Togo and Burkina Faso are preparing to sign a bilateral free-roaming agreement to lower communication costs for travelers between the two countries. Dr. Pasteur Poda, Chairman of ARCEP Burkina Faso's Regulatory Council, announced the initiative after leading an exchange mission to Lomé from March 24 to 27, 2025.

Togo already has free-roaming agreements with Benin, Ghana, and Côte d’Ivoire. Talks are also underway with Mali and Niger to expand this regional cooperation.

Discussions between Togo and Burkina Faso focused on digital transformation, especially on Togo’s expertise in data-driven regulation. Burkina Faso delegates visited ARCEP Togo’s supervision center, which monitors service quality in real time.

The two regulatory authorities plan to formalize their partnership through an agreement in the coming weeks.

This article was initially published in French by Ayi Renaud Dossavi

Edited in English by Ange Jason Quenum

Togo’s National Assembly closed its first extraordinary session of 2025 on March 28, following a call by the Head of State. Sevon-Tépé Kodjo Adédzé, President of the Assembly, chaired the session, which resulted in the adoption of seven legislative texts and one resolution addressing public management, sustainable development, and security.

Lawmakers approved reforms to governance frameworks for public companies and amended the founding law of the Togolese Revenue Office (OTR), enabling tax system improvements.

Regarding security matters, MPs extended the state of emergency and passed a new intelligence law to strengthen efforts against threats.

During the session, deputies also adopted a climate change law, committing Togo to more active environmental governance.

On the public finance front, lawmakers adopted budget settlement laws for 2020 and 2021, reviewing public account execution during those years. They also revised the financial regulations governing the National Assembly.

The first ordinary session of 2025 began on April 1.

This article was initially published in French by Ayi Renaud Dossavi

Edited in English by Ola Schad Akinocho

Togo's National Social Security Fund (CNSS) urges beneficiaries to collect their Universal Health Insurance (AMU) cards. The CNSS issued 12,000 cards months ago, including 11,500 for active insured and 541 for retirees.

"These cards are essential to guarantee fast and efficient access to care, " the CNSS Director General, Ingrid Awadé, said a week ago.  

The Security Fund notes that even if their employers are absent, insured citizens can still withdraw their cards by providing valid identification.

The CNSS expanded its network to improve AMU coverage, with new regional desks in Atakpamé and Kara. Mobile units have also been deployed to remote areas. Special counters have been set up at the Fund’s headquarters to handle emergencies, past agreements, and chronic pathologies.

The INAM manages AMU for the public sector, while the CNSS oversees the private sector.

This article was initially published in French by Ayi Renaud Dossavi

Edited in English by Ola Schad Akinocho

The United Nations Sub-Committee on Accreditation has reaccredited Togo's National Human Rights Commission (CNDH) with 'A' status as a National Human Rights Institution (NHRI). The decision was made official on March 25, 2025, after a review in Geneva, Switzerland, on March 18.

This reaccreditation confirms that the CNDH meets the Paris Principles, which demand independence, impartiality, and effectiveness from national human rights bodies. These principles, set by the UN General Assembly in 1993, define how such institutions should promote and protect fundamental rights.

'A' status is the highest recognition for national human rights institutions. It highlights the CNDH's work since its founding in 1987 to advance human rights and strengthen the rule of law. The commission first earned this distinction in 2000 and has maintained it ever since. This status gives CNDH a strong voice in the Global Alliance of NHRIs and allows active participation in international and regional human rights mechanisms. It also boosts its credibility with donors and technical partners who value this recognition.

The reaccreditation reinforces the CNDH’s commitment to its mission. The commission pledges to continue promoting fundamental rights for Togolese citizens and authorities.

The CNDH monitors Togo’s adherence to international human rights obligations alongside UN bodies.

This article was initially published in French by Esaïe Edoh

Edited in English by Ola Schad Akinocho

The Togolese power utility–Compagnie énergie électrique du Togo (CEET)-has extended maintenance works at one of the country’s thermal power stations. Initially set to end on March 25, the works have been extended to April 15. While announcing the extension, the CEET warned of potential power cuts until the maintenance is over.

