AGP Executive Report

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.

AfCFTA Trade Push in Lomé: Togo hosted Biashara Afrika 2026 (May 18–20) to move AfCFTA from protocols to practical cross-border action, with policy and partnership announcements aimed at boosting intra-African trade and investment. Togo Industry & Skills: Togo adopted a new governance framework for the École Polytechnique de Lomé (EPL) to strengthen advanced engineering and technology training, aligning with the country’s industrial and digital push. Digital Infrastructure: SIN and ST DIGITAL signed to launch private cloud services at the Lomé Data Centre, targeting data sovereignty and local AI/software capacity. Agri-Food Market Access: China will admit eligible coffee beans from 53 African countries from July 20 under unified phytosanitary rules—Togo is among the applicants. Local Value Addition: Sokodé hosted a regional “Made in Togo” fair (May 26–28) to promote locally made products and support SMEs and agri-food processors. Forestry Restoration Funding: FAO Togo opened a call for proposals for forest restoration and agroforestry projects in Plateaux (applications close June 19). Energy & Renewables Watch: DEME won a contract for offshore wind turbine installation work in Japan (21 turbines), signaling continued momentum in industrial energy projects.

Gold Refining Push: Ghana’s GoldBod CEO Sammy Gyamfi says a 600-tonne gold refinery will start construction later in 2026 and be completed in 2027, with plans to refine gold from Ghana plus regional suppliers including Togo—aimed at boosting jobs and value addition. Togo Industrial Skills: Togo adopted a new governance framework for École Polytechnique de Lomé (EPL), formalizing its engineering and tech training role after the merger of ENSI and CIC, with a push to become a leading advanced engineering center. Digital Infrastructure: SIN and ST DIGITAL signed to launch private cloud services at the Lomé Data Centre, targeting data sovereignty and local AI/software capacity for businesses. Agri-Forest Restoration Funding: FAO Togo opened a call for proposals under AFR100 for forest restoration and agroforestry in Plateaux (Kloto, Agou, Danyi, Amou, Kpélé), with grants up to 28m CFA and applications due June 19. Local Market Boost: Sokodé hosted a regional “Made in Togo” fair (May 26–28) to promote locally made products and support SMEs across crafts, textiles, agri-food and tech.

Digital Infrastructure & Sovereignty: Togo’s SIN and ST DIGITAL signed a partnership to launch private cloud services at the Lomé Data Centre, aiming to host and process local company data in-country and cut reliance on foreign infrastructure. Education & Engineering Capacity: Togo adopted a decree formalizing the governance framework of École Polytechnique de Lomé (EPL), built from the merger of ENSI and CIC, with a push to expand advanced engineering and technology training. Agri-Forest Restoration: FAO Togo opened a call for proposals for forest restoration and agroforestry projects in Plateaux (Kloto, Agou, Danyi, Amou, Kpélé), with grants up to 28m CFA and applications due June 19. Industrial Development & Local Value: Sokodé hosted a regional “Made in Togo” fair to boost consumption of locally made goods and give SMEs, artisans, and agri-food processors more market exposure. Energy & Transport Costs: Togo raised retail fuel prices (gasoline to 725 CFA/liter) citing higher global oil prices and subsidy pressure. Mining Updates: TomaGold reported Phase 2 extension drilling at the Berrigan Mine in Quebec, while Globex/Chibougamau updates highlighted new ZnEq/AuEq intersections. Maritime Security: IMO and regional states warned of a possible resurgence of Somali piracy, citing hijackings including the Togo-flagged MV Eureka.

Energy & Industry: Togo raised retail fuel prices again, with unleaded gasoline up to 725 CFA/litre and diesel to 750 CFA/litre, as global oil prices stayed elevated and the government’s subsidy room tightened. Digital Infrastructure: SIN and ST DIGITAL signed up to launch private cloud services at the Lomé Data Centre, aiming to boost data sovereignty and offer local cloud and AI services. Education for Industry: Togo issued a decree formalizing École Polytechnique de Lomé (EPL) as a stronger engineering and technology training hub, building on its civil, telecoms, electrical and industrial tech programs. Forestry & Agro-Industry: FAO Togo opened a grant call for forest restoration and agroforestry projects in Plateaux (Kloto, Agou, Danyi, Amou, Kpélé), with funding for community groups and SMEs. Trade & Market Access: China will allow eligible coffee bean imports from all 53 African countries with diplomatic ties starting July 20, 2026, with Togo among applicants. Regional Integration: ECOWAS pushed AfCFTA implementation in Lomé, focusing on removing trade barriers and improving trade finance and standards. Transport & Logistics: A World Bank visit to Aného reviewed WACA coastal protection works, including groynes and lagoon channel filling, with job creation benefits. Roads & Connectivity: Abu Dhabi Fund for Development reported 92% completion on the Sokodé–Bassar road rehabilitation in Togo, alongside progress in Madagascar and Nigeria. Maritime Security: IMO-linked regional partners warned of a resurgence of Somali piracy, citing hijackings including a Togo-flagged tanker. Agribusiness Trade Flows: India began importing soybeans from Nigeria and other African suppliers after domestic price spikes led traders to cancel soymeal export contracts.

