AGP Executive Report

Youth Outlook: The African Youth Survey 2026 says optimism is rising across Africa, but South African youth remain among the most pessimistic as living costs, unemployment and corruption bite. International Partnerships: The same survey finds 9 in 10 young Africans now see India as an ally, while more than half worry Trump’s team could ignore international norms even as two-thirds expect a better future. Regional Energy Push: African governments are being urged to speed up cross-border grids, gas pipelines and power pools to cut costs and boost energy security. Business Climate in Lomé: Lomé hosts OHADA’s Council of Ministers as justice and finance ministers discuss new financial rules, internal audit reforms and CCJA judge elections to strengthen investor confidence. Digital Volunteers: Togo’s National Volunteer Agency launches a mobile app to digitize volunteer applications, tracking and placements. Sports: Nigeria’s men’s volleyball team tops CAVB Zone 3 rankings, while WAFU B U-20 action continues with Nigeria and Ghana’s derby headlines.

OHADA Reform in Lomé: Justice and finance ministers opened the 61st OHADA Council of Ministers session in Lomé, aiming to tighten business-law governance with new financial rules, an internal audit charter, and risk-control structures, plus elections for new CCJA judges. Togo Digital Volunteer Services: Togo’s National Volunteer Agency (ANVT) launched a mobile app to digitize volunteer applications, including profile setup, submissions, tracking, and placement details for host organizations. University-Trade Research Link: The University of Kara signed a framework with AOCTAH to boost applied research, training, and data tools for cross-border agro and fisheries trade across West Africa. Public Health Training in Lagos: Tobacco policy advocates from 12 countries met in Lagos for ATIM’s training to strengthen monitoring and counter tobacco industry interference. Regional Aviation Maintenance Push: ECOWAS is exploring a regional MRO, separate from airline-led plans, to cut maintenance costs and improve safety. Sports—WAFU B U-20: Nigeria’s Flying Eagles began their title defence with a 4-2 win over Ghana’s Black Satellites, while Ghana’s coach vowed a bounce-back after defensive lapses. Ebola Alert: WHO declared a new Ebola emergency after cases spread from DR Congo into Uganda, raising renewed regional public health concerns.

Togo Protests: Togo is bracing for fresh demonstrations this Friday as opposition groups demand a return to the previous constitution, arguing 2024 reforms were an “illegal constitutional coup” that entrenches President Faure Gnassingbé’s power, with critics also pointing to repression and internet restrictions. Volunteer Digitization: Togo’s National Volunteer Agency (ANVT) has launched a mobile app to simplify volunteer applications, including profile setup, submission, status tracking, and placement details, as it pushes to modernize and expand youth access to its programs. Education-Trade Link: The University of Kara has signed a framework agreement with AOCTAH to boost applied research and innovation for West African cross-border food and agro value chains, focusing on training, research, technology transfer, traceability, and digitizing trade. Digital Africa Push: GSMA backed the Abuja Ministerial Declaration on Meaningful Connectivity for Africa and highlighted ATLAS Umoja, an initiative to advance trusted AI in African languages, with support from governments including Togo. Regional Football: Togo is also in the spotlight via WAFU B U-20 Group play, with Ghana and Nigeria set to kick off their campaign in Yamoussoukro and Togo listed among Group B opponents.

Digital Services in Togo: The National Volunteer Agency (ANVT) has launched a mobile app to digitize volunteer applications, letting people create accounts, apply to programs, track status, and view allowances after placement, while host organizations can monitor assigned volunteers. University-Business Research: University of Kara signed a framework deal with AOCTAH to boost applied research and innovation for West African cross-border food, agro-sylvo-pastoral, and fisheries trade, including training, tech transfer, and trade data tools. Political Tensions: As Togo prepares for Friday protests, opposition groups are calling for a return to the previous constitution, accusing the 2024 reforms of entrenching President Faure Gnassingbé’s power and citing an ECOWAS court ruling. Regional Sports Spotlight: Ghana’s Black Satellites and Nigeria’s Flying Eagles kick off the WAFU B U-20 Championship Group B in Yamoussoukro, with Togo also in the group—setting up a high-stakes rivalry that echoes last year’s final in Lomé. Connectivity Push: GSMA backed the Abuja Ministerial Declaration on meaningful connectivity for Africa and launched ATLAS Umoja AI, supported by several countries including Togo, to advance spectrum reform and digital inclusion.

