AGP Executive Report

AfCFTA Push in Lomé: Nigeria’s trade minister Jumoke Oduwole urged entrepreneurs to move from “paper” to action, announcing an AfCFTA Startup Acceleration Programme 2026 for 30 startups to scale beyond Africa. Togo Opens Doors: Togo’s visa reform now lets all African passport holders enter visa-free for up to 30 days (with a travel declaration), adding momentum to the free-movement agenda. Maritime Race to Stop Cargo Loss: Nigeria approved certification processes for five deep-sea port projects to cut the country’s reported 70% cargo leakage to neighbours. ECOWAS Border Security: Nigeria and ECOWAS are pressing unified cross-border action against terrorism and border crimes, while journalists across West Africa were trained to counter misinformation on migration. Regional Trade Rules: AfCFTA talks also spotlighted the need for harmonised competition protocols to curb cartels and monopolies. Togo Health Systems: A Lomé-linked nutrition initiative is testing an integrated approach—nutrition, vaccination, early stimulation and civil registration under local municipalities.

Petroleum & Energy Diplomacy: Liberia’s LPRC wrapped a four-day high-level visit to Togo (May 17–20), meeting LPG players like Zeiner Corporation and Sanon SANOU as both sides explore downstream cooperation and possible LPG facility investment. AfCFTA Implementation Push: At Biashara Afrika 2026 in Lomé, trade officials urged harmonised competition rules across borders, warning that cartels and uneven enforcement could derail AfCFTA gains—while the AfCFTA Secretariat named Rendeavour as its first implementation partner to drive industrial zones and trade-enabling infrastructure. Regional Security & Borders: ECOWAS cross-border cooperation is intensifying, with Nigeria reaffirming its role in tackling terrorism and trans-border crime and pushing a border alliance approach. Togo’s Social Delivery: Togo is testing an integrated child nutrition and early development model that bundles nutrition, vaccination, early stimulation and birth registration under one local system. Visa-Free Movement: Togo’s visa-free entry for all African passport holders (up to 30 days, with a pre-arrival declaration) is now in effect, aiming to boost tourism and business mobility.

Visa Openness: Togo has moved fast to remove visa requirements for all African passport holders, effective 18 May, allowing visa-free entry for up to 30 days (with a pre-arrival travel declaration still required). The decision follows a public embarrassment at Biashara Afrika 2026 where Nigerian businessmen were blocked at the airport—prompting President Faure Gnassingbé to demand a fix within 48 hours. AfCFTA Push: At the same Lomé forum, Togo’s finance minister said integration is now a “strategic necessity,” while AfCFTA officials warned that global protectionism makes faster implementation urgent. Trade-to-Action: Nigeria urged ECOWAS border cooperation against terror and cross-border crime, and Ghana is advancing a coastal water transport plan to cut road congestion and boost maritime trade. Energy & Connectivity: Power maintenance is set to cause outages in Ghana’s regions, while leaders in Kigali backed nuclear energy as part of Africa’s long-term energy mix. Sports Diplomacy: TOLAC 2026 ended with a MoU linking Gambia and Spain’s Canary Islands wrestling federations.

Border Openness: Togo has just made travel easier for Africans—visa requirements for all African passport holders are now removed for short stays of up to 30 days, with travellers still required to submit a pre-arrival travel declaration. AfCFTA Push: Nigeria’s government is urging startups and digital firms to lead continental expansion as AfCFTA shifts from talks to implementation, while AfCFTA officials warn that global protectionism makes faster integration urgent. Trade & Connectivity: Aviation regulators say AfCFTA can’t fully work without fewer air transport barriers, and Togo is also training cross-border traders under PRIMA-Togo to cut customs and sanitary hurdles. Energy Watch: Planned power maintenance by GRIDCo and ECG is set to trigger outages across several Ghana regions. Health & Water: XiFin has joined a pharmacy care policy coalition, and China-aided boreholes are improving clean water access in Togo’s central Plateaux. Business Governance: Bougainville Copper has appointed a permanent CEO after its prior chief’s death, aiming for stability as it looks to restart Panguna.

