Togo First
Togo's industry and trade sectors post double-digit growth in Q3 2025
Togo’s economy accelerated sharply in the third quarter of 2025, driven by an industrial rebound, stronger trade and rising activity in services and construction, according to data released earlier this year by the National Institute of Statistics and Economic and Demographic Studies (INSEED).
The industrial production index (IPI) rose 11% in the first 10 months of 2025, reversing a 4.2% decline in 2024. Extractive and manufacturing industries each expanded 7.8%, while energy output increased 3%.
The IPI tracks changes in industrial output volumes across extractive industries, manufacturing and energy. Based on data from a sample of companies and weighted by each sector’s share of national value added, it measures production in real terms and excludes price effects.
The third-quarter rebound extended beyond industry. The turnover index (ICA), which measures the value of sales in trade, services and construction, climbed 19.1% year-on-year. Wholesale trade rose 21% and retail trade 18.4%, signalling stronger commercial activity. Unlike the IPI, the ICA reflects both volume and price changes.
Market-based services excluding finance also posted robust growth in the first nine months of 2025. Health care expanded 44.4%. Business support services, including private security, industrial cleaning, equipment rental and outsourced administrative services, grew 34.2%. Transport activity increased 10.2%. Construction rose 14.8%, pointing to stronger project execution and investment.
These indicators are used to compile quarterly gross domestic product, which aggregates value added across sectors. Their performance in the third quarter points to a positive contribution to full-year 2025 growth.
UN revises Togo population data: implications for economic indicators
Togo's population is lower than previously estimated. That's the main finding of an update published on January 19, 2026, by the United Nations Population Division. Based on detailed results from the 2022 general census, the revision corrects a significant statistical discrepancy and prompts a reassessment of several of the country's economic indicators.
Access the updated demographic data for Togo here: https://population.un.org/wpp/downloads?folder=Standard%20Projections&group=Interim%20Update
A correction of nearly 12%
In its previous global publication, World Population Prospects 2024, the UN estimated Togo's population at around 9.1 million in 2022. But consolidated results from the fifth General Population and Housing Census (RGPH-5) showed a population of just over 8 million at the same date.
The UN's new official estimate puts the population at around 8.07 million as of July 1, 2022, and at 8.22 million in 2023.
Why such a difference? According to the United Nations, the gap stems from a problem interpreting census data. When World Population Prospects 2024 was published in July 2024, not all details from Togo's 2022 census were yet available.
Without sufficient detail, the UN Population Division applied a standard correction, as it does in other countries, to account for potentially uncounted individuals.
But it later emerged that Togo's statistical authorities had already incorporated these adjustments into the published official figures. In other words, the correction was applied twice. This double correction explains the roughly 12% gap between the initially estimated 9.1 million for 2022 and the officially counted 8.2 million. The United Nations notes that this update concerns only Togo and does not modify data for other countries.
Access the updated demographic data for Togo here: https://population.un.org/wpp/downloads?folder=Standard%20Projections&group=Interim%20Update
What this changes in practical terms
At first glance, this update may seem purely statistical. But its consequences are very real.
Population figures don't just serve demographers. They are used by numerous international institutions: the World Bank, financial rating agencies, development banks, as well as investors, research laboratories and analytical firms. Population size serves as the basis for many calculations.
These actors often rely on UN data to establish their indicators, rankings and assessments. Income per capita, debt levels per person, and certain development indices depend directly on the number of inhabitants. If the population is overestimated, it can distort comparisons between countries and influence outside perception of the economy.
The adjustments also have a direct impact on gross domestic product per capita. Using the old demographic base, GDP per capita was estimated at $951.20 in 2022 and $1,119.40 in 2024. Taking the new data into account, this ratio now stands at $1,206.93 in 2023 and $1,281.04 in 2024, a rise of roughly 14% for 2024 compared with the previous estimate. A statistical correction that can alter the reading of the country's income level in international comparisons.
For national authorities too, this data is essential, as it allows better planning for needs in schools, health centers, jobs and infrastructure. The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Togo's partner in census operations and support for national statistics, regularly points out that good public policy starts with reliable figures.
A demographic dynamic that remains strong
Beyond the revision, Togo's major demographic trends remain the same.
The country remains young, with a population mostly composed of people under 25. Fertility, in gradual decline for several decades, remains relatively high. Life expectancy continues to rise, a sign of improvements in health and survival conditions.
Updated median projections indicate the population should continue to grow steadily in coming decades. By 2030, it could exceed 9 million, and continue rising through 2060.
