Between 2020 and 2024, Togo strengthened its local diplomacy through 52 decentralized cooperation agreements, 39 of which remain active. These partnerships, involving 38 of the country’s 117 municipalities, have helped mobilize around CFA1.2 billion, according to a report endorsed last week in Témédja (Amou 3).

The report, developed in collaboration with Germany’s ProDeG IV program, offers a detailed overview of the partnerships between Togolese and international local governments.

One key highlight is that 52% of the active agreements fall under South-South cooperation, reflecting a shift toward more geographically diverse partnerships.

The report also identifies structural challenges, including the need for better transparency in fund management, improved technical resources for local governments, and a clearer role for the Ministry of Decentralization.

“We must strengthen inter-municipal solidarity and better equip our communes to meet citizens’ expectations,” said Dadja Maganawè, Governor of the Plateaux Region.

Launched in 2019, Togo’s decentralization process continues to emerge as a strategic tool for boosting local development and fostering innovation in governance.

More than 80 leaders of Togolese companies from sectors like agro-industry, services, commerce, and technology took part in an artificial intelligence (AI) training session in Lomé from July 1 to 3. The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Togo (CCI-Togo) organized the program to help executives adapt to rapid technological change.

CCI-Togo said AI is shaking up traditional business models and demands that companies both adapt technologically and plan strategically. The training aimed to demystify AI and encourage Togolese leaders to adopt it in their operations.

Participants learned the basics of AI in business through real-world examples. Topics included choosing the right technologies, organizing data, and integrating tools like ChatGPT into workflows.

Speaking at the event, CCI-Togo President José Symenouh urged business leaders to “intelligently and sovereignly adopt AI technologies to guarantee companies a place in the economy of the future.”

CCI-Togo plans to expand the training program to other regions and sectors to promote inclusive and sustainable digital transformation throughout Togo’s entrepreneurial landscape.

This article was initially published in French by Esaïe Edoh

Edited in English by Ange Jason Quenum

With cotton production declining and farmers aging, Togo is banking on an ambitious push to revive the sector. The goal is to exceed 92,500 tons in the next season. But unpredictable weather, a lack of young workers, and rising competition from other crops make the outcome far from certain.

After two difficult seasons, Togo hopes to revive its struggling cotton industry. For the 2024-2025 season, cotton farmers have set an ambitious target of producing 92,500 tons of seed cotton, a more than 50% increase from the last harvest. But this goal comes with major challenges for a sector weakened by pests, climate shocks, and declining participation.

Last season, production reached just 60,500 tons, despite slight yield improvements at 797 kilograms per hectare. The number of cotton farmers continues to fall, with only 76,000 growers involved this season compared to 111,000 in 2020-2021.

“The farming population is aging, young people are turning away. The entire cotton sector is at risk,” warned Koussouwè Kourouféi, president of the National Federation of Cotton Producers (FNGPC).

In response, authorities have launched the planting season earlier to take advantage of favorable weather conditions. So far, 118,000 hectares have been sown, the highest figure in five years. But expanding land alone is not enough. The government has introduced a stronger recovery plan, including training for 120,000 farmers, expanded irrigation, support for mechanization, and the introduction of regenerative agriculture practices. Public-private partnerships are also being explored to support these efforts.

Another key measure is maintaining the purchase price of seed cotton at CFA300 per kilogram, despite global price pressures. After three years of decline, world cotton prices have fallen another 14% in 2024. The government will also continue input subsidies to reduce production costs for farmers.

However, the structural challenges remain significant. Togo’s cotton production is now half of what it was in 2017, when output exceeded 135,000 tons. The initial promise of reaching 200,000 tons after the privatization of NSCT seems out of reach today. Unlike Benin and Burkina Faso, which have doubled production in five years, Togo is still struggling to reverse the decline.

Several persistent headwinds threaten the recovery. Weather risks, such as droughts or heavy rains, can derail even the best-organized efforts. Pest infestations also continue to damage crops despite awareness campaigns.

Farmers are increasingly shifting to food crops like maize, soybeans, and yams, which offer faster returns and lower risks. “Cotton pays less, requires more work, and payments often arrive late. It is no longer motivating,” said a young farmer from the Central region during a FOPAT meeting.

Soybeans, in particular, are gaining ground due to strong international demand and the expansion of local processing units, which now provide more stable and better-paying outlets.

Governance issues also cloud the sector’s future. Olam, the private partner managing NSCT, has provided little clarity on its long-term commitments. Some question the industrial strategy and real investment in local processing.

The dream of building a fully integrated cotton value chain, from farm to finished textiles, remains unfulfilled. Still, hopes have been renewed with the launch of Togo’s first textile factories this month under the Industrial Platform of Adétikopé (PIA). This industrial shift is still at an early stage and will need to demonstrate its ability to absorb national production and generate competitive local value.

Beyond production volumes, the entire appeal of cotton farming is under threat. With lower profitability, tough labor, and uncertain income, young people are turning away from cotton.

“The model needs to be rethought, or we risk reaching a dead end,” said one agriculture official.

Whether Togo can meet its 92,500-ton goal depends on favorable rainfall, mobilization of producers, and the sector’s ability to reinvent itself. Behind this production target lies the future of Togo’s cotton industry and the livelihoods of thousands of farmers.

