AGP Executive Report

UN Cartography Push: Togo-led “Correct the Map” resolution won a 164–1 vote at the UN General Assembly, urging governments, schools and tech firms to use equal-area projections like Equal Earth so Africa is shown at its true relative size; the measure is non-binding and does not replace Mercator for navigation or redraw borders, but it could reshape textbooks and digital maps. Diplomatic Fallout: India backed the resolution while stressing any UN map must depict Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh according to India’s official position; Pakistan later rejected India’s stance, and Ukraine abstained over how Crimea is shaded. Togo’s Domestic Angle: Togo’s foreign ministry framed the vote as representational justice, while ITUC-Africa and GIGS praised Togo’s leadership and warned that distorted maps influence education and perceptions. Economy Watch: Togo’s coffee and cocoa exports fell sharply in 2025–2026 despite higher production, with officials citing unregistered operators, smuggling and new European requirements. Regional Politics: PM Mia Amor Mottley called for stronger CARICOM–Africa ties, highlighting progress on travel, trade and education links. Sports: CAF Champions League first-leg results were published, with multiple African clubs securing wins or draws ahead of second legs.

UN Cartography Diplomacy: The UN General Assembly adopted Togo-led “Correct the Map” resolution, backing wider use of equal-area projections like Equal Earth to better reflect Africa’s true size; the vote was 164 in favour to 1 against (the US), with six abstentions, and Moldova said its abstention was solidarity with Ukraine over Crimea’s depiction. Foreign Policy Clarifications: India backed the UN move but warned that any UN map must depict Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh according to India’s official position, stressing the resolution doesn’t endorse boundary claims. Regional Security Watch: Nigeria’s NDLEA warned that Mexican-linked criminal networks are trying to set up industrial meth labs in forests across Ogun and Oyo, with arrests reported. Energy Market Signal: A report says locally refined petrol is holding a price edge over imports in Nigeria, potentially shifting demand away from imported fuel. Women’s Finance Push: AXIAN and the AfDB launched a programme to deliver digital financial services to 34,000 women-led businesses across five African countries, including Togo.

UN “Correct the Map” Push: The UN General Assembly backed Togo-led, African Union-supported efforts to move away from the Mercator projection and encourage use of the Equal Earth equal-area map, with 164 countries voting in favour, six abstentions, and the US casting the lone “no” vote. The resolution is not legally binding, but it signals a shift for schools, government materials, international organisations and digital platforms, arguing Mercator has long visually shrunk Africa and inflated regions near the poles. Diplomatic Friction: Ukraine abstained, saying the map’s shading of Crimea separates it from Ukraine, while India backed the resolution but insisted any UN map must depict Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh according to India’s official position. France Follows Suit: France reportedly updated its official diplomatic maps, dropping Mercator for an equal-area projection after the UN vote. Green Card Lottery Update: Separately, the US released DV-2026 Diversity Visa figures, with about 129,516 prospective applicants registered and West Africa featuring prominently.

UN Map Reform (Togo-led): The UN General Assembly adopted Togo-sponsored “Correct the Map,” backing the 2018 Equal Earth projection over the Mercator chart. The vote was 164 in favour, 1 against (the United States), and 6 abstentions, with the resolution urging governments and schools to use equal-area maps to better reflect Africa’s true relative size; it’s non-binding and does not ban Mercator for navigation. Education & Policy Follow-through: Togo says it will be the first country to update its school geography books to encourage wider adoption of Equal Earth after the UN vote. AU Reaction: The African Union hailed the move as a step toward fairer representation and credited Togo’s leadership and Faure Gnassingbé’s mobilisation. US Pushback: Washington called the effort an “ideological agenda” and said it distracts from “genuine problems,” framing it as part of a broader “cognitive justice” debate.

UN Diplomacy: The UN General Assembly adopted Togo-led “Correct the Map” resolution on Sept. 4, backing wider use of the Equal Earth projection to show Africa’s true relative size; the vote was 164-1 with the United States the only no, and six abstentions (Serbia, Estonia, Georgia, Lithuania, Moldova, Ukraine). Cartography & Policy: The non-binding text does not ban Mercator, but urges governments, schools, international bodies and tech platforms to use equal-area maps where scale matters, arguing Mercator’s 1569 design has long “symbolically minimised” Africa. Regional Backing: The African Union welcomed the decision, crediting Togo and AU unity for mobilizing support, while Togo’s FM Robert Dussey said maps shape education and perceptions. Togo in the Spotlight: The resolution’s push is framed as “cognitive justice” and “memorial reparation,” with Washington criticizing it as ideological.