The utility attributed the extension to the need for additional technical works. The CEET said these works would ensure the optimal operation of the plant and help maintain a reliable electricity supply.

Authorities have taken measures to mitigate the anticipated power cuts. Similar to previous months, backup plans include importing additional electricity. Last month, during the temporary shutdown of the gas pipeline, Togo used liquid fuels to power thermal plants and increased imports, adding up to 35 MW to the grid.

This article was initially published in French by Esaïe Edoh

Edited in English by Ola Schad Akinocho

The Personal Data Protection Authority (IPDCP) of Togo officially launched on March 28, 2025. Various representatives from the government and public agencies, as well as media workers, attended the launching ceremony in Lomé, the capital.

"The role of the IPDCP is essential in building a digital space of trust, where citizens, businesses, and institutions can evolve serenely, in complete security," said Bédiani Béléi, Chairman of the IPDCP. He also pledged that the authority would "ensure that information and communication technologies do not threaten individual freedoms and privacy."

The IPDCP has rolled out a public awareness campaign starting April 1. The campaign aims to inform Togolese citizens about their rights and the mechanisms available to protect their personal data from exploitation.

This article was initially published in French by Octave A. Bruce

Edited in English by Ola Schad Akinocho

Togolese businesses can now apply to participate in the Osaka 2025 World Expo, set to run from April 13 to October 13. The event will bring together 160 countries and nine international organizations. 

On March 28, the Ministry of Industry and Investment Promotion, in collaboration with the Togo Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI-T), hosted an information session to announce the opportunities available at the expo. These include B2B meetings, thematic panels, and innovation showcases designed to help Togolese companies build strategic partnerships and access new markets.

Urging local businesses to attend the event, Alexandre de Souza, Togo’s Commissioner General for the expo, said: “Your participation in this global event is a unique opportunity to forge strategic partnerships and show the world that Togo is a country of the future, where innovation and inclusion go hand in hand.”

José Kwassi Symenouh, President of CCI-Togo, highlighted the expo’s significance as a platform for economic players to display their expertise and enhance their competitiveness internationally.

Togo’s presence at Osaka 2025 will feature three major events: Economic Day on August 19, Cultural Day on August 20, and Togo National Day on August 21. Under the "Saving Lives" section, Togo will present its thematic focus on "Social Inclusion and Protection Policy for Strong Economic Growth."

This article was initially published in French by Gautier Agbékodovi

Edited in English by Ange Jason Quenum

The Togolese private sector contributed 76.8% of the national GDP last year, down from 77.1% the year before. The figures were shared on March 28 in Lomé, during the State-Private Sector Technical Consultation Committee meeting.

Essowè Georges Barcola, Minister of Economy and Finance, praised private companies for generating nearly 98% of jobs in Togo. "The private sector’s ability to innovate and propose solutions makes it central to our economic resilience," he said.

A government-private sector tax dialogue

A key outcome of the meeting was the announcement of a structured fiscal dialogue between the government and the private sector ahead of the 2026 budget process. The dialogue aims to align both sides’ views on taxation and boost the private sector’s support for budgetary decisions. Planned actions include workshops on agricultural taxation, accounting training, and SME promotion initiatives. 

Recommendations from the private sector

Private sector representatives welcomed the initiative at the meeting. Yva Badohoun, speaking on behalf of the private sector, outlined seven key recommendations to improve Togo’s business climate and foster inclusive economic growth.

Badohoun’s proposals include clarifying tax rules for imported software, reassessing taxes on telecommunications and ICT companies (TETIC), and activating the CAR and CARLD commissions to ensure swift and fair tax arbitration. He also emphasized appointing commission members with an operational timetable by June 2025 and simplifying customs procedures to cut costs and delays in commercial activities.

This article was initially published in French by Ayi Renaud Dossavi

Edited in English by Ange Jason Quenum