Togo: private sector takes center stage at first health sector forum

Health

Friday, 17 April 2026 15:19

Togo: private sector takes center stage at first health sector forum

(Togo First) - Togo’s health ministry on Thursday launched the first forum for private healthcare providers in Lomé, focusing on the country’s universal health coverage program.

Held under the theme “The Role of the Private Sector in Promoting Universal Health Insurance (AMU) in Togo,” the two-day event brings together private healthcare stakeholders to explore how they can support the rollout of universal coverage. It is organized by the Private Health Sector Platform (PSPS-Togo).

The program includes panel discussions, working sessions and technical presentations. Organizers say the forum aims to strengthen recognition of the private sector’s role in the national health system and encourage closer collaboration with the state.

The event also seeks to mobilize private operators to support the implementation of universal health insurance.

“The urgent need to expand healthcare provision means the private sector cannot remain on the sidelines. It is already playing a key role through its diagnostic and treatment facilities, as well as specialized services,” said PSPS President Dr Kounde Innocent Kpeto.

The platform said a stronger private health sector could support both the health system and the broader economy.

“Resources mobilized to finance universal health coverage should improve public health, while also supporting the development of a structured economic sector that contributes to national growth,” organizers said.

Health Minister Jean-Marie Tessi, who chaired the opening ceremony, said the initiative forms part of broader efforts to build a resilient and accessible health system.

“Universal health insurance reflects a strong national ambition and a high-level political commitment to ensure equitable, continuous and quality access to care for all Togolese,” he said.

Togo has been rolling out its universal health insurance scheme since January 2024, with the aim of extending coverage to the entire population.

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.