• The AfDB and Togo reviewed a CFA353 billion portfolio of 25 active projects, with a disbursement rate of only 37.25%.
• The review identified delays in project starts, procurement bottlenecks, and weak follow-up as persistent challenges.
• The AfDB pledged additional resources and new measures, including the PAP 2025 plan, to improve efficiency and quality.

The African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Togolese government concluded their 2025 country portfolio review last week, covering CFA353 billion across 25 active projects. The review produced an operational action plan with recommendations to strengthen efficiency and improve project quality.

Officials highlighted progress in electricity access, agricultural productivity, and reduced border transit times, in line with the government’s Togo 2025 roadmap. However, they also noted ongoing challenges such as slow project start-ups, complex procurement procedures, and weak monitoring of recommendations.

AfDB Country Manager Wilfried Abiola said the portfolio’s overall disbursement rate stood at 37.25%, with stronger results in finance (63%) and agriculture (43%). He stressed the need to address bottlenecks through the Portfolio Performance Improvement Plan (PAP 2025), better project quality at entry, and faster disbursement timelines.

The AfDB reaffirmed its commitment to mobilize additional resources for Togo’s development priorities while reinforcing joint monitoring and evaluation mechanisms.

Recent initiatives backed by the institution include a CFA131.2 billion partial credit guarantee, the CFA20.1 billion Kara Phase II agro-food transformation project, and a CFA40 billion 42 MWac solar power plant in Sokodé.

These investments reflect the AfDB’s strategy to combine infrastructure development with financial support instruments to unlock private sector growth.

This article was initially published in French by Ayi Renaud Dossavi

Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum

• EBID approved $308 million in loans for projects in Guinea and Nigeria during its 93rd board session in Lomé.
• President George Agyekum Donkor warned that U.S. export tariffs are fueling inflation across African economies.
• Global monetary easing allows EBID to borrow on international markets at more competitive rates.

The ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) is adapting its strategy as global economic signals remain mixed. Meeting in Lomé for its 93rd board session, the bank approved financing for projects in Guinea and Nigeria while addressing the impact of international trade and monetary policies.

EBID President George Agyekum Donkor said U.S. export tariffs imposed under the Trump administration continue to create inflationary pressures that spill over into African economies. “These taxes increase the price of products and services and generate a direct impact on our economies,” Donkor said.

Rising production and service costs are squeezing households and reducing the competitiveness of local businesses, he added.

At the same time, EBID is closely monitoring global monetary trends. The U.S. Federal Reserve cut interest rates by 25 basis points, while the European Central Bank lowered its benchmark rate twice, in January and June.

Donkor said these easing cycles enable EBID to raise funds on international markets at more competitive terms, strengthening its capacity to finance projects in member states. “These policies allow us to borrow at competitive rates to finance impactful projects,” he said.

During the Lomé session, EBID announced $308 million in new loans for four projects. In Guinea, Vista Guinée will channel funds into SME and MSME financing. In Nigeria’s Taraba State, EBID will support energy and agro-industrial ventures in the country’s center-east, which is also the most populous ECOWAS member.

By leveraging favorable financing conditions while countering trade-related shocks, EBID aims to sustain its role as a key development financier in West Africa.

This article was initially published in French by Ayi Renaud Dossavi

Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum

• Togo and Benin approved three instruments for the Mono River Basin: a monitoring system, a coordination mechanism, and a Gender Strategy 2025-2030.
• The Global Environment Facility (GEF) funds the $5 million IREE-Mono project over 48 months.
• Officials warn that climate change, pollution, and land degradation threaten food security and productive capacity in the basin.

Authorities from Togo and Benin, together with technical partners, launched a three-day workshop in Lomé on September 29 to advance the Regional Initiative for Water and Environment in the Transboundary Mono River Basin (IREE-Mono). The project seeks to establish coordinated and sustainable management of the 530-km river, which sustains 4 million people across 24,300 km².

The Mono River underpins agriculture, fisheries, and energy in the region, but growing threats such as climate change, pollution, land degradation, and water insecurity are eroding its productivity, according to the Mono Basin Authority.

The Lomé meeting validated three instruments: a monitoring and evaluation system, a coordination mechanism, and a Gender Strategy 2025-2030.

“Gender integration is not a simple add-on, but a sine qua non condition for sustainability,” said Yawo Ewoenam Zegue, Secretary-General of Togo’s Ministry of Water and Sanitation. The gender framework aims to improve women’s and youth participation in water and agriculture, where they remain underrepresented despite central roles.

