AGP Executive Report

UN Map Reform: The UN General Assembly backed Togo-led “Correct the Map” resolution, voting 164-1 (with six abstentions) to encourage use of equal-area projections like Equal Earth instead of Mercator, so Africa and other regions are shown closer to their real relative sizes; the US was the lone “no” and called it an ideological distraction, while the resolution remains non-binding and does not ban Mercator for navigation. France Joins In: France says it will drop Mercator for official diplomatic maps, switching to an equal-area projection (Eckert IV). Togo Moves First: Togo’s foreign minister says the country plans to update school geography materials by end of 2026. India’s Clarification: India voted in favour but stressed the UN text doesn’t endorse any map or boundary depiction, and that its territories (J&K and Ladakh) must follow India’s official maps. Tech & Education Angle: The UN push targets schools, media and technology platforms—where map choices shape public understanding. Women in Digital Finance: AXIAN and AfDB launched a digital finance programme for 34,000 women-led businesses across several African countries, combining mobile money, digital lending and training.

UN Map Shift (Togo-led): The UN General Assembly adopted Togo’s “Correct the Map” resolution to encourage a move from the centuries-old Mercator projection to equal-area options like Equal Earth, so Africa appears closer to its real relative size; the vote was 164 in favour, 1 against (the United States), and 6 abstentions, with Togo arguing maps shape education and perceptions while the US called it an ideological distraction. Education & Tech Impact: The resolution is non-binding, but it is expected to influence school geography materials, textbooks, media graphics, and digital mapping platforms; Togo says it will update its school geography books by end-2026. Global Reactions: India backed the goal while stressing it doesn’t endorse a single projection; France signaled it will drop Mercator in school materials, and Ukraine abstained over concerns tied to occupied territories. Women’s Digital Finance (AfDB/AXIAN): AXIAN and the AfDB launched a programme for 34,000 women-led businesses, combining digital finance access with training in multiple countries including Togo. Agri Tech Interview (FAO Togo): FAO’s Dr. Oyétoundé Djiwa discusses what it takes for mechanization and forest restoration to translate into real gains for small farmers, including service-centre models and better access to land, financing, and technology.

UN Map Shift (Togo-led): The UN General Assembly backed Togo’s “Correct the Map” push to encourage equal-area world maps (including Equal Earth) that show Africa’s true relative size, passing 164–1 with the US voting no and six abstentions; the resolution is non-binding and does not ban Mercator, but urges schools, governments, media and tech to use projections where land-area comparisons matter. Togo Education Update: Togo says it will update school geography materials by end-2026 to reflect the new approach. France Drops Mercator: France’s foreign ministry announced it will stop using Mercator for official maps, switching to a more proportionate projection (Eckert IV). Diplomatic Dispute: The US criticized the effort as ideological, while Ukraine abstained over how occupied territories are portrayed. Ukraine War Tech/Logistics: Separately, Russian drones hit Teva and a WHO medical supply warehouse in Ukraine, underscoring pressure on storage and distribution networks.

UN Cartography Reform: The UN General Assembly backed Togo-led “Correct the Map” resolution (164 votes to 1, with 6 abstentions), urging governments, schools and tech firms to use equal-area projections like the 2018 Equal Earth map instead of Mercator when relative size matters—U.S. was the lone no vote. Togo’s Classroom Push: Togo says it will update school geography materials by year-end and work with partners over the next six months to expand adoption across mapping, GPS and other location-based tech. Policy Meets Tech: The resolution is non-binding, but it explicitly calls for cooperation with academia, think tanks and technology groups to strengthen national mapping capabilities and support research and innovation. Circular Economy Networking: In Yokohama, the Asia-Pacific Circular Cities Forum expanded the Asian Circular Cities Declaration to 43 cities and launched its first action plan, with Togo-linked participation via ICLEI Japan. Women’s Digital Finance: AfDB and AXIAN launched a digital finance programme for 34,000 women-led enterprises across five countries, using mobile and training through platforms including Mixx and Mvola.

Cybersecurity Skills: Togo’s National Cybersecurity Agency (ANCy) is calling for expressions of interest to build a roster of Togolese digital security professionals, with assignments ranging from audits and penetration testing to incident response and training. Petroleum Transit Tracking: Togo’s Revenue Office (OTR) has launched a Lomé pilot to electronically track petroleum cargo in transit to Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger under the SESS system, using specialized devices and 24/7 monitoring. Global Map Debate: The UN General Assembly is set to vote on an African-led push to adopt the Equal Earth projection (and other equal-area maps) to show countries’ true relative sizes, with Togo backing the “Correct the Map” effort. Regional Health Leadership: Prof. Palokinam Pitche has officially assumed office as Director-General of WAHO, bringing over 25 years of public health and HIV programme experience. Women’s Digital Finance: AfDB and AXIAN launched a digital finance programme to support 34,000 women-led businesses across five African countries, combining lending with training and digital inclusion. Solar Boom (Africa-wide): A new analysis says Africa’s solar growth is largely hidden in distributed installations, with many countries seeing record PV deployment.

