AGP Executive Report

West Africa Power Push: The World Bank says its West Africa Regional Power Integration and Electricity Access Programme is boosting electricity supply across 15 countries, including Benin, with 4,000+ km of transmission lines built under the West African Power Pool and 3 million+ people gaining access to power between 2019 and 2025. Clean Mobility Investment: Spiro, operating in Benin among other markets, secured $215 million in equity to expand battery-swapping stations, grow manufacturing, and enter new countries—aiming to cut riders’ transport costs and reduce reliance on imported fuel. Transboundary Pollution Focus: Lagos’ LASEPA convened students on tackling transboundary pollution, warning that air pollution can spread across borders and affect places like Benin and beyond. Sahel Security Spillover: A report says JNIM militants carried out a deadly attack along Benin’s northern border with Burkina Faso, underscoring how the Sahel crisis is pushing south. Maritime Environment & Sanctions: France detained a suspected Russian “shadow fleet” oil tanker in the Atlantic, saying the operation also protects the environment and maritime safety.

Clean Transport Investment: Spiro, operating in Benin and six other African markets, secured a $215m equity round to expand its electric two-wheel battery-swapping network, manufacturing/assembly footprint, and energy-linked tech—aimed at cutting fuel dependence and improving urban mobility. Transboundary Pollution Focus: Lagos’ LASEPA convened an inter-tertiary summit pushing students to tackle cross-border pollution impacts on air, land and water, warning that emissions can travel and trigger effects like acid rain beyond borders. Benin Security Spillover: Reports say JNIM militants attacked along Benin’s northern border with Burkina Faso, with at least 47 soldiers feared dead—another sign the Sahel crisis is pushing deeper into Benin’s frontier zones. Maritime Environment Risk: France and UK-backed forces detained a suspected Russian “shadow fleet” oil tanker in the Atlantic, citing sanctions-busting tactics and warning the activity also threatens the environment. Public Health Alert: A Benin City medical expert warned Lassa fever is often mistaken for malaria early on, urging faster testing and reporting when fever persists or bleeding symptoms appear. Waste & Recycling Tech: An IFC report highlights how digital tools can reduce open dumping and waste burning while boosting recycling and cutting collection costs—using examples from multiple countries.

Clean Transport Investment: Spiro, operating in Benin and other African markets, secured a landmark $215M equity round to expand its battery-swapping network and electric mobility infrastructure—aimed at cutting fuel dependence and improving air quality. Transboundary Pollution & Youth Action: Lagos’ LASEPA convened students on tackling transboundary pollution, warning how air pollution can spread across borders and affect places like Benin and beyond. Benin’s Investment Pitch: Benin’s foreign minister told South Korea that political stability and regional connectivity make Benin a gateway for West Africa, seeking deeper cooperation on investment and industrial development. Sahel Security Spillover: A JNIM-linked attack on Benin’s northern border area left at least 47 soldiers feared dead, underscoring how the Sahel crisis is pushing deeper into Benin. Maritime Environment & Sanctions: France detained a suspected Russian “shadow fleet” tanker in the Atlantic, saying the move also protects the environment from sanctions-busting operations. Health & Environment Link: A Benin City medical expert warned Lassa fever is often mistaken for malaria, stressing faster testing to prevent severe outbreaks.

Clean Transport Investment: Spiro, Africa’s largest battery-swapping EV platform, secured a $215M equity round (Impact Fund Denmark, Equitane) to expand its low-carbon motorcycle network, battery-swapping stations, and manufacturing across Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, Togo, Benin, Nigeria and Cameroon. Cross-Border Pollution Education: Lagos’ LASEPA held an inter-tertiary summit urging students to tackle transboundary pollution, warning how air pollution can spread across borders and affect places like Benin, Togo, Ghana and Burkina Faso. Benin Investment Pitch: Benin’s foreign minister told South Korea that political stability and regional connectivity make Benin a “gateway” for West Africa, aiming to deepen investment and industrial cooperation. Sahel Security Spillover: Reports say JNIM militants attacked along Benin’s northern border with Burkina Faso, with at least 47 soldiers feared dead—another sign the Sahel crisis is pushing deeper south. Coastal Climate Action (Togo): Rotary and partners planted coconut along Togo’s Aneho coastline to help reduce flooding, coastal erosion, storms and mudslides. Waste & Recycling Tech: An IFC report says cities can cut costs and improve recycling by digitizing waste management, from route tracking to smart collection and billing.

