The ECOWAS Regional Agriculture and Food Fund (RAFF) Supervisory Board approved its 2025-2027 work plan and budget during a meeting in Lomé last week. The fund aims to boost agricultural program funding across member states as West Africa faces escalating food insecurity.

Harmonized Framework estimates that 49.5 million people could face food insecurity during the upcoming lean season, with Nigeria accounting for over 60% of at-risk populations. The RAFF seeks to strengthen regional coordination and scale existing initiatives to address the crisis.

Massandjé Touré-Litsè, ECOWAS Agriculture Commissioner, chaired the session and emphasized urgent resource mobilization, improved fund absorption in member states, and enhanced technical partnerships.

 “We have advanced financing agreements, capacity-building efforts, and regional projects promoting climate resilience, sustainable agriculture, and value-chain development,” Touré-Litsè stated.

The three-year budget will enable the RAFF to expand support for inclusive, competitive agricultural sectors and reinforce food security and poverty reduction efforts. The ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) manages the RAFF, which finances the Regional Agricultural Policy Investment Program (ECOWAP).

This article was initially published in French by Esaie Edoh

Edited in English by Ange Jason Quenum

Prime Minister Victoire Tomégah-Dogbé met with France’s Special Envoy for the Sahel, Christophe Guilhou, last week. Guilhou was with French Ambassador Augustin Favereau. The meeting aimed to deepen dialogue between Paris and Lomé as Togo asserts its stabilizing and diplomatic role amid shifting regional geopolitics.

Discussions focused on Togo’s economic ambitions, regional integration policies, and structural challenges to sustaining development gains. After the meeting, Christophe Guilhou said it aimed to “discuss the quality of bilateral relations, continuing the high-level exchanges between Togolese and French leaders, starting with the Head of State. (...) And then to discuss the regional situation, since Togo has a special role in the sub-region.”

France expressed keen interest in Togo’s actions to foster resilience, inclusive growth, and regional diplomacy. The recent meeting strengthens the prospects for a structured partnership that balances strategic and economic interests. Togo positions itself as a bridge between political stability, economic transformation, and diplomatic influence.

The talks came days after President Faure Gnassingbé became the African Union mediator for the peace talks to end the ongoing conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

The port of Lomé made history last week. On April 24, the MSC Diletta—stretching 400 meters long and 61 meters wide—became the largest container ship ever to dock in Togo or anywhere on the West African coast. This is not just a big ship. It’s a big deal for Togo’s future as a regional logistics powerhouse.

The Diletta’s journey started in China, then stopped in India, Singapore, and Ghana’s Tema port before reaching Lomé. Next up: Abidjan and Kribi. Until now, only 366-meter ships worked this route. Lomé had hosted a 400-meter ship earlier in 2024, but the Diletta, with the capacity to fill nearly 15,000 trucks, takes things to a new level.

“This is the culmination of years of work, with the support of the Togolese authorities. Today, we are showing that Lomé is capable of handling the world’s largest ships with the same rigour as the port hubs of Europe and Asia,” said Gregory Krief, Managing Director of MSC Togo.

The Diletta’s arrival was a full team effort—six pilots, four tugs, and smooth operations all around. Containers offloaded at Lomé aren’t just for Togo. Most are headed for Nigeria, Gabon, Benin, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali. “Lomé is no longer a national port. It’s an integrated regional hub, connected to all the major terminals in the sub-region,” Krief said. “It is an essential link in our door-to-door network. We provide weekly connections with the main ports in the sub-region, including Tema, Cotonou, Douala, and Libreville.”

Last year, the Lomé Container Terminal (LCT)—a joint venture between TIL (MSC) and China Merchants—handled nearly 1.7 million TEUs, much of it transhipped to other countries. Thanks to deep waters and low congestion, Lomé is beating out rivals like Tema and Abidjan.

At full tilt, the terminal moves over 30 containers an hour, matching the pace of major Mediterranean ports. “Our low domestic demand is actually an advantage: it allows us to devote more space and agility to regional flows,” Krief said.