Protests & Constitutional Crisis in Togo: Demonstrators in Vogan are calling for a return to Togo’s previous constitution, denouncing the 2024 reforms as an “illegal constitutional coup” that entrenches President Faure Gnassingbé’s power, after an ECOWAS court ruling said the change violates democratic principles. WAFU B U-20 Spotlight: Nigeria’s Flying Eagles kick off their WAFU B U-20 title defence against Ghana’s Black Satellites in Yamoussoukro, with new coach Abdu Maikaba insisting on an outright win to start “from Day One.” Regional Digital Push: GSMA endorsed the Abuja Declaration on Meaningful Connectivity and backed ATLAS Umoja AI, aiming to harmonize spectrum rules and speed up Africa’s digital infrastructure. Togo’s Economy & Food Prices: INSEED reports sharp June price jumps for fresh foods in Togo—green peppers (+49.9%), tomatoes (+30.9% locally), and yams (+19.9%)—while annual inflation stays low at 0.1%. Trade & Logistics: UPRAD-Togo joins FIATA as the first francophone West African member association, seeking international training and standards for freight forwarding.

Togo’s Digital Finance Push: The BCEAO says its instant payment platform (PI-SPI) has reached 30 million connected users and processed 1 million transactions worth 110 billion CFA francs, while Togo’s Treasury is also considering interoperable prepaid cards to digitize government payments and expand e-payments via POS terminals. Food Prices Watch: INSEED reports June 2026 fresh food prices jumped in Togo—green peppers (+49.9% month-on-month) and tomatoes (+39% for imported round tomatoes) among the biggest rises—while annual inflation stays low at 0.1%. Customs & Trade Facilitation: UPRAD-Togo has joined FIATA, becoming the first francophone West African member association, aiming to professionalize freight forwarding and link Togolese operators to global training and standards. Regional Leadership in Health: ECOWAS appoints Togolese public health expert Prof. Vincent Palokinam Pitché as WAHO Director General, tasked with strengthening outbreak preparedness and regional health cooperation. Agriculture & Research: ITRA’s DG Lardja Douti highlights field-based agronomic research to boost productivity, resilience, and higher-value value chains. Tech & Connectivity: GSMA endorsed the Abuja Declaration and backed ATLAS Umoja AI to harmonize spectrum rules and speed up digital infrastructure, with Togo among supporting governments. Sports Spotlight: Togo’s cultural rite “Evala” wrestling continues to draw attention as authorities hope for UNESCO recognition.

ECOWAS Regional Integration: ECOWAS leaders meeting in Freetown reaffirmed plans to launch a single currency, the ECO, in phases by 2027, with countries meeting criteria like inflation and debt stability first. Regional Health: WAHO appointed Togolese public health expert Prof. Vincent Palokinam Pitché as its new Director General, aiming to deepen ECOWAS health cooperation and strengthen outbreak preparedness. Togo Economy & Finance: BCEAO says its instant payment platform PI-SPI has reached 30 million connected users and processed 1 million transactions worth 110 billion CFA francs, while Togo’s Treasury is considering interoperable prepaid cards to digitize government payments. Food Prices in Togo: INSEED reports sharp June increases in key foods—green peppers (+49.9%), tomatoes (+30.9% to +39% depending on type), and yams (+18.8% to +19.9%)—pushing monthly inflation up 1.2% but keeping annual inflation at 0.1%. Customs & Logistics: Togo’s customs brokers’ union UPRAD-Togo joined FIATA, the first francophone West Africa member association, to boost international standards and training. Culture: Thousands of Kabye men in Kara region took part in Togo’s “Evala” rite of passage, wrestling to become men, with authorities hoping for UNESCO recognition. Aviation: ASKY delivered two new Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft to Lomé, expanding its fleet to 17 and boosting fuel-efficient connectivity.

Regional Integration & Transport: ECOWAS leaders met in Lungi, Sierra Leone, reiterating plans on a single currency and cheaper regional airfares, while critics argue the bloc is neglecting rail and coastal transport. Health Cooperation: WAHO appointed Togolese public health expert Prof. Vincent Palokinam Pitché as its new Director General, tasked with strengthening ECOWAS disease preparedness and surveillance. Digital Finance in Togo: BCEAO says its instant payments platform PI-SPI has reached 30 million users, while Togo’s Treasury is considering interoperable prepaid cards to digitize government payments across WAEMU. Food Prices: INSEED data shows June food prices in Togo jumped, led by green peppers (+49.9%) and tomatoes (+39% imported). Customs & Logistics: Togo’s customs brokers’ union UPRAD-Togo joined FIATA, aiming to align with global freight-forwarding standards. Culture Spotlight: Kara’s Evala wrestling rite draws attention as authorities push for UNESCO recognition. Aviation: ASKY delivered two new Boeing 737 MAX 8 jets to expand Lomé’s connectivity. Security & Crime: Ashanti police operations netted 445 arrests, with praise from the Asantehene.

