OHADA member states reopen talks on sustainable funding in Lomé

Economic governance

Wednesday, 06 May 2026 16:08

OHADA member states reopen talks on sustainable funding in Lomé

(Togo First) - Experts from the Organization for the Harmonization of Business Law in Africa (OHADA) began talks in Lomé on Monday on reforming the institution’s funding model, ahead of a special session of finance ministers scheduled for later this week.

The meeting is the first of its kind in nearly two decades and is focused on finding a more sustainable way to finance the organization.

Founded in 1993, OHADA brings together 17 member states to improve the business climate and strengthen legal certainty across the region. Although primarily a legal body, it also supports economic policy by improving market governance and helping create a more predictable business environment. The organization is facing funding constraints that have limited its effectiveness.

“This is a very important organization that does not concern only the ministries of Finance and Justice. It concerns all ministries involved in economic and social development,” said Prof. Mayatta N'Diaye Mbaye, OHADA's Permanent Secretary.

He said time spent securing funding was reducing the organization’s operational capacity. OHADA must be “responsive,” “effective,” and “efficient,” he said, adding that these goals require adequate resources.

Experts are reviewing proposals drawn from a study financed by the French Development Agency (AFD). The aim is to define a more stable funding model that can support the institution’s autonomy and effectiveness.

Opening the proceedings, Akou Mawussé Adetou Afidenyigba, representing Togo’s Minister of Finance and Budget, Essowè Georges Barcola, said OHADA had strengthened the legal environment for businesses and helped boost investment.

Despite those achievements, existing funding mechanisms, including the capitalization fund and member state contributions, have proven insufficient. The expert committee’s conclusions will be submitted to finance ministers, who will decide which reforms to pursue.

Ayi Renaud Dossavi

REFORMS OVERVIEW

STARTING A BUSINESS (more info)

At the fifteenth position, worldwide, and first in Africa, under the Starting a Business index of the 2020 Doing Business ranking, Togo sustains its reformative dynamics with more reforms….

ENFORCING CONTRACTS (more info)

Compared to some years ago when it was one of the lowest rankers under the Doing Business’ Enforcing Contracts indicator, Togo, leveraging many efforts to improve its business climate, was able to jump significantly on the index in the recent years... .

CONTRACT EXECUTION (more info)

Creation of special chambers of commerce for small debts • Creation of chambers of commerce at the Court of Appeal • Civil and commercial cases now handled by distinct clerks • Establishment of commercial courts in Lomé and Kara • Lawyers and bailiffs now have access to the FORSETI COMMERCIAL platform • A maximum period of 100 days was fixed to settle a commercial dispute .

TRADING ACROSS BORDERS (more info)

In comparison to previous years,Togo has significantly improved its ranking under the“Trading across borders” indicator by adopting multiple reforms that focus mainly on the digitization and reduction in delays, for import and export procedures related to import and export.

In comparison to previous years, Togo has significantly improved its ranking on the “Trading across borders” index by adopting multiple reforms that focus mainly on the digitalization and reduction in delays, for import and export procedures related to import and export.

CONSTRUCTION PERMIT (more info)

After moving from the 133rd to 127th place under the 2020 Doing Business’ construction permit index, Togo intends to reiterate this feat in the coming edition of the global ranking. To this end, it has introduced this year multiple reforms.

GETTING ELECTRICITY (more info)

Over the past two years, Togo’s ranking under the Doing Business’ Getting electricity and water indicator has increased consistently. Owing this performance to multiple reforms aimed at making it easier for businesses to access power and water, Lomé plans to introduce even more reforms this year to keep up its improvements.

REGISTERING A PROPERTY (more info)

Out of all the 'Doing Business’ indicators, Property Registration is where Togo has improved the most since 2018. Indeed, after spending years in the lowest part of this ranking, the country now seeks to beat Rwanda which is the best performer on this index in Africa. To do so, Lomé has been introducing many reforms, with the latest batch implemented this year.

PUBLIC PROCUREMENT (more info)

From professionalization to digitization, through legislative regulations, Togo’s public procurement framework is constantly being modernized. Several reforms have been implemented to improve the sector much to the benefit of the private sector, which is the focus of the National Development Plan.

PAYING TAXES AND DUTIES (more info)

To improve its business environment, Togo introduced some important reforms related to the payment of tax and duties. From the replacement of some taxes to the cancellation of others through exemptions, the country has only one objective: offer the most attractive tax framework to investors and economic operators. To achieve this, the authorities relied on digitization.