AGP Executive Report

Sahel Geopolitics: The Sahel’s security landscape keeps shifting as France’s drawdown after Barkhane and MINUSMA’s exit has opened more room for Russia, reshaping how regional states bargain for protection and influence. AfCFTA Trade Delivery: Nigeria’s AfCFTA push is moving from ambition to execution, with NACCIMA taking a road trip to Togo to map border delays, checkpoints, and other non-tariff barriers that slow goods. Aviation & Connectivity (Togo): Lomé is set to host the African Air Transport Convention & Expo 2026 (15–19 June), aiming to advance SAATM implementation and boost intra-African connectivity. Energy & Power (Togo region): AfDB’s Mission 300 tracker (MapAfrica) is monitoring electricity access projects across priority countries including Togo, highlighting grid and decentralized solar progress. ECOWAS Health Regulation: In Lomé, the WA-MRH initiative approved a 2026–2030 sustainability plan to strengthen regulatory convergence and improve access to quality-assured medicines across ECOWAS. Port & Logistics Costs (Ghana, regional impact): Ghana’s frozen foods exporters oppose reintroducing the CTN/SPN cargo tracking system, warning of major added annual costs that could ripple across West African trade corridors.

Aviation & Trade: Togo is positioning Lomé as an African aviation hub ahead of the African Air Transport Convention & Expo 2026 (15–19 June), aiming to push air liberalization, connectivity and sustainable aviation with 500+ stakeholders. Energy Access: Liberia commissioned its first grid-connected solar PV plant (20 MWp), cutting power costs from 28¢ to 3¢ per unit—an energy affordability win for West Africa. Banking & Investment: Ecobank resumed dividends after 2022, approving a $40m payout at its Lomé AGM, alongside record 2025 profits and improved efficiency. Medicines Regulation: ECOWAS’ WA-MRH initiative in Lomé approved a 2026–2030 sustainability plan to strengthen regulatory convergence and access to quality-assured medicines. Agri-SME Support: Togo’s ADTPME opened a new call for applications to back 50 agro-industrial SMEs, while Togo also distributed nearly 400,000 seedlings for coffee and cocoa revival. Port & Logistics Costs: Ghana’s EXIM Frozen Foods Association urged against reintroducing the CTN/SPN cargo tracking system, warning of €187.2m–€382.8m annual added costs. Sustainable Energy & Climate: A study warns charcoal and firewood dependence is driving forest loss and health risks across countries including Togo. Maritime Security: Reports say Somali piracy is back, with vessels including a Togo-flagged ship seized near Somalia.

Aviation & Trade Hub: Togo is positioning Lomé as a key African aviation gateway with the African Air Transport Convention & Expo 2026 (15–19 June), aiming to push SAATM implementation and boost connectivity and infrastructure investment. Agro-Industry Support: Togo’s ADTPME opened applications to back 50 agro-industrial SMEs, targeting value-chain jobs across crops like cassava, maize, rice, cocoa/coffee inputs, plus livestock and aquaculture. Coffee & Cocoa Revival: Togo distributed 398,240 seedlings (177,200 cocoa, 106,540 coffee, plus agroforestry) to renew plantations and support its zero-deforestation push. Aquaculture Financing: AED and the EU set up a €1m revolving fund (about 655m CFA) to help IFAD-Aquaculture graduates launch fish-farming businesses with repay-and-reinvest support. Banking & Regional Finance: Ecobank resumed dividends after 2022, approving a $40m payout at its Lomé AGM, alongside strong 2025 profits and improved efficiency. Energy Access: AfDB launched Mission 300’s MapAfrica tracker to monitor electricity expansion projects across priority countries including Togo. Port & Logistics Cost Debate: Ghana’s frozen foods shippers’ group opposed reintroducing the CTN/Smart Port Note system, warning of major added annual costs for traders and consumers. Electric Mobility Uptick (Ghana): Electric bikes are gaining traction in Ghana’s north as riders shift away from petrol fumes amid local restrictions on motorbikes.

