AGP Executive Report

UN Map Update: Togo-backed “Correct the Map” resolution passed at the UN General Assembly, pushing schools and institutions to move from the Mercator projection to Equal Earth—aimed at showing Africa’s true size more fairly (the US voted no). Diplomacy & Travel Links: PM Mia Amor Mottley urged stronger CARICOM–Africa ties, calling for easier travel, trade, education and opportunities between the regions. Made in Togo Fair (Aného): The Made in Togo Fair landed in Aného for its second stop, running Sept 2–6, spotlighting local products and boosting business connections alongside Epé-Ekpé festivities. Sports & Tourism Buzz: Zambia’s AFCON 2027 qualifiers are ramping up, with Togo set to host Zambia at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium on Sept 29—tickets already on sale. Culture on Screen: French TV filmmakers freed after weeks in Togo detention were linked to a Kara-region episode of “Les Routes de l’impossible,” highlighting local lives for global audiences. Community & Environment: Paddle for Hope continues around Viti Levu with anti–single-use plastic messages and recycling education.

UN Map Update for Africa: Togo helped secure a UN General Assembly vote to move away from the Mercator world map toward the Equal Earth projection, aiming to show Africa’s true size more fairly; the resolution passed 164–1 with the U.S. the only “no,” and encourages schools, publishers and tech firms to update their maps. Togo Tourism & Trade: The regional Made in Togo Fair is in Aného for its second stop (Sept 2–6), linking local producers with buyers and spotlighting the city’s cultural and tourism appeal alongside Epé-Ekpé festivities. Togo Diplomacy for Investment: On the sidelines of the SCO+ Summit in Bishkek, Togo pushed new bilateral talks with Vietnam, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan and Cambodia, with tourism and air connectivity flagged for closer cooperation. Film Crew Freed in Togo: French filmmakers Gaël Mocaër and Fred Vedomey were released on provisional freedom after detention in Togo; they had been arrested while filming “Les Routes de l’impossible,” with charges tied to “false statements.” Regional Sports: CAF Champions League prelims kick off this weekend (Sept 4–6), while WAFU B U-17 Girls Cup camping begins for Ghana’s Black Maidens ahead of a tournament in Burkina Faso where Togo is in their group. Security Watch: NDLEA warns that Mexican-linked cartels are trying to set up industrial meth labs in Nigeria’s forests, including operations reported in Ogun and Oyo.

UN Map Overhaul: The UN General Assembly has backed Togo’s “Correct the Map” push, voting 164–1 to move away from the Mercator projection and promote Equal Earth, which shows Africa in more accurate proportions; the US cast the only no vote, and the change is non-binding but could ripple into school materials, media, and digital maps worldwide. Diplomacy & Trade: On the sidelines of the SCO+ summit in Bishkek, Togo stepped up outreach with Vietnam, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan and Cambodia, aiming to deepen cooperation in agriculture, investment, education, digital economy, health and tourism. Togo in the Spotlight Abroad: French filmmakers Gaël Mocaër, Sebastian Perez Pezzani and Fred Vedomey—detained in Togo while filming “Les Routes de l’impossible”—were released under judicial supervision, with Togo citing “serious evidence” tied to “false statements.” Local Business & Tourism: The Made in Togo Fair rolled into Aného for its second stop, running Sept 2–6, linking local producers with buyers and spotlighting the city’s cultural and tourism appeal alongside Epé-Ekpé festivities. Sports (Regional): CAF Champions League qualifiers kick off this weekend, while WAFU B U-17 Girls Cup camping begins for Ghana’s Black Maidens ahead of a tournament in Burkina Faso where Togo is in their group.

Ocean & Plastics Push: Paddle for Hope keeps rolling around Fiji’s Viti Levu, stopping in villages like Togoru, Navua, Galoa and Navutulevu to urge communities to cut single-use plastics and improve recycling and waste management. UN Cartography & Representation: Togo-backed “Correct the Map” resolution passed at the UN General Assembly, moving away from the Mercator projection toward Equal Earth to better reflect Africa’s true size; the US cast the only no vote. Togo in the Spotlight (Media): French filmmakers Gaël Mocaër, Sebastian Perez Pezzani and Fred Vedomey—detained in Togo while filming Les Routes de l’impossible—were granted provisional release, with Togo citing “serious” grounds for charges. Tourism & Trade on the Move: Made in Togo Fair lands in Aného for its second stop, pairing local products with cultural visibility and tourism appeal through Sept. 6. Sports & Travel Planning: CAF Champions League qualifiers kick off Sept. 4–6, with clubs set for preliminary-round travel across Africa.

