AGP Executive Report

Culture & Film: The 4th Kpalimé International Film and Music Festival (KIFFMU) wrapped on July 13 with multiple Togolese wins, including Corneille Da Silveira and Jean Ahonto’s “Mahiwa” taking first prize, plus awards for Ewe-language film efforts and music videos like “Mekpovo O.” Public Health: Togo has started a nationwide free mosquito-net campaign, distributing 5,658,350 insecticide-treated nets after a door-to-door beneficiary census, aiming to cut malaria’s heavy toll (2.1M cases and 993 deaths in 2024). Tech & Language: Togo unveiled an AI-for-good project to preserve and promote local languages, building open datasets and training tools for translation and digital public services across major tongues like Ewe and Kabiyè. Youth & Skills: Sandrine Agbo Adjoa-Sika won Togo’s top orator title at the Joutes Verbales Francophones in Lomé, earning prizes and a France training/mentoring path. Diplomacy & Business: A Japanese business delegation will visit Lomé July 19–22 for investment talks and B2B meetings, targeting new partnerships as Togo finalizes its 2026–2031 roadmap.

Malaria Prevention Boost: Togo has kicked off a nationwide free mosquito net campaign, distributing 5,658,350 insecticide-treated nets after a door-to-door beneficiary census, with the biggest push starting July 14 and targeting children most at risk. Language & Tech: Togo is unveiling an AI project to preserve and promote national languages, aiming to build open datasets and train models for translation and digital public services. Coastline Protection: New laws strengthen Togo’s coastal safeguards, including tougher penalties for environmental crime and a 100-meter buffer zone—though enforcement rules are still being finalized. Culture & Public Speaking: Sandrine Agbo Adjoa-Sika Agbo won Togo’s top orator title at the Joutes Verbales Francophones in Lomé, earning prizes and training opportunities. Regional Security & Faith: Ghana hosted ASEC 2026 on African security cooperation, while a West African Religious Affairs Symposium in Accra brought military chaplains together to support spiritual readiness. Travel Ease: Barbados announced visa-free entry for citizens of all 54 African countries under current policies, making Caribbean travel simpler for Africans.

AI & Languages: Togo is rolling out an AI-for-good project to preserve and boost local languages, aiming to build open datasets (voice and translated sentences) and train tools for translation and speech services. Public Health: Togo launched a nationwide campaign to distribute 5.6 million insecticide-treated mosquito nets in two phases, targeting malaria prevention as cases and deaths remain high. Coastline Protection: Togo strengthened coastal laws with harsher penalties for “environmental crime” and a 100-meter buffer zone, but says enforcement and transitional rules are the real test. Youth & Culture: Sandrine Agbo Adjoa-Sika won Togo’s top orator title at the Joutes Verbales Francophones in Lomé, earning prizes plus training and mentoring. Sports (Regional): Nigeria’s Flamingos qualified for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup and were drawn in Group B with Poland, Puerto Rico, and Korea DPR. Culture & Tourism (Ghana): Pusiga’s DCE says the Naa Gbewaa Shrine in northern Ghana deserves more national attention, highlighting heritage sites and visitor attractions. Travel Rules: The UAE published an updated visa-required list (including Benin, Ghana, Togo, and others), while Ethiopia expanded visa-on-arrival eligibility for tourists. Legal & Society: A Nigerian man was reportedly jailed in Togo after allegedly calling a woman “prostitute,” reigniting debate on how insults and harassment are handled.

Public Health: Togo kicks off a nationwide campaign to distribute free insecticide-treated mosquito nets on July 14, aiming to cut malaria risk; the rollout runs in two phases (Maritime/Plateaux/Centrale/Savanes first, then Kara and Greater Lomé) with 5.6 million nets planned after door-to-door beneficiary registration. Coastal Protection: Togo strengthens laws to protect its erosion-hit coastline, including tougher penalties for environmental crime and a 100-meter buffer zone—while officials say enforcement is the real test. Sports (Youth Women’s Football): Nigeria’s Flamingos sealed qualification for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco after beating Benin 5-3 in Lomé for an 8-5 aggregate win; they’ve now been drawn in Group B with Poland, Puerto Rico, and Korea DPR. Culture & Society: A Nigerian man is reportedly jailed in Togo after allegedly calling a woman “prostitute/ashawo” during an argument, raising questions about how insult claims are handled. Travel & Mobility: Cabo Verde publishes a visa-free list of 67 countries (including Togo and Nigeria) with stay durations up to 90 days, while the UK updates its visitor visa national list affecting many African travelers.

