AGP Executive Report

Contemporary African Art: Palais de Lomé is hosting the first Toyota Tsusho CFAO African Art Award exhibition, featuring winners from five countries, with works by Togolese audiences’ spotlight artist Moffat Takadiwa plus artists from DRC, South Africa, Botswana and Ethiopia, running through Aug. 31. Sports Media & Distribution: Lomé-based New World TV has partnered with Orange Africa and Middle East to distribute its premium sports channels via the Max it super-app across nine African countries, boosting access to rights including the 2026 FIFA World Cup and UEFA competitions. Digital Governance in Togo: Togo will convene its national Internet Governance Forum in Lomé on 20 June, preceded by TogoSIG (18 June) and a Youth IGF (19 June), focusing on digital sovereignty and AI-era challenges. World Cup Build-Up: Africa is set for a record 10-team presence at the expanded 48-nation 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the tournament kicking off in North America this week. International Tech Influence Claims: France’s disinformation watchdog Viginum alleges an Israeli firm, BlackCore, ran coordinated smear operations linked to elections in Scotland and New York, and also mentions activity connected to Togo.

Digital Influence & Elections: France’s disinformation watchdog Viginum accuses Israeli firm BlackCore of using proxy accounts and smear campaigns to target Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney and the SNP, and also links the same operation to meddling in New York City and elections in Togo and Angola. Sports Media in Togo: Lomé broadcaster New World TV signs an Orange Africa deal to distribute its premium sports channels via Orange’s Max it super-app across nine countries, boosting access to major rights including the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Tech & Policy in Lomé: Togo will host a national internet governance forum on AI and digital sovereignty in June, with pre-events for schools and youth. World Cup Build-Up: Africa’s record 10 teams head into the expanded 48-team World Cup, with guides on where to watch and how the tournament’s new format changes the race. Arts & Culture: POAC’s 49th annual ArtWalk kicks off in Sandpoint, while Glasgow International returns with major visual art programming.

World Cup on the move: Togolese broadcaster New World TV has struck an Orange Africa deal to distribute its premium sports channels via the Max it super-app across nine countries, aiming to reach millions of mobile viewers as the 48-team World Cup kicks off. Digital sovereignty in Lomé: Togo will host a national internet governance forum on AI challenges in June, with pre-events for internet governance and youth voices. Tech for everyday use: Google is expanding “Ask Gemini in Chrome” to more African markets, including Togo, as Chrome adds built-in AI help for finding and understanding information. Arts & community calendar: Lome’s cultural scene gets a boost with POAC’s 49th annual ArtWalk kicking off, while local event listings highlight free outdoor concerts and festival-style lineups. Media & trust: France’s disinformation watchdog alleges an Israeli firm, BlackCore, tried to influence elections in multiple places, including Togo. Sport viewing guide: Multiple outlets are publishing “how to watch” World Cup 2026 guides for fans across Africa.

World Cup Hype (Africa on the rise): The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off with South Africa vs Mexico, and Africa’s hopes are carried by a record 10 teams—an expanded stage that raises expectations for every match. Togo in the spotlight (football links): Cape Verde’s Roberto Lopes, who previously earned caps after a 2-0 win over Togo, is now chasing World Cup dreams—an extra reason for fans to track the region’s players. Tech & culture (AI in everyday life): Google is rolling out “Ask Gemini in Chrome” across Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa, with Togo included in the wider Africa rollout—bringing AI search closer to daily browsing. Local arts & community (festival energy): POAC’s 49th annual ArtWalk kicks off Friday, with a city-wide showcase of artists and events running through late August. Togo governance (digital sovereignty): Lomé will host a national internet governance forum on AI challenges, with youth and school forums set just before the main event. Music calendar (UK festival buzz): Geese are named the final headliner for End of the Road 2026, joining Pulp, CMAT and Mac DeMarco.

