AGP Executive Report

Artisanal Fisheries Reform (Lomé): Togo is rolling out a sustainability push for artisanal fishing, built around a beach seine management plan, stronger fisheries institutions, coastal ecosystem protection, anti-erosion works (groins and breakwaters), and better governance—alongside a July 1–31 annual fishing closure, a coast guard unit against illegal fishing, and a fuel subsidy for fishers. The plan was presented in Lomé at a CECAF working group meeting with FAO support, where partners reviewed the 2026–2028 work plan and discussed landing sites and fisheries data. Medical & Trauma Congress (Lomé): Lomé is hosting the 19th French-speaking Orthopaedic Association congress with the Togolese orthopaedic surgery and traumatology meeting, bringing 400+ specialists to focus on Africa’s traumatology challenges, from road-traffic injuries to spinal procedures and even bamboo-based surgical simulation. Football Podcasts Boom (Regional, incl. Togo): Spotify data shows football podcast listening is surging across sub-Saharan Africa, with Togo among the markets posting strong June growth versus earlier months—fans increasingly using podcasts for analysis, player stories, and club talk. World Cup Culture in Art (Miami): A Miami exhibition, “Art and the Beautiful Game: Africa on the World Stage,” celebrates African soccer history and dreams through works by 50+ artists from 25 nations, with tributes to major figures from Pelé to Mbappé. Sports Coaching (Africa): Claude Le Roy has been appointed coach of Congo, tasked with steering the “Red Devils” toward AFCON 2027 qualification.

Regional Fisheries in Lomé: A five-day meeting on artisanal fisheries opened in Lomé with FAO support, bringing CECAF, ECOWAS and West Central Gulf of Guinea partners to review landing-site progress, fisheries data collection, and a 2026–2028 work plan, as ministers warn of illegal fishing, climate pressure and maritime space conflicts. Digital Health Partnership: Malaria Consortium Nigeria and eGov Foundation renewed their push for digital health transformation, expanding AI and digital public infrastructure to improve registration, drug distribution and coverage for millions of children. Cashew Price Clarification (Ghana): Ghana’s Tree Crops Development Authority rejected claims that cashew farmgate prices were set at GH¢25/kg, saying 2026 calculations start at GH¢11.16/kg and were raised to GH¢12/kg through a consultative process tied to FOB prices, exchange rates and costs. Football Audio Boom (Spotify): Spotify data shows football podcast listening surging across sub-Saharan Africa, with Togo among the fastest-growing markets. Togo Culinary Spotlight: Festival la Marmite (FESMA) gears up for its fifth edition in August in Lomé, with a theme on food-driven integration and social cohesion and fonio highlighted.

Regional Arts & Culture: Lomé’s Festival la Marmite (FESMA) gears up for its 5th edition in August, with a theme on “Promoting Integration and Social Cohesion Through Food and Cuisine,” spotlighting fonio and welcoming China as guest country, as founder Jean-Paul Agboh Ahouélété explains how food can build unity and grow Togo’s culinary value chain. Music & Rights: Ivorian reggae artist Kajeem releases “En toute liberté” with Didier Awadi and Soum Bill, backed by Amnesty International, doubling down on freedom of expression amid vague internet laws. Sports Culture: Claude Le Roy is named coach of Congo, returning to the role after leaving Togo in 2021, with a brief to guide the “Red Devils” toward AFCON 2027. Media & Entertainment: Spotify data shows football podcast listening surging across sub-Saharan Africa, with Togo among the fastest-growing markets. Business/Entertainment Industry: TOGO’S Sandwiches announces a “3.0” franchising push via Franchise FastLane’s CarPool program to expand across Western US markets.

Regional Fisheries & Food Systems: A five-day artisanal fisheries meeting opened in Lomé, bringing CECAF, ECOWAS and FAO partners to review landing-site progress, improve fisheries data, and shape the 2026–2028 work plan—aimed at tackling illegal fishing, climate pressure and informal-sector challenges. Digital Sovereignty: ISOC-Togo hosted the 12th National Internet Governance Forum at the University of Lomé, focusing on governing in the era of AI, big data and geopolitics, with youth recommendations feeding into national discussions. Music & Culture: Spotify data shows football podcast listening surging across sub-Saharan Africa, with Togo up 121% in June (vs Jan–May), reflecting growing demand for match analysis and local creator voices. Sports Leadership: Claude Le Roy was named coach of Congo, returning to the role after leaving Togo in 2021, with a brief to guide the team toward AFCON 2027. Arts & Community Events: Festival la Marmite (FESMA) is set for its fifth edition in August in Lomé, spotlighting fonio and welcoming China as guest of honor, with a focus on food-driven integration and social cohesion.

