AGP Executive Report

Cement Market Probe: Nigeria’s FCCPC has opened a fresh investigation into suspected cement price manipulation after a three-month cross-border study, with preliminary findings showing cement costs in Nigeria rising sharply despite large installed capacity and excess supply; the regulator compared Nigeria with Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Egypt, Morocco, Algeria and Togo, and says a 50kg bag that sold for ₦9,300–₦9,700 in January climbed to ₦10,500–₦13,000 mid-year and up to ₦13,000–₦15,000 in some locations, prompting summonses and deeper checks into anti-competitive conduct. Quality & Standards Drive (Togo): In Lomé, Togo mobilised about 30 stakeholders around national agri-food quality standards and certification procedures, with HAUQE and technical agencies guiding producers and processors on compliance; the programme has produced 46 national standards and 31 certification schemes since 2024, covering soybeans, maize, sorghum, meat and poultry. Agriculture Trade Monitoring (Togo): Togo published first-phase SCORECARD results under the West Africa Food System Resilience Program, reviewing weak indicators and next steps with government, private sector and civil society, while noting World Bank-backed support reaching over 500,000 beneficiaries by end-2024. Supply Chain Finance (West Africa): Veefin Solutions and NSIA Group partnered to expand digital supply chain finance across Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, Benin, Togo and Guinea, enabling reverse factoring and factoring via a single platform to unlock working capital for SMEs. Maritime Security/Trade Risk: A cargo vessel was hijacked off Somalia, underscoring ongoing disruption risks for shipping routes relevant to regional logistics.

Cement Crackdown: Nigeria’s FCCPC says a three-month cross-border probe found possible cement price manipulation despite excess production capacity, comparing Nigeria with Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Egypt, Morocco, Algeria and Togo; it issued summonses to major manufacturers after prices reportedly jumped from about N9,300–N9,700 per 50kg bag in January to N13,000–N15,000 in some regions by July. Regional Finance Boost: In Lomé, ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) won a Moody’s upgrade (B2→B1, stable outlook), improving its path toward investment-grade funding. Supply Chain Lending: Veefin Solutions and NSIA Group partnered to expand digital supply chain finance (reverse factoring and factoring) across five markets including Togo, aiming to ease SME working-capital access. Agri Trade Monitoring: Togo published first SCORECARD results under the West Africa Food System Resilience Program, reviewing weak indicators and progress toward value-chain and seed support targets. Maritime & Trade Context: ECOWAS is pushing faster cross-border movement, with attention on border delays affecting trade between Togo and Ghana.

ECOWAS Trade Facilitation: ECOWAS held a consultative push with COPITOUR in Abuja, bringing together tourism agencies and private-sector bodies from across West Africa, with a clear focus on using tourism to drive jobs, investment and regional integration. Border Efficiency for Industry: ECOWAS also met communities at the Noépé-Akanu border post (Togo–Ghana) to cut delays and improve services along the Abidjan–Lagos corridor, spotlighting tools like biometric IDs, SIGMAT transit and joint border posts. Agribusiness Performance Tracking: Togo reviewed the first SCORECARD results under the West Africa Food System Resilience Program, agreeing on fixes where agricultural trade and market indicators lag. Food Industry Showcase in Lomé: Festival La Marmite (FESMA) opened in Lomé with about 100 exhibitors across the food value chain, aiming to boost visibility of local products and food-industry innovation. Digital Finance Growth in Togo: A feature traces how Togo’s fintech ecosystem evolved from ride-hailing to payments, bill pay and money management, tied to Lomé’s regional logistics role. Maritime Logistics Pressure: Reports of hijacking off Somalia and renewed Black Sea tanker drone strikes underline ongoing shipping risk for regional trade flows.