World Cup Spotlight: Africa lands a record 10 teams for the expanded 48-team 2026 FIFA World Cup, with South Africa opening vs Mexico and attention already on how teams start strong in a three-match group grind. Togo in the Mix: Togo’s friendly vs Benin is covered with live updates, while Kévin Denkey’s form is flagged as Georgia’s key attacking boost. France–Togo Partnership: France and Togo reviewed their 2026–2028 cooperation priorities in Lomé, highlighting major AFD-backed gains in water, electricity, training, roads, and scholarships. Cyber & Youth Skills: Ghana’s scam raids sparked a debate on misdirected talent, with officials arguing retraining can turn technical youth skills into real digital-economy jobs. Kuwait Domestic Work Rules: Kuwait restricts domestic worker recruitment to 10 approved countries and bans 27 others, including Togo, reshaping regional labour hopes. Arts & Culture: Glasgow International spotlights Jasmine Togo-Brisby’s “Liquid Land,” and a free Robey Memorial Library program brings Iditarod musher Karen Land to share mushing history and climate impacts.

Internet Governance in Lomé: Togo will host the 2026 Internet Governance Forum on June 19, with pre-events for students and youth on June 17–18, focusing on AI, big data, cybersecurity, digital rights and “digital sovereignty” amid shifting geopolitics. World Cup Culture & Media: FIFA is collecting match memorabilia to document the 2026 tournament, while The Eagle Online Nigeria unveils special World Cup coverage on YouTube with expert analysis and regular “Sport Update” editions. Football Cross-Border Reality: A Somali World Cup referee was left out after being denied entry to the U.S., highlighting how strict immigration checks can disrupt major sports plans. Labour Migration Shock: Kuwait has restricted domestic worker recruitment to 10 approved countries and banned 27 others, including Togo, tightening options for house-help and related jobs. Arts & Heritage Spotlight: Glasgow International returns amid budget pressures, featuring Jasmine Togo-Brisby’s “Liquid Land” and other shows that connect contemporary art with architecture and colonial histories.

World Cup Referee Snub: FIFA’s first-ever Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan was left out after being denied entry to the U.S., highlighting how strict immigration checks can derail football plans. World Cup Viewing Guide: Fans worldwide are being pointed to the best ways to watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Africa’s presence front and center as the tournament kicks off. Togo Football Spotlight: Kévin Denkey is tipped as a key figure for Togo’s striker impact as he drives results for his national team. Togo in the Spotlight (Tech & Policy): Lomé will host Togo’s 2026 Internet Governance Forum on June 19, with sessions for students, youth, and policymakers on AI, big data, cybersecurity, and digital sovereignty. Arts & Culture (Glasgow): Glasgow International returns with major shows including Jasmine Togo-Brisby’s Liquid Land at GoMA, bringing fresh attention to contemporary art and colonial histories. Maritime & Development (Gulf of Guinea): Ghana’s planned Takoradi ship repair push could reshape West African logistics—an angle that matters for regional trade and creative industries alike. Religious Storytelling (Togo): Togo-based sisters took part in a workshop on solutions journalism and storytelling, aiming to amplify religious voices through media.

Togo IGF in Lomé: Togo’s Internet Governance Forum (June 19) will bring together public, private, academia and civil society voices on digital sovereignty amid AI, big data and geopolitics, with pre-events for students and youth on June 17-18. World Cup culture & sport buzz: FIFA’s 2026 World Cup build-up includes special media and memorabilia plans, while friendlies keep rolling—Benin and Niger drew 1-1, and Togo’s own match coverage is live in the mix. Cancer care spotlight: Merck Foundation highlights its World Cancer Day 2026 push, training oncology specialists across multiple African countries and sharing a multilingual children’s story/animation to boost awareness. Arts in motion abroad: Glasgow International returns with shows including Jasmine Togo-Brisby’s Liquid Land, and the festival’s focus on grassroots-to-international art is a bright note for culture watchers. Local community storytelling: Catholic sisters from across Africa trained to strengthen storytelling and solutions journalism, with a Togo participant among the group.

