Togo First
Togo Considers Joining AFROPAC to Boost Public Financial Oversight
The Togolese National Assembly could soon join the African Organisation of Public Accounts Committees (AFROPAC). AFROPAC’s Vice-President, Abena Oséi-Asaré, raised this possibility during a meeting with Kodjo Adédzé, President of the Togolese Parliament, on May 14, 2025. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the first African debt conference in Lomé.
Oséi-Asaré outlined AFROPAC’s missions and goals to the National Assembly. She highlighted Togo’s Finance Committee’s active role in the Organisation of West African Finance Committees. She argued that Togo’s membership in AFROPAC would strengthen the group’s efforts to promote democratic control of public finances across Africa.
Kodjo Adédzé welcomed the proposal. He said the National Assembly would soon study the request in detail. Adédzé emphasized Togo’s commitment to budget transparency and regional parliamentary cooperation. “It is high time that African parliamentarians could unite to speak with one voice,” he said.
AFROPAC unites public accounts committees from many African countries. The organisation aims to promote good governance and accountability in managing public finances.
This article was initially published in French by Esaïe Edoh
Edited in English by Ange Jason Quenum
Togo: Inflation Slows to 2.5% in April 2025
Togo’s inflation rate eased to 2.5% in April 2025, down from 2.7% in March. The slight improvement reflects ongoing economic adjustments and authorities’ efforts to regulate agricultural markets and focus on imported goods.
The Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices (HICP) rose 1.0% from March to April. Food prices jumped 3.1%, and accommodation services increased by 1.4%. Yearly, inflation measured 0.8%, driven mainly by a 5.2% rise in food costs. Transport prices fell by 2.0%, helping to balance the overall inflation.
Despite some pressure on food crops, inflation remains under control. However, prices for basic food items surged sharply last month. Green chillies shot up 124%, and local round tomatoes climbed 109%. Palm kernel oil prices rose nearly 98%. Meanwhile, prices for charcoal and running water dropped significantly.
This article was initially published in French by Ayi Renaud Dossavi
Edited in English by Ange Jason Quenum
Togo: Observers Must Register with CENI by June 20 for the Coming Municipal Elections
Togo’s electoral commission has set strict rules for groups wanting to observe the country’s 2025 municipal elections. The deadline to apply is June 20.
This week, the National Independent Electoral Commission (CENI) reported that these groups must meet technical, administrative, and ethical standards to get accreditation. Also, they must show experience in elections, human rights, or democracy, and need to submit their founding documents, proof of official recognition, and a letter explaining where and how they plan to observe, including the number of observers.
The CENI also insists that organizations guarantee their members are neutral, have no conflicts of interest, and are financially independent, especially if they send more than 200 observers.
Each observer must prove impartiality, avoid any political party or election body, and promise to follow the Electoral Code. Observers cannot make public statements before voting ends. The CENI says it will revoke accreditation retroactively if anyone breaks these rules.
Civil society groups see the accreditation process as a new opportunity to boost election transparency and support Togo’s democratic growth. The upcoming municipal elections carry big weight. These will be the country’s second local polls since 2020, as Togo pushes decentralization to bring the government closer to its citizens and improve local governance.
The coming elections will renew municipal councils and lay down strong institutional foundations for local authorities. Togo has 117 municipalities.
This article was initially published in French by Ayi Renaud Dossavi
Edited in English by Ange Jason Quenum
Togo Spent CFA31 Billion to Curb 2024-2025 Energy Crisis
The Togolese government spent CFA31 billion to reduce the electricity deficit and maintain power supply during the 2024-2025 energy crisis. According to the source, the Ministry of Mines and Energy, Lomé used the money to support the energy sector and curb outages’ economic and social impacts.
In detail, throughout 2024 and from February to April 2025, Togo faced energy supply disruptions due to maintenance on the West African Gas Pipeline Company (WAPCo), a problem shared by neighboring West African countries.
To counter these shortages, authorities used liquid fuels to run thermal power plants and increased electricity imports. This approach added up to 35 megawatts to the national grid. The West African Development Bank (BOAD) and other financial partners funded these emergency measures.
The ministry emphasized that this financial effort runs alongside ongoing investments aimed at achieving universal electricity access by 2030. Several projects have been launched to reach this goal.
