Togo First
Togo: Water Utility Conducts Maintenance to Ensure Water Supply Reliability
The Togolese water utility, Togolaise des Eaux (TdE), maintained its Cacaveli treatment plant in Lomé this morning. The works aimed to ensure the reliability of production equipment and prevent major breakdowns.
Disruptions to the water supply are expected in certain districts of the capital. However, TdE assures that measures are in place to restore service quickly.
The water utility has recently been ramping up efforts to modernize its infrastructure amid rising demand. In 2022, the national drinking water coverage rate stood at 67%, with a high of 71% in Greater Lomé.
This article was initially published in French by Ayi Renaud Dossavi
Edited in English by Ola Schad Akinocho
Togo: Electrification Rate at 70% in 2024, Up 2% YoY
Togo recorded a 70% electrification rate in 2024, meeting the government’s target. According to the Ministry of Mines and Energy, which reported the figure, it is 2% higher than in 2023 and 20% more than in 2020.
Driven by several projects, the surge aligns with the government’s ambition for universal coverage by 2030. These projects include off-grid solar programs like the CIZO Programme, which aims to electrify 317 rural communities. There were also the PRAVOST, which is the CIZO’s social component, extension works at the Blitta solar plant, and other projects financed by the second phase of the Tinga Fund and Mini-grids.
This year, Togolese authorities intend to accelerate energy projects and explore new power sources. The government signed an agreement with Nano Nuclear Energy to develop nuclear micro-reactors for electricity generation. To ensure compliance with international standards, Togo will establish the Togo Atomic Energy Commission (TAEC) to oversee these developments.
At the same time, the government is ramping up efforts to secure financing to achieve its ambitions. In December 2024, the World Bank approved $200 million in funding to support reforms like a new tariff structure, which should help improve sector viability and expand electricity nationwide.
This article was initially published in French by Esaïe Edoh
Edited in English by Ola Schad Akinocho
Togo Adopts WAEMU Consumer Protection Framework
Togo is aligning with WAEMU’s regional directive on consumer protection, adopted in June 2023. Last week, on March 20 and 21, 2025, stakeholders in Lomé attended a meeting organized by the Ministry of Commerce and the WAEMU Commission to discuss the directive. The goal is to create a harmonized legal framework that strengthens consumer rights across the eight WAEMU member states.
The discussions focused on key issues such as consumer information, product quality, and dispute resolution. The initiative aims to boost consumer confidence in Togo’s participation in the common market.
Comlan Nomadoli Yakpey, Secretary General of the Ministry of Commerce, emphasized that the directive must be implemented practically to drive economic governance. Tankari Ibrahim, representing the WAEMU Commission, announced plans for capacity-building programs and a regional consultative committee on consumer rights.
The directive is expected to balance relations between consumers and businesses in the context of growing intra-regional trade, which is particularly relevant for Togo.
Ayi Renaud Dossavi
Zambian Samuel Maimbo Seeks Togo’s Support to Become Next AfDB Boss
Samuel Munzele Maimbo, Vice-President of the World Bank, was in Lomé, Togo, on March 20. He came seeking support for his election as the next African Development Bank (AfDB) president.
Before Togo, the Zambian economist was in Mauritania, in October 2024, and Chad, in February. In Togo, Maimbo met with President Faure Gnassingbé to present his vision and seek support, commending the country as a model of regional integration.
Lomé’s Strategic Role in the AfDB Race
As the race for the AfDB presidency heats up, Lomé has emerged as a key player in Africa’s diplomatic landscape. Maimbo emphasized Togo’s importance not only as a voting bloc but also as a unifier of African consensus.
“Togo is outperforming many African economies,” Maimbo said in an interview with Togo First. “Its growth is strong, debt is under control, inflation is contained, and it has made strategic investments in infrastructure.”
A member of Maimbo’s campaign team highlighted Lomé’s growing influence, noting its balanced diplomacy and ability to mediate diverse perspectives across the continent.
The Port of Lomé: A Symbol of Integration
Maimbo praised the Port of Lomé as a cornerstone of African economic integration. He described it as more than just Togolese infrastructure. According to the economist, the port is a regional hub that exemplifies how investments can unify Africa.
“One of Togo’s greatest assets is the Port of Lomé,” Maimbo said. “It’s not just vital for Togo; it’s an economic engine for the entire region.” He stressed that infrastructure like roads, pipelines, ports, and trade corridors is essential for building a unified African market. “Togo understands this,” he added, “and its investments benefit both itself and its neighbors.”
A Tight Race for AfDB Leadership
Maimbo faces stiff competition from Senegal’s Amadou Hott, Chad’s Abbas Tolli, Mauritania’s Sidi Ould Tah, and South Africa’s Bajabulile Tshabalala. Backed by SADC and COMESA, Maimbo has built his platform around practical solutions to Africa’s challenges. The election, scheduled for May 29, 2025, will see African countries control 60% of the vote and non-African nations hold 40%.
“If elected AfDB President, I will champion initiatives like those in Togo. African integration requires concrete projects that deliver sustainable results. Togo shows what works, and we must build on these successes to accelerate development across the continent,” Maimbo declared in Lomé.
With the election nearing, diplomatic efforts are intensifying. Lomé remains at the heart of negotiations that could shape Africa’s development financing for years ahead.
