AGP Executive Report

Tax & Trade: Togolese tax authorities met Chinese investors in Lomé to ease tax procedures, improve predictability, and set 12 commitments—like bilingual French-Chinese tax guides and dedicated OTR focal points for Chinese firms. Street Health Risks: A GNA investigation in the Volta Region highlights “medicine on the streets,” where unlicensed sellers hawk tablets, syrups and herbal products without clear contents—despite laws banning street drug sales. SRHR Milestone: The Ouagadougou Partnership marks 15 years of family planning and SRHR progress across nine West African countries, citing major reductions in unintended pregnancies and unsafe abortions. Youth Skills Boost: Ecobank Togo launched a digital skills drive for 100 young people in Lomé, giving 80 top high school graduates laptops and training in AI, cybersecurity and employability. Culture & Learning: Russia–Togo ties grow through an introductory Russian language course meeting in Lomé, aiming to open cultural and career opportunities. Disaster Relief: President Mahama visited Hohoe flood victims, linking the disaster to extreme weather and pledging livelihood support. LGBT Rights Shock: A Reuters probe says LGBT migrants granted US protection were deported to African countries where same-sex relations are criminalised, including a Togolese man sent to Sierra Leone.

LGBT Rights & Migration: A Reuters investigation says at least 40 migrants granted protection in the US for LGBT persecution were deported to African countries where same-sex relations are criminalised or abuses are documented, including a Togolese man sent to Sierra Leone despite a judge ruling he was unsafe to return. Digital Skills for Youth (Lomé): Ecobank Togo launched Ecobank Day 2026 in Lomé, training 100 students (80 top high school graduates plus 20 from Ablogamé) with AI, cybersecurity, finance and leadership, and giving 80 graduates laptops and one year of internet. Health & Care (Ho): Ho Teaching Hospital reports progress in cancer treatment, saying 366 of about 500 breast cancer patients who came between 2012 and 2026 were successfully treated. Culture & Learning (Togo–Russia): An ART association held an introductory meeting in Lomé for Russian language courses, pitching language learning as a path to culture and new study or work opportunities. Disaster Relief (Hohoe, Volta Region): President John Dramani Mahama visited Hohoe flood victims, linking the disaster to extreme weather patterns tied to climate change and presenting relief items.

UNESCO Conservation & Livelihoods: São Tomé and Príncipe is spotlighted for a new conservation model—protecting biodiversity while shifting communities from illegal logging/charcoal and wildlife poaching to lower-impact micro-enterprises. Lomé Airport Sanitation Crisis: A sewage pipe rupture at Gnassingbé Eyadéma International Airport sparked public outrage after raw waste flooded parts of the terminal, raising fresh questions about maintenance and accountability. Hohoe Flood Relief: President John Dramani Mahama visited Hohoe after the River Dayi overflow displaced thousands, linking the disaster to extreme weather tied to climate change and pledging livelihood support. Togo-Russia Cultural & Education Links: In Lomé, an introductory meeting launched Russian language courses via the ART association, aiming to open cultural and professional opportunities for Togolese youth. Women’s Business Finance: Ecobank announced a push to lend $2 billion to women-owned enterprises across Sub-Saharan Africa by 2030, including support for micro-entrepreneurs through digital onboarding. Local Skills for Jobs: AED and Chinese contractor WIETC signed a three-year partnership to align work-study training with construction and energy workforce needs in Togo. Culture Calendar: Anlo chiefs in Ghana unveiled plans for Hogbetsotso Za 2026, ending with a grand durbar on November 7.

Culture & Identity: Togo’s Asogli State in Ho lauded government support as the 2026 Asogli Te Za climaxed with a grand durbar, celebrating Yam Festival rites, youth empowerment and Ewe chiefs’ discussions. Disaster & Community Care: President John Dramani Mahama toured Hohoe flood-hit areas, sympathised with over 5,000 displaced residents, and linked the disaster to climate-driven extreme weather; relief items were delivered and cement pledged. Education & Skills: In Lomé, Togo and a Chinese contractor (WIETC) signed a three-year deal to align work-study training at Building and Renewable Energy IFADs with construction jobs, including priority recruitment for graduates. Togo–Russia Ties: Lomé and Moscow expanded cooperation after their joint commission in mining, energy, agriculture, trade, IT, science and education, with cultural heritage documents also prepared. Women’s Entrepreneurship: Ecobank announced a $2bn push for women-owned businesses across Sub-Saharan Africa by 2030, including support for micro-entrepreneurs via digital onboarding. Lifestyle/Global Watch: The UN vote to “correct the map” and the return of Lomé’s Russian language courses also kept culture and learning in the spotlight.

