The Togolese government wants to draw more investments supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). To this end, Lomé released a Sustainable Financing Framework created by Essowè Georges Barcola,  Ministry of Economy and Finance. The framework was unveiled on October 9, 2024. The document aims to draw national and international partners interested in projects with strong social and environmental impact.

The framework is a "roadmap" for directing funds into key sectors, detailing fourteen categories of eligible spending. Out of the 14 categories, five focus on climate and environmental actions. The other nine are dedicated to priority social projects aimed at vulnerable populations. 

"Our priority is to attract investments that not only support inclusive economic growth in Togo but also respect the environment and improve the quality of life of our citizens," said Essowè Georges Barcola, Minister of Finance and Economy.

The goal is to promote inclusive economic growth while enhancing living conditions for citizens, in line with the government's Togo 2025 roadmap. 

The framework has been validated by S&P Global Ratings, ensuring it meets international standards set by organizations like the International Capital Market Association (ICMA) and the Loan Market Association (LMA).

Now, the government calls on private sector players, civil society organizations, and development partners to engage in this initiative to help build a sustainable future for Togo.

The Togolese government is tightening regulations for international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) operating in the country. From now on, any international NGO that wants to work with the Togolese government must first obtain official recognition before signing a partnership agreement. This requirement applies to both new NGOs and those already active in Togo.

This new rule was announced in a recent circular published by the Ministers of Development Planning and Territorial Administration. However, a decree related to the measure was issued two years ago.

NGOs that signed program agreements before January 2022 without this approval must regularize their status to avoid having their requests for renewal or partnerships denied. A one-year grace period is offered for organizations to meet the new requirements, with six months given to those who still lack authorization.

Ayi Renaud Dossavi

Togo scored 61 out of 100 points in the first edition of the World Bank's B-Ready report, which evaluates business climate in 50 countries. This score places Togo third in Africa and first in West Africa. The report, which replaces the suspended Doing Business ranking, lauded Togo's efforts in facilitating business start-ups.

The country received a score of 77.26 points for business start-ups, thanks to reforms that make it easier to set up a business. As a result, 15,654 new businesses were registered in 2023, against 13,835 in 2022.

Togo scored 69.48 points for dispute resolution and 67.76 points for business location. However, it received lower scores in labor and financial services, with scores of 56.45 and 53.64, respectively. The country also performed modestly in market competition, scoring 41.24 points.

Sandra Ablamba Johnson, Secretary General of the Presidency and World Bank Governor for Togo, expressed her satisfaction with the results, attributing them to recent economic reforms. "Since 2020, we have made steady progress, implementing incentives that facilitate business and boost the Togolese economy," she said. She emphasized that these achievements show Togo is on the right path to maintain and accelerate its progress.

Despite these encouraging results, the Togolese government plans to continue its reform efforts to further enhance the business environment and achieve even better rankings in the future.

Esaïe Edoh

For the 2023-2024 agricultural season, MIFA (Mécanisme incitatif de financement agricole) has helped secure CFA1.33 billion FCFA in financing for farmers, according to government data. This initiative is part of broader reforms in the agricultural sector outlined in the Togo 2025 roadmap.

Over the period, additional support measures were introduced to improve farmers' access to resources. This includes providing 24 tractors, which can be repaid over four years in cash or kind. The Plateforme Industrielle d'Adétikopé has also facilitated access to credit for grain-based inputs, enabling the supply of 2,400 tonnes of soybean seed and 20,000 liters of biostimulants.

These efforts are part of inclusive mechanisms such as the FSRP, ProMIFA, and PRIMA, which aim to subsidize, provide loans and guarantees, and mobilize resources for farmers. Additionally, the Direction de l'entrepreneuriat et du financement agricoles (DEFA) was officially launched in May 2023 to assist agricultural producers in obtaining credit.

Support for producers also includes establishing cattle production development zones (ZAPB) to increase meat and dairy availability. Ten sites have been identified for this purpose, with two ranches already secured through land release certificates and topographical surveys. A total of 4,250 hectares have been acquired out of the planned 5,000 hectares for the 2023-2024 crop year.

A delegation from the Port Autonome de Lomé (PAL), led by director Fogan Adegnon, has been on a mission in Sahelian countries since October 6, 2024. The first stop was Niamey, Niger, where they aimed to inform local economic operators about new measures at the Port of Lomé to improve trade.

