Togo First
Togo: New World TV Launches Satellite Service in Mali
Lomé-based media group New World TV has expanded its operations into Mali, officially launching its satellite television package (DTH) on December 12, 2024. The new package offers a variety of programs, including entertainment, news, and sports. The company's management expressed satisfaction with this launch, calling it a significant step in their goal to connect African populations and showcase the continent's cultural heritage.
This launch is part of a broader strategy to enhance New World TV's African presence while highlighting local content. The group has partnered with the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), securing a financing facility of €245 million, or around CFA160 billion, to acquire broadcasting rights for major sporting events.
Esaïe Edoh
Togo Launches Open Data Platforms for Public Access
To improve public access to essential information, Togo has launched two new platforms, Open Data and Géoportail Open Data. The announcement was made on December 19, 2024, by the Ministry of Digital Economy and Digital Transformation through Agence Togo Digital (ATD). These platforms aim to enhance government transparency and support strategic planning by providing free access to data on socio-economic infrastructure.
"This data will enable our citizens, researchers, and entrepreneurs, as well as visitors, to better understand the realities of these sectors and develop solutions tailored to our needs," said Roger Lasmothey, representing Minister Cinna Lawson at the presentation. "By facilitating access to this information, we are promoting transparency, innovation, and inclusion," he added.
Open Data
Togbe Agbagla, ATD's Technical Director, introduced the two new platforms. The Open Data Géoportail (available via geodata.gouv.tg) consolidates geospatial data for all of Togo. It was created from extensive data collection during the PRISE project between 2021 and 2022, gathering information from 23 ministries and over 550 administrative units. Users can view interactive maps, access social and economic infrastructure data, and download datasets for analysis.
Geoportal
The Open Data platform (opendata.gouv.tg) provides essential public data, thus fostering transparency, innovation, and informed decision-making. It spans health, education, and agriculture but will expand to include more public data over time. Initiatives are planned to promote these tools among civil society, academia, and researchers.
Ayi Renaud Dossavi
Broadband: Togo Gets $100M from World Bank to Connect 8,000 Public Institutions
This funding aims to connect around 8,000 public institutions, including schools and health facilities, to broadband internet. The project should benefit over a million people.
In partnership with the International Finance Corporation, the initiative will also focus on developing digital skills to enhance employability and attract more investment into Togo's entrepreneurial ecosystem. Also, the project will develop climate-resilient digital infrastructures, emphasizing energy efficiency and climate mitigation solutions.
Cina Lawson, Minister of Digital Economy and Digital Transformation, stated, “This initiative will connect our schools, healthcare facilities, and public institutions to ultra-high-speed internet while equipping our youth with the skills needed to build a competitive and resilient economy.”
The project aligns with Togo's government roadmap and the World Bank's Country Partnership Framework, positioning digital technologies as a key driver for growth, economic development, and regional competitiveness.
Fily Sissoko, World Bank Resident Representative for Togo, emphasized, “By focusing on digital technologies, we aim to support the government's strategy of accelerating the country's economic transformation.”
This funding follows recent financial support of $200 million for administrative and social reforms and an additional $300 million earmarked to develop the agricultural sector, specifically for soy and corn production.
Ayi Renaud Dossavi
Togo: Expenses Up CFA71B in Revised 2024 Draft Budget
The Togolese government approved a revised budget for 2024 on December 16, 2024. The new total is CFA2,250.6 billion, up from the projected CFA2,179.2 billion. This 3.3% increase, or CFA71.4 billion, is due to new priorities amid economic uncertainties.
The government plans to use this finance bill to implement structural reforms and development policies as part of the Government Roadmap 2025 and to strengthen its fight against terrorism.
The Togolese economy is expected to grow by 6.6% in 2024, up from 6.4% in 2023, thanks to positive growth in all sectors. However, the government had to adjust the budget due to financial pressures, using savings for emergency spending.
This change is part of a commitment to “budgetary sincerity” and transparency, according to Christian Trimua, Secretary General of the government. The revised budget will now be sent to Parliament for approval.
The increase aligns with Lomé’s efforts to handle economic challenges while keeping its development goals and enhancing national security.
Ayi Renaud Dossavi
Togo: Government Sets Up Commission to Investigate Recent Tragedy in Agoè
The Togolese government will set up a commission to investigate the tragic incident recorded in Agoè, at the northern exit of Lomé, last Friday, December 13. A pedestrian bridge collapsed, causing the death of eight people and leaving three with serious injuries. A truck was involved.
On December 16, the Council of Ministers decided to set up an investigation commission to determine the technical causes of the collapse. “Instructions have been given to ensure that criminal responsibilities are clearly established and receive all appropriate judicial follow-up,” the Council noted in an official statement.