Power Disruptions: GRIDCo and ECG warn of planned and emergency maintenance causing temporary outages across Greater Accra, Central, Volta and Tema, with work starting Wednesday May 20. Open Borders for Business: Togo has removed visa requirements for African passport holders for stays up to 30 days, effective May 18, while still requiring a pre-arrival travel declaration and compliance with security and health checks. AfCFTA Connectivity Push: AFCAC’s head says trade deals won’t work without easier movement, spotlighting air connectivity as the missing link for AfCFTA. Cross-Border Trade Training: PRIMA-Togo begins a new training phase with Benin to cut customs and sanitary barriers along key agricultural corridors. Health & Wellness Spotlight: CETEF schedules HUMANIS 2026 in Lomé (June 23–27) with free consultations, blood donation and industry networking. Energy Strategy: Rwanda hosts nuclear cooperation talks as Samia Suluhu Hassan calls for reliable energy systems for industrial growth.

Open Borders Push: Togo has removed visa requirements for all African nationals with valid passports, effective 18 May, allowing visa-free entry for up to 30 days—while still requiring a pre-arrival travel declaration and compliance with immigration, security and public health checks. AfCFTA Momentum: At Lomé’s Biashara Afrika 2026, AfCFTA leaders and partners urged faster rollout, warning that global protectionism makes intra-African trade urgent; projections cited nearly US$276bn in extra trade by 2045. Industrialization Debate: Rob Davies says AfCFTA must shift from boosting trade volumes to driving coordinated industrial development, not just benefiting a few exporters. Energy for Growth: Samia Suluhu Hassan called for reliable power systems to unlock industrial and digital expansion. Project Delivery Watch: Abu Dhabi Fund for Development reported progress on road projects, including 92% completion on Togo’s Sokodé–Bassar stretch. Security Spotlight: Nigeria police rescued 30 foreign nationals and arrested 13 in a human trafficking syndicate case.

Open Borders Push: Togo has just abolished entry visas for all African nationals with valid passports, effective May 18, for short stays of up to 30 days—visitors still must complete a pre-arrival travel declaration and meet security, immigration and public health checks. AfCFTA Momentum in Lomé: The move was announced as Lomé hosts Biashara Afrika 2026, where President Faure Gnassingbé and AfCFTA officials urged faster removal of trade barriers and said intra-African trade hit a record $220bn in 2024. Industrialization Talk: Economist Kako Nubukpo backed Togo’s Adétikopé Industrial Platform, framing it as a long-term industrial strategy. Security & Crime: Nigeria’s police say they rescued 30 foreign nationals and arrested 13 suspects after dismantling a trafficking syndicate in the Abuja–Nasarawa axis. Digital Payments Workshop: A Lomé workshop is also tackling how to modernize and digitize social benefit payments across West and Central Africa.

Digital Welfare Push in Lomé: A four-day regional workshop opened in Lomé on digitalizing social benefit payments, with the World Bank and Togo’s government bringing together officials from 10 West and Central African countries to discuss interoperable systems and wider financial inclusion, building on Togo’s Novissi mobile cash transfers. Border Security & Integration: Nigeria’s National Boundary Commission called for clearer border demarcation across West Africa during a cross-border cooperation programme along the Nigeria–Benin and Benin–Togo borders, linking boundary clarity to peace and safer trade. Human Trafficking Crackdown (Nigeria): Nigerian police rescued 30 Malian nationals and 30 foreign nationals in total from a trafficking and fraudulent exploitation syndicate in Nasarawa’s Mararaba and Karu, arresting 13 suspects after victims were lured with false promises of Europe jobs and forced to pay fees before exploitation. AfCFTA Momentum in Togo: At Biashara Afrika 2026 in Lomé, leaders stressed that AfCFTA must deliver real opportunities for youth, women and SMEs, as intra-African trade hits new highs. Information War Exposed: Leaked documents allege a foreign disinformation network operating across 34 African countries, aiming to reshape political narratives through engineered “solidarity.”

