Togo launches programme to train 240 women in heavy truck driving

Formation

Tuesday, 28 April 2026 18:15

Togo launches programme to train 240 women in heavy truck driving

(Togo First) - Togo will train 240 women to drive heavy trucks as part of the Lomé-Ouagadougou-Niamey Economic Corridor Project (PCE-LON), an initiative aimed at increasing women's participation in a sector long dominated by men while addressing growing demand for qualified drivers in road transport.

The women will undergo a three-month training programme combining theory, practical driving and a certification phase. Participants will receive a Professional Female Heavy Truck Driver Certificate upon completion. Training covers licence categories C, D and E, depending on each participant’s pathway.

A first cohort of 40 women, who began the programme several weeks ago, has now entered the certification phase. Six cohorts of 40 women will be trained in 2026, bringing the total to 240 beneficiaries.

"This is an important opportunity for us. We are learning a trade that opens real professional prospects. We never would have imagined accessing this sector before," said Logossè Ayabavi, a participant in the first cohort.

The PCE-LON is financed by the World Bank with $120 million and implemented by the transport ministry through the Directorate of Road and Rail Transport (DTRF). The project forms part of broader efforts to modernise transport infrastructure and strengthen regional connectivity along the corridor.

The programme also targets broader social objectives, including reducing gender stereotypes in heavy vehicle driving and expanding employment opportunities for women.

Gautier Agbekodovi

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