UN Map Update for Africa: The UN General Assembly adopted Togo-backed “Correct the Map,” urging global institutions to move from Mercator to Equal Earth to show Africa’s true size; 164 countries voted yes, the US voted no, and the change is non-binding but likely to reshape school walls, media graphics, and tech maps. Tourism & Culture Spotlight: French filmmakers Gaël Mocaër, Sebastian Perez Pezzani and Fred Vedomey—detained in Togo while filming “Les Routes de l’impossible” in Kara—were provisionally released, keeping attention on Togo’s growing visibility for international audiences. Made in Togo Fair (Aného): The regional fair reached Aného for its second stop, running Sept 2–6, linking local producers with buyers and tourism-linked cultural events like Epé-Ekpé. ECOWAS Tourism Boost: ECOWAS adopted a framework to strengthen and accredit regional tourism business associations, aiming for better governance and integration across West Africa. Sports for the Region: CAF Champions League prelims kick off Sept 4–6, while WAFU B U-17 Girls Cup in Ouagadougou (Oct 10–23) has Togo in the mix.

UN & Togo Diplomacy: The UN General Assembly voted to replace the Mercator world map with an equal-area projection that shows Africa’s true relative size, with Togo sponsoring the “Correct the Map” resolution backed by 164 countries (the US was the only no vote). Sports & Youth Travel: Ghana’s Black Maidens named a 24-player squad for camping ahead of the WAFU B U-17 Girls Cup in Burkina Faso (Oct 10–23), where Togo is in their group—good news for regional football tourism. Trade & Tourism Business: ECOWAS adopted a framework to strengthen and accredit West African tourism business associations, aiming for better governance and regional integration—an upgrade for cross-border travel operators. Local Business Spotlight: The “Made in Togo Fair” rolled into Aného for its second stop (Sept 2–6), mixing local products with cultural visibility tied to Epé-Ekpé festivities. Marine Policy Debate: Togo cosponsored a proposal to review commercial whaling quotas at the IWC meeting in Hobart, drawing criticism from whale conservation groups. Culture on the Move: Lacs 1 (Togo) and Cachoeira (Brazil) signed a sister-city deal covering culture, tourism, education and local economic development, with talk of a “Brazil House” in Aného.

Diplomatic Push for Travel & Trade: President Faure Gnassingbé met Vietnam, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan and Cambodia partners at the SCO+ summit in Bishkek, with Lomé also launching its first bilateral consultations with Cambodia—highlighting cooperation in agriculture, investment, education, and even tourism and air connectivity. Local Business Spotlight in Aného: The Made in Togo Fair rolled into Aného for its second stop (Sept 2–6), linking local producers with new buyers and partnerships, timed with the Epé-Ekpé Guin New Year festivities. Tourism Sector Governance: ECOWAS adopted a framework to strengthen and accredit regional tourism business associations across West Africa, aiming for better credibility and regional integration. Marine Protection Debate: Togo cosponsored a proposal at the International Whaling Commission to review commercial whaling quotas, drawing criticism from whale conservation groups. Community & Access: Russian-Togolese Alternative distributed school kits to 100 low-income families in Lomé, supporting children ahead of the new school year. Sports Calendar for Fans: CAF Champions League preliminary rounds kick off this weekend (Sept 4–6), with travel support for clubs eliminated in prelims.

Made in Togo Fair in Aného: The regional Made in Togo Fair has arrived for its second stop in Aného, running Sept 2–6, spotlighting local handicrafts, food, gastronomy and processed goods while linking entrepreneurs to new buyers and partnerships—timed with the Epé-Ekpé festivities for extra visitor pull. ECOWAS Tourism Push: ECOWAS adopted a framework to strengthen and accredit tourism business associations across West Africa, aiming for better governance and regional integration—good news for tour operators and hospitality players in Togo and beyond. Sister-City Deal (Lacs 1–Cachoeira): Togo’s Lacs 1 municipality signed a sister-city agreement with Cachoeira in Brazil’s Bahia, with plans for cultural, tourism and education exchanges and even a possible “Brazil House” in Aného to boost Afro-Brazilian–Togolese trade ties. Whaling Quota Review Sparks Debate: Togo cosponsored a proposal at the International Whaling Commission to review commercial whaling quotas, drawing criticism from conservation groups worried about weakening protections. French Filmmakers Freed in Togo: French filmmakers Gaël Mocaër and Sebastian Perez Pezzani, plus collaborator Fred Vedomey, were released after weeks in Togo detention, with charges tied to “false statements” and claims involving drone use. School Kits for Lomé Families: The Russian-Togolese Alternative distributed backpacks and school supplies to 100 low-income children in Lomé’s Golfe 2 district ahead of the new school year.