Festival & Food: Lomé’s Festival la Marmite (FESMA) marks its 5th edition this August, aiming to use food for “integration and social cohesion,” with fonio in focus and China as guest country. Arts & Culture: A Miami exhibition, “Art and the Beautiful Game: Africa on the World Stage,” is spotlighting African and diaspora artists and the continent’s World Cup legacy, with tributes to all 10 African teams. Digital Sovereignty: ISOC-Togo held the 12th Togo IGF at the University of Lomé, tackling governance in the era of AI, big data and geopolitics, and feeding youth recommendations into national discussions. Music & Rights: Ivorian reggae artist Kajeem released “En toute liberté” with Amnesty International support, pushing back on restrictions on freedom of expression. Arts Funding & Industry: AfDB became the first institutional shareholder in Lomé-based EBID, backing development finance with a $100m package. Sports Leadership: Claude Le Roy was named coach of Congo, with a brief to guide the “Red Devils” toward AFCON 2027.

Franchising & Food: TOGO’S Sandwiches is pushing into Western U.S. franchise markets with its “3.0” next-gen model, featuring pay-first ordering, kiosks, and a refreshed hot menu—an expansion move backed by Franchise FastLane. Water & Climate Resilience: Scientists warn Africa’s water supplies are becoming more erratic as heat drives evaporation and extreme rainfall, while groundwater mapping projects aim to identify where safe extraction can protect communities. Football Coaching: Claude Le Roy, fresh from leaving Togo in 2021, has been named coach of Congo with a brief to qualify for AFCON 2027. Digital Sovereignty (Togo): ISOC-Togo held the 12th National Internet Governance Forum in Lomé on governing AI, big data, and geopolitical pressures. Music & Rights: Ivorian reggae artist Kajeem returns with “En toute liberté,” partnering with Amnesty International to defend freedom of expression. Arts & Sport: A Miami exhibition spotlights African soccer through art, with tributes across the continent and a special focus on Cape Verde. Festival (Lomé): FESMA’s fifth edition is set for August, spotlighting fonio and welcoming China as guest of honor.

Franchising & Food: TOGO’S Sandwiches is teaming up with Franchise FastLane to expand its next-gen “3.0” sandwich concept across Western U.S. markets, betting on pay-first tech, kiosk ordering, and a refreshed hot menu. Sports Leadership: Claude Le Roy, 78, has been named coach of the Republic of Congo, returning to the role with a mission to qualify for AFCON 2027. Music & Rights: Meet Kajeem, the Ivorian reggae artist and Amnesty human-rights ambassador, whose latest release “En toute liberté” keeps pushing freedom of expression. Culinary Culture: Lomé’s Festival la Marmite (FESMA) is set for its fifth edition in August, with fonio in focus and China as guest country—aiming to turn the event into a long-term engine for Togo’s food industry. Digital Governance: ISOC-Togo hosted the 12th Togo IGF on digital sovereignty and AI governance, bringing together youth and regional institutions. Arts & Football: A Miami exhibition, “Art and the Beautiful Game,” celebrates African soccer through works by artists across the continent and diaspora.

AfDB & EBID Deal: The African Development Bank has become EBID’s first institutional shareholder, pledging $30m equity plus a $70m long-term credit line to boost development finance across West Africa, with a focus on renewable energy. Togo Digital Governance: ISOC-Togo held the 12th Togo IGF at the University of Lomé on digital sovereignty and AI governance, bringing together regulators, UN partners, and youth recommendations. Togo Fisheries: Lomé urged fishing stakeholders to respect the Gulf of Guinea moratorium as fish stocks recover, citing demand far outstripping local production. World Cup & Identity: Cape Verde’s Roberto “Pico” Lopes reached FIFA World Cup debut after a LinkedIn message sparked his switch from Dublin to the islands—an unlikely football origin story. Arts & Football: Miami hosted “Art and the Beautiful Game,” an exhibition linking African soccer history to contemporary art, with tributes including Cape Verde. Aviation for Trade: RwandaAir flagged off its first Nigeria–East/Southern Africa cargo flight, aiming to speed up exports and strengthen regional supply chains. Culture in Motion: Africa Oyé returned to Sefton Park with major music and dance, featuring Togo’s Nana Benz Du Togo among other acts.

