Togo: UPRAD Starts Building New Headquarters in Lomé

Economic governance

Friday, 18 April 2025 08:20

Togo: UPRAD Starts Building New Headquarters in Lomé

(Togo First) - The new headquarters of Togo’s Professional Union of Customs Agents, also known as Union Professionnelle des Agréés en Douanes (UPRAD), will be in Lomé. Construction works for the building were kicked off on April 17 in the Golfe 1 municipality. Stéphane Akaya, Secretary General of the Ministry of Economy and Finance, led the groundbreaking ceremony on behalf of the Minister.

The project will cost CFA5 billion and will build a seven-story, 2,500 m² complex. The modern building will include offices, commercial spaces, a conference room, an infirmary, and an underground parking lot with 25 spaces. The design features a perforated facade to reduce solar heat and improve energy efficiency. The project owner expects completion within three years.

Patrick Magnon, UPRAD President, called the new headquarters a turning point for the union. “This project reflects our desire to equip our organization with an infrastructure that meets the current demands of our profession, and to strengthen our presence within the port and customs ecosystem,” he said.

UPRAD plans to use the headquarters as a hub for services, exchanges, and training for customs brokers. The building will help improve service quality and boost the national economy’s competitiveness.

Stéphane Akaya praised the initiative as a model of private-sector commitment. “It’s this private sector that we encourage: an enterprising sector, which invests in structuring projects and supports the modernization drive spearheaded by the government,” he said

UPRAD was formed to unite Togo’s customs brokers. Since its inception, it has worked to professionalize the trade, defend members’ interests, and build partnerships with customs and port authorities.

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