Human Trafficking Crackdown: Nigeria’s police say they dismantled a transnational trafficking and fraud syndicate in Abuja and nearby areas, rescuing 30 foreign nationals and arresting 13 suspects, including alleged leader Abdul Ngaki, after victims were lured with promises of Europe migration and jobs, then held in exploitative conditions in Mararaba and Karu. Counterterrorism Push: In a separate development, US and Nigerian forces carried out coordinated strikes in Borno and Sokoto, killing more than 20 ISIS militants and targeting senior commanders. AfCFTA Momentum in Lomé: Togo hosted Biashara Afrika 2026, with AfCFTA officials citing a record $220bn intra-African trade in 2024 and urging faster integration as protectionism rises. Finance & Green Growth: Ecobank Transnational priced a $450m nature-linked sustainable agriculture bond after strong demand. Togo Business Pulse: Togo recorded 5,710 new company registrations in early 2026, a small rise that still points to deeper shifts in who is forming firms.

Sahel Security Shock: Mali is reeling after a major, coordinated terrorist offensive—led by Al Qaeda’s Sahel affiliate JNIM—has reportedly taken control of key towns and helped trigger fresh fighting, including the reported retaking of Kidal, while IS-Sahel also moved to seize positions. AfCFTA Reality Check: As AfCFTA trade ambitions meet border friction, Biashara Afrika 2026 opens in Lomé (May 18–20) with 1,500+ participants focused on why intra-African trade still sits below 20% of total trade. Ecobank Ghana Calms Customers: Ecobank Ghana reassured clients after a Supreme Court ruling confirming Daniel Ofori’s entitlement to 30% monthly compounded interest from 2008, ending an 18-year dispute. Togo Growth Signals: Togo’s fibre QoE leader is YAS Togo, beating Canalbox in fixed broadband experience rankings, while the country also approved its first national air quality standards. Fertiliser and Shipping Pressure: Iran-linked Hormuz disruption is still reshaping routes and raising costs—fuel and fertiliser shocks that could hit food systems across Africa.

AfCFTA Pressure Test in Lomé: Biashara Afrika 2026 opens in Togo’s capital Monday (May 18–20), with AfCFTA leaders and 1,500+ participants set to confront the gap between trade promises and border realities—especially as intra-Africa trade still sits below 20% of the continent’s total. Banking Shockwave in Ghana: Ecobank Ghana moved to reassure customers after Ghana’s Supreme Court ended an 18-year dispute, confirming Daniel Ofori’s right to 30% monthly compounded interest from 2008—an outcome analysts say could shape future banking claims. Togo’s Regulatory Push: Togo approved its first national air quality standards and is continuing consultations for a 2026–2031 roadmap, while telecom QoE rankings show YAS Togo overtaking Canalbox on fixed fibre experience. Trade Disruption Ripple: With Hormuz tensions reshaping shipping, maritime firms are expanding along West Africa’s coast, including new fuel-supply moves that could affect regional logistics costs. Health Milestone: Ghana commissioned the Sweden-Ghana Medical Centre’s nuclear medicine PET-CT and cyclotron facility, positioning it as a first in West Africa.

Banking Watch: Ecobank Ghana PLC has reassured customers after a court ruling, saying its financial position is “strong and resilient” and that services are continuing normally, without detailing the case. Maritime & Energy: With the Strait of Hormuz disruption still reshaping trade, shipping firms are rerouting around Africa—pushing demand for marine fuel and repairs along West Africa, including new bunkering expansion into Mauritania and offshore services in Lomé. Togo Business & Regulation: Togo has approved its first national air quality standards, while telecom QoE rankings show YAS Togo overtaking Canalbox in fixed fibre experience. Healthcare Milestone (Ghana): Sweden-Ghana Medical Centre commissioned a nuclear medicine PET-CT facility, positioning Ghana for earlier and more precise cancer diagnosis. Security & Trade Routes: Regional instability is also feeding new risks at sea, with reports of Somali piracy demands tied to tanker hijackings.