Food & Trade Monitoring: Togo published first SCORECARD results under the West Africa Food System Resilience Program, reviewing agricultural trade and market indicators with government, private sector and civil society in Tsévié, supported by World Bank financing and reaching 500,000+ beneficiaries by end-2024. Regional Border Efficiency: ECOWAS held a dialogue at the Noépé-Akanu border post with Ghana and Togo stakeholders to cut delays and improve movement of people and goods along the Abidjan-Lagos corridor, focusing on tools like biometric IDs and transit systems. Digital Finance & Services: A new look at Togo’s fintech evolution traces how Gozem expanded from motorcycle taxis into deliveries, e-commerce and mobile money—positioning Lomé as a regional logistics and payments hub. Food Industry Innovation: Festival La Marmite (FESMA) opened in Lomé with about 100 exhibitors across the food value chain, spotlighting local products, packaging and certification, plus an innovation contest. Maritime & Logistics Risk: Ukraine reported a drone attack damaging a civilian ship under the Togo flag in the Odesa region, underscoring shipping exposure in the Black Sea. Energy & Industry Context: Coverage on Europe’s push to cut Russian gas dependence highlights how Africa is being targeted as an alternative energy source—relevant to regional energy planning. Maritime Welfare: Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines signed the Seafarer Pledge, committing to seafarer career progression and welfare initiatives. Youth & Skills: Lomé Youth Book Fair (SALIJEL) announced its Oct 14–17, 2026 edition to strengthen West African book-industry links and training for young participants.

Fashion & Heritage Jobs: Agortime’s 31st Kente Festival in Kpetoe urged protection of traditional weaving as rising input costs and cheap imitations squeeze artisans, while highlighting youth-focused economic opportunities. Fashion Skills Pipeline: Accra Technical University students (366) showcased African fabrics in modern designs at “Wear Your Culture: Tradition Meets Modernity,” reinforcing fashion as a viable business beyond clothing. Food Industry Boost in Lomé: Festival La Marmite (FESMA) opened in Lomé with ~100 exhibitors across the food value chain, pushing local product visibility, food-industry innovation, and logistics-linked jobs (China as guest of honor). Agro & Local Inputs: Togo’s FESMA-linked push sits alongside “Pro-SADI” expanding farm input access for 12,600 small producers, aiming to strengthen agro-innovation and local supply. Regional Trade Facilitation: ECOWAS held talks at the Noépé-Akanu border to cut delays and harassment on the Abidjan–Lagos corridor, including use of biometric IDs and transit systems. Maritime Corridor Narrative: A new Gulf of Guinea corridor story spotlights Lomé’s role as a maritime/logistics hub as West Africa shifts toward more connected coastal trade. Banking Partnership: Ecobank’s regional executive visited Malawi to deepen customer focus and partnerships, with Ecobank Malawi aligning to the group’s growth agenda. Security & Financing Watch: UN experts say a $50m Mali hostage ransom helped fund al-Qaeda-linked advances across West Africa, with the payment linked by sources to the UAE.

ECOWAS Border Trade Push: ECOWAS held talks at the Noépé-Akanu border post (Togo–Ghana) to cut delays and harassment on the Abidjan–Lagos corridor, spotlighting tools like biometric IDs, SIGMAT transit and joint border posts. Food Industry & Agro-Innovation: Lomé’s Festival La Marmite (FESMA) opened Aug. 12, running to Aug. 16, with ~100 exhibitors across the food value chain and a focus on local product quality, packaging and certification. Local Meat Processing Plans: Togo’s regional food agenda echoes wider moves as Bangladesh announced district-level modern meat processing centres to support preservation and future exports. Pharma Manufacturing Spotlight: Do Pharma’s CEO Frédéric DOVI-AKUE highlights Togolese production of intravenous solutions in Avéta, aiming to reduce import dependence and expand regional supply. Skills for Logistics Jobs: Ghana’s IOM-DHL Ubuntu Academy trained 23 migrant returnees in logistics for reintegration, underscoring the role of public-private partnerships. Maritime Corridor Idea: A feature argues West Africa’s sea links via Lomé and Cotonou could ease road congestion and boost cross-border commerce. Diplomacy for Trade: Switzerland appointed Dr Thomas Oertle as Ambassador-designate to Ghana, Benin and Togo, signaling continued cooperation on trade, investment and climate action.

