AGP Executive Report

Work & Rights: Tyson shut down its Joslin, Illinois plant overnight, leaving about 2,500 workers—many from Africa and Latin America—without warning or clear reasons, sparking community shock. Culture & Heritage: Nigeria’s CBAAC boss Aisha Adamu Augie was selected for Yale’s 2026 Directors Forum, a boost for African arts and civilisational preservation. Faith & Values: A Togolese Catholic bishop-elect urged Christians to embrace the cross with humility, warning against treating religion like an “ATM.” Local Connections: Lacs 1 (Togo) and Cachoeira (Brazil) signed a sister-city deal focused on culture, tourism, education, youth and women’s empowerment. Digital Governance: La Francophonie launched its first Digital Governance Forum in Geneva, pushing Francophone Africa to shape AI rules, not just use them. Education Support (Togo): Russian-Togolese Alternative distributed school kits to 100 low-income families in Lomé ahead of the new school year. Youth to Work (Togo): KDA-Pro and BOAD mentored 43 young people (18–30) to prepare for employment, with cohorts trained and recognized. Sports (Region): Ampem Darkoa Ladies kept a perfect run into WAFU B semis, while Togolese ASKO de Kara featured in qualifiers. International Mobility: The US lifted a January pause on immigrant visas for citizens of 75 countries, including Togo’s region.

ECOWAS Court & Gender: Charlyne Brumskine has become the first Liberian woman appointed as a judge on the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice (2026–2030), and she says she wants more West Africans to access the court, including through sessions beyond Abuja. Youth & Work Skills in Togo: KDA-Pro, with BOAD support, has mentored 43 young people (18–30) in Togo since 2023, training cohorts on confidence, professional presence, branding, and job-ready skills, with plans to expand. Cross-Border Trade for Women: The Trans-Border Business Network urges Ghana and Togo to make ECOWAS free movement real at the border, so women traders face fewer restrictions when crossing for business and personal needs. Sports (Women’s Football): Ampem Darkoa Ladies keep their perfect run in WAFU B qualifiers, set to face FC Dynamique in the semi-finals after topping Group B. Sports (Handball Funding Gap): Liberia’s senior women’s handball team heads to Burkina Faso without government funding, relying on loans and emergency support to compete. Immigration Update: The US has lifted a January pause on immigrant visa issuance for citizens of 75 countries, including Bangladesh, after a court ruling. Culture & Identity: Felix Auger-Aliassime’s background is highlighted, with his father’s Togolese roots and his French-Canadian heritage shaping his story. Religion & Leadership: An Apostolic Nuncio in Togo urges the bishop-elect to keep joy and suffering in Christ, stressing fidelity and heart-discipline.

Youth Employment & Skills: In Lomé, KDA-Pro with BOAD support honored 43 young people (18–30) after a six-month mentoring push on self-confidence, branding, and workplace readiness—aimed at boosting youth and women’s economic transformation. Cross-Border Trade for Women: The Trans-Border Business Network urged Ghana and Togo to make ECOWAS free movement real at the border, saying women traders still face heavy restrictions despite the policy. Sports (WAFU B Women’s Champions League): Ampem Darkoa Ladies kept their strong run, setting up semi-final action after wins that put them in contention for the zone’s CAF spot. Tech for Safety: A WhatsApp chatbot called Kemi is helping users report or seek support for technology-facilitated gender-based violence across multiple languages, including Togo’s region. Culture & Language: A Hausa community celebration marked International Hausa Day, spotlighting language as a tool for peace, unity, and cultural understanding. Immigration Policy Watch (US): New US visa and Green Card rules are set to take effect from September 2026, with major changes for student admissions and public charge inadmissibility. Global Diplomacy: Leaders are converging in Bishkek for the SCO summit, with Togolese Prime Minister Faure Gnassingbé among expected attendees.