The judicial police have already questioned the manager of the company owning the truck involved in the accident. He was taken into custody. Hearings were conducted with the managers of the companies responsible for building the structure and its equipment. Authorities are investigating whether or not shortcomings in the design, execution, or maintenance might have contributed to the incident.
The accident was triggered by a semi-trailer transporting gas, whose gauge collided with the bridge, causing it to collapse. The government has also announced support measures for the victims’ families. The Council of Ministers pledged to provide them with "adequate" support.
Esaïe Edoh
Togo: National Cotton Company Appoints New Board Chairman
Nana Nanfamé is the new Chairman of the Board of Directors for the New Cotton Company of Togo (NSCT). The state company officially disclosed the news in a press release issued on December 13, 2024.
Nanfamé replaces the late Simféitchéou Pré. The new board chairman had led the company from 2016 to 2020 before Olam Group took over. His extensive knowledge and experience are expected to help consolidate the company's progress and help it grow sustainably.
However, Nana Nanfamé will also face significant challenges. Notably, he must tackle the output decline recorded over the past years. This is as output is forecast to drop to 66,000 tonnes in the next season, from 67,000 tonnes this year.
Nanfamé's leadership will be crucial in turning the tables and achieving sustainable growth. His appointment shows the company's commitment to using experienced leaders to handle the complexities of Togo's cotton industry.
Esaïe Edoh
Togo: Government Introduces Strict Measures to Regulate Use and Transport of Radioactive Materials
The Togolese government announced on December 16 new measures to enhance the safety and security of transporting and using radioactive materials, as outlined in the law of June 10, 2020, on the safe and peaceful use of nuclear power.
This initiative supports nuclear medicine and radiotherapy projects across the country, both existing and under development. These projects address the growing medical needs of the Togolese people and issues impeding social and environmental protection.
Lomé plans to adopt new laws regulating the transport, storage, and use of nuclear and radioactive materials. These rules aim to help better protect patients, medical staff, and the public while ensuring facilities meet international safety standards set by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Consequently, the transportation of nuclear and radioactive materials by land, air, and sea will be closely monitored to reduce risks.
Ayi Renaud Dossavi
Brazilian Diplomat Nei Bitencourt Dies in Togo
Nei Futuro Bitencourt, the Brazilian ambassador to Togo since 2021, passed on December 13, 2024, in Lomé. The Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the news.
Throughout his career, Nei Bitencourt served in various prestigious diplomatic posts, including embassies in Tokyo, London, Washington, Maputo, and the consulate-general in Nagoya. He was acknowledged for his consistent efforts to bring Brazil closer to sub-Saharan African countries.
During his tenure in Togo, Ambassador Bitencourt was instrumental in fostering cooperation in key sectors such as agriculture, military training, and culture. He ensured the continuation of food security projects and helped transfer Brazilian expertise to the region.
CIPRES: Togolese Labor Minister Gilbert Bawara Returns
Gilbert Bawara, the Togolese Minister of Labor and Social Protection, is the new head of the Council of Ministers of the Inter-African Conference on Social Security (CIPRES). He was formally appointed on December 13, at the end of the 37th council meeting in Lomé.
Bawara served as the Chairman of the CIPRES Council of Ministers for the first time in 2023. This year, however, he was replaced by Bassolma Bazié, Burkina Faso's Minister of Labor, and Social Protection.
During his term, Gilbert Bawara will play a critical role in strengthening social protection in the 17 CIPRES member States. He will focus on securing financial resources to guarantee the sustainability of social protection systems and on harmonizing the legislative and regulatory frameworks that oversee social welfare organizations and schemes. This initiative seeks to ensure coherence among the national policies of member countries, making it easier to implement shared mechanisms for the effective management of social funds.
The CIPRES was established on September 21, 1993, in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire. Headquartered in Lomé, Togo, the Council aims to establish rigorous and harmonized management of social welfare systems in member states. The CIPRES also conducts in-depth studies and proposes a unified legislative and regulatory framework among its members.
Esaïe Edoh
Togo Hosts First National Quality Days
Togo launched the first National Quality Days (JNQ) on December 13, 2024. Organized by the High Authority for Quality and the Environment (HAUQE), it was themed: “Quality, a lever for growth in national production.”
The two-day event included conferences, panels, and workshops on key topics such as metrology, certification, and the importance of standards for international markets.
In his opening speech, HAUQE President, Laré Arzouma Botre, noted: “In an increasingly competitive business environment, quality is not an option but a strategic necessity.”
Enselme Gouthon, Secretary General of the Coordination Committee for the Coffee and Cocoa Sectors (CCFCC), highlighted the achievements of Togolese cocoa at the international level. For example, he mentioned that six Togolese producers won medals at the Cocoa of Excellence Awards 2023.
The JNQ aimed to promote a quality culture in Togolese companies and public bodies.