Culture & Diplomacy: Lomé hosted an introductory meeting for Russian language courses, with the Russian–Togolese Alternative (ART) Association pitching language learning as a route to culture and new study or career opportunities. Local Resilience: President John Dramani Mahama visited Hohoe flood victims in Volta Region, linking the disaster to extreme weather from climate change and delivering relief items while urging careful rebuilding support. Education & Skills: Togo’s AED and Chinese contractor WIETC signed a three-year deal to align work-study training at Building and Renewable Energy IFADs with real construction jobs, including placements and priority recruitment. Infrastructure & Accountability: Lomé airport’s sewage crisis sparked global outrage, with reports pointing to long deferred maintenance and system failures behind the terminal contamination. Regional Integration: Ghana’s “ECOWAS for All” campaign highlights how citizens can use free movement across borders—an angle that resonates for Togo’s own cross-border lifestyle and trade communities. Global Spotlight (Togo-led): The UN General Assembly endorsed a Togo-backed push to correct world maps so Africa’s true size is reflected in education and public life. Lifestyle/Entertainment: Anime “KAGURABACHI” announced Yuichi Nakamura’s casting as Soshiro Azami, adding fresh buzz for pop-culture fans.

Culture & Identity: A new debate piece challenges the “Dark Continent” narrative, tracing how old stereotypes about Black inferiority still shape how Africans are seen today. Film & Lifestyle: “Heart of the Beast” is spotlighted in a roundup of five classic man-and-dog movies, celebrating the bond that keeps audiences hooked. Togo–Russia Cooperation: Lomé and Moscow expand ties after their joint commission, with plans spanning mining, energy, science, education, and even cultural heritage. Health in Focus: Ho Teaching Hospital reports strong progress in cancer care, with hundreds of patients treated successfully and more people coming early for diagnosis. Disaster & Climate Reality (Ghana, regional relevance): President Mahama visits Hohoe flood victims, linking the disaster to extreme weather patterns and pledging livelihood support. Education & Jobs (Togo): AED and Chinese contractor WIETC sign a deal to align work-study training with construction hiring needs, including placements for graduates. Infrastructure Accountability (Lomé): Reports on Lomé airport’s sewage disaster fuel fresh calls for real maintenance and clear responsibility. Women’s Economic Power: Ecobank expands credit for women-led businesses across Africa, aiming to reach hundreds of thousands of enterprises. Global Map Change: The UN backs a resolution pushing more accurate world maps that better reflect Africa’s true size. Visa Rules: The US introduces visa bonds for citizens of 50 countries; India is not on the list.

Women’s finance push: Ecobank says it will expand credit to women-owned businesses across Sub-Saharan Africa, targeting $2.6bn total lending by 2030 (including $600m for agricultural value chains) and using digital onboarding to bring informal traders into banking. Skills for jobs in Togo: AED and Chinese contractor WIETC signed a three-year deal to align work-study training at Togo’s IFAD institutes with real construction and renewable energy hiring needs, including priority recruitment for matching graduates. Lomé airport sewage disaster: A sewage pipe explosion at Gnassingbé Eyadéma International Airport left passengers soaked and traumatized, triggering global outrage and fresh demands for accountability over infrastructure and maintenance. Mapping Africa fairly: The UN General Assembly backed Togo’s “Correct the Map” resolution, endorsing more accurate world maps that better reflect Africa’s true size, with the US the lone “no.” ECOWAS integration on the ground: Ghana’s foreign ministry launched “ECOWAS for All” to boost public awareness of regional rights and opportunities, including visa-free travel across member states. Women at work: ITUC-Africa and the ILO urged stronger protection and leadership for women in labour, warning that gaps remain on violence, harassment, and women’s representation. Lomé migration talks: Lomé hosted consultations to set up an African Union migration advisory council, linking free movement and border management with a more permanent data-sharing mechanism.

UN Map Debate: The UN General Assembly backed a resolution pushing countries to use more accurate world maps like Equal Earth, with Togo among the sponsors and the U.S. the lone “no” vote—aimed at correcting how Africa’s size is taught and understood. Lomé Diplomacy & Mobility: Lomé hosted consultations to set up an African Union Migration Advisory Council, alongside Togo’s recent move to ease entry for African passport holders—up to 30 days without prior visas. ECOWAS in Focus: Ghana’s Foreign Affairs ministry launched “ECOWAS for All” to close the gap between regional integration rules and what citizens actually know and use. EIF 2027 Prep: ECOWAS Investment Forum 2027 is gearing up in Lomé (April 7–8), with a focus on bankable projects, energy transition, and funding for women and youth-led businesses. Culture & Learning: The OIF-backed Aného digital training push is expanding, training young people for jobs and internships, including AI-linked projects. Sports & Talent: Guyana’s chess team wrapped up the FIDE Olympiad with three new conditional titles, highlighting rising Caribbean talent. Community Impact: Hohoe floods in Ghana displaced 5,336 people across 10 communities, with relief supplies and no major damage to schools or health facilities reported.