“The monitoring and evaluation system will improve performance, measure progress, identify weaknesses, and capitalize on best practices,” said Dadja Gnakpaou, Executive Director of the Mono Basin Authority. He highlighted underuse of water resources, environmental degradation, and limited data availability as central challenges.

$5 Million Investment

Launched in January 2025, IREE-Mono is financed by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) with a $5 million budget for 48 months. The project seeks integrated and coordinated management of the basin’s resources.

Beyond environmental goals, IREE-Mono aims to strengthen Togo-Benin economic cooperation, boost agricultural productivity, preserve fisheries ecosystems, and build resilience in rural communities. Both countries want to transform the fragile resource into a driver of inclusive and sustainable development.

This article was initially published in French by Ayi Renaud Dossavi

Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum

• An IMF team led by Hans Weisfeld began a review mission in Lomé on September 29 under Togo’s $403.4 million Extended Credit Facility (ECF).
• The mission will assess growth, inflation, social indicators, and implementation of energy subsidy reforms.
• The review could unlock a new disbursement, adding to $129 million already received since the program’s approval in March 2024.

Togo began hosting an International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission on September 29 as part of the third review of its Extended Credit Facility (ECF). The delegation, led by Hans Weisfeld, will stay in Lomé until October 10.

The 42-month facility totals SDR 293.6 million (about $400 million) and was approved in March 2024. The program seeks to stabilize Togo’s economy and accelerate structural reforms.

The IMF team will hold talks with Togolese authorities on recent economic developments and medium-term prospects. The discussions will cover growth, inflation, national accounts, social indicators, and the government’s energy subsidy adjustment mechanism.

Officials expect that successful completion of the review could open the way for a new disbursement. The ECF agreement provides $403.4 million in total financing on concessional terms to help Togo absorb economic shocks since 2020.

The IMF has already disbursed about $129 million to Togo since March 2024 under the facility. The program aims to make growth more inclusive, strengthen debt sustainability, and advance structural reforms to boost activity and limit fiscal and financial risks.

This article was initially published in French by Esaïe Edoh

Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum

• UPRAD-Togo and GIFF signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen cooperation and harmonize practices.
• Bilateral trade between Togo and Ghana reached $448 million in 2023, with Togo’s exports growing 22.2% annually over five years.
• Officials called for stronger legislative and regulatory frameworks to ease cross-border trade.

The Union des Professionnels Agréés en Douane (UPRAD-Togo) signed a memorandum of understanding on September 29 with the Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders (GIFF). The deal aims to strengthen collaboration, promote knowledge sharing, and facilitate cross-border exchanges.

Officials from both organizations endorsed the agreement, which also seeks to encourage continuous training, improve information exchange, and harmonize professional practices to meet international trade standards.

Patrick Magnon, president of UPRAD, said the protocol represents a chance to enhance skills, raise service quality, and support trade facilitation between the two countries.

“The signing of this protocol is an opportunity for us to strengthen our competencies, improve the quality of our services, and effectively contribute to the facilitation of exchanges between Togo and Ghana, for the benefit of all economic operators in the sub-region,” Magnon said.

GIFF president Stephen Adzorkatse emphasized the importance of stronger public policies. He urged governments to introduce legislative and regulatory measures that support trade facilitation and cross-border cooperation.

The partnership comes as trade flows between Togo and Ghana continue to grow. In 2023, Togo exported $187 million worth of goods to Ghana, while Ghana shipped $261 million in goods to Togo.

Over the past five years, Togo’s exports to Ghana have surged at an average rate of 22.2% annually, rising from $68.5 million in 2018 to $187 million in 2023. Ghana’s exports to Togo grew by 9.95% per year on average, increasing from $163 million in 2018 to $261 million in 2023.

• PMI Togo held its annual conference on Sept. 27, stressing governance, planning, and accountability to address high project failure rates.
• PMI leaders urged adoption of modern tools, training, and AI-driven practices to build skilled human capital.
• Togo’s PMI signed agreements with three universities to strengthen project management education and partnerships.

The Togo chapter of the Project Management Institute (PMI Togo) hosted its annual conference in Lomé on Sept. 27, focusing on “Project and Performance: Building a Culture of Results.” The event gathered policymakers, experts, and practitioners at Hôtel Sarakawa, with PMI Global board chair Ike Nwanko and PMI Togo president Léon Amouzou in attendance.