UN Map Reform: The UN General Assembly backed Togo-led “Correct the Map” resolution, urging wider use of the Equal Earth projection that shows Africa at truer scale and shrinks North America and Europe on standard world maps; Vote Details: 164 countries supported, the US voted against, and six abstained—while the move is non-binding and does not ban Mercator for navigation; Togo’s Role: Foreign Minister Robert Dussey framed the issue as “cognitive justice,” saying maps shape education and perceptions, and Togo plans to update classroom materials; AU Reaction: The African Union hailed the vote as a historic step toward more faithful representation across education, media, and digital platforms.

Household Living Conditions Survey: INSEED will run the EHCVM-3 wave nationwide from Sept. 7 to Dec. 2026, with WAEMU and the World Bank, to update poverty and access-to-services indicators. Fuel Marking Crackdown: From Oct. 1, Togo will expand inspections under its Automated Marking System to curb fuel fraud and protect tax revenue, using mobile lab testing and penalties up to CFAF 10 million. Quality Boost for SMEs: HAUQE’s Q-Boost program is pushing ISO 9001-style quality management for micro, small and medium enterprises, aiming to improve certification and market access. PPP Club for Investment: Togo launched a Public-Private Partnership Club in Lomé to help structure and finance PPP projects, bringing together ministries, local authorities, banks, investors and legal/technical partners. Cybersecurity Talent Drive: ANCy opened applications (until Oct. 30) to build a roster of Togolese digital security experts for audits, incident response and training. Shea Export Starts: Togo Soja shipped its first processed shea butter export of the 2026 season, as the government continues shifting value-add processing before export. Correct the Map Push: Togo is backing an AU-supported UN vote to promote “Equal Earth” maps over Mercator, arguing Africa’s true scale has been distorted for centuries.

UN Diplomacy: Togo’s foreign minister Robert Dussey says the UN General Assembly will vote Friday on a resolution to phase out the Mercator world map in favor of more accurate equal-area maps that better reflect Africa’s size, with Togo backing and African Union support. Cybersecurity & Governance: Togo’s National Cybersecurity Agency (ANCy) has opened an expression-of-interest drive to build a roster of Togolese digital security experts for audits, testing, incident response and training, tied to the 2024-2028 national cybersecurity strategy. Regional Health Leadership: Togolese public health expert Prof. Palokinam Pitche has assumed office as Director-General of WAHO, bringing over 25 years of experience including leading Togo’s national AIDS response. Economic Development: Togo Soja has shipped its first 2026 export batch of processed shea butter from the Adétikopé Industrial Platform, as Togo pushes value-add processing and uses export taxes to discourage raw commodity exports. International Cooperation: Belarus says it is ready to support Togo’s 2026-2031 roadmap, focusing on agro-industry, mechanization, mining and banking partnerships. Justice & Accountability: A French financial investigation is reportedly scrutinizing assets linked to President Faure Gnassingbé’s circle in France, as prosecutors intensify checks on foreign dignitaries’ property. Public Sector Oversight: Togo also faces broader governance scrutiny as an audit report flags major financial irregularities and control lapses across government agencies.

WAHO Leadership Change: Togolese public health expert Prof. Palokinam Pitche has officially assumed office as Director-General of the West African Health Organization (WAHO), starting Sept. 1, bringing over 25 years of experience including leadership roles in Togo’s national HIV and AIDS response. SCO+ Diplomacy: In Bishkek, President Faure Gnassingbé used the SCO+ platform to push for reforms to the international order—more equitable UN representation and better financing for developing countries—while warning multipolarity could also fuel rivalry. Togo-Eurasia Ties: Belarus says it is ready to support Togo’s 2026-2031 roadmap, with cooperation flagged in food security, agro-industry, mechanization, mining, and banking. Public Finance Watch: Togo is again tapping retail investors via a CFAF 40 billion bond offering (2026-2031 and 2026-2033 tranches) to fund 2026 public investment. Governance & Accountability: A separate regional spotlight notes judicial scrutiny in France over assets linked to the Gnassingbé family, as prosecutors intensify checks on foreign-linked property. Health Policy Capacity: An ECA workshop in four countries including Togo trains health and statistics officials to frame health spending as an investment using country-owned economic accounting tools.