ECOWAS Investment Forum 2027: EBID has kicked off preparations for EIF 2027 in Lomé (April 7–8), aiming to mobilize financing for energy, SMEs, climate and green industrialization, with special focus on women and youth. Digital skills in Aného: The Francophonie’s nearly CFAF 300m Aného digital training push (D-CLIC) is equipping young people with web, digital communication and AI skills, plus internships and job placement support. Equal Earth map vote: The UN General Assembly backed a shift toward more accurate world maps over Mercator, with Togo among the sponsors—framing it as a classroom and public-display upgrade, not a ban on navigation maps. School feeding milestone: Mary’s Meals marked 20 years in Liberia, now reaching 95,000 children across 600+ schools—highlighting how meals boost attendance and learning. Hohoe floods relief: NADMO reports Hohoe floods displaced 5,336 people across 10 communities, with food and relief supplies underway. Workplace safety for women: ITUC-Africa and the ILO are urging stronger protections against violence and harassment at work, and more women in labour leadership. Togo mediation: Lomé hosted talks tied to AU peace efforts in Eastern DRC, as President Gnassingbé’s mediation gains momentum. Anié market fire: Traders in Anié are demanding real rebuilding and fire-safety upgrades after the Grand Marché blaze left hundreds of families ruined, with no lives lost but livelihoods wiped out.

Women’s Rights & Work: ITUC-Africa and the ILO used a Lomé women’s conference to warn that protection for women workers is slipping, with gaps on violence and harassment and calls for stronger women’s leadership in unions. Migration & Free Movement: Lomé hosted consultations to set up an African Union Migration Advisory Council, building on Togo’s May 2026 visa easing for African nationals with valid passports. Togo Investment & Jobs: EBID kicked off preparations for the 2027 ECOWAS Investment Forum in Lomé, promising deal rooms and financing for a pipeline of projects. Culture & Tourism: Togo reported 500,000+ tourist arrivals in 2024 and pushed for longer stays, better visitor experiences, and more digital tools. Market Shock in Anié: A major fire at Anié’s Grand Marché left hundreds of traders ruined, reigniting demands for real fire-safety and lasting reconstruction. Diplomacy for Peace: President Faure Gnassingbé met a Congolese minister in Lomé to advance AU-led mediation for Eastern DRC.

Diplomacy & Regional Peace: Russia–Togo’s intergovernmental commission kicked off in Lomé, with talks set to cover energy, transport, agriculture, education, science and sport. Migration & Mobility: Lomé is hosting consultations on the African Union’s Migration Advisory Council and free movement across Africa, building on Togo’s 2026 visa-free entry for valid passport-holding Africans. Tourism & Culture: Togo says it topped 500,000 tourist arrivals in 2024, and is pushing longer stays and better visitor spending, with digital tech now central to the plan. Local Economy Under Pressure: The Grand Marché d’Anié fire left hundreds of traders ruined, reigniting calls for real market safety and lasting infrastructure upgrades. Sports & Youth: Nigeria’s Flamingos won the WAFU B U-17 girls’ title after a 4-0 win over Togo, with Adegbuyi named MVP and Opara best goalkeeper. Tech for Development: A Nigerian firm launched an Africa GPU cloud platform, including deployments in Togo, aiming to make AI computing cheaper for businesses and governments.

Eastern DRC Peace Talks: President Faure Gnassingbé hosted an urgent Lomé meeting with Congolese minister Floribert Anzuluni, receiving a confidential message from Félix Tshisekedi aimed at disarming armed groups, reintegrating ex-combatants, and restoring safety in Eastern DRC—another push for AU-led mediation. Tourism & Culture in Togo: Togo marked World Tourism Day by reporting 500,000+ arrivals in 2024, with calls to turn visitor growth into real income through longer stays, better services, and more cultural, eco, beach, nature and business tourism—plus a push for digital tools. Free Movement & Migration Policy: Lomé hosted AU consultations on a Migration Advisory Council and free movement across Africa, with Togo highlighting its May 2026 visa-free entry for African passport holders (up to 30 days). Market Fire Fallout (Anié): The Grand Marché fire left hundreds of traders ruined overnight, reigniting demands for real fire-safety upgrades and reliable support beyond promises. Pan-African Retail: AfroQuality opened a flagship store in Accra to help African brands reach wider markets, building a multi-city network across the continent. Health Focus: WHO pledged stronger support for vulnerable communities in Ghana’s Upper East, especially border-related health challenges affecting women and children. Arts & Modernism: MoMA is set to spotlight West African “architects of liberation,” including Togo, linking modernism to post-independence identity.