Clean Transport Investment: Spiro, Africa’s largest EV mobility platform, secured a $215M equity round to expand battery-swapping and electric vehicle infrastructure across seven active markets, including Benin, with plans to add more countries. Benin as an Investment Gateway: Benin’s foreign minister told South Korea it is positioning the country as a stable maritime gateway for West Africa, stressing political stability and regional connectivity to attract investors. Coastal Climate Action (Togo): Rotary Club of Lomé Zenith and partners planted coconut along Aneho’s coastline to help curb flooding, coastal erosion, storms and mudslides, linking the effort to wider climate resilience work. Waste & Recycling Tech: An IFC report says cities can cut costs and boost recycling by digitizing waste management, warning that open dumping and waste burning drive huge health and environmental losses. Health Alert (Benin): A Benin City medical expert warned that early Lassa fever is often mistaken for malaria, urging testing and quick evaluation when fever persists or bleeding symptoms appear. Safety in Schools (Edo): WSO Nigeria and Edo’s education ministry launched the SafERR Schools campaign to train students, teachers and parents on hazard prevention and emergency response. Maritime Environment Risk: France and UK-backed forces detained a suspected Russian “shadow fleet” oil tanker in the Atlantic, with officials warning such sanctions-busting shipping also threatens the environment.

Benin Investment Pitch: Benin’s foreign minister says the country is positioning itself as a stable maritime gateway for West Africa, stressing political stability, industrial transformation and regional connectivity to attract foreign investors. Maritime Environment Risk: France, with UK support, detained the Russian-linked tanker Tagor in the Atlantic for allegedly skirting sanctions, with officials warning such “shadow fleet” activity also threatens the environment and maritime safety. Clean Transport Funding: Africa-focused EV firm Spiro secured $215 million in equity to expand battery-swapping and electric mobility infrastructure across African markets. Coastal Climate Action (Togo): Rotary and partners planted coconut along Togo’s Aneho coastline to help reduce flooding, coastal erosion and storm impacts. Waste & Recycling Tech: An IFC report says cities can cut costs and boost recycling by digitalizing waste management, warning that open dumping and waste burning drive major health and environmental losses. Health Alert (Benin City): A Benin City medical expert warns Lassa fever is often mistaken for malaria early on, urging testing and faster care when fever persists or bleeding appears. Agroforestry for Climate: A new intra-Africa agroforestry drive aims to strengthen research and education to tackle the climate crisis.

Coastal Climate Action (Togo): Rotary Club of Lomé Zenith, with the People Planet and Peace Foundation, planted mangroves along Aneho’s coastline to help curb flooding, coastal erosion, storms and mudslides, while supporting wider climate resilience and renewable energy goals. Waste & Recycling Efficiency (Global): An IFC report says cities can cut waste costs and boost recycling by digitizing collection and sorting, warning that open dumping and waste burning drive huge health and environmental losses. Agroforestry for Climate Mitigation (Africa): A new intra-Africa agroforestry drive links universities across Kenya, Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, South Sudan and Benin to train students and strengthen research aimed at climate change mitigation. Child Safety & Health (Edo, Nigeria): Edo State launched the SafERR Schools campaign with safety and emergency response training for students, teachers and parents, alongside menstrual hygiene support for schoolgirls. Digital Transformation (Benin-Nigeria): Benin’s digital agency partnership talks with Nigeria’s NITDA focused on digital public infrastructure and innovation-driven governance. Gas Transition & Cleaner Transport (Edo, Nigeria): Nigeria inaugurated a CNG conversion hub in Benin City, framing CNG as a lower-cost, cleaner alternative to cut transport expenses and support industrial growth.

Agroforestry for climate action: Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) is leading a four-year intra-Africa mobility project (SERA) to boost agroforestry research and education for climate change mitigation, with Benin’s National University of Agriculture among partners; the first MSc/PhD cohort is set to start in September 2026. Press freedom snapshot: Reporters Without Borders’ 2026 World Press Freedom Index shows a worsening global situation, with over half of countries in “difficult” or “very serious” categories—useful context for civic space and environmental reporting. Gas and cleaner transport push: In Edo State, officials backed CNG conversion and automobile hub initiatives, framing compressed natural gas as a way to cut transport costs and support a cleaner energy transition. Child safety and health: Edo launched the SafERR Schools campaign with safety and emergency response training, and marked Menstrual Hygiene Day with sanitary pad distribution to support girls’ dignity and school attendance. Livestock affordability under climate stress: A regional report links jihadist predation, export bans, climate shocks and currency pressures to a broken livestock trade—prices rising and fewer people able to buy. Benin-Edo market rebuilding: Edo Governor Okpebholo inspected the long-delayed Oba Market reconstruction after the 2020 fire, promising free shop allocation for genuine traders.