Regional Trade & Border Efficiency: ECOWAS is pushing to cut delays on the Abidjan–Lagos corridor, holding talks at the Noépé-Akanu border post between Togo and Ghana to reduce harassment and administrative bottlenecks and improve services for traders and travelers, including women and young businesses. Food Industry & Agro-Processing: Togo’s FESMA food festival in Lomé spotlights local producers and food-industry innovation, with calls for better quality, packaging and certification to help “Made in Togo” compete beyond local consumption. Meat Processing & Export Readiness: Tuku says government plans modern meat processing centres across districts to meet international standards, strengthen preservation and support future meat exports. Energy & Industrial Development: Aradel Holdings plans to start petrol refining at its modular refinery in 2027, linking the move to subsidy removal and downstream deregulation. Pharma Manufacturing: Do Pharma’s Frédéric DOVI-AKUE highlights growth in locally made intravenous solutions in Avéta as Togo works toward greater health sovereignty. Diplomacy & Investment Links: Switzerland appoints Dr Thomas Oertle as ambassador-designate to Ghana, Benin and Togo, signaling continued cooperation on trade, climate action and development. Security & Financing Risks: UN experts say a $50m hostage ransom paid in Mali helped fund al-Qaeda-linked advances across West Africa, raising pressure on counter-terror financing.

Regional Trade Facilitation: ECOWAS held a dialogue at the Noépé-Akanu border post between Togo and Ghana to cut delays on the Abidjan–Lagos corridor, tackle harassment and violence risks, and push tools like biometric IDs, SIGMAT transit and joint border posts to speed movement of people and goods. Agro-Industry & Food Processing: Togo’s FESMA food festival in Lomé (Aug 12–16) spotlights local products and food-industry innovation, with a push for better quality, packaging and certification to help “Made in Togo” move beyond local consumption. Livestock Value Chain: A government plan to set up modern meat processing centres in every district aims to expand safe processing, preservation and future meat exports, with 13 centres already inaugurated. Diplomacy & Business Links: Switzerland appointed Dr Thomas Oertle as ambassador-designate to Ghana, Benin and Togo, signaling continued cooperation on trade, investment and climate action. Youth & Skills for Logistics: Ghana’s IOM-DHL Ubuntu Academy graduated 23 migrant returnees from logistics training, stressing stronger public-private partnerships for reintegration and jobs.

ECOWAS Border Talks: ECOWAS Commission held sensitisation at the Akanu-Noepe border post on the Free Movement of Persons, Goods and Services along the Abidjan–Lagos corridor, urging traders and travellers in Ghana, Togo, Benin and Nigeria to use the protocol’s channels to boost trade, investment and tourism. Togo Food Industry Spotlight: Lomé’s Festival La Marmite (FESMA) opened Aug 12 with about 100 exhibitors across the food value chain, pushing local product visibility and food-industry innovation through competitions and expert review panels. Agri Inputs for Resilience: Togo’s Pro-SADI project backed around 12,600 small producers in Kara and Savanes since 2024, expanding access to fertilizer, certified seeds, pumps and wells for rice, corn and vegetables. Regional Skills & Logistics: Ghana’s IOM-DHL Ubuntu Academy graduated 23 migrant returnees from a logistics training programme, highlighting the role of public-private partnerships in reintegration and jobs. Energy & Industry Context: A new report on Russia’s Central Sahel air network points to sustained military-linked flights, underlining security risks that can disrupt regional commerce and supply chains. Pharma Manufacturing Profile (Togo): Do Pharma SA in Avéta, Zio, was profiled for producing intravenous solutions locally to reduce import dependence and expand regional supply.

Food Industry & Agro-Innovation: Togo’s Festival La Marmite (FESMA) opened in Lomé on Aug. 12, running to Aug. 16, spotlighting the local food value chain with about 100 exhibitors, a food-industry innovation contest (10 projects), and a multi-country culinary competition—aimed at boosting visibility, skills, packaging and certification for “Made in Togo” products. Agribusiness Support: Togo’s Pro-SADI project is reported to have supported about 12,600 small producers since 2024 in Kara and Savanes, improving access to fertilizer, certified seeds, pumps and wells for rice, corn and vegetables, with results reviewed in Dapaong as the initiative winds down. Energy & Industry Skills: A Ghana-focused logistics training graduation (IOM-DHL Ubuntu Academy) underlines how public-private partnerships can build job-ready skills for reintegration—relevant to regional workforce development and supply-chain capacity. Regional Trade & Fuel Markets: West Africa’s push for a refined-fuel benchmark is moving from roadmap to execution, with regulators stressing infrastructure, liquidity, harmonised standards and market data—key for smoother cross-border fuel flows. Health & Manufacturing: Do Pharma’s CEO profile highlights Togo’s push to manufacture intravenous solutions locally in Avéta, reducing import dependence and expanding subregional supply. Governance & Compliance: Ho Municipal Assembly destroyed hundreds of expired beverages and food products after court action, reinforcing enforcement in consumer goods and food safety.