Ecobank Dividend Restart: Ecobank Group resumed payouts with a $40m dividend approved at its Lomé AGM on June 3, marking the first dividend since 2022 after record 2025 profits and improved efficiency. Electric Mobility Investment: Africa’s electric motorcycle push is gaining momentum as investors back scalable platforms, with funding levels rising sharply to move the sector beyond early pilots. Togo Aviation Push: Lomé is set to host the African Air Transport Convention & Expo 2026 (June 15–19), positioning Togo as a growing aviation hub to boost connectivity and investment. Agro-Industry Support in Togo: ADTPME opened a call to back 50 agro-industrial SMEs, while Togo also distributed nearly 400,000 coffee and cocoa seedlings to revive plantations. Aquaculture Financing: AED and the EU signed a 655m CFA revolving fund to help IFAD-Aquaculture graduates launch fish-farming businesses. Energy Access Across West Africa: AfDB launched a Mission 300 progress tracker to monitor electricity expansion, including projects in Togo and cross-border grid links. Border Security Concern (Ghana-Togo): Ghana’s Interior Minister flagged porous border routes and called for tighter coordination—an issue that directly affects regional trade and movement.

Aviation Spotlight: Togo is positioning Lomé as a new African aviation hub, with the African Air Transport Convention & Expo 2026 (15–19 June) set to bring together 500+ leaders to push air liberalization, infrastructure investment and the Single African Air Transport Market agenda. Agro-Industry Support: Togo’s ADTPME has opened applications to back 50 agro-industrial SMEs under a PAJEC-linked programme, targeting value-chain players from cassava and rice to livestock and aquaculture. Coffee & Cocoa Revival: Togo’s coffee and cocoa committee launched a 2026 seedling drive, distributing 398,240 seedlings (177,200 cocoa, 106,540 coffee and 114,500 agroforestry) to renew plantations and strengthen climate resilience. Aquaculture Finance: AED and the EU agreed a €1m revolving fund (about 655m CFA francs) to help IFAD-Aquaculture graduates start fish-farming businesses, tackling the biggest barrier: access to financing. Energy & Power Access: The World Bank says West Africa’s regional power programme has expanded electricity access to over 3 million people and boosted cross-border trade via 4,000+ km of transmission lines, with Togo included among priority countries. Port & Logistics Debate: Ghana’s frozen foods exporters are urging against reintroducing the Cargo Tracking Note/Smart Port Note, warning it could add €187.2m–€382.8m annually in costs—an issue that will resonate across the region’s trade facilitation push.

Aviation & Trade Facilitation: Lomé will host the African Air Transport Convention & Expo 2026 (15–19 June), bringing together 500+ participants to push the Single African Air Transport Market agenda and aviation integration, with senior AU and AfCFTA officials among confirmed speakers. Agro-Industry Support: Togo’s ADTPME has opened applications to back 50 agro-industrial SMEs under a youth employment-focused programme, targeting value-chain players across crops, livestock and aquaculture. Coffee & Cocoa Revival: Togo distributed 398,240 seedlings (177,200 cocoa, 106,540 coffee and 114,500 agroforestry) to renew plantations and strengthen resilience under its zero-deforestation push. Aquaculture Financing: AED and the EU launched a 655 million CFA franc revolving fund to help IFAD-Aquaculture graduates start and scale fish-farming businesses. Port & Logistics Policy Clash (Ghana): Ghana’s EFFAG opposes any return of the Cargo Tracking Note/Smart Port Note, warning of €187.2m–€382.8m annual added costs for shippers and consumers. Energy Access: AfDB launched Mission 300’s Progress Tracker to monitor electricity expansion across Africa, including projects in Togo. Clean Mobility Investment: Spiro secured $215m equity to expand EV battery-swapping infrastructure, listing Togo among its active markets.