Digital Cooperation: Benin’s digital agency (ASIN) and Nigeria’s NITDA agreed to deepen ties on digital transformation, digital public infrastructure, and innovation-driven governance during a Beninese delegation visit to Abuja. Clean Transport & Gas Transition: Nigeria’s Minister of State for Petroleum (Gas) Ekperikpe Ekpo inaugurated Edo’s Diverse Autocare Hub and CNG Conversion Centre, framing CNG as a way to cut transport costs and support a cleaner, more sustainable fuel shift. Urban Safety & Renewal: Edo Governor Monday Okpebholo said traders’ cooperation helped complete the rebuilt Oba Market in Benin City after the 2020 fire, with assurances of shop allocations and safer trading spaces. Youth & Community Wellbeing: Edo marked 2026 Children’s Day with a strong child-protection message—“Choose Kindness, Reject Bullying”—and renewed calls for inclusive education and safer environments. Regional Integration: Congo announced visa-free access for all African nationals from January 1, 2027, joining a growing list of African visa-free regimes. Food & Livelihood Pressure: A report links rising livestock prices across West Africa to conflict, export bans, climate shocks, and economic strain, making Eid al-Adha slaughter increasingly unaffordable.

Digital Cooperation: Benin’s NITDA and Nigeria’s NITDA/Agence des Systèmes d’Information et du Numérique renewed ties to push digital transformation, digital public infrastructure, and innovation-driven governance. Education & Jobs: University of Benin (UNIBEN) rolled out a soft-skills and employability training programme with Blue Chip Services and Jobberman to make graduates more career-ready. Energy & Cleaner Transport: Nigeria’s CNG push got a boost with the Diverse Autocare Hub and CNG Conversion Centre in Benin City, framed as a way to cut transport costs and support a cleaner fuel economy. Maritime Security: Benin joined the Obangame Express OE26 maritime exercise in Cameroon, aimed at tackling illegal fishing, piracy, and trafficking in the Gulf of Guinea. Food & Climate Pressure: A report warns that war, policy failures, and a warming climate are pricing West Africans out of livestock markets, driving up beef costs across borders. Regional Mobility: Congo announced visa-free access for all African nationals from January 2027, joining a growing list of countries easing travel across Africa.

Benin’s new political and security direction: Romuald Wadagni took office after the coup scare, promising growth that reaches households, jobs, and stronger social protection, while also tightening defence as jihadist threats spread from the Sahel. Regional integration push: Congo announced visa-free access for all Africans from January 1, 2027, joining Benin’s earlier visa-free move and reinforcing AfCFTA-style free movement. Digital transformation ties (Benin focus): Benin’s NITDA and Agence des Systèmes d’Information et du Numérique renewed cooperation with Nigeria on digital public infrastructure and innovation-driven governance. Power and environment-adjacent safety: TCN Benin Region sensitised communities on protecting transmission lines and avoiding building in right-of-way corridors. Food system pressure: A report links climate shocks, conflict and export bans to a broken livestock trade, pushing beef prices up across Benin and the wider region. Youth and skills: UNIBEN ran soft skills and employability training with Jobberman to prepare students for work.

Benin’s New Leadership & Security-Linked Reform: Benin’s newly sworn-in president Romuald Wadagni signals a shift toward better living standards and job creation, while keeping defence and security under his direct control as jihadist threats from the Sahel pressure northern regions. Digital Transformation Cooperation: Benin’s digital agency (ASIN) and Nigeria’s NITDA renewed ties on digital public infrastructure and innovation-driven governance, focusing on shared frameworks and resilient digital ecosystems. Youth Employability in Benin: The University of Benin (UNIBEN) rolled out a soft skills and employability programme with Jobberman and Blue Chip Services to prepare students for the workplace. Regional Integration Push: Congo announced visa-free access for all African nationals from Jan 1, 2027, joining Benin and other countries already easing intra-Africa travel. Food & Climate Pressure on Livestock Trade: A report links jihadist predation, export bans, climate shocks and currency stress to rising beef prices and a broken West African cattle supply chain.