Togo’s Public Finance Push: Togo is tapping retail investors with a CFAF 40 billion bond offering (two tranches, 5- and 7-year) to fund 2026 public investment, as demand for government debt stays strong. Reform Tracking: The government reports a 68.4% reform implementation rate by end-June 2026, with budget execution at 63.3%, and highlights progress across decentralization, digital development, business support, and environmental protection. Anti-Corruption Education: HAPLUCIA is moving anti-corruption teaching into higher education, with nine manuals being validated in Kpalimé and new bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral-level units planned. International Diplomacy: Faure Gnassingbé used the SCO+ summit in Bishkek to call for a more equitable world order—stronger UN reform, better financing for developing countries, and a multipolar approach that avoids new rivalries. Health Leadership: Professor Palokinam T. Pitche formally assumed office as WAHO Director-General, bringing long experience from Togo’s national AIDS response and regional health work. Marine Policy Controversy: Togo cosponsored a proposal at the International Whaling Commission to review commercial whaling quotas, drawing criticism from conservation groups. Regional Food Tech Link: A Chad delegation visited Lomé to study Togo’s digital agriculture tools (weather and agrometeorological platforms) for improving resilience and planning. Detention Case Update: French filmmakers and a local fixer were freed after weeks in Togo detention, with authorities citing “serious evidence” tied to alleged false statements and drone use.

Guinea-Bissau Constitutional Vote: Voters approved a new constitution giving the president stronger powers and shrinking parliament to 65 seats, with the “yes” camp reported at 70% and turnout above 50%, but the opposition says the referendum is illegitimate after the November 2025 coup. Togo Finance & Governance: Togo is back in the CFA bond market, launching a CFAF 40bn retail-access offering, while a mid-2026 review puts reform implementation at 68.4% and highlights progress across decentralization, digital development, business support and anti-corruption education. Anti-Corruption Education: HAPLUCIA is validating nine anti-corruption teaching manuals to roll citizenship and ethics modules into university curricula from the next academic year. Health Leadership: Professor Palokinam Pitche formally assumed office as WAHO Director-General, bringing prior experience from Togo’s national AIDS response. International Policy Push: Togo used the SCO+ summit to call for a more equitable world order and stronger Global South financing, and it cosponsored a proposal to review commercial whaling quotas, drawing criticism from conservation groups. Regional Cooperation: A Chad delegation visited Lomé to study Togo’s digital agriculture tools, including SIHAM and e-Agri conseil, for climate-smart farming.

ILO Leadership Race: Togo’s Gilbert Houngbo is seeking a second term as ILO Director-General, facing Spain’s Yolanda Díaz and Peru’s Javier González-Olaechea in a November 16 election. International Diplomacy (SCO+): In Bishkek, Togo’s Prime Minister Victoire Tomegah Dogbé is among leaders at the SCO+ meeting, while Xi Jinping used the SCO platform to argue for a more “equal and orderly multipolar world.” Whaling Policy: Togo is cosponsoring a proposal to review commercial whaling quotas at the International Whaling Commission, drawing criticism from whale conservation groups. Regional Health Governance: Professor Palokinam T. Pitche formally assumed office as DG of WAHO, the ECOWAS health agency, with a career spanning Togo’s AIDS programmes and regional health systems work. Local Government Cooperation: Lacs 1 (Togo) and Cachoeira (Brazil) signed a sister-city deal focused on culture, tourism, education, youth and women’s empowerment. Public Finance & Business Climate: A Togo-focused report highlights how unpaid public-contract invoices are tightening bank credit for SMEs and contractors, slowing infrastructure delivery. Security/Drugs (Regional): NDLEA says it arrested 3,705 suspects and seized about 54 tonnes of illicit drugs over 52 days.