Togo–Brazil Sister-City Deal: Lacs 1 (Togo) and Cachoeira (Brazil) signed a local-government twinning agreement focused on culture, tourism, education, youth entrepreneurship, women’s empowerment, environment and local jobs—plus plans to explore a “Brazil House” in Aného to boost trade and community links. Tourism Sector Boost (ECOWAS): ECOWAS adopted a framework to strengthen and accredit regional tourism business associations across West Africa, aiming for better governance and credibility—meeting held in Abuja with Togo among participating countries. Marine Protection Debate: Togo co-sponsored a proposal at the International Whaling Commission to review commercial whaling quotas, drawing criticism from whale conservation groups and raising questions about marine protection commitments. Lomé School Support: Russian-Togolese Alternative distributed backpacks and school kits to 100 low-income families in Lomé’s Golfe 2 ahead of the new school year. Travel & Connectivity (Air): ASKY announced a new Kano–Niamey route launching Sept. 2, routed via Lomé, promising smoother onward connections for business and leisure travelers across West and Central Africa.

Freed Filmmakers: French documentary crew Gaël Mocaër, Sebastian Perez Pezzani and local collaborator Fred Vedomey were released after weeks in Togo detention, though Togo says it has “serious” grounds for charges over “false statements” and alleged drone use in tense northern areas. Marine Policy: Togo cosponsored a proposal at the International Whaling Commission to review commercial whaling quotas, drawing criticism from whale conservation groups ahead of the Sept. 27–Oct. 2 meeting in Hobart. ECOWAS Tourism Push: ECOWAS adopted a framework to strengthen and accredit regional tourism business associations, aiming for better governance and integration across West Africa. Local Culture & Travel Links: Lacs 1 (Togo) and Cachoeira (Brazil) signed a sister-city deal focused on culture, tourism and education, with plans to consider a “Brazil House” in Aného. Community Support: In Lomé’s Golfe 2 district, 100 low-income families received school kits and backpacks ahead of the new school year. Air Connectivity: ASKY announced a new Kano–Niamey route starting Sept. 2, routed via Lomé for easier onward travel. Travel-Friendly News: ECOWAS tourism reforms and the Lomé school-kit event both add positive, practical angles for visitors and locals alike.

Marine Policy: Togo has cosponsored a proposal at the International Whaling Commission to review commercial whaling quotas, a move that’s already drawing criticism from whale conservation groups ahead of the IWC’s 70th meeting in Hobart (Sept. 27–Oct. 2). The draft doesn’t end the 1986 commercial whaling moratorium, but would set up a task force to reassess how quotas could be calculated. Local Partnerships: Lacs 1 (Togo) and Cachoeira (Brazil) signed a sister-city deal focused on culture, tourism, education, youth and women’s empowerment, and local economic development—plus plans to consider a “Brazil House” in Aného to boost Afro-Brazilian–Togolese trade. Community & Travel: In Lomé, the Russian-Togolese Alternative association distributed school kits to 100 low-income families, handing out backpacks and supplies in Golfe 2 on the eve of the new school year. Regional Tourism Boost: ECOWAS adopted a framework to strengthen and accredit tourism business associations across West Africa, aiming for better governance and regional integration.

Tourism & Culture: ECOWAS adopted a framework to strengthen and accredit regional tourism business associations, aiming for better governance and integration across West Africa, with Togo among the participating stakeholders. Local Partnerships: Lacs 1 municipality in Togo and Cachoeira in Brazil signed a sister-city deal focused on culture, tourism, education, youth entrepreneurship, women’s empowerment and local economic development, with plans to consider a “Brazil House” in Aného. Education & Community: In Lomé’s Golfe 2 district, the Russian-Togolese Alternative association distributed school kits (backpacks plus supplies) to 100 low-income families ahead of the new school year. Sports & Travel: While not Togo-based, the Zone-3 women’s handball tournament in Burkina Faso highlights regional travel realities, with Togo listed among group opponents. Marine Environment: Togo cosponsored a proposal to review commercial whaling quotas at the International Whaling Commission meeting, drawing criticism from whale conservation groups.