Digital Infrastructure & Sovereignty: Togo’s SIN and ST DIGITAL have signed a strategic partnership to launch private cloud services at the Lomé Data Centre, aiming to host and process local data in-country and cut reliance on foreign infrastructure. Education & Engineering Capacity: Togo issued a decree formalizing the governance and operating framework of École Polytechnique de Lomé (EPL), positioning it as a leading advanced engineering and technology training center as the country pushes industrial and digital transformation. Agri-forestry & Jobs: FAO Togo opened a call for proposals for forest restoration in the Plateaux region under AFR100, with grants for agroforestry and income-generating activities (applications close June 19). Trade & Market Access: China will allow eligible coffee beans from all 53 African countries with diplomatic ties to enter from July 20 under unified phytosanitary rules—Togo is among the applicants. Energy & Cost of Living: Togo raised retail fuel prices, with unleaded gasoline up to 725 CFA/liter, citing higher global oil costs and subsidy pressure. Regional Integration: ECOWAS pushed AfCFTA implementation at a Lomé forum, focusing on removing non-tariff barriers, harmonizing standards, and improving trade finance and digital payments. Maritime Security: IMO and regional states warned of a resurgence of Somali piracy, citing recent hijackings including a Togo-flagged tanker. Local Industry Promotion: Sokodé hosted a regional “Made in Togo” fair to boost locally made products, entrepreneurship, and agri-food processing.

Fuel & Energy: Togo raised retail fuel prices effective May 27, with unleaded gasoline up to 725 CFA francs/litre (diesel 750), citing higher global crude costs and tighter budget space after the Gulf shock. Coastal Resilience: A World Bank review visit to Aného under WACA-ResIP checked coastal erosion and flooding works, including lagoon channel infilling and groynes, with 14 of 22 groynes completed and jobs and fishing activity gradually resuming. Trade & Integration: ECOWAS pushed AfCFTA implementation at the Biashara Afrika Forum in Lomé, focusing on removing non-tariff barriers, harmonising standards, trade finance, and digital payments to turn policy into measurable business gains. Telecoms Quality: Togo’s Arcep launched a nationwide consumer satisfaction survey on mobile service quality, covering call quality, coverage, data speeds, reliability, and complaint handling. Infrastructure Finance: Abu Dhabi Fund for Development reported progress on major road projects, including 92% completion of the Sokodé–Bassar road in Togo. Maritime Security: IMO-linked regional states warned Somali piracy is back, citing hijackings including a Togo-flagged tanker (MV Eureka) and calling for renewed operational coordination. Agribusiness & Feeds: China opened market access for coffee beans from 53 African countries (including Togo among applicants), while India’s soymeal export cancellations (25,000 tons) are expected to redirect demand toward African suppliers as local prices jump.

Fuel & Energy: Togo raised retail fuel prices effective May 27, 2026—unleaded gasoline to 725 CFA/litre (from 680) and diesel to 750 CFA/litre (from 695)—citing higher global crude costs and reduced subsidy room amid Gulf tensions. Coastal Resilience: A World Bank inspection in Aného reviewed WACA-ResIP coastal protection works, with 14 of 22 groynes completed along a 7-km stretch and broader lagoon filling, dredging and beach replenishment aimed at cutting flooding and reviving fishing and local services. Regional Trade Push: ECOWAS used the Biashara Afrika Forum in Lomé to press AfCFTA implementation—tackling non-tariff barriers, harmonising standards, and improving trade finance and digital payments to turn policy into measurable business gains. Telecoms Quality: Togo’s Arcep launched a nationwide customer satisfaction survey on mobile service quality, covering coverage, speeds, reliability and complaint handling. Infrastructure Finance Watch: Abu Dhabi Fund for Development reported steady progress on key roads, including 92% completion of Togo’s Sokodé–Bassar rehabilitation, alongside projects in Madagascar and Nigeria. Maritime Security: IMO and regional states warned of a resurgence of Somali piracy, noting recent hijackings including a Togo-flagged tanker (MV Eureka). Agribusiness Link: China will grant full quarantine access for eligible African coffee beans from 53 countries starting July 20, with Togo among those that filed applications.

Fuel Policy: Togo has raised retail fuel prices effective May 27, 2026—unleaded gasoline to 725 CFA/l (from 680) and diesel to 750 CFA/l (from 695)—as global oil prices stay elevated and the state leans less on subsidies. Coastal Resilience: The World Bank and Togo reviewed progress on WACA coastal protection in Aného, with 14 of 22 groynes completed and work aimed at reducing erosion and flooding while restarting local fishing and leisure activity. Telecom Regulation: Arcep launched a nationwide consumer satisfaction survey on mobile service quality, covering coverage, speeds, reliability, and complaint handling. Maritime Security: IMO and regional partners warned Somali piracy is resurging, citing recent hijackings and renewed operational coordination needs. Labor & AI: The ILO chief is set to brief on how AI can be harnessed for decent work. Regional Trade Pressure: Importers say Nigerian port costs are pushing cargo to Benin, Ghana, Togo and Burkina Faso as shipping and terminal charges rise.

Togo Telecom Watch: Togo’s telecom regulator Arcep has launched a nationwide customer satisfaction survey on mobile services, probing call quality, network coverage, data speeds, reliability and how fast complaints get resolved. Pan-African Mobility: The Republic of the Congo announced visa-free entry for all African nationals from January 2027, joining a growing list of countries easing travel rules—Togo already moved in the same direction. Trade & Prices: Soybean and soymeal shocks are rippling through Africa-linked supply chains as Indian traders cancel 25,000 tons of soymeal export contracts after a 41% jump in local soymeal prices. Digital AfCFTA Push: At Lomé’s AfCFTA digital trade discussions, officials stressed that cross-border e-commerce and digital payments need better connectivity to overcome low internet access. Infrastructure Delivery: Abu Dhabi Fund for Development says road works are progressing—92% on Togo’s Sokodé–Bassar, 80% in Madagascar, and 45% in Nigeria.