Togo, EU Discuss Security, Governance and Economic Cooperation

Politics

Wednesday, 10 June 2026 15:10

Togo, EU Discuss Security, Governance and Economic Cooperation

(Togo First) - Togo and the European Union held their fourth political dialogue session in Lomé on Tuesday under the framework of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States-EU Partnership Agreement. The talks focused on peace and security, democracy, good governance, and economic cooperation.

I chaired with Ambassador @GwilymCJones the @EU_Commission Representative in Togo, the 4th session of the partnership dialogue between Togo and the European Union. Our discussions focused on three main themes:
- National,regional,and international peace and security
- Democracy… pic.twitter.com/lfs2kzu7Wa
— Robert Dussey (@rdussey) June 9, 2026

Co-chaired by Foreign Affairs Minister Robert Dussey and EU Ambassador to Togo Gwilym Ceri Jones, the session reviewed Togo's efforts to prevent conflict and strengthen community resilience. The EU reaffirmed its support for security cooperation, including capacity building, counter-terrorism efforts, and initiatives implemented in Togo and across the wider region.

The parties also discussed governance and democracy. They reviewed the implementation of recommendations from the Universal Periodic Review and examined measures taken by Togo to advance human rights. At the conclusion of the talks, the EU and Togo reaffirmed their shared commitment to the rule of law, good governance, stronger democratic institutions, and inclusive engagement with civil society.

On the economic front, the two partners discussed opportunities to deepen their cooperation. The EU, one of Togo's principal economic partners, said it intends to expand trade and increase investment in several strategic sectors.

Dussey said the latest dialogue session reflects the EU's commitment to supporting Togo's development goals. The EU already supports the country through numerous programs and investments in security, governance, environmental protection, infrastructure, and economic development.

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.