In other words: the long-term trajectory does not change. Only the starting baseline has been readjusted.
The next complete global revision of demographic prospects is expected in July 2027. Until then, data users are invited to refer to this interim update for any analysis concerning Togo.
Access the updated demographic data for Togo here: https://population.un.org/wpp/downloads?folder=Standard%20Projections&group=Interim%20Update
Fiacre E. Kakpo
Lomé to Host First GEN-Togo Business Meeting in March
The Togo chapter of the Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN) will host its first GEN Business Meeting on March 7, 2026, in Lomé. The event aims to strengthen ties between local entrepreneurs and global startup networks.
The meeting will focus on “Networking and Business Development.” Organizers have scheduled panel discussions, B2B meetings and peer exchange sessions. Participants will also learn about support programs and funding opportunities planned for 2026.
For GEN-Togo, the inaugural event is intended to create a platform for regular engagement among entrepreneurs, investors and national-level partners.
The international network, active in more than 200 countries, says it supported 2.24 million entrepreneurs over the past year and mobilized more than $4 million in funding. It works with over 1,000 support organizations and 300 policymakers to foster a more supportive environment for business creation.
Registration is open until March 5, 2026.
R.E.D
Togo showcases organic products at BIOFACH trade fair in Germany
Togolese organic producers are back at BIOFACH, the world’s leading organic food trade fair in Nuremberg, Germany, which ends on Friday. The delegation is looking to expand Togo’s footprint in the global organic market.
At the “Republic of Togo” stand, as in previous years, exhibitors are presenting a range of certified organic products including soybeans, dried fruits, cashew nuts, ginger, shea butter, honey and peanuts. They are targeting international buyers, according to sources close to the organisers.
Togo’s participation is supported by the German Embassy in Lomé through the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ). The objective, organisers say, is to increase market share in the organic segment and secure measurable commercial gains from each edition.
Alongside the exhibition, the delegation is holding business-to-business meetings and attending networking events such as the “Blue Night.” These engagements are expected to result in commercial partnerships and further position Togo as an agricultural and logistics hub in West Africa.
Held annually, BIOFACH brings together organic food professionals from around the world and highlights sector trends and innovations. Togo has taken part in the event regularly since 2023.
Esaïe Edoh
Lomé hosts 23-nation workshop on lead paint regulations
Lomé hosted a regional workshop this week bringing together representatives from 23 African countries to speed up the adoption and enforcement of lead paint regulations.
The meeting, co-organized by Togo’s Environment Ministry, the Lead Exposure Elimination Project and the United Nations Environment Programme, focused on sharing experiences on regulatory frameworks adopted by participating countries, said Mery Yaou, the ministry’s environment director. The workshop aimed to help align national regulations.
Participants are seeking to develop a common roadmap to eliminate lead from paint manufacturing by 2050 and turn political commitments into binding regional standards. This includes implementing ECOWAS standard ECOSTAND 092, which caps lead content in paint.
Togolese authorities warned about the extent of the problem. Of 27 paint samples analyzed, 30% exceeded the World Health Organization’s recommended limit of 90 parts per million, while 7% contained more than 10,000 ppm, according to the ministry.
“Lead poisoning is a tragedy unfolding in our homes and schools,” said Aoufoh Koffi Dimizou, secretary general of the ministry. “The transition to lead-free paints is not a burden but an industrial opportunity that promotes innovation, competitiveness and green jobs, while protecting our communities,” the minister’s representative added.
Globally, about 815 million children are exposed to lead, with more than 1.5 million deaths each year linked to cardiovascular disease.
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Togo Moves to Expand Municipal Role in Waste Management
Togo’s government is looking to expand the role of municipal authorities in waste management. In a joint circular issued Thursday, the ministries of Environment, Territorial Administration, Urban Planning and Health urged mayors to strengthen waste management, sanitation and environmental protection efforts.
The government asked local authorities to draw up sanitation plans, organize regular clean-up campaigns and set up effective waste collection and treatment systems.
Waste management remains a major challenge for municipalities. The appeal is expected to push local governments to secure the funding needed to improve public sanitation. Many face technical and financial constraints as rapid urbanization and population growth strain existing infrastructure and worsen sanitation conditions.
While the National Agency for Sanitation and Public Health (ANASAP) already plays an operational role in waste management, particularly in Greater Lomé, the adoption of formal plans by municipal councils should improve coordination and reinforce the agency’s efforts.
The circular comes as several municipalities prepare to draft local waste management and sanitation policies under the European Union-funded Waste Management in Togo project (GEDEC), implemented by Expertise France.
