AGP Executive Report

Digital Identity & AI Fraud: A new 2026 deepfake fraud detection report says synthetic identities and injection attacks are getting cheaper and more realistic, pushing organizations to treat deepfake detection as core identity infrastructure. Tech Regulation: Brazil is considering tighter rules for facial recognition in schools, with strict limits on consent, transparency, accuracy and oversight. Culture & Media: African journalists on the Russia–Africa: New Media Meanings tour visited Moscow’s Victory Museum, learning wartime history through interactive exhibits and broadcasts. Sports (Togo): Togo’s U-20 team lost 3-0 to Nigeria’s Flying Eagles in WAFU U-20, but Nigeria booked semi-final qualification early. Youth Sport (Lomé): A children’s karate Friendship Cup in Lomé marked the International Day of Friendship, with kids aged 5–15 competing in kata and kumite. Togolese Digital Leadership: Michel Yaovi Galley, ARCEP Togo head, is highlighted for pushing data-driven, transparent telecom regulation and helping drive 5G rollout, now also leading WATRA. Arts/Entertainment: Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds were spotted in NYC with luxury Hermès bags worth $100,000+ amid their public comeback.

WAFU U-20: Nigeria’s Flying Eagles beat Togo’s Sparrow Hawks 3-0 in Côte d’Ivoire, with Muiz Adeleke scoring twice and Abdoulaye Agbejoye adding the late third—Nigeria qualify for the semi-finals with one group game left. Youth sports in Lomé: A children’s karate Friendship Cup was held in Lomé for the International Day of Friendship, bringing together kids aged 5–15 for kata and kumite, with the Togo Karate Federation praising youth development and international cooperation. Culture & media: Maison TV5MONDE marks 15 years in Togo on August 12, launching a new phase focused on digital skills, expanding beyond Lomé via TV5MONDE Clubs, and youth support through a packed Aug–Dec lineup. Togo governance & food security: Togo is aligning its fisheries and aquaculture strategy with AU standards through a FishGov2-backed workshop in Lomé, aiming to improve governance, livelihoods, and sustainability. Arts & entertainment spotlight: Brashad CEO, a fast-rising Togolese-Nigerian digital creator, is gaining major attention for entertainment and humour content and for using his platform to promote positive values.

Football & Youth Sports: Nigeria’s Flying Eagles crushed Togo’s Sparrow Hawks 3-0 at the WAFU B U20 Championship in Côte d’Ivoire, booking an early semi-final spot after two matches and keeping striker Muiz Adeleke on fire with two goals again. Regional Derby Pressure: Ghana’s Black Satellites face a must-win Group B clash against Burkina Faso after a tough start, with qualification hopes hanging on the result. Togolese Media Growth: Maison TV5MONDE marks 15 years in Togo on August 12 and plans a new push beyond Lomé, including TV5MONDE Clubs in schools and cultural centers plus a digital space for youth. Arts & Community Events: Summer park concerts are being cut back in some venues, but one highlight remains a West African Cultural Heritage Night featuring Dogo du Togo & the Alagaa Beat Band. Digital & Culture/Skills: A Lomé forum on Africa’s space ambitions spotlights investment, while a separate fisheries workshop in Togo focuses on aligning national strategy with AU standards. Creator Spotlight: Togolese influencer Brashad CEO is gaining major attention for entertainment-led content and a growing online community.

WAFU B U-20 Football: Nigeria’s Flying Eagles open their push for an early semi-final ticket as they face Togo’s Sparrow Hawks in Yamoussoukro, after a 4-2 win over Ghana put them top of Group B on goal difference. Togolese Sports Spotlight: The same WAFU B tournament is also driving attention to Togo’s U-20 challenge, with the Sparrow Hawks fighting to stay alive after Burkina Faso beat them 3-1. Digital & Tech in Lomé: Togo is hosting the Space Forum Africa in Lomé, bringing space agencies, startups and development banks together to fund and scale Africa’s space ambitions. Arts & Culture (Theatre): Centre Stage’s run of “Dear Evan Hansen” is drawing audiences with its themes of loneliness, grief and human connection. Media & Money: AfricaNenda is training journalists to better explain inclusive instant digital payments across West Africa, including Togo. Policy & Governance: Togo is aligning its fisheries and aquaculture strategy with AU standards through a EU-supported FishGov2 workshop in Lomé. Creator Watch: Brashad CEO, a fast-rising Togolese digital creator, is gaining wider recognition for entertainment-led content and community-focused influence.