This article was initially published in French by Fiacre E. Kakpo
Edited in English by Ola Schad Akinocho
Lomé to Host Women’s Entrepreneurship Fair in July
Lomé will host the inaugural International Women's Entrepreneurship Fair
(SIEF) from July 24 to 26, 2025. Backed by the Citoyens d'Afrique Foundation and KD Group, this event will spotlight female innovation under the theme “Africa of all opportunities.”
The SIEF will focus on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 5, 8, and 9), offering a platform for women in the private sector to connect, learn, and grow. The event will feature hands-on training, workshops, mentoring sessions, project pitches to investors, and awards for standout projects.
The fair will also include a symposium on “Women, the Law and Empowerment,” specialized training for craftswomen and artists, and wellness areas to showcase a holistic approach to women’s economic empowerment.
According to Kayi Dogbé, chair of the organizing committee, "This exhibition aims to celebrate the creative genius of African women and their role in the economy.”
Female entrepreneurs can submit their projects now via www.sief.africa.
This article was initially published in English by Ayi Renaud Dossavi
Edited in English by Ange Jason Quenum
Togo Passes Landmark Climate Change Law
The Togolese National Assembly unanimously adopted a new climate change law on March 20, 2025. The new law is a milestone in the country’s environmental preservation efforts.
In detail, it establishes a legal and institutional framework for climate adaptation and mitigation policies. It also outlines tools and mechanisms to support Togo's environmental transition and emphasizes the economic value of ecosystem services and natural capital.
Commenting on the adoption, Foli-Bazi Katari, Environment Minister said: "This specific law gives the government additional leverage to frame the development process by sufficiently integrating communities' adaptation to the phenomenon and keeping the country's commitment to contribute to reducing emissions."
Some major climate change consequences that Togo experiences include recurrent flooding, prolonged drought, coastal erosion, and intense heat waves.
This new climate law aligns with Togo's international commitments. In the past few years, Lomé has intensified its anti-climate change actions. Togo adopted the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in 1995.
This article was initially published in French by Esaïe Edoh
Edited in English by Ola Schad Akinocho
Togo Launches Vocational Training for Youth Integration
The Ministry of Technical Education, Vocational Training, and Apprenticeship (METFPA) in Togo has started recruiting 175 young Togolese for vocational training. The campaign aims to integrate vulnerable and disadvantaged youth into various trades.
Training Designed for Local Needs
The Ministry will train selected candidates in companies or specialized centers for two to four months. The training fields include poultry rearing, fish farming, market gardening, composting, meat and fish processing, shoemaking, irrigation techniques, and body care.
Regional Distribution of Opportunities
The distribution of training slots includes 25 positions in the Savanes Region, 35 in Kara, 20 in the Central Region, 20 in Plateaux-East, 25 in Plateaux-West, 30 in the Maritime Region, and 20 in Greater Lomé's Autonomous District.
Eligibility and Application Process
Applicants must be between 18 and 45 years old, motivated, have a project idea, and commit to practicing the trade after training. Candidates can apply for free at the regional technical education offices. Application deadline is March 31, 2025,
Ayi Renaud Dossavi
Togo Launches Digital Training Program Backed by the Commonwealth
With support from the Commonwealth, the Togolese Presidency has launched a digital skills training program for students, professionals, and executives. The initiative aims to enhance digital expertise in key sectors and is open to 200 applicants. Training will be delivered through the Simplilearn platform.
Participants must at least have a diploma affiliated with Togolese academic institutions, companies, or government offices. The application deadline is March 25, 2025. The program will run for eight weeks, ending in June 2025.
Courses offered will cover artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, software development, technology project management, and digital transformation.
The initiative aligns with President Faure Gnassingbé’s strategy to boost Togo’s digital capabilities and position his country as a tech hub in West Africa.
This program also deepens Togo’s collaboration with the Commonwealth and advances its digital transformation agenda.
WAEMU Securities: Togo Raises CFA7.8 Billion in Latest Bond Issue
The Togolese treasury raised CFA7.8 billion on the West African Monetary Union (WAEMU) market last Friday, March 21. Lomé’s target for this operation–a simultaneous issue of fungible bonds (OAT)--was CFA15 billion.
Overall, 13 investors participated, submitting bids worth CFA17.8 billion, achieving a coverage rate of 119.01%, according to the WAEMU Securities Agency.
The OATs issued mature over three and five years, at interest rates of 6.25% and 6.50%, respectively. Togo plans to use this money to support its 2025 national budget, which totals CFA2,397 billion.
Including this last operation, Togo has raised CFA121.5 billion on the regional money market so far this year. This is close to half of its annual goal–CFA332 billion.
This article was initially published in French by Esaïe Edoh
Edited in English by Ola Schad Akinocho
Togo and Barbados Plan Afro-Caribbean Chamber of Commerce
Togo and Barbados teamed up to create an Afro-Caribbean Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Transport, and Tourism. Kovi Adanbounou, mayor of Agoè-Nyivé 1, made the announcement. This chamber will connect Africa, the Caribbean, Latin America, and the Middle East to drive trade and investment.
The move follows a Togolese business delegation's visit to Barbados from February 24 to 27, 2025. Mayor Adanbounou says this is part of a broader strategy to diversify economic partnerships and boost intercontinental trade.
Barbados will be a gateway for Togolese and African companies entering the Caribbean. In return, Togo will help Caribbean businesses expand into Africa.
Togo and Barbados started cooperating in 2024 by dropping visa requirements. This new chamber announces major opportunities in tourism, transport, trade, and industry, and should help Togo shine on the global economic stage.
Ayi Renaud Dossavi