Digital Finance Push: BCEAO says its instant payment platform PI-SPI has reached 30 million connected users and 1 million transactions worth 110 billion CFA, while Togo’s Treasury is weighing interoperable prepaid cards to digitize government payments. Crypto Caution: BCEAO warns crypto assets are neither currencies nor regulated products, citing volatility, anonymity and cyber risks as a framework is still pending. Food Prices Watch: Fresh food costs jumped in June, with green peppers up 49.9% and tomatoes also rising, even as annual inflation stays low. Trade & Logistics: Togo’s customs brokers’ union UPRAD-Togo joins FIATA, aiming to align with global standards and boost training. Education Planning: Togo begins revising its 2020–2030 education strategy, with an updated plan due in 2027. Quality & Markets: HAUQE unveils a roadmap to modernize Togo’s quality infrastructure using Morocco as a benchmark. Culture & Sports: Kara’s “Evala” wrestling rite draws attention as authorities seek UNESCO recognition, while WAFCON 2026 and Commonwealth Games coverage keep fans watching.

Food Prices Watch: INSEED data shows June 2026 food prices jumped in Togo, led by green peppers (+49.9%), imported round tomatoes (+39%) and yams (+19.9%), pushing the monthly consumer price index up to 106.2 (+1.2%). Payments Upgrade: BCEAO says its instant payment system PI-SPI has reached 30 million connected users and 1 million transactions worth 110 billion CFA, while Togo’s Treasury is also considering interoperable prepaid cards to digitize government payments. Crypto Caution: BCEAO still has no crypto regulation framework, warning users that crypto is neither a currency nor a regulated product. Trade & Logistics: Togo’s customs brokers’ union UPRAD-Togo joined FIATA, aiming to align with global logistics standards. Quality for Exports: HAUQE unveiled a roadmap to modernize Togo’s quality infrastructure after a benchmarking mission to Morocco. Digital Push: Togo Tech Expo returns July 29-30 in Lomé, focusing on “digital sovereignty,” AI and cybersecurity. Culture: Northern Togo’s Evala rite continues as young Kabye men wrestle to become men, with UNESCO recognition hoped for.

Education Update: Togo has started revising its 2020–2030 Education Sector Plan, with an updated strategy due in September 2027, after a year-long review of progress, regional gaps, and new economic and tech needs. Quality & Trade: The High Authority for Quality and the Environment (HAUQE) unveiled a roadmap in Lomé to modernize Togo’s quality infrastructure, drawing lessons from Morocco to boost standards and market access under AfCFTA. Digital Push: Togo Tech Expo returns July 29–30 at UniPod, with “digital sovereignty” on the agenda, plus AI, cybersecurity, and a manifesto expected to guide the country’s digital ecosystem. Agribusiness Outlook: The Interprofessional Mango Council (CIFM) says it will target European markets from 2026, but warns weak coordination and value-chain gaps still need fixing. Health Cooperation: Togo and Burkina Faso launched a joint seasonal malaria chemoprevention drive across the border for children aged 3–59 months. Aviation: ASKY took delivery of two new Boeing 737 MAX8 jets in July, bringing its fleet to 17 and strengthening Lomé’s connectivity.

Quality & Trade Readiness: Togo’s High Authority for Quality and the Environment (HAUQE) held a Lomé workshop to present findings from a benchmarking mission to Morocco and unveiled a roadmap to modernize Togo’s quality infrastructure—aimed at boosting standards in metrology, accreditation, certification and conformity assessment for better market access under AfCFTA. Agri-Business Exports: Togo’s Mango Interprofessional Council (CIFM) says it’s targeting European buyers from 2026, but admits weak producer coordination, marketing gaps and value-chain shortcomings still need fixing. Digital Push: Lomé will host the 5th Togo Tech Expo on July 29–30 at UniPod, focused on “digital sovereignty,” with panels on AI, cybersecurity and infrastructure plus startup pitches and a manifesto. Health Cooperation: Togo and Burkina Faso launched a cross-border seasonal malaria campaign (July 23–26) to protect children 3–59 months, tackling drug resistance and insecticide-resistant mosquitoes. Maritime Safety: A Togolese-flagged seafarer from Antique was killed in a drone attack in Ukraine’s Black Sea, highlighting risks for African crews. Regional Energy Integration: ECOWAS backed the Nigeria–Morocco African Atlantic Gas Pipeline, with Togo among the corridor countries, as security and cross-border protection remain key concerns. Lomé IP Support: FAO training in Lomé is helping entrepreneurs protect innovations via patents and trademarks to strengthen competitiveness.

