(Togo First) - Togo is experiencing a gradual demographic transition alongside its economic transformation, with the fertility rate dropping from 6.4 to 4.3 children per woman over the past three decades. The trend was a key focus of World Population Day, observed on Tuesday, October 14, 2025.
Held under the theme “Empowering Youth to Build the Families They Desire in a Just and Hopeful World,” the event underscored how demographic change is central to Togo’s sustainable development goals, a priority shared by the government and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
Essohanam Edjeou, Chief of Staff at the Ministry of Development Planning, said the theme reflects young people’s aspirations to start families while highlighting persistent barriers such as economic instability, limited access to reproductive health services, and the impact of climate change. He added that technological and social change is reshaping lifestyles and priorities.
According to Élise Kakam, UNFPA’s Representative in Togo, “stable employment and adequate income are now essential for enabling young people to form the families they want.”
The UNFPA’s 2025 Global Report calls for building on current progress, particularly greater gender equality, female education, and women’s economic participation, to turn declining fertility into a demographic dividend.
Despite lower fertility, Togo’s population continues to grow. The most recent census (RGPH-5) recorded 8.1 million inhabitants in 2022, up from 6.1 million in 2010, equivalent to an annual growth rate of 2.3%. Nearly 60% of Togolese are under 25, making job creation and better health services national priorities.
The government has launched programs such as Wezou for maternal health and SWEDD+ for women’s empowerment and family planning initiatives, efforts aimed at turning the demographic transition into a driver of economic opportunity.
Ayi Renaud Dossavi