Maritime Shock to West Africa: With tensions around the Strait of Hormuz reshaping global shipping, major maritime firms are rerouting around the Cape of Good Hope—pushing demand for refuelling, repairs and logistics along West Africa. Security & Counterterror: The US and Nigeria say they killed a senior ISIS commander in a Sokoto strike, underscoring a sharper push against terror networks in the region. Human Trafficking Crackdown: Nigeria’s police arrested 13 suspects and rescued 30 Malians in a transnational trafficking and fraud operation. Togo Digital & Health Moves: Lomé is preparing a unified digital platform for universal health insurance reimbursements, while Ghana’s SGMC in the region commissioned a PET-CT nuclear medicine facility—signalling a wider push for advanced diagnostics. Telecom Competition in Togo: YAS Togo overtook Canalbox in fixed fibre QoE rankings, led by stronger download/upload performance. Regional Nutrition Focus: A Lomé conference adopted a joint action framework to tackle child nutrition and early childhood development across West and Central Africa.

Human Trafficking Crackdown: Nigeria’s police say they arrested 13 suspects and rescued 30 Malians in a transnational trafficking and ransom-fraud ring, following a 17-day intelligence operation after a petition from Malian citizens. Maritime Disruption: In the US Virgin Islands, a docking restriction tied to a Togo-flagged vessel has raised fresh cargo disruption concerns for routes serving the region. Healthcare Upgrade (Ghana): President Mahama commissioned a Sweden-Ghana Medical Centre Nuclear Medicine facility with a PET-CT scanner—while also ending blanket tax exemptions for imported medical equipment, moving to case-by-case approvals. Connectivity Push: A new high-capacity Atlantic subsea cable plan, “Via Africa,” is set to improve Europe–Africa resilience and bandwidth diversity. Togo Policy & Regulation: Togo approved its first national air quality standards and is preparing a unified digital platform for universal health insurance management.

SRHR Push in Policy: Dr Eunice Brookman-Amissah urged Togo and partners to prioritise sexual and reproductive health and rights in national health systems, using evidence-based standards and stronger primary care staffing. Nutrition Momentum: Lomé hosted a regional child nutrition conference that ended with the Lomé Declaration and a joint action framework for the next three years. Fibre Internet Race: YAS Togo overtook Canalbox in 2025 fixed-fibre QoE rankings, leading on speeds and streaming success (though Canalbox still edges on latency). Clean Air Standards: Togo approved its first national air quality standards, covering major pollutants as urban pollution pressures rise. Financial Inclusion Accountability: Government is pushing to make the OQSF-TG financial services quality watchdog fully operational to turn inclusion gains into real service quality. AfCFTA Media Link-Up: AfCFTA invited Ghana’s Prosper Agbenyega to Biashara Afrika 2026 in Lomé, with a media workshop set for May 17. Digital Health Build: Togo is preparing a unified digital platform for universal health insurance reimbursements under AMU. Maritime Security Watch: Regional consultations continue as piracy and shipping disruptions remain a live risk across the Gulf of Aden and beyond.

Coffee Value Chain Push: Eight African countries met in Marrakech to launch a joint initiative aimed at boosting African control of coffee processing, exports, and market access, including cooperation deals and a major pledge for Africa’s largest coffee research centre. Maritime Security Shock: Somali pirates are back in force, holding the Togo-flagged MT Eureka and demanding $10m ransom, as Gulf disruptions linked to the Hormuz situation keep shipping risk high. Ghana Police Crackdown: Ghana’s CID and police units reported major wins, including the arrest of 50 suspects in an intelligence-led Madina Market drug operation and breakthroughs against child exploitation and online predation. Togo Digital Health Move: Togo is preparing a unified digital platform to manage universal health insurance reimbursements, using a federated approach to connect hospitals, pharmacies, labs, and insurers. France Backlash at Summit: Macron faced criticism after interrupting an Africa Forward Summit panel to demand silence, reigniting debate over France’s “partnership” claims. ECOWAS Security Planning: ECOWAS is moving toward a regional counterterror force, with financing and troop structure still a key focus.