Lomé University joins new EU-backed program to tackle noncommunicable diseases

Health

Thursday, 20 November 2025 13:55

Lomé University joins new EU-backed program to tackle noncommunicable diseases

EU-funded Empower project targets stronger prevention and care for NCDs
Lomé University to support training, digital tools, and PhD supervision
Program expands West African research network with two new theses in Togo

Lomé University is among the partner institutions engaged in a new public health initiative funded by the European Union. The financing, obtained by the University of Limoges, opens a new phase of scientific cooperation in West Africa through the Empower project.

Supported for four years under the Africa–France Academic Partnerships program, the project aims to strengthen the prevention and management of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) in Benin and Togo.

NCDs such as diabetes, hypertension, and some mental health disorders are now the leading causes of death worldwide. In Togo and Benin, more than 80 % of affected people do not have access to adequate care. Empower seeks to address this through two main pillars: training for health workers and digital tools to support early detection. The program includes support for community health agents and the rollout of an application dedicated to diagnosis and continuity of care.

Lomé University will play an operational role in implementing the program. Its contribution will include local training, adapting digital tools to Togolese conditions, and supervising future PhD students recruited in the region.

Two additional theses will be funded in Togo under the project, integrating the country into a broader research network linking Limoges, Abomey-Calavi, Luxembourg, Italy, and Switzerland.

According to available information, Empower follows the previous Inspire-UAC program, focused on public health training. Together, the two initiatives account for 24 PhD projects, including thirteen already underway. Continued cooperation is expected to strengthen local capacity in a field where needs remain significant.

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.