UN Map Vote: Togo’s Foreign Minister Robert Dussey says the UN General Assembly will vote Friday on replacing the Mercator map with a more accurate one that shows Africa’s true scale, with the draft backed by the African Union and framed as “scientific” so schools and tech platforms may update curricula and tools. Cybersecurity Talent: Togo’s National Cybersecurity Agency (ANCy) is calling for expressions of interest to build a roster of local digital security experts for audits, testing, incident response, research and training, with applications open until Oct. 30, 2026. WAHO Leadership: Prof. Palokinam Pitche has assumed office as Director-General of WAHO, bringing 25+ years in public health and HIV programme coordination across ECOWAS. Anti-Corruption Education: Togo’s anti-corruption authority is validating nine teaching manuals to roll anti-corruption courses into university curricula from bachelor level upward. Petroleum Transit Tracking: Togo’s OTR is piloting electronic tracking for petroleum cargo in Lomé under SESS to monitor routes and detect deviations in real time. Health & Governance Tech: La Francophonie launched a Digital Governance Forum in Geneva, pushing Francophone Africa’s push to produce AI rules and reduce dependence on foreign tools.

WAHO Leadership: Togolese public health expert Prof. Palokinam Pitche officially took office as the new Director-General of the West African Health Organization (WAHO) on Sept. 1, bringing 25+ years of experience in health systems, HIV programme coordination, and training across ECOWAS. Petroleum Transit Tech: Togo’s Revenue Office (OTR) launched a Lomé pilot to electronically track trucks carrying petroleum products in transit to Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, using the SESS system and 24/7 monitoring to flag route deviations. Anti-Corruption Education: HAPLUCIA is validating nine anti-corruption teaching manuals for higher education, with new bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral-level units focused on ethics, governance and prevention. Governance & Global Policy: At SCO+ in Bishkek, Togo’s PM Faure Gnassingbé urged UN reform, fairer global financing for the Global South, and “equal and orderly” multipolarity. Health & Security Context: Regional security reporting highlights how coastal and Sahel frameworks struggle to match jihadist advances, while Russia-Ukraine strikes continue to disrupt energy and port activity. Corruption Scrutiny: A major audit flags financial irregularities and control lapses across 25 Nigerian MDAs worth over N1.34 trillion.

Petroleum Transit Tech: Togo’s tax authority (OTR) has started electronic tracking in Lomé for trucks carrying petroleum products in transit to Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, expanding the SESS system (running since 2022) with specialized devices, 24/7 monitoring, and alerts for route deviations. Governance & Education: Togo is validating nine anti-corruption teaching manuals for universities, with new bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral-level units focused on ethics, good governance and prevention. Health Leadership: Professor Palokinam T. Pitche has formally assumed office as Director-General of WAHO, bringing long experience from Togo’s AIDS control programmes and regional health work. International Posture: At SCO+ in Bishkek, Togo’s Prime Minister Faure Gnassingbé called for a more equitable world order, UN reform, and more financing and technology transfers for the Global South. Energy & Regional Links: A WAHO-related leadership update also sits alongside regional energy finance stories, including cross-border power debt reporting involving Togo. Digital Learning Access: Google is extending a free one-year AI Plus offer to students in 27 African countries, including Togo, with Gemini tools and cloud storage.

WAHO Leadership: Professor Palokinam T. Pitche officially assumes office as Director-General of ECOWAS’ West African Health Organisation, bringing 25+ years in public health, health systems strengthening, and Togo’s national AIDS programme. Anti-Corruption Education: Togo’s anti-corruption body HAPLUCIA is validating nine teaching manuals to roll corruption-prevention and ethics courses into university curricula from bachelor’s level upward. Digital Governance & AI: La Francophonie launches a first Digital Governance Forum in Geneva, pushing Francophone Africa to shape AI rules and reduce dependence on foreign tools. Academic & Tech Exchanges: Togo discusses expanding Russia–Africa academic exchanges, dual degrees, and training for technical teachers under a planned mutual recognition agreement. Food Systems Resilience: At the Africa Food Systems Forum in Kigali, leaders focus on building shock-resistant food systems as fertilizer and climate pressures rise. Energy & Regional Payments: NERC reports Togo, Benin, and Niger owe Nigeria $11.16m for 2025 power supply, highlighting ongoing cross-border energy finance gaps. Maritime Efficiency: A West Africa ports story warns that congestion and waiting costs keep rising—coordination tools like shared arrival and berth systems are the model. SCO+ Diplomacy: Togo’s Faure Gnassingbé calls for a more equitable world order at the SCO+ summit, stressing UN reform and financing for development.

