Togo First
ICT: Togo and Huawei Boost Cooperation with New MoU
Togo and Huawei are stepping up their cooperation on the ICT front. The two partners signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) last week in Beijing, during the 9th China-Africa Forum (FOCAC 2024). The document was signed by the Togolese Minister of Trade and Industry.
The MoU aims to improve Togo's digital infrastructure and create new economic opportunities. Huawei, a global leader in infrastructure and connected devices, presented its technological innovation projects to the Togolese delegation. Meanwhile, Togolese President, Faure Gnassingbé, noted that these innovations align with his country's goals to develop its digital economy and position Togo as a digital hub in the region.
Besides discussing with Huawei executives, President Gnassingbé met with Chinese investors, including representatives from the China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) and the China Africa Business Council (CABC). With them, he explored public-private partnerships for infrastructure and logistics in Togo.
Still at the FOCAC, Togo signed another memorandum of understanding with Haier, another Chinese technology giant, to enhance collaboration in the energy and health sectors.
Togo Joins Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, AIIB
Togo has officially joined the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) on September 4, on the sidelines of the 9th China-Africa Economic Forum (FOCAC 2024) in China. President Faure Gnassingbé chaired the related signing ceremony, alongside AIIB CEO HU Kun.
Now that it is an AIIB member, Togo should have greater access to financing for major infrastructure projects across various sectors, including health, education, energy, digital technology, transport, and water.
Le Togo devient membre à part entière de la Banque asiatique d’investissement pour les infrastructures
— Présidence Togolaise/Togolese Presidency (@PresidenceTg) September 7, 2024
L’adhésion du Togo à la Banque asiatique d’investissement des infrastructures (AIIB) a été rendue publique au cours d’une rencontre ce 4 septembre 2024. La cérémonie officielle… pic.twitter.com/FRk1DKxzhT
The AIIB was established in October 2015 and is operational since 2016. Mainly, it finances sustainable infrastructure projects in Asia and beyond. The Bank supports economic development and helps improve regional connectivity while ensuring gender equity and environmental protection.
The AIIB currently has 119 member countries and is active in sectors such as transport, energy, water, sanitation, and digital connectivity, with a funding capacity of $54 billion for these projects.
Esaïe Edoh
WAMU Securities: Togo Hits Annual Target in Advance
Togo already raised more on the West African securities market (WAMU Securities) than it eyed for the full year. With its latest issue on the market, carried out on September 6, Lomé has reached CFA621.4 billion since January. Togo’s goal for the year was CFA607 billion.
In detail, Lomé retained CFA28.3 billion out of CFA30.3 billion offered by 18 investors. The treasury, however, sought to retain CFA30 billion.
For this operation, Togo issued fungible treasury bills or BAT (Bons Assimilables du Trésor). The securities mature over 91 days and have multiple interest rates.
Proceeds will finance Togo’s 2024 budget, set at 2,179 billion FCFA in revenue and expenditure.
Esaïe Edoh
Togo Seeks to Military Ties with China During FOCAC
Togo has engaged in discussions with the Chinese defense sector during the FOCAC in China, aiming to enhance military cooperation between the two countries. On September 4, 2024, Togolese President Faure Gnassingbé met with Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun in Beijing. They talked about strengthening Togo's military capabilities and developing road infrastructure.
China is ready to provide its military expertise to support the Lomé-Cinkassé Corridor project. This project connects the South and North of Togo and facilitates trade with neighboring countries. This corridor is essential for improving connectivity and boosting trade, especially in light of security concerns and terrorist activities in northern Togo near the Burkina Faso border.
According to the Togolese Presidency, China is committed to providing technical support to ensure infrastructure safety and bolster Togo's security capabilities. Also, President Gnassingbé met with representatives from the Beijing Defense Company and the China National Aero-Technology Import & Export Corporation (CATIC) to discuss cooperation in modernizing military equipment and training Togolese officers.
China already supports Togo's security initiatives in the north, particularly through its financial backing for the Emergency Program to Strengthen Resilience in the Savannah Region (EPSRSR).
Togo: Government Launches Contest to Recruit over 4,000 Teachers
The Togolese Ministry of Labor recruits new competent teachers to bolster the education sector. On September 5, 2024, the ministry announced a national contest to recruit 4,386 state teachers.
Applications will be accepted from September 9 to November 7, 2024, at regional education departments and regional technical education and vocational training inspectorates. Applicants, Togolese men and women, must be at least 18 and no more than 40. Selected candidates will pass written tests on December 7 at examination centers in Lomé, Tsévié, Atakpamé, Kpalimé, Sokodé, Kara, and Dapaong.
Of the selected candidates, 850 will be assigned to preschool, 1,680 to primary, 824 to lower secondary, 676 to upper secondary, and 356 to technical and vocational education.
Details on participation conditions, job distribution, and application procedures are available in the national daily Togo Presse.
Esaïe Edoh
Togo strengthens security protocol after Port of Lomé’s fire
A fire broke out at the Port of Lomé on September 5, damaging three coasters, one of which sank. The incident occurred around 9 a.m. in the area where small coasters and tugs are usually parked.
In response, the Port Authority announced plans to increase safety measures. Regular inspections and checks will be conducted to ensure fire-fighting equipment is operational. Economic operators at the port are also urged to follow safety standards and equip themselves with necessary fire prevention devices.
Rear-Admiral Fogan Adegnon, Managing Director of the Port Autonome de Lomé, stated that fire simulations will be organized as part of each structure's Operational Response Plan to improve readiness for future incidents.
Ayi Renaud Dossavi
Lomé Airport Boosts Togo’s Non-Tax Revenues in Q1 2024
Togo’s non-tax revenues rose to CFA12.38 billion in Q1 2024, up from CFA4.90 billion in Q1 2023 (+152.65%). The Lomé airport significantly contributed to the boom.
Recent data from the Budget and Finance Department shows that the airport paid the Treasury CFA5 billion in fees for rehabilitation works, twice the sum the State expected. The fees made up 40% of non-tax revenues collected between January and March 2024.
During this period, the airport welcomed 325,709 passengers, against 305,515, or 6% more than, in Q1 2023.
This year, Togo expects its non-tax revenues to stand at CFA61.97 billion. Thus, the sum generated in Q1 makes up 19.98% of the target.
Esaïe Edoh
Togo: Exports Revenues Reached CFA422 Billion in H1 2024
Togolese earned CFA422 billion from exports throughout the first half of the year. According to the country’s Institute of Statistics (INSEED), the figure is down 0.9% year-on-year (CFA426 billion.
During the six months ended in June 2024, export revenues were the highest in March, standing at CFA81.3 billion. They stood at CFA63.8 billion and CFA64.6 billion in January and February, respectively.
After peaking in March, exports fell to CFA79.3 billion in April, then further to CFA59.7 billion in May, the lowest in H1 2024. However, they rose back to CFA73.1 billion in June.
Togo’s import revenues stood at CFA921 billion over the period reviewed, resulting in a trade balance deficit of nearly CFA499 billion. The gap spread a little compared to H1 2023 where it stood at CFA495.4 billion.
Quarterly, Togo’s exports totaled CFA209.8 billion and CFA212.1 billion in Q1 and Q2 2024, respectively. Imports decreased by 3.1%, from CFA467.7 billion in Q1 to CFA453.2 billion in Q2.
Togo's main exports include phosphates, which generated CFA39.6 billion in Q2 2024, or 18.7% of all export revenues. Other key exports are plastic bags (8.6%) and petroleum oils (8.5%). In Q1, plastic bags made up 11.4% of exports (CFA23.8 billion), followed by phosphates (CFA22.6 billion, 10.8%) and petroleum oils (CFA22.5 billion, 10.7%).
Ayi Renaud Dossavi
Togo Launches Program Budget Training Workshop for Decentralization Ministry Top Brass
Members of the Decentralization Ministry’s top brass are participating in a training workshop on program budgeting. The workshop, which began on September 3, 2024, in Kpalimé, ends on September 8. It is part of an initiative to build capacity for preparing program budgets for the 2025 fiscal year.
The goal is to help the ministry’s workers understand the steps necessary to set up a program budget. The workshop will cover topics such as gathering preliminary information for the multi-year expenditure programming document for 2025-2027.
Participants will also learn about decentralizing the authorizing officer's role to give local administrations more control over financial resources. The training will cover budget transfers, program reviews, and types of expenditures in a program budget.
This workshop is supported by the Decentralization and Good Governance Phase IV Program (ProDeG-IV) of the German Development Cooperation (GIZ) and aligns with the Togolese government's structural reforms. Since 2020, Togo has implemented program budgeting in line with WAEMU directives, moving away from traditional means-based budgeting. This has improved to use of funds to achieve the government’s development goals.
Esaïe Edoh
Togo: Heidelberg Materials Announces New Investments
German Group Heidelberg Material (formerly known as HeidelbergCement) is planning new investments in Togo, where it already operates through its subsidiaries SCANTOGO, GRANUTOGO, and CIMTOGO.
On September 3, 2024, Hakan Gurdal, the Group's Managing Director for Africa, the Mediterranean, and West Asia, announced these plans during a meeting with Togo's Prime Minister, Victoire Tomégah-Dogbé, in Lomé.
The new investments will focus on the environmental and industrial sectors, funding sustainable solutions in cement production using alternative materials. The Group aims to produce zero-carbon cement as part of its commitment to environmental sustainability.
Discussions with relevant ministries are already underway, and Gurdal noted that these efforts will be expedited with the Prime Minister's direct involvement.
Heidelberg Materials has been active in Togo for several years, with an investment portfolio of €400 million (about CFA262 billion) through its three subsidiaries. The company is a major player in the cement sector, employing over 1,000 people in Togo through SCANTOGO (which produces clinker); GRANUTOGO, a gravel crushing unit; and CIMTOGO (a cement plant).
Esaïe Edoh