Aviation & Trade Facilitation: Lomé will host the African Air Transport Convention & Expo 2026 (15–19 June), a platform to push the Single African Air Transport Market and aviation integration, with 500+ participants and senior AU/AfCFTA/AUDA-NEPAD speakers. Electricity Access & Grid Integration: AfDB launched the Mission 300 Progress Tracker (MapAfrica) to monitor electricity expansion in real time, highlighting Togo among priority countries and tracking projects that have already powered 5.2 million people. Port & Logistics Policy: Ghana’s Exim Frozen Foods Association opposes any return of the Cargo Tracking Note/Smart Port Note system, warning of added costs and arguing data collection should be funded internally. Energy & Industry Scale-Up: Dangote’s refinery says it has run above nameplate capacity (700,000 bpd vs 650,000) and plans further expansion, with exports reaching markets including Ghana and Togo. Agro-Industry Support in Togo: ADTPME opened applications to back 50 agro-industrial SMEs; Togo also distributed 398,240 coffee/cocoa seedlings and launched a €1m EU-AED revolving fund (655m CFA) for aquaculture graduates. Clean Mobility Investment: Spiro secured $215m equity to expand EV battery-swapping across markets including Togo. Power & Trade Resilience: World Bank updates show West Africa’s power programme adding transmission links and access for millions, while warning that rice import dependence remains a major vulnerability.

Nuclear Safety for Healthcare: Senior regulators and health officials from nine African countries, including Togo, met in Nairobi to strengthen rules for safe nuclear and radiation use in medicine, with plans for a shared action agenda. Agro-Industry Support: Togo’s ADTPME opened a new call to back 50 agro-industrial SMEs across value chains like cassava, rice, cocoa/coffee inputs, livestock and aquaculture, offering technical and financial upgrades plus market access. Coffee & Cocoa Revival: Togo distributed 398,240 seedlings (177,200 cocoa, 106,540 coffee and 114,500 agroforestry) to renew plantations and support climate-resilient, zero-deforestation farming. Aquaculture Finance: AED and the EU set up a 655 million CFA franc revolving fund to help IFAD-Aquaculture graduates launch fish-farming businesses with repay-and-reinvest financing. Power & Trade: The World Bank reported progress on West Africa’s electricity integration, citing over 4,000 km of transmission lines and millions gaining access, including Togo in the West African Power Pool. EV Infrastructure Boost: Spiro secured $215m equity to scale battery-swapping and EV deployment across markets that already include Togo. US Visa Processing Change (Lomé Impact): The US plans to cut visa-processing missions across Africa to 20 hubs, keeping Lomé among the designated locations. Regional Rice Push: A West Africa rice roundtable in Accra urged scaled public and private investment, with Togo aligning its strategy to cut import dependence.

Ecobank Governance: Lomé-headquartered Ecobank Transnational Incorporated elected Cathia Lawson-Hall to its board for a three-year term, adding another high-profile finance and governance leader to its oversight. Power & Regional Trade: The World Bank says West Africa’s power integration push is boosting electricity supply and cross-border trading, with 4,000+ km of transmission lines built across 15 countries including Togo. EV Infrastructure in Togo: Spiro secured $215m in equity to scale battery-swapping and EV rollout across seven active markets that include Togo, with plans to expand further into DRC and Ethiopia. Housing, Solar & Construction: Togo’s Fest’Immo SolarDayZ 2026 wrapped in Lomé with nearly 5,000 visitors, spotlighting affordable housing and the energy transition with about 60 exhibitors. Digital Education Exports: ATD-backed incubation helped nine Togolese edtech startups refine products for international markets, with next steps tied to eLearning Africa in Accra. Port & Shipping Impact for Lomé: With disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz, shipping traffic is rerouting toward Africa’s Atlantic coast, a potential tailwind for the Port of Lomé. Mining & Energy Expo: WAMPEX 2026 in Accra confirmed ministers from Nigeria, Mali and Ghana, underscoring regional momentum in mining and power investment.

EV & Clean Energy Investment: Spiro, operating in Togo and six other African markets, secured a $215m equity round to expand its battery-swapping network, manufacturing footprint and energy tech, aiming to scale electric two-wheel mobility and cut fuel dependence. Real Estate & Solar Housing: Lomé’s Fest’Immo SolarDayZ 2026 wrapped up with nearly 5,000 visitors, bringing together housing, construction, finance and renewable energy players under “Rethinking Housing in Togo.” Digital Education Push: Togo’s ATD backed nine edtech startups through an incubation programme, with training in content design, AI in education and growth strategy, and plans for participation in eLearning Africa. Food Security Warning: The World Bank warned West Africa’s heavy reliance on imported rice is draining about $5bn a year and creating food security risk, urging faster execution and financing of the ECOWAS rice agenda. Port & Shipping Impact: With disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz, shipping traffic is rerouting toward Africa’s Atlantic coast, a shift that could benefit Lomé’s port. Mining & Power Convening: WAMPEX confirmed ministers from Nigeria, Mali and Ghana for its 19th edition in Accra (3–5 June), spotlighting regional mining and energy priorities. Climate Resilience Funding: Togo is among countries set to receive over $67m from GEF adaptation and resilience funds to strengthen food, water and flood/coastal risk protection. US Visa Hub Restructure (Togo Included): The US plans to cut Africa visa-processing missions from nearly 50 to 20 hubs, with Lomé listed as one of the designated processing cities.