Clean Cooking Finance: Togo’s Environment Ministry signed a CFAF 4.7bn (about $8.5m) financing deal to scale improved cookstoves, aiming to expand clean cooking nationwide from a pilot that already reached 107,000 households, with rollout expected to grow to 2032 (and potentially continue to 2037). Regional Power Payments: Nigeria’s NERC says Togo, Benin and Niger owe Nigeria $11.16m for 2025 electricity ancillary services, with only 84.90% of $73.91m invoiced reportedly paid. Health Leadership: Professor Palokinam T. Pitche formally assumed office as DG of WAHO, ECOWAS’s health body, bringing long experience from Togo’s national HIV/AIDS coordination roles. Digital Governance (Francophone Africa): La Francophonie launched its first Digital Governance Forum in Geneva, pushing a language-based approach to AI rules and digital sovereignty for Francophone countries. Academic Exchanges: Russia and Togo discussed expanding academic exchange programs, including dual-degree plans and support for Togolese technical teachers. Energy Investment Outlook: Africa’s energy investment gap—over $200bn a year by 2030—was highlighted to attract global investors, stressing urgent financing and infrastructure fixes.

ECOWAS Peace Knowledge: ECOWAS launched strategic publications in Abuja on peacekeeping, mediation, conflict prevention and peacebuilding, aiming to strengthen institutional memory and guide more effective responses across West Africa. Russia–Togo Education Links: Togo’s education leadership met Russia on expanding academic exchanges, dual degrees and the Russia–Africa Network University, with a focus on boosting technical teacher training. Clean Cooking Finance for Togo: Togo signed a CFAF 4.7bn (about $8.5m) financing deal to scale improved cookstoves nationwide, targeting forest protection and better household health, after a pilot reached about 107,000 households. Academic & Skills Tech Access: Google expanded its free Google AI Plus offer to students across 27 African countries, including Togo, with Gemini tools and cloud storage. Power Payment Pressure: Nigeria’s NERC says Togo, Benin and Niger owe Nigeria $11.16m for 2025 electricity ancillary services, with remittance performance at 84.90%. Digital Safety for Women: A WhatsApp chatbot called Kemi is helping users in Togo and other countries report incidents or find support related to technology-facilitated gender-based violence. STEM & Learning Support: A Russian-Togolese initiative distributed school kits to 100 low-income families in Lomé ahead of the new school year. Maritime Biodiversity: Togo’s National Assembly approved ratification of the BBNJ high-seas marine biodiversity agreement to strengthen ocean governance. Agriculture & Fertilizers: Belarus and Togo discussed joint ventures to produce mineral and complex fertilizers, alongside agricultural machinery cooperation. Sports Tech & Tickets: Zambia–Togo AFCON 2027 qualifier tickets are on sale via the FAZ TechPay app.

Togo Clean Cooking Finance: Togo’s Environment Ministry signed a CFAF 4.7bn (about $8.5m) deal in Lomé with Valor Carbon Ltd, Valitera Pte Ltd and Arborify SA to scale improved cookstoves nationwide—building on a pilot that has already reached about 107,000 households in Maritime, Plateaux and Centrale, with rollout planned through 2032 (and potentially to 2037). Digital Skills & Learning: Togo is preparing FabLab managers to bring hands-on learning into schools, aiming to strengthen practical STEM capacity for the next generation. Social Dialogue & Work: Togo’s CNDS reconvened in Lomé to tackle new socioeconomic pressures—pushing stronger social dialogue to prevent and resolve labor disputes amid tech change, climate stress and shifting demographics. Marine Biodiversity Law: Togo’s National Assembly approved ratification of the UN BBNJ Agreement to better protect marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction and boost Togo’s voice in upcoming 2027 talks. Regional Energy Payments: NERC reports Togo, Benin and Niger owe Nigeria $11.16m for 2025 ancillary power services, with only 84.9% of invoiced amounts recovered. AI for Students: Google expanded its free Google AI Plus offer to students in 27 African countries, including Togo, with access to Gemini tools and shared cloud storage. Workplace Health Gap: A West Africa survey including Togo finds 62% of workers get no workplace malaria prevention support from employers, highlighting a major gap between awareness and action.

