CCI-Togo Previews Program to Train Women as Truck and Crane Operators

Economic governance

Friday, 13 March 2026 19:29

CCI-Togo Previews Program to Train Women as Truck and Crane Operators

(Togo First) - The Togo Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI-Togo) held a preview event Friday for its “Femmes Action CCI-Togo” project, an initiative aimed at promoting women’s economic empowerment through careers in transport and logistics. Ten beneficiaries will be selected for the program’s first cohort.

The announcement was made by CCI-Togo president José Kwassi Symenouh at a press briefing attended by Director General Karine Adotevi Edoh, road transport officials and sector partners, including Africa Global Logistics (AGL), represented by senior executive Charles Kokouvi Gaffan.

According to Symenouh, the initiative aims to increase women’s participation in transport and logistics, sectors still largely dominated by men.

The project seeks to train women to operate heavy machinery, trucks and semi-trailers, as well as port cranes. “The objective is to show women they can pursue careers long considered reserved for men,” Symenouh said.

Presented as part of International Women’s Rights Day activities, the program aims to support women’s economic empowerment while addressing growing skills shortages in sectors strategic to Togo’s economy.

Ten Women for First Cohort

The inaugural edition, named the “Dorothée Nassif Promotion,” will select ten candidates through an open call for applications. Nassif is among Togo’s first female heavy-truck drivers. “Driving is exciting,” she said, encouraging women to overcome their fears and pursue careers operating heavy equipment and port machinery.

Selected participants will undergo specialized vocational training with technical and institutional support from CCI-Togo and its partners, including Africa Global Logistics and road transport operators, with the aim of facilitating both training and job placement.

Following this preview phase, the project will move into its operational stage, with the official launch scheduled for June, when agreements with institutional partners are expected to be signed.

Training is set to begin in September 2026. Beyond training, CCI-Togo plans to support the professional integration of beneficiaries, including within companies such as AGL, while also promoting female entrepreneurship. The chamber also intends to establish a dedicated funding vehicle, the CCI-Togo Investment Fund, to support initiatives in the sector.

“Women can come together and start a transport company with the support of CCI-Togo,” Symenouh said.

CCI-Togo said an initial evaluation of the initiative is planned for March 8, 2027, to assess its impact on women’s access to careers in transport and logistics.

S.A

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