Togo launches clean cooking program to expand access, cut reliance on biomass

Energy

Thursday, 26 March 2026 16:25

Togo launches clean cooking program to expand access, cut reliance on biomass

(Togo First) - Togo has launched its National Clean Cooking Access Program, with the initiative officially introduced this week in Lomé by Robert Eklo, minister delegate in charge of energy and mineral resources.

The program builds on preparatory studies and aims to align with priorities outlined in the National Energy Pact (Mission 300), which targets raising access to clean cooking solutions to 80% by 2030.

“Our ambition is clear: to ensure that by 2030, clean cooking becomes a reality for as many people as possible,” the minister said at the launch workshop.

As part of the program, Togo is receiving support from the Global Enabling Environment Facility (GEEF). EED Advisory, mandated by the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO, Rijksdienst voor Ondernemend Nederland), will assist the government, working closely with national institutions and sector stakeholders. The European Union will also support the studies through the ReCCAWA program.

Access to clean cooking remains low in Togo, with households heavily reliant on solid biomass fuels. The program aims to tackle economic, health, environmental and social challenges linked to this dependence.

In the energy sector, the initiative is expected to help diversify energy sources, modernize the energy mix and strengthen resilience to fluctuations in traditional resources.

Economically, the development of a local market for clean cooking solutions, including gas distribution, the production of improved stoves and maintenance services, could generate jobs and support entrepreneurship, particularly among youth and women.

Esaïe Edoh

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.