Africa Oyé in the spotlight: The UK’s biggest African culture and music festival is in full swing at Sefton Park for its final day, with hundreds soaking up performances and dance plus 90+ food and craft stalls; Togolese artist Nana Benz Du Togo is among the featured acts. Togo’s arts-and-media push: ISOC-Togo held the 12th National Internet Governance Forum at the University of Lomé, focusing on digital sovereignty and AI governance, with youth recommendations feeding into the national discussions. Togo in the regional spotlight: Togo urged fishing stakeholders to respect the Gulf of Guinea moratorium to protect young fish and help recover stocks, as demand far outstrips local production. Culture meets football: A Miami exhibition, “Art and the Beautiful Game,” celebrates African soccer dreams with works by 50+ artists across 25 nations, including tributes to Cape Verde. World Cup human-interest: Roberto “Pico” Lopes’ LinkedIn message that he first mistook for spam helped him reach Cape Verde’s FIFA World Cup debut—an unlikely football origin story.

Digital Sovereignty & AI: ISOC-Togo convened the 12th Togo IGF at the University of Lomé, focusing on governing AI, big data and geopolitical pressures, with youth recommendations feeding into national discussions. Arts & Culture (Togo): Togo is advancing plans for a National Film and Audiovisual Fund, a move aimed at strengthening local screen production and creative financing. Music/Language & Culture: Spain is gaining ground across sub-Saharan Africa, with new Instituto Cervantes “Aula Cervantes” hubs opening in Abidjan and planned for Cameroon—fuelled by culture, cinema and soccer. Sports & Identity: A Miami exhibition, “Art and the Beautiful Game: Africa on the World Stage,” spotlights African soccer dreams through works by 50+ artists, with special tributes to Cape Verde. Community & Inclusion: New Horizon Special School in Accra opens its doors for Open House Week, showcasing specialised training and vocational programs for people with special needs. Local Economy (Aviation): The Lomé Declaration pushes for cheaper, more connected air travel across Africa, aligning with SAATM goals. Wildlife Crime: Investigations highlight golden lion tamarin trafficking networks using routes that include Togo, pointing to forged-document operations.

Digital Sovereignty & AI Governance: ISOC-Togo hosted the 12th Togo IGF at the University of Lomé, bringing together government, regulators, academia and youth to discuss how Togo can govern AI, big data and protect digital sovereignty. Film & Audiovisual Funding: Togo’s National Fund for Support to the Film and Audiovisual Industry (FoNSICA) is set to move closer to launch after stakeholders reviewed its financing framework, including levies, fees and a dedicated production-support tax. Sports Art in the Spotlight: A Miami exhibition, “Art and the Beautiful Game: Africa on the World Stage,” celebrates African soccer through works by 50+ artists from 25 nations, with tributes to all 10 World Cup African teams. Football Roots Story: Coverage highlights Cody Gakpo’s athletic family ties—his Togolese father Johnny and Dutch rugby-playing mother Ank—framing his rise as a homegrown sports legacy. Culture & Community: New Horizon Special School’s Open House Week (June 22–26) in Accra invites the public to tour its special-needs education and vocational programs.

Digital Sovereignty & AI Governance: ISOC-Togo convened the 12th Togo IGF at the University of Lomé, with youth recommendations feeding into debates on governing AI, big data and geopolitical pressures. Film & Audiovisual Funding: Togo’s FoNSICA film fund is set to move toward operations after a stakeholder review of its financing and governance framework. Fisheries & Food Security: Togo urged stakeholders to respect the annual fishing moratorium as demand outstrips local supply, with illegal fishing and habitat damage cited as key drivers. Regional Air Connectivity: Experts pushed the Lomé Declaration to make air travel cheaper across Africa, aligning with SAATM and the Yamoussoukro Decision. World Cup Culture: A Miami exhibition, “Art and the Beautiful Game,” spotlights African soccer stories through works by 50+ artists from 25 nations. Sports Development: Benin’s U-17 women’s coach says the Young Amazons can upset Nigeria’s Flamingos and qualify for the 2026 U-17 Women’s World Cup. Safety & Governance: A World Bank-backed capacity session in Lomé focused on fraud, corruption risks and accountability in public project spending. Disinformation Watch: Reports say Russia is expanding “Russian Houses” in multiple African countries, including Togo, as part of influence efforts.