Youth & Democracy: The 2026 African Youth Survey says 73% of young Africans still prefer democracy, but 56% reject Western-style models for Africa—calling instead for jobs, youth representation, accountability and stability, plus age limits and a Minister for Youth. Lomé Space Push: Togo hosted Space Forum Africa, spotlighting financing for Africa’s space ambitions, with panels on Earth observation, space cybersecurity and geospatial AI, aiming for a “Lomé Declaration.” Fisheries Reform in Togo: A four-day Lomé workshop under FishGov2 will align Togo’s fisheries and aquaculture strategy with AU standards, targeting better governance, livelihoods and sustainability. Digital Payments Media Training: AfricaNenda Foundation trained journalists across West Africa to report on inclusive instant payments, gender and regulatory harmonization—key for adoption of new payment systems. Togo Protests Ahead: Lomé braces for Friday demonstrations amid anger over constitutional changes critics say entrench President Faure Gnassingbé’s power, with reports of repression and internet restrictions. Sports Spotlight (Togo-linked): Wrestling and football fans get a boost as Togo’s regional football rivals and youth tournaments heat up, while Commonwealth Games coverage continues across the region.

Commonwealth Games, Athletics: Michelle-Lee Ahye bowed out of the women’s 100m semis in Glasgow, finishing fourth in her heat (11.28) before slipping to 10th overall; Zoe Hobbs won the final in 10.93 on a wet track. Commonwealth Games, Boxing: Togo’s Yaya was stopped by Namibia’s Philip Haoseb in Glasgow, with Haoseb winning by referee stoppage after knocking him down three times. Togo, Culture & Identity: In Kara, thousands of Kabye men take part in the “Evala” rite—scarification, a dog-dance ritual, and then wrestling to become men—while authorities push for UNESCO heritage recognition. Togo, Politics: Lomé braces for Friday protests amid anger over constitutional reforms critics call a power grab, plus reports of repression and internet restrictions. Digital Policy, Africa (with Togo link): GSMA backs the Abuja “Meaningful Connectivity” declaration and supports ATLAS Umoja AI, backed by Benin, Kenya, Namibia, Nigeria and Togo, aiming for inclusive connectivity and trusted AI in African languages. Regional Security & Human Stories: Ghana intensifies action against recruitment scams tied to QNET and probes alleged drafting of nationals into the Russia-Ukraine conflict, including cases involving deaths and prisoners of war.

Digital & Policy: GSMA backed the Abuja Ministerial Declaration on Meaningful Connectivity for Africa and joined partners to launch ATLAS Umoja AI, with Benin, Kenya, Namibia, Nigeria and Togo among supporters—aiming for more inclusive internet access and locally relevant AI. Media & Culture: A Russia–Africa: New Media Meanings blog tour began in Moscow, bringing 50 African creators (including Togo) to meet editors and explore Russia’s culture and tech for new cross-continental storytelling. Public Health: WHO declared a 2026 Ebola Public Health Emergency of International Concern after cases spread from DR Congo into Uganda, highlighting the fast-moving zoonotic risk. Sports (Youth): Ghana’s Black Satellites gear up for the WAFU B U-20 opener vs Nigeria in Yamoussoukro, with preparations and motivation in focus. Togo Culture: In northern Togo’s Kara region, the Evala wrestling rite continues as young Kabye men undergo an ancestral initiation—authorities hope for UNESCO recognition.

Togo Tech Expo: Lomé will host the 5th Togo Tech Expo on July 29–30 at UniPod, with the theme “Building Real and Sustainable Digital Sovereignty,” featuring panels, workshops, demos, B2B meetings, and Falling Walls Lab Lomé—plus a planned “Manifesto for Togo’s Digital Sovereignty.” Football Rivalry: Ghana’s Black Satellites kick off the WAFU B U-20 Championship with a big Group B opener against Nigeria in Yamoussoukro, with coach Maxwell Konadu saying the team is ready despite an injury setback. Cultural Spotlight: In Kara, thousands of Kabye men take part in the Evala rite—scarification, a dog dance, and wrestling—while authorities push for UNESCO recognition of the tradition. Public Health & Media: WHO declares the 2026 Ebola outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern after cases cross into Uganda, and a Russia–Africa “New Media Meanings” blog tour begins in Moscow with Togo among participating creators. Street Politics: Togo braces for Friday protests amid deepening political tensions over constitutional reforms and alleged repression.

