Togo Outpaces Regional Average in World Bank Human Capital Ranking

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Tuesday, 17 February 2026 17:22

Togo Outpaces Regional Average in World Bank Human Capital Ranking

(Togo First) - Togo scored above the regional average on human capital development, according to a World Bank Group report published on Feb. 12, 2026.

The report introduces the Human Capital Index Plus (HCI+), an expanded version of the existing measure. It tracks the accumulation of human capital from birth to age 65, combining health, education and employment indicators.

The index assesses the likelihood that children born today will become healthy, educated and productive adults. According to the World Bank, every 10-point increase could translate into roughly 10% higher future earnings.

Togo scored 136 out of a theoretical maximum of 325, above the Sub-Saharan Africa average of 127 and the low-income country average of 114.

Performance remains uneven. Education is the weakest component, with a score of 63, close to the regional average. Health and employment scored 38 and 35, respectively. The World Bank said there is scope for further gains, with room for improvement of nearly 189 points if targeted reforms are implemented.

The report also highlights a gender gap. The HCI+ stands at 128 for women, compared with 144 for men, suggesting women’s future earnings could be 16% lower. Closing that gap could lift the country’s overall score to 144 and strengthen its long-term economic outlook.

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.