Lomé’s rise is not luck. In just 10 years, container traffic jumped from 500,000 to over 2 million TEUs, and total cargo now tops 30 million tonnes—triple what it was a decade ago. Richard Kangbeni, Minister for the maritime sector, sees the Diletta’s visit as proof of President Faure Gnassingbé’s vision. “Receiving the Diletta confirms the relevance of the vision of President Faure Gnassingbé, who has made the autonomous port of Lomé a pillar of the country’s economic and logistical development,” the official said.

Togo is betting on its geographic position to become the Sahel’s gateway, with corridors to Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali. The government is modernizing infrastructure, digitizing customs, and wooing global shipping giants.

As for MSC, its management emphasized that they “will continue to strengthen our equipment and modernise our facilities to support the growth in regional demand.” More mega-ships like the Diletta are already scheduled to stop by Lomé’s port in the coming weeks.

This article was initially published in French by Fiacre E. Kakpo

Edited in English by Jason Ange Quenum

The Téléperformance Kékéli call center in Lomé opened its doors on Thursday, April 24, 2024, in Djidjolé. President of the National Assembly, Sévon-Tépé Kodjo Adédzé, led the inauguration.

The National Social Security Fund (CNSS) backed the project, which cost CFA7.5 billion. The building, which spans 7,200-square-meter, meets international standards. The project was launched in 2022 through a public-private partnership.

More than 1,000 young Togolese now work at the center. Labour Minister Gilbert Bawara expects that number to reach 2,500 by 2029.

“To date, a thousand of our young people are working for this company based in Lomé. And over the next five years, no fewer than 2,500 jobs will also be created for young Togolese. This project has become impressive and a model in this part of Lomé,” said Minister Bawara.

Téléperformance, a global customer relations leader, expands its reach in Togo and West Africa. “Through the Kékéli site, we manage customer relations for international companies in various sectors, including transport,” said Nahid El Jerari, Director of Operations in Togo.

On the same day, officials also opened a building materials factory at the PIA site.

This article was initially published in French by Ayi Renaud Dossavi

Edited in English by Ola Schad Akinocho

Vivace Group, a Chinese manufacturer of aluminum and plastic construction materials, has recently launched its new factory at the Adétikopé Industrial Platform (PIA), Togo’s flagship industrial zone. On April 24, 2025, President of the National Assembly Kodjo Adedze led the inauguration ceremony, marking the plant’s official start of operations.

Vivace invested over CFA8 billion (about £12 million) in this project, which broke ground in August 2023. The factory covers 30,000 square meters inside the PIA, a special economic zone near Lomé. With a yearly production capacity of 10,000 tonnes, the plant targets the booming demand for modern building materials in Togo and neighboring countries. 

Vivace has already hired about 100 young Togolese and plans to create over 600 direct jobs and many indirect jobs in related sectors. Its arrival fits the Togolese government’s push for industrialization to drive growth and cut unemployment. 

Attending the ceremony, Minister of Industry and Investment Promotion Manuella Santos praised the new factory, which she said "illustrates Togo's attractiveness and stability for foreign investors". 

Luo Weivong, Managing Director of Vivace Group, said the choice of Togo was deliberate. He cited “political stability, the quality of the business climate, and the sustained pace of economic growth” as key factors.

The Vivace factory joins a fast-growing industrial ecosystem at the PIA. Since its launch in 2021, the platform, built as a public-private partnership between the Togolese government and Arise IIP, has attracted over twenty local and international companies. The goal is to process raw materials locally, build value chains, and boost Togo’s export capacity.

This article was initially published in French by Esaïe Edoh

Edited in English by Ange Jason Quenum

Togo’s public debt hit CFA4,217.73 billion last year, or 69.16% of GDP, up from 66.65% in 2023. The Ministry of Finance disclosed these figures in its Annual Public Debt Report.

The ministry attributed the increase to security spending in northern regions and social programs to offset high living costs. Last year’s performance was below the 70% regional ceiling set by the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU).

Between 2020 and 2024, total debt surged from CFA2,555.45 billion to CFA4,217.73 billion. External debt alone spiked 82%, climbing from CFA981.28 billion to CFA1,785.17 billion. Domestic debt grew more gradually, hitting CFA2,432.56 billion in 2024, up from CFA1,574.17 billion in 2020.