WAFU B U-20 Football: Ghana’s Black Satellites say they’re fully ready for Monday’s Group B opener against defending champions Nigeria in Yamoussoukro, with coach Maxwell Konadu confident despite an injury to a key defensive midfielder. WAFU B U-20 Build-Up: Ghana also wrapped preparations with a 2-1 comeback friendly win over Semper Fi, sharpening fitness and tactics ahead of clashes with Nigeria, Burkina Faso and Togo. Togo Protests & Politics: As Togo braces for Friday demonstrations, reports point to anger over constitutional reforms critics call a power entrenchment, alongside claims of repression and internet restrictions. Digital Sovereignty in Togo: Lomé’s University of Lomé hosts the 5th Togo Tech Expo on July 29–30, with panels on AI, cybersecurity and digital infrastructure, plus a “Manifesto for Togo’s Digital Sovereignty.” Culture Spotlight: In northern Togo’s Kara region, the Evala rite of passage draws attention as young Kabye men wrestle to become men, with hopes for UNESCO recognition. Commonwealth Games Buzz: Glasgow opened with King Charles at the Hydro, featuring the King’s Baton Relay and Togo’s debut.

Commonwealth Games opening in Glasgow: King Charles III officially opened the 2026 Commonwealth Games at The Hydro, with 74 nations and territories taking part and a big spotlight on the King’s Baton Relay—plus Togo and Gabon making their debut. Togo Tech Expo: Lomé will host the 5th Togo Tech Expo on July 29–30 at UniPod, themed “Building Real and Sustainable Digital Sovereignty,” with panels on AI, cybersecurity, digital infrastructure, and a Falling Walls Lab pitch session. Evala wrestling tradition: In northern Togo’s Kara region, thousands of Kabye young men take part in “Evala,” a rite of passage involving scars, a dog dance, and rough wrestling—authorities hope it can be recognized by UNESCO. Health capacity boost: JICA, Noguchi and WHO strengthened infectious-disease lab skills for health professionals from Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Togo and Zambia through an eight-week training. Flood risk warning: WHO urged stronger enforcement against illegal construction on waterways and flood-prone areas, warning that poor enforcement is driving deadly flooding across countries including Togo. Digital connectivity push: GSMA backed the Abuja Ministerial Declaration on meaningful connectivity and supported ATLAS Umoja, a pan-African AI/spectrum reform effort backed by several countries including Togo.

Indigenous Arts & Culture: In Dzogadze, the Kpedudo Festival spotlighted music and dance as living archives of African identity, with plans announced to set up the Kpedudo Institute of Performing Arts (KIPAD) to strengthen training and preservation. Digital Sovereignty: Togo Tech Expo returns July 29–30 at the University of Lomé, pushing “Building Real and Sustainable Digital Sovereignty” with panels on AI, cybersecurity, and digital infrastructure—plus Falling Walls Lab Lomé and a manifesto for Togo’s digital future. Pan-African AI for Languages: At the ATU conference in Abuja, five African states including Togo launched ATLAS Umoja, aiming to build AI that understands African languages and cultures. Commonwealth Games Spotlight: Glasgow’s opening ceremony featured Togo’s debut and Gabon’s first appearance, with the King’s Baton Relay giving every nation its own decorated baton. Traditional Rite in Focus: AFP reports on Togo’s Evala wrestling initiation in Kara, where young Kabye men undergo scar rituals, a dog-dance rite, and then wrestle as part of an ancestral passage. Health & Safety: WHO warns that flood deaths across West Africa are worsened by weak enforcement of rules against building on waterways and flood-prone areas.

Togo Culture: In Kara, thousands of Kabye men aged 18–20 take part in the mid-July “Evala” rite—scarification, a dog-dance, and then rough wrestling to “become men,” with authorities pushing for UNESCO recognition. Togo Tech & Youth: Lomé will host the 5th Togo Tech Expo on July 29–30 at UniPod, focusing on “digital sovereignty,” with panels on AI, cybersecurity, infrastructure, and a Falling Walls Lab pitch session plus a manifesto for Togo’s digital future. Commonwealth Games (Togo Debut): Glasgow’s Commonwealth Games opened with King Charles III, the King’s Baton Relay, and a Doctor Who-themed show; Togo and Gabon make their debuts as 74 nations compete. Regional Security & Sports: Ghana’s Black Satellites finished WAFU B U-20 preparations with a 2-1 comeback win over Semper Fi, while police in Ashanti praised intelligence-led special operations after hundreds of arrests. Health & Safety: WHO warns flood risk is worsened by weak enforcement of laws against building on waterways and flood-prone areas.