ECOWAS Border Reality for Women Traders: TBN urged Ghana, Togo and the ECOWAS Commission to make free movement real at the Ghana–Togo border, saying women cross-border traders still face “many restrictions” despite the policy. US Deportation Fallout: A federal judge ordered the Trump administration to explain and return a Nigerian torture victim after ICE deported him despite court protection; the man is reportedly hiding in Togo. US Deportation List Update: The US also released an updated list of 427 people from West Africa slated for deportation, including 7 from Togo, with names and mugshots. Tourism Push in West Africa: ECOWAS adopted a framework to strengthen and accredit regional tourism business associations, aiming for better governance and integration. Digital Safety for Women: Nigeria’s WhatsApp chatbot “Kemi” is expanding support for reporting technology-facilitated gender-based violence across several West African countries, including Togo. Culture & Creativity: Ghana’s CRAFTARA Festival opened in Accra, featuring artisans from Togo and other African countries. Sports (Regional Women’s Football): Ghana’s Ampem Darkoa Ladies advanced in the WAFU B Women’s Champions League and will face ASKO of Togo in the semis. Education Tech: Google extended its free AI Plus offer to students in 27 African countries, including Togo. Church Leadership in Togo: The Apostolic Nuncio urged the new bishop-elect in Kpalimé to lead with fatherly care, fidelity and joy. SCO Summit Watch: Togolese Prime Minister Faure Gnassingbé is listed among leaders attending the SCO summit in Bishkek on September 1.

Education & Skills in Togo: Togo is training 106 accounting teachers in Lomé on Sage 100 and taxation, aiming to modernize classroom lessons and better match workplace needs. Digital Safety for Women: Nigeria’s WhatsApp chatbot “Kemi” is helping girls and women report technology-facilitated gender-based violence and find support, with a planned upgrade to improve local guidance. Culture & Creativity: Ghana’s CRAFTARA Festival opened in Accra, bringing together artisans from across West Africa (including Togo) to showcase crafts and create business opportunities. Fashion & Youth Work Trends: Traditional trades are losing appeal as youths chase faster income through digital careers, raising concerns about fewer apprentices in tailoring, fashion, and carpentry. Sports (Regional): Ghana’s Ampem Darkoa advanced in the WAFU B Women’s Champions League, while Ghana’s Black Fingers prepare for an IHF Zone III tourney—good reminders of the region’s growing women’s sports momentum. Global Spotlight: Google expanded its free student AI offer to 27 African countries, including Togo.

Digital Safety for Women: A WhatsApp chatbot called “Kemi” is helping women report technology-facilitated gender-based violence and find support channels across Nigeria, Benin, Ghana, Togo and Cameroon. Youth & Work Skills: Traditional trades are losing apprentices as young people chase faster digital income, raising concerns for fashion, tailoring and carpentry training pipelines. Education & Jobs in Togo: Togo is training 106 accounting teachers in Sage 100 and taxation in Lomé, aiming to better match classroom learning with workplace needs. Culture & Heritage: The Gaani festival in Nikki celebrates shared history and unity among the Baatonou, Waasangari and Boo peoples across Benin, Togo and Nigeria. Sports (Regional): Ghana’s Ampem Darkoa Ladies advanced in the WAFU B Women’s Champions League and will face Togo’s ASKO in the semis. Tech for Students: Google expanded its free AI Plus offer to students in 27 African countries, including Togo. Global Spotlight: The “Chinese Bridge” finals named a Togolese winner, boosting language and cultural exchange.

Diplomacy & Regional Affairs: Bishkek is set to host the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit and the expanded “SCO Plus” meeting on September 1, with leaders from 17 countries plus the UN Secretary-General expected—Togolese Prime Minister Faure Gnassingbé is among the confirmed attendees. Tech & Education: Google has expanded its free “AI Plus” offer to students across 27 African countries, including Togo, with access to Gemini tools and extra cloud storage after student verification. Sports (Women’s Football): Ghana’s Ampem Darkoa Ladies advanced to the WAFU B Women’s Champions League semi-finals after a 4-0 win over Niger’s AS Garde Nationale, and will face Togo’s ASKO in the semis. Culture & Heritage: The Gaani festival in Nikki celebrates the shared history of the Baatonou, Waasangari and Boo peoples, highlighting resilience across borders shaped by colonisation. Local Skills for Jobs (Togo): Togo is training 106 accounting teachers in Sage 100 and taxation in Lomé to better match classroom teaching with workplace needs. Arts & Learning (Togo-linked): The Chinese Bridge competition’s global finals in Xiamen named a Togo contestant among continental champions, spotlighting youth cultural exchange.

Culture & Heritage: Benin’s Gaani festival in Nikki spotlights the Baatonou, Waasangari and Boo peoples, celebrating shared history and resilience through living traditions like horsemen parades and sacred drum rituals. Tech for Students: Google expands its free AI Plus offer to university students across 27 African countries, including Togo, with Gemini tools and cloud storage after student verification. Regional Diplomacy: Togo’s Prime Minister Faure Gnassingbé is set to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Bishkek on Sept. 1, alongside leaders from major SCO member states and invited countries. Togo Skills & Jobs: Togo trains 106 accounting teachers in Sage 100 and taxation in Lomé, aiming to modernize classroom teaching to match workplace needs. Church & Leadership: A Togolese Catholic bishop-elect shares a focus on communion and walking closely with the faithful as he prepares for episcopal ordination. Sports & Travel: ASKY launches a new Kano–Niamey air service from Sept. 2, routed via Lomé, to boost mobility and revive historic trade links. Digital Rights: Access Now marks 10 years of internet shutdown advocacy with “Sound of the Silenced,” sharing how disruptions isolate communities and endanger lives.