Togo Digital Policy: Lomé will host the National Internet Governance Forum on June 19, with pre-events for students and youth (June 17-18) under a theme focused on AI, big data, and digital sovereignty. World Cup Culture & Media: The Eagle Online Nigeria rolls out special World Cup 2026 coverage on YouTube, with expert analysis and regular “Sport Update” editions through the tournament. Togo in the Spotlight: Ecobank Transnational Incorporated elected Togolese executive Cathia Lawson-Hall to its board for a three-year term, adding to her growing regional leadership profile. Arts & Heritage: White Paper ran an art camp at Bangladesh’s historic Birulia Zamidar Bari, where artists created works inspired by the riverside landscape and heritage architecture. Sports & Community: A free June 13 talk at Robey Memorial Library in Waukon will feature Iditarod musher Karen Land, including hands-on sled-dog racing history (with a nod to “Balto and Togo”). Right to Information: Transparency International chapters launched a West Africa report on access-to-information laws covering Liberia, Ghana, Togo, and Sierra Leone, highlighting legal progress alongside real-world access gaps.

Digital Sovereignty in Focus: Togo’s Internet Governance Forum (Togo IGF) is set for June 19 in Lomé, with pre-events for students and youth on June 17–18, bringing together public institutions, private sector, academia, media and civil society to discuss governance in the era of AI, big data and geopolitics. Local Tech & Education: Nine Togolese edtech startups have finished an incubation programme led by Agence Togo Digital (ATD) with GIZ support, including training in AI for education and growth strategy, and they’re now preparing to showcase at eLearning Africa in Accra. Arts & Culture: White Paper hosted an art camp at Birulia Zamidar Bari in Bangladesh, using heritage landscapes to spark new work and connect contemporary artists with historic sites—an example of how culture can be made participatory. Sports Spotlight: FIFA’s 2026 World Cup memorabilia project continues, while Benin and Niger played a 1-1 friendly, and Senegal’s World Cup qualification story remains in the headlines.

World Cup Memorabilia: FIFA says it will collect 22 items to document the 2026 tournament, including rare finds from past finals and legends like Pelé—proof that soccer history can turn up in unexpected places. Togo Digital Policy: Lomé will host Togo’s Internet Governance Forum on June 19, with training for students and youth discussions on digital sovereignty, AI, data rights and inclusion. Togo Business & Finance: Ecobank Transnational elects Cathia Lawson-Hall to its board in Lomé, adding a high-profile governance and media-sector finance track record. Arts & Community: White Paper runs an art camp at Birulia Zamidar Bari, using heritage landscapes to spark new storytelling and connect contemporary artists with history. EV & Mobility: Spiro raises $215m to scale electric vehicles and battery-swapping across markets including Togo, aiming to expand stations and local assembly. Real Estate & Energy: Fest’Immo SolarDayZ in Lomé draws nearly 5,000 visitors, focusing on sustainable housing and the energy transition.

World Cup Memorabilia: FIFA says it will collect items after every match at the 2026 World Cup, building a long-term museum trail that already includes Pelé’s 1958 tracksuit and the 2018 final net. Togo & Digital Policy: Lomé will host Togo’s Internet Governance Forum on June 19, with pre-events for students and youth on AI, data, cybersecurity, and digital sovereignty. Religious Media Training: Catholic sisters from nine African countries trained in storytelling and solutions journalism, including a Togolese participant, to better share faith-based work in public media. Togo’s Tech Startups: ATD-backed incubation has helped nine Togolese edtech startups refine AI-enabled learning and business models ahead of eLearning Africa in Accra. EV Mobility in Togo: Spiro raised $215m in equity to expand its battery-swapping network across markets including Togo, aiming to scale electric mobility infrastructure. Arts & Culture: A White Paper art camp in Bangladesh used a historic riverside site to connect contemporary artists with heritage through new works.