Togo secured CFA40 billion from BOAD last March to cover urgent energy sector expenses.
This article was initially published in French by Esaïe Edoh
Edited in English by Ola Schad Akinocho
Togolese Leader to Represent Africa in Global Debt Talks
Faure Gnassingbé, President of the Togolese Council, took charge on May 14 as Africa’s representative in talks with international financial institutions to restructure the continent’s debt. Officials announced this at the close of the first African debt conference in Lomé.
The conference concluded that Gnassingbé, working with the African Union, will push international financial partners to revise the conditions tied to African debt. His main task will involve starting talks with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank to lower loan costs for African countries.
Georges Barcola, Togo’s Minister of Economy and Finance, explained the mission at the summit’s closing press conference. “The Chairman of the Board will negotiate sound debt for the continent-debt that does not come with prohibitive costs. We need resources, but concessional resources. To achieve this, we must review the international debt mechanism,” he said.
The conference chose Gnassingbé because of his dedication and vision on managing African debt. At the conference’s opening, Gnassingbé called for “a collective African ambition that prioritizes the continent’s sovereignty, solidarity, and stability.”
He urged Africans to unite and create a shared debt doctrine to speak with one voice in international forums. “It is this common voice that can contribute to the reform of the global financial architecture,” he declared.
This article was initially published in French by Esaïe Edoh
Edited in English by Ange Jason Quenum
North Togo to See Normal to Above-Normal Rainfall from June to September
Togo’s National Meteorological Agency (ANAMET) announced on May 14, 2025, that the major rainy season has started in the north and will bring normal to above-normal rainfall from June through September.
The Savanes region will see normal to surplus rain in June, July, and August. The Kara and Centrale regions will receive rainfall above seasonal averages during this period. From July to September, the northern regions are expected to maintain this trend of surplus to normal rainfall.
The ANAMET warned that this weather pattern will impact agriculture. The agency advised farmers and rural communities to plant improved, short-cycle, high-yield crops suited to the forecast conditions.
Hydrological forecasts show mixed outcomes. The Oti basin may experience high water levels with risks of overflowing and flooding. The ANAMET urged residents to avoid flood-prone areas. Meanwhile, the upper Mono River basin could face water shortages.
The ANAMET cautioned that these forecasts may change depending on evolving weather conditions.
This article was initially published in French by Esaïe Edoh
Edited in English by Ange Jason Quenum
Togo Increases Electricity Prices to Boost Utility’s Finances
On May 5, the Togo government increased electricity prices by an average of 12.5%. The new rates were disclosed via an interministerial order dated March 24.
The hike aims to strengthen CEET’s financial stability amid ongoing funding challenges. The utility recently secured CFA40 billion from the West African Development Bank (BOAD) to handle energy emergencies.
The government kept a “social tranche” for households: CFA60 per kWh for the first 30 kWh in post-payment and CFA70 per kWh in prepayment. Officials plan information campaigns to help vulnerable households understand eligibility.
The new tariff structure is more progressive, with rates varying by consumption and subscribed power. For example, domestic post-payment users with less than 2.2 kVA pay CFA93/kWh for 31 to 120 kWh and CFA130/kWh above that.
Domestic, professional, and industrial use
The reform separates domestic, professional, and industrial users. Medium-voltage large businesses face time-of-day pricing: CFAF 78/kWh off-peak, CFAF 87/kWh peak, and up to CFAF 122/kWh at peak hours. Customers without time meters pay a flat CFA91/kWh.
To foster energy efficiency, CEET removed reactive energy charges for industrial clients with a power factor of 0.90 or higher. Those below this threshold face penalties.
Free Zone and PIA rates
The government introduced special tariffs for strategic zones: CFA82/kWh for the Free Zone and just CFA50/kWh for the Adétikopé Industrial Platform (PIA). These rates aim to boost Togo’s regional competitiveness, especially for energy-heavy investors.
Officials may adjust tariffs over time based on costs, network performance, and energy access goals.