Aviation Policy: Nigeria’s Festus Keyamo says a 30% discount on statutory fees for domestic airlines is meant to cut costs and boost air connectivity across Africa, with moves toward VAT neutrality and auditing duplicate levies. Regional Air Access: African ministers adopted the Lomé Declaration in Togo to remove barriers and make air travel more affordable under the Single African Air Transport Market push. Togo Film & Media: Togo’s FoNSICA film and audiovisual fund is set to become operational after a review of its financing framework, aiming to close the sector’s funding gap. Fisheries & Food Security: Togo urged stakeholders to respect the annual fishing moratorium as demand far outstrips local production, citing illegal fishing and habitat pressures. World Cup Culture: A Miami exhibition, “Art and the Beautiful Game,” spotlights Africa’s soccer legacy during the World Cup, with works from dozens of artists. Sports Streaming: New World TV partnered with Orange to stream premium sports via Orange Max it app across nine African countries. Governance & Integrity: A World Bank-backed capacity session in Lomé focused on fraud, corruption risks, and accountability in public projects. Security & Influence: Ukraine’s intelligence alleges Russia plans to expand “Russian Houses” in Togo and other countries to shape opinion and recruit.

Aviation & Integration: African ministers adopted the Lomé Declaration in Lomé to tackle the regulatory and structural barriers that keep airfares high and connectivity low across the continent, reinforcing the Single African Air Transport Market push. Film & Media Funding: Togo’s National Fund for Support to the Film and Audiovisual Industry (FoNSICA) is set to become operational soon, after stakeholders reviewed the financing framework and governance rules. Public Finance Integrity: In Lomé, World Bank-backed capacity building focused on fraud and corruption risks in projects, stressing accountability in procurement and contract execution. Fisheries & Food Security: Togo urged fishing stakeholders to respect the annual moratorium to protect fish breeding, as demand far outstrips local production. Sports Broadcast: Togo-based New World TV partnered with Orange to stream premium sports via the Orange Max it app across nine African countries. U-17 Women’s Football: Benin coach Idah Azonsou says the Young Amazons can upset Nigeria’s Flamingos in a crucial U-17 qualifying tie in Lomé.

Togo Film Funding: Togo’s National Fund for Support to the Film and Audiovisual Industry (FoNSICA) is set to go live soon after stakeholders reviewed its financing framework, including parafiscal levies, permit-linked fees, a dedicated production tax, plus grants and donations. Public Integrity & Delivery: In Lomé, World Bank-backed capacity building for project implementers focused on fraud and corruption risks, procurement integrity, and accountability—linking good governance to real results for citizens. Media & Sports Access: New World TV has expanded World Cup sports streaming through Orange’s Max it app across nine African countries, boosting regional access to premium coverage. Construction Sector Voice: Togo’s building and public works contractors held “Media Days” in Lomé to spotlight on-site constraints and the shared responsibility across the project chain, from financing to inspection. Regional Arts/Entertainment Note: A Leeds fashion entrepreneur launched SANYAN Collective, a creative retail hub supporting Black-owned brands, including a Togo-linked jewellery supplier. Security & Crime (Regional): Reports from West Africa highlight a growing problem of fake military personnel and armed robbery, while Nigeria also announced arrests of 46 undocumented foreign nationals in Ogun.

Film & Audiovisual Funding: Togo is moving toward launching FoNSICA, its National Fund for Support to the Film and Audiovisual Industry, after stakeholders reviewed the legal and governance framework, including how it will be financed (levies, fees, a dedicated production tax, plus donations and grants). Sports Media Distribution: Togo-based New World TV has partnered with Orange to stream premium sports content via Orange’s Max it app across nine African countries, boosting World Cup-style coverage reach. Digital Influence Watch: France’s digital interference watchdog Viginum says Israel-linked firm BlackCore used coordinated fake accounts to meddle in elections, naming targets that include Togo, alongside Scotland and New York. Fashion & Entrepreneurship: Leeds’ SANYAN Collective opened a boutique at Chapeltown Enterprise Centre, building a shared retail hub for independent Black-owned brands, including a Togo-linked jewellery supplier. Regional Tech & Trade: Asbis Middle East has expanded its Apple distribution role across multiple African markets, explicitly listing Togo among the countries covered.