Amouzou cited a PMI study showing that many projects continue to fail despite available resources. He blamed weak governance, poor planning, ineffective monitoring, and lack of accountability. He called for a reset in project management approaches to create a culture that is structured, demanding, and results-driven.

For PMI Togo, the priority is to promote tools and methodologies that increase project performance and sustainability. Nwanko urged stakeholders to reconsider how success is defined.

“It is indispensable to change the narrative around projects and to ask what is really necessary for their success,” he said. “Two keys are essential: understanding the nature and value of a project, and evaluating its real impact on society.”

PMI Togo highlighted training and capacity building as critical levers. Its programs target all sectors and levels, integrating modern project management office (PMO) practices and technologies such as artificial intelligence. The goal is to develop competent human capital capable of leading transformative projects.

Speakers emphasized that project performance must go beyond technical or financial metrics. Silete Devo, director-general of the National Identification Agency (ANID), said success should be measured by impact on citizens.

He noted that a market delivered on time but unused by traders, or a bridge built to standards but underutilized, illustrates the limits of relying solely on indicators.

PMI Togo aims to establish performance as a core criterion in evaluating public and private projects. To advance this agenda, it signed agreements with three universities to strengthen education and research in project management.

Founded in 1969 in the United States, PMI is present in over 200 countries. It promotes international standards, certifications such as PMP (Project Management Professional), and best practices for public, private, and academic sectors.

S.A

• Togo launched its first National Tourism Week (Sept. 29–Oct. 3, 2025) to promote domestic tourism and cultural heritage.
• The country recorded CFA49.9 billion in tourism revenues from WAEMU travelers in 2023, according to the BCEAO.
• Authorities plan cultural circuits, discounted tours, hotel promotions, and nationwide consultations with industry players.

Togo launched its first National Tourism Week (SNT) on Sept. 29 in Lomé, running through Oct. 3, 2025. The initiative aims to stimulate domestic tourism and showcase the country’s cultural and natural wealth.

Norbert Bara, representing the Minister of Tourism, officially opened the event. He said the program reflects the government’s commitment to reposition tourism at the center of national priorities.

“Tourism is a strategic lever for growth, a tool for job creation, a vector of social cohesion, and a means of international influence,” Bara said.

The SNT will serve as a platform to rethink domestic tourism practices. Authorities plan exchanges with operators and stakeholders across all regions to design concrete measures that encourage more Togolese citizens to visit national sites.

The program includes cultural and gastronomic circuits, guided tours at reduced prices, hotel promotions, craft and local product exhibitions, cultural performances, and practical workshops. Media and social media campaigns will run in parallel to encourage citizens to rediscover the country and support the local economy.

Tourism has gained importance in Togo’s economy since the Covid-19 crisis. The country earned CFA49.9 billion ($80 million) in tourism revenues from other West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) member states in 2023, according to the Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO).

This performance positions Togo among the main beneficiaries of regional mobility in West Africa.

This article was initially published in French by Esaïe Edoh

Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum

• Togo’s Foreign Minister Robert Dussey urged the UN to support the “Decolonize Geography” campaign, challenging the Mercator map projection that minimizes Africa’s size.

• Dussey called for reparative justice, including recognition of slavery, colonization and the transatlantic slave trade as genocide against African peoples.

• He highlighted Togo’s domestic reforms and 7% economic growth in 2025, stressing that Africa needs fair representation on the UN Security Council.

Togo placed Africa’s global representation at the center of the UN General Assembly last week. Speaking at the 80th session in New York, Foreign Minister Robert Dussey criticized distortions caused by the 16th-century Mercator projection, which reduces Africa’s real scale while inflating Europe and North America.

“Africa is intentionally minimized,” Dussey said. He noted that with 30.3 million square kilometers and nearly 1.5 billion people expected by 2030, the continent could contain the United States, Russia, India, France, the United Kingdom and China combined.

Togo urged member states to support the campaign “Decolonize Geography,” which seeks to correct biased cartography and establish a new political map. Lomé stressed that the initiative is not only about scientific accuracy but also about reinforcing Africa’s place in international relations and collective imagination.

Dussey, speaking on behalf of President Faure Gnassingbé, also emphasized reparative justice. He urged the international community to recognize slavery, the transatlantic trade and colonization as genocide against Africans.

“Africa demands justice because it was plundered, enslaved, colonized and excluded from global decision-making for 80 years,” Dussey said, adding that reparations should include economic reforms, debt restructuring and investments in education, health and infrastructure.

He recalled that in February 2025, the African Union adopted a decision classifying slavery, deportation and colonization as crimes against humanity and genocide. Dussey called on the UN to follow suit for credibility and justice.