Debt servicing 

Debt servicing costs intensified pressure on public finances. In 2023, repayments totaled CFA797.19 billion —a 12.91% annual increase—split between principal (399.17 billion) and interest/commissions (153.02 billion).

Authorities insist on maintaining debt sustainability. Their fiscal strategy aims to slash the deficit to 3% of GDP by 2025. Togo raised CFA486.77 billion from financial markets in 2024 and plans to secure 332 billion more on WAEMU markets this year.

This article was initially published in French by Ayi Renaud Dossavi

Edited in English by Ange Jason Quenum

On April 22, 2025, Togo’s Ministry of Agriculture, with support from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), launched a new initiative to promote agricultural entrepreneurship among young people. The program targets four key sectors: rice, sesame, cashew nuts, and cassava.

The new project aims to strengthen micro and small agricultural businesses by providing technical training, helping young entrepreneurs develop solid business plans, and improving their access to financing.

Agriculture employs nearly two-thirds of Togo’s workforce but faces major challenges like limited financing, low local processing, and climate risks. “Youth entrepreneurship is a key focus of our work,” said Dr. Djiwa Oyétoundé, Programme Officer at FAO-Togo. The program aims to build competitive, inclusive value chains and train a new generation of agro-entrepreneurs who can lead and inspire others.

Beyond agriculture, this effort supports Togo’s broader economic transformation and tackles youth unemployment head-on. The program offers specialized training, business plan assistance, and support to access financing.

Last week, Togo’s National Agency for Grassroots Development Support (ANADEB) handed over 300 socio-economic infrastructures to local communities in the Plateaux, Centrale, and Kara regions.

Governor General Dadja Maganawé delivered 99 structures in the Plateaux region, including classrooms, drinking water boreholes, health centers, and market sheds.

In Sokodé, the prefect of Tchaoudjo received new infrastructure such as school buildings, community centers, photovoltaic boreholes, and markets. The ANADEB built these projects between 2021 and 2024 across 15 municipalities to improve the living conditions of residents in the long term.

In the Kara region, the Agency officially delivered 109 infrastructures, including markets, schools, rural tracks, and youth centers, benefiting 22 communes.

The government financed these infrastructures through the Support Fund for Local Authorities (FACT) and the Support Program for Vulnerable (PAPV). Officials said these projects support grassroots populations and advance decentralization policy.

Datcha’s old textile giant, TOGOTEX, roars back to life. Canadian firm Logistik Unicorp, through its Benart Afrique subsidiary, now owns the factory, which is located 160 kilometers north of Lomé. Last week, Prime Minister Victoire Tomégah-Dogbé inaugurated the facility and declared the rebirth of this symbol of Togolese industry.

The project’s revival required a CFA6 billion investment. The factory, active since October 2023, produces professional, civilian, and military uniforms. Owners want to make it a reference in Togo and West Africa.

“Our ambition goes beyond national borders. Benart Afrique aims to become a regional centre of excellence, capable of meeting the needs of African countries in terms of professional, civil, and military clothing,” says Dominique Kokou Zotoglo, Managing Director of Benart Afrique.

Since resuming activity, the factory has produced over 30,000 military uniforms and more than 60,000 total items. The plant has created over 300 direct jobs–85% of which were secured by women–and more than 600 indirect jobs.

Le 25 avril, j’ai inauguré l’usine Benart Afrique, qui confectionne désormais les tenues militaires, les uniformes de nos forces de défense et de sécurité, ainsi que d’autres tenues professionnelles.

Un renouveau pour le secteur du textile dans notre pays, notamment à Datcha,… pic.twitter.com/0BH8X6foPq

— Victoire Dogbe (@DogbeVictoire) April 26, 2025

The revival fits the government’s push for local processing and skilled jobs. The project enjoys incentives from Togo’s new free zone for textiles and clothing, launched in December 2022.

“Benart Afrique is one of the first industrial projects to have benefited from this scheme, confirming its attractiveness,” says Manuella Santos Modukpè, Minister for Industry and Investment Promotion. “The revival of the Datcha factory is a concrete illustration of Togo’s national industrial recovery strategy.”

This article was initially published in French by Esaïe Edoh

Edited in English by Ola Schad Akinocho