Article originally written in French by Fiacre KAKPO

Edited in English by Firmine AIZAN

• Togo's Ministry of Higher Education presents results of the VaRRIWA project, promoting academic research and innovation in West Africa.
• The initiative has led to 14 key projects, including four in Togo, and generated 322 jobs, highlighting the country's rapid technological growth.

In Togo, the Ministry of Higher Education is intensifying its focus on research and innovation, as demonstrated during a recent B2B meeting in Lomé on July 3rd, where results from the West African Research and Innovation Results Utilization project (VaRRIWA) were presented.

The event facilitated discussions between researchers, innovators, and investors, under the aegis of the University Agency of Francophonie (AUF). The VaRRIWA project, during its deployment, engaged 375 key players, created a regional digital platform, and most significantly, implemented 14 development projects, including four in Togo.

These Togolese projects include UVi2A (an Agricultural and Agri-food Innovations Unit) that focuses on agricultural innovations, and CAVRIS, a support center promoting research and innovation outcomes in the field of science and technology. Other projects involve training in value creation (FORVARITO) and public-private partnerships for financing (PPVRI).

In terms of impact, the project helped create 25 businesses and 322 jobs, alongside an 11-point jump for Togo in the Global Innovation Index (GII), a worldwide performance measure of technological dynamism.

The July 3 meeting also facilitated discussions regarding financial challenges and private co-investment opportunities. During the roundtable, Dr. Kossi Sénamé Dodzi, the director of scientific research, emphasized the necessity of "initiating win-win partnerships" to build a truly sustainable innovation ecosystem.

The University of Lomé (UL) will offer targeted aeronautics training programs under a new deal with Togo’s National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC-Togo).

UL President Adama Mawulé Kpodar and ANAC-Togo Director General Ahabou Idrissou signed the agreement on June 3. The partnership will create programs to train qualified candidates for careers in aviation, with internships and job opportunities at ANAC-Togo based on industry needs.

“This agreement will allow the establishment of short-term certifications, ranging from three to six months, in the field of aeronautics,” Kpodar said. He stressed that the programs will directly meet market demands and provide Togo with skilled, job-ready professionals.

ANAC-Togo’s Idrissou said the partnership aims to build a competitive and sustainable civil aviation sector that meets international standards.

This initiative supports the government’s plan to make Togo a credible, efficient player in regional aeronautics.

This article was initially published in French by Esaïe Edoh

Edited in English by Ange Jason Quenum

• U.S. Embassy donates advanced scanners and explosive trace detectors.
• Equipment aims to improve passenger and staff safety at Lomé airport.
• Delivery follows recent emergency response drill to test crisis readiness.

Togo’s main airport has received new security equipment from the United States to better detect and prevent threats, officials said on Tuesday, July 1.

The Gnassingbé Eyadéma International Airport in Lomé was handed four explosive trace detectors, four advanced imaging body scanners and related accessories. The equipment was provided by the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA), part of the Department of Homeland Security.

“This handover demonstrates our shared commitment to effective and cooperative civil aviation security,” said Michael DeTar, chargé d’affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Togo.

https://t.co/GBTq3iooXm

— U.S. Embassy Togo (@USEmbassyLome) July 2, 2025

Togo’s National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) said the support will help address current security challenges and better protect passengers and airport personnel, in line with government ambitions to establish the airport as a regional hub.

The donation comes as Lomé airport steps up safety initiatives. On June 13, airport operator SALT conducted an emergency simulation exercise, “Exo Salle EPULO 2025,” to test response, coordination and communication capabilities in the event of a major incident, such as a crash.

• Service to be discontinued in Togo from August 1, reflecting global banking trends.
• Rising costs, low profitability and regulatory pressures drive exit.
• Customers urged to clear contents by July 31 or items will be transferred to a mandated firm.

Ecobank said it will end its safe deposit box services in Togo effective August 1, becoming the latest lender to withdraw from the costly and increasingly marginal line of business.

In a notice sent to clients, the pan-African bank urged customers to remove their belongings before July 31. Items left uncollected will be handed over to a designated third party.

The move aligns with an international trend as banks grapple with low profitability, high operating costs and heightened regulatory scrutiny over the use of safe deposit boxes.

Historically regarded as a core banking service for affluent clients, safe deposit boxes have become harder to justify financially. The service requires substantial spending on security infrastructure, maintenance and dedicated personnel, yet generates limited revenue.

Legal and compliance risks have also escalated, particularly around liability for theft or damage, and the potential misuse of boxes for money laundering or terrorism financing.

Major international banks—including JPMorgan Chase, HSBC, Barclays and Capital One—have phased out the service in parts of their networks. In Switzerland, despite around 350,000 safe deposit compartments still in use, banks are gradually scaling back and referring clients to specialised providers like Swiss Gold Safe.

In Central Europe, several banks are progressively closing their secure storage services, preferring to divert customers to external providers. In South Africa, Absa wrapped up this service in September 2024, while FNB abandoned it as early as 2017, following a series of security incidents. According to a study cited by the Wall Street Journal, roughly 20% of American banks have wiped out this service over the past six years.

The shift has reached Africa as well. South Africa’s Absa closed its safe deposit boxes in 2024, following FNB’s exit in 2017 after security incidents. Meanwhile, private storage firms have gained traction by offering biometric access and bespoke insurance.

At the same time, the rise of secure digital vaults and a surge in home safe sales—seen in countries like Morocco amid post-Covid distrust—highlight how customer habits are changing.

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

Edited in English by Ola Schad Akinocho