AGP Executive Report

Language & Technology: Togo has launched a National Local Language Challenge to gather texts, recordings and translations for AI tools and digital public services. A one-month pilot will focus on Ewe, Kabiyè and Moba. Women’s Football: Benin’s Amazons beat Mali 3–1 at Lomé’s Kégué Stadium in an Olympic qualifying match, taking a two-goal lead into Tuesday’s return leg in Bamako. Disability Inclusion: A regional dialogue opened in Lomé to explore better funding for disability rights and services, including through public budgets. Culture: Chiefs and residents of Anlo held a media launch for Hogbetsotso Za 2026, bringing the community’s annual cultural celebration into focus. Refugee Opportunities: ASKY and UNHCR have partnered on training, scholarships and pathways to jobs and entrepreneurship, with Togo among six countries covered by the three-year initiative.

Heritage: Oyo’s first Empire Day, planned for December, aims to welcome 60,000 descendants, including people with ancestral ties to Togo, for a celebration of shared roots. Disability Inclusion: A regional funding dialogue opened in Lomé, seeking ways to turn disability rights into funded public programs. Togo says its initiatives include more than CFAF 1 billion for social and employment inclusion. Regional Justice: Togo’s Yaouza Ouro-Sama was sworn in as an ECOWAS Community Court judge for a four-year term. Arts & Culture: An Accra exhibition co-organised by the Italian Embassy in Ghana and Togo brings 40 artists together to explore nature, spirituality and African traditions. Refugee Opportunities: ASKY and UNHCR have launched a three-year partnership to expand training and jobs for refugees in six countries, with Lomé a potential training hub.

Disability Inclusion: A three-day policy dialogue opened in Lomé on October 6, bringing together about 40 participants to find better ways to fund services for people with disabilities. Togo is also preparing a new rights framework and has launched a CFAF 1 billion-plus program supporting their social and professional inclusion. Refugee Opportunities: ASKY and UNHCR have launched a three-year partnership covering Togo and five other countries, offering refugees training, internships and possible jobs in aviation, with a focus on women and girls. Youth Skills: Ecobank Togo gave laptops and a year of internet access to 80 high-performing graduates, alongside workshops in digital skills, financial education and career readiness. Culture and Recognition: Togo-backed efforts to promote more accurate world maps gained UN General Assembly support, while Anlo communities recently launched media preparations for Hogbetsotso Za 2026.

Youth Development: Togo is among eight pilot countries in a new ECA–UNFPA platform tracking progress on young people’s health, education, jobs and empowerment. Refugee Opportunities: ASKY and UNHCR signed a three-year deal in Lomé to expand refugees’ access to vocational training, internships and jobs across six countries, with a focus on women and girls. Regional Justice: Togolese judge Yaouza Ouro-Sama was sworn in to the ECOWAS Court alongside four new judges, with the bloc’s chair urging impartiality and public trust. Cultural Identity: Togo’s campaign for fairer world maps continues to gain attention after a UN resolution encouraged wider use of maps that better show the true size of Africa. Language and Culture: A Russian-Togolese association has welcomed prospective students in Lomé ahead of Russian-language courses, linking cultural exchange with new study and career opportunities.

Refugee Inclusion in Aviation: ASKY and UNHCR signed a three-year deal in Lomé to boost refugees’ training, jobs and entrepreneurship across Togo, Ghana, Benin, Senegal, Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire, with a first focus on technical and vocational pathways into the aviation sector. Public Finance & Pay Control: Togo’s Ministry of Finance and Budget and ENA launched an AfDB-backed PAGDSP training with CFAF 8.5bn for 2,000+ participants, starting with payroll control and wage bill management. ECOWAS Justice: The ECOWAS Court of Justice swore in five new judges, including Dr Yaouza Ouro-Sama of Togo, urging impartiality and protection of citizens’ rights. Culture & Learning Links: An ART association held an introductory meeting in Lomé for Russian language courses, pitching language learning as a route to culture and new study or work opportunities. Women’s Skills Boost: Ecobank Togo launched a digital skills program for 100 young people in Lomé, giving laptops and training in AI, cybersecurity and employability. Volta Health Warning: A Volta Region report highlights “medicine on the streets,” where unlicensed sellers trade drugs in markets and along highways despite legal bans. Global Map Debate: The UN adopted Togo-led “Correct the Map” resolution, pushing for more accurate, equal-area world maps that better reflect Africa’s size. Sports Spotlight: Nigeria’s Flamingos coach Akeem Busari named a 21-player squad for the U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.

Public Finance & Jobs: Togo’s Ministry of Finance and Budget and the National School of Administration launched an AfDB-backed training (CFAF 8.5bn) to tighten payroll and wage bill control, with the first focus on detecting irregularities and improving gender-responsive budgeting. Tax & Business Climate: Lomé hosted talks between Togolese tax authorities and Chinese firms to ease tax procedures, improve predictability, and set up bilingual guides and focal points for smoother customs and tax handling. Health & Safety: A Volta Region report highlights “medicine on the streets,” where unlicensed sellers offer drugs at markets and roadsides—despite laws against street hawking and the risks of unknown contents. Women & Skills: Ecobank Togo rolled out digital and employability training for 100 young people in Lomé, including laptops and internet access, as part of its education push. Culture & Community: Asogli State marked the 2026 Asogli Te Za climax with a grand durbar in Ho, celebrating unity, youth empowerment, and regional cultural performances. Disaster Relief: President John Dramani Mahama visited Hohoe flood victims, linking the disaster to climate-driven extreme weather and pledging livelihood support.

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.