ECOWAS Peace Knowledge Push: ECOWAS launched strategic publications in Abuja to capture lessons from decades of peace support, mediation and conflict prevention, aiming to strengthen institutional memory and guide more effective regional security responses. Togo–Eurasia Diplomacy: President Faure Gnassingbé used the SCO summit in Bishkek to thank Kyrgyzstan and highlight productive bilateral talks, while Togo’s Prime Minister Victoire Tomegah Dogbé joined SCO+ meetings. SCO+ Summit in Bishkek: The SCO Council and expanded SCO+ format opened with major leaders in attendance, underscoring Togo’s growing multilateral outreach. Public Finance Governance: Togo launched the National Accounting Council (CNC-Togo) to improve financial reporting reliability and align accounting practices with international standards. Banking Credit Crunch: A new report highlights how unpaid public invoices are tightening bank lending for SMEs and contractors, slowing infrastructure delivery. Health Spending as Investment: A UN ECA/ACS workshop in Togo and three neighbors trains officials to build health-focused social accounting matrices to better show the economic returns of health spending. Corruption Case Moves: Vincent Bolloré filed a complaint in Parisian courts, counterattacking in a Togo-linked corruption matter. Education Support in Lomé: Russian-Togolese Alternative distributed school kits to 100 low-income families in Golfe 2 ahead of the school year.

Togo’s Diplomatic Push in Eurasia: President Faure Gnassingbé used the SCO summit in Bishkek to thank Kyrgyz leadership and signal Togo’s push to broaden ties across peace, security and multilateralism. Regional Security Jitters: Coverage links Niger’s mutiny shock to wider coup risks across the Niamey–Lomé–Ouagadougou axis, raising pressure on military regimes. Financial Governance Upgrade: Togo launched the National Accounting Council (CNC-Togo) to strengthen reliable, comparable financial reporting and boost transparency across public and private sectors. Cross-Border Trade Friction: A women-focused trade group urged Ghana and Togo to make ECOWAS free movement real at the border, saying traders still face restrictions in practice. Sports Diplomacy Watch: Ghana lawmakers warn CAF could lose patience over the deteriorating Accra Sports Stadium—an issue that could affect regional hosting dynamics with Togo. UN Labour Leadership Race: Peru seeks to lead the ILO amid funding shortfalls, challenging Togo’s Gilbert Houngbo for a second term.

UN Labour Leadership Race: Peru has nominated former foreign minister Javier Gonzalez-Olaechea to challenge Togo’s Gilbert Houngbo for a second term as the ILO faces funding shortfalls that could force job cuts. Diplomatic/Consular Updates: The US Embassy in Abuja says it will keep processing diplomatic and official visas (A/G/C), even as routine visa services moved to Lagos earlier this month. Regional Trade & Borders: Niger is increasingly routing trade through Nigerian ports after a Benin border dispute disrupted routes, while insecurity along corridors via Burkina Faso and Togo adds pressure. ECOWAS Free Movement at the Border: A women’s trade group in Aflao urges Ghana, Togo and ECOWAS to make free movement real at the Ghana–Togo border, where traders still face restrictions. Healthcare Accountability in Lomé: WAHO launched Health Service User Support Centres in Benin, The Gambia and Togo to let patients raise complaints and get mediation, not just file grievances. Togo in International Spotlight: Togo’s Prime Minister Faure Gnassingbé arrived in Kyrgyzstan for the SCO Plus summit and the World Nomad Games.

Road & Agriculture: Tarmacked roads in Kenya’s Mwea rice belt are cutting transport costs and post-harvest losses, easing farmers’ access to markets and services. Energy Finance (Regional): Nigeria’s NERC says Togo, Benin and Niger still owe about $11.16m for 2025 electricity supply, with cross-border remittance at 84.90%. Sahel Security Debate: The African Union is pushing reforms to its peace architecture, stressing early warning and sustainable financing as instability hotspots spread across the Sahel and beyond. ECOWAS Peacekeeping Record: ECOWAS unveiled new books documenting ECOMOG and other peace interventions, aiming to distill lessons for future conflict response. Health Governance (Togo): WAHO launched Health Service User Support Centres in Lomé to give patients a structured, dignified way to raise concerns and support system improvements. Sports & Media: DAZN secured LaLiga broadcast rights across Sub-Saharan Africa, while Togo’s PM Faure Gnassingbé is listed among leaders attending the SCO summit in Bishkek.