EU-Funded DEFEND Security Program Concludes in Togo After Four Years

Security

Friday, 20 February 2026 14:29

EU-Funded DEFEND Security Program Concludes in Togo After Four Years

(Togo First) - A European Union-funded security program in Togo officially concluded on Feb. 17, 2026, after a closing ceremony held at the Peacekeeping Operations Training Center. The session was chaired by Colonel Amana Kodjo, Director General of the National Gendarmerie, representing the Chief of Staff of the Togolese Armed Forces (FAT), in the presence of EU Ambassador Gwilym Jones and French Ambassador to Togo Augustin Favereau.

Launched as part of security cooperation between Lomé and Brussels, the program aimed to strengthen the FAT’s operational capabilities against threats in the country’s north and to reinforce ties between the military and local communities, according to the defense ministry.

The program delivered several specialized training courses, including instruction on countering improvised explosive devices, covering detection, neutralization and equipment maintenance. It also supplied protective and mobility equipment.

The support included the installation of gabions to secure military installations, the provision of sandbags and protective gear, as well as generators and tents to support deployments in remote areas. Specialized equipment such as explosive detectors and inspection tools was also handed over to Togolese forces.

Launched at the 2022 Accra Summit, the DEFEND program has a total budget of 5 million euros covering Togo and Ghana. Togo’s share was provided in the form of equipment and training rather than direct financial transfers.

The project concludes as Togo continues to face security challenges in its northern region bordering Burkina Faso. Since 2022, the Savanes region has been under a state of emergency, marked by armed incursions, sporadic attacks and civilian displacement.

R.E.D.

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.