & Health: A new global map shows safe drinking water is still out of reach for over 2 billion people, with access soaring in rich countries but staying below 20% in several low-income settings. Drugs & Borders: Nigeria’s NDLEA says it intercepted 558,900 tramadol pills and arrested three suspected traffickers after a truck route from Togo via Benin into Nigeria. Local Governance & Money: Togo begins a second training round for Plateau, Maritime and Greater Lomé officials in Kpalimé to strengthen municipal budget planning, spending controls and accountability. Church Leadership: Pope Leo XIV accepted the retirement of Togo’s Bishop of Kpalimé and appointed Mons. Edmond Yawo Amekuse as successor. Culture & Sports: Lomé hosts a French-speaking orthopaedic congress on trauma care, while Ghana’s Flamingos continue U-17 preparations with friendlies involving Benin and a return match in Lomé. Business & Trade: Afreximbank highlights a $74bn trade finance gap hitting small firms hardest, even as Ecobank and AfCFTA push financing deals signed in Lomé. Entertainment: Crunchyroll confirms it will stream the Kagurabachi anime worldwide from April 2027, with an early global screening tour.

Church Leadership in Togo: Pope Leo XIV accepted the retirement of Bishop Benoît Comlan Messan Alowonou of the Catholic Diocese of Kpalimé and appointed Mons. Edmond Yawo Amekuse, formerly Secretary General of the Catholic University of West Africa, as his successor. Local Governance & Budgets: Togo launched a five-day training in Kpalimé for treasury and authorizing officers to strengthen municipal financial management—better local budgeting, spending control, revenue collection, and accountability as decentralization expands. Health & Culture in Lomé: Lomé hosted the French-speaking Orthopaedic Association congress alongside the Togolese Society of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology, focusing on trauma care and new approaches, including discussions on traditional medicine in fracture management. Human Stories Across Borders: A baby from Togo, Audrey Koffi, received heart surgery in the US after traveling thousands of miles for care, with her family highlighting the visa and paperwork hurdles. Sports & Youth: Togo’s Flamingos U-17 campaign continues with friendly matches and preparations for the July qualifiers, with the second leg scheduled in Lomé. Food & Safety (Regional): Abilene restaurant inspections reported a mix of perfect and low scores, underscoring ongoing food safety monitoring. Pop Culture: Crunchyroll confirmed it will stream the Kagurabachi anime worldwide from April 2027, with an early global screening tour planned.

Togo & Lomé Sports/Health: Lomé hosted the French-speaking Orthopaedic Association congress (AOLF) alongside SOTOCOT, bringing 400+ doctors and students to discuss trauma care, road injuries, spinal and joint surgery, and even using bamboo for surgical simulation. Togo Governance: Togo began a second training round for local budget management, bringing Plateaux, Maritime and Greater Lomé officials to Kpalimé to improve credible budgets, spending control, and accountability as decentralisation expands. Culture & Community: A “News quiz” and a Wildlife Festival announcement are keeping families engaged, with the 30th annual wildlife celebration set for Sept. 27. Regional Peace: The International Contact Group for the Great Lakes backed African-led mediation and stressed there can be no military solution, after meetings in Nairobi and Addis Ababa. Global Pop Culture: Crunchyroll confirmed it will stream the Kagurabachi anime worldwide from April 2027, with an early global screening tour and a new focus on Togo Shiba.

Great Lakes Diplomacy: The EU and partners backed African-led mediation for the Great Lakes, urging tighter coordination between AU, Washington Accords and Doha, and stressing “no military solution.” Togo Local Governance: Togo launched a second training round for Plateaux, Maritime and Greater Lomé officials to strengthen municipal budget management, spending controls and accountability. Health & Culture: Lomé hosted a French-speaking orthopaedic congress on trauma care, with sessions ranging from road injuries to surgical simulation using bamboo. Church Leadership in Togo: The Vatican accepted the resignation of the Bishop of Kpalimé and appointed Rev. Edmond Yawo Amekuse as the new bishop. Sports (Regional, with Lomé link): Togo’s Flamingos U-17 qualifiers continue with a friendly win and the next Benin clash scheduled with the return leg in Lomé. Digital Health (Regional): Malaria Consortium and eGov Foundation deepen digital health work, with plans to expand beyond Nigeria to countries including Togo. Food Safety (Elsewhere): Abilene restaurant inspections flagged expired meat and black mold, reminding readers how routine checks protect everyday health.

Local Governance & Finance: Togo launched a second five-day training round in Kpalimé for authorizing officers and treasury officials from Plateaux, Maritime and Greater Lomé to strengthen municipal budget credibility, cash-flow control and internal checks as decentralization expands. Transport & Development: Togo secured $200m from the World Bank for the PASLT logistics and transport upgrade, including rail rehabilitation between Lomé Port and Adétikopé, better Greater Lomé port mobility, and improved links from high-yield farming areas to markets. Health & Culture: Lomé hosted a French-speaking orthopaedic congress (AOLF) alongside SOTOCOT, with sessions on trauma care, spinal injuries, joint prostheses and even using bamboo for surgical teaching. Women & Community Resilience: A Volta Basin forum in Abidjan urged faster ecosystem restoration and climate resilience, calling for stronger transboundary water governance and more women and youth in natural resource management. Public Safety: Ghana’s Ashanti police arrested 186 suspects in an anti-organised crime and human trafficking crackdown, including Togolese nationals, and reported rescues of people believed to be victims. Food Safety (Abroad): Abilene restaurant inspections flagged expired meat, black mold and flies at some eateries, while others scored near-perfect. Entertainment (Global): Crunchyroll confirmed it will stream the Kagurabachi anime worldwide from April 2027 (excluding Japan and parts of Asia), with a global early screening tour and a Togo Shiba character trailer.