School Support in Lomé: The Russian-Togolese Alternative association handed out backpacks and school supplies to 100 low-income families in Golfe 2 ahead of the new school year, with local council support and a mayoral thank-you. Tourism Policy for West Africa: ECOWAS adopted a framework to strengthen and accredit regional tourism business associations, aiming for better governance and deeper integration across member states including Togo. New Route for Regional Travel: ASKY launched plans for a Kano–Niamey air service starting September 2, routed via Lomé, promising faster connections for business and leisure travelers across West and Central Africa. ECOWAS Travel Context: A broader push to improve regional mobility and tourism links also featured in coverage of cross-border movement and documentation gaps in the region. Energy & Travel Comfort: Maintenance on the West African Gas Pipeline may temporarily suspend gas flows from Nigeria to Togo and Benin (Aug 28–Sep 1), raising concerns for power supply that can affect day-to-day travel and services.

Tourism Policy Boost: ECOWAS adopted a framework to strengthen and accredit regional tourism business associations, with Togo among member countries at a COPITOUR meeting in Abuja—aiming for better governance and regional integration. Air Connectivity: ASKY launched a new Kano–Niamey route starting September 2, routed via Lomé, promising faster travel and renewed trade-and-tourism links between Nigeria and Niger. Power & Travel Disruption Risk: West African Gas Pipeline maintenance will temporarily suspend gas flows from Nigeria to Togo and Benin from Aug 28 to Sep 1, with potential knock-on effects for Togo’s gas-fired electricity supply. Culture & Craft Tourism: Accra’s CRAFTARA Festival 2026 opened as a 10-day showcase of African creativity, bringing together artisans from Togo and across West Africa to sell and share craft stories. Visa Watch for Travelers: The U.S. Embassy in Abuja will keep processing diplomatic and official visas (A, G, C), even as routine visa services moved to Lagos—important for official travelers planning trips. Regional Mobility Context: A study on Ghana border entry found many itinerant traders use unapproved routes linked to documentation gaps, a reminder that smoother border processes matter for cross-border travel.

US Visa Updates for Diplomats: The U.S. Embassy in Abuja says it will keep processing only diplomatic and official visas (A, G and C) for eligible applicants, with instructions to consult the protocol office and submit a diplomatic note, DS-160, diplomatic/official passport and a photo. ECOWAS Tourism Push: ECOWAS adopted a framework to strengthen and accredit regional tourism business associations, aiming for better governance and deeper integration, with Togo among participating countries. Air Connectivity for West Africa: ASKY launches Kano–Niamey on Sept 2, routed via Lomé, promising faster travel for business and leisure across the region. Power & Travel Impact in Togo: West African Gas Pipeline maintenance will temporarily suspend gas flows from Nigeria to Togo and Benin from Aug 28–Sept 1, raising concerns for gas-fired electricity supply. Culture & Craft Tourism: Accra hosts the 10-day CRAFTARA Festival (Aug 20–30) showcasing crafts from Togo, Ghana and other African countries, with a focus on connecting artisans to buyers. Regional Safety Advisory: Ghana’s foreign ministry warns pilgrims against overland travel to Senegal and urges flying due to security risks on corridors into Dakar.

Roads & Access: Tarmacked roads in Kenya’s Mwea rice scheme are cutting transport costs and time for farmers, easing access to markets and services after years of muddy, pothole-filled feeder routes. Health & Travel Costs: Nigeria’s former ambassador to Togo, Adebowale “Debo” Adesina, remains in critical condition in Canada after a massive stroke, as his wife appeals to President Tinubu for urgent medical financial support. Air Connectivity (Lomé hub): ASKY launches a new Kano–Niamey route on September 2, 2026, routed via Lomé to boost regional mobility for business and leisure travelers. Energy (Togo impact): West African Gas Pipeline maintenance will temporarily suspend Nigeria-to-Togo/Benin gas flows from Aug 28 to Sept 1, with potential pressure on Togo’s gas-fired power supply. Culture & Tourism: Ghana’s CRAFTARA Festival 2026 opens in Accra (Aug 20–30) with exhibitors from Togo and other West African countries, spotlighting African crafts and artisan opportunities. Regional Mobility Warning: Ghana’s foreign ministry advises pilgrims traveling overland to Senegal to fly instead, citing rising risks on corridors into Dakar.