Immigration Court Ruling: A U.S. federal judge ordered ICE to bring back a Nigerian man it secretly deported despite protections against return, after agents lured him with a fake appointment and abandoned him on a bush roadside across an unofficial border into Togo. Togo Skills & Jobs: In Lomé, Togo trained 106 accounting teachers on Sage 100 and taxation to better match classroom lessons with workplace needs. Culture & Creativity: Ghana’s CRAFTARA Festival opened in Accra as a 10-day showcase of African crafts, with exhibitors from Togo and other countries and a focus on preserving the stories behind each piece. Education & Exchange: Togo’s MAMAM FADILA won a continental title at the Chinese Bridge global finals in Xiamen, highlighting cultural exchange through Chinese-language learning. Work & Health: A West Africa survey found 62% of workers get no workplace malaria prevention support, including in Togo, pointing to a gap between awareness and action. Air Connectivity: ASKY announced a new Kano–Niamey route starting Sept. 2 via Lomé, aiming to boost trade and mobility across West Africa.

Togo Education & Skills: Togo is training 106 accounting teachers in Lomé on Sage 100 and taxation, aiming to better match classroom lessons with workplace digital accounting. Work & Social Dialogue: Togo’s CNDS reconvened in Lomé to tackle new socioeconomic pressures and strengthen social dialogue to prevent labor disputes. Tech for Schools: Togo plans to deploy 101 FabLab managers to run digital fabrication labs in schools, turning science and math into hands-on projects. Culture & Talent: In China’s “Chinese Bridge” global finals in Xiamen, Togo’s Wang Jiayi (MAMAM FADILA) won a continental championship title, highlighting Togo’s growing cultural presence. Lifestyle & Entertainment: Netflix’s romance series “All the Truth in My Lies” is getting buzz for its tangled “no-relationship” friendship that turns complicated. Travel & Mobility: ASKY launches a new Kano–Niamey route from Sept. 2, routed via Lomé, boosting West African connectivity. Health at Work: A West Africa survey including Togo finds 62% of workers get no workplace malaria prevention support, pointing to a major gap in employer action.

Togo Skills Boost: Lomé is hosting training for 106 accounting teachers on Sage 100 and taxation, aiming to bring classroom lessons closer to workplace realities. FabLab Push: Togo plans to deploy 101 FabLab managers to schools, so students can turn science and math into hands-on prototypes. Social Dialogue Update: Togo’s CNDS reconvened in Lomé to tackle new socioeconomic pressures and strengthen how labor disputes are prevented and resolved. Church & Community: A Togolese Catholic bishop-elect shared his focus on “communion” and close pastoral presence ahead of ordination. Regional Security Watch: Reports say Togo and Chad are drawing closer to the AES orbit through practical cooperation, even without formal accession. Immigration & Travel: A US court struck down Trump’s immigrant visa ban affecting 75 countries, while US consular appointments were paused for training—big implications for families across Africa. Health at Work: A West Africa survey finds 62% of workers get no workplace malaria prevention support, including in Togo. Culture & Sports: FIFA Infantino faces fresh calls for change from former players, while ASKY announced a new Kano–Niamey route via Lomé.

Education & Skills: Togo is training 106 accounting teachers in Lomé on Sage 100 and taxation, aiming to bring classroom lessons closer to workplace digital accounting. Work & Social Dialogue: Togo’s CNDS reconvened in Lomé to tackle new socioeconomic pressures and strengthen social dialogue for preventing labor disputes. Tech for Schools: Togo plans to deploy 101 FabLab managers to run digital fabrication labs in schools, turning science and math into hands-on projects. Culture & Faith: A Togolese Catholic bishop-elect, Mons. Amekuse, shared his focus on synodality and building communion ahead of episcopal ordination. Lifestyle Calendar: Greenbelt Labor Day Festival returns with a Friday–Saturday guide, including new all-electronic wristband ticketing and evening bingo. Regional Mobility: ASKY launches a new Kano–Niamey route via Lomé, boosting cultural and commercial links across West Africa. Health at Work: A West Africa survey finds 62% of workers get no workplace malaria prevention support, including in Togo.