Health & Community: Togo kicks off a nationwide campaign to distribute free next-generation insecticide-treated mosquito nets on July 14, with 5,658,350 nets planned in two phases (Maritime, Plateaux, Centrale, Savanes first; Kara and Greater Lomé later) to cut malaria’s heavy toll, especially among children under five. Environment & Accountability: Togo tightens coastal protection with new legal tools, including harsher penalties for “environmental crime” and a 100-meter buffer zone from the high-water mark, while officials say implementation details are still being finalized. Diplomacy & Regional Presence: Angola’s new ambassador presents credentials in Lomé, pledging deeper cooperation with Togo across political, economic, cultural and education areas. Digital Policy: Togo’s Minister of Public Sector Efficiency and Digital Transformation, Cina Lawson, is listed among African representatives in the AI for Good Global Commission, aimed at shaping responsible AI governance. Youth Sports: Nigeria’s Flamingos qualify for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after a 5-3 win over Benin in Lomé, sealing an 8-5 aggregate and setting up a Group B draw with Poland, Puerto Rico and Korea DPR.

Football & Youth Empowerment: Nigeria’s Flamingos booked their place at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after beating Benin 5-3 in Lomé, Togo, to win 8-5 on aggregate; Queen Joseph led with a hat-trick as the team now turns to preparations for Morocco (Oct 17–Nov 7). Sports Administration: The Nigeria Football Federation praised President Tinubu for securing Nigeria’s hosting rights for CAF events and pushed ambitious targets for women’s national teams, alongside calls for broader funding support across leagues. Regional Diplomacy: Angola’s ambassador, Rui Orlando Xavier, presented credentials to Togo’s Head of State in Lomé, pledging deeper cooperation in political, economic, cultural and education ties. Digital & Policy Spotlight: Togo’s Minister of Public Sector Efficiency and Digital Transformation, Cina Lawson, is listed among African leaders represented on the new AI for Good Global Commission, signaling growing regional involvement in AI governance. Lifestyle & Mobility: UK rules reaffirm that Nigerians and nationals of 100+ countries need visas for short visits, while passport-mobility stories keep circulating across West Africa.

Youth Sports: Nigeria’s Flamingos booked their place at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after beating Benin 5-3 in Lomé for an 8-5 aggregate win, with Queen Joseph starring (hat-trick) as the team now turns to preparations for Morocco (Oct 17–Nov 7). Tournament Draw: The Flamingos have been placed in Group B with Poland, Puerto Rico and Korea DPR, setting up a tough opening run. Local Football Culture: In Nigeria’s domestic scene, El-Kanemi Warriors won the 2026 President Federation Cup, while Nasarawa Amazons clinched the women’s title on penalties after a 1-1 draw. Fashion & Lifestyle: A Ghanaian artist’s “Shame on You” track is going viral on TikTok in South Africa, while FIFA World Cup arrivals are being treated like a luxury fashion runway, from Hermès to Gucci. Trade & Industry (Togo): Togo’s Adétikopé Industrial Platform (PIA) exported 210,000 garments and textile products to the U.S. in 2025, supported by AGOA trade preferences and Lomé port logistics. Digital Policy (Africa): Africa secured eight seats on the new AI for Good Global Commission, with Togo’s Cina Lawson among the listed government representatives. Diplomacy (Togo): Angola’s ambassador Rui Orlando Xavier presented credentials to Togo’s Head of State, signaling renewed focus on cooperation in culture, education and institutional capacity building.

U-17 Women’s Football: Nigeria’s Flamingos booked their place at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after beating Benin’s Amazons 5-3 in Lomé, sealing an 8-5 aggregate win; Queen Joseph shone with key goals as the tie swung back and forth before Nigeria finished strong. Diplomacy in Togo: Angola’s ambassador to Togo, Rui Orlando Xavier, presented his credentials to President Jean-Lucien Savi de Tové, signaling the start of his duties and renewed focus on cooperation in diplomacy, culture, education and institutional capacity building. Togo at the AfDB: Malika Dhif, Togo’s representative on the AfDB board, continues shaping strategic decisions from Abidjan, bringing public finance experience to the bank’s work for the constituency. Culture & youth: A hospice ritual in Korea highlights how families and nurses dress the dead to honor the person behind the patient, while a Lomé summer camp teaches Togo’s children to code and build robots. Lifestyle & travel rules: The UK reaffirmed visa requirements for Nigerians and nationals of 100+ countries for short visits, adding another layer to travel planning.