Clean Mobility Investment: Spiro, Africa’s electric two-wheel mobility and battery-swapping platform, secured a $215M equity round to expand its swapping network, manufacturing footprint and EV infrastructure across seven active markets including Togo, with plans to add more countries. Port & Shipping Disruption: With the Strait of Hormuz closed since Feb 28, 2026, shipping routes are shifting toward Africa’s Atlantic coast, and Lomé’s port is among the beneficiaries as transits around the Cape of Good Hope surge. Visa Processing Logistics: The US plans to cut Africa’s visa-processing missions from nearly 50 to 20 hubs, explicitly listing Lomé as one of the designated centres—an operational change that could reshape travel and business travel planning. Trade Finance for AfCFTA: Lomé-headquartered Ecobank announced a $3B programme to finance intra-African trade over three years, pairing trade support with agro value-chain financing via AGRA partnerships. Climate Resilience Funding: Togo is set to receive over $67M in new funding under GEF climate resilience programmes aimed at protecting food and water security and reducing flood and coastal risks. Mining & Power Expo: WAMPEX (3–5 June, Accra) is drawing regional energy and mining ministers from Nigeria, Ghana and Mali, signaling continued push for investment and policy coordination in West Africa’s extractives and power sectors.

Port & Shipping Disruption: With the Strait of Hormuz effectively closed since Feb 28, major lines are rerouting via the Atlantic, boosting container traffic around the Cape of Good Hope and lifting Lomé’s port prospects as Red Sea routes lose volume. Clean Mobility Investment: Spiro, operating battery-swapping electric motorcycles across markets including Togo, raised $215M in equity to expand its swapping network, industrial footprint and next-gen EV infrastructure. Climate Finance for Resilience: The GEF approved over $67M for LDCs including Togo to fund projects under the LDCF/SCCF work programme, targeting flood/coastal risks and food and water security. US Visa Hub Reshuffle: The US plans to cut Africa visa-processing missions from nearly 50 to 20 hubs, keeping Lomé in the list—meaning more applicants may need to travel to designated cities. Regional Mining Convening: WAMPEX 2026 in Accra (June 3–5) is set with confirmed ministerial participation from Nigeria, Mali and Ghana, spotlighting policy and investment issues for West Africa’s mining and power sectors. Agro-Industry & Trade Finance: Ecobank (Lomé-based) unveiled a $3B programme to finance intra-African trade over three years, alongside partnerships aimed at strengthening agro value chains.

E-mobility Investment: Spiro, operating in Togo and other African markets, secured a $215M equity round to expand its battery-swapping network, EV infrastructure, and local manufacturing—aiming to cut transport costs and reduce fuel dependence. Energy & Power Sector: Ghana’s Volta River Authority staff association is pushing back against proposed privatisation of NEDCo, warning a “disguised privatisation” could disrupt distribution, billing, revenue collection, and network maintenance. Agro-Industry & Trade Finance: Ecobank (Lomé-headquartered) announced a $3B programme to finance intra-African trade under AfCFTA, alongside a partnership with AGRA to improve access to finance for SMEs in agriculture. Food Manufacturing: Olam Agri won two Ghana Manufacturing Awards for flour and agro-processing, highlighting exports to Togo and regional expansion of its Tema wheat mill and pasta operations. AI & Jobs: The UN’s ILO says AI gains must benefit workers fairly through better wages, labour protections, and skills—an issue for future-proofing Togo’s industrial workforce. Local Industry Spotlight: Togo’s “Togo Mall” in Lomé is drawing regional attention as a permanent retail space for Made in Togo goods, aiming to reduce distribution costs and boost domestic producers.