Education & Skills: Togo is training 106 accounting teachers in Lomé on Sage 100 and taxation, aiming to better match classroom lessons with workplace digital accounting and tax realities. Social Dialogue: Togo’s CNDS reconvened in Lomé to tackle new socioeconomic pressures, strengthen social dialogue to prevent labor disputes, and keep cohesion as labor markets shift. Tech for Schools: Togo plans to deploy 101 FabLab managers after a month of training, so students can turn science and math lessons into hands-on prototypes in school digital fabrication labs. Faith & Community: A Togolese Catholic bishop-elect, Mons. Amekuse, spoke ahead of his ordination about leadership as closeness to people and building communion in the local Church. Workplace Health: A West Africa survey including Togo finds 62% of workers get no malaria prevention support from employers, highlighting a gap between awareness and action. Culture & Lifestyle: Bad With Phones released “Human,” a high-energy anthem urging people to slow down and reconnect with themselves. Regional Mobility: ASKY announced a new Kano–Niamey air service via Lomé, boosting travel links for business and cultural exchange.

Education & Innovation: Togo is set to deploy 101 FabLab managers to schools after a one-month training, aiming to turn classroom science into hands-on projects across Regional Centers for Technological Innovation (CRITs) and science-focused middle and high schools. Public Health & Work: A West Africa survey by CAMA finds 62% of workers get no workplace malaria prevention support, including in Togo, urging employers to move beyond awareness into real protection. Culture & Heritage: Yale’s Institute for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage selected two Caribbean leaders for a 12-month fellowship, highlighting growing international support for protecting living traditions and archives. Sports Governance: Former World Cup players and FIFA legends, including Togo’s Emmanuel Adebayor, renewed calls for change at FIFA, saying Infantino’s leadership has “blinded” the organization to football’s core values. Immigration & Mobility: A US court ruling struck down Trump’s indefinite immigrant visa processing pause for 75 countries, while separate UK Ancestry Visa guidance lists Togo among eligible Commonwealth nationals. Local Security/Media: Togo authorities detailed the detention case of a French documentary crew, citing “false declarations” over filming areas and undeclared drone use.

FIFA Power Struggle: Former World Cup winners and FIFA legends, including Togo’s Emmanuel Adebayor, are calling for immediate change at FIFA, saying Gianni Infantino’s leadership has been “blinded by power” after the collapse of a controversial plan to sell stakes in World Cup rights. Workplace Health Gap: A West Africa survey by CAMA finds 62% of workers across 10 countries, including Togo, get no malaria prevention support from employers—highlighting a gap between awareness and action. Education & Tech Skills: Togo is training 101 FabLab managers to run digital fabrication labs in schools, aiming to turn classroom science into hands-on projects through CRITs and science-focused schools. Culture & Heritage Exchange: CBAAC’s Aisha Augie has joined a Yale cultural heritage fellowship cohort, backing conservation and cultural exchange for African heritage leaders. Togo Film Case: Togo authorities say two French nationals and a Togolese fixer detained over a documentary were prosecuted for “false declarations,” including filming outside approved areas and use of an undeclared drone. Sports Viewing Guide: The UCI released broadcaster details for the 2026 Mountain Bike World Championships in Italy, with Pan Africa coverage via SuperSport Extra.

FabLab for Schools: Togo is set to deploy 101 FabLab managers after a one-month training under the Ministry of National Education, with the goal of turning classroom science into hands-on projects across CRITs and science-focused middle and high schools. Film & Culture Oversight: Togo authorities say two French nationals and a Togolese crew member detained in Binah were prosecuted for “false declarations,” including filming outside approved areas and using an undeclared drone. UK Migration Pathway: The UK highlights the UK Ancestry Visa for Commonwealth citizens (including Gambians and Togo nationals) who can prove a UK-born grandparent, offering a five-year route to live and work. Travel Without Visa (Africa): South African passport holders can access 31 African destinations visa-free, with Togo and several safari hubs like Kenya and Tanzania on the list. Sports Governance Shock: FIFA legends and former stars, including Togo’s Emmanuel Adebayor, renewed calls for change at FIFA, accusing Infantino of being “blinded by power.” Cultural Exchange Recognition: CBAAC’s Aisha Augie joins a Yale Directors Forum fellowship cohort to strengthen heritage conservation and cultural exchange. DRC Peace Talks: A ceasefire verification mission is underway in eastern DR Congo as DRC and the M23-backed alliance agree on a roadmap for negotiations, with Togo mediating as AU representative.