Benin’s New Leadership & Security: Romuald Wadagni took office on May 24, signaling a possible thaw with Niger after months of tensions tied to the AES, while also placing defense and security under his direct authority as jihadist threats spread from the Sahel. Digital Transformation (Benin-Nigeria): Benin’s digital agency (ASIN) and Nigeria’s NITDA renewed cooperation on digital public infrastructure and innovation-driven governance during a visit to Abuja. Education & Youth Skills: UNIBEN rolled out a soft skills and employability programme with Jobberman and Blue Chip Services to help students become career-ready. Child Protection Focus (Edo): Edo Governor Monday Okpebholo used Children’s Day to push “Choose Kindness, Reject Bullying,” promising stronger child protection and safer learning environments. CNG & Cleaner Transport (Edo): Nigeria’s gas officials and Edo leaders inaugurated a CNG conversion hub in Benin City, pitching CNG as a way to cut transport costs and support jobs. Regional Integration: Congo announced visa-free access for all African nationals from January 2027, echoing similar moves to ease movement across the continent.

Benin’s New Presidency: Romuald Wadagni vowed to turn growth into real gains for people, while tackling rising jihadist-linked security threats in northern Benin and promising jobs, basic services and social protection after his April 12 win. Regional Security & Diplomacy: Nigeria’s VP Kashim Shettima attended Wadagni’s inauguration in Cotonou, stressing the Nigeria–Benin partnership for regional stability and cross-border economic ties. Digital Transformation (Benin): Benin’s digital agency (ASIN) and Nigeria’s NITDA agreed to deepen cooperation on digital public infrastructure and innovation-driven governance. Power Infrastructure Protection: TCN’s Benin Region sensitised Ogun communities on protecting transmission lines, warning against building in right-of-way corridors and urging reporting of vandalism risks. Youth & Skills (Benin): UNIBEN launched soft skills and employability training with Jobberman and Blue Chip Services to boost student readiness for the future of work. CNG & Cleaner Transport (Edo, Nigeria): Edo State and Nigeria’s gas officials inaugurated a CNG conversion hub, pitching natural gas as a cheaper, cleaner transport option—relevant to wider regional air-quality and energy-transition debates.

Benin’s New President & Security-Linked Growth: Romuald Wadagni took office after winning 94% of the vote, pledging that economic growth must show up in everyday life, while tackling rising jihadist threats in northern Benin and promising closer regional cooperation. Digital Cooperation (Benin–Nigeria): Benin’s NITDA counterpart met Nigeria’s NITDA to deepen ties on digital transformation, digital public infrastructure, and innovation-driven governance. Power Infrastructure Protection: TCN’s Benin Region ran community sensitisation in Ogun, urging residents to avoid building in power line right-of-way corridors and to report vandalism risks. Cleaner Transport Push (Regional Gas Economy): Nigeria’s CNG conversion hub in Benin City, Edo was inaugurated, with officials framing CNG as a lower-cost, cleaner alternative to cut transport emissions and support industrial growth. Youth & Skills (Employability): UNIBEN delivered soft-skills and employability training with Jobberman and Blue Chip Services, aiming to prepare graduates for a greener, more competitive job market. Water & Climate Lens (Africa Day): Africa Day’s theme spotlighted water sustainability, underscoring how water insecurity is worsened by climate change and pollution.

Sports & Youth Infrastructure: Buruj Sports Academy in Ikorodu, Lagos unveiled plans for a full stadium complex on six acres, including a standard pitch, athletics track, 5,000-capacity pavilion, and training facilities—aimed at turning grassroots talent into national and international stars. Energy & Transport Costs: In Benin City, Edo State’s CNG Conversion Centre was commissioned as Nigeria pushes Compressed Natural Gas to cut transport costs, create jobs, and expand cleaner mobility. Benin–Nigeria Regional Ties: Nigeria’s Vice President Kashim Shettima reiterated that about five million Nigerians in Benin will benefit as both countries deepen trade and cooperation, with security and integration at the core. Regional Mobility: Congo says it will remove visas for all African travellers from January 2027, joining similar moves across the region. Digital Cooperation: NITDA and Benin’s digital agency agreed to strengthen ties on digital transformation and public-sector innovation. Power Protection: TCN sensitised communities on protecting transmission lines and avoiding building in right-of-way corridors.