Esaïe Edoh
Lomé to host month-long Tech & Santé digital health, AI series
A series of conferences on the digital transformation of the healthcare sector will take place in Lomé from Feb. 20 to March 14, 2026. Called "Tech & Santé," the initiative is led by Togo Data Lab, a government agency under the Ministry of Public Service Efficiency and Digital Transformation.
The meetings will be held at the Unipod at the University of Lomé and will bring together students, researchers, health professionals, engineers and project leaders around themes related to digitizing the care pathway, using artificial intelligence for diagnosis and patient monitoring, and health data governance.
The conferences are part of the Tech Santé Challenge, which provides support to selected teams through March 2026. Specialized mentors have been mobilized to structure solutions addressing issues such as interoperability of medical records, data security and access to care.
The initiative is supported by GIZ through the ProDIGIT project and aims to strengthen the digital health innovation ecosystem by further integrating data tools into public policy.
R.E.D
Togo Inflation Eases to 0.2% in January
Togo’s consumer prices continued to stabilize in 2025, with inflation slowing from 2.9% in January 2025 to 0.4% in December and easing further to 0.2% in January 2026, according to data from the National Institute of Statistics and Economic and Demographic Studies (INSEED-Togo).
Inflation has remained below the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) convergence threshold of 3% since December 2024.
“Inflation has been below 3% since 2024. Togo met the WAEMU convergence criterion on inflation in 2025,” INSEED-Togo head Akoly Gentry said at a media briefing.
Consumer Price Index flat year-on-year
The Harmonized Consumer Price Index (HCPI) stood at 102.8 in January 2026, virtually unchanged from January 2025. Prices were flat year-on-year.
The index, compiled from monthly nationwide data collection since 2014 and covering both urban and rural areas, tracks price changes for a fixed basket of goods and services consumed by households, including food, housing, transport, health and communications. It also reflects changes in household purchasing power.
Overall stability masked offsetting movements across categories. Food and non-alcoholic beverage prices fell 4.3% year-on-year. By contrast, housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels rose 9.8%, driven mainly by solid fuels. Restaurants and hotels increased 3.3%, while health prices rose 1.0%.
Month-on-month, consumer prices rose 0.6% between December 2025 and January 2026, driven by higher food prices. Fresh produce increased 2.8% over the month. On a quarterly basis, prices rose 1.5%, supported by food and energy costs. Across WAEMU as a whole, inflation edged slightly lower on average, while remaining broadly stable in Togo.
Ayi Renaud Dossavi
Togo, Construction Firms Meet Over Public Contract Execution
A delegation from Togo’s government met construction and public works operators on Thursday in Lomé to discuss how to position the sector as a driver of the country’s economic transformation. The meeting, organized by the Technical Committee for State-Private Sector Consultation, set up a new framework for dialogue between the government and industry representatives.
Companies highlighted several challenges facing the sector, including weak execution of public contracts, marked by substandard work, missed deadlines and abandoned sites. They also cited limited access to financing, technical constraints and regulatory compliance issues. On abandoned sites, the government said accountability must be established and corrective steps taken to prevent a recurrence.
“At the end of the discussions, each party must make commitments so that when a public contract is awarded, we are certain it will be carried out to standard,” Finance and Budget Minister Georges Barcola said.
Both sides said the first meeting of 2026 aimed to establish constructive dialogue and propose practical solutions agreed by all parties. A joint commission will be created to draft a summary of the discussions and set out mutual commitments.
Esaïe Edoh
Agoè-Nyivé prefect orders tighter controls at hotels
Hotels in the Agoè-Nyivé prefecture have been urged to tighten checks on permits for events held on their premises.
The directive was issued on Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026, during a meeting between the prefect of Agoè-Nyivé, Dr. Tinaka Wédiabalo Kossi, and managers of hotels and reception venues. The talks focused on ensuring that events hosted in these establishments have the required administrative approvals.
A local official said managers must systematically verify that training sessions, seminars and other gatherings are properly authorized. Prefectural authorities also called for stricter identity checks, including the verification of official ID before granting access.
According to the prefect, better monitoring of guests and participants would help prevent fraud and other illegal activities, while enabling a faster response from relevant authorities if needed. He urged venue managers to remain vigilant and comply with current regulations.
Beyond security concerns, officials said the measures would also strengthen local data collection. The information gathered could help authorities better assess venue capacity, tourist traffic and, more broadly, the prefecture’s economic appeal.
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