CEET Tariff Schedule - 2025
|
Category |
Consumption Band / Time Slot |
Rate (CFA/kWh) |
|
Domestic Use – Postpaid (<2.2 kVA) |
0–30 kWh |
CFA60/kWh |
|
31–120 kWh |
CFA93/kWh |
|
|
>120 kWh |
CFA130/kWh |
|
|
Domestic Use – Prepaid (<2.2 kVA) |
0–30 kWh |
CFA70/kWh |
|
31–120 kWh |
CFA88/kWh |
|
|
121–350 kWh |
CFA123/kWh |
|
|
>350 kWh |
CFA145/kWh |
|
|
Non-Domestic Use – Postpaid |
0–200 kWh |
CFA102/kWh |
|
201–350 kWh |
CFA136/kWh |
|
|
>350 kWh |
CFA143/kWh |
|
|
Non-Domestic Use – Prepaid |
0–200 kWh |
CFA97/kWh |
|
201–350 kWh |
CFA129/kWh |
|
|
>350 kWh |
CFA135/kWh |
|
|
Public Lighting |
Flat rate |
CFA120/kWh |
|
Medium Voltage (≤500 kVA) |
Off-peak hours |
CFA78 FCFA/kWh |
|
Peak hours |
CFA87/kWh |
|
|
Peak demand hours |
CFA122/kWh |
|
|
Flat rate |
CFA91/kWh |
|
|
Medium Voltage (500–1000 kVA) |
Off-peak hours |
CFA77/kWh |
|
Peak hours |
CFA85/kWh |
|
|
Peak demand hours |
CFA119/kWh |
|
|
Flat rate |
CFA89/kWh |
|
|
Medium Voltage (>1000 kVA) |
Off-peak hours |
CFA74/kWh |
|
Peak hours |
CFA82/kWh |
|
|
Peak demand hours |
CFA115/kWh |
|
|
Flat rate |
CFA87/kWh |
|
|
Free Trade Zone |
Flat rate |
CFA82/kWh |
|
PIA (Industrial Platform of Adétikopé) |
Flat rate |
CFA50/kWh |
|
High Voltage |
Flat rate |
CFA80/kWh |
This article was initially published in French by Ayi Renaud Dossavi
Edited in English byAnge Jason Quenum
Exclusive Interview with Ethiopis Tafara, IFC Vice President for Africa
Recently appointed as Vice President of the International Finance Corporation (IFC) for Africa, Ethiopis Tafara visited Lomé for the “Africa Leads” forum, which brought together stakeholders from World Bank Group-funded projects in West and Central Africa. In this exclusive interview with Togo First, he reflects on the impact of IFC’s presence in Togo, the institution’s strategy to support local businesses, key upcoming priorities for West Africa, and IFC’s positioning amidst recent global geopolitical shifts.
Togo First: The IFC opened an office in Togo five years ago. In your opinion, what are the three most notable impacts of this official presence?
Ethiopis Tafara: I would start with the significant increase in investments in Togo over the past five years. Back then, our program was quite limited. Since then, we have invested or mobilized about $186 million—a record amount. This represents a major shift, with a focus on key sectors such as energy and telecommunications.
We invested, for example, in the Lomé container terminal, our initial entry point. Since then, we’ve also supported Togocom and Star Garments, a large-scale clothing manufacturer for export markets—comparable to what exists in Bangladesh. We’ve also worked to improve energy access, including an investment in Zener, which helped build propane and butane storage terminals.
We focus on sectors where Togo has a comparative advantage. Supporting SMEs is critical, as they generate the majority of jobs. Financing them is essential. Similarly, energy, transport, and logistics are key priorities—we’ve also invested in Gozem, which is doing an excellent job in urban mobility.
Business Climate and SMEs
Togo First: What have you learned from the Togolese experience, particularly regarding the business environment, and how does it shape your broader strategy?
Tafara: The main takeaway is the importance of an enabling investment environment. This is fundamental to mobilizing investments and developing the private sector, which in turn creates jobs. This principle applies across all the countries where we operate. That’s why we work closely with the World Bank, which directly supports governments with the reforms needed to attract investors.
Togo First: You’ve supported firms like Yatt & Co, Label d’Or, and Gozem. How do you tailor your strategy to Togo’s private sector, especially in agribusiness, energy, or logistics?
Tafara: I’m often asked whether we only support large companies. In fact, we invest in both large and small enterprises. What matters is impact. We seek out “local champions” that we can support and scale into role models for the domestic market—and sometimes regional ones, like Gozem. At the beginning, they didn’t fully meet our standards. We helped them structure their operations—environmental management, social risk—and we’re considering even greater support in the future.