Clean Cooking Finance: Togo signed a CFAF 4.7bn (about $8.5m) deal to scale improved cookstoves, aiming to cut firewood use and deforestation while improving household health; the pilot already reached about 107,000 households and could expand nationwide by 2032. Power Payments: Nigeria’s NERC says Togo, Benin and Niger still owe $11.16m for 2025 electricity and ancillary services, with only 84.9% of invoiced amounts recovered. Digital Learning for Schools: Togo is preparing FabLab managers to bring hands-on learning to schools, pushing practical STEM skills closer to classrooms. AI for Students: Google expanded its free Google AI Plus offer to 27 African countries, including Togo, giving eligible students access to Gemini tools plus cloud storage. Regional Tourism Governance: ECOWAS adopted a framework to strengthen and accredit regional tourism business associations, with Togo among participating stakeholders. Workplace Health Gap: A West Africa survey finds 62% of workers get no workplace malaria prevention support, including in Togo. Marine Biodiversity Law: Togo’s National Assembly approved ratification of the BBNJ high-seas biodiversity agreement to boost ocean protection and benefit-sharing.

Regional Power & Payments: Nigeria’s regulator reports Togo, Benin and Niger still owe $11.16M for 2025 electricity and ancillary services, with only 84.90% of invoiced amounts recovered. Clean Cooking Finance: Togo signed a CFAF 4.7B (about $8.5M) deal to scale improved cookstoves nationwide, aiming to cut firewood use and protect forests while improving household health. Digital Skills in Schools: Togo is preparing to deploy 101 FabLab managers after a month of training, to bring hands-on digital fabrication and prototyping into classrooms. AI for Students: Google expanded its free Google AI Plus offer to students across 27 African countries, including Togo, with Gemini tools and cloud storage. Cyber Resilience: Togo’s cyber resilience work gets a boost as a new board chair is appointed to Kenya’s National Cybersecurity Agency, citing a World Bank-supported Togo project. Internet & Society: A global campaign marks a decade of internet shutdown harm, highlighting how connectivity cuts off communities and endangers lives. ECOWAS Peacekeeping Books: ECOWAS released new publications documenting its peace interventions and lessons learned across West Africa. Malaria at Work: A West Africa survey including Togo finds 62% of workers get no workplace malaria prevention support.

Clean Cooking Finance: Togo signed a CFAF 4.7 billion (about $8.5m) financing deal to scale improved cookstoves nationwide, aiming to cut firewood use, protect forests, and improve household health, with a pilot already reaching about 107,000 households. FabLabs in Schools: The government will train and deploy 101 FabLab managers to run digital fabrication labs in schools, turning classroom science into hands-on projects across math, physics, and chemistry. Power Payments Watch: Togo, Benin and Niger owe Nigeria $11.16m for 2025 electricity and ancillary services, with NERC reporting only 84.9% of invoiced amounts recovered. Digital Safety for Women: Nigeria’s WhatsApp chatbot “Kemi” is expanding support for women facing digital abuse, offering guided reporting and resources in multiple local languages including French and English. STEM & Climate Skills: Togo’s neighbors are pushing regional capacity too—GMET in Ghana plans a WMO training centre to strengthen aviation, marine, hydrology, and agricultural forecasting skills. Cyber Resilience: Kenya appointed a new board chair for its National Cybersecurity Agency, with a World Bank-linked Togo cyber resilience project mentioned. Music Digitisation: Togolese music industry professional Nihtael is helping artists adapt to digital distribution, visibility, and professional release strategies.

Energy & Regional Trade: Nigeria’s electricity regulator says Togo, Benin and Niger still owe $11.16M for 2025 power supply, with $73.91M invoiced and $62.75M paid (84.9% remittance). Clean Cooking & Climate Finance: Togo signed a CFAF 4.7B (about $8.5M) deal to scale improved cookstoves nationwide, aiming to cut firewood use and protect forests while improving household health. STEM in Schools: Togo is training 101 FabLab managers to run digital fabrication labs in schools, turning classroom science into hands-on prototypes. AI for Students: Google expanded its free Google AI Plus offer to students across 27 African countries, including Togo, with Gemini tools and cloud storage. Marine Biodiversity Policy: Togo’s National Assembly approved ratification of the BBNJ high-seas biodiversity agreement, positioning the country for the January 2027 conference of parties. Workplace Health: A West Africa survey including Togo finds 62% of workers get no workplace malaria prevention support, pointing to a major gap between awareness and action. Meteorology Capacity: Ghana moves to host a WMO regional training centre at GMET, linking forecasting operations with universities to build climate resilience skills.