Somali piracy returns: A hijacking off Somalia has kept the Egyptian merchant vessel Sward under pirate control, with other tankers—including Togo-flagged Eureka—also seized and redirected toward Puntland, raising fresh fears of a piracy resurgence. Togo digital policy: Lomé will host the 2026 Togo Internet Governance Forum on June 19, with pre-events for students and youth, focusing on AI, data sovereignty, cybersecurity and digital rights. Togolese tech for education: Nine edtech startups complete an ATD-backed incubation, with training on AI in learning and growth strategy, and plans to take part in eLearning Africa. Arts & heritage camp: White Paper runs a day-long art camp at Birulia Zamidar Bari, where artists create works inspired by riverside landscapes and a nearly 200-year-old heritage site. Sports media deal: Canal Plus secures Sub-Saharan rights for the 2027 men’s and 2029 women’s Rugby World Cups, boosting access via SuperSport, DStv and GOtv. EV investment with Togo links: Spiro raises $215m to expand battery-swapping and EV infrastructure across markets including Togo.

Togo Digital & Youth Tech: Agence Togo Digital (ATD) says nine Togolese edtech startups have finished an incubation push, with training in content design, AI in education, learning platforms and growth strategy, and plans to take the strongest projects to eLearning Africa in Accra. Lomé Tech Governance: Togo’s Internet Governance Forum (Togo IGF) is set for June 19 in Lomé, preceded by TogoSIG (June 17) and Youth IGF Togo (June 18), focusing on AI, big data, digital sovereignty and youth policy dialogue. Arts & Culture (International): White Paper ran a day-long art camp at Birulia Zamidar Bari in Dhaka, where about 70 artists created works inspired by the riverside landscape and 200-year-old heritage site. Local Arts Events (Global): Arlington’s Lubber Run Amphitheater kicks off a free summer concert series June 6, with Afrobeat, Latin-jazz and blues highlights. Sports & Media: Canal Plus and World Rugby secured Rugby World Cup TV rights for Sub-Saharan Africa, while Spiro raised $215m to expand EV battery-swapping across markets including Togo.

Internet & Policy: Lomé will host Togo’s 2026 Internet Governance Forum on June 19, with pre-events for students and youth on June 17–18, focusing on AI, big data, cybersecurity, digital rights and “digital sovereignty” in Togo. Arts & Culture: White Paper ran a day-long art camp at the historic Birulia Zamidar Bari in Dhaka, where about 70 artists created works inspired by the riverside landscape and 200-year-old heritage site. Music & Live Events: Togo’s regional audience can also look out for international music programming like Arlington’s free Lubber Run Summer Concert series and the Columbia Pike Blues Festival. Sports & Entertainment: World Cup warmups continue with friendlies including Benin vs Niger and Togo vs Central African Republic, while media rights deals keep expanding across Africa’s sports TV scene. Tech & Mobility: Spiro raised $215m to scale EVs and battery-swapping in markets including Togo, signaling faster, cleaner urban transport.

Togo in the spotlight: Lomé will host the African Air Transport Convention & Expo 2026 (15–19 June), with AFCAC unveiling speakers and priorities for Africa’s aviation integration. Right to information: Transparency International research highlights that Liberia, Ghana, Togo and Sierra Leone have RTI laws, but access still hits major implementation gaps for journalists and citizens. Arts & culture abroad with Togo links: A new edition of “Plantation” by Rehana Zaman lands at Glasgow’s Kelvin Hall, using two 2026 films on precarious farm labour and the politics of empire. Local arts/industry momentum: Fest’Immo SolarDayZ 2026 in Lomé drew nearly 5,000 visitors, while ATD-backed incubation helped nine Togolese edtech startups prepare for eLearning Africa. Sports on the calendar: World Cup friendlies include Togo vs Central African Republic, and the U.S. visa-processing hubs list keeps Lomé in the mix.