Health & Borders: Togo and Burkina Faso launched a joint seasonal malaria prevention drive in Cinkansé, targeting children 3–59 months across both sides of the border to tackle drug-resistant malaria and insecticide-resistant mosquitoes. Banking & Monetary Policy: WAEMU banks are holding far more reserves than required at the BCEAO, limiting how rate cuts translate into cheaper borrowing since excess reserves earn no interest. Regional Security: Opposition in Togo raised alarms over reports of Russian mercenaries and Turkish private military personnel operating in the north amid jihadist incursions, urging transparency. Business & Jobs: Lomé entrepreneurs are training with FAO support on patents and trademarks to protect innovations and strengthen access to markets. Sports: Togo is set to make its Commonwealth Games debut in Glasgow, with the event running July 23–Aug 2. Regional Integration: ECOWAS backed the Nigeria–Morocco Atlantic gas pipeline, a $25bn project spanning multiple countries but raising security and protection questions along the route.

Intellectual Property for Farmers: About 30 Lomé entrepreneurs are in a two-day FAO training on protecting farm innovations with patents and trademarks, using prior-art searches to prove novelty and boost competitiveness. Togo Economy Watch: Togo’s annual inflation held at 0.1% in June, while monthly prices rose 1.2% mainly from seasonal food hikes and higher fuel/transport costs. Digital Finance Push: Banque Atlantique Togo and other BCP subsidiaries are rolling out app features in Togo, including online account opening, trusted-device registration, and an e-PIN for safer transactions. Solar Project Oversight: Togo’s AT2ER is seeking a consultant to monitor and evaluate the Awandjelo solar project in Kara, funded by BOAD, with a CFA100m contract and a July 31 deadline. Regional Payments Plan: BCEAO is preparing a six-month PAPSS pilot to speed cross-border payments across WAEMU, involving 80+ banks. Aviation Incident: Brussels Airlines flight SN278 from Accra to Lomé returned to Accra shortly after take-off due to a technical fault; passengers were assisted and the cause is under investigation. Security Concern in the North: Togo opposition groups allege Russian and Turkish private forces are operating in the north, calling for transparency.

Fake Admissions Crackdown: NSCDC says it dismantled a suspected fake “university” in a three-bedroom apartment in Badagry, Lagos, rescuing 106 youths (19–24) and arresting the proprietor; victims allegedly paid ₦200,000–₦1.5m, while foreign recruits from places including Togo paid $400–$500 for promised admission. Togo Inflation Watch: Togo’s annual inflation held at 0.1% in June for a fifth straight month, while monthly prices rose 1.2% on higher food, fuel and transport costs. Digital Banking Push: Banque Atlantique Togo and other BCP subsidiaries are rolling out app features in Togo like online account opening, trusted-device registration and e-PIN authentication. Regional Energy Moves: ECOWAS endorsed the Nigeria–Morocco gas pipeline, expected to run through Benin, Togo and 11 other countries, with construction targeted from 2028. Local Sports & Culture: Lomé hosted the AFRUS Chess Cup 2026 for International Chess Day, with the AFRUS Chess Club officially launched.

Aviation Safety: A Brussels Airlines flight (SN278) bound for Lomé returned to Accra minutes after take-off due to a technical fault, landing safely with no injuries; engineers are investigating the cause. Inflation Watch (Togo): Togo’s annual inflation held steady at 0.1% in June, while monthly prices rose 1.2%, driven mainly by seasonal food costs and higher fuel/transport. Digital Finance in Togo: Banque Atlantique Togo and other BCP group banks are rolling out app features like online account opening and e-PIN authentication, as competition with mobile money grows. Regional Energy: ECOWAS endorsed the Nigeria–Morocco African Atlantic Gas Pipeline, a 6,000km-plus corridor expected to pass through Togo and other states, boosting regional gas access. Road & Local Economy (Togo): Preparations begin for widening the Togblékopé–Atakpamé stretch of RN1, with roadside structures to be cleared by July 27. Sports & Culture (Lomé): Lomé hosted an International Chess Day tournament, launching the AFRUS Chess Club and crowning Kokou Arsène Gédéon Lokossou. Education Scam (Nigeria, regional impact): NSCDC in Lagos says it dismantled a fake “distance-learning university” in a three-bedroom apartment, rescuing 106 youths and arresting the proprietor.