Togo sets 2026 legal interest rate at 5.36% as five-year climb eases

Public Management

Tuesday, 03 February 2026 15:54

Togo sets 2026 legal interest rate at 5.36% as five-year climb eases

(Togo First) - Togo has set its legal interest rate for the 2026 calendar year at 5.3637%, according to a decree adopted after a Council of Ministers meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2026.

The measure is in line with WAEMU regulations, with the rate determined by the Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO) and communicated to the Togolese authorities.

While the new level marks a slight decline from 2025, when the rate peaked at 5.5% across the WAEMU region, it still reflects the broader upward movement seen in recent years.

After dropping to 4% in 2022, the legal interest rate began climbing again, reaching 4.2205% in 2023 and 5.0336% in 2024 before hitting its high point last year. Over the 2022–2026 period, the cumulative increase now exceeds 130 basis points.

The legal interest rate applies to late payments when no specific rate has been contractually agreed between parties. It serves as compensation for creditors and is frequently used as a benchmark in commercial, financial, and administrative disputes.

For businesses, the rate continues to increase the cost of payment delays and reinforces the need for stronger contractual discipline. Togolese authorities said the adjustment helps ensure fairness in financial relations and strengthens legal certainty.

Although slightly lower than last year’s peak, the 2026 figure remains consistent with the regional trajectory set by the BCEAO.

Ayi Renaud Dossavi

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