Trade Finance: Lomé-headquartered Ecobank unveiled a $3bn, three-year programme to finance intra-African trade, aiming to speed up AfCFTA implementation and build cross-border networks, with a parallel partnership with AGRA to expand credit access for agro-SMEs, including women and youth. Clean Mobility & Energy: Africa’s e-mobility leader Spiro secured a $215m equity round to scale its battery-swapping network and EV infrastructure across seven markets (including Togo), with plans to deepen manufacturing/assembly and expand into new countries. Labour & AI: The UN’s ILO warned that AI productivity gains must be shared fairly through better wages, stronger labour protections, and skills investment—echoing Togo’s former PM Gilbert Houngbo. Aviation Fuels & Refining: Russia’s temporary jet-fuel export ban until Nov 30 could open a rare six-month window for Nigeria’s Dangote refinery to strengthen aviation fuel exports to Europe and Africa. Coastal Resilience in Togo: Rotary Club of Lomé Zenith and a foundation planted coconut along Aneho’s coastline to help curb flooding, erosion and storms, aligned with WACA coastal protection efforts and Togo’s renewable energy transition. Local Industry & Retail: Togo’s “Local Goods Mall” in Lomé is drawing regional attention as a permanent alternative to short-lived buy-local campaigns, aiming to cut distribution costs and lift standards for Togolese producers. Agri-Exports to China: China will allow eligible coffee beans from 53 African countries (including Togo) from July 20 under unified phytosanitary rules, with shipments still subject to border checks.

Wildlife Crime: A new report links sophisticated trafficking networks to golden lion tamarin smuggling from Brazil, with seizures in Togo and other countries and forged passports enabling Atlantic crossings. Palm Oil Investment: Ghana’s BOPP says it has put GH¢107m into a 3,030-hectare outgrower and smallholder oil palm project, targeting full maturity by end-2026 and supporting 2,000 farmers while retaining RSPO certification. Maritime Security: Fresh hijackings off Somalia raise fears of a piracy comeback, including cases involving a Togo-flagged tanker, with ransoms and trade disruption again in focus. Coastal Climate Action (Togo): Rotary Lomé Zenith and partners planted mangroves in Aneho to help curb flooding, erosion and storms, aligning with Togo’s renewable energy transition push. Trade & Industry (Togo): Biashara Afrika 2026 in Lomé put AfCFTA implementation into practical action, while a “Made in Togo” fair in Sokodé showcased local crafts, textiles and agri-food to boost SME market access. Engineering & Digital Capacity (Togo): Togo adopted a new framework for the École Polytechnique de Lomé (EPL) and SIN/ST DIGITAL signed to launch private cloud services at the Lomé Data Centre. Agri-Food Market Access: China will open coffee bean imports from eligible African countries (including Togo) from July 20 under streamlined phytosanitary rules.

AfCFTA Trade Push in Lomé: Biashara Afrika 2026 in Lomé (May 18–20) shifted AfCFTA talk toward practical cross-border moves for goods, services and people, with the forum hosted by Togo and the AfCFTA Secretariat. Local Industry & Retail: A look at Togo Mall’s “Made in Togo” model highlights how permanent shelf space can help processors, artisans and textile makers cut distribution costs and raise standards—contrasting with Ghana’s more scattered “buy local” efforts. Engineering Education Reform: Togo adopted a decree formalizing École Polytechnique de Lomé (EPL) as a leading engineering and technology training center, building on programs in civil, telecoms, electrical and industrial technologies. Digital Infrastructure: SIN and ST DIGITAL signed to launch private cloud services at the Lomé Data Centre, aiming to boost Togo’s digital sovereignty and local AI/software capacity. Agri-Forest Funding: FAO Togo opened a call for forest restoration and agroforestry projects in Plateaux (grants up to 28m CFA), targeting biodiversity and sustainable incomes. Road & Infrastructure Progress: Abu Dhabi Fund for Development reported 92% completion on the Sokodé–Bassar road in Togo, alongside progress in Madagascar and Nigeria.