We also work on large infrastructure projects—ports, roads, energy. The key is maintaining balance. We not only provide loans but also take equity stakes in companies that offer solutions to urgent development challenges.
Togo First: What about SME support?
Tafara: Our organization is not always structured to directly serve the vast SME segment that exists in many of the countries we operate in. We can't support each one individually. Instead, we rely on intermediaries—local banks and financial institutions that already manage portfolios of SMEs. This portfolio approach reduces risk and allows us to reach far more SMEs efficiently and indirectly.
Togo First: Green financing is increasingly crucial for our country. How do you identify projects to support?
Tafara: We work with developers in solar, wind, and hydro power—the cleanest energy sources. More broadly, all our projects must meet strict environmental and social standards. We evaluate their resource use, environmental impact, and more. In that sense, almost everything we do is “green.”
We also support electric mobility (e-mobility), which is well-suited to urban environments and environmentally friendly.
Future Outlook and Geopolitical Shifts
Togo First: Are there any flagship projects in the pipeline, here or in West Africa, particularly in innovative financing?
Tafara: Yes. I’m currently focusing on three priorities: equity financing, which is riskier but much more transformative; local currency financing, because borrowing in foreign currencies is often too risky for businesses earning in local currency; and energy, which is fundamental to development.
We are also working to increase the continent’s self-sufficiency: producing locally what we currently import—like medicine and food.
Togo First: Togo has now consistent ties with countries like China, as business and investment partners. How does IFC - that typically could be seen as a Western institution - position itself in this South-South dynamic?
Tafara: South-South cooperation is a good thing. Emerging markets should build stronger economic ties among themselves. Asian countries, and even leading African economies, are investing in our markets. That’s a positive development.
Our mission—to reduce poverty and create jobs—remains unchanged, regardless of geopolitical tensions. That’s what has kept us relevant for 80 years.
Togo First: With rising isolationism in the U.S., do you fear funding cuts, like those recently seen at the WHO or the AfDB?
Tafara: IFC does not depend on direct donor contributions. Our balance sheet is strong, allowing us to meet our clients’ financing needs. And none of our shareholders oppose job creation—it fosters stability and reduces migration. Our mission remains “timeless.”
Togo First: Any final thoughts?
Tafara: Africa is at a turning point. By 2050, a quarter of the global workforce will be African. This demographic dividend is a major opportunity—provided we can create productive jobs. That means investing in agricultural value chains, and also in tourism, which remains underutilized despite the continent’s enormous potential.
Interview by Ayi Renaud Dossavi
Togo to Digitize 100% SOTRAL Bus Ticket Sales by 2026
The Ministry of Transport in Togo announced that starting early 2026, all SOTRAL bus tickets will be sold digitally. The ministry has been developing this digital ticketing system for several months as part of government reforms.
The digital ticketing follows a two-month pilot on student routes at the end of last year. After this trial, the Ministry and the operator Yas Togo are expanding the system to cover the entire SOTRAL network. Their goal is to boost the efficiency and quality of public urban transport.
The system will use a USSD code allowing passengers to buy tickets digitally, making public transport more accessible. This project complements the ongoing modernization of public transport in Togo and the renewal of SOTRAL’s bus fleet, which started in 2022 with an investment exceeding CFA15 billion.
SOTRAL launched in September 2008 with a test line from BIA to Adidogomé. It has since become Lomé’s main urban bus operator. The company runs about 500 trips daily and transports nearly 26,000 passengers daily.
Esaïe Edoh
Togo: Chamber of Commerce to Hold Open Days Nationwide, Starting May 16
On May 16, the Togolese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI-Togo) will hold an Open Day across all regions and in Lomé. This will be a first for the Chamber.
The goal is to make the CCIT’s services more accessible to the public and to inform entrepreneurs, traders, and investors about the Chamber’s roles and missions.
The event creates a platform for direct dialogue between the Chamber and private sector leaders.
Visitors will have the opportunity to connect with CCI experts and learn about the challenges in Togo’s economic environment.
Currently led by José Kwassi Symenouh, the CCI-Togo seeks to strengthen its role as the private sector’s link to public authorities. Another ambition is to drive innovation and economic resilience in Togo.