Togo Launches First Comedy Training School in Aného

Culture

Friday, 23 January 2026 18:11

Togo Launches First Comedy Training School in Aného

(Togo First) - A comedy training school opened on Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026, in Aného. Named “L’École du rire à Aného”, it will offer courses in creative development, comedy techniques, stage practice and career training for comedians.

The school is the first of its kind in Togo. It is run by the Aquéréburu and Partners Foundation, in partnership with the Lacs 1 commune. Organisers say the project aims to help develop Togolese and African comedic talent through structured training, mentoring and live performances.

The school will train young comedians in basic and advanced comedy skills, while helping them improve writing, performance and stage direction. Students will also receive guidance to develop their comedic voice and build professional careers, including access to performance venues and festivals. The project also plans to host regular comedy shows in Aného.

Lawson Latévi Jeff, executive director of the Aquéréburu and Partners Foundation, said the aim is to use humour as a tool for cultural expression, social cohesion, civic awareness and job creation for young people.

The initiative is part of the momentum generated by the Festival International d’Histoire d’Aného (FIHA), which promotes the city’s cultural heritage. Aného served as Togo’s capital before independence.

Esaïe Edoh

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