The minister reiterated Africa’s longstanding demand for permanent seats on the UN Security Council. He argued that excluding the continent from decision-making structures perpetuates historical injustices.

“Reforming the Security Council is a matter of dignity and justice,” Dussey said. He linked this demand to broader reparations for Africa’s marginalization in multilateral institutions. Lomé will host the 9th Pan-African Congress on multilateral reform in 2026 to further this agenda.

Dussey also presented Togo’s socio-economic achievements, including reforms in public finance, digitization of government services, business climate improvements and expanded social programs.

He reported 90.7% geographical access to healthcare, 86% access to drinking water, 74.5% electrification and 85.7% financial inclusion. Agricultural yields rose sharply between 2020 and 2025, while the Port of Lomé handled 30.6 million tonnes of goods in 2024.

These reforms accelerated economic growth to 7% in 2025 and reduced poverty from 51.1% in 2020 to 24.8% in 2025. Togo now ranks second in the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) for human development, according to the UNDP index.

Despite progress, Dussey warned of persistent security threats. He called for stronger international cooperation to counter terrorism in the Sahel and West Africa, paying tribute to civilian and military victims of regional conflicts.

• CJET and CNP-Togo signed a five-year renewable agreement to support young enterprises with market access, mentorship and financing.

• The deal includes plans for a joint quality label to boost visibility and competitiveness.

• CNP-Togo commits to lobbying for youth enterprises with policymakers and private sector leaders.

The Confederation of Junior Enterprises of Togo (CJET) signed a five-year renewable partnership with the National Employers’ Council (CNP-Togo) to strengthen the competitiveness and structure of young businesses. The agreement was signed in Lomé on Sept. 26 by CNP-Togo Chairman Coami Tamegnon and CJET President Médissa Sama.

Under the agreement, CNP-Togo will lobby for youth-led businesses with public and private decision-makers, while facilitating access to markets and major corporations through mentorship, tutoring and subcontracting opportunities. The council also pledged to mobilize technical and financial partners and to launch a joint CJET–CNP quality label to enhance the visibility of supported enterprises.

“Early stages are fragile. Our companies need structure, financing, and access to markets, with guidance from experienced seniors. This framework will boost our credibility and ensure tailored support,” Sama said.

“The future of our economy rests on the vitality of its youth, its ability to innovate, create, and sustain jobs,” Tamegnon added. “This convention builds a solid foundation to improve competitiveness and market access.”

CJET has previously signed similar agreements with the Togo Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI-Togo) and the Union of Regional Chambers of Trades (UCRM) as part of its youth enterprise support strategy.

This article was initially published in French by Esaie Edoh

Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum

• Togo raised CFA102.77 billion ($156 million) in two bond issues now set for listing on the BRVM on Oct. 3.

• The bonds carry coupons of 6.45% (five years) and 6.60% (seven years), both priced at CFA10,000 par value.

• The move is part of a diversification strategy as public debt rose to 72.1% of GDP in 2024.

The West African regional stock exchange BRVM will list two Togolese Treasury bonds on Oct. 3, the bourse said Monday.

The debt issues, “TPTG 6.45% 2025–2030” and “TPTG 6.60% 2025–2032,” were sold via public offering between Feb. 18 and March 14, raising CFA102.77 billion ($156 million).

Investors subscribed to 5.88 million units of the five-year 6.45% bond and 4.39 million units of the seven-year 6.60% bond. Each note carries a par value of CFA10,000 with interest accruing from March 6, 2025. SGI Togo handled the listing process, with the bonds set to start trading at the issue price of CFA10,000.

The issuance aligns with Togo’s debt strategy of mixing regular auctions via UMOA-Titres—where it has already raised CFA350 billion this year—with longer-dated bond placements targeting regional investors.

Togo’s budget deficit narrowed to 5.9% of GDP in 2024 from 6.3% a year earlier, and is projected to reach 3% by 2026 in line with WAEMU convergence criteria, according to the IMF. Public debt rose to 72.1% of GDP at end-2024, up from 63.7% the previous year, driven by increased domestic borrowing.

Despite fiscal pressures, the economy expanded 5.3% in 2023 and 6.5% in 2024, powered by services and public investment. Inflation is forecast to ease to 3% in 2025, within the BCEAO’s target range.

The BRVM listing is expected to improve liquidity for the securities and boost investor confidence as Togo seeks to tap regional savings to fund budget priorities.

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

Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum