Togo First
Togo Pushes Universal Power Access in London Energy Pact
Togo unveiled its national energy strategy in London this week under “Mission 300,” a global drive to electrify Africa by 2030. Initiated by the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the World Bank, the strategy aims to end energy poverty across the continent.
Togo joined Burundi, Ghana, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe in signing the pact, doubling down on its goal to connect all citizens to electricity. The country already powers 70% of its population through grid expansions, solar projects, and optimized energy systems.
To fund these efforts, Togo is blending public funds, private partnerships, and international aid. At the London summit, leaders stressed the need for private investment.
“We must help the private sector invest wisely to create jobs and growth,” said World Bank President Ajay Banga.
#Mission300: #Burundi, #Ghana, #Mozambique, #Togo and #Zimbabwe became the latest countries to present national energy compacts outlining their ambitions to advance critical energy sector reforms required for the success of the initiative.
— African Development Bank Group (@AfDB_Group) June 10, 2025
➡️https://t.co/3UD9pVbE8u… pic.twitter.com/vJKODVQ84E
“Africa can’t thrive in the dark. Half-measures won’t cut it—universal power is non-negotiable,” stressed for his part AfDB chief Akinwumi Adesina.
Over 600 million Africans—80% of the world’s unelectrified population—still lack electricity. Togo’s pact signals its push to secure fresh funding and accelerate progress.
This article was initially published in French by Esaïe Edoh
Edited in English by Ola Schad Akinocho
Togolese Lawyer Joins Key Diplomatic Talks on Strategic Minerals Between DR Congo and the U.S.
Pascal Agboyibor, a Franco-Togolese business lawyer, plays a central role in ongoing negotiations between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the United States over strategic minerals. The presidential decree issued on May 12, 2025, officially appointed him to the strategic coordination unit that steers this mining partnership.
The 22-member unit oversees bilateral talks and ensures the smooth execution of the agreement. The deal aims to provide the U.S. with secure access to critical DRC resources—cobalt, lithium, and coltan—while boosting American diplomatic support amid ongoing tensions in eastern Congo.
Agboyibor is the only lawyer on the unit’s leadership team, alongside top Congolese officials like Anthony Nkinzo Kamole, presidential chief of staff; Foreign Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner; Mines Minister Kizito Pakabomba; and the chairmen of Gécamines and Arecoms boards.
Togolese Expertise Gains Recognition in Business Law
Pascal Agboyibor founded the international law firm Asafo & Co. He is well known in Africa for his expertise in mining law, structured finance, and infrastructure projects. Governments and public institutions regularly call on him for high-stakes strategic cases in Africa and beyond.
His firm has operated in the DRC for years, advising the government during the renegotiation of the Gécamines partnership with Chinese giant CMOC over the Tenke Fungurume mine. This complex deal resulted in an $800 million settlement favoring the Congolese state.
In 2024, Africa Business+ named him the most influential lawyer in Francophone Africa for the fourth time. The magazine praised his work on sensitive cases involving state interests. “He acts as a strategic advisor to the Congolese government, especially against international operators,” it said.
Togo’s Role in a Geopolitical Chess Game
Under Anthony Nkinzo Kamole’s coordination, the strategic unit manages technical work, aligns positions among Congolese institutions, and monitors compliance with the pending U.S. agreement.
Pascal Agboyibor’s appointment carries added weight because he is the son of Yawovi Agboyibo, former Togolese Prime Minister and historic opposition figure.
Meanwhile, Togo’s President Faure Gnassingbé actively mediates between the DRC and Rwanda. For weeks, Gnassingbé has played a central role in talks aimed at easing tensions between the two countries.
This delicate, behind-the-scenes mediation reshapes regional influence. In this geopolitical climate, having a Togolese lawyer involved in such a strategic mineral deal—covering cobalt, lithium, and coltan—boosts Togo’s image as both a facilitator and a power player.
Sources close to the matter say the Kinshasa-Washington agreement could be signed by the end of June 2025.
This article was initially published in French by Fiacre E. Kakpo
Edited in English by Ange Jason Quenum
Lomé Hosts BOAD Development Days This Week
Lomé will host the BOAD Development Days on June 12 and 13, 2025. The roundtable will focus on sustainable finance in West Africa, under the theme: “Financing the energy transition and sustainable agriculture: challenges, opportunities, and solutions.”
A first-time event, the two-meeting is organized by the BOAD itself. Nearly 200 participants from 25 countries are expected. They will explore funding options for energy transition and sustainable agriculture within the UEMOA region.
Two main topics will be at the heart of the discussions: universal access to electricity amid the green transition and the key role of agro-industry in achieving food sovereignty.
“We must think about sustainable, resilient, and inclusive models for the future of our economies,” commented BOAD President Serge Ekué.
The event also aims to highlight projects already funded by BOAD and strengthen cooperation between states, investors, and development actors.
Beyond panel talks, participants will address climate urgency, growing ecological threats, and the need for coordinated action to protect West African ecosystems.
This article was initially published in French by Ayi Renaud Dossavi
Edited in English by Ola Schad Akinocho
Mpox: Eight Cases Confirmed in Lomé, Togo
Togo confirmed eight Mpox cases in Lomé, the capital, as of May 25, 2025, according to official data.
The authorities consider the alert moderate but serious. Subsequently, they launched an intensified action plan focused on epidemic surveillance, community mobilization, and targeted case management.
Virologist Anoumou Yaotsè Dagnra is leading the response, coordinating efforts between health centers, laboratories, and community networks. “The key is vigilance,” he said.
Mpox, formerly monkeypox, is a zoonotic virus related to smallpox. It spreads mainly through close contact and easily infects immunocompromised people.
The World Health Organization (WHO) currently avoids mass vaccination. Instead, it emphasizes individual responsibility, recommending strict hygiene, isolating cases, and quickly alerting competent authorities. This low-key preventive strategy could make all the difference in today’s context.
Togo: Nayega Manganese Mine to Start Production after 10 Years of Anticipation
In the pipeline for about a decade, Togo's Nayega manganese mine is poised to begin production by next month. Keras Resources, the project's technical partner, confirmed the news on June 6th.
The mine, located in the Savanes region, is expected to initially produce 4,000 tonnes of manganese per month, with plans to increase to 8,000 tonnes in the medium term. The Togolese State, through the Société Togolaise de Manganèse (STM), is now the sole owner and aims to capitalize on the growing demand for this critical mineral in the battery and electric vehicle markets.
Under a 2023 agreement, Keras Resources will receive advisory fees of 1.5% of the gross revenue generated by the mine for three years. The firm will also receive 6.0% of the gross revenue for brokerage services until either 3.5 years have passed or 900,000 tonnes of enriched manganese ore have been produced and sold.
This development occurs amid increasing global demand for transition metals. Togo, historically focused on phosphate exports, seeks to diversify its mining portfolio and strengthen its control over its natural resources. The government's strategy includes local value addition, skills development, and moving up the value chain.
With estimated reserves of 8.5 million tonnes, the Nayega mine is projected to operate for 11 years. This new mining operation could significantly impact Togo's national budget, where mining contributions already exceed 40%.
Togo: Electric Utility Drops Fixed Fees on Cash Power to Ease Pressure on Households
The Electricity Company of Togo (CEET) has suspended fixed fees on Cash Power credit purchases. The government ordered this move to help families struggling with rising living costs.
The CEET explained that it is working on a new, more beneficial system for customers. The utility reminded the public that the 230,000 households that received a kilowatt-hour rate cut in December 2024 are still exempt from the rate hike imposed on May 15.
The utility plans to modernize its infrastructure, reduce power outages, and speed up rural electrification as part of its internal reforms. The company also promised to improve customer service and to communicate more openly about its activities.
This decision comes after previous rate hikes in recent years triggered strong backlash from consumers.
Togo to Drill Nine New Boreholes to Boost Water Access in Greater Lomé
Togo’s capital, Lomé, will soon get nine new boreholes to improve water access under the Urban Water Security Improvement Project in Togo (PASH-MUT). The Ministry of Water launched a call for bids in late May 2025 to hire companies for the project.
The plan includes six autonomous boreholes spread across neighborhoods with the greatest need for clean water. Companies have until July 9, 2025, to submit their proposals.
The project supports the government’s goal to achieve universal water coverage by 2030. It aims to improve drinking water and sanitation in Greater Lomé.
At the end of 2024, Togo’s national water coverage stood at 70%. The Ministry now targets 72% coverage by the end of 2025, down from an earlier forecast of 85%. Rural areas should see coverage rise to 79%, semi-urban areas to 63%, and urban areas to 79%.
This article was initially published in French by Esaïe Edoh
Edited in English by Ola Schad Akinocho
Togo Responds to New U.S. Visa Restrictions, Calls for Responsibility
The U.S. recently imposed visa restrictions on several African countries, including Togo. Togo’s Foreign Minister Robert Dussey addressed the issue on social media, stressing that Togolese citizens bear responsibility for the move.
“Every country has the right to respect its borders and laws,” Dussey said. He called the Trump administration’s decision legitimate and blamed some Togolese for overstaying visas, which harms relations with the U.S., one of Togo’s key partners.
The U.S. announced the expanded restrictions on June 4, citing ongoing problems with traveler screening and high visa overstay rates among nationals from affected countries.
The restrictions do not ban entry outright but limit access to visas for tourism, temporary work, and study.
Togo aims to strengthen global partnerships, attract foreign investment, and develop a competitive workforce. Dussey urged the nation to “strive to overcome this challenge.”
This article was initially published in French by Esaïe Edoh
Edited in English by Ange Jason Quenum
WAEMU: BCEAO Lowers Key Interest Rate to 3.25% to Boost Growth
The Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO) cut its key interest rate to 3.25% on June 4 to stimulate growth in the WAEMU region.
The Monetary Policy Committee, led by Jean-Claude Kassi Brou, lowered the rate by 25 basis points during its meeting in Dakar.
The bank aims to support the region’s economic rebound, expecting growth to hit 6.4% in 2025, up from 6.3% last year.
BCEAO also cut the marginal lending rate to 5.25%. The reserve requirement ratio stayed at 3%.
Inflation eased to 2.3% in the first quarter, helped by better market supply and lower import prices, especially for energy. This rate stays below the 3% regional target.
The Central Bank pledged to monitor inflation and economic conditions closely. It promised to act if needed to keep monetary stability in the Union.
This article was initially published in French by Ayi Renaud Dossavi
Edited in English by Ange Jason Quenum
OIF Launches “D-CLIC, Train Yourself in Digital Skills” Project in Aného
The International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF) launched its “D-CLIC” digital training program in Aného, southern Togo.
The incubator CUBE runs the program locally. It targets young people and women aged 18 to 35 in the Lacs prefecture.
The program teaches practical skills in web development, digital communication, and managing online communities.
The training takes place at the Aného Center for Reading and Cultural Animation (CLAC). It aims to fill the growing need for digital professionals in Togo.
This edition builds on previous success. In May, 244 young people earned digital certifications after a five-month intensive course in Lomé, Kara, and Dapaong.
Registration is free and open until June 30, 2025, on the program’s website.
Ayi Renaud Dossavi