Sport & Youth Pride: Nigeria’s Flamingos booked their place at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after a dramatic 5-3 win over Benin in Lomé, sealing qualification 8-5 on aggregate; the decisive match also saw CAF name Ugandan referee Shamirah Nabadda and Togolese Aissata Ameyo as match commissioner. Diplomacy: Angola’s ambassador Rui Orlando Xavier presented his credentials to Togo’s Head of State, pledging deeper cooperation across political, economic, cultural and education ties. Leadership & Development: Malika Dhif, Togo’s representative on the AfDB Board, was highlighted for her role in AfDB strategic decisions and her background in public finance. Culture & Learning: Lomé’s Digital School Summer Camp is teaching children robotics, coding and AI—while also aiming to narrow the digital divide for girls in tech. Trade & Jobs: Togo’s PIA exports 210,000 garments to the U.S. in 2025, reflecting efforts to grow local cotton processing and manufacturing for international markets. Environment & Faith-Driven Action: CYNESA’s youth network is pushing ecological awareness through cleanups and tree-planting, with support from Catholic partners. Lifestyle & Identity: A reflective piece titled “I Still Call Myself a Gay Liberal” explores how societies decide who belongs and what happens to those who fall outside the line.

Youth & Sports: Lomé is hosting a high-stakes U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifier as Nigeria’s Flamingos prepare for Saturday’s return leg against Benin at Stade de Kégué, carrying a 3-2 advantage from Ikenne; CAF has named Ugandan Shamirah Nabadda as centre referee, with Togolese Aissata Ameyo as match commissioner. Local Economy & Trade: Togo’s Adétikopé Industrial Platform (PIA) exported 210,000 garments and textile products to the U.S. in 2025, pushing the country’s cotton-processing push and benefiting from AGOA-linked trade preferences. Education & Tech for Kids: Lomé’s Digital School Summer Camp is teaching children to code, build robots, and explore AI—while also aiming to narrow the digital divide between girls and boys. Culture & Community: Ghana’s Black Maidens are calling on fans to pack Accra Sports Stadium for their crucial qualifier against Senegal, with the match set for July 11. Disaster Response: Greater Lomé flood damage after June 29–30 rains is estimated at 304.86 million CFA francs, with emergency food and essential non-food items flagged as priorities.

Togo Flood Relief: Heavy rains hit Greater Lomé on June 29–30, affecting 23,747 people across 13 municipalities; civil protection estimates humanitarian needs at CFA 304.86 million, with emergency food and essential non-food items prioritized. Textile Jobs & Trade: Togo’s Adétikopé Industrial Platform (PIA) exported 210,000 garments to the U.S. in 2025, pushing the country’s cotton-processing push and benefiting from AGOA-linked access. Youth Tech & Girls in STEM: Lomé’s Digital School Summer Camp is teaching children to code, build robots, and explore AI—explicitly aiming to narrow the digital divide for girls. Football (Lomé Spotlight): Nigeria’s Flamingos arrived in Lomé for the U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifier second leg vs Benin at Stade de Kégué, with CAF naming Ugandan referee Shamirah Nabadda and Togolese Aissata Ameyo as match commissioner. Culture & Heritage: The 18th Lyon Biennale announced 45 new artists (including Togolese representation) and highlights women artists and fresh international voices. Diplomacy: Angola’s ambassador presented letters of credence in Lomé, signaling renewed interest in cooperation across culture, education, and trade.

Culture & Architecture: MoMA in New York opened “Architects of Liberation,” spotlighting independence-era West African modernism, with Togo among the seven featured countries. Youth Sports: Nigeria’s Flamingos arrived in Lomé for the U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifier second leg vs Benin at Stade de Kégué, aiming to protect a 3-2 first-leg lead and book Morocco 2026. Local Sports Build-up: Benin coach Idah Azonsou says her Young Amazons will fight to overturn the deficit in front of home support in Togo. Tech for Kids: Lomé’s Digital School Summer Camp is teaching children to code and build robots, with a push to narrow the digital divide for girls. Disaster & Relief: Greater Lomé floods (June 29–30) affected 23,747 people; civil protection estimates CFA304.9 million needed for emergency food and essential non-food support. Business & Inclusion: Togo registered 8,129 new businesses in H1 2026, up 25.9% year-on-year, with women owning about 28% of new registrations.