Book & Culture Trade: Lomé’s SALIJEL youth book fair is back for its 3rd edition (Oct 14–17, 2026) at the University of Lomé, with 30 exhibitors from West Africa and beyond and a program mixing sales, workshops, professional meetings and the “Les Étoiles de la Lecture” contest—aimed at strengthening Togo’s book production, distribution and library links. Energy & Refining: Aradel Holdings says it will start petrol refining at its modular refinery in 2027, tying the move to Nigeria’s downstream deregulation and subsidy removal—while also weighing expansion and possible aviation fuel output. Agri Inputs & Resilience: Togo’s Pro-SADI project has supported about 12,600 small producers since 2024 (Kara and Savanes), improving access to fertilizer, certified seeds, pumps and wells for rice, corn and vegetables. Health & Industry Leadership: Do Pharma’s CEO Frédéric DOVI-AKUE highlights local manufacture of intravenous solutions in Avéta as Togo pushes health sovereignty and regional supply. Regional Market & Logistics: West Africa’s refined-fuel benchmark push is moving from roadmaps to execution, with regulators stressing infrastructure, liquidity, harmonized standards and reliable market data. Climate Pressure on Supply Chains: A global look at 2026 shows Africa driving most land burned so far, underscoring rising climate stress that can ripple into cotton and food systems. Youth & Skills: Niger’s Youth Connekt Sahel forum spotlights a “responsible generation” agenda, with Togo’s youth minister among participants.

Sahel Air Bridge: A new C4ADS analysis says Russian state-linked forces used at least 75 military-linked flights into Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger between Jan 2025 and Jul 2026, with Burkina Faso the biggest hub (56 flights), raising pressure on regional security and oversight. Climate & Health Risk: Global data shows July 2026 tied as the hottest July on record, while UK-focused research frames climate change as a “compounding risk” for mortality and strain on public services as heat and ageing interact. Tourism Policy Shock: The US made its visa bond program permanent for 50 countries, but US travel leaders warn it could sharply cut travel demand after pilot visa issuance fell 83%. Regional Fuel Market Push: West Africa’s refined-fuel benchmark drive moves toward execution, with regulators stressing infrastructure, liquidity, harmonised standards and market data to make prices tradable. Togo Agriculture Support: Togo’s Pro-SADI backs about 12,600 small producers since 2024, expanding input access for rice, corn and vegetables in Kara and Savanes. Pharma Industrialisation: Togolese firm Do Pharma, led by Frédéric DOVI-AKUE, highlights local production of intravenous solutions in Avéta to reduce import dependence across the subregion. Maritime Security Watch: Liberia’s IB Atlantic IV drug-trafficking saga escalates as the vessel is arrested in Ivory Coast, with questions still hanging over cargo and regional enforcement capacity.

Togo’s Agri Inputs Push: Pro-SADI is expanding farm input access for about 12,600 small producers in Kara and Savanes, including 11,300 rice and corn farmers and 1,300 vegetable growers, with fertilizer, certified seeds, pumps and wells to support off-season production. Pharma Industrialization in Togo: Frédéric DOVI-AKUE, head of Do Pharma in Avéta, highlights Togo’s push to reduce import dependence by manufacturing intravenous solutions locally and expanding regional supply. West Africa Fuel Market Moves: PENGASSAN is urging a freer, single refined-fuel market across Africa for Dangote products, arguing that removing cross-border taxes and duties would improve energy security and trade flows. Regional Logistics Signal for Lomé: Lekki Port is set to link with Lome as MSC launches a weekly feeder service, a direct boost for shipping and regional connectivity. Maritime Security Pressure: Liberia’s IB Atlantic IV case escalates after the vessel is arrested in Ivory Coast, raising questions about maritime monitoring and regional cooperation. Food Security Under Strain: A new outlook on West Africa food insecurity warns hunger is worsening amid climate shocks, with resilience-focused programs shifting from emergency relief to longer-term support. Climate Risk Watch: July 2026 tied as the hottest July on record, reinforcing the urgency for climate resilience planning across vulnerable economies.