Market Fire Aftermath in Anié: The Grand Marché blaze in Togo’s Plateaux region left hundreds of traders without goods or savings, with no deaths reported but livelihoods wiped out overnight—now traders are demanding real rebuilding, not promises. Racism Call at the UN: South Africa’s UN remarks by Minister Ronald Lamola urged renewed action against racism 25 years after Durban, warning that intolerance and gender inequality are resurging. Pan-African Fashion & Retail: AfroQuality opened a flagship store in Accra, linking African brands to wider markets across the continent and beyond. Youth & Skills for Togo: JA Africa and Z Zurich Foundation announced a Francophone youth program to train 20,000 young people across Burkina Faso, DRC, and Togo for jobs and entrepreneurship. Sports Spotlight (Regional): Nigeria’s Flamingos won the WAFU-B U-17 Girls Cup with a 4-0 final win over Togo, setting up their World Cup push in Morocco. Health & Access: WHO pledged stronger support for Ghana’s Upper East vulnerable communities, including border-area health challenges affecting women and children.

Reparations Debate: A new discussion reignites the hard question of who should pay and who should receive for the transatlantic slave trade, recalling the scale of forced transport and deaths and arguing that justice can’t stop at acknowledgement. Child Labour & Migration: A report follows 10-year-old Ojo Ibukun from Benin to Lagos construction sites, showing how poverty and informal apprenticeship can replace school and protection. Culture & Festivals: Ghana’s Gbi-dukor Za festival was launched in Hohoe, highlighting its role in unity, heritage, and economic hopes for the Gbi states. Floods in Hohoe: Hohoe Municipality in Ghana faces displacement of 3,000+ residents after River Dayi overflow; shelters include classrooms and a washed-out bridge disrupts education. Togo’s Map Moment: Togo-led UN support for equal-area world maps pushes a more accurate “picture of the world” into education and media. Youth & Skills: JA Africa and Z Zurich Foundation plan to equip 20,000 young people across Francophone Africa, including Togo, with entrepreneurship and work-readiness. Sports (Regional): Nigeria’s Flamingos won the WAFU-B U-17 Girls Cup with a 4-0 final win over Togo, setting up preparations for the U-17 World Cup in Morocco. Drug Crackdown: NDLEA reports major airport seizures and arrests, including a newlywed allegedly excreting 72 wraps of cocaine en route to Portugal.

Church & Community: The Evangelical Presbyterian Church Ghana congratulated Togo’s Église Évangélique Presbytérienne du Togo on its leadership transition, thanking outgoing Moderator Rev. Dr. Daniel Akotia Mawusi and welcoming the new 17th Moderator, Rev. Dr. Yaovi Mawunya Fidèle Nayo. Sports (Youth Football): Nigeria’s Flamingos won the 2026 WAFU-B U-17 Girls Cup with a perfect run, crushing Togo 4-0 in the final; captain Chidera Harmony scored twice from penalties as the team heads to the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco. Business & Women’s Empowerment: Ecobank (Lomé-based) announced a $2.6bn lending push by 2030 for women-led businesses and agricultural SMEs, combining credit with training and digital tools. Lifestyle & Culture (Beauty): A Togolese cosmetics founder, Gaël de Souza of Gazelle d’Afrik, shared how she’s building local natural beauty to rival imported brands. Public Safety: NDLEA reports a newlywed arrested at Enugu airport after allegedly ingesting 72 wraps of cocaine bound for Portugal.

Youth & Peace Skills: JA Africa and Z Zurich Foundation launched “Génération Équitable” to train 20,000 young people across Francophone West Africa, including Togo, with entrepreneurship, financial literacy, digital skills and work-readiness—aiming to turn confidence into livelihoods and community peace by 2029. Family Planning Focus: The Ouagadougou Partnership marks 15 years of progress in Francophone West Africa, saying millions more women can now plan pregnancies, but gains remain fragile as health funding tightens—calling for stronger national leadership and sustainable financing. Drug Bust at Airports: Nigeria’s NDLEA arrested a newlywed businessman in Enugu after he allegedly ingested 72 cocaine wraps for Portugal; in the same crackdown, millions of opioid pills were seized in Lagos. Sports & Youth Pride: Nigeria’s Flamingos won the 2026 WAFU-B U-17 Girls Cup with a perfect five-match run, beating Togo 4-0 in the final; captain Chidera Harmony scored twice from penalties as the team looks ahead to the U-17 World Cup in Morocco. Women’s Finance: Ecobank announced a $2.6bn lending target by 2030 for women-led SMEs and agribusiness, with digital tools and training to widen access to credit.