U-17 Women’s World Cup Qualifier (Lomé): Nigeria’s Flamingos have arrived in Lomé for the decisive second leg against Benin at Stade de Kégué, aiming to protect their 3-2 first-leg lead and book a spot in Morocco. Youth & Tech (Lomé): A summer camp in Lomé is teaching Togo’s children to code and build robots, with a push to narrow the digital divide between girls and boys. Disaster Response (Greater Lomé): Heavy rains from June 29–30 left over 23,000 people affected, with civil protection estimating humanitarian needs at CFA304.86 million, including emergency food and essential non-food items. Business & Inclusion (Togo/region): Togo recorded 8,129 new business registrations in H1 2026, and women accounted for about 28% of new registrations. Culture & Art (Togo): Togolese artist Talle Bamazi is creating a World Cup art series featuring a flying calabash welcoming participating nations. Sports Spotlight (Region): Burkina Faso’s women’s team returns to WAFCON 2026 after qualifying strongly, targeting a historic knockout run.

Flood Response & Accountability: Greater Lomé’s June 29–30 floods left 23,747 people affected, with five deaths, 37 injuries, and hundreds of homes damaged; civil protection says humanitarian needs are estimated at CFA304.9 million and calls for faster, better-targeted relief. Youth & Jobs: Plan International Togo launched the OSEER II project in Sokodé with CFA548.9 million to support 1,487 young people (70% women) through training and sustainable opportunities over three years. Business & Women Entrepreneurs: Togo registered 8,129 new businesses in H1 2026, up 25.9% year-on-year, with women owning 2,306 of them. Public Records & Digital Governance: Lomé marked International Archives Day, pushing stronger archives management to improve transparency, protect rights, and support e-government. Football (U-17 WWCQ): Benin’s U-17 coach Idah Azonsou is confident ahead of the return leg in Lomé, while Nigeria’s Flamingos are set to travel for the decisive match. Migration & Rights: The US published an updated “Worst of the Worst” deportation list naming 374 West Africans, including six Togolese, raising fresh concerns about due process. Culture & Art: A Togolese artist in the US, Talle Bamazi, is painting a 48-piece World Cup series using the flying calabash symbol of hospitality.

U-17 Women’s World Cup Qualifier: Nigeria’s Flamingos are set to fly to Lomé for the decisive second leg against Benin at Stade de Kégué on Saturday, carrying a slim 3-2 advantage from Ikenne after goals from Queen Joseph, Zainab Adegbuyi and Ifeanyi Kindness, while Benin’s Yenido Romaine Gandonou and Nazifatou Dangui kept the tie alive. Sports & Mindset: Benin coach Idah Azonsou says qualification is still “open” and blames costly mistakes for the first-leg loss, as Nigeria’s Akeem Busari urges his side to tighten up to avoid late drama. Governance & Records: Togo marked International Archives Day in Lomé, with public officials pushing stronger archives management to boost transparency, protect rights, and support e-government. Business & Women’s Entrepreneurship: Togo registered 8,129 new businesses in H1 2026, up 25.9% year-on-year, with women owning 2,306 of them. Youth & Inclusion: Plan International Togo launched the OSEER II project in Sokodé with CFA548.9 million to support 1,487 young people (70% women) through training and sustainable opportunities. Culture & Faith: Organizers say Togo’s king and queen, plus senior officials, are expected to join a major Oct. 4 Jerusalem prayer event with delegations from 175 countries.

Togo’s Public Records Push: Lomé hosted International Archives Day, with officials urging better archives management to boost transparency, protect rights, and support e-government. Business Climate Update: Togo registered 8,129 new businesses in H1 2026, up 25.9% year-on-year, with women owning 28% of new firms. Youth & Gender Jobs: Plan International Togo launched the OSEER II project in Sokodé, backed by CFA548.9m, aiming to support 1,487 young people (70% women) with training and sustainable opportunities. Regional Aviation Spotlight: The inaugural African Air Transport Convention & Expo 2026 ended in Lomé with the Lomé Declaration, pushing aviation liberalization and connectivity. Faith & Diplomacy: Organizers say Togo’s king and queen, plus senior officials, will join a major Oct. 4 Jerusalem prayer event expected to draw 70+ million Christians worldwide. Global Lens on Women’s Fertility: A new debate challenges the idea that richer women automatically have fewer babies, adding nuance to development and gender discussions. Humanitarian Finance Warning: UN-linked analysis highlights how debt costs are rising and squeezing education and health budgets, with girls hit hardest.