Regional Fuel Market: PENGASSAN is pushing for a freer, single West African fuel market so Dangote Refinery products can move across borders with fewer taxes and duties—citing energy security gains for Nigeria and neighbours like Togo. Pharma & Local Industry: Togolese firm Do Pharma, led by Frédéric DOVI-AKUE, is expanding local manufacturing of intravenous solutions in Avéta to cut import dependence and strengthen regional supply. Refined-Fuel Benchmark Build-Out: West Africa’s refined petroleum benchmark push is shifting from plans to execution, with regulators calling for pipelines, storage, ports, harmonised standards and better market data so traders can actually use new pricing references. Agribusiness Support: Togo’s Pro-SADI is reported to have backed about 12,600 small producers since 2024, improving access to fertiliser, certified seeds, pumps and wells for rice, corn and vegetables in Kara and Savanes. Shipping & Trade Links: MSC’s weekly feeder service is set to route cargo via Lomé to Nigeria’s Lekki Port, aiming to make shipping schedules more predictable and boost regional trade flows. AI for Operations: XiFin and Notable Systems announced a multi-year agentic AI alliance to automate healthcare revenue cycle work, reflecting growing tech investment across Africa-linked business ecosystems.

Agribusiness & Food Security: Togo’s Pro-SADI project has supported about 12,600 small producers in Kara and Savanes since 2024, boosting access to fertilizer, certified seeds, motor pumps and wells for rice, corn and vegetables, with results reviewed in Dapaong as the EU-backed initiative winds down. Shipping & Trade Connectivity: MSC’s weekly feeder service is set to link Lomé to Nigeria’s Lekki Port, positioning Lomé as a regional gateway for faster, more predictable cargo flows. Maritime Security: A Liberian-linked “ghost ship” saga continues to raise alarm after the IB Atlantic IV was seized in Ivory Coast, with questions over cargo and calls for stronger maritime monitoring across the region. Mining & Infrastructure Finance: Mali is considering borrowing up to $880m by leveraging mining-linked revenues funneled through its Energy, Water and Transport Infrastructure Development Fund, aimed at accelerating national infrastructure delivery. Climate & Agriculture Risk: Ukraine has cut its grain export forecast by 12% as war-linked port failures and shipping disruptions push down domestic prices, underlining how global food supply chains remain fragile. AI & Industry: XiFin and Notable Systems announced a multi-year AI alliance to expand agentic automation for healthcare revenue cycle management, signaling continued investment in operational AI.

Agribusiness & Food Security: Togo’s Pro-SADI project has expanded farm input access for 12,600 small producers in Kara and Savanes since 2024, including 11,300 rice and corn farmers and 1,300 vegetable growers, with fertilizer, certified seeds, pumps and wells supported through EU backing and FAO-linked review workshops. Water & Investment Pipelines: Four countries, including Togo, launched “Water Compacts” at the African Water Forum, signaling a shift toward nationally owned water investment plans meant to attract public and private finance. Shipping & Regional Trade: Lekki Port is set to start MSC’s weekly feeder service linking Lekki with Lomé, boosting transshipment options for Nigerian exporters and importers via Togo. Maritime Security: Liberia’s IB Atlantic IV saga continues after the Comoros-flagged vessel was arrested in Ivory Coast, raising questions about regional cooperation and maritime monitoring capacity. Mining-to-Infrastructure Finance: Mali is considering borrowing up to $880m by leveraging mining revenue through its Energy, Water and Transport Infrastructure Development Fund. Energy Resilience: Malawi commissioned a grid-scale lithium battery system to stabilize solar power after past hydropower losses, a model for climate-exposed grids. Climate Pressure: July 2026 tied July 2024 as Earth’s hottest month on record, underscoring rising weather stress across the region.