In Niamey, the Togolese delegation met with local authorities, transport unions, and Niger's importers and exporters. They highlighted the advantages of using PAL for the transit of goods to and from Niger. This in a context where the Port of Lomé is Niger’s currently-preferred platform for international trade amid political tensions with Cotonou.

This mission is part of broader efforts by Togo and neighboring countries to position the Port of Lomé as a key link between the Sahel region and global markets. In June, customs authorities from four countries signed an agreement to connect their customs information systems, which has already facilitated trade. Statistics show that Togo's trade with ESA countries now accounts for 74% of its total trade, up from 64% five years ago.

Esaïe Edoh

Ollo Africa, a tontine fintech company based in Lomé, has partnered with Ecobank to expand across Africa. The related agreement aims to increase access to financial services through Ollo’s app, Ohana Africa. The app’s users will have access to Ecobank's Pan African Wallet, extending financial services to underserved people.

The new partnership seeks to improve financial inclusion in Africa, starting with Togo, and promote financial education. “Togo is already a leader in financial inclusion in Africa, and this partnership aims to strengthen that position by creating a more accessible ecosystem for underserved communities,” said Mawuna Koutonin, Managing Director of Ollo Africa.

The collaboration also targets the informal sector by combining the strengths of both companies to promote fintech solutions. “Together, we can address the financial challenges of neglected populations and create opportunities for economic growth,” added Toba Tanama, Marketing Director of Ollo Africa.

Togolese consumers will be the first to experience these new developments as a "pilot" market, where mobile money usage has surpassed 3.5 million users, according to recent ARCEP statistics.

Ayi Renaud Dossavi

Coumba Dieng Sow has been appointed as the new United Nations Resident Coordinator in Togo. She was appointed last week by UN Secretary-General António Guterres. 

As new UN's representative, Sow will coordinate efforts to ensure a unified response to Togo's national priorities and needs, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and other international commitments.

Sow will oversee 13 UN agencies, funds, and programs spanning various sectors, in collaboration with the government. With 20 years of experience in development and humanitarian aid, she has previously held several significant roles, including Representative of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in Rwanda and Djibouti, Emergency and Resilience Coordinator for West Africa and the Sahel as well as Africa Officer in the FAO Director-General's Office.

Ayi Renaud Dossavi

An International Monetary Fund (IMF) delegation is in Togo to review the country’s new 42-month economic program backed by a $390 million extended credit facility (ECF). The mission ends on October 18, 2024. 

According to the Togolese Ministry of Economy and Finance, the IMF team will engage in discussions with local authorities and various entities about issues related to the real sector. They will focus on recent economic developments, high-frequency indicators, and short- and medium-term economic projections. The mission will also examine industrial policy and its effects on the Togolese economy.

Additionally, discussions will cover budget execution, particularly revenues up to September 2024, as well as the performance of non-tax revenue collection. Public expenditure execution will also be assessed.

A positive evaluation from this mission could lead to a disbursement under the Extended Credit Facility and may position Togo as a candidate for the IMF's new $50 billion Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF).

Last month, the IMF lauded Togo’s progress regarding tax collection, highlighting the increased mobilization of domestic resources. This progress has strengthened the country's capacity to finance government actions, signaling continued support for the current program.

Esaïe Edoh

Togo has officially opened an Office for the Reception, Information, and Orientation of Litigants at the Tribunal de Grande Instance de Lomé. The office opened on October 7, 2024, to provide clear information about legal procedures and court services.

This initiative aims to combat judicial canvassing, a practice where illegal intermediaries exploit citizens' lack of knowledge about legal processes to offer paid services. The new office’s staff includes 25 trained paralegals who will assist litigants and connect them directly with judges, bypassing intermediaries. Public prosecutor Talaka Mawama stated that this initiative will help prevent litigants from being approached by canvassers.

Minister of Justice Mipamb Nahm-Tchougli emphasized that the office's opening will enhance the quality, efficiency, and accessibility of justice in Togo, saying: “Demystifying justice may seem inadequate for the justice professional, but for citizens, it is indeed an emergency.” He added that judicial canvassing has become a significant issue, turning courts into centers for unscrupulous transactions that harm litigants.

This initiative is part of a broader effort to modernize Togo's justice system and improve transparency in judicial services, supported by various international partners.

Esaïe Edoh