Cultural Heritage in Action: In northern Togo’s Kara region, thousands of Kabye men take part in “Evala,” a mid-July rite where young initiates scar near the ears, dance with a dog, and then wrestle to become men—an event authorities hope will gain UNESCO recognition. Tech & Youth Innovation: Lomé will host the 5th Togo Tech Expo (July 29–30) at UniPod, with panels on AI, cybersecurity and digital sovereignty, plus Falling Walls Lab Lomé pitches and a “Manifesto for Togo’s Digital Sovereignty.” Health Capacity Building: JICA, Noguchi and WHO trained infectious-disease lab professionals from Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Togo and Zambia, strengthening skills in parasitology, virology, biosafety and lab quality systems. Sports Spotlight: Togo’s Commonwealth Games debut is highlighted as Glasgow opens with King Charles and the King’s Baton Relay, while Ghana’s Black Satellites fine-tune ahead of WAFU B U-20 with a comeback win over Semper Fi. Human Interest: A viral clip shows a Togo cat mother fiercely bonding with her single kitten, Django, drawing warm reactions online.

Cultural Heritage: Northern Togo’s Kabye men are marking the mid-July “Evala” rite of passage in Kara, where young initiates bear ritual scars, perform a dog dance, and then wrestle to become men—an event authorities hope will be recognized by UNESCO. Digital & Tech: Lomé will host the 5th Togo Tech Expo on July 29–30 at UniPod, with a theme of “Building Real and Sustainable Digital Sovereignty,” featuring panels on AI, cybersecurity, and digital infrastructure, plus startup pitches and a planned “Manifesto for Togo’s Digital Sovereignty.” Health & Capacity Building: JICA, the Noguchi Institute and WHO partners trained health professionals from Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Togo and Zambia to strengthen lab skills for infectious disease detection and response. Sports Spotlight: The Commonwealth Games officially opened in Glasgow with King Charles and a big focus on the King’s Baton Relay; Togo and Gabon are among the debutants. Arts & Media: A new piece revisits why classic manga like “Astro Boy” can feel hard to read today, pointing to pacing and style that clash with modern expectations.

Togo Culture Spotlight: In Kara, thousands of Kabye men take part in “Evala,” a mid-July rite where initiates scar near the ears, dance with a dog, and then wrestle to become men—authorities even hope for UNESCO recognition. Commonwealth Games Glasgow 2026: King Charles III officially opened the Games at the Hydro, highlighting the King’s Baton Relay with every nation receiving its own baton; Gabon and Togo also debut. Togo Tech & Innovation: Lomé will host the 5th Togo Tech Expo (July 29–30) at UniPod, focusing on “Digital Sovereignty” with panels on AI, cybersecurity, infrastructure, and a manifesto for Togo’s digital future. Regional Football Build-Up: Ghana’s Black Satellites ended WAFU B U-20 preparations with a 2-1 comeback win over Semper Fi, then head to Côte d’Ivoire for a group that includes Nigeria and Togo. ECOWAS Integration: ECOWAS reaffirmed plans for a single ECO currency by 2027, rolling out in phases for countries meeting stability criteria.

Youth Football Watch: Ghana’s Black Satellites finished WAFU B U-20 preparations with a 2-1 comeback friendly win over Semper Fi at Accra Sports Stadium, then head to Yamoussoukro for the tournament where they face Nigeria, Burkina Faso and Togo in a tough Group B. Tech & Innovation in Lomé: Togo Tech Expo returns July 29-30 at UniPod, University of Lomé, with a focus on “digital sovereignty,” featuring panels on AI, cybersecurity and infrastructure, plus Falling Walls Lab Lomé pitches and a planned “Manifesto for Togo’s Digital Sovereignty.” Commonwealth Games Culture & Sport: The Glasgow Commonwealth Games officially open in Scotland, with Togo and Gabon making debut appearances among 74 teams in a scaled-down multi-sport event. Digital Policy for Africa: Nigeria unveils ATLAS Umoja, a pan-African AI platform aimed at better supporting African languages in large language models. Health & Safety: WHO warns that weak enforcement of rules around waterways and flood-prone areas is worsening Africa’s flood risks, including in Togo. Arts & Lifestyle (Viral): A Togo cat’s single-kitten bond goes viral online, with viewers drawn to the wholesome mother-and-son cuddle story.